?<strong>Chapter 554:</strong>


    Freda kept her emotions in check as she spoke to her father. “I want to apologize to him in person,” she said with a carefully neutral expression, holding her true thoughts close. Karl nodded, his satisfaction evident. “Now that you’ve realized your mistake, it’s time to end this hunger strike. Go eat something,” he advised.


    Freda nodded obediently and waited for the servants to bring out the dishes. Then, she quickly messaged her friend Alena to inform her about her change of heart. She would no longer pursue Theo, but she was not about to let Gavin and Elyse off the hook.


    Alena was relieved to see Freda’s message. She quickly replied, “That’s the spirit. You’ll settle scores with Gavin and Elyse.”


    Freda’s eyebrow arched. She was determined to take revenge on Gavin. His interference had spoiled her chance to manipte Theo. She had almost seeded.


    The next morning, Freda got up early to carefully select her outfit and apply her makeup. By the time she was ready, she learned that Gavin had already arrived. Karl, who had scheduled a business meeting with Gavin, led him into the study. Freda took her time, settling leisurely on the couch in the living room while enjoying some fruit.


    Three hourster, the men emerged from the study.


    Karl’s eyes briefly met Freda’s, still lounging on the couch, before he turned to Gavin. “There was a misunderstanding between you and my daughterst time. She’s now eager to speak with you,” he said with a cordial tone.


    Karl then left the living room with a reassuring pat on Gavin’s shoulder. He sensed that Freda might be reluctant to apologize to Gavin in his presence.


    As Karl exited, Freda gracefully rose and approached Gavin, her eyes fixed on him.


    Gavin looked remarkably younger than at theirst meeting. He was dressed in a russet overcoat with a vibrant vermilion sweater peeking out.


    Freda thought he possessed a captivating presence despite being a “stupid violinist.”


    “What do you have to say?” Gavin asked, raising an eyebrow.


    “I must apologize,” Freda responded with formidable hauteur, holding her head high. “Your vulnerability allowed me to alter the oue effortlessly, and for that, I am sorry.”


    Gavin let out a derisive chuckle. His hand reached for his scarf, signaling his intention to leave.


    Freda quickly intervened. “You have heard my apology. Do you not have anything to say in return?”


    Gavin appeared genuinely perplexed. “What am I expected to say?”


    “That you forgive me,” Freda responded firmly.


    Gavin shrugged. “First, your apologycks sincerity, and second, I see no reason to ept it,” he retorted, his gaze piercing as he leaned forward. “I know it’s a sham. Spare me the performance.”


    “So, you reject my apology?” Freda’s brow furrowed.


    “Why should I ept it?” Gavin countered, straightening up with a hint of amusement in his tone. “As I said, it’s meaningless.”


    Freda’s expression darkened as she contemted her next move. Should she swallow her pride, offer a heartfelt apology, and beg forgiveness?


    Before she could decide, Gavin interrupted. “Save yourself the trouble. I’ll tell your father I epted your apology.” With a gentle nudge, he added, “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have things to attend to.”


    Freda was stunned as she watched Gavin walk away. A painful realization dawned on her that he held her in utter contempt.


    Shortly after that, Karl returned with a chuckle. “I truly believe you’re sorry,” he said as he approached Freda. “Gavin has assured me you’re a good girl. It seems he doesn’t hold your little slip-up against you.”


    Karl sighed and continued with admiration in his voice, “That Gavin, he’s got a heart of gold, doesn’t he? It’s rare to find such a fine young man these days.


    ” Why was such a man so rare? Wasn’t Theo an even more exceptional young man? Freda’s thoughts raced, her words nearly escaping involuntarily. But she held them back and retreated to her room. Once alone, she hastily dialed Alena’s number.


    “What’s going on?” Alena asked, a hint of curiosity in her voice.


    “I’ve juste up with the most delicious n for revenge,” Freda responded, unable to contain her excitement.


    Alena’s jaw dropped. “Against Gavin? What are you nning?” she asked.


    “I’m going to pretend to fall for him,” Freda exined with a mischievous glint in her eyes. “I’ll get close, uncover all his secrets, and then, at the perfect moment, I’ll destroy himpletely.”


    “Why would you want to do that?” Alena, intrigued yet concerned, questioned her motives.


    “He’s so arrogant and pretentious,” Fredained. “My father praises him endlessly. Theo is clearly so much better than him, but my father is blind to it! Gavin has ruined any chance I had with Theo!”


    Alena pursed her lips as she considered Freda’s n. “Well, you can try,” she finally said. “But winning Gavin over won’t be easy. I’ve looked into him, and there’s not a hint of scandal about him. You’ll only find articles about hispetitions and performances.”


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