Chapter 190 I Want a Collaboration
Freya’s baby bump had reached the seven–month mark as she tirelessly traveled to Vroria and attended to matters in West Geft upon her return.
While she possessed boundless energy, the realization that she only had three months left before giving birth made her feel somewhat anxious.
Hannah fixated her gaze on Freya’s belly for a few moments, displaying a hint of hesitation.
“Frea, how much longer until you deliver?” she finally inquired.
In the past, Hannah had always been forthright, addressing Freya by her full name without reservation.
Freya felt a tinge of curiosity about the unexpected change in attitude among the Monaghans.
She revealed her expected due date.
Melissa’s eyes brimmed with anticipation. “Frea, shouldn’t we find out the baby’s gender soon? That way, I can prepare some cute little outfits and other essentials.”
“No need for that. My family has already prepared for both,” Freya responded with a gentle smile.
As they engaged in conversation, a sudden commotion resonated from the staircase.
Freya turned her head, only to witness Radley and Connor descending the stairs.
Radley bore a solemn expression, tilting his head slightly as he issued instructions to Connor by his side. As he spotted Freya in the living room, a flicker of warmth softened his cold facade.
Hannah, who had always harbored a slight fear toward her brother, promptly rose to her feet.
“Hi, Radley,” she greeted him.
Radley acknowledged her with a nod, his gaze briefly shifting toward the cup before Freya.
“Pregnant women shouldn’t drink too much tea,” he cautioned.
Freya’s expression momentarily froze. “Alright.”
Radley turned his gaze toward Connor and instructed, “Please take care of it. Start by contacting the people in Hartterre and make the necessary preparations discreetly.”
Connor nodded and swiftly made his exit.
Freya couldn’t help but feel a twinge of curiosity.
As they watched Connor leave, Radley turned around and gracefully walked a few steps toward the sofa.
Melissa blinked her eyes, and Hannah fell into a contemplative silence.
Once Radley settled on the sofa, the previously lively atmosphere immediately quieted down.
Hannah had always harbored a slight fear toward her brother, and her apprehension was palpable. Melissa, on the other hand, hesitated to speak.
Edward and Benjamin effortlessly exchanged meaningful glances, their eyes conveying unspoken messages.
Freya, feeling somewhat resigned, directed her attention toward Radley, seated across from her.
Despite being just a few years older than the others, Radley exuded an air of authority, as if a teacher had taken a seat amidst a group of students.
Instantly, the atmosphere shifted, and everyone became more aware of their behavior.
“There will be an official seminar soon, and I want you to come with me,” Radley stated, lifting his Freya.
gaze to
“What kind of seminar?” Freya inquired..
Radley rarely attended social gatherings, and his appearances at official events were infrequent but significant.
Given his mention of it, Freya knew it must be of considerable importance.
Glancing at the others, Radley rose from his seat. “Let’s take a walk in the backyard and discuss this matter further.”
With this matter weighing on her mind, Freya rose from her seat and joined Radley as they walked outside.
Melissa hesitated, her mind wavering as she contemplated joining them, but Hannah firmly held her back.
The backyard of the Monaghans‘ mansion was a familiar sight to Freya, as she had been there several times.
Radley lowered his gaze, his steps slowing down as his eyes fell upon Freya’s growing belly
“This official seminar is a remarkable opportunity,” Radley revealed, his voice carrying a hint of significance. “Members of the Iternia royal family are coming.”
Freya couldn’t hide her surprise. “Iternia?”
Iternia was renowned for its top–ranked diamond mines, with key resources often controlled by the royal family or prominent ducal and count families.
“Who is coming?” Freya’s eyes shimmered with curiosity, sensing that the Iternia royals wouldn’t visit Caltun without a significant purpose. The official reception hinted that crucial information had likely been obtained.
“It’s Duke Morton Wilson,” Radley responded, his words causing Freya’s eyes to widen in an instant. “It seems this seminar involves substantial business negotiations.”
Being a duke’was the highest noble title in Iternia, and Duke Morton Wilson held a prominent position within the realm.
Excitement surged within Freya. If the collaboration with the Iternia royal family involved Caltun, the current landscape of the city would undoubtedly undergo significant transformations.
The longstanding presence of the Kaufmanns in Caltun demanded her attention in times of change. Freya knew she had to promptly enlist Ayden’s help in gathering information upon her arrival back home.
As thoughts raced through Freya’s mind, Radley interjected, “I have gotten some information from official channels. Wilson’s visit primarily revolves around exploring business collaborations in Valeria’s diamond mining industry.”
Radley’s voice lowered as he delicately shared the gathered information from Iternia with Freya.
“I want to secure this collaboration,” Radley stated, his gaze penetrating Freya’s as he continued. “However, the scale is immense, and it carries risks for the Monaghans to monopolize it. That’s why I propose a partnership with the Kaufmanns.”
Freya’s lips tightened as she locked eyes with him, her eyes flickering with intrigue and contemplation.
The information she had just heard hinted at an enormous opportunity, one that could potentially shake the entire domestic jewelry market. Yet, the idea of collaborating with the Kaufmanns, as suggested by Radley, gave her pause.
After a moment’s thought, she responded, “I’ll need to discuss this with my brother.”
Her hesitation stemmed not from doubt in Radley’s calculated approach or the potential benefits of the partnership, but rather from the complexity of intertwining the Monaghans and the Kaufmanns further.
Radley, sensing her internal struggle, didn’t push the matter. They continued their stroll through the enchanting backyard, allowing Freya time to mull over the proposal.
Unbeknownst to them, they had wandered deep into the heart of the garden, away from prying eyes and
curious ears.
Freya glanced at the tranquil and deserted pathway before turning to Radley. “Let’s go back. Madam Daniella will soon awaken.”
Towering trees embraced the narrow path, their branches forming a majestic canopy above. The melodious songs of birds reverberated through the surrounding woods.
Only now did Freya sense a subtle unease in this secluded realm.
She couldn’t help but recall that moment in the car with Radley back in Vroria, where they shared an unexpected kiss. Ever since then, she sensed a strange shift in their relationship. Thankfully, Radley never brought it up again.
Freya gently caressed her growing belly as she strolled ahead. Radley walked by her side, his gaze coolly sweeping the surroundings, assuming a protective stance.
Upon entering the living room, they found Hannah, Melissa, Edward, and Benjamin deeply engrossed in a board game. Freya leaned in to catch a glimpse, noticing Edward struggling to keep up. Without hesitation, she took over and guided the game with skillful moves.
They played until noon when Daniella awakened and the kitchen served a delightful lunch. Freya sat with Daniella, enjoying their meal together. Freya later accompanied her on a gentle garden stroll, aiding her digestion.
As the afternoon progressed, Freya bid farewell. She gave Melissa, Edward, and Benjamin a ride, dropping them off at Evergreen University. Edward and Benjamin resided in the dormitories, while Melissa stayed in the nearby villa.
Watching them safely return, Freya turned her attention to the road ahead, and her phone chimed, signaling a new message from Radley. ‘The seminar is scheduled for the day after tomorrow. I’ll pick you
up then.
