?Chapter 442:


    Kristian said nothing.


    Disguised as a friendly gathering, Freya would likely go along with it out of respect for Lionel.


    It seemed his grandfather wouldn’t be satisfied until he stirred the pot.


    “If you’re not worried about pushing her away even more, go right ahead,” Kristian said, emotionless. “I won’t stop you.”


    Lionel paused, suddenly uncertain about Kristian’s intentions. What was going through his mind?


    “I’m going to change,” Kristian said as he stood, his tall frame radiating quiet elegance. “You two can keep chatting.”


    He returned to his room and changed into a fresh outfit. Once dressed, he lounged on the sofa, scrolling through his phone.


    He already had a clear idea who Lionel was talking about earlier. Lost in thought, he used the alternate ount, pulled up their contacts, and created a group chat.


    Whenever it involved people he wasn’t close to, he always used the alternate ount.


    The moment the group went live, messages started flooding in.


    “What’s going on?”


    “Did Kristian actually make this group?”


    “Gotta be a hack. No way Kristian started a chat. He hasn’t said a word since friending me.”


    Before long, someone tagged Kristian. “Kristian, was this your doing?” Others chimed in too, each with their own version of confusion. Kristian watched the chaos unfold, his gaze steady. His long, graceful fingers typed a simple reply. “It’s me.”


    Those words stood out like a beacon amid the noise, and for a moment, the group went dead silent.


    Everyone stared at their phones, trying to make sense of it. Why would Kristian start a group chat? Had they somehow offended him? Afraid to stir the pot in the main chat, they quickly huddled into a smaller group without Kristian to discuss things privately.


    Full updat3z h3r3: g??lnoνels.??????


    Kristian, well aware of their side conversation, didn’t rush. He simply waited, knowing they’d eventuallye around.


    Roughly five minutester, after confirming they hadn’t stepped on anyndmines, the replies trickled back in.


    “Do you need something, Kristian?”


    “Wait—this about your grandpa’s 80th? Are you nning a surprise?”


    “That’s gotta be it!”


    “Kristian, just tell us what you need.”


    Though they hadn’t interacted much with him, their grandfathers never stopped singing his praises, constantly urging them to learn from him.


    To them, Kristian was the golden standard—the one they were always unfairlypared to.


    Kristian’s gaze settled on the screen as he pressed his thin lips into a firm line. “You’re all at the age to think about settling down,” he typed and sent.


    Everyone’s hearts instantly sounded the rm. What was happening? Was Kristian attempting to nudge them toward matrimony?


    “Sure, we’re at the right age, but we have no ns to get married right now.”


    “Precisely!”


    “Kristian, are you considering marriage yourself? If you need assistance, I’d be happy to introduce someone to you.”


    “I can help with that too!”


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