?Chapter 526:


    “How’s it feel, being duped?”


    Caught off guard, Gerard’s head snapped up. How did Kristian know?


    “Why didn’t I realize before that you’re this easy to crack?” Kristian sounded unimpressed, like Gerard’s defenses were paper-thin.


    “It was… an ident.”


    Gerard didn’t even try to defend himself. Deep down, he knew he’d kind of let it happen.


    “How’d you find out?”


    “Melvin,” Kristian said inly.


    “He told you?” Gerard was stunned. What was Melvin thinking? Why would hee clean to Kristian right after getting what he wanted?


    Kristian didn’t respond.


    Right away, Gerard’s gaze drifted, recallingst night’s phone call.


    “Do you really know him?”


    “Who?” Gerard blinked, then guessed based on the conversation, “Melvin?”


    Kristian nodded.


    “We’ve known each other a long time.”


    Gerard didn’t see a reason to lie. “Same high school, same college. I actually wanted him to join Shaw Group at first, but he turned me down. He said he had other ns. He’s not big on talking, kind of stiff, but honestly? He’s a good guy.”


    What stood out most to Gerard was something from their school days—how Melvin had once stepped in to defend him.


    Back in high school, Gerard had been the quiet type—good-looking, soft-spoken—not like now, with his polished smile and easy confidence. Because of that soft image, he was often picked on. Before Gerard could even react, Melvin had jumped in, kicked the bullies aside, and stood in front of him like a wall.


    In that moment, Gerard had thought Melvin was being reckless—he was only making himself the next target. And yeah, Melvin did end up getting targeted. But he didn’t care. One by one—or even all at once—he took them on and knocked them down. After that, they became close friends. They’d been tight ever since.


    “What else?” Kristian pressed.


    “What exactly are you trying to find out?” Gerard asked, sensing Kristian wasn’t just asking for fun.


    Kristian didn’t answer. He just stared, his silence loaded with pressure. Gerard shifted ufortably. What was happening here? Why was Kristian giving him that look?


    “If Freya offered you a billion to spill what I said to her grandfather, would you take it?” Kristian asked, straight as an arrow.


    Gerard’s eyes lit up, a grin tugging at his lips. “A billion?”


    “Yes.”


    “Not a million—an entire billion?”


    “Yes.”


    “You’re my boss. Your secrets are safe with me,” Gerard answered, putting on his best loyal-employee face. “Not for a billion. Not even two.”


    “Be honest,” Kristian’s voice dropped, colder than before.


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