The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday
Chapter 316

After a long, uneasy silence, someone finally broke the ice.

"No, no, it wasn't me. I heard it from someone else!"

"Nor was it me. Who knows who started it during the day? Everyone just went along with it!"

"I never imagined she was the Dawson heiress. Whoever started this rumor is despicable!"

The neighbors passed the blame quickly, distancing themselves from the rumor.

"Ms. Dawson, please leave it to me. I assure you, within three, no, two days, I'll have a satisfactory answer for you," the chief stated with unwavering confidence.

At that moment, Freya's gaze landed on Kara, who squirmed uncomfortably under her scrutiny.

"There's no need. I already know who's behind the rumor," Freya said, her voice cold.

Kara's nerves shot up another notch.

"Who is it? I'll bring them in to ensure justice for you, Ms. Dawson!"

The crowd was eager to replace the rumor monger and relieved that their actions hadn't caused Freya harm. Otherwise, they'd be in trouble.

"Mrs. Simmons, do you think you owe me an apology?" Freya's eyes fixed on the landlady.

Since Mrs. Simmons discovered Freya's identity, she had been too stunned to speak. Realizing Freya expected an apology, she quickly responded, "I'm sorry, Ms. Dawson. I had no idea about your background. Had I known, I would've never treated you this way. I'm sorry. I'll return all your belongings immediately!"

Joking aside, being a Dawson heiress meant no trivial matter. Mrs. Simmons dared not clash with Freya any longer. She immediately

collected Freya's belongings, neatly arranging them in the cupboard.

swnov

"Ms. Dawson, it's getting late, and this place hardly seems fitting. How about I arrange a luxury suite in a hotel for you? Staying here is beneath you," the chief offered his

demeanor markedly improved from

their first encounter.

Money and status really did change things.

"No need, Chief Brennan. I'm fine here. Perhaps you should focus on better training your deputies to prevent them from harassing the townsfolk," Freya suggested.

"Of course, Ms. Dawson! You're right!" the chief hurriedly agreed.

Having previously offended Freya, Chief Brennan was cautious not to slight her further.

Once the chief had left, Mrs. Simmons also made a hasty exit, followed closely by Kara.

Reaching the elevator, Mrs. Simmons abruptly freed Kara's hand, chiding, "You should've told me Freya was a Dawson heiress. If I'd known, would I have dared to kick her out? What were you thinking?" Kara hung her head in shame, murmuring, "I thought Freya preferred to keep her identity private. I'm sorry."

"You should've at least warned me. That was utterly embarrassing!"