After Fabian left, Freya looked at the three remaining researchers in the room.
“This project is a collaborative effort, and I won’t leave out anyone’s name when the time comes. I hope everyone can focus on completing the final stages successfully
She pursed her lips, and to reassure and stabilize their morale, she said, I’m not Professor Harlan’s assistant but Harlan herself. So, whatever I say, I’ll make sure to follow through.”
The three individuals in the room widened their eyes in shock.
After a moment of silence, Russell sized Freya up and chuckled awkwardly. “Is this a joke, Freya?”
Freya sighed and retrieved her forum account from her phone that she used when recruiting them. She logged in and showed them the name.
Everyone was rendered speechless.
Maddox adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses and pressed his hands against his heart. “Freya—I mean, Professor Harlan, how old are you this year?”
Freva smiled. Tm 24″
The comparison would kill.
Both Lucius and Freya were 24 years old and were recognized as prodigies in the industry.
Lucius circled Freya, one hand on his waist and the other covering his face. “Anyone who calls me a prodigy from now on is insulting me.”
Russell chuckled wryly. “Who’d have thought that Professor Harlan is actually a young lady?! Forget about 24 years old, she looks only 20! I used to think Professor Harlan hired Freya as an assistant due to an infatuation with beauty. Who’d have thought.
Freya smiled. “It doesn’t matter how old I am, but what I say will be done. Also, please keep my identity confidential. I only revealed it to you all to put your minds at ease.”
Lucius patted his chest. “Don’t worry, Professor-I mean, Freya. I’m the best at keeping secrets. If it ever leaks, it’s definitely Russell or Maddox who spilled the beans!”
Russell was amused by Lucius and tried to give him a playful punch.
With Fabian gone, the atmosphere in the research laboratory lightened considerably
After reaching an agreement with the three individuals, Freya took Michael and Eugene up to the third
floor.
“Have you noticed any suspicious individuals around the lab recently? Freya asked.
Michael thought for a moment. “No, everything seems normal. But when you say ‘suspicious, what exactly are you referring to, Boss?”
“If you happen to spot someone observing this villa from a distance, pay extra attention,” Freya instructed.
The powerful individuals searching for the Manuscript of Medical Wisdom were surely capable of
1/4
thoroughly investigating her properties with hidden compartments.
With the villa currently occupied, it was bound to attract attention.
Freya continued, “In case of any unexpected situations, your top priority is to ensure your own safety and the safety of the three researchers.”
Michael nodded. “Don’t worry, GS. We’ve got it covered!”
After dealing with the matters in the research laboratory, Freya made her way back to the Joint Department in West Geft.
This time, there were noticeably fewer people at the Joint Department compared to her last visit.
Originally a shopping mall, the spacious office area now only had seven or eight individuals who were handling the final stages of the project.
The reconstruction of West Geft was now complete, but Radley hadn’t shown up again.
Freya chatted with Brandon and received a report on the progress of the West Geft reconstruction. There were issues raised by the local residents after the reconstruction, leading to complaints. As a result, the Joint Department went to the site to conduct inspections.
We’ll be wrapping up our work the day after tomorrow. At that time, we’ll have everything moved out, and we’ll hold a closing ceremony,” Freya smiled and informed the reporting individual. “Everyone has been working hard during this period. Tomorrow, there will be a dinner gathering for all those who participated in the work at the West Geft Joint Department.”
“Thank you, Miss Kaufmann. Everyone will surely be delighted with your arrangement!”
As Freya left, she turned back to look at the simple entrance.
Although it was a temporary office partitioned off in a shopping mall, it held many memories.
A fleeting image of Radley crossed Freya’s mind, but she shook her head, clearing away the complex thoughts from her mind.
On the top floor of Trinity Club, Mikael yawned and leaned back on the black sofa. Tomorrow is the closing ceremony for West Geft. Are you going?”
Radley sat at the nearby desk and put on a watch. “Of course.”
This was the first time they would meet again since their “breakup” over a month ago.
Radley took it quite seriously.
1
The next day, Freya woke up early. The reconstruction of West Geft had been her main focus for over a year, from the moment she received news of the bidding to the competition with Radley.
Finally, a significant task had been completed.
She dressed herself meticulously and headed downstairs.
|||
*
2/4
Sylvia and Braxton Kaufmann downstairs were aware of her plans.
“After the closing banquet, come back early. Don’t stay out too late, and don’t drink,” Braxton advised. “Or should I accompany you?”
“No need, Brax. I have someone accompanying me today. Freya smiled.
Braxton frowned. “Who is accompanying you?”
“Matthew,” Freya said with a smile.
As she left the Kaufmann Residence, there was already a car waiting at the door.
Freya got into the car, and Matthew leaned on the steering wheel, tilting his head to look at her. “Why did you dress up so beautifully today?”
Freya usually went with a natural look, occasionally applying some lipstick. This day, however, she had a full face of makeup on. She seemed entirely different from her usual self, radiant and enchanting, with a touch of ethereal grace.
There was an air of aloofness and detachment about her.
“Thank you for your sweet words. Let’s go.”
Matthew whistled and started the car.
On the way, Freya sat in the car, squinting her eyes as she looked ahead.
Matthew smirked. “When my mother asked me to pretend to be your boyfriend, I was taken aback. I didn’t expect that after you saved her, you would make a deal with her.”
Freya lowered her gaze.
That day, it was also a spur-of-the-moment decision. She had quickly said she would marry Matthew, but Radley was not easily fooled either.
She had to show some progress with Matthew, something that seemed substantial. For example, attending important events together.
The car soon arrived at the Joint Department in West Geft, and the people who had previously worked there were all gathered.
Freya stepped out of the car with a graceful smile. However, her smile froze when she saw the tall figure not far from the entrance.
Radley?! What is he doing here?
Freya stood dumbfounded in place. She had considered that the closing ceremony at West Geft would likely attract media attention. As long as she was photographed standing next to Matthew Hood, it would serve her purpose. But now….
Freya took a deep breath.
The familiar figure slowly turned around, revealing a sharply defined face. His deep gaze swept over her, carrying an invisible tension.
|||
3/4
Freya had the urge to turn and leave, but Radley’s gaze had already landed on her….
While she was caught in a dilemma, her arm was suddenly pulled up..
Matthew stood beside her with a brilliant smile on his face.
“What’s wrong? Why are you spacing out?” he whispered. “Don’t forget your goal today. Wouldn’t it be even more effective with Monaghan here?”
Freya took a deep breath and lowered her gaze, following Matthew as they walked forward.
On the stage, Radley’s gaze was icy, fixed on Matthew.
Yet, Matthew’s face was full of warmth while a dangerous undertone lurked in his.
eyes.
