Chapter 31 She'' Volunteered


    Frederick furrowed his brows, irritation evident in his expression.


    He loathed these social gatherings, primarily because he couldn''t bear witnessing


    his father in such apromised state.


    He recognized that business dinners demanded social finesse from anyone


    His gaze drifted toward Freya once more, drawn by an unconscious pull


    Truly, being near Freya provided him the most genuinefort.


    "Aren''t you escorting me to the hotel?" Freya tore her eyes away and locked them onto Edwin "Shouldn''t we be departing?"


    The question startled everyone present, Edwin included.


    Kristian''s fingers, which had been idly toying with his phone, suddenly tensed.


    Frederick merely lowered his head, quietly sipping his drink, careful not to interject. He recognized with certainty that Freya was about to retaliate.


    "Why such haste? Don''t imagine that clinging to Mr. Shaw grants you the right to behave imperiously." Edwin bristled at Freya''s words, as if she had insinuated he was nothing more than a procurer. "To Mr. Shaw, you''re merely another conquest."


    Kristian studied Freya intently, his gaze deepening as he observed her face.


    At times, he marveled at her ability to remainposed when confronted with such caustic remarks,


    "Mr. Shaw." Edwin slipped back into his sycophantic manner and, before departing, ventured hesitantly, "Regarding our potential partnership..."


    "My assistant will handle the arrangements, Kristian replied tersely.


    Edwin''s face brightened instantly. "Thank you."


    Everyone coveted alliances with both the Briggs Group and Shaw Group.


    While the Briggs Group remained beyond his reach, he had now secured ties with


    the Shaw another chance, he would certainly cultivate his rtionship with Kristian to forge even closer


    -p1 Given


    s ties


    With these aspirations dancing in his mind, Edwin departed with Freya.


    Freya yed along willingly, knowing that upon reaching the mentioned hotel, she could confront Edwin


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    properly.


    The remaining guests in the private room continued their conversation briefly,


    They were all astute observers.


    In matters involving mutual consent, they preferred not to meddle.


    Ten minutester, someone ventured, "Mr. Shaw, since you have press


    matters today, we won''t impose


    further. The partnership discussions can resume another time. What are your thoughts?"


    Kristian swept his gaze across the room as he rose. "Richie, thepany manager, will coordinate the specifics with you, though whether we proceed depends entirely on the project''s merit."


    With that deration, Kristian strode purposefully out of the room.


    As he emerged from the private chamber, Gerard approached with deference.


    "Where''s Freya?" A heaviness settled in Kristian''s chest.


    "I''ve already dispatched someone to trail her," Gerard, anticipating his employer''s concerns without explicit direction, exined. "Should she face any danger, the bodyguards will intervene immediately."


    While somewhat reassured, Kristian still responded coldly, "Interfering busybody!"


    Gerard maintained hisposure, reflecting on the unpredictability of Kristian''s thoughts.


    "Ensure Vertex Corporation is dealt with properly." Kristian adjusted his tie, his lips delivering the chilledmand, "Such trash should recognize their proper ce."


    Gerardprehended instantly. "Understood."


    Vertex Corporation was Edwin''spany.


    Kristian was clearly defending Freya.


    "To the hotel," hemanded, his voice resonating with barely contained emotion.


    Gerard started the vehicle.


    Upon receiving Edwin''s message, Gerard drove directly to the designated hotel.


    During the journey, reflecting on earlier events, he couldn''t resist asking, "Sir, I''m uncertain whether I should inquire about something."


    "If uncertainty gues you, refrain from asking," Kristian snapped.


    "Isn''t it rather unsettling to agree to Edwin delivering your wife to your bed?" Gerard, emboldened by curiosity, pressed on, "How does it feel to pursue her through such unconventional means?"


    "Consider your year-end bonus forfeit," Kristian fired back.


    Gerard, realizing his precarious position, hastily added, "Sir, rest assured, I''ll ensure Verte understands precisely who stands as Mrs. Shaw''s protector."


    Kristian countered, "Your quarterly bonus can also vanish."


    Gerard now genuinely wondered where he had erred.


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    Chapter 81 She Volunteered


    "Teya and I have already filed for divorce," Kristian stated icily, still clutching his phone. I''m addressing Edwin''s behavior solely because I refuse to allow anyone to sully my reputation."


    Gerard fell silent Kristian divorced his wife for another woman, Set he still fretted about his reputation?


    Instead, he simply replied, "Yes, you''re right."


    "The semi-annual bonus isn''t necessary either," Kristian added coldly.


    Even with Gerard''s normally amodating temperament, hisposure began to fray. What misstep had he


    made this time?


    "I believe there''s one consideration you''ve overlooked," Gerard ventured, wracking his brain while navigating the road. "Despite your divorce from your wife, until you receive the official decree, you remain legally bound. And as long as that legal connection exists, you bear an obligation to shield her from unsavory characters."


    "She volunteered," Kristian retorted, bristling at the memory of earlier events. "She even urged Edwin Newman to escort her to the hotel promptly."


    Gerard countered, "That''s because she knows the person awaiting her after check-in is you."


    "She harbors no affection for me," Kristian stated tly.


    Gerard found himself at a loss for words.


    There was simply no suitable response.


    He murmured under his breath, "Aware that she harbors no affection for you, yet


    you humiliated her before numerous onlookers. Small wonder your marriage


    ended!"


    Kristian nced toward Gerard''s head, his eyes glinting dangerously. "What invectives are you mentally hurling


    at me?"


    "Not criticizing you," Gerard lied smoothly, without a hint of difort. "Merely strategizing how to facilitate an amicable day between you and your wife."


    It was barely midday. Several hours stretched before evening arrived.


    Considering Freya''s attitude toward Kristian, spending even ten minutes together


    in the same room would border on miraculous.


    Kristian disregarded Gerard''sment, his mind wrestling with the same predicament. Since their heated exchange at the hospital, he''d recognized Freya''s aversion toward him.


    Today, he merely wanted her toprehend that this social circle wasn''t as idyllic as she imagined.


    With over a billion from his fortune, she could live luxuriously for the remainder of her days.


    Pushing these reflections aside, Kristian reclined in the vehicle and closed his eyes to rest.


    Shortly after their departure, Ethel and Hugh arrived at the restaurant. Just as they prepared to received a message from Frederick, assuring her that the situation had been resolved.


    Frederick dared not reveal to Ethel what had transpired in the private room.


    Ethel


    Freya would


    If he did, Freya would undoubtedly exact retribution!


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    Chapter 31 She Volunteered


    Meanwhile, Freya found herself escorted to a hotel by Edwin.


    Evidently, Edwin had invested considerable effort to impress Kristian, as the entire


    suite had been transformed into a romantic retreat,plete with subdued


    lighting and a captivating fragrance.


    Rmended for you