?Chapter 451:


    That’s how elders were. Even if they said gifts weren’t necessary, having both you and a present show up? That was the sweet spot. Lionel opened the box, and the…


    The smile that spread across his face couldn’t be contained. Inside was a rare chess set.


    Each piece was crafted from agate, amber, and gemstones, designed through painstaking methods and hard toe by.


    Countless collectors had longed for it, yet it remained forever out of reach.


    “Freya, where’d you find this?” Lionel examined the pieces with glee.


    “I’ve had my eye on this set forever and could never track it down.”


    Freya offered a warm smile. “I’m d you like it.”


    “Come on!” Lionel was practically giddy. “y a game with me.”


    “Okay.” Freya never said no to Lionel’s requests.


    Kristian stayed quiet, watching from the side as Freya settled into the game. Her right hand moved with elegant ease, slender fingers gliding each piece across the board with quiet focus.


    Just watching her was a treat.


    Halfway through the match, Lionel finally remembered his grandson’s presence. After cing a piece, he spoke. “Freya, what do you think of Kristian?”


    Freya instinctively nced his way.


    She’d noticed him the moment she stepped into the backyard.


    That light-colored casual outfit made him stand out more than usual.


    After one quick look, she’d looked away.


    She knew herself too well.


    “What do you mean?” She pulled her gaze from his face and made her next move.


    g?lnσν???s．c????, a world of tales


    Lionel picked up a chess piece and spoke at his usual rxed pace. “His looks.”


    “He’s charming,” Freya answered truthfully. Lying wasn’t her thing.


    Kristian was handsome—especially like this, dressed down in casuals. Without the suit, he lost that intimidating business edge and looked far more approachable.


    “Would you consider keeping him around just to look at?” Lionel chuckled. “Like eye candy. Something nice to have on disy.”


    Freya didn’t respond.


    Kristian felt the need to cut in. “Grandpa, I’m a person.”


    “So what?” Lionel huffed. “Doesn’t mean a person can’t be ornamental. Still, even if you wanted to be, that doesn’t mean she would want you around. Isn’t that right, Freya?”


    Kristian turned to her, locking eyes without hesitation.


    Freya stayed poised and cool. “Lionel, it’s your move.”


    “Make your move,” Kristian murmured, his voice barely audible yet perfectlyposed.


    Lionel shot him a withering re. The man had absolutely no sense of timing!


    He consistently failed to recognize opportune moments—no wonder his romantic life remained barren.


    Kristian interpreted the look and wisely retreated. He noticed the butler hovering nearby, reluctant to interrupt their game, so he rose and approached him.


    Upon learning the refreshments were prepared, Kristian slipped away to the kitchen, returning momentster with an assortment of colorful juices which he carefully ced beside each yer.


    “Juice,” he announced simply.


    “Thank you, Mr. Shaw,” Freya replied with deliberate formality, addressing him as though they wereplete strangers.


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