?Chapter 531:


    Gerard, who had his ear pressed against it, stumbled forward and nearly fell t on his face.


    Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Gerard caught sight of the empty room. No one was inside. Before he could voice his confusion, he saw Kristian’s face darken, his expression colder than before.


    Without a word, Kristian spun on his heel and stalked off, tossing a singlemand over his shoulder. “Call Melvin. If he so much as touches Freya, I’ll show him what despair really feels like.”


    “Melvin?” Gerard echoed, even more confused now.


    Kristian didn’t answer. He was already heading toward the reception desk.


    Gerard stood frozen for a moment,pletely lost, but if Kristian was this serious, something must definitely be off.


    After a quick pause, he fished out his phone and called Melvin. Whatever this mess was, it needed clearing up. Surely, it was just a misunderstanding—Melvin wouldn’t dare hurt Freya.


    But after a few rings, Melvin declined the call.


    Gerard stopped in his tracks, stunned.


    Kristian turned, noticing. “Did you get through?”


    “I did,” Gerard replied, his stomach dropping. “But he hung up.”


    Kristian’s expression turned cial.


    With worry creeping in, he didn’t care anymore about whether Freya might resent him for interfering. He kept walking, dialing her number.


    Just like Melvin’s call, hers ended abruptly after a few rings.


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    He tried again. This time, her phone was switched off.


    Watching Kristian’s face grow colder by the second, Gerard scrambled to send Melvin a message. “Why’d you hang up? Mr. Shaw is looking for you. Where are you?”


    Melvin replied, “I’m busy with Ms. Briggs. Tell your boss not to disturb.”


    Still not reassured, Gerard texted again, “Just pick up the phone.”


    Melvin’s reply came quickly, “I’ll call youter.”


    Seeing that Melvin sounded calm, Gerard felt a little bit of relief and followed Kristian toward the front desk.


    The hotel staff greeted them with perfect politeness.


    Kristian didn’t waste words. “I need a room on the 23rd floor. Any type will do.” Despite his apparent agitation, his voice remained cool and collected.


    The receptionist checked the system before responding, “All rooms on the 23rd floor are currently booked.”


    “Not even one left?”


    “That’s correct, sir.”


    Kristian’s gaze turned stormy.


    Still confused, Gerard asked, “Sir, why do you need a room?”


    “Unlock the elevator to the 23rd floor. I’m heading up to find my friend,” Kristian said, brushing off the question.


    “I’m sorry, sir, but you’ll need to provide your friend’s name and room number,” the receptionist replied politely.


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