?Chapter 405:


    “Mr. Shaw,” Gerard ventured cautiously, his heart racing, “what did you talk with Ms. Briggs about earlier? Do you need me to strengthen your security? Should I bring in the bodyguards?”


    Kristian waved him off. “That’s unnecessary.”


    Gerard dared not ask any more questions. If Kristian wasn’t answering, then there was nothing more to be said.


    “Keep an eye on the office. I’m heading out.”


    Kristian’s thoughts still felt scrambled. Something about the situation didn’t add up. Why would Freya discuss those things with Ashley? And why had Ashley shown up in Alerith?


    Suddenly, he stopped mid-step, his thoughtsing to a halt. Gerard, torn between curiosity and fear, asked hesitantly, “Anything else you’d like me to handle, sir?”


    “Invite Ashley to my office,” Kristian ordered, his voice cold as he recalled their previous encounter. “Tell her I need to speak with her.”


    He still couldn’t understand why Ashley had kidnapped Freya. He needed answers, and he wouldn’t rest until he got them.


    Gerard nodded quickly. “Understood.”


    Kristian didn’t linger. Grabbing his phone and car keys, he headed for the elevator. But as he reached the entrance to his office, he unexpectedly ran into Ashley.


    Her posture told him everything—she had been waiting for him. “Kristian,” she called out to him.


    Kristian turned, his brows furrowing as he took in her presence. She wasn’t the same as before. Her gazecked the longing he had seen so many times. Instead, it was cool, distant.


    “I’d like to discuss something with you. Are you avable?” she asked.


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    Kristian didn’t answer. He simply gestured for someone to escort her upstairs.


    He hadn’t forgotten Freya’s call—Ashley wanted him dead.


    Meanwhile, Freya had arrived at the office of Anita International. After reviewing and signing all the documents Melvin had given her, she opened herptop and began searching.


    But no matter how thoroughly she looked, she couldn’t find any connection between Kristian and that man.


    Just as she was about to call Kristian to probe further, a sudden thought stopped her. She remembered her conversation with Ashley.


    To be safe, she decided to remind Ashley not to say anything to Kristian.


    Unfortunately, when she called Ashley, the response she received was far from reassuring. Ashley’s voice wasyered withplexity.


    “He already knows,” Ashley replied.


    Freya was left speechless.


    Before she could hang up, Kristian’s voice came through, unmistakable and demanding. “Someone’s trying to steal Shaw Group’s trade secrets and kill me. Am I not allowed to know?”


    “You already know, don’t you?” Freya said quickly, regaining herposure.


    Kristian fell silent, unable to find the words. Her response had left him momentarily stunned.


    “Send me the address. Let’s talkter,” Kristian finally said after a long pause.


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