?Chapter 553:


    “Actually, I wanted to invite you somewhere else, more than just for coffee.” Freya stirred her cup, her voice calm.


    Norah grinned, her vibe easygoing and open, seemingly missing the tension beneath Freya’s words. “If it’s you inviting, I’m in.”


    “Really?” Freya asked.


    “Of course,” Norah said with a casual shrug. “Still haven’t told me why we’re here, though.”


    “A few days back, when I saw Farrah, she mentioned wanting to treat you to dinner,” Freya said lightly. “She still hasn’t properly thanked you for helping her out that day.”


    “That was no big deal,” Norahughed. “No need for all the fuss.”


    “Maybe not to you, but for her, it meant saving her child.” Freya kept the tone light. “She’s cooking for you tonight at her ce—made quite a spread.”


    “Where’s she staying?” Norah asked.


    Freya stopped stirring, locking eyes with her. “Don’t you already know?”


    “Huh?” Norah looked genuinely confused.


    “Didn’t you tell Felipe where she was?” Freya asked, straight to the point.


    Norah’s brows furrowed. “What are you talking about?”


    Freya watched her closely, not saying a word.


    “Did you get something mixed up? Or did someone fill your head with nonsense?” Norah asked. “I haven’t spoken to Felipe since I got back to Alerith.”


    “There’s no point pretending, Miss Russell,” Freya said, her voice steady.


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    “I seriously don’t know anything,” Norah replied, her face the picture of innocence.


    Her expression was so convincing that if Freya hadn’t dug deeper after her suspicions, she might’ve fallen for it.


    Norah’s forehead creased. “So you brought me here today to use me of tipping off Felipe?”


    “Yes,” Freya didn’t dance around it.


    “I swear I didn’t. Whoever said that—cut them off,” Norah insisted, her manner still calm. “I don’t even know where Farrah is. And even if I did, I wouldn’t tell Felipe. I’ve got nothing against her.”


    “You might not have anything against her, but you do against me,” Freya said, quietly admiring the performance. “You’ve got a thing for Kristian, don’t you?”


    Norah’s confusion only deepened. “Me? Into Kristian? If that were true, why would I turn down my grandpa’s offer to arrange a marriage with him?”


    “Norah Russell,” Freya said calmly.


    Norah met her gaze.


    “It’s just us here. No point pretending anymore. The fact that I’m even sitting here with you means I know it was you,” Freya stated inly.


    “If I didn’t do it, then I didn’t. Nothing else to say,” Norah replied, standing to leave.


    Freya caught her wrist, firm but not harsh. “Sit. We’re not done.”


    Norah furrowed her brows at her, clearly annoyed.


    Freya, on the other hand, held her gaze—calm, unflinching, and resolute.


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