?Chapter 343:


    Frederick’s brow furrowed in bewilderment. Freya’s first love? The idea that Freya might have harbored a past romance puzzled him deeply. He squinted, disbelief etching his features as he inquired, “Exactly when did Freya mention having a first love?”


    Kristian’s emotions swirled chaotically upon hearing this. He pressed on, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and annoyance. “And what about Charlie?”


    Frederick’s response cameced with surprise. “Charlie? Who on earth is that?”


    His caution was palpable; he was wary of making unfounded statements. The talk of a first love and someone named Charlie was news to him. Was it possible Freya had fabricated such borate stories?


    Kristian suddenly realized why his stomach churned when he saw Trent with Freya, yet he felt merely annoyed when Frederick was with her. To Freya, Trent was more than just a friend; he was privy to her deepest stories about a first love and Charlie—stories that were a mystery to Frederick.


    “Can you rify Trent’s connection to Freya for me?” Kristian asked once more, his voice carrying a note of urgency.


    “They are merely close friends,” Frederick exined, his mind ticking over as he considered his words. “They have a shared history of growing up together, their families are intertwined. Their friendship is genuine and longstanding.”


    “Hand him back his phone,”manded Kristian, his tone authoritative.


    Obediently, Gerard returned the phone. Kristian’s mood was sour, his tone icy as he dismissed him with a wave. “You can leave now.”


    “Huh?” Frederick’s face contorted in confusion. Was he truly being dismissed, just like that?


    Gerard, ever the diplomat, gave Frederick a subtle nod, urging him to exit.


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    Reluctantly, Frederick turned to leave, ncing back in disbelief every few paces, struggling to make sense of Kristian’s unexpected behavior. Yet, the relief of no longer facing interrogation or threats seemed to lift his spirits, and his steps grew lighter.


    After escorting Frederick out, Gerard made his way back to Kristian’s office. A strong gut feeling washed over him; he sensed that Kristian had something serious on his mind. And he was right.


    As Gerard stepped into the office, Kristian quickly outlined his ns. “Get everything ready over the next two days. We’re setting off for Alerith on the fifth.”


    “To Alerith?” Gerard echoed, a hint of surprise in his voice.


    Kristian leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. “There’s no need for me to concern myself with Jeucwell anymore. Our branch in Alerith needs more nurturing,” he dered.


    Gerard responded with a silent nod. Would anyone really buy such a flimsy pretext? After all, the major operations in Alerith had always been directly under Kristian’s tight control. Whether it was Jeucwell, Alerith, or any international venture, the subsidiaries of Shaw Group had flourished without needing any overt interference.


    “Don’t you want toe along?” Kristian inquired, a note of concern in his voice as he noticed Gerard’s prolonged silence.


    Gerard, among all the secretaries and assistants, had always been the one Kristian felt mostfortable with. Nevertheless, he wouldn’t press Gerard to apany him to Alerith if his heart wasn’t in it. With a heavy sigh that confirmed his apprehensions, Gerard finally spoke. “I’m your assistant. I go where you go.”


    “Let’s not beat around the bush,” Kristian said, cutting straight to the point.


    Gerard frowned slightly, his concerns evident. “I don’t really belong in Alerith, and besides, the cost of living there is exorbitant.”


    “No worries, I’ll gift you an apartment once we get there,” Kristian assured him with a decisive nod.


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