?Chapter 486:


    Ashley’s nerves were already fraying when the call came in.


    Remembering what Freya had told her earlier, she grabbed a different phone and started recording before answering.


    “Hello.”


    The phone she was speaking into had been rigged by him. If he suspected she was recording, he’d know.


    She had to use another device.


    “Keep a close eye on Kristian and Freya’s rtionship for the time being,” the man’s voice came through slowly, with unsettling precision.


    “Check if Freya is pregnant in a month.”


    Ashley’s heart thudded wildly in her chest.


    “Okay.”


    “Ashley,” he said her name suddenly.


    Her breath caught. Even the way he said it sent a chill through her bones.


    Before she could reply, his voice returned—gentle butced with venom, a low chuckle curling at the end.


    “Behave yourself over there. You know exactly what’ll happen if you cross me.”


    Her fingers clenched the phone so tightly her knuckles turned white, cold sweat beading in her palms. She could barely breathe.


    “You understand?” he asked.


    “Y-Yes…” Ashley forced the word out, every syble trembling.


    The man seemed pleased. Before ending the call, he added, “Good girl.” As the line went dead, Ashley slumped into her chair, drained and trembling.


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    In that moment, the idea of turning her back on Freya crossed her mind. If that man ever discovered her betrayal, she’d be done for.


    But then, Freya’s earlier words echoed in her mind, and doubt crept in.


    While she was still deep in thought, her phone buzzed twice.


    On instinct, she picked it up and stared at the message.


    “Remember your ce. Don’t think you can escape my control through Kristian and Freya. You know what I am capable of.”


    A shiver sliced down her spine. Her face went ghostly pale. Her first thought was that he’d found her out.


    Panic set in as her mind spiraled. She wanted to call Freya—but feared the risk.


    Before she could make a decision, her other phone rang. Seeing Freya’s name on the screen, she froze.


    She hesitated, unsure whether to answer.


    The phone rang six or seven times without an answer. Freya assumed Ashley might be asleep or in the shower and was about to hang up, intending to try againter.


    But Ashley picked up at thest second. “Hello.”


    Since she’d answered, Freya got right to the point. “Has he contacted you?”


    Ashley’s heart nearly stopped. What was happening? Why did it feel like everyone was watching her?


    “Why aren’t you saying anything?” Freya stood beside the pool behind the hotel, her figure merging with the night. After a pause, she spoke again.


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