?Chapter 861:


    But as Kristian’s assistant, there were lines he couldn’t cross.


    “Alright,” Freya agreed, her voice holding more weight than usual. “I’ll head over in a couple of days. Should I bring Kristian?”


    “Either way is fine,” Gerard replied inly. “As long as you say the system was your personal choice, that’s all that matters.”


    Freya answered, “Understood.”


    Once the call ended, she sent Gerard a message—but with his phone turned off, he never received it.


    The next day, Freya had just wrapped up some work when Frederick messaged her, suggesting they all meet up. Although such gatherings didn’t particrly excite her, she usually went along for the sake of friendship. Today, however, was different.


    “I’m skipping this one. You all enjoy,” Freya said as she left her study, her eyes brieflynding on Kristian, who was reading on the sofa.


    “Come on,” Frederick said, exchanging a nce with Greta. They had arranged the meet-up hoping to observe how Ellis and Freya were getting along. If things weren’t progressing, they could help move it along. But if Freya didn’t show, what was the point?


    “Is it work?” Frederick asked seriously. “You could bring it along—Trent could give you a hand.”


    “It’s not work,” Freya admitted without hesitation. “It’s Kristian.” She felt at ease going out with her family; Kristian wouldn’t stir up any trouble during those times. But with Frederick’s group? Given how unpredictable Kristian had be, who knew what might happen? All she wanted was peace.


    Frederick looked genuinely puzzled. “Kristian? What’s he got to do with it?”


    Freya gave him a quick rundown.


    Updated stories galnoνe?s


    In their circle, Frederick was notorious for gossip, but beyond it, he was discreet and wouldn’t let anything slip.


    “Is he faking it?” Frederick spected after hearing her out. “Thest video he posted seemed normal enough.”


    “I had him mimic his old self,” Freya exined. “You guys go have fun. Once Kristian’s situation is sorted out, dinner’s on me.”


    She had reviewed hours of surveince footage to help Kristian maintain the illusion when he returned.


    “No big deal,” Greta said, grabbing Frederick’s phone and taking over the conversation with Freya. “Why not just bring him and see what happens?”


    Freya looked confused.


    Frederick seemed equally lost. Was this a face-off between the ex and the current me?


    “Ask him if he wants toe,” Greta said seriously, her eyes steady. “Let him know I’ll be there, along with Frederick, Ellis, and Trent. If he wants to join, bring him along. If not, we’ll n something else.”


    Freya hesitated for a moment.


    “Freya, ask him,” Frederick nudged her.


    She turned toward Kristian, who was watching her from the sofa. After a beat of consideration, she spoke.


    Being cooped up too long might not be great for his recovery. But if she went out, it wasn’t like she had any particr hobbies anyway.


    “Frederick and my other friends asked me toe out. Ellis is going too,” Freya said simply. “Do you want toe?”


    “Do you think they’d be alright with me tagging along?” Kristian asked, his tone sincere.


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