?<strong>Chapter 619:</strong>


    “Impossible!” Freda retorted. “Moreover, even if he’s not bad, how could he possiblypare to Theo?”


    Alena halted, a realization unfurling as she recognized the intensity of Freda’s feelings for Theo. It became apparent that Freda waspletely swept off her feet.


    Treading carefully, Alena ventured, “Could there be a twist? Maybe Gavin’s got qualities that outshine Theo’s.”


    “Not a chance. Gavin’s a nobody. He doesn’t evene close to Theo.”


    Alena couldn’t suppress a chuckle. “Well, it seems like you really don’t like Gavin. Now I’m curious to meet him myself. I wonder if he’s really as bad as you say.”


    “He’s absolutely, unequivocally terrible,” Freda dered, her voice ringing with conviction.


    The next morning, Gavin entered the studio with purpose, his violin case in hand. Inside, he discovered Cody sprawled on the couch, nursing a steaming cup of coffee.


    Cody, spotting Gavin, asked, “Can I get you a cup too?”


    “That’d be great,” Gavin replied as he set down his case and joined Cody at the counter to pour himself a steaming mug.


    Just then, the studio door flew open. Gavin instinctively thought it might be Fiona, who had been absent for a few days.


    But as he swiveled around, he found himself eye-to-eye with Freda, standing tall and proud in the doorway, her gaze zeroed in on him like a heat-seeking missile.


    Cody, too, noticed Freda’s arrival. Unfamiliar with her, he inquired politely, “Pardon me, but who might you be?”


    Freda’s face bloomed into a smile as radiant as the morning sun. “You must be Cody Tucker. My father, Kat Jimenez, is a big fan of your work.”


    Recognition dawned on Cody’s face as he ced Freda’s father. He nodded eagerly. “Ah, you’re Mr. Jimenez’s daughter! You’ve grown into such a lovely youngdy.”


    Freda drifted towards Cody, as graceful as a breeze, and linked her arm with his. “When can we expect you to join us for dinner, Mr. Tucker?” she cooed, her voice dripping with sweetness.


    “My father has been talking about you constantly, saying how much he misses you.”


    Cody’sughter rippled through the air. “Well, Miss Jimenez,” he responded, “I’ve juste back to the country and am quite busy right now. But once things calm down, I’d love to pay your father a visit.”


    A radiant smile lit up Freda’s face. “Oh, that’s wonderful! You promise?”


    Gavin had reached his limits. He yanked Freda by the scruff of her neck and hauled her out the door. Freda fought with all her might, but Gavin’s grip was unyielding,pelling her to exit the studio against her will.


    Cody cradled his steaming cup of coffee, his brow furrowed in puzzlement. “What’s happening? Do those two know each other well?”


    Living lounged back, enjoying the spectacle with a grin of amusement ying on his face. “Who knows, maybe Gavin will have a girlfriend soon.”


    Cody rubbed his chin in contemtion. “Life sure has a way of surprising us. Just let it run its course.”


    Freda stood in the yard, seething with anger. “What’s gotten into you? Why are you treating me like this?” she demanded.


    Gavin’s fury matched hers blow for blow. “Why are you here again? I told you not toe back.”


    Freda scoffed and cast her eyes heavenward. “Who appointed you as the boss? Why should I listen to you?”


    “This isn’t a coffee shop,” Gavin said firmly. “You can’t juste in whenever you want.”


    Freda scoffed, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’ll ask Mr. Tucker if I can visit. I’m sure he won’t mind.”


    Gavin’s face darkened like a storm cloud. “What’s your n here?” he growled through clenched teeth.


    Freda cocked an eyebrow. “Do you really want to know?”


    Gavin nodded, short and sharp.


    “My n,” Freda replied, a Cheshire cat grin spreading across her face, “is you.”


    Gavin’s expression twisted into something unreadable as he probed, “What do you want from me?”


    “All you need to know is that my purpose revolves around you,” Freda said with a dismissive wave.


    Gavin’s eyebrow shot up, his lips curving into an amused smirk. “Don’t tell me you’ve fallen head over heels for me?” He inched closer, his chiseled features mere breaths away from Freda’s.


    Freda, taken by surprise, drew back, her voice betraying a hint of fluster. “How dare you suggest such a thing? Don’t be so full of yourself!”


    Gavin’sughter danced through the air, a melody that carried an enchanting allure, stirring a flutter in Freda’s heart. She sensed Gavin’s lingering gaze, his enigmatic smile teasing at his lips, and felt a flush warming her cheeks beneath his prating stare.


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