The Bride Who Said No: Escaping the Shadows of Yesterday

"Look, I'm just sticking up for you. Do you see how Johanna and Leland strutting around like they own the place? Anyone who didn't know better might think they're rolling in dough. But it's all your dad's inheritance they're blowing through! Wouldn't you be steamed?" Freya smiled. "I'm not mad at all."NôvelDrama.Org: text © owner.

Thanks to Johanna's vanity, she was willing to fork over a cool twelve million to cover up the embezzlement scandal she was involved in. As for today, Freya couldn't help but smile slightly. She decided to sit back and enjoy the drama unfold.

"Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey." Johanna spotted the Ramsey Group's chairperson from across the room right away.

The Ramsey family was a household name, holding a solid reputation in Echo City. Violet Ramsey was the crown jewel of the Ramsey family, an heiress born into wealth and educated in the finest traditions. As the sole child in her family, she was doted on from birth and known for her grace, humility, and generosity.

With a resume that impressive, Johanna wasn't the only one checking out Violet as potential daughter-in-law material. Other business bigwigs were also taking notice.

Audrey had set her sights on Violet, too, but given Violet's independent streak and the strong backing of her loving parents, controlling her would be a challenge. Thus, Audrey reluctantly shelved that plan.

The Ramsey family wouldn't have brought their daughter along if Johanna hadn't splurged in the banquet hall at the Majestic Manor Hotel.

"This is my son, Leland," Johanna introduced, nudging Leland to step forward.

"Good evening, Mr. and Mrs. Ramsey," Leland greeted, then turned his attention to the radiant Violet. He extended his hand and said, "Ms. Ramsey, it's a pleasure. My name's Leland."

"Hello." Violet shook his hand, but it was a mere grazing of fingertips. She wasn't thrilled about the encounter.

And why would she be? Leland's reputation in their circles was less than stellar. He had poor academic performance and was a troublemaker with questionable company.

Freya remembered vividly. Leland had once harbored lecherous intentions toward Violet, who, in turn, found him repulsive.

One night, fueled by alcohol and

goaded by his cronies, Leland

attempted to force himself on Violet.

He thought he could coerce the

over.ne

Ramsey family into marrying off their daughter to him but

underestimated Violet's resistance. The plan backfired spectacularly, leading to a scandal.

Initially attending out of respect for Kieran, the Ramsey family was appalled to discover Leland's true character. Instantly, they severed ties with the Dawson family. Leland might have ended up behind bars if Freya hadn't intervened in the past, smoothing over the fallout at a massive personal cost.

Yet, despite her sacrifices, Johanna

and her son never showed a shred

of genuine gratitude. When the Dawson family hit rock bottom, they absconded with the remaining assets, leaving Freya to pickup the pieces.

Thinking about this made Freya even more determined. This time, she wouldn't let herself be treated like dirt by Leland. If he couldn't treat her like a sister, then he was on his own to handle whatever fallout came from his screw-ups,

"Leland, since Ms. Ramsey isn't too familiar with the venue, why don't you show her around?" Johanna eagerly tried to set up an opportunity for them to be alone.

But Violet declined with a polite smile, "Oh, there's no need, Mrs. Sutton. I've been here plenty of times. But perhaps Mr. Dawson could use a tour?"