?Chapter 403:


    “No matter who you’re up against, don’t let them control your conscience. I can protect your family, but I can’t save you from losing your moralpass.”


    Despite Ashley’s past attempts to undermine Freya, thetter had steadfastly protected Ashley’s grandmother and younger brother.


    Reflecting on those moments, Ashley’s resolve hardened. Her voice was low but resolute when she spoke. “I want that, yet I cannot bear the thought of dragging you into this mess with me.”


    Freya stood frozen, speechless. Ashley had rendered herpletely at a loss for words.


    “You can go now,” Ashley said, her tone clipped and decisive. She had already made up her mind—this was something she had to face on her own. “If you ever cross paths with that man again, stay away from him. Don’t talk to him, don’t look at him—just keep your distance,” she warned, her voice low but steady.


    That ce had already swallowed her once, dragging her into a nightmare she barely escaped. Freya didn’t deserve that pain, and Ashley would make sure she never had to face it.


    Just as Ashley turned to take a step toward the door, Freya’s voice broke the silence behind her. “Wait!”


    Ashley halted, her movement cut short.


    Freya stood up and crossed the room with quiet determination. She stopped just inches from Ashley and met her eyes. “If you really want to make things right between us, then listen to me. Don’t just sit around waiting for him to strike again—take control. Step into the game before he drags you in on his terms.”


    Ashley blinked, her expression masking her confusion. “What are you suggesting?”


    Freya’s tone dropped, steady yetced with tension. “When you failed him, he shifted his focus to me,” she exined with a chilling calmness. “Do you think he’ll simply ignore me if you botch this task as well?”


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    The weight of Freya’s words crashed down on Ashley like andslide.


    It was a harsh, undeniable truth.


    If Ashley were to fail and end up behind bars, that man would certainly set his malevolent sights on Freya next. The threat loomed over Freya, an omnipresent shadow.


    “If you genuinely care about my safety, then heed my advice,” Freya continued, her eyes reflecting aplex mix of fear and resolve. “Follow my lead, and not only will I stay safe, but so will you and your family.”


    Before Ashley could press for more answers, Freya turned on her heel and left.


    She strode to her car, flung the door open, and slid into the driver’s seat. Her mind churned with everything she had just uncovered. Pulling out her phone, she quickly opened the group chat with her friends. Her fingers hovered briefly before she typed a short, loaded message. “That man showed up.”


    The moment she hit send, she exhaled sharply and sank into the seat, her eyes unfocused as memories wed their way to the surface. That man… he had nearly destroyed their entire team once.


    She didn’t need anyone to warn her—she had already learned the hard way how terrifying he could be.


    As Freya lost herself in thought, her phone suddenly rang, pulling her back to reality. It was Trent.


    His voice, much steadier than before, broke the silence. “Did you see him?”


    “No,” Freya replied bluntly, continuing, “The person manipting Ashley is him. I’ve confirmed it with her. It’s really him.”


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