The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

Chapter 167

Seeing how clearly Freya remembered the pearl earrings, Johanna could only smack her forehead and say, "Oh, I can't even remember a pair of earrings. I swear they were around here somewhere. Reya, don't worry. I'll have them delivered to you in a few days." Freya said, "All the jewelry is here except that pair of pearl earrings. Johanna, you didn't sell them, did you?"

At that, Johanna's face couldn't hide the embarrassment.

Freya knew the backstory. Johanna had recently lost a hefty sum at the poker table, leaving her in a tight financial spot.

Since her opponents wouldn't let her leave the game, she used the pearl earrings she wore as collateral. Unfortunately, she didn't win back her losses or reclaim the earrings.

Fearing Freya would discover she gambled away the earrings, Johanna quickly reassured, Johanna "Oh, Freya, you jest. How could I sell your earrings? Those were a keepsake from your mother."

"Well, that's a relief." Freya glanced around Johanna's room and said, "The house isn't big. Finding a pair of earrings shouldn't be too hard. Ensure I have them before Leland's birthday tomorrow. Consider today's kidnapping a childish prank, and we'll call it even." Freya was using this as leverage, and although Johanna wasn't pleased, she dared not refuse. If Freya went to the police and Leland got arrested the day before his birthday party, it would ruin Leland's reputation forever.

the grand ballroom at Majestic

about to take the jewelry and

to get him

blocked her path, saying, "Reya, I'm not sure that's the best idea. Maybe you should call Mr. Sutton. After

Johanna wasn't foolish. Since

Kieran's feelings were toward Freya, she was still his fiancée. It would be best if Freya

QUMS

pretended to be torn, "Johanna,

a few rounds of

deal, saying "Reya, you'll be married off soon enough, and your mother has prepared your dowry. I, as your stepmother, can't

Freya, Johanna bit her lip and hesitantly offered, "This much, what do

Į suppose that