?Chapter 764:


    It wasn’t until Kristian was neck-deep in research that Gerard finally managed to catch a breather. Seizing the moment, he fired off a half-yful, half-serious text to Melvin. “Anita International still hiring?”


    Melvin responded quickly, “Why? You applying?”


    Gerard typed out a pitiful line, “My boss has lost his mind.” He hovered over the send button.


    But he paused, remembering Kristian’s earlier warning—and thought better of it. He knew what was at stake.


    He didn’t dare send it.


    If he let Kristian’s secret slip now, there was no telling what kind of chaos might follow.


    Melvin texted again, “You asking for yourself or someone else?”


    Gerard answered, “Me.”


    Melvin, quick as ever, shot back, “Shaw Group went under?”


    He added, “Didn’t you swear you’d stick it out till the end?”


    Gerard stared at the string of messages, his fingers hovering over the keys, but in the end, he didn’t type a word.


    He couldn’t talk about it—not yet. Something told him there was more going on between Kristian and Lawrence, but he had nothing concrete. His mind buzzing with uneasy thoughts, he changed the subject. “When does your annual party wrap up?”


    Melvin replied, “Eight sharp. But there’s a masquerade singles mixer upstairs after—who knows howte that’ll go.”


    Gerard was about to respond when Melvin’s call came through.


    “What’s going on with you?”


    Even over the phone, Melvin could tell Gerard’s energy was off.


    Feel the thrill at g aln  ov el s .


    “It’s nothing,” Gerard said, sinking onto the couch as the steady click of a keyboard echoed from the study. “Just… a lot’s been happening. It’s been rough.”


    “Want a drink?”


    “Yeah.”


    “Go get some. I’ll swing by after the party.”


    A faint smile tugged at Gerard’s lips. “Alright.”


    Melvin didn’t push any further. After loosely making ns, he ended the call, still a little puzzled—figuring this might be a good chance to sniff out the truth. There were just too many things he couldn’t quite put his finger on.


    Before long, the day passed without anyone noticing.


    That night, the annual party turned out to be a full-blown sess. The raffle, hands down, was the highlight of the night. Starting from the third prize and moving up, every time a name was called, the room burst into wild cheers andughter. By the time they reached the grand prize, the excitement in the hall had hit its peak.


    Freya and Ellis lingered on the second floor, tucked away in a quiet corner, watching the scene unfold below.


    Freya asked, “Aren’t you going down for the raffle?”


    “No.”


    “Why not?”


    “The money and prizes sound nice, sure—but none of that’s what I really want.” Ellis had never been the type to chase after material things.


    .


    .


    .