?Chapter 446:


    If he had just had a bit more courage back then, maybe his daughter would’ve found some real happiness here.


    Maybe none of those tangled affairs would’ve happened at all.


    He thought about replying with a simple “okay,” but assumed Freya had already gone to sleep. He ced the phone aside and forced himself to close his eyes.


    Elsewhere, Kristian was still wide awake.


    After confirming everything with the hotel, he was about to wind down when Felipe intercepted him.


    With one hand shoved into his pocket and the other dangling a set of car keys, Felipe said, “Let’s go have a drink.”


    “No,” Kristian answered curtly.


    But Felipe didn’t wait for his response. Clearly agitated, he dragged Kristian to the car anyway.


    Kristian opened his mouth to mention the next day’s schedule, but Felipe cut him off. “Don’t use your grandpa’s birthday as an excuse. The banquet’s in the evening. A drink now won’t throw your ns off.”


    Kristian kept quiet. The original n had been for a simple family gathering, but it had since escted into a hotel banquet.


    Even so, the guest list was tight—just family, a few of Lionel’s old friends, and some of Kristian’s.


    The only business guests invited were the Briggs family.


    “If you’ve got something to say, say it now. I need to head back to the family house soon,” Kristian said, his voice casual, but his gaze sharp.


    Felipe didn’t waste time.


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    He pulled over, killed the engine, and turned to look at him. “Where’s Farrah?”


    Kristian looked at him, confused. “You’re asking me?”


    “You said she was in Alerith,” Felipe snapped, his voice taut with frustration. “I followed your lead, but she’s nowhere to be found.”


    “That’s on you,” Kristian said coolly.


    “If your ex-wife hadn’t shipped her off, would I be in this mess?” Felipe shot back, clearly fuming.


    Kristian rested his arm on the window and replied in a level tone, “You’re the one who lost her. Don’t pin it on anyone else.”


    Felipe’s jaw clenched, ready to argue.


    Kristian didn’t wait. “Pushing her to have an abortion? That’s quite the move.”


    “Oh, like you’re any better? You dumped your wife to chase after your first love. That’s more impressive, isn’t it?” Felipe sneered, emotions spilling over.


    Kristian’s expression chilled.


    Felipe refused to let up.


    “At least I know where Freya is.”


    Kristian’s voice was ice. “Unlike someone who doesn’t even know where his wife is.”


    “So what if I don’t? We’re still legally married,” Felipe snapped back.


    Kristian said nothing. And in that silence, regret hit him like a wave. If he hadn’t gone through with the divorce, at least things would’ve been official—recognized byw.


    But now…


    “And what’s that worth?” Kristian’s eyes turned cold, his tone clipped.


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