?Chapter 485:


    Kristian froze, thoughts churning.


    A call?


    In that moment, it struck him—Freya wasn’t like anyone else.


    She didn’t need his protection or his guidance. She had already handled everything—while he was unconscious. To her, it didn’t even matter if he was around.


    Liam noticed his brother’s strange expression. “What’s wrong?”


    “Nothing,” Kristian muttered, tamping down his emotions. “Tell Mom and Dad to keep Freya’s father upied. Try to bring him home for a chat. I need to speak with Freya.”


    “That might not be easy,” Liam said.


    “Why?”


    “When I came up earlier, Mr. Briggs had already finished talking with them. Now he’s out looking for Freya.”


    Kristian’s heart sank.


    Kristian felt a dull, unbearable weight settle in his chest, the kind that sank deeper with every breath.


    He didn’t utter another word and quietly descended the stairs. Liam didn’t press him for answers, nor did he offer any help. If Kristian truly needed something, Liam knew he’d ask.


    “Kristian,” he called out, quickening his steps to catch up with his brother.


    Kristian’s thoughts were entirely consumed by Freya.


    ??????????? ????ρ???????? ?????????ν????????????


    “What is it?”


    “If you keep dragging your feet, Freya’s never gonna end up being my sister-inw again,” Liam reminded him pointedly.


    Kristian nced sideways at him, unimpressed. Did Liam seriously think he needed his unsolicited advice?


    “Do you need me to help you win her back?” Liam offered, his grin betraying his amusement. “I mean, I can’t promise she’ll fall for you again, but I can at least try to keep her from hating your guts.”


    Kristian was even less impressed now. Was this what Liam thought counted as help?


    He didn’t hesitate. “No, thanks.”


    “You sure?” Liam pressed.


    Kristian didn’t answer. He just picked up his pace, heading for the hall downstairs.


    Not long after they left, a shadowy figure appeared in the room they’d just vacated. After scanning the area with sharp eyes, the person pulled out a phone and made a call.


    Thanks to the time difference, it was midday on the other end. When the call connected, the person on the line spoke casually.


    “How are things going?”


    “Everything’s moving along as nned.”


    “Any anomalies?”


    “None.”


    With that, the call ended—and the person dialed another number, this time to Ashley in Alerith.


    .


    .


    .