?Chapter 857:


    “Dad!” Ethel cried out after hitting send, giving him a sharp look. “How could you just spring that on my boyfriend? Who does that?”


    “The meeting has to take ce sooner orter,” Hugh replied coolly.


    “Whether now orter, it makes no difference.”


    “Don’t you think that’s a bit too abrupt?”


    “It’s fine to me.”


    Ethel had no words.


    Hugh had done it on purpose, no doubt. Then, to top it off, he added, “Don’t mention this to Mina. I’d like to have a one-on-one with your boyfriend.”


    “Okay.” Ethel’s eyes shifted, guilt written all over her face.


    By noon, at exactly 11:30 a.m., Hugh, Ethel, and Jarrett all arrived at the restaurant.


    Hugh wore a full suit, sharp andmanding. Just sitting there, he gave off an intimidating presence that had Jarrett on edge.


    The pressure he felt now was stronger than anything he’d ever experienced in school.


    Even Ethel felt a little uneasy. Her father was usually so rxed—so why did he suddenly look like he was leading a corporate board meeting?


    This energy… wasn’t it a bit too much?


    “Sorry I’mte.” The door swung open, and Freya walked in, her gaze gliding over the room. “Traffic was a nightmare.”


    Her outfit, as always, was sleek and understated—simple but elegant.


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    The moment she stepped in, she drew every eye in the room.


    The stiff, formal air Hugh had been trying so hard to maintain copsed instantly. His eyes filled with bewilderment. Why on earth was she here?


    “Mina!” Ethel exhaled in relief.


    Ever since theirst encounter, Hugh had developed a favorable impression of Freya and was growing more familiar with her. Freya offered a soft reply, “Sorry to keep you waiting.” Her presencepletely changed the atmosphere.


    The tension that had wrapped around Ethel and Jarrett just moments ago melted away in an instant.


    Even Jarrett couldn’t quite exin it. The first time he’d met Freya, he had been just as nervous. But this time, the moment she walked in, all that stress from dealing with Hugh just vanished. He feltpletely at ease.


    “Mina, you…” Hugh started to question her presence but stopped mid-sentence as his eyes flicked to his other daughter. Suddenly, it all clicked.


    “It was a bit of a drive, and traffic slowed me down,” Freya said, fully aware that Hugh hadn’t wanted her toe along this time. She didn’t call him out on it. “Have you ordered yet?”


    Clearly caught off guard, Hugh replied, “Yes, we have.”


    Now what? Would Freya misunderstand his intentions? He hadn’t wanted her here simply because he nned to use his authority to put the fear of God into Ethel’s boyfriend. Well, that n was clearly shot to pieces.


    During the meal, Hugh made casual conversation with Jarrett, who handled himself with poise and quiet confidence. Seeing this, Ethel finally rxed.


    After the meal, Freya paid the bill.


    As she signed the receipt, Hugh shot Ethel a sharp nce. Ethel stuck her tongue out, the picture of mischief and innocence.


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