?Chapter 883:


    As they descended in the elevator and emerged through the hotel’s grand entrance, they encountered an unexpected obstacle—another group of bodyguards formed a protective barrier before them. The atmosphere crackled with tension as the two security teams sized each other up, neither willing to back down.


    “This is Ms. Briggs, Mr. Shaw’s… special someone,” Gerard intervened diplomatically. “He’s fallen ill and lost consciousness. She’s personally escorting him to receive medical attention.”


    Kristian’s security team exchanged suspicious nces. A logical inconsistency troubled them—if Kristian truly needed medical assistance, wouldn’t they have been called to help facilitate his departure? Something about this scenario felt off.


    “If you want to keep your job, I suggest you clear a path,” Gerard murmured to the lead bodyguard with cold, calcted intensity. “Mr. Shaw orchestrated this whole fainting episode to get Ms. Briggs’s nurturing attention. If you disrupt his n, you’ll surely face his wrath.”


    The leader hesitated for a moment, uncertainty written across his face.


    Before he could decide, his peripheral vision caught Kristian’s seemingly lifeless hand making a subtle yet unmistakable gesture. In that instant, understanding clicked into ce. He immediately signaled for his team to stand down.


    The defensive formation dissipated, and Freya’s team moved quickly, carrying Kristian’s motionless form to the waiting vehicle.


    Once safely ensconced in the car’s privacy, Freya carefully readjusted the tie that had be disheveled during Kristian’s unconscious state, restoring it to its original immacte condition.


    It was only then that she realized, with sudden rity, that she had neglected to eat throughout the day. She had wisely arranged for breakfast to be ready upon their arrival, intending for Kristian to eat as soon as he regained consciousness.


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    However, even after thirty minutes had passed in the tranquility of her home, Kristian showed no signs of waking.


    Freya studied his serene face with growing suspicion. ording to her calctions, the effects of her precise strike should have worn off by now.


    Could he possibly be… feigning unconsciousness?


    She approached the bedside deliberately and studied his peaceful expression. Recalling his remarkable talent for deception, she said with firm resolve, “Rise and join me for breakfast. I know you’re just pretending to be unconscious.”


    Kristian remainedpletely still, betraying not the slightest reaction.


    “If you keep up this charade, I’ll pour this ss of water straight onto your face,” Freya threatened, though there was a hint of yfulness beneath her words.


    Kristian’s intense, enigmatic eyes fluttered open immediately. With measured grace, he sat up. “You rejected me unequivocally. Why did you bring me back?”


    “When exactly did your mental faculties return to normal?” Freya countered.


    “The very day I visited Lawrence,” Kristian confessed without hesitation.


    Freya took a moment to reflect on that pivotal encounter.


    She couldn’t help but admire his exceptional acting skills. Even her keen eye had failed to detect any sign of his restored faculties.


    As the silence stretched on, Kristian’s emotional turmoil became evident. “Have I angered you?”


    “No,” Freya replied, her voice devoid of emotion.


    If this deception had been carried out by the old Kristian, fury would have consumed her, and she might have felt manipted and foolish.


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