The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Freya found herself at a loss for words.

She had sought to restore Kieran's reputation by starting conversations with several high-profile ladies at the dinner party regarding Ronan.

But no one had warned her that Ronan was the type to hold grudges! Moreover, how on earth did these stories reach Ronan's ears?

Freya steadied herself and said, "Mr. Beckett, Echo City is only worth half a billion dollars. Kieran had fabricated the financials to lure you into a trap and make you face losses."

Ronan let go of Freya and sat down on the couch to pour himself a cup of coffee. Without looking up, he said, "Go on."

"Echo City's starting bid has to be three hundred million. Kieran plans to inflate the price up to four billion. By then, Mr. Beckett... you would stand to lose over three billion, drastically weakening the Beckett family's financial standing, which perfectly serves as his revenge for you outbidding him on the urban development project last time."

Ronan sipped his coffee and asked, "How much did Kieran pay you?"

"What?"

"What did Kieran promise you to make you his spokesperson?"

"But of course, Ms. Dawson, your deep-rooted affection for Kieran means you don't need monetary incentives to set me up."

Freya couldn't help but laugh at Ronan's jab. That was just fine.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

She had good intentions in warning him, yet Ronan chose to hit where it hurt. Regardless, she hadn't held much hope for Ronan to believe her in the first place.

Freya stepped forward. "Kieran and I have called off our engagement. Mr. Beckett, believe it or not, it's up to you. If fate wants you to lose money, what can I do? I shall take my leave."

"Hold on." Ronan calmly stated, "Give me a reason to believe you."

"I can't give you a reason," Freya replied. "But, Mr. Beckett, we can make a bet."

Ronan asked, "A bet on what?"

"If everything happens as I've said, I win the bet. If I win, I want Mr. Beckett to collaborate with the Dawson Group for five years."

"Oh? The Dawson Group already has Kieran's support. Why would they need to collaborate with me?"

Freya didn't hide it. "Kieran has cut ties with me for Eloise. He's been targeting the Dawson Group at every turn these few days. My actions are simply an eye for an eye."

"That does seem reasonable."

"So, Mr. Beckett, you agree to the bet?"

"I agree to the bet but didn't say I believe you."

"You..."

"Ms. Dawson, your academic performance was never stellar, and to win over Kieran, you've shown no limits or boundaries. Who knows if this is another trap you and Kieran have set for me?"

"I..."

Ronan said leisurely, "But tonight's auction for the Echo City lot will reveal the truth. If things turn out as Ms. Dawson described, and I lose, I will honor the bet. It's just that I have my reservations about trusting you, Ms. Dawson. That's all."

In her past life, Freya had no idea Ronan was such a sarcastically sharp and vindictive man. She would have refrained from speaking ill of him behind his back if she had known.

At that moment, Freya offered a polite smile and said, "Mr. Beckett... believe it or not, it's up to you."

With that, Freya stormed out the door.

After Freya's departure, Ronan's smile faded, and he called his secretary coldly, "I'll attend tonight's auction for Echo City."

Outside, Luna had been waiting on the seventh floor for almost an hour. Seeing Freya come out, she asked, "How did it go? Did you get the loan?"

Freya nodded. "I think so."

Despite Ronan having the last laugh with his words, he must have grown suspicious by then.

They were bound to get the loan.