?Chapter 492:


    Kristian had always stood out in school, racked up awards, and made thepany thrive under his leadership.


    He had the pedigree, the looks—falling short in love was his one w.


    “Should we let you stumble too?” Lionel huffed, still emotional over Freya, the daughter-inw he missed. “At this rate, Kristian might never remarry. If you don’t settle down soon, you’ll be stuck managing thepany!”


    Liam’s expression twisted. How had the conversation suddenly shifted to him?


    He leapt to his feet. “Oh—just remembered I’ve got a call to make. Goodnight, Grandpa!”


    Lionel let him go without exposing the obvious escape tactic. That brat only knew how to chase after fun, dodgingpany responsibilities at every turn. It was all Kristian’s fault, always indulging his younger brother.


    In the blink of an eye, morning came.


    Freya and Hugh had returned to Alerith, easing back into their routines. Kristian and Gerard had gone abroad for business.


    On the ne, Gerard couldn’t help but notice that Kristian hadn’t said a single word since they met—not because he was being distant, but because his mind clearly wasn’t there.


    Gerard couldn’t help but wonder what had gone down at the banquet the night before.


    Given how critical this trip was, if Kristian wasn’t in the right state of mind, it could jeopardize not just thepany’s profits—but Gerard’s bonus too.


    He hadn’t stashed away enough for retirement yet.


    gα?ησν????s．?????? brings magic to life


    He said bluntly, “Sir, did you and Ms. Briggs have another fight?” Freya was the only one who could shake Kristian like this.


    Finally, a flicker of expression crossed Kristian’s face as he cast Gerard a cutting nce.


    If Gerard couldn’t talk properly, he might as well keep quiet!


    “I know this isn’t my ce, but you and Ms. Briggs have already divorced…” Gerard put himself in Freya’s shoes, and knowing Kristian well, he was blunt in his approach.


    Those words triggered a wave of irritation in Kristian. Before Gerard could finish, Kristian cut him off, saying, “If you know it’s not your ce, then keep yourments to yourself.”


    Gerard found himself at a loss for words.


    “If you continue like this, you’ll end up alone,” he pointed out.


    “Isn’t that already the case?” Kristian responded, seemingly epting his fate.


    Gerard was momentarily speechless. He suspected something important must have happened; otherwise, his boss wouldn’t be acting so out of character.


    “I just wanted to offer a bit of advice to help prevent any problems with our partnership down the line,” Gerard quickly came up with an exnation. His face settled into his usual calm smile. “This is an important partnership, after all.”


    Kristian simply stared at him.


    Gerard shifted ufortably under his intense stare. “What’s the issue…?”


    “Are you truly worried about our project, or are you more concerned about your bonus?” Kristian directly exposed him.


    Gerard maintained a forced smile. “If you were even half as sharp with Ms. Briggs as you are in business, you would not be facing these problems.”


    .


    .


    .