?Chapter 469:


    “Mina…” Hugh’s heart ached, haunted by the sense that he’d never truly protected her.


    “What’s done is done.” Freya didn’t want him dwelling on it. “I’ve never once regretted the choices I made.


    Even if the marriage had been a disaster, she had no regrets.


    She’d put in the effort. She’d fought for it. But in the end, the story still didn’t have a happy ending—so she chose a different chapter.


    Life doesn’t wait. You keep walking, no matter the road. There are countless crossroads in life, and whichever turn you take, you shouldn’t look back with regret.


    “Don’t overthink it, Dad,” Freya added gently. “I’m really happy right now.”


    Hugh stared at her for a long moment, then said nothing more.


    In the blink of an eye, evening arrived.


    Freya changed into something more elegant and left with Hugh for the hotel where Lionel’s birthday banquet was taking ce.


    By the time they stepped into the venue, the ce was already buzzing with guests. Unlike typical business gatherings, tonight’s crowd hade solely to celebrate, not to talk shop.


    The moment Freya and Hugh entered, Kristian and his group took notice.


    Isaac and Melinda approached with warm smiles.


    Their intention was obvious. Their son had left a bad impression on the Briggs family, and they couldn’t afford to let that linger.


    The two of them made polite conversation with Hugh, drifting between topics about thepany and the tangled history between Kristian and Freya.


    ???ЯE ??P?ΛTΞ? IИ GΛ?И?VΞ??.???


    It was a scene Hugh hadn’t seening.


    “Mr. Briggs, let’s sit over there and chat,” Isaac offered with a courteous smile. “My dad’s there too. He’s been thinking about meeting you.”


    Almost instinctively, Hugh nced at Freya. He didn’t feel right just leaving her standing there alone.


    “Kristian and Liam will keep Freyapany,” Melinda chimed in kindly. “There’s nothing to worry about.”


    What Hugh wanted to say was, “I’m worried precisely because Kristian’s here.” But clearly, this wasn’t the time or ce to say such a thing to Kristian’s parents.


    “Go ahead and say hello to Lionel,” Freya said, understanding exactly what he was thinking. “I’lle over in a bit.”


    “Alright then.” With no other option, Hugh went along.


    The gift from Briggs Group had already been sent earlier through a secretary.


    There was no need for another presentation.


    Once Hugh left, Freya scanned the room for a quiet spot to sit. She figured she’d wait until the crowd around Lionel thinned out before heading over to greet him.


    Right now, too many guests were offering their well-wishes, and Lionel was clearly swamped.


    But just as she turned to walk away, Kristian, who had been standing nearby, reached out and caught her arm, his eyes unreadable. Since the moment they walked in, Freya hadn’t so much as nced in his direction.


    “What are you doing?” Freya yanked her arm back, her face cool and distant.


    “My parents asked me to take care of you,” Kristian replied, his breath slightly chilly, though his eyes held an intense gaze. “I have to stay by your side tonight.”


    .


    .


    .