?Chapter 855:


    Gerard, still indulging in his vacation in Jeucwell, answered with a groggy, “Hello?”


    “Are you certain Melvin knows Freya well?” Kristian’s voice was calm, nearly a whisper.


    Gerard frowned, rubbing his eyes before sitting up and slipping on his sses. “Pretty sure. What’s going on?”


    “Find out whether Freya is afraid of ghosts,” Kristian said, his tone softer than silk. “But don’t let him know the questiones from me.”


    Gerard stared at his phone in disbelief. Ghosts? How could Freya be afraid of ghosts?


    He remembered clearly—when they were newly married, he had orchestrated an escape room challenge for the couple to build a bond. Freya had cracked the riddles in minutes. What terrified others left her amused.


    And the haunted house? That had been Kristian’s chance to y the hero. Instead, she’d ended up shielding him. Not because he was afraid—but because her courage simply eclipsed all expectations.


    Still, he wasn’t going to share that detail now.


    He had withheld the truth about Kristian’s recovery from Freya, and he wasn’t about to betray her now.


    “You’re quiet,” Kristian said. “Why?”


    “If you’re that curious about whether she fears ghosts, why not test it yourself?” Gerard said dryly. “Throw on a costume, jump out at her, and see if she screams—or punches you.” From what he knew, thetter was more likely.


    “Come over tomorrow,” Kristian said suddenly, as if the idea had just taken root.


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    “I’m still in Jeucwell,” Gerard protested.


    “Catch a morning flight to Alerith. You’llnd before noon,” Kristian ordered. “Buy the best ghost costume you can find, ande up with a reason to lure Freya to your ce.”


    “Mr. Shaw…” Gerard hesitated.


    Kristian’s tone remained even. “What?”


    “Are you holding a grudge against her?” Gerard asked, unsure. “Why this constant effort to spook her?”


    “You’re the one who made the suggestion,” Kristian replied coldly. “If you’re unwilling, then find out from Melvin instead. I want an answer before midnight tomorrow.”


    He ended the call, his aura growing darker by the second, menace trailing him like a long shadow. If Freya wasn’t scared of ghosts, then her performance earlier had been nothing but a smokescreen—to keep her distance.


    And if that was the case, he’d have to take matters into his own hands. He was determined to make her his before the man next door came back—no matter what it cost, even if it meant actions she wouldn’t appreciate.


    The thought tightened around him like a noose, his mood growing increasingly vtile.


    Meanwhile, Freya remained unfazed by his schemes. She messaged Natasha directly, asking, “How much did he pay you?”


    Natasha responded innocently, “What are you talking about?”


    Freya followed up, “Do I need to look through your transactions or your chats with him?”


    There was a beat of silence. Freya was sharp and brilliant in many areas. How she wished she could outdo Freya in hacking.


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