?Chapter 521:


    By the time Melvin reached his office, the clock had struck eleven.


    Freya had just finished her work when her eyesnded on him. “Weren’t you supposed to be off today?”


    Her earlier morning had involved approving Melvin’s request for leave. “It’s resolved now,” Melvin said, his gaze locking with Freya’s,den with unspoken thoughts.


    He wrestled with the idea of telling her the truth.


    He might’ve made a drunken promise to Kristian not to tell Freya, but looking into her eyes now, the guilt made lying feel impossible.


    “You seem off,” Freya remarked, catching the shift in his demeanor. “If you’re still feeling the effects ofst night, perhaps you should head home and rest. You can always return tomorrow.”


    Melvin remained silent for a moment before addressing her formally. “Ms. Briggs.”


    “Yes?” she responded, puzzled.


    “Do you truly want to know what was discussed between Kristian and your grandpa?” Melvin asked, his expression unreadable.


    “I am just curious,” Freya confessed, her honesty unguarded. “Were you unable to learn anything from Gerard?” Melvin remained tight-lipped.


    Unfazed, Freya shrugged slightly. “You didn’t have to go through the trouble. I’ve been thinking, and it doesn’t seem right to coax secrets out of Gerard just for my own curiosity.”


    Gerard had always shown her kindness and respect. If he’d let something slip while drunk, the me would fall squarely on him, and she couldn’t bear the thought of him suffering for something tied to her.


    Melvin finally broke the silence, his voice low and conflicted. “I did get it out of him.” There was no attempt to sugarcoat it—he couldn’t bring himself to lie to her face.


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    Freya blinked, brows lifting in mild shock. “You did?”


    Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied his face. “You seem… off. Is something bothering you?” She couldn’t help but be curious.


    Melvin, typically a paragon of efficiency and emotional control, seemed uncharacteristically hesitant now.


    “After much thought, I know what Kristian discussed with your grandpa,” Melvin finally said, his words measured. “But I’ve decided not to tell you.”


    Normally, such a revtion might have irked Freya.


    Why bring it up if he wasn’t going to share?


    But this was Melvin, a steadfastpanion since the early days of Anita International Group, who had dedicated himself wholeheartedly to both thepany and her. His sincerity was undeniable; if he chose to keep it from her, he likely had apelling reason.


    “No need to, then,” Freya said evenly, betraying no sign of agitation. “Share it with me when you’re ready. However, if their discussion brings anyplications, I’m counting on you to help me navigate them.”


    “You aren’t upset with me?” Melvin’s voice wavered slightly, a rare break in his usuallyposed fa?ade. This marked a shift from his years of unwaveringpliance with her directives. He had braced himself for any fallout.


    “Why would I be upset?” Freya responded, her tone soothing. “You clearly have your reasons. And now that you’re in the know, should the need arise for me to be informed, you’ll tell me, right?”


    “Absolutely,” Melvin affirmed with a nod. He had resolved not to disclose anything until she expressed a genuine need to know. After all, Kristian’s actions were inconsequential, and sharing them would only burden her with needless worry.


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