Chapter 203 Acting Out Of


    Character


    "Got any specific time in mind?" Gerard asked, treating the whole thing like it was just another business


    meeting


    "Whenever works," Kristian replied coolly.


    "Alright then."


    As always, Gerard was the picture of efficiency.


    By the next day, the meeting had been set. When Miguel got wind that Kristian wanted to see him, he extended an invitation to his estate without hesitation.


    Freya was still at the office when the news hit her.


    "Are you sure you didn''t mishear that?" she asked, clutching her phone with a furrowed brow. The words from the other end had caught herpletely off guard.


    "Positive. By now, he''s probably already there," n answered, ever the reliable informant when it came to things happening at the family estate. "But what''s he doing there?"


    Freya''s calmposure unraveled in an instant.


    Mulling over Kristian''s recent antics, she muttered under her breath, "He''s causing me trouble again."


    Without another word, she handed over her work to Melvin and drove straight to her grandfather''s ce.


    Miguel was known for cutting conversations short-ten minutes tops if he wasn''t fond of someone. But if he liked you? That chat could stretch for hours.


    With Kristian''s polished image and impressive family background, it wasn''t hard to imagine Miguel being


    charmed.


    He might even start fantasizing about a marriage alliance.


    That thought alone made Freya m the gas pedal harder. She could only pray that Kristian wouldn''t mention anything about marriage. If he did, her grandfather would no doubttch onto the idea.


    And once that happened, an official engagement announcement would be inevitable. Then, this would spiralpletely out of control.


    Meanwhile, Kristian was already seated, engaged in a pleasant chat with Miguel.


    Gerard stood a short distance behind him, ying the role of silent assistant, quietly observing the conversation unfold.


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    *******p to that much to the Briggs Groop? Miguel asked, eyes glinting with satisfaction as


    Bad in and out that earned his alreadymanding presence, Kristian replied evenly. "As long as you won the taped ow, Pil falliver everything in promised" Mga thoor Realcation


    **dien took the agreement Gerard had prepared and handed it over. In that case, I''d appreciate your


    Miguel evimed through the contract, his gras widening with every page. He didn''t hesitate-just picked up a


    ***


    Watching the whole thing Gerard found himself at a loss. His emotions twisted into a knot, leaving him


    "Since you''re here, stay for lunch, Miguel offered, clearly in high spirits. "It''s always nice to havepany."


    "I''d love to, Kristian repled


    Momentster, the signed agreements were split between the two parties.


    Miguel instructed one of his staff to store the document safely, while Kristian handed his copy to Gerard to hold onto. Other than the three of them, no one else knew the details of the deal.


    Freya arrived just as lunch was about to be served.


    Both Miguel and Kristian looked geminely surprised to see her, neither had expected her to show up.


    "What brings you here?" Miguel asked.


    Freya nced briefly at Kristian, then came up with a nonchnt excuse. "Just


    came to pick up a few things." Since she had her own room at the estate, it didn''t sound out of ce.


    Miguel didn''t react much to her response.


    "Well, since you''re here, join us for lunch," he said after a short pause, brow


    furrowed slightly before extending the invite. “I happen to have a guest."


    "Alright," Freya replied, seizing the moment to figure out why Kristian had shown


    up.


    Noticing the subtle tension between the two, Miguel tactfully came up with an excuse to step out.


    Freya found it suspicious-her grandfather never acted like that.


    "Sir, I''ll head back to the office and deal with a few things, Gerard said, sensing


    that his presence wasn''t required anymore. "Just call me when you''re ready, and I''ll send someone to pick you up."


    Kristian''s tone remained as aloof as ever. "Alright."


    Soon, only Freya and Kristian remained.


    Freya looked at him with narrowed eyes, suspicion dancing in her gaze. Her voice carried a trace of annoyance. "What are you doing here?"


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    Chapter 203 Acting Out Of Character


    Kristian''s eyes locked onto her, her reflection caught in his stare.


    He wanted to throw her own words back at her-"It''s none of your business."


    But he knew saying that would only push her farther away, leave them more estranged than they already were.


    Freya raised an eyebrow, waiting. Why wasn''t he saying anything?


    “Just discussing a few things with your grandpa," Kristian finally answered, voice steady.


    "What kind of things?"


    "Business." The reply was curt and clipped.


    Freya shot him a skeptical look.


    Her grandfather had stepped away from business matters ever since her father took over the reins. There was no reason for him to suddenly get involved again.


    "If you don''t believe me, feel free to ask him," Kristian said as he stood up. His suit hugged his frame perfectly, making him look maddeningly attractive. Freya wasn''t about to ask. She knew her grandfather wouldn''t spill a word. Worse, he might flip the script and ask her about yesterday''s gathering. After returning from it the day before, she''d spent the rest of her time with Trent, steering clear of everyone else. If Vivien had snitched to Miguel, another gathering might already be in the works.


    Unless absolutely necessary, Freya preferred to avoid facing Miguel altogether.


    She stared at Kristian for a beat before asking again, "What kind of business matters?"


    "Since it''s business, there are confidentiality uses," Kristian replied as he stepped closer.


    His presence loomed over her like a shadow. "I can''t disclose anything to outsiders."


    Freya couldn''t poke any holes in his exnation, so she let it drop-for now.


    She figured if he hade to propose marriage, her grandfather would definitely bring it up during lunch.


    If he didn''t, then it was none of her business. And if it didn''t concern her, she had


    no reason to meddle.


    Ten minutester, the butler called them in for lunch.


    The meal was unusually quiet-nobody said a word.


    Freya thought the silence was downright eerie. Her grandfather was never this subdued. On previous visits, he always had something to critique-whether it was someone''s love life, job, or grades, he never held back.


    From n to Ethel, no one was safe.


    But today? Even after everyone had finished eating, he hadn''t uttered a single


    word.


    After spending a little time with Miguel post-meal, Freya decided to head out. Since there was no mention of marriage, she had no reason to linger.


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    She informed Miguel she was leaving, but before she could make her exit, Kristian spoke up. I''ve got things to take care of at my office, so I''ll head out too."


    "Alright," Miguel said, clearly pleased with Kristian, though somethingplicated flickered in his gaze. "Come by more often when you''ve got the time."


    "Of course," Kristian answered politely.