?Chapter 504:


    “I’m not going,” Kristian said, firm as iron.


    If someone snapped a photo and posted it online, what would Freya think? His presence here could spark rumors he had no desire to fan.


    “If you stay behind, how will I clear my name once I’m inside?” Damon countered, still tugging at him.


    Stubborn determination.


    “For the sake of my reputation, I need you with me—from start to finish.”


    “If you don’t want to go, just say so. It’s not rocket science,” Kristian replied, unable to understand his friend’s insistence.


    “Not everyone has the luxury of choosing who they love,” Damon muttered, letting go of him and leaning back in his seat, frustration written across his face. “My parents don’t support me being with Patti. If I skip this event, Patti pays the price.”


    He couldn’t be by Patti Smith’s side every moment, and he knew too well the games his parents yed.


    Sometimes, surface-levelpromise was the only option.


    Once he gained full control of the Russell Group, he’d draw a line in the sand—and his parents’ opinions would carry no weight.


    But for now, he had to bite the bullet. For Patti.


    Kristian sighed, brows drawn tight, but finally stepped out of the car with him.


    The moment he walked in, the air changed. All eyes turned toward him. If Freya and Ethel were prized matches for the city’s eligible men, Kristian was their mirror image—an ideal husband in the eyes of every ambitious woman.


    With hismanding presence and distinguished background, he stood in a league of his own—even Trent seemed to dim beside him.


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    “What kind of day is this turning out to be? The elusive daughter of the Briggs family has made an appearance. Mr. Seymour from the Seymour Group is here, and now Kristian Shaw of the Shaw Group has just walked in!”


    “Isn’t this supposed to be just a casual singles gathering? Why does it suddenly feel like a summit of the elite?”


    “The real question is—what brings Mr. Shaw and Mr. Seymour here of all ces?”


    “Who knows.”


    Whispers swirled through the crowd like wind through trees, each guest eager to approach Kristian, yet held back by the frosty aura he exuded.


    Kristian caught fragments of their hushed conversations and strode toward the woman who had just spoken.


    The youngdy’s breath caught in her throat; nerves danced in her chest.


    Kristian Shaw was standing right in front of her!


    “You said the daughter of Hugh Briggs is here?” Kristian asked, his gaze turning sharp and unreadable, his voice calm but steady. “Is her name Freya?”


    “Y-Yes,” she stammered, nodding so hard it was a wonder her head stayed on. “It’s Freya Briggs.”


    Kristian gave a small nod and walked off with Damon in that direction. As they moved, Damon nced sideways and ventured a bold guess.


    “Is Freya your ex-wife?”


    Kristian didn’t answer.


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