The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Chapter 9

Once a towering symbol of affluence and wealth, the Dawson family had crumbled under Leland's reckless gambit.

Before Freya stood her 18-year-old renegade so-called brother, a blaze of fury in her eyes as she lifted her hand and delivered a resounding slap.

The strike sent Leland reeling with disbelief etched across his face. "You, you hit me?"

The Freya Leland knew was gentle, her voice always laced with a softness, making her an easy target. Yet she stood her ground, her hand still stinging from the contact.

Freya fumed. "Damn right, I hit you! What gave you the audacity to barge into my room?"

for not stopping Mr. Dawson!" The maid quivered near the doorway, her voice trembling with

house. I go where I please!" Leland's outburst sent the maid reeling, her body shaking like a

glance at the maid's bruised arms was all Freya needed to understand the depth of Leland's tyranny

been too entangled with Kieran to see the chaos Johanna and her

movements gentle as she helped her to her feet. The marks of abuse were evident, a silent testament to her suffering. Freya snapped, "The Dawson name may carry weight, but we're not above the law. Since when does labor

Leland's threats, his misuse of his status

please let me leave!" Her pleas were

her

rounded on Freya. "How dare you strike your brother? Have you lost your mind? What's your point with all this,

means tolerating such disgraceful behavior, I must truly lack upbringing!" Freya's voice was ice. "Johanna, let's not mince words. Leland isn't my father's biological son. He's of age, yet he