The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Chapter 42

Johanna's face went dark as a storm cloud.

"Being the lady of the Dawson family isn't as easy as you think, dear. If I can't sort out the financial mess, you might as well hit the road sooner rather than later. Don't say I didn't warn you." Johanna's smile faded.

'After slaving away for the Dawson family for years and barely mourning my late husband, the company hits a snag. Without reaping benefits, I'm expected to settle the Dawson family's debts?' Johanna pondered, 'Over my dead body!'

"Freya, I know you're the most reasonable one here. You wouldn't let me handle the debts alone. Please, I'm begging you. Go and smooth things over with Mr. Sutton. If you can get him to go easy on us, it could clear up all our company's issues!" Watching Johanna grovel, Freya smiled slightly and said, "Johanna, I might consider it."

"I knew it! Freya, you're always understanding. You wouldn't let the company suffer!"

"Don't rush, Johanna. I haven't mentioned my conditions yet."

Conditions? Johanna was surprised. "Conditions? There are conditions?"

are conditions if you want me to handle

felt a fire burning in her chest but kept her temper in check. She said, "Freya, it's just a matter of apologizing to Mr. Sutton, showing a bit

didn't wane as she slowly said, "Johanna, if you want me to persuade Mr. Sutton, I'll do it. But I can't guarantee he'll be merciful

continued, "And if I do go, the company's affairs will no longer concern you. Whether

you don't agree, I

ruin the Dawson Group if it comes to that. I won't owe any debts then, and it'll be up to you to find a solution, considering you've been running the Dawson family's business all this while. The shareholders should come after you for their lost money,

Johanna could only grit her teeth and agree, "Fine! I

does Freya know? She's a pampered heiress who can't even understand the accounts. How can she manage a company? She'd have to come crawling back to me eventually.' "Since

stating Johanna and

stiffened as she looked at the document, "Freya, we're family. Do

agreements don't hold up in court.

talk to Mr. Sutton. If you don't trust me, we can draw up a contract, and I'll sign it, too." Left with no choice, Johanna signed the document with a

Johanna had signed, Freya pocketed the contract with a smile. "Since that's settled, I guess I'll have to make

at Freya's smiling face,