Chapter 15 The Cost of Dishonesty

• "You only admitted it to avoid a deduction from your salary," Henry remarked, his cold eyes flickering slightly as he anticipated her response, observing her fluffy hair.
• Of course! If it weren't for my salary, I wouldn't have endured this ordeal.
• Freya kept her head down, concealing her expression. Her tone was earnest as she said, "Salary is just part of the reason. I genuinely acknowledge my mistake, Mr. Jackman. You can reprimand me if you wish; I won't argue."
• Henry's lips tightened, a fleeting hint of amusement crossing his face. He responded impassively, "Do you expect me to reprimand you?"
• Yes!
• Freya nodded honestly and emphatically.
• Henry's expression darkened instantly, exuding an aura of icy coldness. Leo's glance towards Freya turned sympathetic, silently advising her to tread carefully with Henry.
• Before Freya could grasp Leo's intent, a cold, deep voice cut through, "Talking behind the boss's back, slacking off during work hours, leaving early ... Leo, deduct another half month's salary from Freya."
• "Alright." Leo complied promptly.
• "Mr. Jackman, why deduct half my salary again? I'm not leaving early. Ms. Fisher gave me permission to leave," Freya snapped back and hastily explained.
• "What's your reason for leaving?" Henry's voice remained cold.
• "To look after the neighbour's child—"
• Freya tried to elaborate but was abruptly interrupted by Henry, "Another lie. Deduct a full month's salary."
• "I'm not lying! Weren't you the one who took me to the hospital yesterday?" Freya was furious. How could he accuse me like this!
• Ignoring her protests, Henry instructed Leo, "Remember to inform the finance department later. If you forget, you'll forfeit your salary."
• Freya wanted to slam her bag into his face, point at his nose, and curse, Are you blind?
• But she dared not. She could only swallow her anger.
• Now she understood. Henry was targeting her today!
• She couldn't fight back, so she decided to let it go.
• While Henry and Leo were engrossed in conversation, Freya quietly distanced herself, step by step, until she found the perfect moment to slip away unnoticed.
• Leo caught sight of Freya's retreating figure disappearing into a taxi and was mildly surprised.
• "Mr. Jackman, Ms. Lambert has left."
• Hearing this, Henry turned his head, glimpsing the taxi speeding away. His eyes narrowed, his tone indifferent. "Prepare the car."
• Suppressing his surprise, Leo hurried to the underground garage to fetch the car.
• He found it increasingly challenging to decipher his boss's intentions.
• Instead of heading straight home, Freya made a quick stop at the supermarket, purchasing groceries and fruits. She planned to cook something delightful for her two little ones that evening.
• "I'm back," Freya called out upon opening the door.
• "Mommy, you're home!"
• "Mommy!"
• Two soft, tender voices chimed in simultaneously, followed by two small figures in blue and pink appearing at once.
• Winston was clad in blue Winnie the Pooh dungarees, while Jasmine was wearing a similar set in pink. Winston's brows were furrowed, and he pouted when he noticed the bags in Freya's hands.
• "You're carrying so many stuff! I can't hug you like this."
• Winston didn't go forward when he saw Freya carrying the bags. He stayed still, unable to resist asking, "Mommy, why did you buy so many things?"
• "Jasmine isn't feeling well, so I thought of buying some things to help Jasmine and you get stronger." Freya shut the door, slipped into slippers, and smiled.
• "Oh! Is there a handsome man coming for dinner?"
• Jasmine craned her neck to peer outside, while Winston sighed like an old man while shaking his head. "If Mom could do that, we'd have a dad by now."
• Joan, hearing the commotion from the kitchen, emerged and hurried to assist Freya with everything. "Why did you buy so much?"
• Before Freya could answer, Jasmine raised her hand and replied first, "Mommy said she wants to help me get stronger."
• "Yes!" Winston nodded in agreement.
• "Mommy doesn't get the chance to be a good wife, so she's choosing to be a great mom instead."
• Joan chuckled, affectionately patting the two little ones on their heads. "You two are so cheeky."
• "Joan, help me bring these in. I'll cook later; for now, I want to spend time with these two sweethearts." Freya smiled, handing everything over to Joan.
• Joan took the items, and the two little ones each hugged Freya's legs. Seeing this, Joan smiled as she went back into the kitchen.
• Freya stooped to grasp the hands of the two little ones and led them into the living room, asking gently and indulgently, "How was your day?"
• "Great!"
• "It was fine!"
• Jasmine and Winston replied simultaneously.
• "I'm glad your day went well," Freya said while picking up the two little darlings. She placed them on the couch and settled between them before reaching out to touch Jasmine's forehead.
• "Jasmine, are you feeling sick today?"
• "No." Jasmine shook her head, slipping her small hand into Freya's. "If you can find a handsome man to look after you, Mommy, I'd feel even better!"
• "You're making fun of me again! If you feel sick, you must tell me or Ms. Joan, alright?" Freya patted their heads.
• "Alright!"
• "Alright!" The two little darlings happily agreed.
• "Then play for a bit. I will help Ms. Joan cook." Freya fetched a game console from the side and set it up for the two little ones.
• "Okay!" Jasmine nodded. "Mommy, please make something nice for us."
• "Mommy, can I use your gaming account?"
• Winston gazed at her eagerly.
• "Sure." Freya gently patted his cheek. "Don't crush the opponents too much."
• The obedience of the two little darlings made Freya inexplicably proud. Even though she raised them alone, they didn't cause her any worry. Instead, they were worried about her long-term happiness.
• The joy her children brought her was enough to get her through the hardships.
• Freya stood and walked to the kitchen. Joan had already washed all the vegetables and had put on an apron to begin preparing.
• Thirty minutes later, dishes were brought to the table one by one, filling the air with delightful aromas. The two little darlings stared at the dishes, their eyes tracking them as their mouths watered incessantly.
• "Let's eat."
• Freya smiled warmly, serving spare ribs to each of the two little darlings.
• The two little darlings couldn't wait any longer, and they immediately picked up their utensils.
• Freya watched contentedly as they ate, eyes filled with affection. Just as the family enjoyed their meal, the doorbell rang urgently.
• A sense of unease settled over Freya. She frowned slightly and halted Joan, who was about to answer it. "I'll get it. Please sit and eat."
• Joan noticed Freya's troubled expression and looked at her with concern. Freya nodded subtly, indicating she needn't worry.
• As expected, she found Bill standing outside when she opened the door.
• "Fae," Bill greeted warmly, his tone authoritative. "Is everything settled?"
• How disgusting!
• Freya's expression turned cold as she blocked the doorway, showing no intention of inviting him in.
• "Just wait."
• With that, Freya shut the door firmly in his face, turned, and retrieved the documents.
• Bill hadn't expected Freya not only to refuse him entry but also to close the door on him. This action wounded his pride as a father, leaving him furious.
• Yet he understood Freya's resentment towards him. Nonetheless, he still coveted the documents she possessed. He felt deeply uncomfortable and found this a tough pill to swallow.