《She Took The House The Car And My Heart》


 Chapter 1

    Chapter 1 We''ll Divorce On Monday


    At night, the spacious living room glowed under bright lights as two people sat across from each other, a divorce agreement resting between them.


    Kristian Shaw, impably dressed in a tailored suit, exuded an air of cold detachment. His sharp features remained unreadable, his presencemanding and intimidating. His piercing gaze settled on the silent woman opposite him, his eyes inscrutable.


    "We''ll divorce on Monday," he dered, his voice firm and emotionless. "Aside from thepensation in the agreement, you may request anything else you need."


    "Why so sudden?" Freya Briggs asked, her voice quieter than usual.


    Kristian''s answer was blunt. "Ashley is back."


    Freya knew exactly who Ashley was. After a brief pause, she replied, "Okay."


    Kristian hesitated, caught off guard by her immediate eptance.


    Freya opened the divorce papers, her thoughts drifting to the past.


    Two years ago, they had met at a nightclub. She had been weighed down by worries; he had been nursing a broken heart. A few drinkster, they found sce in each other''spany, talkingte into the night.


    There had been no impulsive one-night stand-just a quiet parting afterward.


    Three dayster, he had returned with his assistant to propose marriage. And she had agreed.


    After getting married, he had treated her well-tending to her needs, drying her hair with gentle hands, and solving her problems before she even voiced them.


    Their rtionship had been perfect¡ªuntil six months ago, when a single phone call changed everything.


    Overnight, he grew distant, his warmth reced by icy indifference.


    That was when she learned the truth: Kristian had married her because she bore a faint resemnce to his lost love, Ashley Bradley.


    The memory made Freya press her lips together before she asked lightly, "You said I could ask forpensation, right?"


    "Yes," Kristian replied tly.


    "Anything I want?" She lifted her gaze to him, her delicate face devoid of its usual brightness.


    For a fleeting moment, guilt flickered in his chest. "Yes."


    He had already resolved to grant her reasonable demands.


    After all, she had been good to him all the time.


    Freya''s voice was steady. "Then I want the most expensive car in your garage."


    "Fine," Kristian agreed.


    "A vi in the suburbs," she added.


    "Done," he said.


    Freya smiled. "And a share of the money you''ve earned in thest two years."


    For the first time, Kristian''sposure cracked. His eyes narrowed slightly, as if questioning whether he''d heard correctly. "What did you say?"


    Freya, unfazed, repeated her demand. "Our earnings during the marriage count as marital property, don''t they? Based on my calctions-excluding investments ¡ªyour sry and dividends over thest two years amount to several billion. I don''t want much-just 40%."


    A heavy silence settled between them.


    Then, she added, as if casually mentioning the weather, "Of course, you''re wee to take 40% of my ie too."


    Kristian''s patience finally snapped. "Freya!" His voice carried an edge of disbelief.


    Had he really felt guilty earlier? How had he never noticed her greed?


    Freya met his gaze evenly. "Is that not eptable?"


    Absolutely not.


    Kristian dismissed the idea instantly.


    "Then forget it." Freya set down her pen. "Next time I see your family, I''ll bring up your emotional infidelity. I''m sure they''ll take my side."


    Kristian''s expression dark ned, his stare turning cial. He hadn''t anticipated this side of her-realizing now that her past docility had been an act.


    "Do you really want to negotiate with me like this?" he demanded.


    "Yes." Freya held his gaze without flinching. She knew he despised threats-but she despised infidelity more.


    "Fine." Kristian''s eyes turned stormy, his voice cial. "You''ll get what you want. But if the divorce hitsplications, you''ll regret it."


    Freya leaned back in her chair, her tone razor-sharp. "Kristian Shaw, is that a threat?"


    This version of her was foreign to Kristian. For two years, she''d been the picture ofpliance-gentle, amodating, never defiant. Now, she met his anger with unshakable calm.


    "No." Already calcting countermeasures, he bit out, "You''ll have the assets. We divorce on Monday."


    Freya''sshes lowered briefly before she added, "One more condition."


    "Speak." His patience frayed.


    "Take me shopping tomorrow." She ignored the frost radiating from him. "Afterward, we''ll tell your family together that I ended things."


    "Deal," Kristian conceded.


    With that, he strode toward the door, unable to stomach another second in her presence.


    Earlier, he''d even considered granting her a grace period to process the divorce. Howughable. She couldn''t wait to carve up his fortune and be rid of him.


    Had Freya been able to read his thoughts, she might haveughed and said, "That little money? Do you really think I care?"


    Kristian reached the door and halted. Without turning around, he said, "I won''t be back tonight. I''ll pick you up at nine tomorrow morning. Make a list of the stores you want to visit."


    Freya''s voice followed him, calm butced with something sharp. "Are you going to see Ashley Bradley?"


    Kristian''s jaw tightened. "That''s none of your business."


    Freya let out a quiet breath, as if she had already expected that answer. "I don''t tolerate cheating," she said inly. "So before the divorce is finalized, you''d better not end up in bed with her."


    Kristian whirled back, looming over her.


    Freya didn''t blink. "What? Can''t endure two more days?"


    "I understand your bitterness," he said, eerilyposed, "butshing out won''t help. This is a divorce, not war."


    Freya blinked at him. For a moment, she was at a loss for words. This man was truly shameless.


    Kristian didn''t wait for a response. "Good night." And with that, he turned and left.


    The door clicked shut behind him.


    Freya''s gaze drifted down to the divorce papers still lying on the table. She stood there for a long time, unmoving.


    To say she felt nothing would have been a lie. She wasn''t made of stone.


    The moment she discovered she was nothing more than a stand-in, the hurt had settled deep in her bones.


    Kristian had been her first love. In twenty-four years, no one else had breached her defenses. Before the betrayal, he''d been perfection itself¡ªattentive, steady, silencing every doubt with his quiet devotion.


    So when she learned of Ashley, she''d offered to leave. To free him. But he''d refused.

 Chapter 2

    Chapter 2 Kristian Was Pure Scumbag


    The reason behind Kristian''s refusal was simple. Before Ashley returned, he needed someone to manage his elders at home-and Freya, adored by his parents and grandpa, was the obvious choice.


    But sometimes, Freya couldn''t help but wonder-did he really think she was a fool? Otherwise, why would he assume she''d y along in hiding his affair?


    Now, with his sudden demand for divorce, frustration simmered inside her. Even after six months of steeling herself, a stubborn flicker of emotion remained. She let out a slow breath, crossed to the sofa, and grabbed her phone.


    She tapped the contactbeled "Fred"-untouched for two years-and typed, "Check if Shaw Group''s facing any issues. And find out if Kristian''s terminally ill."


    Fred''s replies exploded onto the screen instantly.


    "Holy-Freya?!"


    "Never thought I''d hear from you again!"


    "Two years, Freya. TWO."


    "Where''ve you been?!"


    She didn''t bother exining.


    Mood sour, she fired back a single word, "Check."


    Fred caved. "On it!"


    She tossed the phone aside and waited.


    If Kristian was divorcing her to spare her some tragedy, she''d forgive him-maybe even help. But if he was just an unfaithful jerk? She''d drop him without a second thought.


    Thirty minutester, her phone buzzed with Fred''s verdict. "Zero troubles. No illness, no crisis. Why the hell are you asking? Kristian''s loaded, hot, and sharp¡ª you two are a match. Don''t you like pretty boys? Give it a shot!"


    She ignored the jab and shot back, "You are so blind."


    Then she silenced her phone.


    No external factors meant only one thing-Kristian was pure scum.


    Fred stared at his screen, baffled. Did Freya wake up in a mood today?


    Freya''s gazended on the divorce papers. After a pause, she snatched a pen, scrawled her name, and shoved them into a drawer. Then she headed for the shower.


    When she emerged, her phone was a disaster-dozens of unread messages and 32 missed calls.


    No guessing needed. Frederick Price-aka Fred-had clearly bbed about her resurrection to the entire world.


    Towel draped over her damp hair, she reached for her phone-only for it to ring again.


    The caller ID shed; it was her father.


    Her chest tightened. Two years of silence, and now he called?


    She''d left Alerith City due to a situation involving her mother, and neither had she


    reached out to her father nor had he contacted her-until now.


    After a pause, she answered coolly. "Hello."


    Silence.


    Freya, never one for patience, was about to hang up when Hugh Briggs'' raspy voice cut through. "Mina."


    That name wed at buried memories.


    "What do you want?" she asked tly.


    Hugh hesitated, guilt threading his words. "Frederick told me you reached out.


    Said you were digging into Kristian. Need help?"


    "No." Freya had no interest in his involvement.


    A beat passed before Hugh ventured, "What''s your rtionship with him?"


    "A couple." She let the word hang. "About to divorce."


    Hugh''s


    breath hitched. She was married?


    "You" he started.


    "If that''s all, I''m done." Freya didn''t want to waste any more breath on him.


    "Wait!" he rushed.


    She held her tongue.


    The line crackled with tension.


    Finally, he muttered, "When are youing back? That woman''s gone."


    Then, hastily, he added, "Your mom''s belongings are untouched."


    Her fingers tightened around the phone. For a flicker, emotion crossed her face- then vanished. "Noted."


    She hung up before he could protest.


    Hugh stared at the dead line, frustration curdling in his chest. He hadn''t even asked about her marriage.


    Freya didn''t spare him another thought. She flicked her phone to airne mode, towel-dried her hair, and copsed into bed.


    The night passed without dreams.


    By eight the next morning, she was up-dressed and breakfasted.


    Today, she''d taken care with her makeup. Her skin glowed; her lips, naturally full, needed no enhancement. But her eyes-sharp, luminous¡ªwere the real weapon.


    Her smile was bright, bringing a warmth that could instantly lift anyone''s spirits. When Kristian arrived, she was already waiting on the sofa. Her shoulder-length hair was pinned back, bangs swept up under a ck beret.


    At the sight of him, she rose gracefully, reaching for a coat and draping it over her shoulder.


    "Let''s go." She grabbed her purse, her toneposed and unbothered.


    Kristian didn''t move. His tailored suit emphasized his height as he said, "Not today."


    Freya stilled.


    "I have othermitments." His voice was indifferent. His gaze lingered-too long-on her face. "Tomorrow."


    "Kristian Shaw." Her tone was a warning.


    He disliked it instantly.


    "I put on makeup today," she said, her voice deceptively calm but carrying an unmistakable edge. "If you want our divorce to go smoothly on Monday, push aside whatever ns you have. I don''t deal with people who break their promises."


    Kristian''s eyes narrowed.


    After a silent calction, he stepped out to make a call. Fragments floated back- Ashley... hospital... follow-up.


    Freya''s grip on her purse turned white-knuckled. Inside, she seethed. Even now, Ashley upied his thoughtspletely.


    Kristian missed Freya''s fury. All he saw was how she shone today¡ªvibrant, untamed. Nothing like the subdued woman he knew.


    After hanging up, he inquired where she wanted to shop. Freya mentioned thergest luxury mall in town.


    This wasn''t shopping. This was a spree. By 10 AM, the four bodyguards trailed behind her like pack mules-arms stacked with watches, jewels, designer bags. Kristian''s phone chimed nonstop with alerts.


    As Freya strode into yet another jewelry boutique, his jaw hardened. This wasn''t retail therapy; she was intentionally trying to irritate him.

 Chapter 3

    Chapter 3 Why Hurt Ashley


    Gerard Todd, Kristian''s ever-dutiful assistant, hesitated for a moment before asking, "Sir, should I go ahead and book a restaurant?"


    Kristian massaged his temples, irritation shing across his face. "No need."


    He knew Freya was venting her frustration. If splurging eased her temper, so be it -he''d let her spend freely.


    The moment the words left his mouth, his phone vibrated. Another alert shed- over thirty million had just vanished from his ount.


    Gerard averted his eyes, while the four bodyguards stood stiffly, armsden with shopping bags like silent, overburdened mules.


    Freya strode out of the jewelry boutique and casually handed hertest purchase to Gerard, whose hands were conspicuously empty. Just as she turned to


    continue her spree, Kristian''s phone rang.


    His posture shifted instantly. The tension in his shoulders eased, his frown softening as he nced at the caller ID. Long fingers cradled the phone, his voice uncharacteristically tender as he answered. "Hello, Ashley."


    Gerard and the bodyguards exchanged startled nces. Had their boss forgotten Freya was standing right there?


    "Ashley was in a car ident on her way to a hospital follow-up. She''s


    unconscious¡ªstill in surgery," the voice on the line blurted, frantic. "Pleasee. She kept calling your name before they took her in."


    "Send the address. I''m on my way." Kristian''s chest constricted, the words sharp with urgency.


    He ended the call, his gaze flickering to Freya.


    An exnation hovered on his lips, but he swallowed it. Instead, he turned to Gerard and the bodyguards. "Stay with her. Buy whatever she wants. If it doesn''t fit in the car, have it delivered by this afternoon."


    "Yes, sir," the five men chorused.


    Without another word, Kristian strode off, leaving Freya and the others in his wake.


    An ufortable silence settled over the group.


    Gerard adjusted his gold-rimmed sses, forcing a polished smile. "Mrs. Shaw, don''t worry. Mr. Shaw will return once he handles matters."


    "What a loyal employee," Freya murmured, her toneced with something unreadable.


    Gerard blinked, thrown by her response.


    Freya studied the mall''s glittering chandeliers, her voice deliberate. "Being his assistant is one thing. But cleaning up his messes? Tell me, Gerard-have you ever seen a man ditch his wife mid-date to run to his mistress?"


    The bodyguards stiffened; Gerard''s smile froze.


    For a heartbeat, all five men stared at her with something dangerously close to pity.


    This might be the price of marrying into wealth-knowing her husband had left her for another woman while she was expected to swallow the insult.


    "Save the sympathy." Freya scoffed, amused by their expressions. She gestured to the bags weighing them down. "A single one of those could cover your sry for a year. Maybe ten."


    The blownded perfectly.


    She pressed, "Well, anything you''d like?"


    Five pairs of eyes widened in unison.


    Freya''s mind worked in ways they couldn''t follow.


    "Since he''s off ying hero for his darling, let''s put his money to better use." She


    twirled the ck card between her fingers, her voice quieter now.


    The sting surprised her. She hadn''t realized Kristian''s departure would still w at her.


    Right now, all she wanted was to drain his ount dry.


    Gerard and the bodyguards gaped.


    Delighted by their shock, Freya resumed shopping, the card clutched like a weapon.


    She assumed Kristian would linger at the hospital all day. But as she sat down to eat, he appeared like a storm, his presence slicing through the restaurant''s warmth.


    Before anyone could react, he seized Freya''s wrist and hauled her toward the parking area, his grip irond.


    Her back mmed against the car door, pain radiating through her. She winced. What the hell was his problem?


    His usation came like a whip crack, "Why hurt Ashley?"


    Kristian trembled with suppressed rage. "You hired that hit-and-run driver, didn''t you? I gave you everything you wanted, the house, the car, the money. What more do you want? Why did you still hurt her?"


    He looked like vengeance personified, his eyes cial.


    "When did I¡ª" Freya''s confusion was genuine.


    "Still lying?" His voice could''ve frosted ss. "You nned this. Picked today so


    I''d be distracted while your hired man ran her down. You know I''d die before letting her suffer."


    His voice was Arctic frost, the kind that seeped into bones and made spines stiffen.


    Freya''s initial fury dissolved into something colder, sharper. His absurd usation had an ironic effect-it drained her rage, leaving only icy rity.


    She met his gaze, lips curling in derision. "How poetic. Turning betrayal into some grand romance."


    "Freya Briggs!" Kristian''s control frayed, his shout raw with warning.


    "You''re delusional." She didn''t flinch, status be damned. "Think. Why would I trash my fresh start-my freedom-over someone like her?"


    "You know exactly why." His voice dropped lower, a de pressed to her throat.


    A realization flickered. "Ah. You think I''m still obsessed with you?"


    Kristian said nothing, but his clenched jaw and the fire in his eyes were answer enough.


    "Why should I still want you?" Freyaughed, the sound brittle. "After being treated as a stand-in? After your infidelity? After watching you fawn over another woman?"


    The wordsnded like ps.


    Kristian stiffened. "I didn''t cheat," he ground out.


    "You handed her your heart while wearing my ring." Her smile was lethal. "That''s cheating."


    "Enough deflection," he snapped.


    "You''re the one hallucinating conspiracies!"


    Silence. Kristian studied her, as if peeling backyers for the first time. The weight


    of his scrutiny was suffocating.


    Freya refused to wilt. "So she imed I hired a man to kill her, and you just... believed her?"


    "Yes." His anger faltered under her unwavering stare, but the frost remained. "Ashley didn''t lie. And she has proof."


    Freya''s brows arched.


    Her fingers dug into her bag strap, knuckles whitening. "Perfect. Let''s go to the hospital. Right now."


    Kristian blinked. Her immediate agreement threw him.


    Guilty people didn''t invite confrontation.


    Doubt slithered in. Was the evidence fabricated?


    "Move." Hermand shattered his thoughts.


    He released her wrist, disconcerted by her detachment. Something ugly twisted in


    his chest-annoyance? Guilt? Before he could name it, he yanked out his keys and wrenched the car door open.

 Chapter 4

    Chapter 4 Are You Threatening Me


    Gerard stepped forward swiftly to take the keys, assuming the role of driver without hesitation."


    Freya yanked the passenger door open and slid inside, her gaze fixed straight ahead-ignoring Kristian entirely.


    A knot of dread tightened in Gerard''s chest. What if Freya said something outrageous? The thought made his fingers clench around the wheel.


    After a weighted pause, he ventured, "Mrs. Shaw, you-"


    "Drive." Her reply was a de, sharp and final.


    Gerard flicked a nce at the rearview mirror. Kristian''s expression gave nothing away. Swallowing hard, he


    pulled out of the parking area.


    Silence smothered the car like a thick fog.


    The tension was unbearable. Gerard''s shoulders tensed, his grip on the steering wheel turning his knuckles


    white.


    Neither Kristian nor Freya spoke. Both radiated a frost so deep it could''ve cracked the windows.


    Gerard knew Kristian''s moods well-but Freya? She''d been almost cheerful earlier. What the hell happened?


    He bit back a sigh. Questions wouldn''t help now.


    In the back seat, Kristian''s gaze drifted unbidden to Freya''s profile. Something unfamiliar twisted in his chest


    -an emotion he refused to name.


    Thirty minutester, the car halted at the hospital entrance.


    Kristian seized Freya''s wrist, dragging her toward the VIP ward. His grip was iron, unyielding.


    She winced, her voice dripping with mockery. "At this rate, I won''t be the one charged-you''ll be arrested for


    assault first."


    He dropped her arm like it burned him. Angry red marks circled her skin.


    Freya shot him a look so scathing it could''ve melted steel.


    Guilt flickered in Kristian''s chest-brief, unwee. It vanished the moment Ashley''s bruised face shed in


    his mind.


    "Follow me," he muttered, turning on his heel. He didn''t wait to see if Freya obeyed.


    The door swung open. Ashleyy propped up in bed, her face lighting up at the sight of Kristian


    an," she


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    breathed, voice sweet with devotion.


    He was at her side in an instant, fingers brushing hers in silent reassurance.


    Freya strode in, took one look at them, and smirked. "Should I leave? Give you two some privacy?"


    Ashley flinched. "Ms. Briggs, it''s not what you think! We''re just-"


    "Let go of his hand," Freya interrupted, "and that lie might actually stick."


    She closed the distance to the bed, studying Ashley properly for the first time-soft


    features, delicate frame, eyes wide with practiced innocence.


    Ah. Now she understood. This was the woman Kristian loved.


    "Kristian..." Ashley''s fingers tightened around his, her lower lip trembling.


    Freya nearly rolled her eyes. The act was transparent.


    Ashley wanted her, to explode-to y the jealous wife and give Kristian another reason to despise her.


    Kristian misinterpreted Ashley''s grip as fear. His voice softened, a rarity. "It''s okay. I''m here."


    Freya''sugh was brittle. "Kristian, I''m right here."


    The audacity. unting his affair in her face-did he think she''d just take it?


    He ignored her, murmuring something to Ashley that made her blush.


    Freya''s patience snapped. "Gerard," she called, not turning from the bed. "How long will you lurk by the door?"


    Gerard stiffened. How had she even noticed him?


    "Get your phone out." Her tone was lethally calm. "Record your boss cozying up


    to his mistress. Let''s see how Shaw Group''s shareholders enjoy the scandal."


    Gerard paled. He never intended to be pulled into this.


    Ashley gasped, recoiling from Kristian as if burned.


    "Freya. Enough." Kristian''s voice was winter itself. He didn''t look at Freya, his hand still resting on Ashley''s back. "You''re here to apologize."


    Freya pulled out her phone, tapped the video recorder, and smiled. "Funny. I thought you brought me here to witness your cheating in person."


    The room plunged into silence.


    Freya saved the video with a deliberate tap, then slid her phone into her purse. "What do you think your mother would do if she received this?"


    Kristian''s face hardened into marble.


    Still handsome, Freya noted absently. Even fury couldn''t dull the sharp lines of his jaw-the man was unfairly


    attractive.


    "Are you threatening me?" His voice was dangerously quiet.


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    Chapter 4 Are You Threatening Me


    "Just admiring the view." She waved a hand toward them. "You''re both so... photogenic. I could frame every shot." Her gaze lingered, mocking. "But is this really how you want to handle things?"


    Kristian didn''t budge. His stance screamed loyalty to Ashley, not Freya


    "Fine." Freya dropped her purse onto a chair with a thud.


    Confusion rippled through the room, except for Gerard. His stomach dropped. He


    had a hunch she was plotting


    something.


    And he was right.


    Freya seized Gerard''s arm, her tone breezy. "Let''s make this quick. Gerard and I have business to discusster."


    Gerard''sposure shattered. "Sir, I swear, Mrs. Shaw and I, it''s not what it-"


    "Why so nervous?" Freya patted his sleeve, a viper''s smile curling her lips. "Miss Bradley isn''t flustered, and


    she''s the one clinging to my husband."


    Gerard choked. Kristian''s re could''ve frozenva.


    Ashley''s fingers twitched under the nket, her sweetness cracking to reveal something darker.


    Kristian''s jaw clenched. Gerard''s arm in Freya''s grip suddenly seemed... wrong.


    ¡°Gerard.¡± The warning in Kristian''s voice could''ve toppled empires.


    Gerard yanked his arm-once, twice. Freya''s grip didn''t yield.


    How was she this strong?! Panic scrambled his thoughts.


    "Sir-" His voice cracked. "Nothing''s happening here, I¡ª"


    Kristian''s eyes went arctic.


    Yet he adjusted Ashley''s pillow and pulled his hand away from her.


    Freya released Gerard with a smirk. She sank into a chair, crossing her legs.


    Gerard exhaled like a man granted ast-minute pardon.


    Ashley watched them, her nails biting into her palm under the sheets.


    "Miss Bradley." Freyaced her fingers together. "My darling tells me you''ve


    used me of hiring your attacker -with evidence." She stressed the word, gaze locked on Kristian. "Care to share?"

 Chapter 5

    Chapter 5 You''ve Changed


    Ashley cast a quick nce at Kristian and, with an unmistakable air of intimacy, said, "I''ll listen to Kristian."


    Freya, her striking eyes lifting slightly, turned to Kristian. "Darling, can I take a look?"


    Kristian noted the artificial warmth in her voice but remained silent. Without a word, he picked up the phone from the table and pulled up a conversation before handing it over.


    Freya took the phone, scanning the chat history.


    A contactbeled "Mrs. Shaw" had sent a message. "Help me get rid of Ashley, I''ll settle your debts and throw in an extra million."


    "How do I know you''ll keep your promise?" Ashley''s attacker responded.


    "I''m Kristian Shaw''s wife. A million is nothing to me," came the reply from "Mrs. Shaw".


    The attacker responded cautiously, "I''ll trust you this once. But if you go back on your word, I''m not afraid of making a scene at Shaw Group! Send me her photo,"


    Momentster, "Mrs. Shaw" sent an image, followed by a warning. "Don''t leave any traces."


    (Freya finished reading, her expression unreadable. She raised an eyebrow slightly and asked, "That''s it?"


    Kristian studied her face, searching for any flicker of panic-but found none. "That''s all."


    "It wasn''t me." Freya handed back the phone, her voice calm as she reasoned, "With your resources, it shouldn''t be difficult to track down who owns this ount."


    "The ount is new. No user identity verification," Kristian replied, his voice edged with cold detachment.


    "Then trace the login IP," Freya suggested effortlessly.


    Kristian''s gaze lingered on her, his expression darkening slightly.


    In all the years he had known her, intelligence had never been her defining trait.


    She had always relied on him to solve her problems.


    Yet, now she was analyzing the situation with a sharpness he hadn''t expected.


    "You''re not about to tell me the IP was hidden, are you?" Freya asked when his silence stretched a little too. long


    Kristian didn''t answer her directly. Instead, he issued an order. "Gerard, have the tech department trace all login IPs linked to this ount."


    "Understood," Gerard responded promptly, taking the phone and swiftly exiting the room, caught between Kristian and Freya''s tension.


    to avoid being


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    Kristian''s gaze remained fixed on her. "Are you absolutely sure it wasn''t you?" His voice was cool, unreadable


    From the moment he had seen the messages, he had been certain Freya was responsible. Everything about hertely had contradicted his previous impression of her


    She had never cared much about money before, yet during the divorce, the had demanded an exorbitant sum


    She had always been gentle and unassuming, but suddenly, she had be sharp and unrelenting


    Had her easygoing nature just been an illusion all along?


    Freya, unfazed, folded her arms. "Instead of wasting time questioning me, you might want to figure out how the driver got Miss Bradley''s schedule today," she pointed out coolly


    Kristian narrowed his eyes slightly but said nothing


    Before he could respond, she added, "Oh, and one more thing"


    "What is it?" he asked.


    "In cases like this, the logical first step would be to call the police," she remarked, holding his gaze. "Not toe after someone irrelevant like me."


    Kristian''s expression darkened.


    Strangely enough, the moment he learned Freya was involved, his first instinct had been to confront her-not to report it to the authorities.


    For a moment, silence stretched between them, an unspoken tension lingering in the air.


    Kristian found himself locked in her gaze. Her eyes-once perpetually warm- blinked slowly, her longshes fluttering like butterfly wings.


    Neither of them looked away. The moment broke when Ashley''s soft voice pulled Kristian back to the present.


    "Kristian," she murmured.


    His head turned slightly. "What is it?"


    Ashley hesitated for a beat before saying, "I want to rest now."


    It was a simple request, but the implication was clear-she wanted them gone.


    Freya, however, had no intention of leaving just yet. A subtle smile yed at her lips as she took a step closer to the bed. "Before you rest, shouldn''t you apologize to me?"


    "What?" Ashley''s eyes widened in feigned confusion.


    Kristian caught Freya''s implication instantly. His voice dropped to a warning growl. "Freya."


    She remained unshaken, her tone cial. "I won''t me you for seducing my husband¡ªa rtionship takes two. But let''s address your false usation first."


    "I''m sorry!" Ashley''s apology tumbled out, sharine with remorse. Her fingers twisted the ''Mrs. Shaw'', I just... assumed it was you."


    "When I saw


    "Oh?" Freya''s smile sharpened. ¡°I assumed you staged this ''ident'' because you couldn''t bear the thought of


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    Kristian shopping with me."


    "I didn''t!" Ashley''s protest was reflexive.


    "Freya." Kristian''s voice simmered with anger.


    She shrugged, deliberately casual. "Can''t take a joke?"


    "You call this a joke?" He stepped closer, shielding Ashley with his body. get her again, and you''ll deal with


    me."


    Freyaughed a sound like shattering ice. ¡°You rage over a joke, yet when she used me of attempted murder, where was this fury for me?"


    Kristian went still. His eyes turned arctic.


    "Kristian Shaw." She said his name like a verdict.


    Something in his chest lurched.


    He clenched his jaw against the feeling.


    "Need I remind you?" Her voice quivered just once-before steel returned. "We''re


    still married." Pride alone choked back the words "Your defense of her cuts deeper than you know."


    "Kristian," Ashley interjected, ying peacemaker. "This is my fault. Don''t be angry with her."


    Freya nearly rolled her eyes. She''d ignored the woman''s petty games, but patience had limits..


    "Since when do outsiders meddle in family matters?¡± Her tone could frost ss.


    "I just hate seeing you fight."


    "We''re fighting," Freya said slowly, "because of you."


    "I... I''m sorry." Ashley''s whisper was a masterss in faux penitence.


    "If apologies sufficed, we wouldn''t need courts."


    ¡°Enough.¡± Kristian seized Freya''s wrist-this time, his gripcked its earlier


    brutality. "With me. Now."


    She didn''t resist.


    Snatching her purse, she let him haul her into the corridor.


    At the hallway''s end, he released her, his mask of indifference back in ce.


    "What do you want?"


    "To call her out."


    Silence.


    "To name her what she is a homewrecker."


    "She''s not," he snapped.


    "Then am I?"


    "No."


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    "Then who is?" Freya asked again.


    The question hung between them like a de.


    Kristian looked away first. He wanted to exin, but her face-all scorn, her once-


    warm eyes now flint-


    stopped him. "You''ve changed," he finally said.


    Exclusive Offer

 Chapter 6

    Chapter 6 Push Me Too Far, And You''ll Leave With...


    "Well, isn''t that just tragic?" Freya''s voice dripped with sarcasm. "Two years of marriage, and my husband still


    doesn''t know the first thing about me."


    Kristian froze, caught off guard. She just had to twist the knife, didn''t she?


    "You''reing home with me." He yanked his tie loose, snatched her purse, and mped a hand around her wrist, dragging her toward the exit.


    Freya stiffened, startled. Kristian halted too. Their eyes locked onto the purse in


    his grip.


    Did he think she was Ashley? Otherwise, why would he be treating her with such sudden kindness now? The


    thought sliced through Freya.


    Kristian offered no exnation, storming off with those infuriatingly long strides.


    Ashley watched from the hospital room, her sweet facade crumbling. Her nails dug into her palms, leaving


    crescent marks she didn''t even feel.


    The door creaked open momentster.


    "I thought Freya hired that hit-and-run driver?" Ashley''s friend frowned. "Why is Mr. Shaw still-"


    "It wasn''t her." Ashley''s brow furrowed.


    At first, she''d assumed Freya was behind it-after all, her return threatened Freya''s ce as Kristian''s wife.


    But Freya''s reaction today? Too genuine. Too uncalcted.


    Kristian had noticed it too.


    In the backseat of the car, tension hung thick between him and Freya.


    Before Kristian could speak, Gerard''s call cut through. "Sir, we traced the IP. The login didn''t originate from our


    city."


    "Understood." Kristian''s grip tightened on the phone, the weight of his mistake settling like lead.


    He''d wronged Freya. His gaze flicked to her, silhouetted by sunlight filtering through the window. The glow softened her edges, almost like the woman she''d been before-before the bitterness, before the barbs.


    "Freya." Her name left his lips, uncharacteristically hesitant.


    She''d overheard the call. "Don''t tell me you''re about to apologize."


    Kristian''s jaw clenched. Why did every conversation with her feel like walking into a trap?


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    "An out-of-town IP doesn''t prove my innocence," she mused, voice light but edged. "What if I hired someone else to contact the driver?"


    He knew she was baiting him.


    The apology lodged in his throat, stubborn as a stone.


    After a beat, he forced it out. "I know it wasn''t you."


    If she''d orchestrated it, she wouldn''t dissect the evidence so coolly-or taunt him with its ws His worry for Ashley, Freya''s recent unpredictability-they''d blinded him.


    "Oh." Freya''s reply was a dismissal.


    Kristian blinked. Just... "oh"? He''d expected fury, demands, something Instead, he thrust a ck card at her "Take the primary card. Spend however you want."


    "dly." She plucked it from his fingers without hesitation.


    His eyebrows shot up.


    "Now the others," she added.


    Kristian turned to her, not quite following. "What others?"


    "Considering your inappropriate behavior today," she said, her tone impossibly neutral, "and to avoid any


    furtherplications, I''ll be holdin onto all your cards starting now. You''ll get them back on the day of the


    divorce."


    The driver nearly choked on air.


    Kristian''s brows snapped together.


    "What, you don''t want to?" Freya pressed, arching a brow.


    "You should know when to stop while you''re ahead," Kristian said, irritation creeping into his voice. The air in


    the car grew thick. "I admit I misjudged today, but let''s not pretend your erratic behaviortely didn''t y a


    role in that."


    Freya stared at him, disbelief shing in her eyes. He was seriously ming her for this?


    "Really?" Her voice was dangerously calm.


    "Yes." Kristian didn''t back down.


    "Even if I hadn''t changed," Freya countered, her confidence unshaken, "the moment you saw those chat logs about Ashley''s ident, you''d have used me without a second thought. Admit it.¡±


    Kristian opened his mouth to argue-then froze. She wasn''t wrong.


    With a flick of her wrist, Freya tossed the card back at him, rubbing her temples


    as frustration sin


    beneath her skin.


    What was wrong with her? Since when did she let someone so irrelevant rattle her? Hadn''t she epted long


    ago that Ashley would alwayse first in Kristian''s heart?


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    The card bounced off Kristian''s chest, leaving him momentarily stunned. Before


    he could react, Freya''s voice cut through the silence-this time addressing the driver. "Watson, drop me at the next intersection"


    "Understood, ma''am."


    Kristian''s voice turned cial. "Why?"


    "To stay away from you." Freya''s tone was sweetly mocking, herpere fully restored. "Wouldn''t want your idiocy rubbing off on me like somemon cold."


    Kristian''s temper red. Since when did she wield sarcasm like a scalpel?


    "Drive straight home," he ordered through gritted teeth.


    The driver obeyed, the car elerating toward Regalia Vis.


    Any lingering guilt Kristian had evaporated under the heat of his irritation.


    Thirty minutester, the car rolled to a stop at a vi''s driveway.


    Freya was out before Kristian could move, her purse slung over her shoulder as she vanished inside. By the time he reached the living room, the bedroom door had already clicked shut behind her.


    Knowing she''d change, he forced himself to wait.


    Ten minutester, Freya emerged in soft, loose clothing, her wispy bangs framing


    a face that looked deceptively fragile.


    She didn''t so much as blink at Kristian''s presence. She knew exactly why he''d


    stayed.


    "We''re due at my parents'' at six," he said the moment she settled on the sofa. ¡°Be ready. The driver will fetch


    you."


    Freya grabbed the remote and flicked on the TV. "Not going."


    "Freya!" His voice was a warning.


    "You broke your promise first.¡± She didn''t nce up. ¡°Don''t expect me to y


    along now!"


    "There are priorities," he snapped, studying her like a stranger. "Shopping with you or Ashley''s life-which


    matters more?"


    The TV red to life with a variety show''s cannedughter.


    Freya''s jaw tightened. Just hearing Ashley''s name made her temples throb.


    Once, she''d pictured Kristian''s beloved as gentle, radiant-worthy of the devotion


    he gave her.


    Now? The woman''s two-faced nature was almost disappointing.


    "Shopping, obviously." Freya deadpanned.


    Kristian''s eyes turned arctic. "Must you always provoke me?"


    Silence.


    "If you want that divorce payout," he bit out, patience snapping, "you''ll cooperate.


    Push me too far, and you''ll


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    leave with nothing"

 Chapter 7

    Chapter 7 An Ex''s Tears


    Can Melt Even The Colde.....


    Freya tossed the remote aside, her expression unreadable. "That''s not true," she dered, her tone t.


    Kristian furrowed his brow, clearly confused.


    "When you''re so eager to marry Ashley, you''d probably pay a fortune just to see me gone," Freya continued, her voice firm and unwavering.


    Kristian''s expression hardened, a chill spreading through his demeanor.


    It was a new feeling for him, this sensation of being cornered. Freya had crossed a line no one else dared to.


    "Are you implying that I''m powerless against you?" he questioned, his voice low and dangerous.


    "Of course not," Freya retorted.


    She nonchntly flipped through channels, finding another reality show, and spoke with earnest conviction.


    "You have plenty of options at your disposal. You could cut off my funds, confine my movements, or even exile


    me to some godforsaken ce."


    Kristian listened, stunned by how absurd she was being-and somehow, that absurdity drained the heat from


    his anger.


    How had someone who could provoke him so effortlessly also been so tender and supportive for two whole


    years?


    "If you resort to those tactics, though," Freya pointed out with a shrewd smile, "Ashley would never be anything more than a hidden affair. Surely, you wouldn''t let her be dragged through rumors and whispers, right?"


    Though Kristian was revered as a titan of industry, his reputation teetered on the brink of disaster once whispers of his unfaithfulness and allegations of a mistress began to circte, setting the stage for public


    ridicule and condemnation.


    Ashley, shielded by his influence, would find herself under the oppressive gaze of judgment whenever she


    ventured out to shop or attend social gatherings.


    Determined to protect his beloved from such indignities, Kristian must be resolute.


    "What would it take for you to apany me to the family gathering?" he demanded, aiming to steer away


    from their earlier contentious discussion.


    "Sever all ties with Ashley Bradley immediately," Freyamanded, her finger hovering over the pause button of the remote as the show halted. "Once we''re officially divorced, you can love her freely."


    Kristian''s rejection was swift and firm. "No."


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    "Oh?" Freya raised an eyebrow, taken aback.


    Confusion clouded Kristian''s features.


    Unfazed, she went on, "There''s a one-month waiting period before the divorce papers are filed. Who''s to say what twists might unfold in that time?"


    The living room was charged with tension, a silent witness to the crumbli facade of their rtionship.


    Yet, Freya seemed detached from the emotional weight of the moment. She nonchntly resumed the TV show, where the light-hearted banter of a reality show filled the space between them.


    On screen, Zander Loftus, a charming and popr actor, engaged in a lively discussion about lost loves and currentmitments.


    "Let me ask you. If you were married and your supposed ''one true love'' from the past came back into your life, what would you do? Would you go back to her or staymitted to your wife?" someone questioned, a hint of challenge in their tone.


    Without missing a beat, one of them answered, "I''d stay with my wife, of course!" "Choosing past love over your current love? That would be madness," another added,ughter echoing among


    the group.


    The questioner pivoted towards Zander with a curious tilt of his head. "Mr. Loftus, what about you?"


    Zander, radiating an undeniable charisma, responded with a voice as smooth as silk, "I''m not one to dwell on the past." He leaned back, his gaze thoughtful. "Life is a journey forward. Clinging to an idealized version of a past love often blurs the lines between genuine affection and mere regret."


    The room fell silent for a moment, contemting his words, before the discussion picked up again. "That''s quite deep," one remarked, nodding appreciatively.


    "Speaking of which," another chimed in, a wry smile ying on his lips, "I remember a friend who ditched his current girlfriend for his first love. Talk about a ssic jerk move."


    "Don''t they say online that an ex''s tears can melt even the coldest heart? There''s a bit of truth in that," someone else added, sparkingughter around.


    As theughter faded, the television show yed on, weaving its drama into the evening.


    Across the room, Kristian''s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze intensifying as he watched Freya, who sat across from him, perfectly poised.


    He had a nagging suspicion that she was using the show''s dialogue to subtly taunt him.


    "Freya," he started, his voice a mix of resignation and resolve.


    She turned to face him, her expression unreadable. "Yes?"


    Kristian took a deep breath, steeling himself. "I can agree to your terms for the divorce," he a reluctantly. "But before we cut all ties, I need to look into her car ident."


    ed


    "That''s eptable," Freya responded evenly, her indifference clear. "If you need


    to discuss anything with Ashley during this period, please have Gerard handle it."


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    Kristian wanted to protest, to insist on handling things his way, but the thought of his family''s deep affection for Freya held him back. With a resigned sigh, he conceded, "Fine."


    "Better get moving," Freya suggested crisply. Truth be told, she wanted the divorce more than he did and had


    no interest in dealing with him. "Pick me up at six."


    "Sure," Kristian agreed, a hint of defeat in his voice.


    With their arrangement settled, Freya grabbed the remote, shut off the screen,


    and disappeared up the stairs.


    The chasm between them widened, the once close-knit hearts now adrift in a sea of growing distance.


    As Freya''s door clicked shut, a wave of loss crashed over Kristian, leaving him with a poignant ache, as though


    he were watching a part of himself vanish into the ether.


    He furrowed his brow deeply, and his hand moved to adjust his tie, his slender


    fingers looking strikingly


    elegant and alluring-a sight to behold.


    He nced toward the closed door twice before decisively stepping out of the vi


    and heading to his office.


    The mystery surrounding Ashley''s car ident still loomedrge, demanding further scrutiny.


    Meanwhile, Freya indulged in a long, soothing shower and then drifted into a light nap, only to be jolted awake


    by the insistent ringing of her phone.


    Blinking away sleep, she noticed Frederick''s name shing on the caller ID. She massaged her temples to clear


    the lingering fog of sleep and answered with a groggy, "Hello?"


    "Freya! Freya! Freya!" Frederick''s voice came, bubbling with boyish enthusiasm and a tinge of urgency.


    Freya pulled the phone slightly away from her ear, waiting for him to continue. After a brief pause filled with


    silence, she queried, "What''s going on?"


    "Trent is on his way over to see you," Frederick finally said, his tone nowced


    with a hint of seriousness.


    Freya''s brow creased in confusion.


    "Trent Seymour," Frederick hurriedly added.


    "Why is heing?" Freya pressed, her curiosity piqued.


    "He''s been sent by your father to manage your divorce proceedings with Kristian Shaw," Frederick exined, his voice hesitant yet tinged with an unmistakable curiosity. "Did you really secretly marry that man?"


    Freya massaged her temples, her frustration building like a storm.


    Frederick, oblivious to her mood, prattled on. "Freya?"


    "When will he be here?" Freya''s voice wavered slightly, revealing her underlying


    helplessness.


    "Around eleven tonight," Frederick replied, his tone cautious.


    Though burning with curiosity, he dared not probe deeper. "He''s just set off for the airport."


    Freya pondered her options to thwart the impending situation. "Understood," she muttered finally, abruptly ending the call.


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    Back when she and Kristian had exchanged vows, he had never delved into her


    past. On holidays, he would gently ask if she wanted to visit her family, but never pressed when she declined.


    Now, with Trent''s imminent arrival, she feared it would ignite Kristian''s suspicions about her past.


    Frederick stared at his phone, the silence echoing his unanswered questions. His


    mind swirled with inquiries


    that begged for attention.


    He couldn''t hold back any longer. His fingers danced feverishly over his phone''s


    keyboard as he unleashed a


    torrent of messages.


    "Freya, you never confirmed if you''re truly married."


    "Why did your father mention a divorce?"


    "What''s been going on with you these past two years? I need answers!"


    Freya scanned the barrage of iing messages, her brow furrowed in contemtion, before finally responding sinctly, "Yeah... things just fell apart between us."


    Jack''s jaw dropped, and all he could manage was a frantic message full of exmation marks-barely scratching


    the surface of how he felt.


    Freya had been the woman he looked up to for as long as he could remember-


    and now she''d dropped the


    bomb that she was married!


    It wasn''t just a rumor; she was truly married.


    Frederick, incredulous, typed back rapidly. "Are you kidding me?"


    Freya dismissed his disbelief and insisted firmly, "Keep this quiet for now. Just


    between you, me, and Trent;


    let''s not tell the others yet."


    Frederick''s reply was lost in a heavy silence.


    He nced around nervously at the curious faces peering over his shoulders,


    their eyes glued to his screen. Cold sweat trickled down his temple as he wrestled


    with the dilemma.


    How could he convey to Freya that the secret was already out, that everyone


    huddled around hisputer was


    now privy to her revtion?


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    Chapter 8 Are You Impotent


    With Frederick''s messages finally answered, Freya dialed Trent''s number, but the call refused to connect.


    With the beep of a failed connection still ringing in her ears, she decided on a proactive approach. Tonight, she


    was scheduled to visit Kristian''s family home, and she wanted no unexpected encounters. She tapped out a


    quick text to Trent. "Once you''ve arrived in Jeucwell, give me a heads-up. We can meet tomorrow."


    She felt it was wiser to manage the situation herself rather than let Trent surprise her and potentially catch her


    off guard.


    Exhaling a weary sigh, she mulled over her predicaments. Turning down her father''s requests was one thing,


    dealing with Trent was entirely another challenge.


    As the clock ticked towards six, she hurriedly changed her outfit and was about to step out when Kristian''s


    driver called her.


    She answered swiftly and then rushed out to the waiting car.


    To her surprise, Kristian was already inside, looking slightly worn from the day but still undeniably handsome.


    His suit was the same one he had worn since noon, now creased, and his hair fell carelessly over his forehead,


    lending him an effortlessly charming, yet somewhat untamed look.


    Freya chose silence as the car glided towards the opulent family estate. The atmosphere was thick with unspoken thoughts until they neared the grand gates of his family residence.


    Breaking the silence, Kristian''s voice cut through the tension, contemtive and a bit uneasy. "If my mom asks


    why you don''t like me, what will you say?"


    Freya met their gaze and replied without flinching, "The truth."


    "Freya," he called her name, a note of caution in his tone.


    "Hmm?"


    "If you bring up Ashley, my parents and grandpa will never agree to our divorce."


    Kristian''s sharply defined features hardened, his eyes shadowed with a frosty glint.


    Freya regarded his sudden concern with a mix of amusement and confusion. "Who said I was going to bring


    her up?" she asked, her voiceced with intrigue.


    Kristian hesitated, a flicker of suspicion crossing his face. "What do you mean by that?"


    "I simply don''t like you," Freya stated with disarming frankness, her tone light but cutting. "Spending


    you feels pointless-I''m just not interested."


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    While her mind lingered on thoughts of Trent, Freya had little interest in dragging out a nonsense debate with


    Kristian


    Despite Kristian''s efforts to brush off her words as mere spur-the-moment anger, her earnest expression conveyed her true feelings-she genuinely disliked him now. This harsh truth gnawed at him, stirring a blend of irritation and a profound, aching feeling he couldn''t quite define


    "We''ve reached our destination," the driver announced as he swung open the car door.


    Stepping out into the crisp evening, Kristian was about to remind Freya of their facade to avoid any talk of divorce when she smoothly took his arm, her actions belying her earlier detachment. "Let''s go," she said tly.


    Kristian was momentarily dumbstruck


    As they walked towards their destination, he couldn''t help but feel that Freya had been ying the fool, expertly masking her true intentions from him all this time.


    The expansive grounds of the Shaw estate unfurled like a regal tapestry, leading them through a lush courtyard and up to the imposing facade of the main building By the time they arrived, it was apparent they were thest to enter, the rest of the family had already gathered.


    It was to be a small family dinner, intimate with the presence of only Kristian''s parents, his grandfather, and the butler aside from the couple themselves.


    As they stepped into the dining room, a chorus of heartfelt greetings enveloped them.


    Melinda Shaw, Kristian''s mother, with her arms open and a bright smile, ushered Freya to sit beside her, where they soon fell into easy, lively conversation.


    From the other end of the table, Kristian watched the scene unfold, his brow knitting together in a slight frown. A nagging sense of foreboding washed over him. This divorce wasn''t going to be smooth sailing


    "Gorman, please set the dinner," Lionel Shaw, Kristian''s grandfather,manded with an authoritative wave of


    his hand.


    "Understood," the butler responded smoothly.


    Before long, the table was a vibrant disy of culinary delights, each dish more inviting than thest.


    Dinner started off light and pleasant, but Lionel''s subtle cough hinted he had something heavier to say. "You''ve been married a while now... isn''t it about time


    to start a family?" he inquired, his gaze piercing across the table.


    Kristian, maintaining hisposure, responded with practiced calmness, "There''s no rush, Grandpa.''


    "Did I ask you?" Lionel''s voice carried a sharp edge of displeasure directed squarely at Kristian. "I''m asking Freya."


    Caught off guard, Kristian fell into a stunned silence.


    Freya, pausing to ce her fork down gently, met Lionel''s gaze before replying, "We''re in no rush."


    Kristian shot her a quick side nce, suspicion flickering in his eyes. Could she seriously be doing this intentionally?


    "Is Kristian giving you a hard time?" Melinda inquired, her eyes brimming with concern. "Just give us a signal,


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    and we''ll be right by your side to defend you."


    "Don''t hesitate to speak out if something''s wrong. We''ve got your back," Lionel chimed in, his voire warm with affection for Freya. "My granddaughter deserves nothing less."


    Caught off guard, Kristian responded with a touch of confusion, "Grandpa, remember I''m your grandson She''s merely your granddaughter-inw."


    "Is that so?" Lionel retorted yfully yet pointedly. "I almost thought she was my daughter and you were my son-inw. Freya here, she joins me for chess and helps me with my meditation. And you? What memorable things have you done for metely?"


    "But haven''t you always wanted me to take good care of the Shaw Group?" Kristian protested.


    "That''s not all there is." Lionel dismissed with a wave of his hand.


    Finding himself at a loss for words, Kristian stood dumbfounded.


    "Try this, Lionel," Freya interjected, bringing over a te of his favorite dish. "It''s your favorite."


    "You truly are a gem, Freya." Lionel''s face lit up instantly, his mood visibly lifted.


    Though initially frustrated, Kristian''s gazended on Freya, whose presence clearly brought joy to his family. A subtle, warm feeling stirred within him, a sense of contentment he hadn''t recognized before.


    In the early days of their marriage, his grandpa could barely hide his indifference toward Freya. His parents,


    while courteous, hadn''t been particrly warm towards her either.


    In the circles of wealthy families where social standing was paramount, such reservations were typical. Yet, since Kristian and Freya had already sealed their bond through marriage, the family maintained a veneer of


    civility, carefully masking any overt disapproval.


    Over time, as more interactions wove the fabric of their rtionships, Lionel


    gradually warmed up to Freya. He


    often called Kristian, inquiring if Freya might be free to join him for afternoon tea


    or a casual outing.


    With Kristian buried in his work at thepany, he encouraged directmunication between them: Though he remainedrgely in the dark about the specifics of their conversations, it was clear their rapport had blossomed significantly."


    Winning over Lionel was no trivial feat; his approval could not be swayed by simple ttery or adept social


    maneuvering.


    Throughout the course of the dinner, Freya''s charm and wit brought a lightness to


    the atmosphere, making the


    meal an enjoyable affair for all.


    She was keenly aware, however, that certain pressing issues lingered on the horizon, topics too delicate to


    broach amidst the shared meal and unspoken tension.


    As the meal drew to a close, Melinda, with a poised and sophisticated air, turned


    to Kristian. ¡°Kristian, head to the kitchen and slice up some fruit for Freya-don''t delegate it, do it yourself."


    Kristian shot Freya a sideways look, his voice barely more than a whisper. ¡°Okay."


    The moment he was gone, Lionel and Melinda shifted their focus towards Freya. Isaac Shaw, Kristian''s father, subtly perked up his ears, his eyes still seemingly buried in the folds of his


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    Chapter 9 No Amount Of Persuasion Would Sway...


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    Kristian carried the fruit over to Freya with a heavy sigh, cing it gently before her. He then slid into the seat


    next to her.


    Just as he was about to mention the divorce to Freya, Lionel interjected with a pointed observation, "Freya seems reserved, reluctant to touch the fruit. As her husband, shouldn''t you be offering some encouragement? Why sit there in silence?"


    "So, just to confirm, am I adopted?" Kristian finally blurted out.


    Melinda shook her head firmly. "No, you''re not."


    Isaac, with a sly smile, joked, "You were part of a special promotion."


    Kristian just stared,pletely at a loss.


    Breaking the uneasy quiet, Freya took a deep breath and addressed the group with a sense of resolve. "Isaac,


    Melinda, Lionel," she began, her tone serious yet gentle, "we need to discuss something important today."


    Melinda and Lionel leaned forward, their faces lighting up with anticipation. ¡°Are you pregnant? How many


    months? When did you find out?¡±


    Freya''s heart sank at their enthusiasm, knowing she was about to shatter their expectations. "I''m nning to divorce Kristian," she announced softly, her voice steady.


    The room''s atmosphere shifted dramatically, turning cold and tense as the words hung heavily in the air.


    Melinda''s hand froze above the fruit, Lionel''s grin slipped away, and Isaac folded his newspaper with a frown. The gravity of the announcement settled over them like a heavy fog.


    "Why the sudden decision to divorce?" Melinda broke the silence, her voice a careful blend of concern and


    curiosity.


    Freya began, her tone resolute, as if she were tying off a loose end that had bothered her for too long, "Well, I simply don''t love him anymore."


    "That''s understandable," Melinda responded, her words measured.


    Lionel exhaled a sigh of relief, as if releasing a burden he hadn''t realized he''d been carrying.


    Across the way, Isaac sent a sharp, unreadable nce towards Kristian.


    "That''s fine," Lionel dered with a blunt nod. "Isaac and I will stand behind you as you refine your leadership skills. Freya, you''re going to make a formidable president for Shaw Group."


    For them, love fading felt like nothing more than a small inconvenience.


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    Chapter 9 No Amount Of Persuasion Would Sway Her Resolve


    Emotions could be cultivated, and as long as there weren''t any deep issues, they were confident in their ability to maintain their rtionship with Freya.


    "We''re serious about this." Kristian interrupted, his voice carfying a newfound assertiveriess. "Everything''s already set in motion. We''ll file the papers on Monday, and once the waiting period passes, we''ll finalize the divorce."


    "Who exactly told you to speak up?" Melinda snapped, irritation ring in her tone. Kristian replied with conviction, "We''re merely here to make things clear."


    "So, it''s you who''s pushing for the divorce, not Freya?" Lionel pinpointed the crucial issue swiftly, his toneced with rage. "You rushed into marriage without thinking, and now you want a damn divorce? Do you even get what the hell marriage means?"


    "Why did you even marry Freya in the first ce?" Melinda demanded sharply.


    Lionel, not satisfied with the surface details, pressed. "It couldn''t have been merely a fleeting romance, could it?"


    Isaac spoke up, his suspicion lingering like a shadow. "Was Freya merely standing in for someone else in your


    heart?"


    Both Melinda and Lionel turned to Isaac, their expressions grave, demanding, "A stand-in for whom?"


    Caught off-guard, Kristian faltered, unable to formte a response. Isaac was making things way moreplicated than they needed to be.


    "It''s my choice to go through with the divorce," Freya interjected firmly, aware that divulging too much could


    make things worse.


    She opted to keep the details to herself and Kristian, insisting, "It has nothing to do with Kristian." Her tone


    was earnest and her demeanor resolute, leaving no room for doubt.


    The family had hoped to bridge the gap, but as they delved deeper, they sensed a growing rift between Freya


    and Kristian, hinting at deeper, unseen conflicts.


    For a fleeting moment, a somber silence enveloped the room, the tension palpable.


    Freya remained silent, her gaze fixed intently on the gathering of elders before her, awaiting their verdict with


    a quiet intensity.


    "Let''s do this," Melinda dered, her fingers intertwining with Freya''s in a warm, reassuring sp. Her eyes


    shimmered with genuine affection as she spoke. "Divorce isn''t a trivial affair. We should involve your parents in


    this discussion. If it''s too much trouble for them toe here, we''ll go to them instead."


    "Yes, Freya," Lionel chimed in, his voice thick with undisguised ire, his brow furrowed in distaste. "You''ve been married for two years, and that jerk hasn''t even bothered to visit your parents."


    His anger towards Kristian was palpable. "With the divorce proceedings underway, he must meet your parents


    and offer them a sincere apology."


    In Lionel''s eyes, Kristian, who had initially been eager to wed Freya, now seemed neglectful of her needs. If he were Freya''s real grandfather, he would''ve smacked the hell out of Kristian with that damn cane.


    "No need. I can handle this on my own," Freya stated firmly, dismissing the idea with a swift shake of her head.


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    Melinda pressed on, concern etching her features. "Freya..."


    "I''m not close with my family," Freya admitted, her voice dropping to a somber tone as she revealed her family issues for the first time. "My father remarried."


    Kristian, caught off guard, paused and studied her face. It bore the usual stoic expression, yet he sensed an undercurrent of tension.


    With a voice slightly hoarse from emotion, he asked, "Why didn''t you tell me this before?"


    This time, Lionel''s restraint shattered. In a sudden, dramatic gesture, his cane swung through the air with a brutal strike as it connected with Kristian.


    Visions of Freya enduring her father''s neglect post-remarriage, coupled now with the specter of her looming divorce, overwhelmed him. He was certain she had endured far too much suffering.


    "Lionel!" Freya''s voice, tinged with shock, broke through the tense air.


    "You even had the audacity to ask!" Lionel''s voice thundered with fury. "After being married for two entire years, have you even once genuinely cared for Freya? As her husband, you remain oblivious to her past!"


    With each word, Lionel''s anger surged, his disdain for Kristian palpable.


    He seriously contemted throwing Kristian out right then and there.


    "Freya," Melinda cut in, her voice a calming force amidst the chaos. She perceived Kristian''s disregard as the root of Freya''s misery in their marriage and advised, "Give it another year with Kristian. If you still feel the same about a divorce after that, I''ll stand by your decision."


    Freya opened her mouth to object, "No, I-"


    "Actually, I don''t have much time left," Melinda broke in, her voice dropping to a somber whisper. Her eyes dulled with the weight of her unspoken truths. "I didn''t bring it up earlier because I didn''t want to burden you."


    The room fell silent. Isaac found himself at a loss for words, grappling with the gravity of the situation.


    Freya''s expression was a mixture of confusion and concern.


    Kristian was equally baffled.


    If Melinda was indeed facing her final days, why did Isaac seem so utterly unprepared for the revtion?


    Melinda''s voice trembled as she shared the grim diagnosis. "The doctor said I have stomach cancer and only a year and a half to live." Her spirit seemed to dim with each word, her posture slumping under the weight of her own despair. "Freya, could you stay with Kristian for just one more year? Just one, okay?" Freya took her stethoscope out of her bag and gently checked up on Melinda, her gaze piercing into Melinda''s pupils.


    Melinda blinked, taken aback by Freya''s unexpected response.


    ind


    "You might have stumbled upon a rather inept doctor," Freya suggested, a hint of yfulness in her tone as if to cushion the bluntness of her words. "Your condition


    is steady and strong. Plus, there''s no dark? your iris-an indicator of a healthy


    stomach."


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    Chapter 9 No Amount Of Persuasion Would Sway Her Resolve


    Caught in her act, Melinda''s facade cracked, her grip loosening as she fought


    back a mix of embarrassment and


    resignation. "Treya..."


    "Kristian and I reached the decision to divorce after a lot of confideration. I''d appreciate it if you didn''t push


    me on it," Freya exined, her voice soft yet firm, offering Melinda aforting touch. "Thank you for your love and support over the years."


    Tears welled up in Melinda''s eyes, a testament to her genuine reluctance.


    She had always yearned for a daughter, having been blessed with two sons


    instead. In Freya, she had found the daughter she never had, making this farewell even more poignant.


    "Are you really sure?" Lionel interjected, his voice low and strained, his gaunt face


    etched with a clear


    reluctance.


    Freya nodded decisively. "Yeah, I''m sure of it."


    A heavy silence fell over the room as everyone absorbed the finality in her voice.


    It was clear-no amount of persuasion would sway her resolve to leave the


    marriage,


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    Chapter 10 A Good Ex Is


    One You Never Hear Fro...


    "Kristian, I need you toe with me. Now," Lionel insisted, pushing himself up with the support of his cane.


    Kristian shared a quick, uncertain look with Freya before he trailed behind his grandfather, stepping into the dimly lit study next door for a private conversation.


    Meanwhile, Melinda struck up a light-hearted chat with Freya. She mentioned that if Freya ever chose to give her marriage with Kristian another shot, the Shaw family would wee her back with open arms.


    In this home, a gentle warmth surrounded Freya, stirring memories of theforting days before her mother''s


    passing.


    When Kristian reemerged thirty minutester, his facade was calm, almost unreadable, but Lionel''s expression


    was stormy, a clear sign of discontent for anyone paying attention.


    Suddenly, Lionel''s temper red. "Enough of this, you''re just irritating me now," he snapped harshly. "Look


    after Freya well this next month. If she''s upset in any way, I swear, I''ll transfer all your inheritance to her!"


    Kristian responded calmly, "Understood."


    As they were about to leave, Melinda''s voice halted them. "Wait."


    Kristian and Freya paused and turned around, the moonlight casting a soft glow around them, creating a


    momentary illusion of closeness.


    "Have you sorted out how the assets will be divided after the divorce?" Melinda inquired, her concern palpable, worrying Freya might end up with less than she deserved.


    "Don''t worry, Freya will be treated with fairness," Kristian assured smoothly, deliberately vague to avoid any


    implications of greed. "She''ll receive a house, a car, and a suitable financial settlement."


    "And on top of that, make sure you hand over some of your stocks and bonds to her," Melinda remarked, her


    tone serious and unwavering.


    Kristian was left dumbfounded. Was he truly their flesh and blood?


    Lionel nodded firmly, his gaze sharp. "Your mom''s absolutely right."


    Isaac chimed in, his expression unreadable, ¡°Kristian, do as your mother says and don''t give her more to worry


    about."


    "Got it," Kristian replied, barely masking his irritation as he and Freya slid into the


    car.


    With their divorce no longer a secret, they made no effort to feign affection.


    As the car pulled away, Melinda''s and Lionel''s faces were etched with concern until the vehicle''s taillights


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    Chapter 19 A Good Exis One You Never Hear From Again


    Vanished into the night


    Let them deal with their own problems, there''s no need for you to stress over it," Isaac murmured soothingly, gently squeezing his wife''s hand


    Melinda exhaled a weary sigh and Isaac gave her shoulder a reassuring pat


    "Shouldn''t you darify what you meant earlier, about Freya being a stand-in for someone else?" Melinda queried, her gaze fixed on his still ruggedly handsome features. "What secrets are you keeping about our son?"


    isaar remained silent, contemting


    "Are you going to confide in me or not?" Melinda pressed, her voice tinged with urgency.


    "I made a promise to our son to keep it to myself," Isaac responded, his voiceced with regret.


    "My friend asked me to join a trip, and I heard there are some pretty good-looking guys tagging along..." Melinda teased, her voice light and teasing, a yful twinkle in her eyes.


    "How about we take this back to the room?" Isaac replied, his voice soft yet firm. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, his eyes radiating warmth and affection. "We can talk properly there."


    The sleek car glided towards the opulent Regalia Vis.


    Isaac and Melinda sat snugly in the back seat, enveloped in the car''s luxurious interior.


    Kristian stole a nce at Freya for the twenty-third time, each fleeting lookden with unspoken questions.


    Just say it if you have something to say." Freya broke the silence, her patience thinning under the weight of his persistent stares.


    "Come on, just tell me-did you study medicine or not?" Kristian''s voice was tinged with genuine curiosity and


    a hint of confusion.


    It dawned on him that there were still facets of her life he had yet to uncover.


    "No," Freya responded curtly, leaning back in her seat with a sigh, her gaze drifting to the passing scenery. "I just read some books out of interest."


    Kristian''s eyes narrowed slightly, a shadow of doubt crossing his features. He couldn''t shake the feeling that she was hiding something from him.


    "Once we''re back, we''ll go over the divorce papers again-just like my mom suggested," Kristian dered, his tone grateful yet firm. He appreciated that Freya had apanied his family despite the circumstances. "Let''s make the split fair. What''s mine was yours too, remember?"


    "No need for that," Freya countered calmly, dismissing the offer with a wave of her hand. "I''m good with how things were set up before."


    Kristian studied her intently, his eyes narrowing slightly. Wasn''t she kind of contradicting herself? One moment, she seemed to cling to money as if it were her lifeline, and the next, she dismissed it as if it were


    mere dust.


    "I''lly out my assets post-marriage," Freya offered, her voiceced with


    reluctance after a lengthy pause.


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    "We''ll split everything half and half."


    Internally, the mere thought of Kristian using her hard-earned wealth to support someone like Ashley made


    her blood boil.


    Yet, given the significant concessions he was making, she feltpelled to reciprocate in some mariner


    "There''s no need," Kristian replied sharply, his voice cutting through the tension. I can make that amount of


    money in a minute."


    His dismissiveness left Freya momentarily dumbstruck. He was utterly oblivious to her massive fortune


    Later that evening, back at her quiet, dimly lit home office, Freya pulled out the divorce papers they had


    previously drafted. She meticulously revised the asset division, reflecting theirtest discussion


    Kristian had made it clear he didn''t want her money, and she wasn''t about to shove it down his throat.


    By eleven, the revised divorce agreement was resting on the table. Freya pushed


    the papers toward Kristian, her motions calm and precise.


    "It''s your turn to sign," she stated firmly, her eyes locked on his. "We''ll file for divorce the day after tomorrow."


    As Kristian picked up the pen, his fingers brushed against the document, pausing over Freya''s elegant, looping


    signature. He found himself wondering about her emotions in the moments she signed their marriage away.


    He was the one who insisted they marry, and now he was the one insisting to end


    it all.


    He finally spoke, his voice tinged with a rare hint of remorse as he looked up at her. "Freya."


    Freya, perched anxiously on the edge of the sofa, fiddled with her phone as she awaited a message from Trent


    "What is it?"


    Kristian, trying to soften the awkward atmosphere, ventured cautiously, "If you ever find yourself needing help


    after the divorce, remember, you can always turn to me. My grandpa and parents,


    they all hold you in high regard. Even if our paths as spouses diverge, I still hope we can remain friends."


    Freya looked up from her phone, her expression unreadable, her voice low and


    soft "I once came across a viewpoint online that I really agreed with," she remarked.


    Intrigued, Kristian leaned in. "What is it?"


    Freya''s lips curved into a faint, ironic smile. "A good ex is one you never hear from


    again."


    Kristian''s response dwindled into silence.


    Freya emphasized further, "Particrly an ex-husband."


    Stung, Kristian''sposure snapped. He grabbed the divorce papers and signed


    his name with a swift, forceful


    stroke.


    What on earth was he thinking, trying to be kind to her? She had a way of pricking


    at his nerves like tiny


    thorns.


    "Don''t forget that viewpoint," Kristian retorted, his voice heavy with unspoken emotions. "Be a go won''t you?"


    wife,


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    Freya reached for the agreement with a smirk, a weight visibly lifting from her shoulders Now free from the financial burdens of supporting Kristian and Ashley, she quipped, "No need to stress You''ll never hear from me after our divorce."


    Kristian''s irritation had escted to new heights. With a sharp tug, he snatched his coat from the hook and stormed upstairs Lingering another moment might just push him over the edge


    Freya, on the other hand, seemed unfazed by his tempestuous mood. Clutching the freshly signed divorce papers, she headed up the stairs without looking back.


    Ever since that life-altering phone call six months earlier, the chasm between them had widened, relegating


    them to separate bedrooms-a situation for whith Freya was silently grateful


    The thought of identally conceiving a child amidst their marital unraveling was


    a nightmare she was d to


    avoid


    Secured within the confines of her room, Freya set the documents on her desk


    just as her phone vibrated with


    urgency. It was Trent. His message popped up. "I''m in Jeucwell now."


    Without missing a beat, she replied, "Shall we meet tomorrow?"


    No sooner had she sent the reply than her phone erupted into a lively ring.


    "Hello?" Freya answered swiftly.


    "Did you really marry Kristian?" Trent''s voice danced through the line, teasing yet


    tinged with a gentle concern.


    "Yes," she responded, her tone t, stripped of emotion.


    "And now you''re nning to divorce him?" he inquired further.


    "That''s right."


    "Alright,¡± Trent remarked with a light chuckle, his curiosity satisfied for the


    moment.


    He wasn''t the type to pry, not like Frederick who couldn''t help himself. He reclined


    in the backseat of the car sent to fetch him, a faint smile tracing his lips, his sses casting him in a schrly light., "Send me the details for the time and ce, and we''ll talk more tomorrow," he stated, his voice calm and collected.


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 Chapter 11

    Chapter 11 Clumsy Excuse


    "Alright." Freya ended the call and quickly sent Trent the meeting details.


    Just as she finished, knuckles tapped against her door, followed by Kristian''s voice cutting through the silence "Open up, I need to talk to you.


    Freya tossed her phone onto the bed and crossed the room. When she pulled the door open, her voice carried none of its usual warmth-just cool detachment. "What is it?"


    Kristian extended his phone toward her. "My grandpa wants to talk to you. Said your line was busy, couldn''t get through."


    She hesitated, realizing it was probably because she had been on the phone with Trent. Taking the phone, her voice softened. "Hello, Lionel.¡±


    "Calling you thiste-hope I''m not being a bother?" Lionel''s familiar voice came through.


    "Not at all," she replied gently.


    "When you and Kristian left earlier, I forgot to mention something. That chess puzzle you left mest time- still haven''t cracked it..."


    Their conversation flowed easily after that.


    Kristian didn''t bother listening. Lately, Lionel barely sought him out, spending more time with Freya instead.


    Most days, Lionel would simply remark, "Freya surely has more solutions than you," or "Your chess. skills aren''t as good as hers," and asionally, "How did I end up with such a foolish grandson?"


    Truth be told, Freya resembled Lionel''s grandchild more than Kristian did.


    Lost in this thought, Kristian''s gaze drifted to the gentle, patient woman speaking with his grandfather. He had basked in that gentleness for two years.


    While lost in his memories, Freya''s phone vibrated on the bed.


    Kristian nced over instinctively, but before he could glimpse the message, Freya lunged for it and darkened


    the screen.


    The entire sequencested less than a second-too swift for Kristian to react.


    "I''m done talking with Lionel." She handed his phone back, her expression calm. "Here."


    Kristian didn''t take it.


    His focus remained locked on her phone.


    Though he hadn''t fully seen the message, he was almost certain he had caught a name-Trent Seyi


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    Chapter 11 Clumsy Excuse


    "You''re not taking it?" Freya kept her hand outstretched.


    Kristian''s eyes darkened slightly, but he still made no move for the phone. "Who


    just messaged you?"


    "That''s my business," she replied evenly.


    A beat passed before he said, "I''m still your husband."


    Freya just looked at him.


    At that moment, dressed in only a crisp white shirt with the sleeves rolled up, he looked more polished than


    usual.


    His appearance, at least, was undeniably striking.


    Kristian caught the way she looked at him and pressed forward. "Until our divorce


    is finalized, I have a right to


    know who you''re in contact with."


    She let out a quiet, scoff. "You''re clearly not well-versed in thew." Retracting


    her hand, she added, "Even as


    my husband, you don''t have that right without my consent."


    "Freya." His voice turned colder.


    He knew exactly who Trent was. They didn''t move in the same circles, but Kristian was well aware-Trent was


    ruthless and dangerous.


    If Freya got too close to him, she might not even realize the kind of fire she was ying with.


    "Give me your phone," Kristian demanded.


    "No."


    "Do I have to take it myself?" His gaze grew sharper.


    Freya crossed her arms. "I might be willing to hand it over-if you let me see yours too.".


    Kristian barely hesitated. He wasn''t interested in anything other than confirming if it was Trent. "Fine."


    "I''ll check your chat history with Ashley," she said, her expression unreadable.


    His jaw tightened. After a brief silence, he responded, "No."


    "Then you''re not seeing mine either," she said without missing a beat.


    A heavy stillness settled between them. Kristian stared at her, as if searching for something-some hesitation, some flicker of uncertainty. But Freya held firm.


    In the end, he took his phone back, his voice t. "Whatever."


    They parted on a sour note.


    Freya didn''t lose any sleep over it. She simply shut the door and went to bed.


    The next day, they barely exchanged words. At noon, Kristian left after a phone call, and Freya headed out to


    meet Trent at a restaurant.


    When she arrived, he was already there.


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    Kristian and Trent couldn''t have been more different. Where Kristian was distant, ice-cold in demeanor, Trest wore a perpetual, polite smile-the kind that made it impossible to tell what he was really thinking


    Angry, amused, indifferent-it was always the same smooth expression


    But with Freya, he was different.


    "Why did you get here so early?" she noted, stepping into the private om, her shoulders rxing in his presence. "I thought we agreed on twelve-thirty."


    "You ask me why?" Trent''s lips curved slightly, his handsome, refined face framed by elegant sses. Dressed in a gray casual suit, he exuded an air of gentle approachability,


    Meanwhile, outside in the corridor, Kristian strode alongside two men-one with a mischievous,zy demeanor, the other exuding gentleness-both strikingly handsome.


    "Kristian," the mischievous one drawled, his smirkced with yful provocation. "Wasn''t that your soon-to-be ex-wife who just walked in there?" He let the words linger before adding, "If memory serves me right, that private room was booked by none other than the heir of the Seymour family in Alerith-the rising star of the legal world, Trent Seymour."


    Kristian''s steps halted. His gaze darkened as he turned sharply toward his friend. "Who?"


    "Trent Seymour," the man repeated, dragging out the name as if savoring the moment.


    Kristian''s jaw tightened. Without another word, he strode toward the private room, his mind shing with images of Freya and Trent being intimate.


    She had really gotten involved with Trent. That was unbelievable.


    "Not stopping him?" the gentler man asked, watching Kristian''s cold figure disappear down the hall


    "Why would I?" The mischievous one shrugged, shoving his hands into his pockets, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. "Best seats in the house for some premium drama."


    Radiating coldness, Kristian flung open the private room door. Inside, he


    discovered Trent and Freya sitting


    close together, clearly on good terms.


    The suddenmotion captured their attention, and they looked up in unison.


    Seeing him, Freya froze, perplexed. "Kristian?"


    Trent also turned his gaze toward the intrusion.


    Kristian''s eyes met Trent''s briefly before he turned away, his expression as


    indifferent as ever, pretending he,


    hadn''t witnessed anything. He pulled the door closed. "Sorry, wrong room." Freya remained speechless. What a clumsy excuse!


    "Not exining?" Trent tilted his head, speaking with deliberate slowness.


    "Nothing to exin." Freya sounded resigned to the situation with Kristian, her tone casual. "If you meet him,


    don''t reveal my identity. To him, I''m just amon person."


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    Chapter 12 Let''s Go Say Hi


    To The Folks Next Door


    9


    "Sure," Kristian agreed, his voice tinged with the usual patience he reserved for Freya''s whims.


    As Freya continued to quietly eat, her thoughts wandered, puzzling over Kristian''s presence.


    Kristian couldn''t help but grapple with the same question. Even after settling into a private room with his friends-Felipe Yates, always hungry for drama, and Zander- Kristian''s mind reyed the earlier scene he couldn''t shake off.


    The image of Freya and Trent, seated unusually close at an expansive table, nagged at him.


    "What''s on your mind?" Felipe prodded with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "You mentioned wanting to


    discuss something earlier. Why the brooding silence now?"


    "It''s nothing," Kristian muttered, dismissing the inquiry with a wave of his hand, his brow furrowed in irritation.


    Felipe exchanged a knowing look with Zander.


    Thriving on the thrill of the intrigue, Felipe couldn''t help but stir the pot. ¡°I heard Trent''s reputation has been


    spotless for nearly three decades-always distant, never tangled up with any woman. Seems like he''s not as


    aloof as the rumors made him out to be."


    ¡°That''s for sure,¡± Zander chimed in, his voice smooth as he took a leisurely sip of his drink, his expression


    unreadable.


    The mere mention of Trent''s name was enough to fan the mes of Kristian''s annoyance. He snapped, ring


    at Felipe, "Don''t you have anything better to do than dig up gossip?"


    "Nope," Felipe retorted, his smile broadening, clearly enjoying the rising tension.


    The three had been inseparable since they were kids, which exined why Felipe and Zander could weather


    Kristian''s storms of temper with such ease.


    Kristian, feeling trapped in a maelstrom of emotion, fixed his eyes on Zander. His friend''s aloofness pricked at


    him, stirring memories of a clip from a reality show he and Freya had once watched. It was enough to reignite


    his anger.


    "You really think you''re not a jerk, huh?" Kristian snapped, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "Must be nice, sipping drinks without a care in the world!¡±


    Zander, caught off guard, furrowed his brows in confusion. What did he do to- deserve this?


    Felipe slung an arm around Zander and chuckled with a devilish glint in his eye. "Oh, let''s not wast


    1 on


    a cuckold."


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    Kristian, never one to mince words, especially not with them, shot back. "Worry about your own mess, Felipe, At least Freya isn''t expecting another man''s child."


    That jibe struck a nerve. Felipe''s mischievous grin stiffened into mask of difort.


    Zander, still puzzled, shifted his stance. He inquired softly, "What''s all this about?"


    "Weren''t you the one who called this meeting?" Felipe interjected, his to now tinged with bitterness. "Out


    with it then."


    Kristian, momentarily sidetracked from Freya, sighed deeply, ¡°Look, I need a favor. Keep an eye on Ashley for


    me, will you?"


    The air was thick with the weight of unspoken debts as both men understood how umon it was for


    Kristian to owe anyone a favor.


    Their conversation, however, pivoted sharply when one of them voiced the question on everyone''s mind. "Ashley is back?"


    Kristian answered with a calm, almost distant tone, "Yes."


    "Are you divorcing Freya for her?" Zander probed, his voiceden with a mix of disbelief and concern.


    "Yes," Kristian admitted, his tone t but resolute.


    Seizing the moment, Felipe chimed in with a biting tone, "Did you forget how she left you before, almost


    shattering you?"


    Kristian''s expression softened slightly as he exined, "It turned out to be nothing but a misunderstanding.


    She set the record straight six months back."


    He continued, sharing more than he usually would, "Freya has asked me not to


    see Ashley until everything is finalized with the divorce, so I need you two to keep an eye on her during this time."


    Zander, recalling his encounters with Freya, noted her gentle demeanor. "She wasn''t angry about it?"


    Reflecting for a moment, Kristian replied, "Not really."


    Felipe scoffed, his cynicism clear, "Honestly, she acts like you''re nothing to her. Feels more like she married


    your money, not you."


    "She''s not like that," Kristian countered quickly, a protective edge to his voice.


    "You''ll see when she starts asking for her share during the divorce," Felipe retorted with a smirk, his words sharp. "People often wear masks of dignity and integrity, but who really knows what lies beneath? People can


    be extraordinarily greedy."


    Kristian''s frown deepened, a tangible weight of resistance settling into the creases of his brow as he processed'' Felipe''s words.


    He almost retorted that Freya wasn''t the type to care about money, but a flicker of doubt held him back,


    haunted by her recent requests.


    His mood soured further, the annoyance prickling under his skin making it


    increasingly difficult to s.


    vors of his meal.


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    Chapter 12 Lets Go Seyle To The Fobs Sext Door


    Every now and then, his eyes flickered towards the door of the private room,


    drawn by a restless anticipation he couldn''t quite shake off


    If Freya truly had something to hide about her rtionship With Trent, she would''vee forth with an exnation by now. Instead, thirty long minutes had ticked by without a word from her, fueling his unrest


    with a sigh, he took another distracted sip from his ss, his thoughts churning uneasily.


    From across the table, Felipe and Zander exchanged nces, acutely aware of the tension radiating off Kristian


    As the silence stretched on, the atmosphere thickened with unspoken words until Felipe could no longer bear the heavy air. He rose, casually slipping a hand into his pocket, his voice breaking the quiet. "Let''s go say hi to the folks next door."


    "No!" Kristian''s voice was sharp, a t refusal hanging between them Freya was the one who had every reason to feel guilty and reach out to him.


    Sensing Kristian''s wounded pride and stubborn stance, Felipe pressed on, a gentle coaxing to his tone, "Trent traveled all the way from Alerith to Jeucwell; shouldn''t we at least greet him?"


    There was a moment''s hesitation, a flicker of conflict across Kristian''s features before Zander''s hand came to


    rest reassuringly on his shoulder. "Let''s go."


    Finding a decent reason, Kristian got up from his seat and followed them.


    The three of them were strikingly attractive, each standing tall, their presencemanding enough to turn heads anywhere they went.


    Luckily, the exclusivity of the members-only restaurant provided a semnce of privacy from unwanted


    attention.


    Side by side with Zander, Kristian left the subtle art of introductions to Felipe, who


    was particrly skilled in


    such social niceties.


    Felipe approached the door with a confident stride and knocked expertly, waiting for the soft sound of approval from within before entering.


    His keen gaze quickly swept across the room, pausing briefly on Freya before warmly settling on Trent with a broad smile. "Mr. Seymour, what an unexpected pleasure to encounter you here in Jeucwell!" he eximed with genuine enthusiasm.


    "You tter me, Mr. Yates," Trent responded, his toneced with courtesy as he


    dabbed at his lips with a


    napkin.


    "And this must be..." Felipe''s voice trailed off enticingly as his eyes shifted back to


    Freya, leaving his sentence hanging in the air.


    Yet, Freya chose to remain enveloped in silence.


    Over their two-year marriage, Kristian had never officially introduced Freya to his


    circle, though she had briefly


    met them at various social events.


    It was hard for her to believe that Felipe was truly unaware of her identity.


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    "Just a friend," Trent replied with a shrug.


    "Mr. Seymour, would you mind if we join you?" Felipe inquired boldly, his eyes sparkling with anticipation. "It would be wonderful to be acquainted." "Today isn''t a good day," Trent replied with a courteous smile, maintaining his


    poisedposure. "Perhaps on another asion, we can share a delightful meal together."


    His refusal was so final that Felipe, unable to press further, shot an inquisitive look towards Freya.


    Trent, known for his strategic maneuvers, wouldn''t reject an offer so outright unless his rtionship with Freya


    actually meant something to him.


    Felipe, not one to give up and still smarting from an earlier slight by Kristian,


    made another offer, his toneced with a hint of mischief. "How about this," he offered, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "We have the private room next door. After you finish here, perhaps we could all meet for a chat?"


    This time, Trent hesitated. Instead of a direct refusal, he turned to Freya, seeking


    her input with a silent,


    questioning gaze.


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    Chapter 13 Eager To Take My ce


    Trent wanted to agree-but the words stuck in his throat.


    Freya didn''t want him tangled in her divorce, yet as her friend, he couldn''t stand by while she faced unfair


    treatment.


    Besides, her father had entrusted him with a task: ensure Kristian knew Freya wasn''t standing alone.


    For the first time, Freya misread Trent''s gaze, suspecting some unspoken alliance with Felipe. "I''m okay with


    that."


    "Alright," Trent agreed, letting the moment pass without exnation.


    Felipe''s eyes sparkled with amusement. After a few exchanged words, he strode away.


    The door clicked shut. Freya turned to Trent, her voice steady. "Just act like you normally would. Don''t adjust


    for me."


    "Okay." Trent left it at that. When he faced Kristianter, polite restraint wouldn''t be necessary.


    Felipe returned in high spirits. Leaning against the private room doorway, he smirked at Kristian. "They refused


    to share a table-didn''t want us ruining their cozy lunch."


    Kristian''s gaze darkened. His hand froze mid-reach in his pocket.


    "But they agreed to meetter," Felipe added. "You should''ve seen Trent-obedient


    as a devoted boyfriend. Anyone would assume they''re together."


    "Get your eyes checked." Kristian''s retort was ice. "While you''re at it, hire a tutor for that pathetic vocabry


    of yours."


    Felipe blinked, lost. He elbowed Zander. "What does he mean by that?"


    "He just hates yourmentary," Zander replied, his smile gentle, almost apologetic.


    Felipe gritted his teeth. Kristian always knew where to jab. This wasn''t over. Thirty minutester.


    Felipe sent Kristian and Zander ahead to the upstairs club, ying escort for Freya and Trent himself. The club ¡ªa dimly lit haven of drinks and murmured conversations-was the restaurant''s post-dinner indulgence.


    And the restaurant? Wholly Felipe''s.


    "Meet my friends: Kristian Shaw and Zander Loftus." Felipe''s grin widened as Kristian''s stare locked or sya.


    "This is Trent Seymour from Alerith... and his friend."


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    Pleasantries were exchanged, brittle and brief.


    Kristian''s and Freya''s eyes met-a sh of silent fury,


    "Kristian," Felipe teased, "you''re a married man. Staring at Mr. Seymour''s ''friend'' like that? Improper.


    "The ''friend'' you mention is my wife." Kristian''s tone was razor-sharp. "I wonder if Mr. Seymour is aware."


    The air turned to ss-fragile, ready to shatter.


    If Freya and Trent were more than friends, this was the moment truth would out.


    "I knew my sweet friend was married." Trent settled onto the sofa, adjusting his gold-rimmed sses with


    deliberate calm. "But to you? That''s... unexpected."


    Freya shot him a nce. His sugary tone sent a shudder down her spine. What game was he ying?


    Trent''s eyes flicked toward her, as if saying, "I''ve got your back."


    She barely stifled a sigh.


    Kristian caught it too-that familiarity, that audacity.


    He''d never realized Trent and Freya were this close.


    Felipe suddenly stood, offering his seat with exaggerated courtesy, "My mistake


    for not recognizing you earlier. This is your rightful ce-please, sit."


    "No need."


    "No need."


    Kristian and Freya spoke in unison, their voices twin des of frost.


    "What''s going on with you two?" Felipe pressed, theatrically wide-eyed. "Did you have a fight?"


    Kristian''s re could''ve melted steel.


    Felipe pretended not to notice.


    "You talk with them." Freya had no interest in sparring with Kristian further. She turned to Trent. "I''m going to


    the restroom."


    "Alright," Trent agreed, his tone dripping with gentleness.


    The scene burned Kristian''s retinas. Their effortless intimacy made him feel like the intruder.


    "How did you and Kristian''s wife meet, Mr. Seymour?" Felipe asked, swirling his drink.


    Trent hesitated.


    He wanted to say childhood friends, family ties-but Freya''s warning echoed in his mind. He couldn''t reveal


    her identity.


    His pause stretched a second too long.


    Kristian misinterpreted it instantly. Whatever their first meeting was, it must''ve


    been...promising


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    The room''s temperature plummeted.


    "If it''s sensitive, forget I asked." Felipeughed, pouring drinks as they arrived. "Let''s toast! Gatherings like this


    are rare."


    The conversation limped forward until Freya returned. Every eye tracked her.


    She''d done what she came for. "I''m leaving," she announced. "Stay if you want."


    "Don''t rush." Felipe blocked her path. "Leave with Kristianter."


    "No." Freya''s refusal was absolute.


    "Stay a while longer," Trent added.


    Freya was silent but didn''t walk out.


    Kristian''s grip on his ss turned lethal. His knuckles bleached white; his ribs cramped around the fury in his


    chest.


    "Freya mentioned you''re divorcing." Trent''s question was a scalpel to Kristian''s nerves. "Is it true?"


    "Eager to take my ce?" Kristian snarled, the words raw and unnned. Regretshed him the moment they


    escaped.


    Everyone froze.


    Even Felipe stiffened. No one expected such venom. If he truly wanted the


    divorce, why the rage?


    "Kristian." Freya had meant to stay silent, but his words were a bridge too far. "Do you ever use that brain for anything beyond decoration?"


    Kristian''s hand froze mid-air. Temper ring, he shot back, ¡°Then stop giving me reasons to say these things."


    "You''re insane." Arguing was pointless.


    She drained her wine in one savage tilt.


    As she reached for a second ss, Kristian''s jaw twitched. He moved to stop her,


    but Trent was faster.


    "Don''t," he murmured, eyes soft with concern. "It''s not good for you."


    Freya set the ss down, her emotions in turmoil. She''d never imagined Kristian


    could wound her so deeply.


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    Chapter 14 Getting Bold


    With The ttery, Aren''t...


    "It seems you and Freya share a close bond," Felipe remarked, his curiosity piqued. He studied Trent''s expression, probing for unspoken truths.


    "We''ve known each other for years," Trent replied smoothly. "Our bond has always been strong


    Felipe leaned toward Kristian, his voice a hushed whisper. "They''re clearly just friends. If there were anything more between them, wouldn''t it have happened by now? Why wait?"


    "Shut up," Kristian muttered, his chest tightening with an emotion he refused to


    name.


    Freya wasn''t one to suffer slights quietly-she made sure those who crossed her regretted it.


    Her gaze settled on Zander, calm and deliberate. "Mr. Loftus, I''ve always admired your integrity. You strike me as the kind of man who''d make an excellent husband."


    The room froze, confusion flickering across every face. No one could follow her sudden shift in tone.


    "Where''s thising from?" Zander asked, his eyes darting to Kristian, whose expression had darkened.


    "I saw you on that dating show," Freya said, her voiceced with quiet


    amusement. "Your perspective on love andmitment was... refreshingly principled."


    Zander blinked, utterly lost.


    "What did he say?" Felipe interjected, leaning forward.


    Freya''s smile was razor-thin. "They posed a hypothetical-what if your idealized first love returned after marriage? Would you leave your spouse for them? His answer was the only one that made sense."


    Felipe''s gaze snapped to Kristian. The unspoken parallel hung in the air.


    Zander stiffened as realization struck.


    As for that hypothetical, his response had been scathing: only a selfish fool would abandon their vows for a, ghost of the past.


    Now, with Kristian leaving Freya for Ashley, the irony was unbearable.


    "Well? What''d you say?" Felipe nudged him impatiently.


    Zander exhaled, ignoring the question. Instead, he locked eyes with Kristian. "Kristian... you''re making a


    mistake."


    A heavy silence fell over the group.


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    Chapter 14 Getting Bold With The ttery, Aren''t We


    Kristian''s jaw clenched. "Getting bold with the ttery, aren''t we?"


    His temper simmered, barely restrained.


    Zander rubbed his temple, choosing his words carefully. Back then, he''d spoken hypothetically.


    Now that he knew Kristian was divorcing Freya for Ashley, he was certain Kristian woulde to regret his


    decision.


    "I have business to attend to." Kristian stood abruptly, shooting Felipe and Zander


    a warning look "Pemember


    what I told you."


    They nodded stiffly.


    As Kristian passed Freya, his dark gaze flicked to her, then Trent. "If you''re serious about her, be ready to hand over your fortune. She''s got expensive tastes."


    Trent didn''t miss a beat. "She can have everyst penny. It''s hers if she wants it."


    Kristian''s hands curled into fists at his sides.


    Even Felipe and Zander stiffened-Trent''s words were a deration, not a jest.


    Hope you two dive into that rtionship quickly-it should be quite the adventure!" Kristian spat, storming out before the suffocating tension choked himpletely. Trent followed Freya out, and soon they were in his car.


    Freya shot him a sidelong nce, her disapproval evident. "Why did you provoke him like that?"


    "Your father sent me to assist you-he instructed me to say those things." Trent''s lips curved into a faint, knowing smile, his demeanor effortlesslymanding. "Though I admit, the rift between you two is... deeper


    than I expected."


    "It wasn''t always this way." Freya slumped back against the seat, exhaustion creeping into her voice. "I don''t know what''s gotten into him today."


    "Jealousy," Trent stated inly, as if diagnosing a simple fact.


    Freya''s mouth twitched in disbelief. "Don''t be absurd," she scoffed. She knew Kristian had been obsessed with Ashley for years. The idea of him being jealous over her wasughable.


    "Sometimes, men don''t recognize their own emotions until it''s toote." Trent''s eyes glinted with quiet amusement. "He''ll only realize what he''s lost when you''re truly gone."


    Freya said nothing. The way Trent spoke, so matter-of-fact, made it sound inevitable.


    "If he begged you to remarry him... you''d refuse, wouldn''t you?" Trent asked, watching her closely.


    "Yes." The answer left her lips without hesitation. "Even if he is jealous-which he''s not-it changes nothing. I


    gave him six months to reconsider. He didn''t."


    "Good." Trent''s shoulders rxed slightly.


    "When are you heading back to Alerith?" Freya changed the subject.


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    "Once your divorce is finalized" Trent tilted his head, his emite policked and deter


    your to Besides, I have business in jenewell to settle


    Freya nodded. "Alright"


    Trent wasn''t just a legal titan-his influence stretched deep into corporate des


    since childhood, he''d been the golden boy, the standard against which the were mured Her father, Ho adored him Then bond was unshakable, and Freya had no intention of interfering despite her own greet


    rtionship with Hugh


    The rest of the ride passed in silence. When Trent pulled up to the vi''s iron gates, be added sly, "Came if you need anything I''ll always anewer."


    He knew she was capable. He trusted her to handle Kristian.


    But trust didn''t negate the need for reassurance


    Freya offered a small smile. "Okay."


    Their farewell, tender yet tinged with unspoken understanding, didn''t go


    unnoticed. From the balcony do, Kristian watched, his grip tightening on the railing until his knuckles nched. The voice on the phone lites


    into static.


    Only one thought consumed him: How had she and Trent grown so dose?


    "Sir? Are you listening, sir?" Gerard''s voice finally pierced through his haze. He''d repeated himself twice now,


    met with silence.


    "What?" Kristian barely registered the words. His attention was fixed on Freya as


    she stepped inside, Trent''s car disappearing down the drive.


    Gerard suppressed a sigh. So all that reporting he''d just done had beenpletely ignored?


    Still, for the sake of his paycheck, he repeated himself. "The police just called. They''ve arrested the suspect from Miss Bradley''s car ident. Do you want to go in for questioning?"


    "No." Kristian turned abruptly, already making his way downstairs. "Tell them to proceed as per protocol"


    Gerard frowned. His boss had been obsessed with this case before-what changed? But he knew better than to ask. ¡°Understood,"


    Kristian ended the call and entered the living room just as Freya stepped inside.


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    Chapter 15 Scant Information


    Freya and Kristian''s gazes locked, crackling with a palpable tension that seemed to thicken the very air between


    them.


    Disdain was etched deeply on their features, a silent testament to the rift that had grown between them.


    Without a word, Freya turned, her every step radiating a frosty determination as she ascended the stairs.


    "Stop!" Kristian''s voice rang out, halting yet resonant, as he called after her retreating figure.


    Without acknowledging him, Freya pressed on, her steps never faltering.


    With determined strides, Kristian intercepted her at the bottom of the staircase, nting himself firmly in her path. He towered over her, his face a mask of the usual detached indifference. "Can we talk?" he asked, his


    voice low and steady.


    "Fine," Freya conceded curtly, her toneced with reluctance.


    They moved towards the living room, where Kristian casually flicked the remote control aside.


    Freya''s eyes followed the motion briefly but she said nothing, instead gracefully reaching for her cup to pour herself some water. The liquid cascaded with a gentle tinkle, breaking the silence. After a slow, measured sip, she settled onto the sofa, cup cradled in her hands. "Fine, get to the point. What do you want to talk about?"


    Kristian''s gaze was unyielding, piercing as he queried, "What''s your rtionship with Trent Seymour?"


    Her response came quick and frank. "Friends."


    "And when did this friendship begin?" Kristian pressed on, his tone probing. Unperturbed, Freya responded, "We''ve known each other since we were kids."


    A chill seemed to pass through Kristian''s eyes then, turning them frostier as he countered skeptically, "Trent''s family background has always had him in elite circles since he was young. How could you have possibly known


    him back then?"


    Freya remained silent, the weight of her secret identity forming an invisible barrier between her and Kristian.


    He studied her closely, his voiceced with a stern warning. "Don''t even think about getting too close to him," he warned. "He''s not as innocent as he looks."


    "I''m merely friends with him," Freya asserted firmly, her voice steady and clear. ¡°I have no intention pursuing anything beyond that. Don''t project your assumptions onto me. Showing basic respect is fundamentai in human interactions."


    Kristian''s expression grew more intense, his eyes narrowing slightly.


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    With the conversation taking a turn, Freya seized the opportunity to turn the tables. "Speaking of which, when exactly did you meet Ashley Bradley?" she questioned, her tone equally inquisitive.


    Kristian fell into a troubled silence, his jaw tightening.


    Echoing his earlier words with a hint of irony, Freya went on, "She''s not as innocent as she looks. Don''t even think about getting too close to her"


    "Freya!" Kristian''s voice rose in anger, a sh of frustration crossing his features.


    Unperturbed, Freya leaned back against the plush cushions of the sofa, her posture rxed yet alert


    "Ashley and Trent are worlds apart," Kristian snapped bitterly, his frustration evident. "It''s unfair and wrong topare her to him."


    He couldn''t wrap his head around why Freya was so quick to defend Trent. He leaned forward, his tone severe and filled with a final warning. "I''ll say this onest time-if you want a peaceful life after the divorce, keep your distance from him."


    Freya snatched her phone from the table and walked away.


    The very thought that she could engage in a meaningful conversation with Kristian now seemed ludicrous to her. What a love-struck fool! He was always babbling about Ashley-Ashley this, Ashley that. If he was so damn obsessed with that woman, why the hell did he rush into marrying her? What a piece of shit.


    Meanwhile, Kristian watched the door shut behind Freya, a storm of frustration brewing in his chest. He stood there, rooted, as a myriad of emotions tangled within him.


    (Freya felt suffocating in this space, especially in his presence.


    Her gaze lingered on the lush greenery visible through the window, a temporary balm to her frayed nerves. With a deep, steadying breath, she picked up her phone again and dialed with practiced ease. "Hello, is this Spotless Housekeeping? I need a cleaning service for my house-just a thorough dusting. I''ll be moving in tomorrow. Thank you; I''ll send over the address and ess code in a moment."


    After ending the call, she quickly texted the address and code for her luxury duplex apartment in Jeucwell-a haven she had purchased years ago but had scarcely used.


    The picturesque views and mild climate of Jeucwell made it an ideal retreat. She''d purchased it with the idea of having a ce to unwind whenever she needed a break.


    The ce had been renovated, but she''d never spent a single night there.


    After filing for divorce the next day, she intended to settle there, avoiding the constant frustration of running


    into Kristian.


    Unbeknownst to Kristian, Freya was orchestrating her escape. Meanwhile, he found himself unwittingly drawn into the mysteries of her life.


    After some thought, it hit him-he didn''t know a damn thing about her besides her


    name.


    After spending the entire afternoon digging through files and making discreet inquiries, Gerard found himself with little more than what was already listed on Freya''s passport.


    Theck of substantial findings had him on edge as he picked up the phone to report back. "Sir..." he began,


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    his voice tinged with unease.


    Kristian''s response was immediate and direct. "Did you uncover anything?"


    "Well, I dide across something." Gerard admitted, his finger fumbling with the sparse notes before him as he swallowed hard. "But, to be honest, the information''s barely there."


    There was a pause on the other end of the line as Kristian processed this. "Go on, then "


    Clearing his throat, Gerard read with a hesitant voice, "Freya Briggs, female." His heart raced as he awaited.


    Kristian''s reaction.


    The silence that followed was thick, punctuated only by Kristian''s deepening frown. "Is that all?" he finally


    demanded.


    "And, um," Gerard stammered, his nervousness palpable as he pushed his sses up his nose for what felt like the hundredth time. "That''s pretty much the extent of it."


    From his study, Kristian stood abruptly, his gaze fixed on the glowing screen disying another file entirely-


    Trent''s.


    His voice was sharp with frustration. "That''s all you''ve got?"


    "I''ve spent the entire afternoon on this, and yet, I''vee up with less than what


    her passport offers," Gerard exined, his toneced with apology.


    He hesitated before adding, "If I may, why are we looking into your wife so


    intensely?"


    Kristian''s voice was tinged with impatience as he insisted, "Investigate more thoroughly."


    Gerard responded with a hint of defensiveness, "I already did. This is the result of


    a thorough investigation."


    "Are you entirely certain you were thorough?" Kristian pressed, his frustration palpable.


    He couldn''t believe that after all the digging, all he got was a pathetic response. Gerard let out a frustrated sigh. "Yeah, I''m sure."


    A tense silence fell between them, broken only by Gerard''s sudden spection. "Sir, is it possible that your wife


    is some kind of super-skilled hacker who''s managed to conceal her tracks?" Kristian scoffed at the wild guess, "Gerard, try using your brain for once."


    Unperturbed, Gerard continued, "Alerith is a city notorious for its enigmatic and gifted individuals. Isn''t it possible she''s one of them?" He was already halfway convinced that Freya was no ordinary person.


    After all, it was rare for him toe up empty-handed.


    Kristian''s expression darkened, his brow furrowing deeply. "Alerith?" he echoed skeptically.


    "Yeah, what about it?" Gerard pressed, sensing a shift in Kristian''s interest.


    "How did youe to the conclusion that she''s from Alerith?" Kristian questioned, his curiosity piqued.


    "I remember seeing her passport when you were getting married," Gerard stated,


    his remarkable memory leaving no detail untouched. "The address showed that


    she was from Alerith."


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    Kristian''s reaction was one of sheer astonishment.


    "You seriously never noticed?" Gerard pressed on.


    Without another word, Kristian ended the call.


    A slight crease formed between his brows. Freya was from Alerith? Could her


    history with Trent really stretch all the way back to childhood?


    This notion flickered through Kristian''s mind briefly before he dismissed it. Yet, almost immediately, another thought took root,pelling him. He realized he needed to meet Freya''s family.


    With a decisive movement, he threw his phone back on the desk and allowed himself a moment to ponder


    After a half-hour lost in thought, he rose and approached Freya''s room, knocking


    firmly.


    The door swung open to reveal Freya, her hair still damp from a shower, a towel catching stray droplets Water traced paths down her elegant neck, collecting subtly at her corbone, enhancing her ethereal allure.


    Kristian caught himself as his breathing deepened, hastily averting his eyes only


    to find himself caught in the trap of her clear, luminous gaze.


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 Chapter 16

    Chapter 16 You Could''ve


    At Least Picked A Believa...


    Before Kristian could utter a word, Freya cut him off sharply. "Stop staring."


    "I have something to discuss with you," Kristian said, steering the conversation away from the weight of his own guilt.


    Still drying her hair, Freya cracked the door open just enough to fix him with a dismissive look. "If this is about Ashley or Trent, save your breath. There''s nothing to say."


    "It''s not," Kristian replied, irritation flickering beneath his calm tone. Her attitude grated on him


    What he really wanted was to peel back theyers and see who she truly was.


    Freya set the towel aside and sighed. "Go ahead."


    "I''d like to visit your family," Kristian said, his voice firm, though the request was little more than a pretext. "My grandpa made a valid point-in two years of marriage, I never once met your parents. That''s inexcusable


    "There''s no need," Freya countered tly.


    "It''s just an apology. I won''t overstay my wee." His voice was low, deliberate.


    Freya didn''t budge. "Seriously, drop it."


    "Why the resistance?" Kristian''s eyes narrowed. "Are you hiding something?" Gerard''s earlier insinuations


    resurfaced in his mind.


    "Exactly." Freya met his gaze without flinching, her expression dead serious. "My family''s''filthy rich. I''m afraid you''ll get dor signs in your eyes, refuse to divorce me, and then siphon off my inheritance to fund Ashley''s lifestyle."


    Kristian stared at her, momentarily speechless. He didn''t buy a word of it¡ªbut he humored her anyway. "Name one. I know every major family and corporation. Which one''s yours?"


    "The Briggs Group," Freya shot back without hesitation.


    She had no reason to lie. Her identity wasn''t some well-guarded secret.


    Hugh Briggs''s daughter wasmon knowledge in elite circles-except the one everyone recognized was her younger sister.


    Freya had always preferred solitude over socializing, so few outside her inner circle even knew she existu


    "You could''ve at least picked a believable lie," Kristian scoffed. "I''ve met Hugh Briggs'' daughter. She looks nothing like you."


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    "Oh " Freya''s response was ice-cold.


    The difference between her and her sister couldn''t be starker.


    Where Freya embraced simplicity, her sister dripped in elegance every outfit curated, every smile polished to


    perfection.


    "Half a day. That''s all I''m asking." Kristian pressed. "I won''t monopolize their time."


    "You didn''t care to visit when we were married. Why start now?" Freya''s tone was light, almost mocking, "People might think you''re doing this out of spite."


    "Because I never-


    "If you''d truly wanted to meet them, you would''ve done it years ago," Freya interrupted, her usualposure slipping into blunt impatience. "Last time, Kristian. Drop it."


    Her defiance only sharpened his curiosity.


    The harder she resisted, the more he wondered about the life she''d led before him.


    The address on her passport had led him to an unremarkable neighborhood in Alerith-hardly the backdrop of Hugh Briggs''s daughter.


    "Why are you so against this?" he demanded.


    ¡°Because I don''t need my dadughing at me," Freya said, her voice eerily detached. "If you waltz in and announce we were married for two years before splitting, how do you think he or his new wife-would see me?"


    Her words dragged his thoughts back tost night.


    Freya had mentioned her strained family ties, her father''s remarriage.


    "Then let me visit your mom," Kristian offered, shifting tactics.


    Freya''s hand froze mid-air, the toner bottle hovering as her expression went nk.


    Kristian caught the flicker of something raw-something she quickly smothered. Just as he opened his mouth to push further, Freya steadied herself, picked up the bottle, and said tonelessly, "My mother is dead."


    The words hit him like a punch to the gut.


    Of all the possibilities he''d considered, this wasn''t one of them.


    "I..." For once, he was at a loss.


    "If that''s all," Freya said, recing the bottle with deliberate calm, "we''re done here. We''ve got a divorce to file


    tomorrow."


    Kristian''s gaze sharpened, weighing her mood before settling on a quiet, "Good night."


    "Good night." Freya''s reply was t, devoid of warmth.


    He didn''t press further. At the door, his broad frame seemed to shrink the room as his hand hovered over the knob. Ast nce at Freya-her face unreadable, her posture unchanged-and he left without another word,


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    thetch clicking softly behind him.


    Sleep eluded them both.


    Kristian twisted in the sheets, the impending divorce a leaden weight on his chest. Worse was the gnawing realization: after two years, he knew nothing of Freya''s life. Not even that her mother was gone.


    Freya drowned in nightmares.


    Each time, the same cruel finale: her mother''s arms around her, the whisper against her hair-"Mina, don''t be afraid. I''m here."-before the dream splintered, and those loving hands dissolved like smoke.


    She''d scramble, grasping at emptiness.


    "Mom! Mom!"


    Her child-self and adult-self ran in futile tandem, legs pumping, throat raw, but


    the silhouette ahead only


    receded further.


    Freya jolted awake, her skin slick with sweat.


    Shey still, waiting for her pulse to slow, then dragged herself upright against the headboard.


    It had been so long since she''d dreamed of her mother.


    ncing at the clock, she saw it was barely three in the morning. She sat up against the headboard, trying to steady herself, then reached for the ss of water on her nightstand. It was empty. With a quiet sigh, she got


    out of bed and headed downstairs.


    She didn''t bother turning on the lights.


    Unlike the harsh rity of daylight, the night felt safer.


    In the dark, there were no illusions, no pretenses-just silence stretching endlessly


    around her.


    As she filled a ss with water, her mind remained tangled in the dream.


    For two years, she had tried not to think too much about her mother, fearing that dwelling on the past would only bring more pain-that if she ached for her too much, her mother''s spirit might worry for her from wherever she was. But tonight, that buried longing surged to the surface, relentless and unstoppable, breaking free like roots cracking through stone.


    Lost in thought, she didn''t notice someone else in the dark until she identally bumped into him. The sudden contact sent a ssh of water spilling-some onto him, some onto herself.


    Before she could react, a low, drowsy voice sounded above her. "Why didn''t you turn on the light?"


    "It''s unnecessary," Freya said, her voice as calm as ever, offering no further exnation.


    Kristian exhaled and reached for the switch. The room was instantly flooded with


    light.


    Freya flinched, eyelids squeezing shut against the assault. When she opened


    them, Kristian stood frozer re, water darkening his shirt.


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 Chapter 17

    Chapter 17 Are You Really Going Through With The...


    Kristian, dressed in pajamas that mirrored Freya''s in both hue and style, stood before her with his cor nonchntly unbuttoned and his hair charmingly tousled. This casual disarray lent him a rugged allure, softening the usual severity that cloaked his features and injecting a spontaneous charm into his presence.


    Lost in the nostalgia of the scene, Freya felt a wave of emotions transporting her back to the blissful dawn of their marriage.


    Catching her gaze drifting, Kristian''s eyes narrowed slightly as he noticed the shimmer of tears that clung delicately to hershes.


    The sight caused a tightness in his throat. "Why are you crying?" he asked, his voiceced with a mixture of concern and confusion.


    "I''m not crying!" Freya countered. Despite her attempt to sound strong, her disheveled appearance from being roused from sleep betrayed her true feelings.


    Sensing her distress, perhaps about their impending divorce, Kristian suggested, "Now that we''re both awake, why don''t we talk?"


    "No," she replied curtly, her voice firm.


    All she wanted was a sip of water before crashing back into bed; exhaustion weighed her down. "I''m heading upstairs to get some more sleep."


    As she turned to leave, Kristian reached out swiftly, capturing her hand in his. He gently relieved her of the ss and guided her towards the dining table.


    With a puzzled frown, Freya sat down as he ced the ss before her, his elegant fingers lingering momentarily on the tabletop. His deep, resonant voice broke the silence again. "Why are you up?"


    Freya took a deliberate sip of water, her eyes avoiding his probing gaze, leaving his question hanging in the air,


    unanswered.


    "Does this have something to do with the divorce tomorrow?" Kristian pressed on.


    Freya paused mid-sip, a furrow of confusion knitting her brows as she tried to grasp his sudden question.


    "When I asked you to marry me, it was real-I wanted to build a life with you," Kristian admitted, breaking the


    silence that had stretched between them.


    His gaze, usually distant and unattached upon waking, was now intense and focused solely on her. "I honestly wanted forever with you. I just never anticipated that Ashley had her own hidden motives for leaving."


    Setting down her now-empty ss with a soft clink, Freya''s voice carried a note of cool detachment. "Yes, I


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    know."


    Before Ashley''s unsettling phone call, Kristian had been nothing short of considerate. He had honored Freya''s desire to avoid avish wedding and the scrutiny of a public announcement, seamlessly handling the intricacies


    of their quiet union.


    He had always found ways to uplift her, ensuring she never felt overshadowed by the ring differences in


    their social standings.


    Freya had been convinced she''d made the right choice in him.


    But Ashley''s call had shattered her happy life.


    "Freya." Kristian''s voice softened, a familiar warmth weaving through his words as he spoke her name.


    She didn''t challenge him, her thoughts perhaps wandering to dreams of her mother, or lost in the nostalgia of


    their earlier days, or maybe it was just thete hour clouding her judgment.


    She responded instinctively, her toneden with the weight of unspoken thoughts, "Hmm?"


    "I apologize." The words were simple, but Kristian felt each one acutely, as if the very sight of her tears was a


    knife twisting in his heart.


    Freya''s eyes met Kristian''s as she muttered three words, "I ept it."


    Kristian''s heart sank, a void opening within him as the stark reality settled.


    Her words, so clinical and detached, brought a resurgence of profound loss that he thought he had managed to


    keep at bay.


    "Once the divorce is final, I hope we can go back to being strangers," Freya went on, her gaze unwavering. "Even


    if fate throws us together, let''s just pass by like we''ve never known each other."


    As she spoke, her mind wandered to the future of thepany she was bound to inherit.


    The Briggs Group wasn''t just her father''s legacy; her mother had poured her soul into it as well.


    With both the Briggs and Shaw Groups being titans in their fields, she was adamant that their personal history


    shouldn''t taint potential coborations.


    Kristian''s eyes darkened, a mix of pain and concern flickering through them as he nodded slowly. "Fine, I''ll go along with that," he conceded, his voice thick with emotion. "But you need to promise me something first."


    Freya''s brow furrowed slightly. "What is it?"


    He hesitated, his heart heavy at the mere thought. "If you find someone new...'' The words choked in his throat, the images of her smiling softly in another''s embrace, perhaps even starting a family, weighed him down.


    unbearably.


    Freya inquired softly, yet firmly, "What?"


    "If you find someone else," Kristian replied, his toneced with concern, "make


    sure to register your before marriage."


    His eyes searched hers earnestly. "And keep your wealth under wraps. Don''t let anyone know how much you really have."


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    To him, Freya came from an ordinary background.


    Yet, if the world ever discovered the billions sitting in her bank ount, she would


    no doubt turn into a prime target for schemes and maniptions.


    "Don''t worry, I know what to do," Freya assured him with genuine warmth in her tone.


    Kristian''s expression grew somber. His emotions had been a whirlwind today, especially with his frustrations regarding Freya and Trent.


    But now, as night cloaked their home, his voice carried an unexpected serenity as they delved into deeper


    conversations.


    It was the sight of tears tracing Freya''s cheeks that altered his perspective, prompting him to see this moment


    as perhaps his final gesture of kindness before their impending divorce.


    "If there''s nothing else, I''ll head upstairs to sleep," Freya announced, her fatigue


    evident in her slumped shoulders and weary eyes.


    "Wait." Kristian''s voice halted her retreat.


    With a puzzled frown, she turned back towards him.


    Before she could articte her confusion, he stepped closer, his actions gentle.


    He tenderly wiped away her


    tears with his thumb, his voice a soft whisper. "Don''t cry."


    Freya touched the other side of her face, her fingers brushing against dampness


    she hadn''t noticed before.


    She paused, a memory of the dream that had roused her from sleep earlier surfacing in her mind.


    Then, locking eyes with him, she asserted, "I wasn''t crying."


    His expression softened, a hint of concern in his voice. "Don''t force yourself to be


    the strong one all the time." He pulled his hand away, his deep-set eyes mirroring her visage in the dim light.


    "I swear, I wasn''t crying," Freya responded, her fingers brushing her cheeks as if


    to erase any trace of tears. She clutched her ss a little tighter and offered a usible exnation. "Those weren''t tears, okay? Just some water that sshed when I bumped into you."


    Kristian was momentarily lost for words.


    Freya''s gaze drifted to his damp clothes. With a gentle reminder, she noted, ¡°It''s a bit chilly on this cool autumn evening. You should change your clothes before you catch a cold. I''m heading up now-sorry about getting your clothes wet."


    Silence enveloped Kristian as he processed her words.


    With a resigned sigh, Freya set her ss down on the shelf and ascended the stairs, leaving Kristian alone with'' his frustrations in the quiet of the night. The mood was irreparably shattered by her words.


    A frosty aura enveloped Kristian, thickening with every second as he reyed the evening''s embarrassments. He had sincerely believed Freya''s tears were genuine, but understanding he''d jumped to the wrong conclusion left him feeling


    like aplete fool.


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 Chapter 18

    Chapter 18 She''s Moving


    Out


    "Drive," Kristian ordered, his tone steady but carrying an authority that left no room for argument.


    Gerard turned the ignition and guided the car out of the vi''s driveway, his grip tightening slightly on the wheel.


    Something in his gut warned him that if this divorce went through, Kristian would live to regret it.


    More than that, he couldn''t shake the suspicion that Freya wasn''t just some ordinary woman. If she were, digging up details about her education or workce would''ve been effortless.


    Yetst night, his searches hade up empty.


    That was unbelievable.


    "Mrs. Shaw," Gerard ventured, eyes fixed on the road, "are you sure you won''t reconsider? My boss is quite the


    catch-handsome, wealthy. Walking away might be a decision you''ll regret."


    Even with Kristian''s temper looming over him, Gerard had never shied away from speaking his mind-first


    about the marriage, now about the divorce.


    Freya''s gaze flicked to the back of his head. "No amount of charm or money changes the fact that he''s a jerk."


    A beat of silence settled in the car. Even Kristian had no retort.


    Gerard tried again, shifting tactics, "Sir, what about you? Any second thoughts?"


    Kristian''s re could''ve sliced steel.


    Undeterred, Gerard pressed on, ¡°Miss Bradley is your past, but your wife is your present. Trading the present for the past isn''t just reckless-it''s stupid."


    "Just focus on the road." Kristian''s tone left no room for debate.


    Gerard exhaled but couldn''t resist onest jab. "Fine. Then don''t expect me to help you win her backter."


    The temperature in the car plummeted.


    Kristian mused darkly, thinking that perhaps giving Gerard too light a workload had made him forget his ce."


    The courthouse loomed ahead as they pulled in at 8:50.


    Gerard had handled the arrangements, ushering the couple inside to file the paperwork.


    Watching them fill out the forms, he adjusted his gold-rimmed sses and fired off a message to Kristian''s brother. "Sir, your brother and his wife are divorcing."


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    Chapter 18 She''s Moving Out


    The reply was instant. "What? You''re joking. He adores her."


    Gerard typed back. "Ashley Bradley is back."


    "He''s ditching his wife for his ex?"


    Gerard hesitated. "Yes."


    "Bold move."


    Gerard had no response to that.


    Kristian''s brother continued, "Let them divorce. He''s had it easy ever since his first heartbreak. Maybe his wife humbling him a little will do him some good."


    Gerard stared at his screen for a second before locking his phone. Why had he even bothered telling him?" Clearly, persuading Kristian was thest thing his brother nned to do.


    Just as Gerard was about to check on the couple, his phone rang. He stepped aside, answering in a lower voice.


    Kristian''s brother''s tone was rxed, almostzy. "I forgot to ask-how''s the asset division?"


    Gerard thought for a second before replying, "Aside from investment shares, she gets half of his sry and


    bonuses, his most expensive sports car, and a vi on the outskirts."


    "That''s fair," the voice responded, followed by a click as the call ended.


    Gerard blinked. Were these two really brothers?


    Meanwhile, Freya and Kristianpleted the paperwork and were informed about the mandatory thirty-day


    waiting period. If they still wanted to proceed after a month, they could return for the final divorce. But if


    either of them had a change of heart, they could call it off.


    With that, they left the courthouse.


    Everything had gone smoothly.


    Gerard drove them back, debating whether to say something. In the end, he held


    his tongue. A month was a


    long time. Plenty of room for second thoughts.


    But the moment they arrived at the vi, Gerard realized just how serious Freya was about this.


    A moving truck stood in the driveway. Even Kristian paused at the sight.


    Gerard, noting his boss''s rare moment of hesitation, turned to Freya. "Did you call the movingpany?"


    "Yes." Freya gave a curt nod before stepping out of the car.


    She wasted no time hurrying over to the movers, negotiating with them to wait while she gathered her-


    belongings.


    Despite living there for over a year, her belongings were sparse-just two suitcases and a handful of boxes.


    Inside the car, the air thickened. Gerard cleared his throat. "Sir, you''re really not going to stop her?"


    Kristian''s jaw tightened. "Why would I?"


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    "Because once she walks out that door," Gerard said carefully, "she''s noting back." Years of loyaltypelled him to speak inly, even if it risked Kristian''s wrath.


    "Know your ce," Kristian snapped.


    Yet his gaze drifted to Freyaposed, efficient, utterly unshaken. Something sharp twisted in his chest.


    Before he could dissect the feeling, he shoved the car door open and followed


    her.


    Freya, surprised the movers arrived in advance, exined to them, "I''ll be done packing in half an hour, Sorry


    for the wait."


    "No problem," one of them replied politely,


    Turning away, she headed toward the house-only to find Kristian standing in her


    path.


    "You''re leaving?" His voice was t, but his eyes burned into hers.


    "Obviously."


    "Why now?"


    She blinked. "Why not now?"


    "The divorce isn''t finalized for thirty days." He crossed his arms, the picture of detached rationality. "You could


    stay."


    "I''d rather not." She sidestepped him. "I''ve arranged a new ce. No point


    dragging this out."


    Kristian opened his mouth-then closed it. What could he say? Stay? Wait? The words turned to ash on his


    tongue.


    Freya didn''t linger. Every second in this vi choked her.


    True to her word, thirty minutester, the movers hauled her life away in


    cardboard and leather. The movers worked efficiently, carrying her belongings out


    one by one.


    Gerard adjusted his sses, murmuring, "Sir, she''s really going."


    Kristian''sugh was razor-thin. "I have eyes."


    "You won''t get another chance."


    Silence.


    "Can you actually live with that?" Gerard pressed.


    Instead of answering, Kristian shifted the conversation, loosening the knot in his


    chest. "How''s the situation with Ashley? Has the suspect''s motive been


    confirmed? Have the police reached a conclusion?"


    Gerard pursed his lips.


    "If it''s still unresolved, focus on that," Kristian added, his tone clipped, as if


    shutting down any further


    discussion.


    "Sir," Gerard said.


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    "Spl, Widian said


    Gerard besitated, but then, in a rare moment, ignored the warning signs shing


    in his mind. "I have a question."


    Kristian danced at him, signalling him to go on.


    A passe. Then, after weighing his words carefully, Gerard asked, "Are you really in


    love with Miss Bradley?"


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 Chapter 19

    Chapter 19 Tailing Her All The Way To Her Apartme...


    Kristian''s gaze lingered thoughtfully on Freya before shifting, nowden with a mix of steadiness and confusion.


    "What do you mean?" he asked sharply.


    Gerard leaned forward, his expression serious as he posed a weighty question. "Do you truly love Miss Bradley, or are you merely haunted by shadows of past feelings and unresolved yearnings?"


    Kristian''s brow furrowed slightly, a hint of difort in his tone. "What are you getting at?*


    The air between them grew thick, charged with unspoken thoughts. "I''m worried you''re confusing past sparks with something real now," Gerard remarked, his voice low and earnest. "You could miss a real chance at happiness with your wife."


    Kristian''s response was a silent one, his mind racing.


    He knew his heart''s depth for Ashley, memories of her gentlepany and sharedughter still had the power


    to soothe him.


    Had their paths not diverged, they might have already been bound by marriage.


    "There''s actually a straightforward way to see if your feelings for Miss Bradley are genuine," Gerard went on, a yful smirk tugging at his lips, hinting he knew something interesting. "But I doubt you''re ready for it."


    Kristian''s interest piqued. "What is it?"


    "Loving someone is a sh of heat, a quiet, irresistible pull." Gerard leaned in closer, his voice a hushed whisper meant for Kristian''s ears only. "Think about it- do you feel any real desire for Miss Bradley? Any genuine physical attraction?"


    The way Kristian''s expression shifted so quickly left no doubt he got it immediately.


    Gerard pressed on, his gaze intense, "Do you feel it?"


    Kristian''s gut reaction was a firm, unhesitating no.


    Neither in his past nor in the present had he harbored such sentiments towards Ashley.


    All he wanted was to cherish her and help her build a life brimming with happiness.


    But Freya...


    The mere thought of Freya caused a slight crease to form between Kristian''s brows. He fixed Gerard with a piercing look, his expression one of firm rejection. "What works for you doesn''t necessarily work for me."


    If Gerard''s insinuation held any truth, it would suggest that he harbored genuine feelings for Freya, an idea he foundpletely ludicrous.


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    Gerard, perceiving the depth of Kristian''s denial, chose silence.


    He could envision the scene a monthter, with the divorce papers freshly signed: Kristian, isted in his expansive vi, clutching at memories to stave off the loneliness


    Kristian''s brother had read him like a book, Kristian was in dire need of confronting his own setbacks.


    After loading herst box, Freya approached Kristian, her tone blunt and hect. "All my things are moved out. I''ll reach out once the mandatory waiting period ends to finalize the divorce."


    "Wait." Kristian''s voice halted her in her tracks.


    Freya paused and turned, her gaze falling back on him.


    Kristian''s eyes lingered on the movingpany''s truck, crammed with boxes, before he finally gathered his thoughts. "Gerard will drive you. The truck isn''t equipped for passengers."


    "Alright," Freya responded, her voice steady and unhesitant.


    She slid into the car, settling into the back seat with a quiet grace.


    Just as she was about to instruct Gerard, the car''s other door swung open. Kristian''s tall frame squeezed in beside her, the spacious interior suddenly feeling tight with his presence.


    Freya''s brow furrowed in mild annoyance. "What are you doing here?"


    "I''m on my way to the office, and it''s practically on the same route," Kristian exined, his tone a mask of calm. Freya fell silent, taken aback. He didn''t even know where she was moving to. Yet, she chose not to call him out fon it.


    In her eyes, Kristian was probably just concerned she might vanish to avoid finalizing their divorce, his unexpectedpany a tactic to ensure he knew where she lived.


    Once he was aware of her residence, there would be no disappearing on her part.


    It wasn''t that she feared any trouble from him after revealing her address-she intended to remain in Jeucwell just for another month. Afterward, she nned to return to Alerith and seldom visit Jeucwell again.


    Kristian waspletely in the dark about her ns. His curiosity was simple yet earnest; he just wanted to find out where she lived and whether it was a decent spot.


    The ride over was steeped in silence, each minute stretching longer than thest.


    After what felt like an eternity, they finally rolled into a quiet residential district on the outskirts of Jeucwell.


    The distance from the bustling city center caused Kristian''s finely shaped eyebrows to knit together in a slight


    frown.


    "You''ll live here?" He questioned, his toneced with surprise.


    "Yes," Freya responded with a firm nod.


    She had meticulously chosen this secluded spot after scouring through numerous listings in Jeucwell. It was the perfect sanctuary away from the chaos of urban life, exactly what she desired.


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    Kristian struggled to grasp her logic. Mulling over it, he finally offered slowly, a hint


    of concern in his voice, "You know, you could move into the vi I''ve prepared for you right now. After we finalize the divorce, it will


    all be yours."


    Freya''s reply was concise, almost curt. "This ce suits me just fine," she said, leaving no room for argument.


    Kristian sensed her resolve and chose not to push further.


    As they pulled up outside her building, Freya exited the car briskly and directed


    the movers towards the underground garage.


    Left behind, Gerard turned to Kristian, his voice breaking the lingering silence. "Sir, are we off to the office now?"


    Kristian gave him a brief, distracted nce, his mind still partly with Freya.


    Gerard was perplexed, his mind a whirl of confusion. What was that supposed to mean? It made no sense to


    him whatsoever.


    "Freya is still my wife," Kristian dered, his voice icy, his face a mask of impassivity. "Are you just going to sit here and watch her struggle on her own?"


    With a sh of insight, Gerard caught on to Kristian''s intentions.


    A subtle smile crept across his face as he responded, "Don''t worry. I''ll make sure


    she and all her possessions are safely escorted back to her ce."


    "Hurry up!" Kristian pressed, a sense of urgencycing his tone.


    Gerard didn''t hesitate. He bolted from the car and raced towards Freya, determined to fulfill his task.


    Meanwhile, he couldn''t fathom why Kristian couldn''t just obtain Freya''s apartment number himself, instead of concocting such a clumsy excuse to send him in his


    stead.


    It took ten minutes before Gerard made his way back.


    He promptly ryed Freya''s floor and apartment number to Kristian. Kristian''s expression remained unreadable, his face set in stone as he directed Gerard to drive to the office and begin preparing the necessary documents for the business trip.


    Freya was fully aware that Gerard had been sent to tail her all the way to her apartment on Kristian''smand. She understood Kristian''s underlying fear: he was worried she might flee and avoid finalizing their divorce, which would tie his hands from being open about his rtionship with Ashley.


    She avoided confronting him, channeling her energy into meticulously organizing her belongings.


    An hour whisked by, and with everything neatly arranged, she was on the verge of ordering lunch when a sudden phone call interrupted her.


    It was from her father. Without a moment''s hesitation, she dismissed the call.


    Yet, almost immediately, the phone rang again.


    Normally, one hang-up was enough; it was an unspoken boundary in their strained rtionship, a silent acknowledgment of mutual distaste.


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    The phone trembled persistently on the table, its vibrations echoing in the quiet room. Freya watched, her emotions tangled as she debated picking up. With a resigned sigh, she finally answered, her voice dripping with disinterest, "What is it now?"


    "She had an ident," Hugh''s strained reply came, his voice raw with emotion.


    Those words sent a shockwave through Freya''s core, scattering her thoughts like leaves in the wind.


    She couldn''t recall hanging up or how she left the apartment. The next thing she knew, she was in the back of a taxi, the cityscape blurring past as they sped towards the airport.


    Her heart pounded as Hugh''s words reyed in, her mind-She''s arm was fractured, her head was bleeding,


    and she was unconscious at the hospital.


    She Briggs wasn''t just her younger sister; she was her anchor, the one constant


    in her life after their mother''s passing.


    "Please, make it fast; it''s urgent," Freya pleaded to the taxi driver, her voice


    quivering with urgency as her mind raced with worry for She.


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    Chapter 20 Kristian Investigates Freya-


    When Freya arrived at the airport, the clock had already struck half-past twelve.


    The next flight from Jeucwell to Alerith departed at two in the afternoon. Leaping from the car, she dashed to the counter, desperately inquiring about potential cancetions.


    All online tickets had vanished, leaving her only the hope of ast-minute opening.


    But life seldom unfolded ording to n.


    Just then, two figures materialized behind her.


    A voice-steady yetced with frost-cut through the air. "Already nning to escape right after filing for


    divorce?"


    Freya froze mid-breath.


    Turning slowly, she faced Kristian in his impable formal attire, Gerard hovering at his side.


    "I''m terribly sorry, ma''am, but today''s flight to Alerith has no avable seats," the staff member exined with practiced courtesy. "If your matter isn''t urgent, perhaps consider tomorrow morning''s eight o''clock departure."


    "No, thank you," Freya declined softly.


    With nes full and trains booked, driving remained her only option-yet the distance between Jeucwell and Alerith stretched dauntingly before her.


    Clutching her documents, she walked toward the exit, her heart heavier than it had ever felt.


    "Cancel one ticket for the two o''clock flight to Alerith," Kristian instructed the staff member calmly, noting her


    urgency.


    Gerard''s brow furrowed in confusion. "If you cancel, who will handle the meeting?" Kristian''s eyes never left Freya''s retreating form. "Who said I''m canceling?"


    Gerard paused,prehension dawning across his features.


    His gaze darted between Freya''s still figure and Kristian''s resolute profile, embarrassment co expression.


    "Your identification, please," requested the staff member professionally.


    mus


    At Kristian''s subtle nod, Gerard surrendered his ticket and document, which the staff processed with efficiency.


    The staff member then beckoned Freya back.


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    When the ticket passed into her hands, Freya''s emotions tangled within her.


    "Thank you," she murmured, keenly aware that Kristian had orchestrated this cancetion specifically for her.


    "Unnecessary,¡± KKristian responded with characteristic detachment, retrieving the briefcase from Gerard''s grasp.


    "Once we''re airborne, you can exin your attempted escape."


    Freya offered no rebuttal; her spiritcked the energy.


    Her thoughts remained fixated on the person still under the surgeon''s knife, worry etching itself deeper into


    her heart with each passing moment.


    Kristian observed her distraction and discreetly messaged Gerard. "Arrive in


    Alerith by noon tomorrow."


    "Understood," came Gerard''s swift reply.


    At precisely two o''clock, the aircraft lifted into the sky.


    Freya sat across the aisle from Kristian.


    "What draws you to Alerith?" Kristian inquired, his prating gaze studying her.


    ¡°A family emergency. Someone''s hospitalized, and I need to visit," Freya answered truthfully, withho


    nothing.


    Kristian considered this briefly before suggesting, "Would you like me to apany you?"


    "That won''t be necessary," Freya declined.


    "Which medical facility?" Kristian pressed.


    "I have no idea too," Freya admitted honestly.


    The news had crashed into her world without warning.


    Upon hearing about She''s unconscious state and blood loss, she had bolted- seeking no details, asking no questions-driven solely by the need to return quickly.


    "Afternding, I''ll join you," Kristian dered with finality, brooking no opposition. "Discover which hospital."


    Freya persisted in her refusal. "I said there''s no need."


    "I wasn''t asking." Kristian''s gaze hardened to ice as he stated, "Since I''m traveling


    to Alerith with you, a visit is only appropriate."


    Freya said nothing.


    She had already formted a n to vanish the moment they touched down. sional


    For the remainder of the flight, she closed her eyes to rest. During these quiet hours, Kristian cas nces her way, observing the weariness and concern etched across her features. He felt an unexpected impulse to smooth away the worried crease between her brows, to grant her peaceful slumber.


    Three hourster, the aircraft glided to a stop in Alerith.


    Their first-ss status afforded them priority disembarkation.


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    Treya and Kristian exited swiftly. Near the airport''s main doors, Kristion nored her repeatedly in phone and inquired, "Have you found out which hospital?


    "Still investigating." Freya replied.


    "Very well"


    "I need to visit the restroom," Freya announced, slipping her phone into pocket


    with practiced less, her expression betraying nothing


    Kristian perceived no warning signs and nodded his assent


    Thirty minutes passed before a representative from his branch office who had arrived to coert kom web, "Mr. Shaw, half an hour has psed."


    Kristian paused, suddenly realizing Freya''s restroom visit had extended far beyond ressonable foren


    He retrieved her number from his contacts and ced a call. The connection terminated after sin eg Before he could attempt a second call, a message from Freya materialized on his screen. Tve departed. Thank you for the ticket." Kristian''s expression darkened as realization dawned. "Freya, you truly are something el


    "Sir?" The manager''s anxiety was palpable.


    "To thepany," Kristian responded icily, hismand distilled to just three words.


    Once settled in the vehicle, contemting Freya''s calcted disappearance, frustration and anger surged through him.


    He decisively opened his email application, entered a specific recipient address, and beganposing "I needprehensive information about Freya Shaw from Alerith. Her photograph is attached. Name your price forplete details." This message was intended for a hacker he had encountered online at neen. Theirmunication was infrequent, but when either faced challenges, they unhesitatingly provided assistance


    Considerable time had passed since theirst exchange.


    Meanwhile, Freya upied the passenger seat of a pristine white sports car, enduring an unceasing stream of chatter from the driver beside her, as if he sought topensate for two years of unspoken words.


    "Freya, are you actually listening to what I''m saying?" Frederick asked. Dressed in youthful, vibrant casual attire, his cherubic face radiated boyish charm. Freya responded with characteristic bluntness. "You''re making excessive noise." Frederick deted instantly. "Have your feelings for me diminished?"


    "Continue speaking, and you''llplete this journey on foot," Freya stated with surgical precision.


    Frederick fell silent immediately. He understood that truly provoking her would yield severe consequences!


    As they approached the hospital, anxiety gripped Freya once more. "Is She genuinely stable?"


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    "You''re familiar with my sister''s medical expertise, aren''t you?" Frederick reassured her, recognizing her concern. "When news of She''s ident reached


    her, she volunteered to treat her personally. She understands She''s significance in your life."


    Freya experienced marginal relief.


    Before disembarking from the ne, she hadn''t anticipated Frederick waiting for her at the airport.


    When his message appeared afternding, surprise washed over her. Only after entering his vehicle did she learn that her father had arranged for someone to meet her following their conversation.


    Frederick had coincidentally been at the hospital with Hugh and assumed the responsibility of collecting her. These thoughtless individuals-hadn''t they considered she might not be able to get a ticket?


    Her phone suddenly vibrated against her palm.


    Freya absently unlocked the screen to discover an email from an ount she had


    seldom used during the past


    two years.

 Chapter 21

    Chapter 21 Did He Somehow Discovered Yo...


    Freya opened the email containing the startling request to investigate herself.


    Her eyes darted to the sender address. This wasn''t just any contact-this was someone she had coborated with extensively years ago.


    Back then, she had valued their expertise and shared objectives, which had fostered a period of productive partnership. But as circumstances calmed, theirmunication had dwindled to silence.


    Why the sudden interest in investigating her now?


    Her fingers hovered briefly before typing a response. "Did she offend you?" The message had barely left her outbox when Kristian received it.


    He had anticipated the possibility that after years without contact, the hacker might have abandoned this ount. He had been prepared for his request to vanish unanswered into digital oblivion. The immediate reply caught him off guard. Sitting in the car''s back seat, he.tapped thoughtfully on his keyboard before responding, "No, helping a friend investigate. Can''t say more. Can you look into her?"


    Freya examined his response, her forehead creasing with concentration.


    Suddenly, something clicked. She opened the attached image and scrutinized it carefully.


    Only then did she notice the background-wasn''t that the living room of Kristian''s vi?


    She typed back, "Is your friend Kristian Shaw?"


    Throughout her career, she had rarely delved into personal backgrounds, including this particr contact whose identity remained a mystery to her.


    Her skills were primarily deployed for evidence gathering.


    But now...


    Was Kristian investigating her? Or perhaps someone in Kristian''s circle?


    "Freya?" Frederick waved his hand before her face. "Freya!"


    She lifted her gaze from the screen, meeting his eyes with practicedposure. "What''s up?"


    "What''s captured your attention?" Frederick asked, halted at a red light, curiosity evident in his voice. "You''ve been staring at that screen for ages."


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    Chapter 21 Did He Somehow Discovered Your Whereabouts


    "Nothing." Freya darkened her phone screen and slipped the device into her pocket, dismissing the email exchange from her mind.


    "I meant to tell you earlier-before you dened, my sister messaged that She''s surgery went smoothly. She''s been transferred to a regr ward." As the signal turned green, Frederick eased the car forward "she


    asked me to tell you not to worry."


    "Okay," Freya murmured.


    Despite her calm acknowledgment, anxiety gnawed at her.


    She had always been the delicate girl, weeping over the smallest injuries.


    Now, with a fracture and head trauma, Freya could barely imagine the pain she must be enduring


    At six-thirty, Frederick drove her to the hospital, provided directions to She''s room, and departed to find


    parking.


    Freya entered the impatient building and ascended to the sixth floor.


    With each step closer to She''s private room, her apprehension mounted until, upon reaching the door, her palms glistened with nervous perspiration.


    Through the small observation window, she glimpsed the scene within.


    A beautiful, angelic-looking young womany motionless on the bed, eyes firmly closed in apparent slumber. Beside her sat a concerned father who, despite being in his fifties, maintained the appearance of a much


    younger man.


    As if sensing her presence, Hugh looked up.


    Their eyes met through the ss, and something electric passed between them. Hugh''s gaze locked onto Freya, seemingly unable to break away.


    Freya couldn''t articte the emotions churning within her. After collecting herself, she pushed open the door, still dressed in the ck outfit she''d worn to the divorce proceedings, which lent her an air of cool detachment.


    She closed the door with a gentle click.


    A wave of emotion constricted Hugh''s throat, unleashing an unstoppable surge of longing. ¡°Mina,¡± he whispered, her old name hanging in the air between them.


    "How''s She?" Freya avoided addressing him directly, moving instead to the bedside where she gazed down at the sleeping girl''s peaceful face.


    - regains "The prognosis is hopeful," Hugh replied, forcing himself to suppress the tumult of feelings. "The wounds have been treated properly. Whether there will be anysting effects will require further evaluation af consciousness and begins recovery."


    Freya acknowledged this with a nomittal sound.


    Silence descended upon the room like a heavy curtain.


    Hugh''s gaze lingered on her, almost tangible in its intensity. He wondered if she


    had found happiness during


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    her years away from what had once been home.


    "You..." Hugh began, then faltered.


    "I''ll stay here at the hospital," Freya interjected, her voice carrying the chill of


    winter as she stated firmly, "You should go home."


    Hugh remained silent, wrestling with unspoken questions.


    He desperately wanted to ask about her life these past two years but recognized she would offer no answers.


    After careful deliberation, he ventured only one question, "Between you and Kristian..."


    "We''re going through a divorce," Freya replied simply, settling into the chair beside the bed, her attention fixed unwavering on She.


    Hugh understood that Freya had no desire for extended conversation. After offering a few words of genuine concern, he reluctantly departed from the hospital


    room.


    As he exited, he encountered Frederick in the hallway.


    "Mina probably rushed back without eating anything," Hugh remarked, familiar enough with Frederick to speak candidly. He nced back toward the hospital room before adding, "Please make sure she gets a proper meal


    "You can count on me," Frederick agreed readily.


    Understanding the strained rtionship between Freya and Hugh, Frederick refrained from furtherment.


    After Hugh''s departure, Frederick entered the room with a yful gleam in his eye. "Freya, guess who I spotted while parking the car?"


    Freya shot him a warning look that clearlymunicated, "Disturb She''s rest, and you''ll find yourself promptly ejected from the room."


    "Your husband," Frederick whispered conspiratorially.


    Freya raised her eyebrows slightly, skepticism evident. "Are you certain?"


    "Absolutely positive. He arrived in the Shaw Group''s corporate vehicle from the Alerith branch," Frederick borated, his tone tinged with unmistakable gossip. "Do you think he somehow discovered your whereabouts and came specifically to see She?"


    Freya remained thoughtfully silent.


    Mentally retracing each step from disembarking the ne to parting ways with Kristian, she confirmed she had revealed nothing about her destination.


    "Impossible," she finally stated.


    "Why?" Frederick whispered, careful not to disturb the sleeping patient.


    "He doesn''t know I''m here," Freya exined with characteristic brevity, "nor does


    he know I''m She''s sister."


    For the first time, Frederick feltpletely bewildered. "What exactly do you


    mean?"


    "I never revealed my true identity to him," Freya rified, herposure


    unwavering.


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    "Not telling him doesn''t guarantee he can''t discover it independently," Frederick reasoned, familiar with Kristian''s resources. "Whether in Jeucwell or Alerith, hiswork is extensive. Many people would readily


    assist him."


    Freya turned to look at Frederick, whose eyes suddenly widened in dawningprehension. "Did you deliberately conceal your personal information?" he asked incredulously.


    Exclusive Offer For You


    im N

 Chapter 22

    Chapter 22 A Deliberate


    Trap


    "Mm," Freya replied with casual indifference.


    Frederick''s eyes widened. It made perfect sense.


    Though Kristian possessed the ability to uncover hidden information, Freya''s secrets remainedpletely


    inessible.


    They continued their hushed conversation for several more minutes.


    Freya''s phone suddenly vibrated against the table. ncing down and noticing Trent''s name on the screen, she asked Frederick to watch over She while she stepped out to answer the call.


    As she pulled open the hospital room door and moved into the hallway, she froze- several figures stood at the corner, with Kristian walking in the middle of the group.


    She quickly retreated and pulled the door closed with a soft click.


    Frederick looked up, his expression puzzled. "What happened?¡±


    Without offering an exnation, Freya grabbed her phone and hurried toward the balcony of the hospital room.


    Kristian, moving deliberately down the corridor, caught a fleeting glimpse of movement and paused outside She''s hospital room, his attention immediately captured.


    "Mr. Shaw, is something wrong?" asked a representative from the Shaw Group''s branch office, concern evident in his voice.


    Everyone in the entourage remained bewildered by the unexpected alteration to their schedule.


    They had nned to visit thepany headquarters but inexplicably found themselves at the hospital instead. "Who upies this room?" Kristian inquired, his tone measured and dispassionate.


    The figure he had glimpsed strongly resembled Freya. She had mentioned during their flight that her journey to Alerith stemmed from a hospitalized family member.


    The manager promptly responded, "I believe it''s Ethel Briggs, daughter of the CEO of Briggs Group."


    "Knock on the door," Kristian directed, his resonant voice carrying natural authority.


    The manager hesitated momentarily. "Weren''t we scheduled to meet with the Russell Group''s president?"


    "The Briggs Group is also our partner. Visiting their chairman''s daughter during her hospitalization is simply appropriate," Kristian stated with conviction, his deep voice brooking no argument. "Knock on the door."


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    Chapter 22 A Deliberate Trap


    The managerplied and rapped his knuckles against the door, sensing the situation held moreplexity than appeared on the surface.


    Kristian typically avoided such trivial matters; even when visits proved necessary, he routinely delegated them


    to others.


    Something unusual was definitely unfolding!


    Despite his private misgivings, the manager knocked firmly.


    Frederick, hearing the sound, peered through the transparent observation window and spotted a suited man standing outside. Instinctively, he nced toward the balcony where Freya stood. "Freya, someone from the Shaw Group seems to be here."


    "Handle it for me," Freya replied, avoiding any encounter with Kristian. "Don''t allow them inside."


    If they met here, Kristian would inevitably question her motives for marrying him, perhaps suspecting her of pursuing corporate secrets.


    Shecked the energy to discuss these matters with him and any desire to engage in confrontation within She''s hospital room.


    Frederick rose to his feet.


    "Who are you?" he asked while opening the door partway.


    "I''m an manager of the Shaw Group''s Alerith branch," the manager introduced himself before gesturing toward Kristian. "This is our president, Mr. Shaw. He learned about Miss Briggs''s hospitalization and came to offer his


    support."


    "Thank you," Frederick responded with deliberate casualness.


    The manager stood momentarily stunned, internally questioning, "Isn''t he going to invite us in?"


    Kristian''s prating gaze moved past Frederick and surveyed the room, his presence radiating undeniable


    authority.


    Frederick studied him briefly, realizing this man possessed even greater physical appeal than photographs had captured. No wonder Freya had fallen for him.


    "Is Freya Briggs here?" Kristian shifted his attention back to Frederick, his eyes carrying an intimidating intensity as he delivered the questionden with hidden implications.


    Frederick faltered visibly. "Huh?"


    "This is a gift for Miss Briggs," Kristian said, withdrawing his piercing gaze and offering the i intended for the Russell Group''s president. "We hope she recovers swiftly."


    "Thank you." Frederick epted the package.


    With that exchangepleted, Kristian and his entourage departed.


    originally


    The manager stood bewildered, staring at his empty hands with mounting anxiety churning in his stomach. The gift meant for the Russell Group''s president had been given to Ethel instead. What would they possibly


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    Chapter 27 A Debberste Trap


    present when visiting the president ister?


    Frederick remained by the door, unable toprehend the true purpose behind their unexpected visit. He ced the items on the table beside the hospital bed, his mind swirling with unanswered questions.


    "I didn''t expect you to handle it so well," Freya remarked appreciatively from her position safely hidden from


    the observation window


    Frederick''s forehead creased in confusion. "What?"


    "Kristian''s question was a deliberate trap," Freya exined, recalling the anxiety that had gripped her when she overheard his inquiry. "Whether you acknowledged my presence or denied it, your response would have revealed that you know me personally, I was genuinely concerned you might inadvertently reveal something" Upon hearing this analysis, Frederick''s expression transformed into something peculiarly sheepish.


    He scratched his head awkwardly, let out a soft chuckle, and admitted, "In truth, I was so distracted by how much more striking he appears in personpared to photographs that I barely registered what he asked. By the time I gathered my thoughts to respond properly, he had already handed me the gifts and begun walking


    away,"


    His eyes darted nervously around the room, avoiding direct contact with Freya''s gaze.


    Freya fell silent, momentarily stunned. Should she attribute this fortunate escape to destiny''s intervention?


    "Freya," Frederick began, finally seizing an opportunity for gossip, "did you marry him primarily because of his appearance?"


    Freya responded with surprising candor, "Yes, that factored significantly into my decision."


    Kristian''s physical features aligned perfectly with her aesthetic ideals.


    Even now, despite his decision to divorce her, she couldn''t deny that his looks seemed divinely crafted. To this day, she hadn''t encountered anyone in either entertainment or fashion circles who surpassed his physical


    appeal.


    Meanwhile, the very subject of their discussion upied the adjacent room, engaged in conversation with Damon Russell, president of the Russell Group.


    The branch manager and other employees waited respectfully outside, while Kristian satposed on a chair beside the hospital bed, studying the handsome, carefree man resting there.


    "Since when did you develop such consideration for others?" Damon teased with a knowing smile. "You even surrendered the gift intended for me to someone


    else."


    Kristian replied smoothly, "I''ll arrange for someone to purchase ten more for youter."


    ind your


    "Spare me the gesture," Damon countered bluntly. "Simply acknowledge the real reasor unexpected hospital visit. I find it impossible to believe you''ve suddenly be sopassionate." "Assist me in discovering whether Ethel Briggs has an older sister," Kristian requested, his lips barely moving as he spoke, never concealing anything from this trusted confidant. "Approximately twenty-four years old." "nning a seamless transition after finalizing your divorce?" Damon raised an eyebrow provocatively. Kristian responded with unnervingposure, "The Shaw Group will soon implement significant downsizing


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    Chapter 22 A Deliberate Trap


    measures. Your sweetheart might unfortunately beid off."


    "You wouldn''t dare take such action," Damon challenged.


    "Care to test that assumption?" Kristian countered.


    "I haven''t encountered any information suggesting she has an older sister." Damon mentally cursed his predicament while reluctantly sharing what he knew. "However, employees at the Briggs Group asionally refer to Ethel as ''the younger one''."


    Kristian''s eyebrows drew together slightly in contemtion.


    "What prompts this inquiry?" Damon asked, genuine curiosity evident in his voice.


    "It''s inconsequential." Kristian rose from his chair and gently tapped Damon''s bandaged shoulder as he prepared to depart. "Focus on your recovery and treat me to a meal when your health improves."


    Damon inhaled sharply at the contact, wincing in pain before quickly calling out as Kristian reached the doorway, "Should


    you


    dare render my future wife unemployed, I guarantee you''lle to regret that


    decision!"


    Rmended for you


    TOO LATE FOR REGRET:

 Chapter 23

    Chapter 23 Arranging Dinner With Freya''s Father


    Kristian strode out of the hospital room with measured steps, Damon''s words echoing in his mind.


    His eyes darkened as the implications sank in. Could Freya truly be Hugh Briggs''s daughter? The possibility


    unsettled him.


    Outside, he spotted Richie Hewitt, the branch manager, waiting attentively by the door.


    "Richie," Kristian summoned him with quiet authority.


    Richie snapped to attention, his posture stiffening as he searched Kristian''s expression for clues about the meeting with Damon.


    "Find an opportunity to arrange dinner with Hugh Briggs of the Briggs Group," Kristian instructed, his voice deliberately measured, masking his true intentions. Confusion flickered across Richie''s features. ¡°Hugh Briggs of the Briggs Group?" "Yes," Kristian confirmed casually, continuing his path down the corridor. He paused briefly to nce into Ethel''s room as he passed.


    Richie hurried after him. "But our projects with the Briggs Group aren''t core coborations." He assumed business motives behind the request. "Wouldn''t arranging dinner seem inappropriate under these circumstances?"


    "It''s perfectly fine," Kristian replied, shifting his gaze forward again. He had already formted his strategy to probe Hugh. "Simply mention that I find our cooperation with the Briggs Group promising and wish to explore deeper coboration."


    Richie hesitated, his lips twitching with unspoken reluctance.


    "What''s wrong?" Kristian inquired, noticing the man''s difort.


    "Our cooperation with the Briggs Group hasn''t exactly been pleasant..." Richie''s face paled as memories surfaced. "During percentage negotiations, both parties maintained superficial politeness while secretly harboring violent thoughts toward each other."


    That coboration had resembled nothing short of a battlefield.


    The Briggs Group rankedst on Richie''s list of desired business partners-they were impossibly difficult! Kristian fell silent, taken aback. He hadn''t anticipated thisplication, as Alerith''s business dealings were managed externally. "Then devise another pretext for the meeting," he directed.


    "Yes, sir," Richie agreed, though reluctance still tinged his voice.


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    Meanwhile, Freya remained blissfully unaware that Kristian nned to meet her fatture


    At nine that evening, Ethel finally stirred from unconsciousness


    Her eyelids fluttered open to reveal the sterile white hospital room. Pain radiated through her body coding her to wince as she attempted to move. Then, a voice- one she had yearned to hear em in her theme


    reached her ears.


    "Don''t move," Freya cautioned gently, cing a restraining hand on her sister "You''s willmened to an


    drip."


    Excitement instantly flooded Ethel''s being. Joy illuminated her eyes as she turned toward the seed mice


    "You''re back!" she eximed, her voice thick with emotion.


    "Yes," Freya confirmed softly. "The drip will bepleted in about twenty minutes just ter sill wil frem "Okay," Ethelplied eagerly, her bright gaze fixed adoringly on Freya, drinking in her presence


    Freya tucked the nket snugly around her sister''s form, concerned about potental chills


    "Mina," Ethel murmured.


    "Yes?" Freya responded attentively.


    "It''s so wonderful to have you back," Ethel continued, her voice warm with affection


    Freya''s lips curved into a tender smile.


    "Mina," Ethel called again.


    "Yes?"


    "I''m overjoyed to see you," Ethel whispered, her words simple but heartfelt.


    Freya yfully tapped her sister''s nose, affection radiating from her expression. Focus on recovering inst."


    "Okay!" Ethel beamed with happiness.


    Twenty minutester, after the infusionpleted, Freya summoned the night


    nurse


    Once freed from the IV, Ethel struggled eagerly to sit upright, desperate to be closer to her sister


    Freya adjusted the bed to afortable position, offered her a cup of water, and settled beside her, their reunion finallyplete.


    Since reuniting with Freya, Ethel''s face radiated pure joy, her spirits soaring with each passing moment. "Dad mentioned you married Kristian Shaw and are nning to divorce. Is that true?" she inquired, cannsity dancing


    in her eyes.


    Freya fell silent, contemting the question.


    The knowledge of her marriage seemed to have spread further than she anticipated


    "Before I address that," Freya redirected gently, her gaze settling on the bandages encircling Ethel''s head, "you need to exin how you acquired these injuries."


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    Ethel''s excitement dimmed noticeably, reced by a flicker of hesitation that crossed her features.


    Freya waited with patient silence, allowing her sister the space to gather her thoughts without pressure.


    "You can''t be angry when I tell you," Ethel negotiated, teeth worrying her bottom lip anxiously.


    "Alright," Freya conceded with a reassuring nod.


    Ethel hesitated extensively before finally admitting, "I was beaten, though I''m uncertain about who orchestrated


    it.*


    "Share your suspicions with me," Freya encouraged, maintaining herposure despite the revtion.


    "I believe it might have been Cheryl''s rtives," Ethel confessed in a whisper. ¡°But


    it probably bears no connection to her personally."


    Cheryl Newman had be their father''s newpanion in recent times.


    "I only had a single morning ss, so I''d arranged to go shopping with my dormmates that afternoon. Then I received an unexpected text," Ethel borated, reconstructing the sequence of events. "It imed a friend of mine was in trouble and urged me to hurry to a specific location."


    "Which friend?" Freya probed, seeking crucial details.


    Ethel hesitated meaningfully, her eyes deliberately avoiding Freya''s prating gaze.


    Understanding dawned immediately on Freya. "A boyfriend?"


    "Uh..." Ethel confirmed sheepishly, anticipating her sister''s potential disapproval.


    "I didn''t analyze the situation thoroughly at the time and simply rushed to the


    address provided. It proved to be an borate trap."


    "Could you show me the text message?" Freya requested.


    "Of course!" Ethel unlocked her phone with swift fingers and presented it to her


    sister.


    Freya examined the message carefully,mitting the number to memory.


    "Mina," Ethel ventured cautiously.


    "Yes?"


    "Please don''t create difficulties for Cheryl," Ethel implored, well aware of her sister''s lingering resentment. "I can confidently assure you she had no involvement in this incident."


    During the two years of her sister''s absence, Ethel had gained significant perspective. Cheryl wasn''t the viin she''d once believed her to be.


    Freya paused thoughtfully before responding, "As long as she hasn''t caused you harm. What traired after you arrived at the location?"


    She returned the phone after thoroughly examining the message.


    "I was ambushed in an alleyway before reaching my intended destination," Ethel recounted with remarkable objectivity. "I caught a glimpse of Cheryl''s younger brother observing from outside the alley. Then my... boyfriend arrived, rescued me, and transported me to the hospital. Everything afterward remains a nk. Oh! I should mention-my boyfriend came because I texted him en route to verify if he was genuinely in trouble."


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    Freya nodded, having assembled aprehensive picture of the events. "Did you


    file a police report


    "Yes," Ethel confirmed with a nod.


    Freya made a solemn promise. "I''ll provide you with theplete truth within


    seven days."


    Ethel nodded eagerly, a mischievous sparkle igniting in her eyes.


    Having sessfully avoided censure for having a boyfriend, she grew emboldened. "Now that I''ve shared my story, shouldn''t you reciprocate with yours?"


    Freya was poised to respond when her attention shifted to an iing text message from Hugh.


    The message read, ¡°Kristian has requested to have dinner with me. Should I ept the invitation?"

 Chapter 24

    Chapter 24 To Dispel Kristian''s Suspicions


    "What''s the matter?" Ethel''s voice carried a note of concern as she caught the subtle shift in her sister''s


    expression.


    "Nothing. Get some rest," Freya replied, her eyes darkening as she rose with her phone clutched in hand. "1. need to make a call outside."


    Ethel nodded.


    Freya strode into the corridor and dialed Hugh''s number.


    Hugh answered promptly, "Hello, Mina."


    "When did he extend the invitation?" Freya asked directly, cutting through any pleasantries.


    "Just moments ago," Hugh answered with unusual candor. "A manager from his branch office contacted my secretary, exining that Kristian has taken significant interest in the Briggs Group''stest project and wishes


    to meet."


    Freya contemted this information silently. Her instincts warned her that beneath the surface, something moreplex was unfolding.


    "Is declining an option?" she inquired.


    ¡°Not realistically,¡± Hugh exined from his business perspective. ¡°A refusal might trigger Kristian''s suspicions." "When is this meeting scheduled?" Freya asked.


    "The manager proposed tomorrow, though it depends on my avability," Hugh informed her.


    "If genuine cooperation is the topic, proceed normally," Freya strategized quickly. "Should he inquire whether you know me or have daughters beyond She, simply deny it."


    Hugh paused, the phone heavy in his hand.


    The thought crossed his mind that she might be seizing this opportunity to sever their father-daughter connection permanently.


    After careful consideration, he ventured, "Doesn''t that seem rather severe?"


    "What''s severe about it?" Freya responded coolly, her tone detached. "Until the divorce finalizes, I prefer to keep my identity concealed, and I want to avoidplications in the proceedings."


    The mention of divorce stirred conflicting emotions within Hugh.


    After weighing his options, he conceded.


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    Chapter 24 To Dispel Kristian''s Suspicions


    They discussed additional details before Hugh asked, "Can you enlighten me about the situation between you two?"


    "I''ll exinter," Freya replied dismissively, effectively ending their conversation before returning to the ward.


    Noticing Freya''s expression upon her return, Ethel immediately sensed


    something, her eyes twinkling with curiosity as she tentatively asked, "Did you call Dad?"


    "Yes," Freya admitted without hesitation.


    "He''s missed you terribly these past two years," Ethel offered, attempting to mediate. "He constantly worries about your wellbeing away from home." Freya remained silent.


    Seeing another message from Hugh appear, she moved her fingers across the screen to respond.


    "Mina," Ethel began, her emotionsplicated. "Would you tell me what happened between you and Dad?"


    Throughout the past two years, she had repeatedly questioned her father about this.


    Each time, Hugh skillfully deflected, inquiring about her studies or graduation ns, expertly avoiding her


    uestions.


    She yearned to understand the truth.


    "Nothing," Freya replied, determined to shield her. "I''ll fetch you something to eat. Once you''re feeling better, let your boyfriend know you''re alright."


    At this mention, Ethel''s thoughts immediately diverted.


    She nodded, a delicate blush spreading across her cheeks.


    Freya departed from the hospital, instructing Frederick to watch over her sister.


    Wandering aimlessly along the street outside, Freya''s mind circled back to her sister''s question from earlier.


    She couldn''t bear to reveal Hugh''s actions to her.


    Such knowledge would shatter her sister''s idealized image of their father and destroy her faith.


    Since childhood, Hugh had embodied a superhero figure for She, consistently fulfilling her every wish.


    Freya desperately wanted her sister''s lifelong happiness preserved.


    Those painful matters should remain exclusively between herself and Hugh.


    Freya exhaled wearily, about to purchase food for She when her phone vibrated against her palm.


    Kristian''s name illuminated the screen.


    She swiped to answer. "Hello."


    "How is your family faring?" Kristian inquired.


    "Nothing serious," Freya assured him.


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    "Join me for dinner tomorrow evening," Kristian stated directly, his voice resonating with depth and confidence, "Send me your address, and I''ll have Gerard collect you."


    Freya''s brows knitted together. "Dinner?"


    "Indeed," Kristian confirmed, his voice flowing pleasantly through the phone. "With the chairman of the Briggs


    Group."


    Freya fell silent, thinking Kristian had be a genuine nuisance.


    Kristian sat in his hotel room chair, studying theputer screen before him, which disyed Freya''s previous email. As he absorbed its contents, his eyes gradually darkened. "Didn''t you im your father to be the Briggs Group''s chairman?" he questioned. "Your presence would facilitate our discussion considerably."


    "I''m not going," Freya refused with unwavering certainty.


    "If you don''t attend," Kristian countered, determined to test her true identity, "the day after tomorrow, your missing person alert will appear on digital billboards outside every major mall in Alerith. Whoever locates you will receive a million." Freya fell silent, weighing her options carefully.


    Kristian pressed his advantage. "I believe numerous individuals will eagerly pursue that reward."


    "Do I need to remind you that we''re in the midst of divorce proceedings?" Freya feltpelled to emphasize this point. "I have no interest in socializing with your circle. My previous ims were merely in jest."


    "Whether it was a joke will be verified tomorrow," Kristian replied, no longer concealing his intentions.


    Freya contemted something briefly before responding. "Aren''t you concerned that Ashley in Jeucwell might discover us together in Alerith and dissolve into tears at the hospital?"


    "She won''t," Kristian stated with absolute conviction.


    "So certain?" Freya questioned, skepticism evident in her voice.


    "Yes," Kristian affirmed simply.


    Freya sighed. ¡°Then you fundamentally misunderstand women. If you neglect to contact her for a month, promise to divorce me yet attend a dinner engagement with me, she''ll inevitably wonder whether your affections have waned or if you''ve developed feelings for me during our two-year marriage."


    Kristian dismissed her concerns. "She differs from you. Gerard has exined our arrangement to her, and she consented."


    Freya responded with a hollow "oh," her tone deliberately devoid of emotion.


    For other matters, Ashley might maintain herposure.


    However, based on their hospital encounter, Ashley appeared to value her


    position as Kristian''s wife The more one cherished something, the more anxiety surrounded its potential loss.


    ...nensely.


    Currently, Ashley was likely investigating whether they had divorced, what circumstances prevailed, and whether Kristian harbored any reluctance toward


    Freya.


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    "Join me for dinner tomorrow evening." Kristian stated directly, his voice


    resonating with depth and confidence. "Send me your address, and I''ll have Gerard collect you."


    Freya''s brows knitted together. "Dinner?"


    "Indeed," Kristian confirmed, his voice flowing pleasantly through the phone. "With


    the chairman of the Briggs


    Group."


    Freya fell silent, thinking Kristian had be a genuine nuisance.


    Kristian sat in his hotel room chair, studying theputer screen before him, which disyed Freya''s previous email. As he absorbed its contents, his eyes gradually darkened. "Didn''t you im your father to be the Briggs Group''s chairman?" he questioned. "Your presence would facilitate our discussion considerably


    "I''m not going." Freya refused with unwavering certainty.


    "If you don''t attend," Kristian countered, determined to test her true identity, "the


    day after tomorrow, your missing person alert will appear on digital billboards outside every major mall in Alerith. Whoever locates you


    will receive a million."


    Freya fell silent, weighing her options carefully.


    Kristian pressed his advantage. "I believe numerous individuals will eagerly pursue that reward."


    "Do I need to remind you that we''re in the midst of divorce proceedings?" Freya


    feltpelled to emphasize this point. "I have no interest in socializing with your circle. My previous ims were merely in jest."


    "Whether it was a joke will be verified tomorrow," Kristian replied, no longer concealing his intentions.


    Freya contemted something briefly before responding. "Aren''t you concerned


    that Ashley in Jeucwell might discover us together in Alerith and dissolve into


    tears at the hospital?"


    "She won''t," Kristian stated with absolute conviction.


    "So certain?" Freya questioned, skepticism evident in her voice.


    "Yes," Kristian affirmed simply.


    Freya sighed. "Then you fundamentally misunderstand women. If you neglect to contact her for a month, promise to divorce me yet attend a dinner engagement with me, she''ll inevitably wonder whether your affections have waned or if you''ve developed feelings for me during our two-year marriage."


    Kristian dismissed her concerns. "She differs from you. Gerard has exined our


    arrangement to her, and she


    consented."


    Freya responded with a hollow "oh," her tone deliberately devoid of emotion.


    For other matters, Ashley might maintain herposure.


    However, based on their hospital encounter, Ashley appeared to value her


    position as Kristian''s wife immense The more one cherished something, the more anxiety surrounded its potential loss.


    Currently, Ashley was likely investigating whether they had divorced, what circumstances prevailed, and whether Kristian harbored any reluctance toward


    Freya.


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    Ashley might even respond with anger upon learning about the divorce settlement


    between Kristian and Freya.


    "Gerard will contact you upon his arrival in Alerith Consider carefully whether you


    wish to attend," Kristian concluded before terminating the call.


    He remained confident that Freya would ultimately agree.


    She wouldn''t risk having her photograph and personal information disyed so


    publicly.


    Freya indeed intended to attend, though not because of his threat. Regarding what Kristian had mentioned, if she truly wished to prevent her


    information from appearing publicly, she possessed the means to ensure it wouldn''t.


    She was attending specifically to dispel his suspicions.


    She didn''t want him to believe she had approached him with ulterior motives.


    From the moment she had decided to marry him, she had desired nothing more than to live simply as Freya, not as the sessor of the Briggs Group.

 Chapter 25

    Chapter 25 Testing Freya


    The burden of being the Briggs Group sessor weighed heavily on Freya''s shoulders. She yearned simply to find genuine love-someone who cherished her for herself-so they could build a life together through their own achievements, not inherited wealth.


    Even without her sessor title, Freya''s social standing matched Kristian''s perfectly.


    She wanted their marriage to conclude just as it had begun-with her identity stripped down to simply being.


    Freya.


    Having made this decision, she resolved to inform Hugh immediately.


    If she dyed, Kristian''s introduction tomorrow would certainly catch Hugh off guard, potentially exposing her


    secret.


    "W-What?" Hugh stammered, visibly shocked, his mind temporarily unable to process her words. "Why would he bring you to meet me?"


    "He intends to verify my identity," Freya stated matter-of-factly.


    In reality, this wasn''t Kristian''s true motivation.


    His actual purpose was to discover whether Freya would contact Hugh after learning about the meeting.


    If she reached out to Hugh, it would confirm their rtionship.


    If not, he would dismiss her ims as mere fiction.


    After speaking with Hugh, Freya checked her inbox and discovered two emails.


    The first one read, "I request your assistance in examining call records for a number to determine if it has recentlymunicated with Hugh Briggs of the Briggs Group." The second email contained her own number.


    Freya nearlyughed at the irony. Kristian had unwittingly asked her to investigate herself.


    Her spirits lifted slightly as she swiftly replied, "Checked. No contact."


    She harbored no concerns about Kristian employing additional hackers for verification.


    Her contact information remained securely encrypted, rendering it untraceable through illicit methods.


    Upon receiving her email, Kristian ced a verification call, which yielded identical results-no contact detected. This discovery deepened his contemtion of the situation.


    The following afternoon found Freya still at the hospital, engaged in conversation with her sister, absorbing fascinating stories from the past two years.


    Their discussion eventually turned toward Kristian.


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    Ethel''s expression changed subtly. "Mina, there''s something I''ve been keeping from you."


    "What is it?" Freya''s interest piqued immediately.


    Ethel hesitated. "It''s about Kristian."


    Freya tensed, an uneasy premonition washing over her.


    Squirming under Freya''s intense gaze, Ethel bit her lip nervously and confessed, "This morning, I had a brief conversation with Dad. When I learned Kristian was bringing you to meet him, I persuaded Dad to relocate the meeting here."


    Freya blinked in surprise. "Are you serious?"


    "I just wanted to see what he''s like in person," Ethel admitted, acknowledging her mistake yet unable to suppress her curiosity. "After all, he was practically family at one point."


    Freya fell into contemtive silence. Her sister certainly excelled atplicating her already precarious,


    situation.


    "Mina?" Ethel ventured softly.


    "Can you act convincingly?" Freya asked without usation.


    Ethel paused momentarily, then nodded casually. "I can."


    "If Kristian agrees to meet here, when you see me, pretend we''re strangers," Freya instructed, concerned about Ethel''s theatrical abilities. "And avoid making eye contact with me altogether."


    "Understood." Ethel nodded firmly.


    Freya continued urgently, "Also, curb your curiosity about him. Remember, he''s not your brother-inw- merely a business partner of the Briggs Group."


    "Got it!"


    "Most crucially, never mention having a sister. Coordinate this with Dad beforehand and maintain absolute discretion."


    Ethel readily agreed to every.condition.


    She had heard countless stories about Kristian''s remarkable aplishments, his business acumen, and his wless decision-making that had elevated him to legendary status in corporate circles.


    Though she had glimpsed him at business functions previously, she never imagined he would be her brother-inw.


    Shortly after concluding her instructions to Ethel, Freya received Gerard''s call inquiring about her location for. pickup. He mentioned the meeting venue had been changed to Ethel''s hospital.


    Unwilling to travel far for Gerard''s convenience, Freya simply stated she would wait at the hospital ending the call.


    §ä§Ö


    As she departed the hospital, she stopped briefly at a small market outside to exchange some cash.


    At precisely half-past five, Gerard arrived with Kristian at the hospital, where they met Freya.


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    Kristian had changed into an impably tailored gray suit that entuated his broad shoulders and trim waist, giving him the appearance of a fashion model, though his demeanor radiated an even more pronounced


    coldness.


    "Mrs. Shaw," Gerard greeted her with a slight smile.


    Freya corrected him firmly, "Just call me Freya."


    Both Gerard and Kristianpsed into momentary silence.


    "Is someone in your family hospitalized here?" Kristian''s prating gaze


    surveyed the surroundings as he posed this critical question.


    Freya replied evenly, "No."


    Kristian''s scrutiny intensified as he studied her face. "Do you honestly expect me


    to believe that?"


    "Whether you ept my answer or not remains entirely your concern," Freya countered sharply.


    Since Ashley''s unfortunate incident, she had recognized that Kristian''s trust in her hadpletely evaporated. Gerard remained silent nearby, unwilling to intervene in their confrontation.


    "If no one in your family is hospitalized here, perhaps you could exin why your phone''s step counter barely exceeds two hundred steps today?" Kristian produced his phone, opened the tracking application, and revealed her data without hesitation.


    His demeanor grew noticeably colder as he recalled the fleeting shadow he had glimpsed outside Ethel''s hospital room yesterday, a figure strikingly simr to Freya.


    "Coming from any significant distance, wouldn''t that number be substantially higher?" Kristian''s prating gaze intensified, creating palpable pressure.


    "I never imagined love could so thoroughly erode someone''s rational thinking, but now I have living proof," Freya remarked with unmistakable contempt.


    Her words left both Kristian and Gerard momentarily speechless.


    "There exists a remarkable invention called a taxi," Freya added icily.


    Traveling by vehicle naturally wouldn''t register steps.


    Both men immediately recognized this logical exnation.


    Gerard nced toward his boss, thinking once again that Kristian''s cognitive


    sharpness seemed diminished whenpared to Freya''s quick thinking.


    Kristian''s confidence faltered visibly.


    Though Freya''s exnation was technically wless, her overall demeanor didn''t suggest someone rushed over from a distant location.


    had


    "Sir, we should proceed inside," Gerard interjected, sensing the escting


    tension. "After visiting Miss Briggs, we still have important matters to discuss with


    Mr. Briggs."


    Kristian continued examining Freya intently.


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    Treya permitted his scrutiny without flinching


    After several ufortable moments, Kristian finally withdrew his gaze and moved purposefully toward the inpatient department


    Freya exhaled subtly with relief, touched the currency in her pocket reassuringly, and followed behind him. She had exchanged cash specifically in case Kristian demanded proof of transportation payment-a receipt she couldn''t possibly provide. If questioned, she could simply im she had taken a taxi and paid with


    cash.


    Since he hadn''t pursued the matter, she needn''t worry about saying too much and inadvertently revealing inconsistencies


    The path from the hospital entrance to Ethel''s room wasn''t particrly lengthy, yet Kristian deliberately slowed


    his pace.


    He was testing Freys, attempting to determine whether she trulycked


    knowledge of Ethel''s ward location.


    Exclusive Offer For You

 Chapter 26

    Chapter 26 Improvisation


    At a crossroads, Gerard chose the right path, while Kristian deliberately veered in the wrong direction.


    He watched, curious about Freya''s next move.


    But Freya didn''t waste a moment contemting her choice. Whether consciously


    or not, between Kristian and Gerard, she would instinctively follow Gerard.


    This lesson had been ingrained in her by Kristian himself.


    Gerard glimpsed his boss heading astray and paused to call out, "Sir, Miss Briggs''s room lies this way-you''ve


    taken a wrong turn."


    Kristian pivoted back toward them.


    The trio resumed their journey together.


    Kristian''s eyes settled on Freya, who maintained perfectposure. "How did you know which way was


    correct?"


    "It''s always right to follow Gerard''s lead," Freya answered, dissolving his suspicions with those simple words.


    Both menpsed into silence.


    Gerard fidgeted inwardly, genuinely worried about potential misinterpretations of his rtionship with Freya. He''d apanied her shopping, arranged her meals, and served as her chauffeur whenever she ventured out. What if his boss began to suspect something more? The thought truly unsettled him!


    Kristian sighed with frustration, yet noting Freya''s ordinary demeanor, he hastened his steps toward Ethel''s hospital room.


    He was merely testing Freya; business matters could be delegatedter.


    Meanwhile, Hugh smoothed his attire and asked Ethel to verify his appearance before inquiring, "Do I project authority?"


    "Absolutely," Ethel responded.


    "You mean it?" he pressed.


    She nodded firmly. "Without question!"


    "Enough to intimidate Kristian?" he ventured further.


    "That''s difficult to predict..." she replied candidly.


    In her experience, Kristian had never cowered before anyone; others always feared him instead.


    Hugh recognized this truth, and his expression hardened as he contemted how to assert dominance over


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    Kristian.


    After all, he needed to confront the man who had hurt his daughter!


    Just as these thoughts circled his mind, his secretary opened the door and announced with professional crispness, "Mr. Briggs, Mr. Kristian Shaw from Shaw Group has arrived."


    "Send him in," Hugh directed.


    "Right away." The secretary promptly escorted the visitors inside.


    Conducting business in a hospital room marked a first for both Hugh and Kristian.


    Kristian entered with Freya at his side, greeted Hugh, and throughout, scrutinized the reactions of both Hugh


    and Ethel.


    Yet he observed nothing remarkable.


    Hugh and Ethel regarded Freya withplete indifference, as though she were a stranger among them.


    After exchanging courtesies and offering well-wishes for Ethel''s recovery, Kristian ''broached the business matter


    with Hugh.


    "Mr. Shaw, you expressed interest in our Briggs Group''stest venture. Which specific project catches your attention?" Hugh inquired with outward politeness, though his bearing reflected years of corporatemand.


    Freya''s gaze flickered momentarily. She sensed a shift in her father''s presence. What escaped her notice was Hugh''s underlying displeasure with Kristian.


    Bringing her along without proper introduction suggested to Hugh that Kristian disregarded her daughter entirely.


    This unspoken grievance cast a cold edge over Hugh.


    Kristian detected Hugh''s hostility but dismissed it as possibly imagined. "The artificial intelligence initiative." "We manage several Al projects. Which one specifically?" Hugh countered swiftly, his eyes locked on Kristian. "The Al robotics development," Kristian rified.


    "That particr venture shows promise, but we''ve already secured a partnership elsewhere," Hugh stated.


    "I see." Kristian hadn''te with serious business intentions anyway.


    His gaze drifted toward Freya briefly, his lips curving into a knowing smile. "I wonder, Mr. Briggs, do you have daughters beyond Ethel Briggs?"


    "What exactly are you implying?" Hugh responded with practiced ease. Ethel nced up, suddenly attentive.


    Kristian, measured and deliberate, exined, "Recently in Jeucwell, I encountered someone cl daughter. I wondered if perhaps you had another daughter."


    g your


    "My dad has only one daughter," Ethel dered from her bed, her voice carrying youthful certainty. Hugh maintained his poise, responding with a touch of humor, "Such rumors are merely gossip. I''ve even heard


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    numerous ims from people eager to bear your children."


    "No doubt," Kristian replied, settling into the casual exchange.


    Ethel struggled to control her wandering gaze, which repeatedly drifted toward Freya.


    On her tenth nce, Kristian looked up and inquired softly, "Miss Briggs, are you acquainted with my wife?"


    Freya tensed with worry. Would her sister reveal her true identity?


    "She''s your wife?" Ethel finally gazed openly at her sister.


    Kristian offered an ambiguous response. "For the moment."


    "For the moment?" Hugh pressed.


    "We''re proceeding with divorce," Kristian stated evenly, carefully observing Hugh''s


    reaction.


    If Hugh were truly Freya''s father, surely he would bristle at this revtion.


    Yet Hugh betrayed no emotional response. He wasn''t one to pry into others'' personal affairs or engage in idle gossip. Questioning further would risk exposing her daughter''s identity and potentially derailing her ns.


    Ethel seized the opportunity to confront Kristian, excitedly turning to Hugh, "Dad, don''t you think Mr. Shaw''s wife resembles someone from our past?"


    Hugh''s puzzled eyes silently asked, "What are you doing?"


    Ethel looked back, as if saying, "I''m showing Kristian that Freya has allies."


    Hugh''s concerned look warned, "Don''t expose Freya!"


    Ethel''s eyes reassured, "Trust me, I know what I''m doing."


    Hugh remained unconvinced, anxiety evident in his expression.


    "Who?" Hugh interrupted their silent exchange with a verbal question.


    "My bodyguard from elementary school, Freya," Ethel improvised, her eyes


    sparkling with calcted excitement.


    Hugh and Freya both fell silent.


    Kristian''s brow creased slightly as he murmured, "Bodyguard?"


    "Freya?" Hugh cautiously yed along. He genuinely floundered for a response; this deviation wasn''t part of their nned script.


    Ethel, skilled in improvisation, crafted a fictional past while subtly implicating her father. ¡°When I was nine, don''t you remember bringing home a girl five years my senior? You assigned her to protect me, ensuring I wouldn''t face bullying outside school."


    Hugh''s forehead wrinkled in concentration. How should he respond? Pretend to recall this fabricated memory or continue feigning ignorance? She was indeed five years younger than Mina. But without prepared lines for this unexpected scenario, he dared not speak carelessly, fearing one wrong word might unravel


    everything.


    15:38

 Chapter 27

    Chapter 27 Striking Kristian Squarely In The...


    "Back then, I was bullied and shoved down the stairs-the principal had to call you in," Ethel stated, her voice imbued with a firm resolve. "You even apanied the police to review the security footage..."


    Her tone intensified with sincerity as she spoke."


    Aware that feigning ignorance might only escte matters, Hugh decided to y along, feigning a moment of


    enlightenment. "Ah, that Freya?"


    "Yes, exactly!" Ethel eximed, her excitement palpable.


    "Are you Freya Briggs?" Hugh inquired, seeking confirmation of her identity.


    Caught off guard by their convincing performance, Freya responded with aposed, "Yes."


    "Wait... Freya? Is that actually you?" Ethel bubbled over with joy, her demeanor reminiscent of a seasoned actress. "I''m the girl with the short hair you rescued from the pond when I tumbled in as a child. Everyone


    remember?" called me She in the past. Do you


    "Yes, I do," Freya affirmed, nodding.


    How could she possibly forget? This little mischief-maker had wandered off to gather lotus flowers and had identally fallen into the pond. Even as Freya had pulled her to safety, she had clung tightly to a lotus flower.


    Kristian turned his gaze toward Freya, studying her more intently. "Why haven''t you ever spoken of your ties to the Briggs family?"


    "Do people usually bring up decade-old stories in daily conversation?" Freya shot back.


    Kristian was left at a loss for words.


    Ethel extended a warm invitation, her voice bubbling with cheer. "Freya,e join me over here!"


    Freya moved to sit beside her.


    Their conversation flowed easily, filled with fond memories of days gone by.


    One moment they wereughing over how Freya had bravely confronted bullies on Ethel''s behalf and the next they chuckled about the times Freya had craftily covered for Ethel''s secret snack raids.


    "You''ve transformed so dramatically over the past decade," Ethel remarked as she sped Freya''s hands, her eyes glimmering with sentiment. "If it weren''t for your unmistakable face, I might not have recognized you at all."


    Kristian watched quietly, a slow realization settling in-it was probably true.


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    MINJUS? Et Ban squarely in thece


    Ethel, ever protective of her sister, saw a perfect moment to challenge Kristian. She turned to him with s determined look. "Mr. Shaw, may I inquire about the reasons behind your decision to divorce Frepor


    "Our personalities just sh too much," Kristian responded, his fone dismissive. Ethel faced Freya, searching her eyes. "Is that really the case?"


    "Yes." Freya nodded, albeit reluctantly.


    A flicker of doubt crossed Ethel''s face. She knew her sister well enough to tell she was holding back the truth


    "Perhaps a divorce is for the best," Ethel stated boldly, her voice firm and resolute. "Don''t worry, I know plenty of wonderful rich men. I''ll introduce you to them. They''ve all been eager to meet the wotees who was my guardian angel back in the day."


    "Sure, I''m in," Freya murmured, understanding that Ethel was merely ying her part


    Kristian''s expression tightened, a flicker of displeasure shing across his face at Ethel''s remark


    "Miss Briggs, do you find pleasure in ying matchmaker?" Kristian''s voice carried a sharp edge of hostingy


    "Not particrly," Ethel responded with a confident shrug "I just enjoy looking out for Freys She''s a remarkable woman and truly deserves the best."


    "So, what makes you think you know who suits her best?" Kristian pressed, his tone challenging


    Ethel waved off his concern with a dismissive gesture. "Simple. I''ll introduce her to a selection, and she can pick whoever captures her heart," she dered.


    Kristian found Ethel''s meddling more than just irritating


    They were still in the midst of finalizing their divorce, and here was Ethel, unabashedly nning to introduce Freya to potential suitors right in front of him-a move devoid of any tact.


    "This discussion should be postponed until after their divorce is finalized, Kristian interjected, his voiceced with an icy disapproval. "Regarding the coboration, I''ll send someone to the Briggs Group another day to go over the details with you, Mr. Briggs. I''ll leave Miss Briggs to rest for now."


    "Very well then." Hugh got up, ready to escort them out with polite formality.


    With that, the conversation came to a quiet close.


    It was clear to everyone that the discussion about coboration was just a facade.


    They all recognized that Kristian''s casual mention of visiting the Briggs Group was nothing more than empty talk. In the ruthless world of business, nothing was set in stone until it was inked on the contract


    Once they had departed, Ethel wasted no time. She whipped out her phone and rapidly fired off a series of messages to Freya.


    "Did you really marry Kristian just for his looks? He hardly seems to care about you."


    "I can''t stand the thought of him as my brother-inw."


    "He''s absolutely unworthy of you!"


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    Chapter 27 Striking Kristian Squarely In The Face


    Within moments, Freya''s inbox already held a string of messages from Ethel. Though Ethel knew little else, the cold indifference in Kristian''s eyes whenever he nced at her sister spoke volumes. There was not a trace of love or warmth. Had her sister not concealed her true identity, Ethel might have even thought that Kristian was only after her


    wealth.


    Freya''s phone buzzed incessantly with Ethel''s rapid messages.


    She chose not to look at them just yet, knowing Kristian was still nearby.


    "Can you handle yourself in a fight?¡± Kristian inquired, his figure looming over her as he stood by the car.


    Freya struggled to engage in a meaningful dialogue with him. "I could take you down without breaking a sweat," she dered with a smirk.


    Both Kristian and Gerard were momentarily stunned into silence. "Does the thought of Ethel introducing you to a dozen men make you feel more secure?" Kristian had been seething ever since Ethel had made that suggestion. Freya''s intention was clear; she wanted to rile him up. "Precisely," she replied coldly.


    Kristian''s fury was palpable.


    In his anger, heshed out with words he mightter regret. "Do you actually believe those affluent men would give you a second nce? Your past role as a bodyguard for the Briggs family is irrelevant. It''s a pipe dream to think you can ascend above your station." Kristian''s tone was biting. "Even if those affluent men notice you, it would merely be due to the Briggs family''s influence."


    He was all too familiar with the ways of this elite circle. If Freya were to immerse herself in it, she would be the one suffer.


    "I married a rich man once, why not do it all over again?" Unperturbed, Freya retorted. "Perhaps if I get married a few more times, my value might eventually eclipse yours."


    "Do you really believe anyone else would take an interest in you the way I did?" Kristian''s voice dripped with


    iciness.


    Freya nodded, her voice steady. "It''s not beyond the bounds of possibility."


    "You certainly think highly of yourself," Kristian retorted with a smirk. His voice took on a darker tone as he admitted, "I was only drawn to you because you reminded me of Ashley."


    A heavy silence fell over Freya.


    Kristian, unable to contain his frustration, dered bitterly, "Had it not been for your resemnce to her, you wouldn''t have caught my eye a second time." Freya''s response was icy. "I dare you to say that again."


    It was one thing to suspect the truth, quite another to hear it confirmed. Being a mere substitute was not to her liking.


    15:38


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    Chapter 27 Striking Kristian Squarely In The Face


    "The only reason I married you, cared for you, and stayed by your side... is


    because you reminded me of Ashley."


    Suddenly, a loud bang erupted.


    "Sir!" Gerard cried out, his voiceced with rm.


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Freya swung her fist, striking Kristian squarely in


    the face.


    Had she not considered the risk of breaking his nose, she might not have restrained her punch at all.


    "Do you think such words make me feel lesser, distressed, or somehow indebted


    to Ashley for my life?" Freya challenged, her tone devoid of sympathy as she spoke over Kristian''s groans.


    Holding his throbbing cheek, Kristian sat stunned, speechless from the impact.


    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 28 N

 Chapter 28

    Chapter 28 Not All Men Are F-boys Like You


    "Shouldn''t you feel that way?" Kristian grimaced in agony, his reply frosty as he struggled to maintain


    "You''re utterly delusional." Freya''s anger was palpable, her voiceced with frustration as she shot back. "Why. should I feel lesser and distressed by your blunders? Without Ashley Bradley, I would only thrive."


    "Just try and see." With a venomous tone, Kristian''s anger boiled over, his words cutting deeply. "See if anyone else, apart from me, would offer you so much in a divorce. You really should know your ce. I acknowledge your skill, yet the world teems with skilled individuals. In business, interests reign supreme. They''ll safeguard their wealth by prenuptial agreements, and if you part ways, you''ll be left with nothing."


    After striking him, a wave of calm washed over Freya. "Got it all out?"


    "You are not Ethel; the Briggs family is no safety for you," Kristian sneered.


    "My memory is just fine," Freya snapped back, her tone stern. "I''m not looking to marry for a divorce payout."


    Kristian''s face softened momentarily, caught off guard.


    Unyielding, Freya continued, "It doesn''t matter to me if he secures his wealth before we wed. I seek a partner who genuinely loves me, values our life together, and aspires to foster a loving home. Just because that''s how you live doesn''t mean everyone else does." Thest flicker of warmth in her heart died outpletely then. "Not all men are f-boys like you."


    Without pausing for his reaction or a reply, she turned on her heel and strode away.


    Kristian remained rooted to the spot for what felt like an eternity, stunned and haunted by her departing


    words.


    She had spoken of her longing for someone who truly loved and valued her. Abruptly, a tide of disquiet overwhelmed him, as if something precious had slipped through his fingers, possibly forever.


    "Sir, are you alright?" Gerard''s voice broke through the silence, hesitant andced with concern.


    The confrontation with Freya had been intense; she had even struck his boss. The pain was more than physical.


    Silently, Kristian slid into his car, slumped back into the seat, and shut his eyes.


    The air inside the car grew thick with tension...


    With no destination given, Gerard simply let the car drift through the streets.


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    Chapter 28 Not All Men Are F-boys Like You


    After a stretch of time, Kristian''s eyes flickered open, veiled in a deep, unsettling darkness.


    He murmured, "Gerard."


    "I''m listening."


    "Do you think she''s right?" Kristian inquired, his voice tinged with suspicion.


    Gerard paused, his words teetering on the brink of agreement. "Well..."


    "If she truly didn''t care about the money, why then did she demand such a hefty sum in the divorce?" Kristian pressed, his demeanor growing increasingly frosty. Trying to rationalize her actions to himself, he added, "Her intentions seem noble on the surface, but deep down, isn''t she just another opportunist?¡±


    Gerard feltpelled to defend her. "I wouldn''t say she is like that, not at all." "She must be quite persuasive to have even swayed you," Kristian remarked, his tone sharp, his skepticism about Freya deepening.


    Feeling slightly cornered yet maintaining hisposure, Gerard exined, "Under thew here, assets acquired during the marriage are considered joint property. It''s perfectly normal for her to im half."


    He cautiously omitted the fact that even Kristian''s brother sided with Freya.


    "I neverid im to her assets," Kristian countered coldly.


    "That was your decision." Gerard pointed out.


    Kristian''s voice chilled the air further. "Gerard!"


    "Sir, there''s something you might not want to hear." Bracing himself, Gerard continued, determined to offer a different perspective, "The truth is, you were unfaithful. She showed considerable restraint by not leaving you


    destitute."


    Kristian''s face soured at the usation. "Since when have I been unfaithful?"


    Gerard maintained a fixed gaze on the road, opting to remain silent.


    Kristian''s irritation was mounting by the second.


    At that moment, Gerard''s phone started ringing.


    ncing at the caller ID, he twisted around slightly and said, "It''s Miss Bradley on the line."


    "That''s on you," Kristian retorted with a scowl, his mood soured further. "Haven''t you figured out that I''m not supposed to contact her now?"


    Gerard nodded slightly, deciding to return the callter, and focused back on driving.


    Meanwhile, Freya made her way back to the hospital.


    Inside, Hugh lingered by the window in the hospital room, anxiously awaiting her return. Despite the strains in their rtionship, as a father, he feltpelled to protect Freya and shield her from any mistreatment.


    After a restless thirty minutes, Ethel could no longer keep her peace and turned to Hugh. "We need to get to


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    Chapter 28 Not All Men Are F-boys Like You


    the bottom of why my sister is divorcing Kristian when she gets back. We can''t stand by and watch her suffer


    like this."


    "Agreed." Hugh nodded solemnly.


    They were about to delve deeper into their conversation when the hospital room door swung open.


    Freya entered the room, her face a mask of sereneposure, betraying no hint of the fury that had red during her earlier sh with Kristian.


    "Mina."


    "Mina."


    Ethel and Hugh chimed in at the same time, their voices ovepping in a brief harmony.


    A look of confusion flitted across Freya''s face as she noticed their troubled expressions. With a soft click, she shut the door behind her and inquired, "What seems to be the problem?"


    "Why are you filing for divorce with Kristian Shaw?" Ethel blurted out, stepping in before her father could muster the courage to ask. Her tone carried a mix of concern and demand. "And don''t even try the ''it just didn''t work out'' exnation."


    Freya hesitated, her resolve wavering. Initially, she had nned to keep the real reasons hidden, but the earnest worry etched on their faces prompted a change of heart. "His first love has returned," she admitted.


    Ethel and Hugh were momentarily taken aback, their expressions mirroring each other in perfect unison, a silent testament to their shock.


    Setting her phone down to charge, Freya took a seat across from her father. She exhaled slowly, her voice steady. "It''s just another way of saying it just didn''t work out. He was the one who suggested the divorce, and I saw no reason to disagree."


    "Are you serious?" Ethel''s voice rose, tinged with incredulity.


    Freya''s eyebrows arched subtly. "Totally."


    "And is he insane, or just in stupid?" Ethel, puzzled and concerned, voiced her disbelief. "Why would he choose his first love over someone as exceptional as


    you?"


    Freya remained silent, lost in thought.


    Ashley''s departure had left Kristian adrift, unable to shake the memory of her. Her impact on him was profound and undeniable.


    "I swear, he must be insane and utterly stupid!" Hugh burst out, his voice tinged


    with frustration.


    Freya just gave him a fleeting look.


    Seeing her expression, Hugh''s fervor waned, and he hesitantly questioned, "What made you fall for him initially?"


    "His looks," Freya replied sinctly.


    Regrettably, she realized that basing a marriage solely on physical attraction was


    a mistake.


    Hugh was at a loss for words, while Ethel quietly sighed. She was all too aware of her sister''s weakness for


    15:38


    handsome men, charming voices, and striking figures.


    Breaking the uneasy silence, Hugh inquired, "How far have you gotten with the


    divorce?"


    "We''ve filed the paperwork. Once the required waiting period is over, we can finalize it,¡± Freya exined, her


    tone resigned.


    "It has to be done!" Ethel interjected passionately, seeing Kristian in a harsh light.


    "A man like that doesn''t


    deserve you!"


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 Chapter 29

    Chapter 29 To Challenge Kristian On Familiar...


    Ethel''s fury zed like wildfire. How could Kristian be so utterly exasperating? How could he treat her sister with such cold indifference?


    To her, such injustice was simply unbearable. "When you filed for divorce, did you make him walk away with. nothing? Ending a marriage because of another woman constitutes a profound betrayal," she fumed.


    Hugh nodded solemnly. "She''s absolutely right."


    "No," Freya responded, carefully noting their concerned expressions. "We divided our assets fairly."


    "How exactly did you split everything?" they inquired simultaneously, their curiosity palpable.


    Freya detailed the arrangement.


    The settlement mirrored their previous discussion: she would retain the premium sports car, the suburban vi, and 40% of his earnings since their wedding day.


    She had anticipated their approval for her adept handling of the situation.


    Instead...


    "Do you still harbor feelings for him? Ethel''s brow furrowed with worry. "Why would you ept such an inadequate settlement?"


    Hugh interjected, "The Shaw Group generates profits in the billions annually. Offering you this pittance is simply unconscionable."


    Freya exhaled deeply, pinching the bridge of her nose as she contemted her response.


    Indeed, the billions seemed insignificantpared to the Briggs Group''s yearly earnings.


    "He channeled most funds into investments, and I explicitly stated I wouldn''t im his investment portfolio," Freya exined. "Furthermore, he won''t get a share of my assets."


    Ethel reached over to feel Freya''s forehead, wondering if illness had clouded her judgment.


    Freya stared back, bewildered.


    "Freya, hemitted infidelity! The fault lies entirely with him," Ethel dered, her indign." tension crept into her temples. "Protecting your assets is only right. With his character, he undoubtedly funnel that money to his paramour. You mustn''t endure this injustice. I''ll contact Trent immediately to teach Kristian a lesson." ounting as


    As she spoke, she grasped her phone, ready to make the call.


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    Chapter 29 To Challenge Kristian On Familiar Professional Ground


    Freya swiftly intervened.


    "Why stop me?" Ethel asked, perplexed.


    "This settlement suffices. The divorce agreement has already been submitted. I possess numerous methods toplicate his life without engaging in financial disputes. Besides..." Freya paused meaningfully. "If we divided everything equally after marriage and the media discovered our rtionship, they might suggest the Briggs Group depends on divorce settlements to operate."


    Both Ethel and Hugh fell silent, contemting this perspective.


    Only a select circle knew Kristian had divorced Freya for Ashley.


    If media outlets reported the story, Freya couldn''t substantiate ims of infidelity.


    Kristian hadn''t been intimate with Ashley nor spent nights with her, leaving no concrete evidence of betrayal.


    Even if photographs of Kristian with Ashley emerged, they could portray it as mere friendship, and withoutpelling proof, public opinion would favor them.


    However, with Freya iming only modest assets, public reaction would remain manageable.


    Billions might seem astronomical to otherpanies, but for the Briggs family, it represented merely a fraction


    of their wealth.


    "I apologize..." Ethel acknowledged her rashness. "I failed to consider these ramifications."


    "No apology necessary. I understand your concern for me," Freya reassured her with a gentle smile, squeezing Ethel''s hand affectionately. "I''ve moved beyond Kristian. But you..."


    Ethel''s eyes sparkled with mischief. "What about me?"


    "My marriage ended poorly," Freya admitted, concerned her sister might be disillusioned with matrimony, "but I hope you won''t dismiss the institution entirely. Should you meet someone worthy, please don''t surrender that opportunity."


    "Your worries are unfounded," Ethel assured her warmly.


    The sisters continued their heartfelt exchange.


    Observing them, Hugh felt profound contentment wash over him.


    As long as his daughters thrived, he would move mountains for their happiness.


    "She, I need to discuss something with him. We''ll continue our conversation once you''ve recovered."


    Ethel nodded her agreement.


    Hugh escorted Freya into the hallway, a familiar sense of guilt and uncertainty washing over him whenever they interacted.


    "Mina, what matter requires our discussion?" he inquired softly.


    "Who currently holds the president position at the Briggs Group?" Freya questioned directly.


    Hugh responded, "Your cousin manages thepany now."


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    Chapter 29 To Challenge Kristian On Familiar Professional Ground


    "Could you arrange for me to join as an investment adviser?" Freya requested, her gaze reflecting aplex. tapestry of emotions. "I''d also needprehensive details about the coborative project with the shaw Group"


    Hugh''s expression transformed with surprise, his eyes betraying a surge of hopeful emotion. "Are you genuinely considering a return to the Briggs Group?"


    "I''m seeking only a professional position, not any inheritance rights," Freya rified firmly.


    "Of course, I''ll make the arrangements immediately," Hugh replied, barely containing his enthusiasm. ¡°Beyond the Shaw Group project specifics, do you require additional information?"


    "I''d appreciate aprehensive list of all uing Briggs Group ventures," Freya added, characteristically decisive in her approach.


    Until today, confronting Kristian hadn''t factored into her ns.


    She had previously assured him he would never hear from her again.


    However, his recent remarks had disturbed her equilibrium, and she now feltpelled to challenge him on familiar professional ground.


    "Certainly," Hugh agreed without hesitation.


    For years, he had harbored hopes that she would eventually return to assume leadership of thepany.


    Despite her exceptional business acumen, she had consistently shown no interest in joining the Briggs Group''s


    operations.


    Now, finally, she was epting a position within the organization!


    Freya maintained herposure throughout their exchange.


    Since she still needed to travel to Jeucwell to finalize the divorce proceedings, she exined, "I''ll thoroughly familiarize myself with the current businessndscape first and formally assume the position after our divorce bes official."


    "Whenever suits your timeline." Hugh concurred wholeheartedly.


    Freya acknowledged his support with a simple nod.


    During the subsequent days, Kristian made no attempt to contact Freya.


    He immersed himself in business negotiations while Freya methodically investigated the incident involving


    Ethel.


    A week passed with remarkable swiftness.


    est before


    Followingprehensive medical assessments that confirmed no permanent damage, Ethel received clearance. to leave the hospital. Fortunately, her arm fracture proved rtively minor, requiring only min returning to normal function.


    A more severe break would have necessitated a month-long recovery period.


    Regarding her head injury, despite its initially, rming appearance due to profuse bleeding, it healed rapidly under the expert care of Frederick''s sister. Nevertheless, the wound on her forehead still required daily


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    Chapter 29 To Challenge Kristian On Familiar Professional Ground


    dressing changes.


    Hugh personally arrived to transport her home.


    Ethel sat quietly in the vehicle, a subtle mncholy evident in her demeanor.


    "Mina has been thoroughly investigating the incident," Hugh exined, recognizing the source of her despondency, "She submitted all evidentiary materials tow enforcement several days ago. Once the prosecutor''s officepletes their review, the case will advance to court for formal prosecution" "Have we identified the perpetrator?" Ethel asked, her spirits visibly lifting at this development


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 Chapter 30

    Chapter 30 I Insist She Remains Untouched...


    "I don''t know. I asked her, but she kept it to herself," Hugh replied, his voice trailing off into silence.


    When he attempted to probe further, Freya had cautioned him against involvement, insisting she would address the matter personally. Yesterday, when he followed up about the results, she had deftly changed the subject, reminding him of his responsibility to collect Ethel from the hospital.


    Ethel paused, weighing whether to unveil her thoughts to her father.


    Hugh noticed her reluctance. "What''s troubling you?"


    "Perhaps she withheld information to spare you from an awkward position." Ethel had reached this conclusion after her emotions settled.


    Hugh stiffened. "What exactly are you suggesting?"


    "During my attack, I glimpsed someone beyond the alley-Cheryl''s younger brother." Ethel revealed, the memory crystallizing as her health improved. "I informed Mina, and she directed me to keep you in the dark."


    Hugh''s eyes fixed momentarily, his expression hardening.


    Ethel yearned for reconciliation between her sister and father. "Whatever wedge stands between you two, beneath it all, you still care deeply for each other. Why not bridge this divide through honest conversation?"


    Hugh remained wordless, shrouded in remorse. He longed to engage in meaningful dialogue with Freya, yet recognized she would forever withhold forgiveness.


    "You''ve yet to fully mature," Hugh murmured, avoiding boration. "I''ll exin when you''re ready to


    understand."


    "I''ve reached neen-legally an adult," Ethel countered, emotions swirling beneath herposed exterior. "I''m no longer the child who begged for sweets and dissolved into tears at the first sign of hardship."


    Still, Hugh maintained his silence.


    He and Freya shared an unspoken pact to shield this matter until Ethel secured happiness in her life.


    Frustration bubbled within Ethel. Her sister refused to speak, her father likewise. Were they conspiring to keep her eternally ignorant?


    Her phone vibrated repeatedly, announcing iing messages.


    She unlocked the screen, discovering several images from Frederick.


    "Freya and Kristian are locked in confrontation!" Jackson wrote. "He''s deliberately humiliating her, making a spectacle. Hurry-she needs backup."


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    Chapter 301 Insist She Remains Untouched Beforehand


    Ethel examined the photos, revealing an opulent private chamber where her sister and Kristian engaged in a


    tense standoff.


    Even through the digital lens, violence seemed imminent.


    "Johnny, take us to Savory Haven immediately," Ethelmanded the driver with urgency.


    Savory Haven operated as an exclusive establishment catering to celebritie and business elites.


    Ordinary people stood no chance of entry.


    Based on Frederick''s photos, the setting appeared to be a business dinner. Among those present were her sister, Kristian, and several recognizable faces.


    Hugh observed her sudden distress. "What''s happening?"


    "Mina and Kristian are in a confrontation," Ethel exined, her voice tense with concern. "Frederick didn''t share all the details, but apparently Kristian is deliberately making things difficult for her."


    "Johnny, take the shortcut," Hughmanded, parental concern surging through him at the mention of Freya''s predicament.


    Frederick sat rigid with anxiety.


    His father had insisted he attend, describing it as a valuableworking opportunity with a business legend. The invitation seemed impossible to decline.


    Yet he never anticipated the legendary figure would be Kristian himself.


    And toplicate matters further, Freya was present as well!


    "Unable to handle a few drinks, yet presuming to discuss business?" Kristian remarked from his position at the table''s head. Impably dressed in his tailored suit, he regarded her with cool indifference. "Do you truly believe your appearance alone grants you ess to financial opportunities in this establishment?"


    Freya felt the beginnings of a migraine pulsing behind her temples.


    She had arrived with the express purpose of confronting Edwin Newman, Cheryl''s older brother.


    Although evidence suggested Emil Newman, Cheryl''s younger sibling, was directly responsible for Ethel''s incident, Freya recognized the maniptive influence of Edwin-widely known for his cunning nature- orchestrating events from behind the scenes.


    With legal avenues exhausted against Edwin, Freya needed to address the matter personally. Anyone threatening Ethel''s wellbeing would face her unwavering opposition.


    Kristian''s unexpected presence caught herpletely off guard.


    "I have no interest in engaging in arguments with you today," she responded with deliberate detachment.


    Kristian''s entourage quickly intervened with their ttery. "Mr. Shaw extends you the courtesy of a drink offer. Why do you remain standing there, unresponsive?"


    "How did this establishment permit entry to such a woman?"


    "One cannot deny her striking appearance, though."


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    Chapter 301 tsist She Remains Untouched Beforehand


    Frederick barely dared to breathe throughout the exchange.


    Not because of the cutting remarks from those seated at the table, but because he recognized they were inviting catastrophe. Thest individual who treated Freya with such disrespect now went to extraordinary lengths to avoid crossing her path!


    "Mr. Shaw, women of her type require firm handling." Edwin remarked, his polished appearance contradicting his crude vernacr. "Escort her to a hotel room, and she''ll quickly bepliant."


    Kristian''s cial gaze shifted deliberately. "Is that your assessment?"


    "Without question!" Edwin leered at Freya while continuing. "Mr. Shaw, should you require it, I can arrange amodations immediately and ensure her delivery."


    Several attendees subtly furrowed their brows, perplexed by Kristian''s willingness to associate with someone of


    Edwin''s character.


    Edwin''spany not only ranked as a minor enterprise, but his notorious weakness for women repelled even casual acquaintances!


    "Very well," Kristian agreed with unsettling calm. "However, I insist she remains untouched beforehand."


    His inscrutable gaze settled on Freya, concealing the anger building within him.


    He feltpelled to demonstrate the genuine viciousness men could exhibit, believing nothing less would convey his message effectively.


    "I guarantee it!" Edwin beamed with unwarranted confidence. "She''ll arrive at your amodationspletely (untouched for your exclusive attention."


    Kristian maintained his silence, an oppressive atmosphere radiating from his presence.


    If not for extracting critical information about the Briggs family from Edwin, he would never have tolerated dining with such contemptible man.


    Initially dismissing his suspicions about Freya, he had recently discovered her thorough investigation of Ethel''s incident, culminating in Emil''s arrest.


    How could someone supposedly employed merely as a bodyguard demonstrate such personal investment in Ethel''s affairs?


    "This situation seems inappropriate..." Frederick ventured hesitantly.


    His tentative objection instantly drew the attention of both Kristian and Freya.


    The former fixed him with prating intensity, while thetter shot him a clear warning nce.


    "What troubles you, Mr. Price?" Kristian inquired, his deep, maic voice projecting artificial calm beneath unmistakable authority.


    Frederick instinctively nced toward Freya but found himself unable to articte


    his concerns.


    Freya''s intimidating gaze effectively silenced him.


    However, through Kristian''s perceptive eyes, Frederick''s hesitation registered as genuine concern for Freya,


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    Chapter 301 Insist She Remains Untouched Beforehand


    reluctance silenced only by the oppressive weight of authority.


    Emboldened by this misinterpretation, Kristian pressed further. "Do you perhaps


    find her too attractive to be


    escorted away?"


    "My son absolutely intended no such implication," Robert Price interjected hastily, recognizing Kristian''s growing displeasure.


    Seasoned in the business world, veterans like Robert instinctively read subtle shifts in power dynamics. He added deferentially, "Please ept our apologies if offense was taken, Mr. Shaw."


    30


    2


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    15:39

 Chapter 31

    Chapter 31 She'' Volunteered


    Frederick furrowed his brows, irritation evident in his expression.


    He loathed these social gatherings, primarily because he couldn''t bear witnessing


    his father in such apromised state.


    He recognized that business dinners demanded social finesse from anyone


    His gaze drifted toward Freya once more, drawn by an unconscious pull


    Truly, being near Freya provided him the most genuinefort.


    "Aren''t you escorting me to the hotel?" Freya tore her eyes away and locked them onto Edwin "Shouldn''t we be departing?"


    The question startled everyone present, Edwin included.


    Kristian''s fingers, which had been idly toying with his phone, suddenly tensed.


    Frederick merely lowered his head, quietly sipping his drink, careful not to interject. He recognized with certainty that Freya was about to retaliate.


    "Why such haste? Don''t imagine that clinging to Mr. Shaw grants you the right to behave imperiously." Edwin bristled at Freya''s words, as if she had insinuated he was nothing more than a procurer. "To Mr. Shaw, you''re merely another conquest."


    Kristian studied Freya intently, his gaze deepening as he observed her face.


    At times, he marveled at her ability to remainposed when confronted with such caustic remarks,


    "Mr. Shaw." Edwin slipped back into his sycophantic manner and, before departing, ventured hesitantly, "Regarding our potential partnership..."


    "My assistant will handle the arrangements, Kristian replied tersely.


    Edwin''s face brightened instantly. "Thank you."


    Everyone coveted alliances with both the Briggs Group and Shaw Group.


    While the Briggs Group remained beyond his reach, he had now secured ties with


    the Shaw another chance, he would certainly cultivate his rtionship with Kristian to forge even closer


    -p1 Given


    s ties


    With these aspirations dancing in his mind, Edwin departed with Freya.


    Freya yed along willingly, knowing that upon reaching the mentioned hotel, she could confront Edwin


    001


    15:39


    mo


    <


    properly.


    The remaining guests in the private room continued their conversation briefly,


    They were all astute observers.


    In matters involving mutual consent, they preferred not to meddle.


    Ten minutester, someone ventured, "Mr. Shaw, since you have press


    matters today, we won''t impose


    further. The partnership discussions can resume another time. What are your thoughts?"


    Kristian swept his gaze across the room as he rose. "Richie, thepany manager, will coordinate the specifics with you, though whether we proceed depends entirely on the project''s merit."


    With that deration, Kristian strode purposefully out of the room.


    As he emerged from the private chamber, Gerard approached with deference.


    "Where''s Freya?" A heaviness settled in Kristian''s chest.


    "I''ve already dispatched someone to trail her," Gerard, anticipating his employer''s concerns without explicit direction, exined. "Should she face any danger, the bodyguards will intervene immediately."


    While somewhat reassured, Kristian still responded coldly, "Interfering busybody!"


    Gerard maintained hisposure, reflecting on the unpredictability of Kristian''s thoughts.


    "Ensure Vertex Corporation is dealt with properly." Kristian adjusted his tie, his lips delivering the chilledmand, "Such trash should recognize their proper ce."


    Gerardprehended instantly. "Understood."


    Vertex Corporation was Edwin''spany.


    Kristian was clearly defending Freya.


    "To the hotel," hemanded, his voice resonating with barely contained emotion.


    Gerard started the vehicle.


    Upon receiving Edwin''s message, Gerard drove directly to the designated hotel.


    During the journey, reflecting on earlier events, he couldn''t resist asking, "Sir, I''m uncertain whether I should inquire about something."


    "If uncertainty gues you, refrain from asking," Kristian snapped.


    "Isn''t it rather unsettling to agree to Edwin delivering your wife to your bed?" Gerard, emboldened by curiosity, pressed on, "How does it feel to pursue her through such unconventional means?"


    "Consider your year-end bonus forfeit," Kristian fired back.


    Gerard, realizing his precarious position, hastily added, "Sir, rest assured, I''ll ensure Verte understands precisely who stands as Mrs. Shaw''s protector."


    Kristian countered, "Your quarterly bonus can also vanish."


    Gerard now genuinely wondered where he had erred.


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    "Teya and I have already filed for divorce," Kristian stated icily, still clutching his phone. I''m addressing Edwin''s behavior solely because I refuse to allow anyone to sully my reputation."


    Gerard fell silent Kristian divorced his wife for another woman, Set he still fretted about his reputation?


    Instead, he simply replied, "Yes, you''re right."


    "The semi-annual bonus isn''t necessary either," Kristian added coldly.


    Even with Gerard''s normally amodating temperament, hisposure began to fray. What misstep had he


    made this time?


    "I believe there''s one consideration you''ve overlooked," Gerard ventured, wracking his brain while navigating the road. "Despite your divorce from your wife, until you receive the official decree, you remain legally bound. And as long as that legal connection exists, you bear an obligation to shield her from unsavory characters."


    "She volunteered," Kristian retorted, bristling at the memory of earlier events. "She even urged Edwin Newman to escort her to the hotel promptly."


    Gerard countered, "That''s because she knows the person awaiting her after check-in is you."


    "She harbors no affection for me," Kristian stated tly.


    Gerard found himself at a loss for words.


    There was simply no suitable response.


    He murmured under his breath, "Aware that she harbors no affection for you, yet


    you humiliated her before numerous onlookers. Small wonder your marriage


    ended!"


    Kristian nced toward Gerard''s head, his eyes glinting dangerously. "What invectives are you mentally hurling


    at me?"


    "Not criticizing you," Gerard lied smoothly, without a hint of difort. "Merely strategizing how to facilitate an amicable day between you and your wife."


    It was barely midday. Several hours stretched before evening arrived.


    Considering Freya''s attitude toward Kristian, spending even ten minutes together


    in the same room would border on miraculous.


    Kristian disregarded Gerard''sment, his mind wrestling with the same predicament. Since their heated exchange at the hospital, he''d recognized Freya''s aversion toward him.


    Today, he merely wanted her toprehend that this social circle wasn''t as idyllic as she imagined.


    With over a billion from his fortune, she could live luxuriously for the remainder of her days.


    Pushing these reflections aside, Kristian reclined in the vehicle and closed his eyes to rest.


    Shortly after their departure, Ethel and Hugh arrived at the restaurant. Just as they prepared to received a message from Frederick, assuring her that the situation had been resolved.


    Frederick dared not reveal to Ethel what had transpired in the private room.


    Ethel


    Freya would


    If he did, Freya would undoubtedly exact retribution!


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    Meanwhile, Freya found herself escorted to a hotel by Edwin.


    Evidently, Edwin had invested considerable effort to impress Kristian, as the entire


    suite had been transformed into a romantic retreat,plete with subdued


    lighting and a captivating fragrance.


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    Chapter 32 Kristian''s


    Concern For Her


    "Go take a shower, change into the clothes on the bed, and wait for Mr. Shaw to arrive,¡± Edwin instructed, his Adam''s apple bobbing as he gazed at Freya, utterly captivated by her striking beauty. "If you dare upset him,


    you''ll witness firsthand how I deal with disobedience."


    Freya didn''t spare the clothes a single nce.


    Her eyes remained locked on Edwin, her gaze icy enough to send shivers down anyone''s spine.


    Edwin dared not linger; everything had been meticulously arranged, and he feared losing his restraint if he remained too long. After all, she was Kristian''s chosen one.


    As he turned to exit, Freya swiftly mmed the door shut and secured the lock with a definitive click.


    Edwin frowned, unmoved by Freya''s defiant gesture. "What exactly do you think you''re doing?"


    "Let''s talk," Freya stated calmly, dragging a chair to block Edwin''s path before lowering herself into it.


    "We can discuss matters after Mr. Shaw concludes his business," Edwin replied with a smug chuckle,pletely misreading Freya''s intentions. "I''ll ensure you find the experience... pleasurable..."


    Freya sprang to her feet and delivered a powerful kick to his midsection.


    She harbored no patience for such vile talk; her sole intention was to teach him a painful lesson.


    "Ouch!" Edwin howled, clutching his stomach as he crumpled to the floor, his eyes zing with indignation. "What''s the meaning of this?"


    Freya advanced toward him, her prating gaze never wavering. ¡°Did you instruct Emil to harm Ethel?" Edwin froze, momentarily forgetting his physical difort. His eyes widened with unmistakable panic. "I haven''t the faintest idea what you''re referring to."


    "That''s perfectly fine. I''ll jog your memory properly," Freya dered,mencing her distinctive interrogation


    methods.


    She had thoroughly investigated him, aware he had mistreated numerous women, some with consent and others through coercion.


    Had she possessed concrete evidence, she wouldn''t have hesitated to ensure his imprisonment.


    "Ouch!" Edwin screamed again.


    The bodyguards stationed outside heard the disturbance and instinctively


    concluded something serious was transpiring, pounding frantically on the door.


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    Chapter 32 Kristian''s Concern For Her


    One guard immediately dispatched an urgent message to Kristian.


    Freya registered themotion at the door but paid it no mind. As Edwin attempted to call for assistance, she swiftly grabbed a nearby towel and stuffed it into his mouth.


    Terror flooded Edwin''s eyes. He remained bewildered about how he had provoked this woman; he''d never heard of anyone like Freya in Ethel''s circle.


    "Allow me to introduce myself. I''m Freya Briggs," she announced with unsettling tranquility, hermanding


    presence filling the room. "I previously served as Ethel Briggs''s bodyguard. My absence before gave you the


    opportunity to act. Now the time hase to settle ounts."


    Edwin grew increasingly agitated. He hadn''t been the one to harm Ethel.


    "She isn''t someone you can intimidate with impunity," Freya remarked, ncing toward the bathtub as water steadily filled it. She dragged Edwin into the bathroom and hurled him into the tub with surprising strength. "Should you dare hint or incite anyone to harm her again, I''ll return the suffering tenfold."


    Edwin was utterly shocked. How could this woman possess such formidable strength?


    He thrashed desperately in the water, struggling to break free, but his efforts proved futile.


    His hands had been securely bound with a necktie, leaving only his feet free to move. With his mouth obstructed and nose submerged, he began to choke helplessly.


    For the first time in his life, he experienced genuine despair.


    "Did you hear me?" Freya inquired coldly.


    Despite the hatred seething within him, he nodded quickly, driven by primal fear.


    Freya finally pulled him from the water, allowing him to breathe.


    Meanwhile, outside, Kristian rushed to the scene upon learning the room was locked. His eyes had reddened


    with urgent concern.


    The mere thought of that despicable man potentially harming Freya ignited murderous rage within him.


    He had totally forgotten Ethel''s mention of Freya serving as her bodyguard..


    All he could envision was the gentle Freya who seemingly needed his protection and intervention for everything


    He had already resolved that if Edwin daredy a finger on her, the consequences would be devastating.


    Gerard approached with urgent steps.


    "Break down the door immediately!" Kristianmanded, his voice sharp with


    concern.


    "We simply can''t..." the bodyguards admitted with evident embarrassment, having already attempted and failed. Kristian''s fists tightened until his knuckles whitened, then he delivered a powerful kick against the door''s


    surface.


    "Bang!"


    The entire door violently shuddered, its wooden frame threatening to splinter under the force.


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    Gerard observed silently, releasing an inward sigh of resignation. It was obvious that Kristian had fallen deeply in love yet remained utterly oblivious to his own feelings. He professed interest in Ashley, yet whenever she called, he promptly instructed him to handle it, conveniently citing his arrangement with Freya as justification. He imed no affection for Freya, yet monitored everything connected to her with meticulous attention,


    bing consumed with anxiety at the slightest suggestion of danger. It seemed


    he would need to experience


    her absence to truly appreciate her presence.


    "Bang!" Kristian unleashed another forceful kick, and this time, the door surrendered to his determination,


    flying open.


    He strode purposefully inside, traversing the suite''s spacious living room toward


    the bedroom. The dreaded scenario he had imagined failed to materialize; instead, he discovered Freya perfectlyposed, while Edwin appeared thoroughly drenched and utterly humiliated.


    His heart, which had been pounding with dread, gradually calmed upon confirming Freya remained unharmed, his tensed muscles visibly rxing.


    He finally recalled Ethel''s revtion about Freya serving as her former bodyguard,


    "Mr. Shaw..." Edwin had been released, but Kristian''s arrival filled him with paralyzing terror.


    He recognized his catastrophic failure and couldn''t bear contemting the inevitable repercussions.


    "Get out!" Kristian''smand cut through the air with cial hostility. Edwin hastily wiped the water from his face and retreated with remarkable speed.


    Freya tracked his departing figure and delivered a final warning. "Remember exactly what I said. Don''t let it slip your mind."


    Edwin hesitated momentarily, barely containing his seething rage.


    He departed without uttering a response, already formting ns to enlist someone who would effectively handle Freya once he escaped this situation. He longed to witness her begging desperately for mercy.


    Freya discerned his unspoken intentions perfectly. She had deliberately tormented him to provoke precisely this reaction, enabling her to gather conclusive evidence that would secure his imprisonment.


    "Sir, is Mrs. Shaw alright?" Gerard inquired cautiously from the doorway after Edwin had departed in such a distressed condition.


    Kristian remained silent, striding purposefully into the bedroom before mming


    the door with resounding


    finality.


    Gerardprehended the situation immediately, closing the entrance door his


    boss had forcefullypromised, manually securing it despite the substantial


    damage.


    Inside the room, the subdued lighting persisted, and the subtle fragrance continued to permeate th


    Freya had maintained herposure throughout; now that Edwin had been dismissed, she needed argently to check on She. ¡°Please step aside." "Step aside for what purpose?" Kristian''s words emerged through clenched teeth, his profound concern


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    Chapter 32 Kristian''s Concern For Her


    manifesting as icy displeasure. "Have you forgotten your position as Edwin''s


    offering to me?"


    Freya''s expression shifted to genuine bewilderment. Had hepletely lost his


    senses?


    "If you''re presented as a gift, then fulfill your designated role." Kristian''s anger was authentic and profound.


    The thought of her potentially encountering simr situations after their divorce


    weighed heavily upon his


    conscience.


    He believed she required a meaningful lesson in reality.


    (


    1

 Chapter 33

    Chapter 33 To Make Her Reconsider Her Current...


    Freya locked eyes with Kristian, defiance zing in her gaze, "Want me to knock some sense into you?" The challenge hung in the air between them.


    Kristian fell silent, his thoughts whirling in the stillness that followed.


    Something had shifted-perhaps the tension had dissolved slightly, or maybe the room''s soft, muted lighting


    cast an enchanting spell-but he found himself maically drawn to her.


    Their six-month separation into different beds had created a chasm between them, eliminating both physical


    closeness and intimacy.


    He approached her deliberately, each step closing the distance as an invisible aura seemed to shimmer around


    her form.


    Freya''s brow creased with subtle disapproval, difort evident in her posture. "I have things to do," she announced, attempting to break the building tension.


    "Don''t tell me you don''t know what it means when Edwin arranged for you to be here with me." Kristian''s voice deepened as his breathing grew heavier, his eyes darkening with intensity. "Do you think I''ll let you leave


    now?"


    Freya met his stare head-on. "Are you saying you want to sleep with me?"


    Kristian edged closer, catching the fresh scent that emanated from her skin. His voice dropped to a husky


    whisper. "Yes."


    Freya remained wordless, her silence heavy with meaning.


    Just as she prepared to dismiss him, strong arms lifted her suddenly, depositing her onto the soft surface of


    the bed.


    "Kristian..." His name escaped her lips as a warning.


    "Don''t speak." Kristian''s towering figure loomed above, his arms creating a cage around her slender frame.


    Their faces hovered mere inches apart, their breaths intermingling in the charged space between them.


    Freya sensed the heat radiating from his body, increasing by the second. Having shared eighteen months of marriage and a bed with him, she recognized this particr response all too well.


    "You''ve been quite the troublemakertely, haven''t you?" Kristian murmured, his breath brushing against her cheek. "There were times I wanted to drag you home and set you straight."


    Freya didn''t flinch or look away.


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    Kristian''s gaze dropped to her lips, lingering. His Adam''s apple moved as he swallowed, the temperature between them climbing. His eyes darkened as he leaned in.


    Freya turned her head aside.


    Kristian had always been the one in control-leading, overwhelming, making her feel both pleasure and


    madness.


    But he was no longer hers.


    "Why are you avoiding me?" His voice was husky, the kind that could unnerve even the steadiest resolve.


    Freya''s reply was blunt. "I don''t sleep with any random man."


    Kristian stilled.


    For a second, he just stared at her, as if her words didn''tpute. "What?"


    "You heard me." Freya held his gaze. "Don''t pretend you don''t get it."


    Kristian''s jaw tightened. "We haven''t finalized the divorce." Something flickered in his eyes as he recalled what Gerard had mentioned earlier. "We''re still married."


    Freya''s voice was steady, unwavering. "Did you forget about Ashley? Aren''t you worried she''ll find out you''re sharing a bed with me behind her back?"


    It was as if she had doused him in ice water. The heat between them evaporated in an instant.


    "Move," she said, her voice calm, almost indifferent.


    Though Kristian''s gaze remained prating, he eventually relented, rising from the bed to sit in the living room, a palpable heaviness surrounding him.


    Freya stood unhurriedly,posing herself.


    As she prepared to depart, Kristian''s intense scrutiny fell upon her. "Shouldn''t you exin what you were doing at the Savory Haven?"


    Freya didn''t even pause. "That''s none of your business."


    "That ce operates exclusively for members. You couldn''t have gained entry


    alone." Kristian''s eyes narrowed with suspicion. "Who took you in?"


    Freya repeated firmly, "I said, it''s none of your business."


    Having no desire to prolong her time with Kristian, she strode past him toward the exit.


    Kristian seized her arm abruptly, pressing her against the wall with his hand positioned beside her face. "Freya, there''s a limit to my patience!"


    Confusion flickered across Freya''s features.


    "I didn''t intervene before because I wanted you to recognize that the elite circle harbors more dang than you realize." Kristian''s voice lowered ominously. "After today''s events, you should understand this circle isn''t suitable for you. If Edwin had sent you to someone else, you wouldn''t be standing here unharmed."


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    His words carried unmistakable gravity, his eyes conveying a cial warning.


    Freya responded with subtle defiance, "Is that so?"


    "You don''t believe me?" Kristian questioned, tension evident in every syble. Freya offered no response, her silence speaking volumes.


    Kristian dragged her decisively into another room of the suite. He activated theputer, his long fingers. moving with purpose across the keyboard. Within moments, a series of photographs appeared on screen, each person''s identity concealed by pixted eyes.


    "These are all individuals who were destroyed by people like Edwin," Kristian exined, gesturing toward the monitor while his prating gaze remained fixed on Freya. "Some were sentenced to prison for their transgressions, while others continue to move freely among us.".


    Freya examined the screen with measured interest.


    Despite the digital obscuring, she recognized one woman-someone she had personally helped report to authorities. Yet due to insufficient evidence, no arrests had followed.


    The screen revealed people who projected morous exteriors while concealing their true natures beneath carefully crafted facades.


    She deliberately shifted her gaze away, acknowledging Kristian''s concern but remaining resolute. "I''ll protect


    myself."


    "Freya!" Kristian''s voice erupted with frustration.


    Freya maintained herposure, unmoved by his outburst. "I value my well- being more than anyone else possibly could. Anyone foolish enough to harm me will face consequences. Since we''ve already decided on divorce, certain matters no longer fall within your jurisdiction."


    "Do you expect Trent Seymour to watch over you?" Kristian demanded, his anger intensifying.


    Freya responded without intentional provocation, "I don''t require anyone''s protection."


    "Are you genuinely determined to be part of this circle?" Kristian questioned, exasperation evident in every


    syble.


    Freya answered without hesitation, "Yes."


    "Even knowing you might pay a devastating price?" Kristian pressed further.


    Freya affirmed with unwavering conviction, "That''s correct."


    "Fine." Kristian rose abruptly, coldness radiating from his entire being. "When trouble finds you, don''t seek my


    assistance."


    "Rest assured, I won''t," Freya promised calmly.


    Her response only fueled his mounting fury.


    He struggled toprehend why, despite having substantial wealth, she remained so determined to prate this particr social sphere.


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    The business world teemed with deception and treachery-even billions couldn''t safeguard against the consequences of a single misstep.


    Following this vtile exchange, Freya and Kristian parted ways, their rtionship


    further damaged.


    Kristian departed in a state of seething rage. Gerard promptlypensated the hotel for room damages before escorting his boss to the airport.


    All essential business transactions had been sessfully concluded over the previous days.


    Regarding the earlier meeting, had it not been for extracting critical information, Kristian wouldn''t have bothered engaging with those men.


    Gerard observed his boss''s darkened mood cautiously. "Are you certain you


    wouldn''t prefer to remain another


    day?"


    Kristian responded with icy brevity, "Shut up."


    "Yes, sir,¡± Gerard acknowledged immediately.


    A palpable tension permeated the vehicle''s interior.


    Kristian, overwhelmed by restlessness, briefly closed his eyes before issuing amanding directive, "Have our associates in Alerith create some difficulties for Freya-enough to make her reconsider her current path."


    "Isn''t that excessively harsh?" Gerard dared to question.


    Kristian''s gaze transformed into something cial. "Feeling sympathetic toward


    her?"


    "Certain proceed


    not," Gerard answered diplomatically. "I simply wonder-since you evidently still


    care for her-why


    With the divorce? Wouldn''t bringing her back to Jeucwell be preferable?"


    "Just form


    on the road," Kristianmanded sharply, effectively ending the conversation.


    -000


    Exclusive Offer For You


    im Now


    15:4

 Chapter 34

    Chapter 34 He''s Intent On Pushing You Out Of The...


    Gerard bit his tongue, opting for silence as he steered the car through the streets.


    After Kristian reiterated his directive, Gerard ryed the instructions with


    meticulous care.


    Arriving at the airport, Gerard clutched the ne tickets and ventured cautiously, "Sir, do you truly intend to depart from Alerith?"


    Kristian''s expression tensed subtly, irritated by his assistant''s persistent questioning.


    "The message you had me deliver could lead them to believe Mrs. Shaw has crossed you," Gerard exined, his voiceced with concern. "What if they decide to target her while you''re gone?"


    Kristian hesitated for a moment.


    Pushing further, Gerard implored, "You understand the intricacies of the socialworks better than anyone. The moment word gets out that you''re distancing yourself from Mrs. Shaw, the others will likely take it as a cue to iste her. In the long term, this could be detrimental to her..."


    Gerard paused, releasing a deep, troubled sigh.


    A brief shadow of contemtion flickered across Kristian''s features before he dismissed it with a fleeting smirk. "If you''re that concerned, perhaps you should consider marrying her yourself."


    Gerard was utterly lost for words.


    "Moreover, Freya has already filed for divorce," Kristian dered, his voice icy and detached. "Once I have the divorce papers in hand, I never want to hear ''Mrs. Shaw'' mentioned again."


    "Got it," Gerard responded without missing a beat.


    Kristian paid him no mind, his dark gaze growing ever more enigmatic.


    In a swift motion, he slipped something into Gerard''s hand, rose from his chair, and his neatly pressed trousers highlighted his tall stature.


    Gerard peered at the object in his hand and inquired, "What is this?"


    "Had you not jogged my memory, I would''vepletely overlooked this." Kristian adjusted his jacket and murmured, "At today''s lunch, everyone was aware that Freya was apanying me."


    15:40


    "If you ry my instructions, some might suspect you bear a personal animosity towards Freya," Kristian remarked calmly. "Logically, someone who just spent time with me wouldn''t have a problem with me, right?"


    A look of confusion crossed Gerard''s face.


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    "What exactly are you getting at?" Gerard inquired, kis tone pressing for carry


    "Head back to Jeucwell for now. I''ll remain in Alerth, Kristianmanded, the long more veckaming Day by causing her direct inconvenience will everyone realize the serfstress of my coomon, theta paret


    his tone as firm as his resolve.


    Gerard was left dumbfounded. If Kristian was genuinely concerned about hey, why is yo tou 17 Ke indirect approach seemed rather absurd.


    "Understood," Gerard responded tersely, choosing not to borate further


    With a sense of finality, Gerard boarded the ne, ticket in hand, while Kosta sumuoned tester and made his way back to his branch office.


    Kristian''s scheme was straightforward yet bold.


    He intended to personallyplicate Freya''s life, hoping she woulde to regret her dides


    By persistently pestering her, he believed she would eventually tire of their shared sona erdes aut op for a tranquil existence with the assets from their divorce.


    However, dreams and reality often sh


    After spending three additional days in Alerith, Kristian had not caught even a festing gimpse of fea Ris inquiries suggested she had vanished into thin air.


    Despite his efforts, she remained elusive.


    Leaving the hotel behind, Freya retreated to her true sanctuary-the castle she stated with her family


    She had devoted the entire day to cleaning the vast castle.


    Despite the daily visits from housekeepers who meticulously maintained its cleanliness, the castle was already immacte. Every room, except her mother''s, shone with a pristine glow, including her own


    Ethel observed her sister as she gently wiped down their mother''s possessions one by one Leaning against die doorway, he remarked, "This room remains untouched by anyone except myself Dad even mid the housekeepers to steer clear, but I make sure toe back and clean it every weekend."


    "You''ve handled it beautifully," Freya replied, her gaze softening with affection


    This grand castle had been acquired when their father married their mother. He always said their mother var the fairest princess of all, deserving of a life in a majestic castle.


    Memories of their times in this castle still lingered vividly in her mind


    "Mina?" Ethel''s voice broke through her reverie.


    Freya set the photo album aside and looked up. "Yes, what is it?


    "It''s about Cheryl''s younger brother-Dad knows he was involved," Ethel admitted, her tone li especially since Freya hadn''t seen their father in three days. "He wants you to know that whatever you decide to do, and also..."


    "What else did he say?" Freya pressed, her interest piqued.


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    Chapter 34 He''s Intent On Pushing You Out Of The Circle


    Ethel hesitated, then added, "He mentioned that Cheryl isn''t like her brother." Her voice wavered slightly as she


    spoke.


    She had mentioned this to her sister before, and now their father echoed the sentiment. Would her sister believe they were taking Cheryl''s side?


    "Got it," Freya said, her voiceced with a casual disinterest.


    Ethel pressed her lips together, a wave of remorse washing over her.


    Before Ethel could formte a response, Freya pressed on, her voice steady and clear. "I have a keen sense of judgment, and I don''t hastily assign me. Assure him I''m handling it well."


    "Mina..." Ethel started, her voice tinged with concern.


    "Shouldn''t you be on your way to school? Don''t you have morning sses?" Freya''s heart was full of love for her sister-and she knew Ethel felt the same.


    Ethel hesitated, then closed the distance between them, enveloping Freya in a supportive hug, She murmured into her hair, "No matter the storm, you always have my shoulder."


    "I know," Freya whispered back, tightening the embrace.


    "I''ll be on my way now," Ethel said, a warm smile tugging at her lips. Freya watched her sister stride towards the car, then turned around and headed upstairs to catch some rest. Haunted by nocturnal musings of their mother since her return, Freya''s rest had been fitful. Despite having just awoken, the tendrils of fatigue were palpable.


    "Mina," a voice suddenly called out, halting Freya''s slow ascent up the stairs. This time, instead of declining as usual, she gracefully joined him in the gazebo nestled within the garden for a


    conversation.


    Hugh wrestled with a storm of emotions.


    Freya, who typically shunned small talk and detested wasting time, was direct.


    "Do you need something?"


    "Yes, there is. I''ve uncovered some details regarding the suspect in She''s ident, and I''ve had a discussion with Che..." Hugh''s words faltered, his anxiety causing him to fumble.


    Freya quickly took advantage of his hesitation, her voice icy. "I have no desire to


    sift through tales of your interactions with her. If that''s your agenda, we might as well conclude this now."


    Determined to address the more pressing issue, Hugh changed the subject. "Have you crossed paths unfavorably with Kristian recently?"


    A look of surprise flickered across Freya''s face.


    Perceiving her puzzlement, Hugh took a moment to rify the intelligence he had


    pieced toget.


    er thest


    few days. ¡°It seems he''s intent on pushing you out of the circle. Kristian is a titan


    in the business world, and his influence resonates widely."


    "Let it be." Freya dismissed, her voiceced with an unshakeable tranquility.


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    In her eyes, Kristian''s tactics were simply petty-such a grown man, yet ying


    such a small-minded game of


    exclusion.


    "Are you sure?" Hugh''s voice wasced with concern.


    Freya offered a gentle nod, her expression resolute. "Absolutely."


    Hugh, reassured by her calm, chose not to delve further. Yet, driven by his


    paternal affection, he ventured cautiously, "Would you mind detailing everything that happened with him? I... genuinely wish to grasp what


    urred."


    Rmended for you


    COMPLETED


    Jilted Ex-wife?


    Billion

 Chapter 35

    Chapter 35 I''m Carrying Kristian''s Child


    During hisst visit to the hospital, Hugh had only received a cursory exnation. Now, he was determined to uncover every detail.


    He was eager to piece together Freya''s life in the past two years.


    "There''s really not much to tell. I was merely a substitute," Freya responded, her voice even and her demeanor


    unruffled.


    Now, she could discuss the past without her emotions getting in the way. "The masquerade has ended, and it''s time for us to resume our separate lives." Hugh was visibly startled by her revtion.


    A mere substitute?


    "Why didn''t you inform me earlier?" he inquired, his voice tinged with confusion.


    "I''m no child; I''m capable of handling such matters," Freya countered, her tone firm. "Moreover, he does have an appealing visage."


    Hugh''s heart didn''t lighten at her words.


    Far from it, his concerns only deepened.


    "Mina," he uttered softly.


    "If there''s nothing more, we might as well leave it there," Freya interjected, her voice closing off any further discussion. "I had a restless night; I need to make up for lost sleep."


    "There''s another matter..." Hugh pressed on, unwilling to leave it there.


    Freya, sensing more wasing, gave him a look and asked, "What is it?"


    "Her daughter is employed by the Briggs Group. Should you visit, it''s probable you''ll encounter her." Hugh couldn''t muster the courage to meet Freya''s gaze as he spoke, his voice wavering slightly.


    Freya instantly grasped whom he was hinting at.


    Feeling a knot of unease in his stomach, Hugh tentatively offered, "If it bothers you, I could have my secretary reassign her."


    "Do whatever you think best," Freya responded disinterestedly, her mind clearly esewhere.


    Hugh''s uncertainty grew, but he hesitated to press the issue, wary of truly irking Freya


    0.01


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    Chapter 35 fm Carrying Kristian''s Child


    Freya, meanwhile, had spent the entire morning enveloped in sleep.


    It was only in thete afternoon, around three or four, that she stirred to check the


    time and noticed a new text message on her phone.


    "This is Ashley. Could you possibly reach out to Kristian for me? There''s a matter of some urgency I need to


    discuss with him."


    Freya paused, taken aback.


    Were mistresses really so bold these days, contacting the wives directly?


    She quickly dismissed the message and continued with her day. She wasn''t trying


    to y the martyr, nor did she care to get involved in Kristian''s affairs.


    And honestly, the message felt off-like something wasn''t adding up.


    Out of everyone at Shaw Group, Ashley had sent the message to the one person who had the least patience for


    her.


    Freya viewed the situation with growing suspicion, her instincts on high alert.


    Her phone erupted in a series of urgent vibrations.


    Lifting the phone, she recognized the caller ID-it was the same number that had messaged her earlier. Clearly, it was Ashley on the other end.


    With a cautious press of the answer button, Freya also activated the recording feature, just to be safe.


    As the call connected, a soft, somewhat pained voice floated through the speaker. "Is this Ms. Briggs? This is Ashley Bradley. Could you possibly hand the phone to Kristian? There''s something urgent I need to discuss


    with him."


    "No," Freya responded sharply, her tone leaving no room for negotiation.


    "It''s truly important that I speak with him," Ashley insisted, her voice a mixture of pleading and urgency. "I''m practically begging you."


    "You really have some nerve," Freya retorted, never one to mince words with her. "Why would you think it''s appropriate for me to connect you with Kristian?"


    A heavy silence fell on Ashley''s end.


    Freya issued her cutting conclusion. "People should have some self-respect, don''t you think?"


    "Ms. Briggs..." Ashley attempted to interject.


    But Freya, undeterred, ended the call abruptly, blocking and deleting Ashley''s number from her phone.


    She was determined not to entertain any more of Ashley''s interruptions.


    To be honest, she had no idea what was going through Ashley''s head.


    "Please, I''m desperate to see Kristian. He''s been steering clear of me because of your agreement, yet I need him by my side more than ever now."


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    Chapter 35 I''m Carrying Kristian''s Child


    Freya stared at the message from yet another unfamiliar number, her features tightening visibly


    The notion of a mistress imploring a wife for ess to her husband was downright ludicrous.


    "I must tell you, I''m carrying Kristian''s child!"


    Ashley''s messages followed one after the other, each more startling than thest,


    but it was the final confession that hit with the force of a thunderp.


    Ashley was pregnant-and the child was Kristian''s.


    Initially, Freya resolved to ignore the intrusive messages, but Ashley''s boldness left her no choice.


    "Do you really think unting your pregnancy with a married man is something to broadcast?" she snapped "Continue this harassment, and I will be forced to bring your indiscretion out into the open."


    With that stern warning dispatched, the flurry of incessant calls and messages abruptly ceased.


    Freya harbored skepticism about Ashley''s im. Despite Kristian''s wed character, he was a man of his word And considering Ashley had only returned to town a few weeks ago, the timeline for her pregnancy im seemed highly questionable.


    Engrossed in thought, she captured several screenshots of Ashley''s provocative messages, and with a mixture of dread and defiance, uploaded them to her social media. She adorned the post with the tantalizing caption, "What a revtion."


    Instantly, her phone began buzzing with a barrage of reactions.


    Frederick was quick to express his astonishment, typing out, "Whoa, truly spectacr! I''ve never witnessed such boldness before."


    Trent also expressed his shock.


    Ethelmented, "Is this woman his first love?"


    A sudden realization struck Freya like a cold wave-she hadn''t excluded her family


    from this explosive reveal


    Her heart sank.


    In the midst of the turmoil, Melinda rushed to inform Kristian, her words sharp and urgent. "See the chaos you''ve sparked! The mistress is acting like she''s proud of stealing someone''s husband-right in front of Freya!"


    Kristian, who had just finished a grueling session of work, felt a headache brewing.


    He sighed deeply, massaging his forehead as he reluctantly reached for his phone. The sight of Freya''s post made his eyes narrow in annoyance. Compelled by a mixture of concern and curiosity, he immediately made a call to Freya.


    She eyed the iing call with a mix of resentment and resignation. After a moment''s hesitation, influenced by Ashley''s news, she answered with a guarded tone, "Hello?"


    Kristian wasted no time, his voice a blend of confusion and irritation as he asked, "Can you exn your post to me?" His question hung in the air, heavy with implications.


    Pregnant? That was impossible-he hadn''t been with anyone else.


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    Freyaughed lightly and said, "You really don''t know what this means?"


    "Spell it out for me," Kristian demanded, his voice firm.


    "Thises from your so-called true love," Freya remarked bluntly, her eyes sparkling with mischief as she anticipated his exnation. "I''m quite intrigued


    about how she ended up pregnant."


    "I''m clueless," Kristian replied.


    Freya simply answered with a nonchnt, "Oh."


    "Text me your address. I''ll swing by and use your phone to reach out to her. We


    need to clear this up," he insisted. Driven by a stronger urge than Freya to


    uncover the truth, Kristian asserted, "I''ll make sure you get a


    clear exnation."


    Freya messaged him the address of a nearby caf¨¦.


    Just as Kristian was about to leave, his mother''s call stopped him. Her voice was


    stern andced with disappointment the moment he picked up.


    Kristian held his tongue, absorbing the barrage of her words.


    Then she hit him with the crucial inquiry, "Who sent that message to Freya? Did


    you end things with her over


    that woman?"


    "I need to sort some things out with Freya. I''ll fill you inter," Kristian said,


    brushing off the question with


    ease.


    He was acutely aware that revealing the truth to his mother would unleash her


    wrath. She held Freya in high


    esteem.


    "You better resolve this correctly," she warned. Her voice grew colder, her disgust


    evident for the person who had contacted Freya. "If you left Freya to marry her, I


    won''t stand for it."


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    Chapter 36 If I Were Truly Heartless, I''d Say She...


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristian murmured, then disconnected the call with a soft click.


    He was acutely aware that his family would never embrace Ashley-whether it was the stern disapproval of his parents or the rigid expectations of his grandfather, their hearts had room only for Freya.


    With a heavy sigh, he quelled the rising tide of his emotions and set out to the location Freya had sent him, slipping behind the wheel of a random car from thepany lot.


    Upon his arrival, Freya was already there, her presence asmanding as ever.


    Seeing her again after several days stirred aplex whirl of emotions within him. Unlike the typical, tear-streaked heroines of cinema, Freya appeared utterlyposed and self-sufficient, which only added to the unsettling, feeling in his gut.


    "Besides the news of her pregnancy, what else did Ashley mention to you?" Kristian dove right into the heart of the matter, forgoing any pleasantries as he settled across from Freya.


    Without a word, Freya unlocked her phone, pulled up the recording of her call with Ashley, and passed the device to Kristian.


    He shot her a puzzled look before pressing y.


    The moment Ashley''s strained voice filled the air, a sharp pang clutched at Kristian''s heart. Acting on impulse, he faced Freya and demanded, "Why didn''t you inform me right away?"


    Freya''s expression remained undisturbed as she retorted, "And why exactly should I facilitate hermunication with you?"


    "If she wasn''t in distress, she wouldn''t have reached out to you," Kristian snapped back, his voiceced with a mix of frustration and concern.


    Freya stared in disbelief at his brazen nerve. "Are you provoking a confrontation?" Kristian''s lips formed a thin line, and he offered no reply.


    Without hesitation, he snatched Freya''s phone and hastily dialed Ashley. Noticing Ashley wa:


    swiftly unblocked her to ensure the call went through.


    cked, he


    Freya, too fatigued to engage in further conflict, merely watched his deliberate actions.


    The connection was immediate.


    "Ms. Briggs..." Ashley''s frail, tremulous voice came from the other end.


    "It''s Kristian," he dered, infusing his tone with a calming assurance, his face softening into a look of concern.


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    Chapter 36 If I Were Truly Heartless, I''d Say She Deserved It


    Freya''s stomach churned with difort.


    Silently, she refrained from intervening, fully aware that any objection would merely escte into a heated


    dispute.


    "Kristian..." Ashley''s voice cracked, overtaken by tears, her sobs echoing a deep- seated anguish.


    "Please, don''t cry, just take a moment,¡± Kristian said gently. "Why did you Freya you were carrying my child? We both know the reality behind that im..."


    "I was desperate to reach you, and it seemed my only option," Ashley exined through her tears.


    "What exactly happened?" Kristian''s voice was gentle yet firm.


    "I..." Ashley''s response was hesitant, her words tinged with reluctance.


    Kristian murmured softly, "Take all the time you need."


    After a heavy silence, Ashley spoke, her voice trembling. "Kristian, something terrible happened to me; I was


    vited."


    At her words, Kristian felt a jolt of shock, his body rigid with tension.


    Tears streamed down Ashley''s cheeks, her cries stifling her breaths.


    Seeing her distress, Kristianposed himself, realizing she relied on his strength now more than ever. "Who did this to you?"


    "I... I don''t know," Ashley murmured, her voice breaking as she ryed her ordeal. "Last night, I was out shopping with a friend. Then, I received a message. I thought it was you, saying you missed me and were waiting at a hotel."


    Kristian''s hand clenched around the phone, his knuckles whitening.


    "I missed you terribly. I thought perhaps you were hiding from Ms. Briggs and had changed your number to secretly reach out, so I went to the hotel. But once I arrived, I was caught off guard and taken down. The next thing I knew, I woke up and it had already happened..." Ashley''s voice faltered,den with despair. "Kristian, I was too frightened to contact you, but now, you''re my only refuge." Her confession resonated deeply with Kristian.


    Immediately, he asked, "Where are you right now?"


    "I''m at the apartment you arranged for me," Ashley replied, her voice a whisper. Shey huddled on the bed, her eyes red and puffy from weeping.


    "Hold tight, I''m on my way," Kristian assured her firmly, his tone resolute. "I''ll be there soon. Don''t worry about anything else."


    "But... what about you and Ms. Briggs?" Ashley queried, her voice tinged with uncertainty.


    "I''ll manage the situation," Kristian asserted firmly.


    After concluding the call, he handed the phone back to Freya, his face betraying a storm of emotions. "Effective immediately, our prior agreement is terminated. Ashley is facing difficulties, and I''mpelled to intervene."


    15.40


    Freya remained silent, her eyes fixed on him, absorbing the gravity of his deration.


    It was the first time she had ever seen him break a promise since they had met.


    "If you think of defying me over the divorce because of this, believe me, I have my methods to persuade you." Kristian threatened, his tone harsh and unyielding. Freya felt no urge to contest his words. She was even more determined an him to escape their empty and grotesque marriage.


    With a single question weighing on her, she quietly said, "Kristian.¡±


    He slowly looked up, as if bracing for what came next.


    "Do you truly hold such affection for Ashley Bradley?" she inquired, her demeanor calm yet piercing


    "Yes," he confirmed with a firm nod.


    She pressed on, her voice soft yetced with contempt, "Enough to keep alienating me time and again?"


    Kristian remained silent.


    Freya had finished discussing morals with him. She leveled her gaze, her voice firm. "If you decide to go with Ashley and leave Alerith today, the next time we cross paths, we''ll be enemies."


    Ideally, they could part ways amicably with a peaceful divorce and then drift apart as strangers.


    However, since he was backing out of their agreement, she was ready to make


    the separation as challenging for him as possible.


    The sting of betrayal had deeply wounded her.


    "Can you stop being so immature?" Kristian, clearly annoyed, retorted, "I wouldn''t


    have vited our agreement if not for Ashley''s grave predicament."


    "That''s none of my concern," Freya replied, her tone icy.


    "Freya!" Kristian eximed, his frustration peaking.


    "I''ve made myself clear. The choice is yours," she dered tly. As she absentmindedly stirred her coffee, her indifference was palpable. Kristian''s expression turned grim. "Do you really want to test me right now?" "Your knack for distorting the truth is quite remarkable." Freya put down her spoon, a cold smile on her lips as she continued, "You''re the one who betrayed me, yet you act like I''m the one in the wrong."


    "Ashley was vited." Kristian''s tension eased slightly, reluctant to sever tiespletely with her.


    Freya''s response was tinged with indifference. "And how is that my concern?"


    He weighed his words, a heaviness settling in his chest. He said, his voice a low murmur of distress, "You''re a woman too; you should understand the horror of that. She was trying to find me when it happened. I can''t just look the other way."


    At his words, a flicker of emotion stirred within Freya.


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    She harbored no fondness for Ashley, yet she couldn''t stand those who inflicted harm upon women.


    Yet, she quelled the rising tide of her feelings, deeming it imprudent to waste her empathy on Ashley. As for the perpetrator, she trusted Kristian to deal with him. "That''s her problem, not mine," Freya dered, her voice icy, her demeanor controlled.


    Kristian blinked, taken aback. "What did you just say?"


    Freya''s lips twitched, stubbornly sealed-she wasn''t about to waste words twice.


    His voice grew incredulous. "Since when did you be so heartless?" It was as though he was seeing a different side of her, his features hardening. "Even if you dislike Ashley, she''s still a human being. How can you remain so detached after what she''s endured?"


    Freya''s emotions surged, igniting a fire in her eyes as they locked with his frosty stare. She shot back, unyielding. "If I were truly heartless, I''d say she deserved it." "Freya!" Kristian''s exmation echoed, a mix of shock and anger resonating in his voice.

 Chapter 37

    Chapter 37 Marrying You Is My Greatest Regret As W...


    "You im Ashley fell into this mess because she believed the mysterious sender was you. Considering we''re not yet divorced, I could easily view her actions as an affair with you, essentially making her a home wrecker," Freya asserted coldly.


    She was a staunch believer in thew and its penalties, though she felt not a shred of pity for Ashley.


    In response, Kristian''s gaze turned steely and cold, his eyes reflecting a tumultuous sea of emotions.


    Freya, unaffected by his menacing presence, continued undeterred, "She''s in this predicament now, and you''re partly to me."


    Had Kristian settled their divorce when he had first received the call six months ago, Ashley could have been his wife by now, avoiding all underhanded agreements.


    He was clearly the one to me, yet he dared to point fingers at her.


    "The biggest mistake of my life was ever believing you possessed the same kind heart as she does, and choosing to marry you," Kristian retorted, his voice a mix of anger and disappointment, after a piercing stare that seemed tost an eternity.


    "Quite the coincidence," Freya snapped back, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "As marrying you is my greatest


    regret as well."


    Without another nce, Kristian stood, his frosty stare fading as he turned and exited the caf¨¦. On his way out, he called Gerard to get his return flight sorted.


    Freya listened to his conversation, a lump forming in her throat.


    Despite her previous convictions that she harbored no feelings for Kristian and could remainposed, she realized in that moment that letting go of someone and truly moving forward was a process that required more


    time.


    Watching Kristian''s retreating figure, Freya took a deep breath and reached for her phone to make her own call.


    At exactly six o''clock in a bar named


    Blue Friday, a subdued haven nestled within the folds of Frederick''s business empire, usually humned with a


    quiet energy.


    When Frederick received a call from Freya, his heart leapt with excitement; however, his pulse quickened for a different reason when she asked him to meet her at the bar.


    Within the confines of the bar''s intimate private room, soft, dusky light draped itself around thevish spread of drinks meticulously arranged before Freya.


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    The abundance of liquor prompted a surge of apprehension in Frederick, causing him to nervously lick his lips and suggest, with a hint of unease, "Freya, this is quite an extravagant setup for just us two. Should I invite the


    others to join?"


    "There''s no need." Freya curtly dismissed the idea.


    "Actually, they." Under the piercing scrutiny of Freya''s eyes, Frederick''s voice dwindled into silence, he wanted to say that their friends were aware of her fleeting marriage and subsequent divorce with Kristian.


    Freya preferred to keep it to herself. She knew them too well-just as she had hidden her marriage, she now


    wanted to do the same with the divorce.


    "What was that?" she inquired sharply.


    Frederick stumbled over his words, managing only a weak, "Nothing, really."


    As Freya methodically popped open more bottles, she handed one to Frederick, her movements deliberate. "Take this."


    "Freya," Frederick called out, his voice tinged with hesitation.


    "Just spit it out," Freya snapped, clearly not in the mood for any games.


    Frederick''s lips tightened, a wave of unease washing over him as he contemted revealing the hidden truth. Finally, he took a deep breath and said, "There''s something I need to confess."


    "Continue." Freya urged him, her tone clipped.


    Frederick hesitated for a moment before he continued, "Our friends already know about your dealings with Kristian."


    Freya stopped mid-sip, her ss pausing in the air.


    Sweat beaded on Frederick''s forehead as his anxiety spiked. Freya''s demeanor grew frosty, her aura charged


    with tension.


    "As you warned me against informing them, they were inadvertently near myputer..." Frederick''s voice trailed off weakly,ced with nerves.


    Regretfully, he added, "I couldn''t stop them from uncovering everything."


    Freya''s eyes narrowed, her voice taking on a distant quality. "And how did they take it?"


    "Theyshed out at me!" Frederick eximed, a mix of indignation and pain in his voice. "They used you of favoritism, of only confiding in me and excluding them."


    Freya''s expression hardened, a storm brewing in her gaze.


    Her fingers tightened around the bottle subtly.


    "Freya..." Frederick''s voice wasden with concern as he watched her reaction.


    "I''ll arrange to meet them after I''ve secured the divorce decree," Freya murmured,


    her voice subdued and strained. "We can talk then."


    Frederick responded with a hesitant tone, "This month might be tricky."


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    Freya''s brow furrowed in confusion


    Frederick remarked casually. They''re likely tied up


    "Why''s that?" she inquired


    He exined. "One''s jetting off with his girlfrent, another mening a friend from saline for the first time, and yet another''s off to visit his partner''s parents


    "They''re all seeing someone? Freya''s voice carried a acts of surpris


    "You hadn''t heard?" Frederick asked a hint of disbelief in his VICE


    "What was I supposed to know" she retorted


    Frederick counted off on his fingers. "Out of the seven of us, just me, Trent, and Kley we will single "His tone grew more indignant. "The others have been quietly dating And you you vent atead and got mamed"


    His frustration was palpable, but then he remembered her current station Tor, L. His voce taled of filled with awkward regret


    He felt a twinge, as if he had inadvertently touched a tender bruse


    "Are they actually dating now?" Freya''s spits soared, a noticeable shift in her


    demeanor


    "Haven''t you seen the updates in our group chat? Fredend inquired.


    Freya shook her head gently.


    Her phone was seldom the center of her attention


    She checked the group messages only once in a while, primarily when her name popped up or someone reached out to her directly.


    Otherwise, she rarely gave it a nce


    "In the three months since you departed Alerth for Jeucwell, it seems those three have paired cf" Frederict exined, his toneced with irritation. We vowed lifelong friendship, swearing that the first to fall in love would be the betrayer." Setting her drink aside, Freya stood resolutely. I''m done with drinking for now."


    "Huh?" Frederick looked at her, baffled


    "Aren''t you fond of watching the races?" Freya''s spirits lifted further as she suggested, "Let''s go now


    Frederick''s eyes widened, taken aback. "Seriously?"


    "Yes, absolutely." The corners of Freya''s mouth turned up in a soft, subtle smile.


    "Wow!" Frederick eximed, leaping to his feet and enveloping Freya in a bubbly bug Treya ve


    he said, his voice brimming with excitement


    Gently, Freya eased him back.


    vesome!


    She never wanted to share her recent divorce from Kristian with her friends. They


    had once vowed never to marry if her own marriage ended in sorrow.


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    Chapter 37 Marrying You Is My Greatest Regret As Well


    She feared her dismal experience might dissuade them from seeking love themselves.


    Now, she felt a weight lift off her shoulders as she learned some of her friends were now happily coupled


    That evening, Frederick and Freya ventured to a renowned racetrack in Alerith. Unlike thevish verues frequented by the affluent, this circuit was a haven for elite racers from across the nation and beyond


    While many yearned to witness the thrilling races, ess was not granted all Well-acquainted with the venue, Freya had no trouble ensuring Frederick enjoyed


    a prime spot.


    Mesmerized, Frederick watched race after race. Later, he shared a snapshot on social media, captioning it, "Can''t believe Freya dragged me into the world of racing-totally worth it!"


    No sooner had he posted than the responses rolled in.


    Ethel teased with a mock frown, "Unfair! She took you and not me!"


    Trent inquired, "She wasn''t out there racing, was she?"


    Exclusive Offer For You


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 Chapter 38

    Chapter 38 Comforting Lionel


    Frederick replied to Ethel, "After all, I''m Freya''s closest confidant."


    He then replied to Trent with a curt, "Not yet."


    One of his other friends chimed in eagerly, "Living the high life now, aren''t you? Did you snag her autograph while you were at it?"


    "This is infuriating! I begged Freya to take me before, but she t-out refused!" anothermented.


    "All this excitement over a car race? I''ve shared a bed with her, and you don''t hear me boasting about it."


    Frederick shot back, "You three love-struck fools have no right to speak!" The three friends chorused with glee, "Poor lonely heart, stew in your envy!" Frederick''s irritation mounted steadily.


    From his position in the passenger seat, his exasperation was inly visible. "Freya, they''re mocking me as a ''lonely heart''!" Frederick protested.


    "Don''t fret-I''ll be joining those ranks soon myself," Freya answered thoughtfully. Frederick''s expression brightened instantly.


    He hastily ryed Freya''sment back to the group, his annoyance somewhat diminished. Freya navigated the outskirts for some time, finally arriving home at one in the morning. Stretched out on her bed, her mind gradually settled.


    A revtion dawned on her. Whenpared to a marriage with Kristian, solitary life brought her genuine


    contentment.


    She had friends with whom she could share life''s peaks and valleys, and romance wasn''t essential to her


    existence.


    nroughout the following days, Freya embraced this liberated mindset.


    She devoted most of her hours to examining the materials Hugh had provided.


    Had Melinda not called, she might have remained in Alerith until her divorce papers


    arrived.


    Seeing Melinda''s name shed on her screen, Freya initially wanted to disregard it. Yet when the device rang again, she reluctantly answered.


    15:41


    <


    Melinda began, "Hello, Freya."


    "Melinda."


    "Could youe to Jeucwell?" Melinda asked, her tone carryingyers of emotion she rarely revealed, aware of Freya''s previous visit. "Lionel copsed from fury after discovering the terrible actions Kristian took against you. He''s currently under medical care."


    Freya clutched her phone with heightened tension.


    Lionel had consistently shown her exceptional kindness, surpassing even her biological grandfather''s affection.


    "I''lle," she conceded.


    After ending the call, she notified Frederick and Ethel.


    Ethel listened with concern and inquired, "May I apany you?"


    ¡°I need to address those matters alone,¡± Freya exined gently to her sister. "Once your break begins, whenever you wish to see jeucwell, I''ll show your around the city,"


    Ethel urged, "Please call if anything happens. Don''t shoulder everything yourself."


    "I will," Freya agreed with a nod.


    "Mina!" Ethel called out again.


    "Yes?"


    "You can confide everything in me," Ethel emphasized.


    Freya paused, contemting her sister''s words.


    She approached Ethel, affectionately tousled her hair, and offered a gentle smile. "I''m heading out now."


    Ethel insisted on driving her to the airport, a gesture Freya epted.


    By the time her ne touched down in Jeucwell, afternoon had progressed to three o''clock.


    Freya secured transportation and called Melinda for the hospital''s location.


    Upon her arrival, she discovered Lionel had been transferred to a regr room and had regained consciousness, though hisplexion appeared ashen and his usual vitality diminished.


    "Freya?" Melinda spotted her immediately.


    Freya carried a package containing fruits and nutritional supplements that Lionel favored.


    After setting her offerings aside, she greeted everyone present. The room held only four upants: herself,


    Melinda, Lionel, and Kristian.


    Kristian slouched in his dark attire, his impably tailored ck suit contrasting sharply with his dejected demeanor. The vivid red handprint marking his cheek stood out prominently against his pallor. Had Lionel struck him in anger?


    "Freya,e closer." Lionel''s entire countenance brightened visibly upon seeing her.


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    Chapter 38 Comforting Lionel


    Freya approached his bedside.


    She harbored genuine concern for the elderly gentleman. Throughout these past two years, she had discovered in Lionel a fascinating individual-erudite yet refreshingly progressive in his thinking.


    Their rtionship had evolved into something authentically resembling that of grandfather and granddaughter.


    "I''ve been informed of everything that transpired." Lionel sped her hand his eyes brimming with remorse as he confessed, "My family has grievously wronged you. I bear responsibility for failing to raise my grandson


    properly."


    "The fault lies entirely with him," Freya reassured Lionel, her tone deliberately gentle. "Neither you nor other


    family members of his shares any me in this."


    Kristian nced over at her words. Was she emphasizing this deliberately for his benefit?


    Lionel''s internal conflict intensified, his guilt toward Freya deepening with each passing moment.


    She was such an extraordinary woman. How could Kristian fail to treasure her presence in his life?


    7


    "Rest assured, as long as I draw breath, that woman will never enter marry him," Lionel dered with grave certainty. "Should he dare to go against my will, I shall end my life before him."


    "Grandpa!" Kristian''s expression revealed his dismay at the deration.


    Lionel refused even to acknowledge Kristian; his fury toward his grandson remained unabated.


    Freya recoiled at Lionel''s pronouncement, hastening to calm him. ¡°Lionel, that approach would be most counterproductive."


    "Have you a superior alternative?" Lionel inquired.


    "Indeed I do," Freya affirmed.


    "Please borate," Lionel encouraged.


    Freya continued thoughtfully, "You should embrace life withplete vitality-that


    would constitute the greatest deterrent possible."


    "Truly?" Lionel questioned. -


    "Absolutely." Freya cajoled him, determined to prevent his distress, "If I couldn''t secure approval from my beloved''s family, I would be utterly terrified. The mere mention of their name would send me into anxious


    trembling."


    Kristian cast a sidelong nce her way. Her talent for crafting persuasive nonsense remained remarkably


    impressive.


    "I should like to see who would dare express disapproval!" Lionel took her statement with utmost seriousness, his indignation mounting as he dered, "You have my word that while I remain, I shall be your steadfast advocate. Should anyone dare voice opposition against you, I shall have quite the stern conversation with them."


    "Then you must prioritize your health above all else," Freya expertly soothed him, adding, "You are my happiness."


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    Lionel nodded with conviction. "So be it."


    The pair continued their conversation, conspicuously excluding Kristian from their


    exchange.


    Melinda massaged her temples and sighed to herself.


    "If only you were my granddaughter," Lionelmented wistfully.


    Freya fell into momentary silence. How could she possibly respond to such a


    sentiment?


    Lionel suddenly addressed her, "Freya."


    "Yes?" Freya directed her attention toward him..


    Lionel proposed unexpectedly, "Why not maintain your connection to our Shaw family?"


    "Pardon?" Freya stared in astonishment.


    ¡°I shall disinherit him,¡± Lionel pronounced solemnly, genuinely contemting the possibility as Kristian''s standing in his estimation continued to plummet. ¡°Then you shall be the rightful sessor to my family business, with the Shaw Group under your management."


    Freya carefully selected her response and inquired, "Have you ceased to hold affection for me?"


    "How could that ever be possible? You are as precious to me as my own granddaughter!" Lionel''s spirits elevated considerably.


    "Then why would you burden me with inheriting the Shaw Group merely to generate ie for Kristian to squander?" Freya yfully challenged the elderly man, deftly redirecting hisplicated thought process. "He holds shares in the Shaw Group. Even inplete idleness, he continues to receive dividends. I would wee such an expulsion."


    Kristian remained speechless at her cunning redirection.


    Lionel contemted her words briefly before conceding, "You are right. We cannot permit this rascal to benefit undeservedly."

 Chapter 39

    Chapter 39 She Deserved Genuine Happiness


    "I''ll manage our affairs," Freya assured Lionel with gentle confidence. "Don''t allow unworthy individuals topromise your wellbeing."


    Lionel responded, his affection for Freya unmistakable in his expression, "I''ll follow your advice."


    Throughout the remainder of the day, Freya remained in Lionel''s hospital room, engaging him in conversation.


    They explored numerous subjects, and she sessfully kept his spirits elevated and his mind upied.


    Lionel possessed remarkable intuition; he detected countless subtle indicators in Freya''s words.


    During a moment when they had the room to themselves, Lionel ventured, "Freya."


    "Yes?"


    "Tell me truthfully, does your family possess considerable wealth?" Lionel inquired without pretense.


    Extended interaction with someone invariably revealed aspects of their background.


    He noticed that Freya maintained an unwaveringposure regardless of circumstances, as though nothing could disrupt her inner equilibrium. Such poise typically stemmed from one''s formative environment.


    Freya acknowledged it straightforwardly. "Indeed."


    "Would you tell me more about your family?" Lionel asked without pressure, leaving the decision entirely to


    her.


    "My father owns the Briggs Group," Freya disclosed.


    Lionel erupted in heartyughter, expressing his approval repeatedly.


    As Freya methodically peeled fruit for him, she requested, "Could you maintain this information in confidence


    for now?"


    "Absolutely, your secret is safe with me!" Lionel responded without hesitation, his concerns visibly diminishing as he added, "Knowing your lineage, my worries have substantially decreased."


    "Worries?" Freya asked, slightly perplexed.


    Lionel''s demeanor brightened considerably. "Without powerful connections behind you, I would fe might mistreat you."


    Warmth bloomed in Freya''s heart at his protective concern.


    stian


    Lionel exhaled deeply. "I understand my grandson''s character thoroughly.


    Currently, he''s divorcing you for


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    Ashley. Once the separation bes official, he''ll recognize who truly deserves his loyalty. When that moment arrives, he''ll undoubtedly seek reconciliation," Lionel predicted with certainty.


    Freya continued her methodical fruit preparation. ¡°Lionel..."


    "While I may not interfere in most matters, there''s one issue I must address," Lionel dered, his energy visibly renewed as he spoke with renewed vigor. Treya paused her task. "What is it?"


    "Should Kristian attempt to remarry you in the future, don''t yield too readily,"


    Lionel advised, genuinely distressed, believing wholeheartedly in Freya''s inherent goodness. "Men seldom treasure what they obtain


    without effort."


    Freya hesitated momentarily, cleared her throat softly, and remarked, "You yourself are a man."


    "Remember my words nheless." Lionel coughed to conceal his embarrassment before adding, "Nothing else requires discussion."


    "I understand," Freya acknowledged.


    Lionel sincerely wished for Freya to be his permanent granddaughter-in-w. Yet upon reflection, if Freya were his own granddaughter, he would discourage her from partnering with someone like Kristian.


    After careful consideration, Lionelmitted himself to supporting Freya.


    He believed such an exceptional woman deserved genuine happiness. Standing outside the doorway, Kristian prepared to enter when his grandfather''s words reached his ears. He furrowed his brow involuntarily, wondering why everyone anticipated his eventual regret.


    Gerard believed it, his grandfather insisted upon it, and even his mother had mentioned it when he processed the discharge documentation.


    He dismissed these thoughts and pushed the door open. His imposing stature seemed to diminish the room''s


    dimensions.


    "The discharge papers are finalized," Kristian informed Lionel, his tone maintaining its characteristic detachment and frigidity. "Shall I escort you home, or would you prefer your ''dear granddaughter'' to apany you?"


    "Neither is necessary." Lionel remained displeased with him, recalling vividly the previous morning''s incident. He had been exercising in the yard when Kristian arrived with Ashley at the family residence. Following a cursory introduction, Kristian announced his intention to marry Ashley after divorcing Freya.


    Fury overwhelmed Lionel and, acting on impulse, he struck Kristian across the face, consumed by indignation. Never had he imagined his typically courteous and rational grandson would behave so reprehensibly.


    "As you wish," Kristian stated simply. "The vehicle awaits outside."


    After efficiently gathering their belongings, Freya escorted Lionel from the hospital.


    As she passed Kristian, both maintained the pretense of beingplete strangers, deliberately avoiding visual


    contact.


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    Chapter 39 She Deserved Genuine Happiness


    Another day psed.


    Freya had now spent two days in Jeucwell. Having providedfort to Lionel,


    she proceeded to her apartment, awaiting the finalization of her divorce.


    Thirteen days remained until their divorce became final.


    She decided against returning to Alerith during this period.


    That afternoon, as Freya settled in to work on herptop, the doorbell''s chime interrupted her concentration.


    Without much deliberation, she rose from the sofa and approached the entrance.


    When she pulled open the door to find Ashley waiting there, Freya momentarily froze, surprised that the woman had managed to locate her temporary residence.


    "Ms. Briggs," Ashley greeted her, elegantly attired in a beige trench coat thatplemented her lustrous hair flowing over her shoulders. "I need to discuss something important with you. Would you permit me to enter?"


    "Absolutely not," Freya declined without hesitation, adding pointedly, "I''d rather not trouble myself with disinfecting afterward."


    Ashley''s fingers clenched tightly at her sides as she struggled to maintain her carefully cultivated gentle


    demeanor.


    She bit her lower lip delicately. "Why do you harbor such hostility toward me?"


    "Bang!"


    Freya answered by forcefully shutting the door in her face.


    The sheer audacity of this woman as a mistress was truly astonishing.


    A momentary sh of malevolence darkened Ashley''s eyes. She remained standing outside the door for an extended period before pressing the doorbell again.


    Today, she was determined to have this conversation with Freya, regardless of obstacles,


    Once.


    Twice.


    Then repeatedly without cessation.


    The doorbell continued its persistent ringing until Freya finally disabled it.


    However, she hadn''t anticipated Ashley''s unwavering determination. Realizing the doorbell no longer functioned, Ashley resorted to pounding her fist against the wooden door.


    This building featured two units per floor, and Freya was acutely aware of her neighbors'' proximity.


    Concerned about creating a disturbance, she reluctantly reopened the door, her patience nearly "What exactly do you want?"


    sted


    Had she foreseen theseplications, she might have purchased the adjacent


    unit as well.


    ¡°I simply wish to talk.¡± Ashley abandoned her pretense of gentleness, meeting


    Freya''s gaze directly.


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    Freya emanated an unmistakable aura of strength and self-assurance. "I have nothing to discuss with someone who deliberately intrudes upon others'' established rtionships."


    "If we''re discussing intrusion, you''re the one who positioned yourself between Kristian and me." Ashley hadpletely shed her affected vulnerability, dering with absolute conviction, "Had you not suddenly appeared in our lives, Kristian and I would already be raising our child together."


    mo

 Chapter 40

    Chapter 40 Ashley''s Ridiculous Request


    Freya dismissed any desire to debate with Ashley. "Sure, you''re right"


    Ashley sensed her words vanishing into emptiness. Never before had she encountered someone like Freys


    "Don''t imagine that Kristian''s generous divorce settlement indicates any emotional attachment Actually. Ashley restrained a powerful wave of fury that threatened to shatter Freya''sposed exterior. Why did Freya consistently project such an air of superiority during their interactions when she herself feltpletely


    disregarded?


    Freya''s attention was bombarded by Ashley''s relentless prattle. For the first time, she discovered someone who


    irritated her to such an extreme degree.


    Previously, she had considered women the most charming beings in existence, certainly true of her sister and


    friends.


    Now, however, she genuinely contemted hurling Ashley through the nearest window.


    "Have you finished?" Freya refused to squander another moment on her.


    Ashley teetered on the edge of losing her self-control. "Freya Briggs!"


    "Your conversation holds no interest for me. If you''ve arrived merely to discuss such inconsequential matters, just get out of my face." Freya maintainedplete detachment throughout. Ashley''s intellectual caliber fell too far below her own to warrant engaging in any battle of wits.


    Ashley felt deeply wronged. The confrontation she had envisioned unfolded nothing like this. Freya should have challenged her verbally, perhaps even insulted her physically. Only then could she weep andin to Kristian, turning him against Freya. This strategy would eliminate any concerns about Kristian regretting their


    divorce.


    Shepressed her lips and proposed, "I need to discuss something extremely significant with you. Let''s continue our conversation downstairs."


    Freya countered, "If you have something tomunicate, express it here."


    Ashley pressed her lips together and remained silent.


    Freya simply observed her without reaction.


    They reached an impasse.


    After approximately a minute, Freya''s endurance evaporated. She entered the room, retrieved herptop, then


    closed the door and went downstairs.


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    Chapter 40 Ashley''s Ridiculous Request


    Ashley hastily followed.


    Once they reached the street, Ashley indicated a nearby caf¨¦. "Let''s talk there"


    Freyapletely disregarded her and signaled for a taxi


    Ashley stood bewildered.


    She immediately pursued the vehicle and obstructed its path. I genuinely need to discuss something important with you!"


    "Please proceed," Freya instructed the driver without sparing Ashley a nce.


    Shemented not purchasing a car earlier to keep in the garage. Now, leaving presented considerable difficulty.


    "Youngdy, perhaps you should step out and conclude your conversation with your friend," the driver suggested, hesitating to drive while Ashley blocked their path. ¡°She appears to have an urgent matter."


    Freya felt tremendous reluctance.


    Ashley clung like an inescapable shadow, impossible to get rid of.


    She gazed through the car window, contemted briefly, and for the sake of future tranquility, exited the


    vehicle.


    Ashley no longer impeded their way.


    Five minutester, they upied window seats in that caf¨¦.


    After Ashley ordered beverages, Freya inquired directly, "What requires such urgency?"


    "Do you love Kristian?" Ashley abruptly questioned.


    Freya appeared perplexed.


    Ashley borated. "I care deeply for him."


    Freya''s confusion intensified.


    "Are you aware of why our rtionship previously dissolved?" Ashley probed further.


    Freya''s eyes settled on her, revealing growing impatience. "You had better truly have something meaningful to


    discuss."


    "I recognize that Kristian ending your marriage for my sake created an injustice toward you, but I simply cannot relinquish him."


    Ashley''s fingers tightened subtly as she bit her lip and continued, "Earlier, doctors diagnosed me with a terminal condition, forcing me to painfully sever our rtionship. I harbored no hope then, but remarkably, I recoveredter. After my rehabilitation, I reconnected with him and revealed the truth, precipitating our current circumstances."


    n?"


    Freya''s voice crystallized with cial intensity. "Should I present you with an de for that rev "Please don''t ridicule me. I''vee seeking your assistance." Ashley struggled to articte her thoughts, recognizing that only Freya possessed the influence necessary for her request.


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    After a prolonged silence, she finally voiced her appeal. "Would you advocate on


    my behalf to Kristian''s family, encouraging them to ept me? My feelings for Kristian run extraordinarily deep."


    Freya suspended her casual interaction with her phone.


    She essed a group conversation and, uncharacteristically,posed a


    message. "Do I resemble someone devoid of intelligence?"


    First Kristian had presumed upon her foolishness; now Ashley followed suit. Had


    they collectively determined shecked backbone?


    The message provoked immediate astonishment and confusion among her friends.


    Riley Jenkins inquired with concern, "Has your ount beenpromised?" Frederick followed with, "Freya, what exactly are you implying?"


    Freya responded to these messages whilepletely disregarding Ashley''s presence.


    Typically, during interpersonal discussions, she would refrain from phone engagement, considering such behavior discourteous.


    However, courtesy remained reserved for actual people, not refuse.


    Freya borated to her friends. "Kristian''s first love has just expressed her profound attachment to him and requested that I intercede with his family for her eptance."


    Following this revtion, a cascade of question marks flooded the conversation.


    After this initial reaction subsided, Frederick responded first, "Has shepletely


    detached from rational thought to suggest something so outrageous?" Riley contributed, "Offer her financialpensation to seek psychiatric evaluation."


    Another participant, Greta Price, interjected, "Direct her to me. I possess specialized expertise in addressing cases of extraordinary shamelessness."


    Frederick expressed. "This situation provokes intense indignation!"


    Unexpectedly, Greta countered, "Fulfill her request immediately and thoroughly!"


    This suggestion bewildered both Frederick and Riley.


    However, Freyaprehended Greta''s strategic intention instantly, her lips forming a subtle curve as she replied, "Agreed."


    After this response, she deactivated her phone disy.


    Frederick and Riley expressedplete outrage, questioning why Freya would amodate someone so transparently maniptive. Had Freya genuinely consented?


    They bombarded Greta with demands for rification.


    "If you amodate my request, I guarantee that during any future difficulties, I''ll persuade Kristian to provide assistance," Ashley dered with apparent sincerity, as though extending a tremendous favor to Freya.


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    Chapter 40 Ashley''s Ridiculous Request


    After a prolonged silence, she finally voiced her appeal. "Would you advocate on


    my behalf to Kristian''s family, encouraging them to ept me? My feelings for Kristian run extraordinarily deep."


    Freya suspended her casual interaction with her phone.


    She essed a group conversation and, uncharacteristically,posed a


    message. "Do I resemble someone


    devoid of intelligence?"


    First Kristian had presumed upon her foolishness; now Ashley followed suit. Had


    they collectively determined


    shecked backbone?


    The message provoked immediate astonishment and confusion among her


    friends.


    Riley Jenkins inquired with concern, "Has your ount beenpromised?" Frederick followed with, "Freya, what exactly are you implying?"


    Freya responded to these messages whilepletely disregarding Ashley''s presence.


    Typically, during interpersonal discussions, she would refrain from phone engagement, considering such behavior discourteous.


    However, courtesy remained reserved for actual people, not refuse.


    Freya borated to her friends. "Kristian''s first love has just expressed her profound attachment to him and requested that I intercede with his family for her eptance."


    Following this revtion, a cascade of question marks flooded the conversation.


    After this initial reaction subsided, Frederick responded first, "Has shepletely detached from rational thought to suggest something so outrageous?"


    Riley contributed, "Offer her financialpensation to seek psychiatric evaluation."


    Another participant, Greta Price, interjected, ¡°Direct her to me. I possess specialized expertise in addressing cases of extraordinary shamelessness." Frederick expressed. "This situation provokes intense indignation!" Unexpectedly, Greta countered, "Fulfill her request immediately and thoroughly!"


    This suggestion bewildered both Frederick and Riley. However, Freyaprehended Greta''s strategic intention instantly, her lips forming a subtle curve as she replied, "Agreed.¡±


    After this response, she deactivated her phone disy.


    Frederick and Riley expressedplete outrage, questioning why Freya would


    amodate someone so transparently maniptive. Had Freya genuinely consented?


    They bombarded Greta with demands for rification.


    "If you amodate my request, I guarantee that during any future difficulties, I''ll persuade Kristian to provide assistance," Ashley dered with apparent sincerity,


    as though extending a tremendous favor to Freya.


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    Freya elevated her gaze slightly, her speech notably eleratedpared to her


    previous pace. "Very well."


    Ashley momentarily faltered. Very well? Her cognitive processinggged briefly. Considering Freya''s established personality, shouldn''t she harbor animosity toward her and reject her proposition outright? Ashley questioned hesitantly. "You''ve agreed?"


    "Indeed." Freya located Lionel''s contact information and inquired of Ashle¡°I''ll initiate this immediately. Does that timing satisfy you?"


    "Yes." Ashley confirmed.


    Her expression revealed uncontainable satisfaction, while internally she


    dismissed Freya as intellectually


    deficient.


    Freya initiated a call to Lionel, who answered promptly.


    "Hello, Lionel, this is Freya speaking," she began with measured lightness, her


    tone deliberately gentle. "I mustmunicate something significant, so prepare yourself ordingly."


    Lionel, who cherished Freya deeply, participated in her conversational approach.


    ¡°I''m adequately prepared. My dear, please proceed with your message.¡±


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 Chapter 41

    Chapter 41 She''s Absolutely Scandalous


    "Miss Bradley asked me to have a word with you and Melinda on her behalf," Freya exined with a forthright honesty. "She''s hoping for your blessing on her marriage to Kristian and to be weed into the Shaw family."


    The smile on Ashley''s face wavered, her gaze locking onto Freya with an intensity that betrayed her surprise at. the directness of the request. She had not anticipated such blunt honesty from Freya.


    "She might as well keep dreaming," Lionel scoffed dismissively.


    "Understood," Freya replied cheerfully.


    out


    After some light conversation, Lionel let a quiet sigh and finally hung up, clearly not wanting the call to end.


    Freya turned to deliver the news to Ashley, whose displeasure was evident. "I''ve conveyed your wishes, and


    Lionel''s advice was to keep dreaming


    666677


    "You did that deliberately!" Ashley used, her realization dawningte but with force.


    Freya simply confirmed, "Yes, I did."


    Ashley''s voice rose in anger. "Why would you sabotage me like that? If you were opposed, you could have just


    declined!"


    Freya sipped her coffee calmly, choosing not to respond.


    Ashley''s hands balled into fists at her sides, her frustration palpable.


    Lionel and Melinda''s disdain was nothing new, but Freya''s actions had just exacerbated the situation, potentially ruining any chance of improving Lionel''s opinion of her. How could Freya do that?


    "Don''t fool yourself into thinking that Lionel and Melinda''s fondness means you belong in the Shaw family," Ashley spat, her voice dripping with contempt. "Without Kristian''s approval, you''re essentially a nobody.".


    Freya''s reply was serene. "You''re right."


    As Ashley mped her jaw tight, rage bubbled within her.


    In stark contrast, Freya remained seated across from her, her demeanor


    untouched and aloof, exuding an effortless grace.


    This only intensified Ashley''s sense of foolishness.


    "Anything else you wish to add?" Freya inquired, her tone light and unconcerned.


    Though Ashley yearned to storm out, memories of a recent ordeal held her back, and with eyes brimming with tears, she ventured, "Was it you who orchestrated that incident at the hotel?"


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    "No," Freya answered simply.


    "You''re denying it before I even specified what happened." Ashley shot back, her suspicions firm.


    "Kristian mentioned it," Freya disclosed, without stirring the pot further. Her eyes held Ashley''s briefly, a silent exchange, before suggesting coldly, "Perhaps you should visit a hospital for a brain examination, maybe even consider a CT scan."


    The suggestion made Ashley''s heart pound fiercely. Rumors of Freya''s prowess in medicine had reached her ears. Was it possible something was seriously wrong with her brain?


    Ashley voiced her concern, her toneced with unease. "What''s wrong with my brain?"


    "It might just be slightly off-track," Freya responded, her voice dripping with indifference.


    Ashley clenched her cup so tightly her knuckles turned pale. Her re was lethal enough to send shivers down anyone''s spine.


    Freya remainedrgely silent after that.


    When Freya rose to depart, Ashley shadowed her to the doorway.


    There, Ashley seized Freya''s arm.


    Freya jerked back, as though Ashley''s touch was repulsive, her annoyance palpable. "What do you want?"


    "I want to show you that Kristian will choose me over you," Ashley whispered, her


    voice a dangerous murmur that nheless reached Freya''s ears.


    In that instant, Freya saw Ashley not with sympathy but with a sorrowful pity, recognizing the self-inflicted nature of her predicament.


    She stared at Ashley, her words heavy with unspoken truths. "He chose you long before today."


    She was baffled by Ashley''s relentless fixation on Kristian, unable to grasp why she yearned for confirmation of his love when he clearly belonged to her already. The whole situation struck her as ludicrous.


    In Ashley''s eyes, there red a wild, desperate resolve.


    As Ashley tensed, clearly gearing up for some melodramatic act, Freya cut her off sharply. "If you''re concocting some dramatic scene-like pretending to trip or ''identally'' running into something to pin it on me-think again. There''s a camera right over there capturing every


    move."


    Ashley''s gaze darted to where Freya pointed, a cold wave of dread washing over her.


    Realizing her plot could have easily unraveled, exposing her maniption to Kristian, she understood that any such antics would have obliterated all her carefullyid ns.


    Freya, paying no further heed to Ashley''s scheming, collected her belongings and strode away with an air of dismissal.


    Upon her arrival home, Freya''s phone lit up with a flurry of messages from Frederick.


    "You''ll never guess what I''ve dug up!"


    "The story of your soon-to-be ex-husband''s first love is absolutely scandalous."


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    "I am profoundly amazed!"


    Freya, curiosity piqued, set aside herptop and quickly called him back. "You actually dug through her past?"


    Frederick''s voice, tinged with a hint of remorse yet bubbling with eagerness, came through. "It was too tempting. I had to see who dared to make such audacious statements. And believe me, I''ve stumbled upon a revtion that''s nothing short of explosive."


    "Please, just keep it to yourself," Freya muttered, her voice dripping with disinterest.


    "But don''t you want to know the real reason she has returned?" Frederick''s voice perked up with curiosity as he uncovered more about Ashley during his investigation.


    Freya''s response was terse and indifferent. "That matter doesn''t concern me."


    "She''s onlye back to dip into Kristian''s wealth," Frederick blurted out eagerly. "She wants to drain his wealth just to keep some other guyfortable.¡±


    Freya scoffed, ¡°Stop watching those daytime soap operas.¡±


    "I''m dead serious!" Frederick protested, bncing the phone against his shoulder as he feverishly typed. He quickly sent her a screenshot. "Check this out. It seems she ditched Kristian because he cut her off."


    As Frederick rattled on, Freya''s bewilderment only deepened.


    Her interest remained nonexistent. "You shouldn''t be prying into people''s lives like


    this; remember, hacking is not just frowned upon-it''s illegal here."


    "But don''t you have even a sliver of curiosity?" Frederick implored.


    "Not the slightest," Freya replied curtly. With a firm press of a button, she ended


    the call, her decision clear and


    final.


    The reasons behind Ashley''s return and the details of her breakup were as irrelevant to her as ever.


    She remained uninvolved as long as it didn''t impact her directly.


    In the meantime, Ashley made her way back to the upscale apartment Kristian


    had secured for her and dialed his number, her voice quivering with emotion as she ryed Freya''s actions earlier that day.


    Her voice, thick with distress, conveyed her shock. "I never imagined she would say something like that. Do you think this will tarnish Lionel''s view of me?" "Why did you even meet with her?" Kristian queried, his brow creased in frustration, his desk cluttered with documents awaiting his attention.


    The sound of Ashley''s sobbing ceased abruptly. "Was it a mistake?" "Freya should not be involved in our affairs. Leave your concerns to me; I''ll sort them out."


    Although Kristian''s tone was calm, there was a trace of exhaustion in his words as he instructed, "Please, don bring our issues to her again."


    "I''m truly sorry," Ashley murmured.


    "It''s fine." Visions of Freya''s scorn haunted Kristian as he assured Ashley, "Don''t dwell on it too much. I''ll stop


    15:43


    by after I wrap up here."


    Ashley responded in a low tone, seeminglypliant, yet internally she mulled


    over his order to keep Freya


    out of their issues.


    Moments after they ended the call, the old phone hidden beneath her pillow


    buzzed.


    In that moment, her face drained of color.


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 Chapter 42

    Chapter 42 Do You Perceive Me As Easily Manipted


    Ashley fished her phone from beneath the pillow, her eyes fixed on the number that had remained silent for nearly a month. Her pulse quickened as a shiver crawled down her spine.


    Though her finger lingered over the hang-up button, the thought of potential repercussionspelled her to. answer with evident anxiety.


    "Hello..." Her voice quavered in the stillness.


    "Why did it take you so long to answer?" The voice, though gentle, made her breath hitch in her throat.


    Ashley trembled visibly, her words colliding with one another. "I was in the bathroom and didn''t hear it."


    "How are things progressing?" the man inquired.


    "They have thirteen days remaining in their waiting period before the divorce bes final," Ashley exined. "After that, they''ll receive the divorce decree."


    "Are you certain Kristian will marry you after his divorce?" The man spoke unhurriedly, almost pleasantly, yet his tone instilled an involuntary dread within her.


    "Yes, I''m certain." Ashley gulped audibly, beads of perspiration glistening on her forehead. "He''s already informed his family. Once he obtains the divorce decree, he''ll marry me."


    "Alright," the man responded, disying no interest in extending the conversation. "Remember to adhere to the n after your marriage. Should you harbor any ulterior motives, you understand the consequences."


    Ashley''s heart fluttered anxiously as another chill raced down her spine.


    Just as he prepared to disconnect, a realization struck her, and she summoned the courage to interject, "Wait


    a second!"


    Silence stretched across the line.


    Her phone-clutching hand grew slick with cold perspiration. "Was it you who orchestrated the car ident and arranged for someone to assault me?" She bit her lip, her heart pounding against her ribcage.


    The man neither confirmed nor denied the usation, simply stating, "I prefer to handle matters personally." Ashley''s mind emptiedpletely, her curled fingers scarcely able to maintain their grip on the device.


    After the call terminated, her phone slipped from her grasp, and her strength evaporated, leaving her copsed


    on the sofa.


    It wasn''t him, nor was it Freya. Then who could it possibly be?


    004


    15:43


    She remained motionless for thirty full minutes before recovering herposure. Suddenly remembering something crucial, she retrieved her phone and erased the call record between them.


    Afterward, she sat transfixed, a single thought consuming her consciousness. Kristian must never discover this.


    Never!


    After concluding their conversation, Kristian contemted Ashley''s words, set aside his tasks, and departed to locate Freya.


    Gerard approached with additional paperwork, his characteristic smile illuminating his features. "Sir, several documents require your signature..."


    "ce them on the desk," Kristian directed,


    "They''re urgent and must be signed immediately," Gerard persisted.


    Kristian halted mid-stride.


    His gaze turned frigid, and his thin lips parted with evident annoyance. "If they were truly urgent, why didn''t you present them earlier? Why dy until now?"


    Gerard fell silent. He was merely fulfilling his duties as messenger.


    "Let them wait and learn from this experience," Kristian dered dismissively before exiting.


    Shortly after his departure, a figure emerged from the shadows, approaching Gerard with curiosity. "Gerard, what did the bossmunicate to you? He seemed rather displeased."


    Gerard nced at the inquirer and recounted Kristian''s words verbatim.


    The trio of onlookers registered shock.


    "Did he truly express that?"


    "Is he experiencing conflict with his wife?"


    "I believe they''re proceeding with divorce."


    Gerard''s attention pivoted toward the trio.


    The perceptive group members exchanged nces, while the woman who had mentioned divorce sped her hand over her mouth in astonishment. "No way! Did my spection hit the mark?"


    "Our boss and his wife maintain an excellent rtionship," Gerard replied. Though outwardlyposed, their conjecture startled him internally. "And I must remind you to refrain from investigating the boss''s personal


    affairs."


    Should these individuals discover Kristian and Freya''s impending divorce, the entire office would learn of it by tomorrow''s dawn.


    While they exercised discretion regarding professional matters, their capacity for disseminating gossip exceeded


    all others.


    Gerard released a silent sigh before returning to his responsibilities.


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    Kristian''s journey from thepany headquarters to Freya''s apartment consumed over an hour.


    By the time he arrived at her doorstep, the clock had already struck 12:30 PM.


    Freya was partaking in her lunch. Upon hearing the door''s rhythmic knocking, she approached it, mentally prepared to dismiss Ashley should she appear once


    more.


    To her considerable surprise, Kristian stood before her.


    "What brings you here?" Freya''s antipathy toward both him and Ashley had depleted her patience entirely.


    "We need to discuss something," Kristian stated, attempting to enter uninvited.


    Freya obstructed his path, tapping the door twice with her knuckles. "Did you fail to observe the words on the


    door?"


    Kristian surveyed the surroundings, noting nothing unusual.


    "What words?" he inquired.


    "No Kristian Shaw or pets permitted." Freya''s crimson lips articted each syble with emphasis.


    Kristian advanced nheless, cornering Freya against the door and enveloping her within his arms. "Have I been too lenient with youtely, making you think I''m easy to talk to?"


    "That inquiry should originate from me," Freya countered, regarding him with evident contempt. "Do you perceive me as easily manipted, allowing you and Ashley to harass me in session?"


    "You, easily manipted?" Kristian questioned skeptically.


    Previously, he might have considered her susceptible to influence. However, since


    his mention of divorce, she had undergone aplete transformation.


    Freya had exhausted her willingness for further verbal exchange.


    Were it not for her desire to facilitate a smooth divorce proceeding, she would


    have expelled him immediately.


    "Communicate your purpose or depart if you choose not to." Freya had abandoned all pretense of courtesy


    toward him.


    "Why did you convey those particrs to my grandpa?" Kristian finally addressed


    his central concern, gazing down at her. "You understand his aversion to Ashley. Such statements only intensify his prejudice against her."


    Freya challenged, "And that''s my problem?"


    "You instigated it," Kristian asserted.


    "Should you desire another punch in the face, continue speaking." Freya''s eyes reflected cial indifference. That incident represented a significant blemish in Kristian''s personal history. Mere recollection of it elicited difort within him.


    "I genuinely rmend psychological evaluation for both you and Ashley." Freya struggled toprehend his profound transformation and added, "I''ve never encountered individuals with such distorted ethical frameworks."


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    Chapter 42 Do You Perceive Me As Easily Manipted


    Kristian''s expression darkened considerably. "What do you mean?"


    "You vited our marital covenant," Freya dered. "You engaged in infidelity


    with Ashley Yet you persistently approach me, even using me of callousness.


    Do you truly believe I submit easily to intimidation?


    Exclusive Offer For You


    im Now


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 Chapter 43

    Chapter 43 Directing Him


    To The Bathroom For His...


    Kristian shot back, "I never cheated on you with her." His voice carried a sharp edge of indignation.


    Freya maintained her silence, convinced in her heart that Kristian would perpetually deny the truth, regardless


    of evidence or confrontation.


    "Deny it all you want," she finally dered, having already drawn her conclusions about his emotional infidelity. She leaned forward, her gaze intensifying. "Let me make myself perfectly clear. If either you or Ashley approaches me again with your personal drama, I won''t hesitate to reveal everything publicly. Consider carefully whether you''re prepared to weather the storm of public scrutiny."


    "And what about your own actions?" Kristian''s prating gaze dissected her expression, searching for


    weakness.


    Freya''s brow creased with confusion. "What are you implying?"


    "Your rtionship with Trent Seymour, and that night you apanied Edwin to a hotel in Alerith," Kristian pressed, his voice weighted with usation, eyes locked unflinchingly on hers. "Had it been someone other than me present at that moment, would you have gone with him regardless?"


    Fury coursed through Freya''s veins like never before.


    While she attempted to address concrete issues, he deflected with hypothetical scenarios and false equivalencies.


    She shoved him away, her words cutting like ss. "I must be utterly delusional to attempt reasoning with someone so deliberately obtuse."


    Kristian stood speechless, caught off guard by her directness.


    Just as she prepared to physically remove him from her home, he strode past her with his long legs and settled onto the sofa as though he owned the property, his posture defiant.


    He had arrived with genuine intentions of having a reasonable conversation, acknowledging that Ashley''s approach to Freya had been wildly inappropriate. Yet somehow, upon facing Freya''s disdainful indifference, he found himself deliberately provoking her, speaking words designed to elicit a reaction.


    Freya nced at the man sprawled across her sofa. Experience had taught her that if he truly decided to stay, physical removal wasn''t an option within her capabilities.


    This situation hardly warranted calling security orw enforcement.


    epting the inevitable, she returned to the dining table to finish her meal.


    Fortunately, her unfussy eating habits meant that even in her agitated state, she could nourish herself


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    ording to her body''s requirements.


    Meanwhile, Kristian''s irritation mounted as he watched her eat with apparent enjoyment


    He had driven over an hour on an empty stomach, only to arrive and receive not food but a hefty serving of


    frustration instead.


    Scowling deeply, he pulled out his phone and made a call.


    Gerard, having justpleted his own lunch, answered promptly.


    "Bring me lunch," Kristianmanded without preamble.


    Gerard paused, momentarily disoriented, uncertain about Kristian''s location.


    After Kristian provided Freya''s address, Gerard responded hesitantly, "It is more than an hour''s drive from thepany headquarters.¡± His mind raced, attempting to understand the unusual request. "Including ordering time, we''re looking at a minimum two-hour dy."


    The clock had already passed twelve-thirty. By the time Kristian received his meal, it would approach three in


    the afternoon.


    "I know," Kristian replied with surprising nonchnce.


    Gerard struggled to reconcile this response with his boss''s notorious punctuality regarding meals. Was this truly the same man who insisted on timely dining whenever possible?


    "Perhaps Mrs. Shaw could apany you to a restaurant?¡± Gerard suggested diplomatically, aware of Kristian''s aversion to ordinary takeout food. "The quality will suffer considerably during transport."


    "Whatever," Kristian muttered before terminating the call.


    Gerard immediately grasped the situation. Kristian evidently wanted to dine at Freya''s residence but pride prevented him from making the request directly.


    They must be engaged in some disagreement, childishly waiting to see who would break the silence first. How remarkably immature!


    Freya had just finished clearing her dishes when her phone chimed with a message. "Mr. Shaw hasn''t eaten yet. The ordered meal will take considerable time to arrive. Would you be willing to take him out for lunch?"


    Freya typed back without hesitation, "No."


    Gerard persisted, "I know someone with yourpassionate nature and grace would surely reconsider."


    Freya countered swiftly, "Emotional maniption won''t convince me to escort an ill-mannered man to a restaurant."


    While mentally apuding her sharp response, Gerard quietly messaged his boss, "Your lunch will arrive at approximately three in the afternoon."


    Kristian''s brow furrowed deeply as he read the message.


    Before he could formte a reply, Freya''s voice cut through his thoughts.


    She casually picked up herptop from the table and remarked, "Gerard suggested I take you out for lunch. Are


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    you interested?"


    "I avoid excessively greasy food," Kristian began, wondering about Gerard''s underlying motives in this situation.


    Rising to his feet, he smoothed his impable suit and approached Freya with deliberate calmness. "Let''s


    proceed.


    "Continue straight ahead, then make a turn," Freya directed with remarkableposure, as though their heated exchange had never urred. "There''s


    something inside that should suit your preferences."


    Kristian faltered momentarily, caught off guard.


    Her words resonated unexpectedly within him. As he observed her delicate features, profound guilt surfaced in his consciousness.


    His entanglement with Ashley had ultimately treated her unfairly. After careful consideration, he resolved to engage in a measured conversation with her following their meal and offer an apology on Ashley''s behalf.


    "Thank you," he murmured, his deep voiceyered with unspoken emotions as he


    moved in the direction Freya had indicated.


    Within moments, he reached the destination.


    Without hesitation, he grasped the doorknob and swung the door open. The


    scene before him ignited immediate, intense fury in his eyes!


    Hisplexion paled dramatically. In a surge of unbridled anger, he mmed the door with tremendous force and stormed back toward the living room, fully prepared to confront Freya with his outrage.


    This woman had deliberately provoked him by directing him to the bathroom for his meal!


    When he returned to the living room, Freya had vanished.


    She had retreated to her second-floor bedroom, secured the lock firmly, and donned noise-canceling headphones to immerse herselfpletely in her work. She harbored no concerns about Kristian attempting to force entry. If he tried breaking down the door, his legs would likely give out before the door yielded.


    Two hours psed.


    In the imposing office of Shaw Group, Gerard stood attentively, questions swirling in his mind, awaiting Kristian''s next directive.


    He had been en route to order Kristian''s lunch when an unexpected call instructed him to cancel the meal delivery and immediately organize apany-wide departmental meeting.


    When had such an impromptu meeting ever urred on a Wednesday? Gerard dared not vocalize his curiosity.


    "Has the meeting been arranged?" Kristian inquired tersely.


    "Yes, everyone awaits your arrival," Gerard confirmed.


    1


    Kristian remained silent, gesturing for Gerard to gather the necessary documents


    for the meeting room.


    The atmosphere in the meeting room crackled with tension. After the first department endured a scathing


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    Chapter 43 Directing Him To The Bathroom For His Meal


    reprimand, the remaining departments sensed imminent doom hovering above


    them.


    By the meeting''s conclusion, every attendee had experienced a thorough verbal


    One fact crystallized in their collective understanding-Kristian''s mood had deteriorated to dangerous levels today!


    "Those failing to meet standards will be reassigned to restroom sanitation duties


    for the next month," Kristian announced, his tone cial, his gaze prating each person in turn.


    Gerard and those who had fallen short of expectations exchanged bewildered


    nces.


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    "Just cleaning the toilets?" Gerard''s eyes widened in surprise. In previous times, such infractions would have undoubtedly triggered a bonus deduction.


    The word "toilets" sent an involuntary shiver through Kristian''s spine as Freya''s bizarre suggestion about dining. in the bathroom floated through his mind. "Would you like to join the cleaning crew as well?"


    "I believe this esteemed responsibility belongs in the capable hands of department managers," Gerard replied with a practiced smile.


    The others stood frozen, utterly dumbfounded.


    Esteemed responsibility? Hardly!


    With thoughts of Freya consuming his mind, Kristian had little patience for further discussion and dismissed them with a wave of his hand.


    "Regarding your meal-would you prefer lunch now or shall we wait until dinner?" Gerard inquired after the room had emptied. "Your earlier order is still being kept warm. I can retrieve it immediately if you''d like."


    Kristian fixed his gaze on Gerard. "The restroom on this floor is now your responsibility for the next month."


    "But I..." Gerard attempted to protest.


    "Two months," Kristian dered icily.


    "Yes..." Gerard dared not challenge him further.


    Back in his office, he struggled toprehend his boss''s peculiar fixation with restrooms.


    Contemting his two-month cleaning sentence, he vented to his friend, "My boss has undergone some strange transformationtely, developing an unusual obsession with restroom duty. No more bonus deductions-just restroom cleaning assignments for everyone-and somehow I''ve been caught in the crossfire."


    His friend responded bluntly, "You''re receiving an assistant''s sry while performing a cleaner''s duties. Perhaps gratitude would be more appropriate."


    Gerard countered, "When exactly does your boss n to return from vacation? It''s been two years of absence. Doesn''t she harbor concerns about thepany''s financial stability?"


    "Even if Shaw Group copses into bankruptcy, my boss''spany will remain unaffected."


    Gerard decisively put away his phone, refusing to engage further in the conversation.


    The situation baffled himpletely. What manner of legendary figure was his friend''s employer? Taking a two-year hiatus while continuing to pay sries and bonuses seemed extraordinary.


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    Chapter 44 Your Wife Is Being Attacked


    Whenever questioned about his boss''s identity, his friend steadfastly declined to answer, insisting it was ssified information.


    Meanwhile, Freya-the remarkable boss in question-was methoffically reviewing coborative projects between Shaw Group and Briggs Group.


    Midway through her assessment, her phone rang.


    Recognizing her assistant''s number, she answered and activated the speaker function. His voice immediately. filled the room. "When might we expect your return from this extended vacation?"


    "What''s the situation?" Freya paused momentarily before asking.


    "You''ve been absent for two years now."


    Freya remained silent.


    "As thepany''s owner, perhaps more attention to operations would be beneficial,¡± her assistant suggested. Freya offered no response."


    "If you continue this indefinite absence, thepany might eventually be mine,¡± her assistant continued. "That sounds ideal," Freya remarked casually.


    "Come on, please approach this matter with appropriate seriousness." The voice carried a cool edge with undertones of firmness.


    "Fine." After calcting the timing, Freya provided an answer. "I''ll return within half a month. I''ve epted a position as an investment advisor at Briggs Group, so you may need to managepany operations more independently."


    "You simply need to make asional appearances and sign necessary documents." The cool voice continued without emotion, "I''ll handle everything else."


    Freya''s trust in him was unwavering. "Agreed."


    Their conversation concluded, and they disconnected.


    For the following two days, neither Kristian nor Freya initiated contact.


    Both had privately reached identical conclusions to maintain distance until the divorce decree came through. Fate, however, had different ns. An unexpected event brought Freya and Kristian face to face once again. When Saturday evening descended on the city, Freya ventured out to purchase necessities. The destination wasn''t far, so she decided to walk rather than drive. Unexpectedly, while passing through a dimly lit alley, she found herself surrounded by more than ten menacing men wielding baseball bats.


    Her vignt gaze scanned the surroundings and the threatening men before settling on a telling shadow lurking deep within the alley-a figure holding a phone directed squarely at her.


    Understanding dawned immediately.


    These assants had meticulously prepared for two possible scenarios. In this camera-free alley, if they seeded in assaulting her, she would simply be another unfortunate victim.


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    Conversely, if she defended herself effectively, they would use the recorded footage as evidence to pursue legal


    action against her.


    Without hesitation, Freya pivoted and sprinted away, deliberately avoiding confrontation.


    "Catch her! The client specifically instructed us to break her legs," voices echoed menacingly behind her.


    Freya ran with purpose and precision.


    She deliberately avoided heading toward her residence, recognizing that if these individuals managed to bypass security protocols and follow her home, she would face significantly greaterplicationster.


    The neighborhood, positioned in the city''s outskirts, offered no nearbymercial districts for sanctuary. Thinking strategically, she directed her escape toward arge open area equipped with surveince cameras. ¡°Keep running! Why aren''t you running faster?"


    "Didn''t anticipate you''d be so quick!"


    "I''mpletely winded!"


    The pursuing group hurled curses betweenbored breaths.


    Freya maintained her pace without showing signs of fatigue; this distance represented little more than a casual stroll for her physical capabilities. "Who sent you?" she demanded.


    In her mental inventory, she had genuinely offended only two individuals-Ashley and Edwin.


    Edwin remained in Alerith and likely had no knowledge of her presence in Jeucwell. As for Ashley, if she possessed sufficient intelligence to orchestrate a physical assault on Freya and select a location devoid of surveince, she wouldn''t havemitted her previous series of foolish actions.


    Beyond these two, Freya couldn''t identify anyone else she had antagonized. It couldn''t possibly be Kristian.


    "Don''t you realize whose path you''ve crossed?"


    "You''ve upied the position of Kristian''s wife long enough. The time hase for your recement."


    *Since you''re moments away from breaking your limbs, I''ll graciously inform you- we operate under Miss Bradley''s protection."


    "What nonsense! Our backer is Mr. Shaw himself!"


    "Hahaha."


    "What are you waiting for? Miss Bradley has promised a million to whoever sessfully breaks one of her arms or legs!" the leader bellowed.


    The group engaged in animated discussion at this revtion.


    Upon hearing this exchange, Freya immediately eliminated both Ashley and Edwin from her list of suspects. Edwin remained unaware of her marriage to Kristian, and Ashley simplycked the intellectual capacity to orchestrate such an attack.


    Freya forcefully kicked one attacker away.


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    As others rushed toward her, she seized one of their baseball bats and delivered powerful kicks to create


    distance between them!


    "Why are you hesitating? Subdue her! Everyone, ¨¢ttack simultaneously! I want to witness how formidable she truly is!" The leader continued issuingmands. Freya''s movements elerated, blocking two bats with her acquired weapon while simultaneously kicking two other assants aside!


    Despite her defensive prowess, she narrowly avoided a blow to her back.


    The overwhelming numerical disadvantage presented a significant challenge, particrly when surrounded. Evading every potential strike proved increasingly difficult.


    She recognized the necessity for swift, decisive action.


    Meanwhile, in a vehicle progressing slowly through the vicinity, Gerard prepared to drop Kristian off when he noticed the violent confrontation. Looking more carefully, he recognized Freya among thebatants!


    "Mr. Shaw." Gerard nced into the rearview mirror, reporting immediately, "Your wife is being attacked."


    Kristian felt a surge of irritation at the mere mention of Freya. "That''s none of my concern," he responded coldly.


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    "Mrs. Shaw just took a baseball bat to the head," Gerard announced gravely, easing the car to a slower pace. "I hope her injuries aren''t severe."


    Kristian''s gaze snapped to the window at these words.


    His eyes widened with horror at the scene unfolding across the open area.


    Six assants wielded baseball bats against Freya, their faces contorted with murderous intent as they swung simultaneously.


    Before his mind fully registered the danger, words tumbled from his mouth. "Stop the car!"


    Gerard pulled over immediately.


    Kristian flung the door open and sprinted across the road. The absence of traffic proved fortunate-otherwise, his impulsive dash might have ended disastrously.


    Gerard remained beside the vehicle, motionless.


    As a capable assistant, he recognized when to step back.


    Combat wasn''t his strength, so waiting for Kristian and Freya''s return seemed the wiser choice.


    Freya battled fiercely, unaware of the nearby vehicle.


    As six bats arced toward her, she responded without hesitation-two attackers fell from her powerful kicks while her own bat connected in the same instant.


    The impacts resonated through the air.


    All six attackers copsed to the ground.


    Freya surveyed the remaining standing figures with an icy stare, her challenge hanging in the air: "Noting


    at me?"


    The leader retreated a step, voice faltering. "Guys, go get her!"


    "Dude, we can''t continue."


    "She fights with incredible ferocity!"


    "Didn''t the client im she couldn''t fight?"


    "What''s our next move?"


    Terror gripped the remaining attackers.


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    Those previously struck struggled to rise, their faces swollen and bruised, eyes reflecting unmistakable fear.


    "Come on, even if victory eludes us, we must fight!" The leader spoke rapidly. "Consider the million dors- that''s earnings for a lifetime!"


    "You need to be alive to spend it," someone muttered.


    Given Freya''s fighting prowess, escaping without grave injury would be the best


    oue.


    "Even if you shatter every limb in my body, you''d only earn four million," Freya remarked, having lost interest in the fight. She now sought the orchestrator behind the attack. "Reveal the mastermind, and each of you walks away with a million."


    The attackers hesitated.


    A million each, without risking arrest for assault or homicide!


    "Dude, this offer makes sense..." someone ventured.


    "What makes sense?" The leader missed Freya''s strategic ploy. "If that person discovers we epted her bribe, won''t they ensure we all end up behind bars?"


    "But..."


    "What''s your suggestion, then?"


    "Weren''t you the one extolling how long a million would sustain us?"


    Uncertainty rippled through the group.


    The leader exhaled sharply. His options had dwindled.


    "It seemed I underestimated Ashley Bradley''s influence." Freya continued her maniption, her scrutinizing


    gaze moving from face to face. "Or perhaps she possesses leverage against you?"


    Confusion spread among the attackers as they exchanged nces, baffled by Ashley''s sudden involvement.


    As they prepared to respond, understanding dawned on the leader.


    With such gulliblepanions, rejecting the millions would be foolish!


    "Ashley Bradley? Who''s she?" The leader signaled his cohorts, initiating their deception.


    The others, not entirely obtuse, quickly grasped his intent.


    One by one, they chimed in, "Bro, deception serves no purpose now. She already knows."


    "Precisely!"


    "Our earlier statements betrayed us."


    "Indeed. Miss Bradley dispatched us to neutralize you. Your presence threatens her position."


    Freya observed them, impressed by their quick wit.


    Just as she prepared to expose their charade, a resolute voice cut through the air.


    "It can''t be Ashley."


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    Freya halted mid-motion.


    The dozen assants instinctively turned toward the neer''s voice.


    Recognition transformed their expressions into masks of terror as they stammered, "Mr-Mr. Shaw..."


    Kristian stood imposingly in his ck suit, the metallic cuff buttons catching the streetlight with an enigmatic gleam. His perfectly sculpted features remained impassive as his prating gaze settled on the leader. "Who are you?" he inquired.


    "We... we..." the leader''s voice faltered.


    His intimidation was understandable; Kristian''s presence radiated unmistakable authority and power.


    "I offer two options," Kristian stated with clinical detachment. "Either I ensure your imprisonment, or 1 permanently disable you. The choice is yours."


    The attackers recoiled in shock. Was such ruthlessness necessary? Their thoughts scattered in panic.


    "Ms. Briggs orchestrated this entire scenario." A previously silent man in a white T-shirt finally revealed. Freya''s attention shifted to him, recognizing the figure who had been recording in the alley earlier.


    Understanding dawned on the others, prompting a cascade of confessions.


    "Yes, precisely!"


    "She calcted your route, instructed us to simte an attack against her, and nned to implicate Miss Bradley upon your arrival."


    "That''s exactly what happened.""


    "Please, we''re telling the truth."


    If Freya couldn''t decipher their intentions now, she would be squandering valuable


    insight.


    This exchange illuminated the character of her hidden adversary.


    Kristian''s demeanor darkened perceptibly, his frigid gaze locking onto Freya with palpable intensity. "Why did you do this?"


    "Are you genuinely epting their fabrications?" Freya asked, genuine surprise coloring her voice.


    Kristian''s lipspressed into a taut line as he maintained his silence.


    How could doubt exist in his mind?


    Each attacker wielded a baseball bat and demonstrated professional fighting capabilities.


    Despite Freya''s previous position as a bodyguard for the Briggs family, single- handedly defeating multiple trained opponents seemed imusible. The confrontation he witnessed from the vehicle would have overwhelmed most fighters.


    Yet by the time he exited the car, Freya had already subdued her attackers.


    As he approached, the white-shirted man exchanged a meaningful nce with


    him before their collective revtion about Ashley''s involvement.


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    To dismiss such synchronized timing as coincidence stretched credibility beyond reasonable limits.


    "This situation bears no connection to me," Freya stated firmly, bristling at the false usation. "I waspleting my shopping when they cornered me in the alley fled here hoping to evade trouble, but they managed to follow."


    You expect me to believe such a narrative" Kristian responded grimly. Your belief is irrelevant to me," Freya replied withposed indifference. Her exnation emerged only to counter their deception Kristian''s judgment remained his prerogative, eventually, reality would expose genuine foolishness.


    "When threatened, rational individuals seek crowded environments for safety. Why choose an isted location rather than the security of your apartment?" Kristian challenged, his analytical mind detecting inconsistencies. "The distance from that alley to this spot spans several hundred meters at minimum. How did you maintain your lead against trained pursuers?" Rmended for you


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    Chapter 46 Is It That You Trust Everyone Else But......


    Everyone fell into a heavy silence.


    They had merely followed the scripted deceit. Yet, inexplicably, Kristian had swallowed the tale whole.


    "Mr. Shaw, actually..." one of them, grappling with a twinge of guilt, began, his voice trailing off as he considered revealing the truth-that Freya truly was swift on her feet.


    Kristian''s gaze swept over them, frosty and detached.


    The man in the white T-shirt hastened to borate. "Ms. Briggs indeed outpaced us, but only because she''d asked us earlier to ease off, ensuring she wouldn''t get caught."


    "Yes, yes, that''s precisely what happened."


    "That''s the whole story."


    The rest quickly echoed their agreement, nodding along without hesitation.


    The man in the white T-shirt cast a sharp, annoyed nce at hispanion who had nearly let the truth slip.


    Freya caught the exchange from the corner of her eye.


    "Get lost," Kristian snapped, his anger no longer contained.


    At hismand, the group dissolved, scattering in all directions like leaves in the wind.


    Freya wanted to keep someone back to ask questions, but it was toote.


    Gerard, noticing everyone dispersing, swiftly started the car, maneuvered it close by, and then exited.


    Before he could utter a word, he noticed Freya wrenching free from Kristian''s hold, her usually serene face now clouded with fury.


    Gerard began cautiously, "Mr. and Mrs. Shaw, perhaps we should discuss this matter at home."


    "Call me Freya or Ms. Briggs," she insisted sharply.


    Kristian''s presence seemed to drop in temperature, a frosty aura enveloping him. Gerard hesitated, then revised his address. "Ms. Briggs, who were those people we just encountered? How did youe to be involved with them?"


    The question visibly soured the expressions of both Freya and Kristian.


    Without a word, Freya turned and strode off, clearly not intending to follow the same path as Kristian.


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    "Stop!" Kristian''smand cut through the air,ced with fury.


    Freya continued on, tantly ignoring him.


    In a swift motion, Kristian reached out, grabbed her arm, and forcefully ushered


    her into the car, then snapped at Gerard with icy authority, "Drive!"


    Gerard, focusing intently on the road ahead,plied without a word.


    Freya felt a surge of anger towards Kristian but paused, reflecting that he wasn''t


    worth her fury. She knew he spirited her away merely to interrogate her about her actions, using her of trying to set up Ashley. It was no big deal.


    The car surged forward into the night.


    Over an hourter, they reached Kristian''s vi.


    Gerard, his hands shaking, hesitantly opened the door, bewildered by Kristian''s


    fury towards Freya, especially when she was the victim.


    Kristian yanked Freya from the car with a forceful tug.


    If not for her remarkable self-control, she might have flipped him over her shoulder in defense.


    Since their divorce wasn''t finalized, she held back her true strength to prevent any unforeseenplications. Kristian violently mmed the door behind them, the sound echoing through the night.


    Once they were inside, he flung Freya onto the couch and towered over her, his voiceced with usation. "What were you thinking? And how the hell did you know where I''d be?"


    "Don''t question me! Just ask the person who said I''m the mastermind," Freya snapped.


    "Freya Briggs!" he bellowed.


    "There''s no need to yell; I can hear you perfectly," Freya snapped back, her voice icy.


    "You got what you asked for, and you said yes to the divorce. So why drag Ashley into this mess and use her of arranging for assants to attack you?" Kristian demanded, his frustration palpable. "What are you really after?"


    In that moment, a curious urge overtook Freya. She rose to her feet, her frame dwarfed by Kristian''s height.


    She met his gaze squarely. "Is it that you trust everyone else but me?"


    ¡°Think about it¡ªwhat do you think my answer is?" he snapped, tossing the me right back her way.


    "I''ve made my point clear," Freya replied, her voice dripping with disappointment. "Believe it or not, that''s your choice."


    "I''m warning you for thest time-cut out these underhanded tactics." Anger red in Kristian as he thought about the situation, his voice growing sharp. "If you dare harm Ashley again, I won''t let you off so easily."


    Freya remained silent, her expression unreadable. She simply let his words float by, barely registering them. Watching her nonchnt demeanor, Kristian felt a wave of frustration wash over him. How could she maintain


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    Chapter 46 Is It That You Trust Everyone Else But Me


    such arrogance after her blunders?


    "For the next few days, you''re staying here," he dered, his tone leaving no room for debate. "You''re not stepping outside until we settle this divorce!"


    With a wave of his hand, he summoned over twenty bodyguards to encircle the vi, securing every possible exit.


    Unfazed, Freya''s resilience shone through. Casually scanning the room, she inquired, "Where will I be sleeping?" Kristian halted, his anger simmering beneath the surface.


    He had poured out his frustrations, and yet, she was concerned about her sleeping arrangements!


    "Do you really think you can do as you please just because my family holds you in high regard?"


    "Of course, why not?" Freya replied, her voice now steady andposed. "Your grandpa has always treated me like I was his own granddaughter."


    Kristian fell into a brooding silence,beling her in his mind aspletely shameless.


    "Make sure you send over a few outfits for me," Freya instructed with a calm authority. "And pick up some tampons; my period is almost here."


    When he gave no answer, she insisted, "Did you get that?"


    "I''m not your errand boy,¡± Kristian retorted coldly.


    "So, are you suggesting I should go out and get them myself?"


    "In your dreams!" Kristian snapped back sharply.


    The exchange ended on a bitter note.


    Despite his annoyance, Kristian couldn''t shake off the memory of his grandfather''s fondness for Freya. Reluctantly, he instructed someone to gather the items.


    Freya settled into the room she once upied, savored a long, rxing shower, and then sank into bed with nothing but her phone to keep herpany.


    She contemted her escape options.


    She could leap from the second-floor window, reach out to Kristian''s family, or contact Trent for help.


    But she understood that challenging Kristian would only lead to relentless disputes.


    In the past three weeks, their arguments had be all too frequent. Frankly, she was exhausted by the


    constant strife.


    Desiring a moment of tranquility, she opted not to provoke further conflict.


    Lost in her thoughts, she reflected on the evening''s unfolding events.


    A crease formed between her eyebrows as she mulled things over, and eventually, she decided to make a call to Frederick. There were matters that needed delving into.


    The moment the call was answered, Frederick''s voice,ced with confusion, rang out. "Freya?"


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    "I need you to check something for me," she began, her voice carrying a hint of urgency. "Find out if Kristian has any close female friends." Freya expressed her suspicion. "Or if someone has taken a particr liking to him."


    The recent string of unsettling incidents weighed heavily on her mind-Ashley''s tragic ident and assault, and her own attack earlier that night. She couldn''t shake the feeling that these events were interconnected. Even though the perpetrator behind Ashley''s ident had been apprehended, her instincts screamed that the matter was far from resolved.


    She harbored suspicions that one mastermind was behind all these acts.


    This person, she believed, was intent on sabotaging her and Ashley''s reputations


    in Kristian''s eyes.


    The allegation against Freya concerning the car ident had almost turned Kristian against her, if not for herposed handling of the situation. Raping Ashley seemed designed to tarnish her image in Kristian''s view, a n foiled by his unwavering love and concern for her.


    Regarding the attack she endured that night, the assants had attempted to smear her reputation directly in front of Kristian.


    The underlying motive appeared clear: to turn Kristian against her.


    If she and Ashley were both sidelined, the path would be clear for someone else


    to im the coveted role of Kristian''s wife, orchestrated by the mastermind behind


    these malicious deeds.


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    Chapter 47 I''ve ''Gravely Underestimated You


    "Are you certain you want me to look into this matter?" Frederick asked, his voice


    Freya responded with unwavering conviction. "Yes."


    Though confused by her insistence, Frederick nodded. "I''ll handle it."


    "Forward me any information you discover," she instructed.


    "Of course."


    After concluding their conversation, Freya set her phone aside, pulled the nket over herself, and drifted into sleep.


    The following morning, she awoke to a message from Frederick, which read, "I spent the entire night investigating but found nothing significant. The only woman who approached him appears to be a friend of Felipe Yates''s."


    Freya typed back simply, "Understood. Thank you."


    She decided against calling for additional details.


    Frederick had undoubtedly been awake all night and was likely resting now. A call would certainly disturb his sleep.


    She had believed that by discreetly following Kristian here and maintaining a low profile, nothing more would transpire. However, she had underestimated certain individuals'' capacity for creating conflict.


    Freya had justpleted her breakfast and was searching for a charger when Kristian stormed in from outside. Gerard trailed behind him, his face aplex mixture of emotions.


    Kristian radiated an icy detachment, his eyes piercing like steel des.


    He strode directly toward Freya, his tailored suit emphasizing his towering frame. Before she could react, Kristian seized her by the throat and thrust her against the wall, hatred zing in his eyes.


    "Freya, I was so wrong about you. When you firmly denied everything at the hospital, I believed every word. Is this how you repay my faith?"


    His grip tightened mercilessly.


    Sensing imminent danger, Freya instinctively kicked him. The impact forced him to release her neck.


    She doubled over coughing violently, distinct finger marks visible on her fair, slender throat.


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    Chapter 47 I''ve Gravely Underestimated You.


    "What possesses you to act this way?" She couldn''t contain her fury any longer.


    It was barely morning, and he had ambushed her without warning or exnation. Would any rational person behave this way?


    Kristian red at her with cial intensity, hostility emanating from his entire being. "Why did you arrange for a driver to hit Ashley? Answer me!"


    "When did I ever orchestrate such a thing?" Freya seethed, though she processed his earlier usation. "Haven''t the authorities already apprehended the suspect? Why are you directing your anger at me?"


    Rage consumed Kristian, visibly boiling beneath his surface.


    Gerard adjusted his sses, pressed his lips together momentarily, then exined, "The police called recently. The suspect has used you of hiring him to hit Miss Bradley."


    Under normal circumstances,w enforcement would have arrived to arrest Freya.


    However, since Ashley had entrusted the matter to Kristian, he had intervened after being informed by the police and hade himself.


    "Let''s proceed to the police station," Freya suggested, unwilling to continue arguing with Kristian.


    She maintained faith in justice.


    If she was innocent, no number of usations could prevent thew from vindicating her.


    "Stop feigning innocence!" Kristian''s lips curled into a contemptuous smile. ¡°Didn''t you employ this exact strategy to clear yourself at the hospital? Now you attempt it again?"


    "You are insane," Freya replied, stunned to face these usations again. "Rather than investigating the truth, you believe shouting at me will resolve anything?"


    "Freya, I''ve gravely underestimated you," Kristian dered, his tone darkening further.


    Freya''s patience dwindled rapidly.


    Gerard sensed the mounting tension and barely dared to breathe.


    "Do you truly believe I''m unaware of your intentions?" Kristian''s eyes revealed unfathomable depths.


    Freya challenged, "What intentions do you imagine I have?"


    "Should you go to the police station, Trent Seymour''s influence would easily secure your release," Kristian stated, oblivious to the fleeting emotion crossing his own heart. "A prominent figure in legal circles helping clear your name would be even more straightforward."


    Freya felt too exhausted to continue this pointless argument. Never had she encountered someone so utterly foolish!


    Sensing the growing tension, Gerard mustered his courage and intervened, "Mr. Shaw, I genuinely believe Ms. Briggs wouldn''tmit such an act. She..."


    "Silence!" Kristian thundered, his voice reverberating through the room. Gerard immediately shut up.


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    Freya''s thoughts raced through possibilities before she reached a resolution. "Regardless of what I say, you''ve already determined my guilt, haven''t you?" "Precisely," Kristian confirmed without hesitation.


    Freya locked eyes with him unflinchingly. "What if I can demonstrate my innocence?"


    He remained wordless, but his expression and prating gaze conveyed his unshakable conviction: "You orchestrated this. No alternative exnation exists." "Should I prove my innocence, you will offer a sincere apology and make appropriate reparations," Freya dered, finally reaching her breaking point. Kristian''s voice cut through the air like frost. "Conversely, if you fail to prove your innocence, you will sincerely apologize and make proper amends to Ashley." Gerard''s anxiety intensified exponentially. Was this confrontation truly necessary? Freya broke her challenging gaze with Kristian and calmly addressed Gerard. "May I utilize yourptop?"


    "Provide it to her," Kristianmanded.


    Gerardplied immediately.


    Freya powered on the device. As the screen illuminated, Gerard prepared to share the password.


    What happened next astonished him. With just two swift keystrokes, Freya unlocked the system.


    Gerard stared at her in utter disbelief.


    Kristian''s brow furrowed slightly.


    Freya positioned theptop on the table, adjusted her seating, and initiated her information search.


    No one noticed the momentary sh of the letter "K" on the screen''s left margin- Freya''s code name, the signature of "King of Hackers".


    She had avoided employing this particr skill.


    However, given the circumstances, without uncovering the truth, these false usations would persist indefinitely.


    While Freya conducted her investigation, Frederick remained vignt.


    He had transmitted information to Freya following his sleepless night before attempting to rest. Despite his exhaustion, true sleep eluded him, forcing him to rise after minimal rest.


    Upon seeing Freya''s message, he prepared to respond when suddenly a "K" shed across hisptop screen.


    Frederick''s eyes widened dramatically.


    Incredible!


    Had Freya returned to her operational status?


    He reached for his phone, intending to inquire about the situation, but stopped


    himself mid-action, Freya was clearly engaged in critical work, and any interruption would disrupt her concentration. He couldn''t risk calling.


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    Yet curiosity consumed him. What extraordinary circumstances could havepelled Freya to resume her activities at this particr moment?


    After careful deliberation, he decided to share this development with others familiar with Freya''s hacker identity.


    Frederick typed excitedly, "Attention, everyone! I must share momentous news.


    Freya has resumed operations!


    The legendary K has returned!"


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    Chapter 48 Don''t You Think I Deserve An...


    Greta scoffed, "You''re dreaming."


    "Impossible," Riley countered.


    Trent leaned back in his chair. "You might as well take a nap while you''re at it."


    Skepticism radiated from the entire group.


    In their collective judgment, no earthly problem would everpel Freya to deploy her hacking abilities as a solution.


    Even if such a situation arose, they believed she would immediately contact authorities and step aside for an official investigation.


    Frustrated by their doubt, Jackson fired off another message, vividly detailing the scene he had just witnessed. Meanwhile, Freya''s research triggered a cascade of windows across herputer screen, each filled with intricate lines of code.


    The high-performance machine whirred loudly, cooling fans straining under the processing demands.


    Gerard stood transfixed, his eyes wide as he stared at the iprehensible data streaming across the screen. Admiration welled within him.


    His suspicions had proven urate! Freya was indeed an extraordinary hacker.


    Gerard whispered, barely containing his excitement, "I told you she was a hacker, but you dismissed my theory." Kristian''s dark eyes revealed nothing, yet his shock matched Gerard''s.


    The longer he observed, the more intense his gaze became. Despite sharing two years of marriage, he had never uncovered her technological prowess.


    Suddenly, everything made sense. Whenever he''d enlisted a hacker to investigate certain matters, he got no satisfactory answer. Turned out Freya had meticulously erased her digital footprints.


    A chilling thought struck him. What was her true motive for entering his life?


    "Sir?" Gerard prompted when Kristian remained silent.


    Kristian had already reached a conclusion internally. "Investigate everyone Freya has contacted over the past two years. I want transcripts of every conversation."


    Gerard blinked in surprise. "What? Do you believe she has ulterior motives?"


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    Kristian offered no verbal response, but his expression revealed his growing suspicions.


    Oblivious to their exchange, Freya continued working As minutes ticked by, shemandeered additional hackers'' systems to elerate her search.


    Thirty minutester, a progress bar materialized on screen, slowly climbing from one percent.


    Freya finally removed her hands from the keyboard. Theptop radiated it from its sustained exertion.


    Gerard''s admiration continued to swell.


    Every man fantasized about meeting a superhero, but for Gerard, hackers had always inspired greater reverence since his childhood.


    "Mrs. Shaw..." Gerard began, then caught himself. "Ms. Briggs, is the processplete?"


    "Yes," Freya answered, eyes still fixed on the screen. "Once the progress bar reaches one hundred percent, we''ll have ess to all data."


    Gerard''s eyes glimmered with excitement behind his sses.


    Kristian remained enshrouded in cold detachment.


    Just as he prepared to interrogate Freya, Gerard extracted a pen and small notepad from his suit pocket and extended them toward her,


    Both Freya and Kristian stared at him, perplexed by the gesture.


    "Would you honor me with your autograph?" Gerard asked, undeterred by his boss''s frigid re. He stood resolutely before Freya and confessed, "I''m now a devoted fan of yours."


    "Gerard!" Kristian snapped.


    Previously, such a tone would have caused Gerard to withdraw immediately and await instructions.


    Today, however, standing before his brilliant and beautiful idol, he demonstrated remarkable resolve.


    "If you''re able to, I''d be really grateful," he said hopefully,


    Freya hesitated.


    She had encountered simr requests before, but Frederick and her other friends had always made such overtures in jest, never with such earnestness. She wasn''t certain how to respond.


    Gerard took a small, encouraging step forward, offering the pen and notepad with a warm smile.


    Meeting his sincere gaze, Freya decided not to overthink the situation. "Sure," she agreed, epting his offering


    With practiced ease, she signed her name, a signature entirely different from the one she had inscribed on the divorce papers.


    The divorce signature appeared neat and delicate, while this one boldly proimed her identity with stylish ir-emanating confidence from every stroke.


    Kristian observed this discrepancy, which only intensified his growing suspicions about Freya''s initial motivations for entering his life.


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    Even her handwriting had deliberately shifted, making her intentions increasingly questionable.


    "Don''t you think I deserve an exnation?" His voice cut through the room like ice, hismanding presence filling the space between them.


    Freya nced briefly at the progress bar-only thirty percentplete-before responding with measured calm, "Exin what, exactly?"


    "Your exceptional hacking abilities and this signature." Kristian''s prating gaze never wavered as he continued without emotion. "Isn''t it peculiar to consciously alter your handwriting style?"


    "There''s nothing requiring exnation," Freya replied evenly. "Can you honestly im you''ve revealed every skill in your possession to me? Do you maintain identical penmanship across all your correspondence?"


    Kristian studied her face intently. Her eloquence unsettled him.


    "Who sent you?" he demanded abruptly.


    Both Freya and Gerard fell silent at the usation.


    "Did you orchestrate our meeting and marriage to extract Shaw Group''s proprietary information?" Kristian''s eyes locked onto hers, his expression unreadable.


    Gerard stepped forward,pelled to defend his newfound idol. "Sir, if I may remind you-you were the one who pursued Ms. Briggs for marriage, not the reverse."


    "You heard him," Freya retorted, a hint of vindication in her voice. Kristian shifted his displeasure toward Gerard, his demeanor frigid. "One more word from you, and your employment terminates immediately." Gerard remained remarkably steadfast. "I''m merely stating factual information."


    Kristian''s re could have shattered ss. If Gerard hadn''t loyally served him for years, his career would have ended that very moment!


    "Feel free to conduct any investigation you deem necessary," Freya challenged, standing firm.


    Throughout their marriage, she had never once visited Shaw Group headquarters or entered his private study to ess hisputer.


    At most, she had offered asional guidance when she noticed him struggling with technical matters.


    "With your level of expertise, how could I possibly uncover anything?" Kristian''s words dripped with usation. Freya chose to ignore him. No exnation would curtail his spiraling suspicions.


    Gerard couldn''t tolerate seeing his idol falsely used. "If she genuinely intended to steal corporate secrets, why would she personally involve herself? With her extraordinary capabilities, wouldn''t a more distant approach have been infinitely more logical than marriage?"


    "Gerard Todd!" Kristian verged on physically removing him from the room.


    "I''m simply offering perspective. You typically approach matters with such logical precision, yet regarding Ms. Briggs, your reasoning seems uncharacteristically clouded." This paradox thoroughly puzzled Gerard.


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 Chapter 49

    Chapter 49 Disbelief


    Kristian''s gaze lingered on G¨¦rard''s ceaselessly moving mouth, fighting the urge to silence it permanently.


    He understood Freya would never resort to such tactics herself; he simply couldn''t fathom why his wife had concealed her hacking abilities all this time.


    As her husband, this revtion blindsided himpletely.


    Witnessing Kristian''s genuine irritation, Gerard joined the interrogation. "Ms. Briggs, why have you never mentioned your hacking expertise?"


    "Why should I?" Freya countered simply.


    "It could impress everyone," Gerard remarked.


    Both Freya and Kristian stared back, utterly dumbfounded.


    "Just a joke." Gerard recognized the awkwardness of hisment and adjusted


    his sses nervously. "It merely seems unfortunate that such remarkable talents remain unacknowledged."


    "It doesn''t need to be acknowledged." Freya dismissed his concern with indifference.


    The fascination struck her as somewhat childish.


    In her younger years, she had shared Gerard''s perspective-believing individuals who cracked cases with mere keystrokes possessed an enviable coolness.


    Back then, she had dreamed of mastering these skills and bing a formidable hacker.


    As she matured, however, that romanticized vision gradually dissolved.


    The information she uncovered through her abilities remained equally essible tow enforcement, military intelligence, and various government agencies.


    By middle school, her capabilities had already reached exceptional heights, and her mentor had subsequently withdrawn from the digital realm.


    Perhaps driven by adolescent defiance or a fierce moralpass, she had investigated numerous cases independently, forwarding her discoveries to authorities.


    Delving deeper into this world revealed its most sinister corners. She stumbled upon an international site-that notorious digital underbelly known as the Dark Web. There, she witnessed horrors and atrocities that shattered her innocence, confronting the reality that certain individuals existed with less humanity than hell''s own


    demons


    Following these discoveries, she semi-retired, asionally assisting police with particrly challenging investigations by anonymously providing crucial information.


    Eventually, she recognized that whatever she discovered remained within their investigative capabilities as well


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    Chapter 49 Disbelief


    prompting her gradual withdrawal.


    "It''splete," Freya announced, snapping from her reminiscence as she noticed the screen''s progress.


    indicator reach 100%.


    She opened the newly created folder on the desktop. "The actual circumstances behind Ashley''s ident are


    contained here. See for yourselves."


    She tilted theptop slightly toward the men.


    Gerard took control of the mouse and methodically examined each file. The process consumed an entire hour as he absorbed all the information.


    After reviewing the final document, disbelief washed over him. "This scheme demonstrates extraordinary meticulousness. A mere automobile ident conceals such an intricate conspiracy."


    What astounded him most was Freya''s remarkable capability.


    Within such apressed timeframe, she had obtained recorded conversations


    between the orchestrator and aplices. It was truly impressive.


    "Sir, Ms. Briggs clearly had no involvement in engineering the ident," Gerard, now openly admiring Freya, dered. "Once we deliver this evidence to authorities, her name will be cleared immediately."


    "You ept everything she presents without question?" Kristian''s voice carried an icy edge.


    Gerard''s confusion was evident. The evidencey inly before them-what grounds existed for skepticism? "Have you forgotten her hacking credentials?" Kristian maintained his frigid stare at Freya, his demeanor chilling as he added, "Wouldn''t fabricating evidence and manufacturing recordings prove trivial for someone of her abilities?"


    "You..." Gerard faltered, words abandoning him.


    Kristian''s dismissal cut through the room with surgical precision. "Not everything presented before you constitutes legitimate evidence. There exists a concept known as falsification."


    Freya maintained herposure, refusing to disy agitation. "If an apology exceeds your capabilities, simply acknowledge that fact. Baseless usations serve no constructive purpose."


    "Do you think being a hacker makes you special?" Kristian advanced toward her with calcted strides, hand concealed in his pocket as he dered, "I don''t believe what you''re saying or any of your so-called discoveries." Freya responded sharply, "Your belief or disbelief remains entirely irrelevant to my concerns!"


    Her primary objective in uncovering this information had been twofold: clearing her reputation withw enforcement and facilitating their pursuit of the actual orchestrator.


    Without warning, Kristian reached forward and seized her chin.


    This time, Freya abandoned all restraint.


    She grasped his wrist with lightning efficiency and delivered a powerful kick.


    The unexpected counterattack caught Kristianpletely unprepared.


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    Gerard observed with undisguised admiration. Freya demonstrated remarkable capability!


    "If you touch me again, I''ll dislocate your arm." Freya''s gaze turned cial, refusing to moderate her response toward those who demonstrated such foolishness.


    Kristian''s jaw tightened visibly. "Try it if you dare."


    "Sure," Freya replied without hesitation.


    As she prepared to advance, Gerard intervened swiftly, positioning himself between thebatants while addressing her urgently, "Please reconsider your actions. He deliberately provokes you to react inappropriately. Security surveince operates throughout this area. Documentation of your response could provide him grounds for allegations of intentional harm."


    Kristian''s forehead pulsed with visible veins of frustration. Gerard really needed a harsh lesson!


    "Surveince systems prove wholly inadequate against my technical expertise," Freya dered, indignation evident in her tone.


    Gerard paused momentarily.


    Her assertion was undeniably urate.


    Recognizing his idol faced no genuine jeopardy, he promptly stepped aside, even offering encouragement. "Proceed as you wish. Should he sustain significant injury, I shall summon medical assistance without dy."


    For the countless time that day, Kristian contemted Gerard''s immediate


    termination. "Have you not departed yet?"


    Gerard''s expression reflected genuine confusion.


    What destination did Kristian expect him to pursue?


    "Regardless of this evidence''s potentially fabricated nature,w enforcement requires exnation." Kristian intended to resolve this situation personally with Freya andmanded, "Attend to that matter immediately."


    Gerard cast a concerned nce toward Freya.


    Kristian''s frustration intensified exponentially.


    Given Freya''s demonstrated skills and evident temperament, could he truly inflict


    any meaningful consequence upon her? Had Gerardpletely forgotten who was paying his sry?


    "Ms. Briggs enjoys considerable esteem from your grandfather. Exercise prudence in both speech and action."


    Gerard collected theptop, adding pointedly, "Furthermore, this constitutes


    authentic evidence rather than fabrication"


    Kristian''s gazemunicated volumes.


    Gerard hastily left with theptop.


    Before taking his position behind the wheel, he transmitted a message to Freya "Ms. Briggs, should my boss exceed reasonable boundaries, please notify me immediately, and I shall contact his grandfather."


    After sending this protective offer, he realized he hadn''t yet shared his excitement with others.


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    He opened a different conversation thread and enthusiastically typed, "You''ll scarcely believe my reEETA discovery! My employer''s spouse possesses extraordinary hacking capabilities!"


    His friend responded, "My boss demonstrates simr talents."


    Gerard countered, "My employer''s wife additionally disys exceptionalbat


    proficiency,"


    His friend replied, "My boss could overpower ten individuals of your calibe


    Gerard escted, "My employer''s wife could neutralize twenty,"


    "My boss possesses the capacity to defeat innumerable opponents within seconds."


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 Chapter 50

    Chapter 50 Freya Was Being Held Against Her...


    Freya was blissfully ignorant of the fact that she had be the subject of whispered admiration between Gerard and her assistant.


    As the shrill ring of her phone pierced the air, she cast a quick nce at it, her expression shifting subtly when. she noticed the iing message from Gerard.


    Kristian, ever observant, caught the slight change in her face and quickly snatched the phone from her grasp. His features contorted into a scowl as he read Gerard''s message.


    That treacherous snake! He silently vowed that Gerard could wave goodbye to any hopes of a bonus this year.


    "Done reading?" Freya''s voice broke through his thoughts.


    Kristian gripped the phone more firmly, fully intending to toss it back to her, but his thumb identally brushed the screen, pulling up the message homepage.


    He noticed two contacts pinned at the top, Ethel, and a group chatbeled "Seven Little Warriors".


    The conversation with Ethel was frozen on a yful emoji, while the group chat was abuzz, continuously updating with new messages from someone named Fred.


    Kristian''s eyebrows knitted together as he scrolled further down, stopping at a conversation from the previous day with Trent.


    The message screen disyed just two simple words-"Good night."


    Driven by an inexplicable impulse, Kristian was suddenly gripped by the need to sift through Trent''s messages, eager to uncover the depth of their conversation and the reason behind their intimate goodnight exchanges. Who had sent the goodnight message? Was it Freya to Trent, or the other way around?


    Swept up by a whirlwind of emotions, he reached out to open Trent''s chat.


    But just as his fingers brushed against the screen, Freya swiftly reimed her phone, preventing him from catching even a fleeting glimpse of the contents.


    With another swift motion, she turned off the screen and fixed Kristian with a look of stern criticism. "It is one thing to abandon your character and wit, but to forsake even the simplest of courtesies? How could you snoop through others'' private messages without a shred of permission?" Her words cut through the tension like


    knife


    "What were your exchanges with Trent about?" Kristian demanded, his voice a chilling blend of frost and


    usation


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    Chapter 50 Freya Was Being Held Against Her Will


    Freya met his gaze defiantly. "That is strictly between Trent and me."


    "Let me see," Kristian insisted, cloaking his demand in a veneer of moral urgency,


    yet internally conflicted about his assertive stance. "I have reason to believe you''re divulging confidential details about Shaw Group to


    him."


    "Teel free to call the police," Freya responded, her tone dripping with nonchnce.


    stung by her indifference, Kristian''s frustration boiled over. "Freya!" he called out, his voice echoing a mix of desperation and anger.


    "How many times must I remind you?" Freya asked, her voice a serene contrast


    to her words. "Going to the police is undoubtedly the wisest choice. They''ll steer you correctly."


    "I might just handle it myself if you keep pushing." Kristian dered, his tone bordering on audacious.


    "Only you could dress up rudeness and make them sound ssy." Freya shot back, her voiceced with sarcasm. "Freya Briggs!" Kristian eximed sharply. "Looking for a fight?" Freya responded, her words sharp and provoking


    Kristian''s fists tightened at his sides, his stance rigid. The air around him grew charged, enough to make anyone else go stiff with unease.


    He struggled to connect the fierce figure standing before him with the gentle person he once knew.


    "Having to hide your true self and feign gentleness for the past two years must have been exhausting," he sneered, his words dripping with scorn.


    "Isn''t it the same for you, masquerading as someone caring?" Freya retorted sharply.


    Kristian''s breath grewbored. Had it not been for his family''s fondness for Freya, he would have made sure she was utterly isted after the divorce.


    "You ought to feel fortunate that my grandpa thinks so highly of you," he said bitterly, oblivious to the impact of his words. "Otherwise, I would make you pay ten times over for what you did to Ashley."


    "And you should feel fortunate your grandpa thinks so highly of you," Freya echoed, turning his words against him. "Otherwise, you''d already be shark bait if I wanted it that way."


    Their gazes locked.


    After this heated moment, Kristian ceased speaking to her and exited the vi. Freya found herself confined within its walls by his orders.


    With ruthless strategy, Kristian had all the chargers removed from the premises, his clear intent being to cut off hermunication by rendering her phone useless.


    Freya offered no protest.


    She powered down her phone, casually flung it onto the bed, and drifted off to sleep.


    She resolved to reactivate it only when she felt the need to reach out to someone. Before powering it down, she quickly texted Frederick to inform him that she would be off the grid for a few days, just in case someone


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    < Chapter 50 Freya Was Being Held Against Her Will


    might start to worry.


    However, she hadn''t foreseen that Lionel would fret over her sudden silence.


    The day after Kristian''s departure, worried that Freya was isted without provisions, he asked Gerard to arrange for meal deliveries to the vi


    That was when Gerard discovered that Freya was actually being held against her will


    He confronted Kristian about it. "Sir, even though you are still Ms. Briggs''s


    husband now, holding her against her will is still uwful. You...


    "Exactly whose assistant are you?" Kristian interjected sharply.


    "Yours, of course," Gerard responded, his loyalty unwavering


    "Why must you take her side all the time?" Kristian demanded sharply.


    "I''m merely trying to stop you from making a grave mistake," Gerard replied with a serious tone. "You''ve kept her locked away for a full day and night. You do realize that holding someone against their will for more than six hours is technically a crime?*


    "Utter another word and you''ll be out of a job," Kristian snapped.


    Gerard opened his mouth to respond, but in the end, he chose silence.


    He went on to order a meal, had it delivered discreetly, and then confidentially ryed the entire ordeal to Lionel. The thought of his idol in distress was unbearable.


    "Sorry, boss,¡± he muttered under his breath. Though professionally aligned with his employer, his moral and legalpass pointed firmly towards Freya.


    It didn''t take long before Lionel knew everything.


    Receiving the news from an unlikely source, his grandson''s assistant, Lionel remainedposed and nned to contact Freya for confirmation.


    Once it was confirmed she''d been held, he was prepared to ensure Kristian suffered the repercussions.


    Despite repeated attempts, Freya''s phone was unreachable, which only heightened Lionel''s worry. His beloved Freya trapped by the likes of Kristian was unthinkable.


    Without a moment''s dy, he instructed his driver to drive him straight to Kristian''s vi


    While on his way, he didn''t miss the opportunity to reprimand Kristian over the phone, causing thetter to abandon his current tasks and rush back, seething at Gerard''s interference.


    The bodyguards at the vi exchanged wary looks as Lionel approached, their whispered conversations filled with urgency


    "Why has hee here?"


    "Do we need to stop him?"


    "Are you out of your mind? That''s our employer''s grandfather!"


    "So, what''s our next move?"


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    4


    16.06


    Chapter 50 Freya Was Being Held Against Her Will


    "Let''s just pretend we didn''t see him."


    "Let me in," Lionelmanded, his voice resonant andmanding as he


    leaned heavily on his cane.


    Without hesitation, one of the bodyguards stepped forward and swung the door open. "Yes, sir," he said, nodding respectfully.


    The remaining bodyguards stood frozen, confusion etched on their faces Weren''t they supposed to act like they hadn''t noticed him?


    As the door creaked open, Lionel stepped inside and immediately noticed Freya seated at a table, picking at a dish that seemed particrly unappealing.


    A pang of distress hit him. "Freya..." he murmured softly, his voice filled with


    concern.


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 Chapter 51

    Chapter 51 Freya Was Not


    Without Allies


    Freya''s movements stilled, hesitation flickering across her face.


    With a sharp turn of her head, she eyed the approaching figure of Lionel. Gently cing her fork down, she stood, her voice tinged with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Lionel? What are you doing here?"


    Lionel closed the distance with a worried frown, eyeing the meager contents of her te. ¡°Is this really all you''re having for lunch?¡± His voice carried a weight of concern that filled the space between them.


    "Oh, this? Just nibbling on something small," she assured him. Then she quickly added with genuine concern, "Have you managed to eat yet? If not, I can ask someone to whip something delightful for you."


    Lionel''s eyes narrowed slightly, his gaze piercing as it locked onto hers.


    He leaned in, lowering his voice to a confidential whisper. "Can you actually get them to do that for you?" Caught off-guard, Freya''s smile faltered as she bit her lower lip, pondering her next words carefully.


    In a sudden burst of seriousness, Lionel''s tone hardened. "Freya, I need to know- has Kristian forced you to stay here? Are you being kept here against your will?"


    Freya''s heart skipped a beat. She masked her turmoil with a forced smile and lied to him smoothly. "Absolutely


    Tiot"


    She hoped her reassurance would dampen his worries. Honestly, if she really wanted out, not a single one of them could stand in her way. She chose to remain here, deliberately avoiding any bothersome issues or contentious discussions with Kristian concerning Ashley.


    "Then why can''t anyone reach you on your phone?" Lionel probed further.


    "Earlier, someone kept bombarding me with calls, which I found rather irritating, so I decided to turn my phone off" Freya delivered her exnation with wless poise.


    A hint of concern deepened the lines on Lionel''s weathered face.


    He believed it unseemly to interfere overly in the younger generation''s affairs. Without any admission from freys, he found himself at a standstill.


    At that moment, Kristian made his entrance.


    Noticing Freya and Lionel engaged in conversation in the living room, his brow creased slightly, and he epproached with his typical aloof air "Grandpa¡±


    Lionel''s expression stayed cold, unmoved "Treya''sing with me. She''ll be at the family home for a few days." Freya looked bewildered


    20:35


    Chapter 51 Freys Was Not Without Allies


    A hint of concern deepened the lines on Lionel''s weathered face.


    He believed it unseemly to interfere overly in the younger generation''s affairs. Without any admission from Freya, he found himself at a standstill.


    At that moment, Kristian made his entrance.


    Noticing Freya and Lionel engaged in conversation in the living room, his brow creased slightly, and he approached with his typical aloof air. "Grandpa."


    Lionel''s expression stayed cold, unmoved. "Freya''sing with me. She''ll eat the family home for a few days." Freya looked bewildered,


    Kristian countered immediately, "No way."


    "Treya hasn''t even had a chance to speak, why do you reject the idea so hastily?" Lionel''s concern for Freya''s well-being overshadowed his desire to meddle. Despite her impending divorce from his grandson, he wished nothing but her happiness.


    "I need to discuss some issues with her." Kristian fabricated smoothly. "Until the divorce decreee through, she''ll be upied."


    Lionel turned to face Freya, his eyes searching her face. "Is that really the case, Freya?"


    Freya nodded. "Yes," she confirmed, her voice steady and serene.


    in situations such as these, Freya and Kristian had a mutual understanding to resolve their matters independently, without drawing the elders into their


    concerns.


    Lionel grasped the essence of their agreement.


    His visit served a dual purpose. If Freya confessed to being held against her will,


    he was prepared to whisk her away to safety, ensuring her freedom. Conversely, if she remained silent on the matter, his very presence would signal a caution to Kristian, reinforcing that Freya was not without allies.


    As he mulled over these thoughts, a whirlwind of emotions tangled within him.


    (Eventually, he addressed Kristian with a toneced with displeasure, "Follow me, we need to have a word." Compliant, Kristian trailed behind him.


    Their conversation spanned roughly ten minutes.


    "I''ve delivered my message," Lionel dered firmly. "Should you dare to confine Freya or subject her to any #testant, be prepared to face severe repercussions." "Understood," Kristian responded, though a shadow seemed to pass over his eyes, hinting at the turmoil


    Before departing. Lionel ensured that Freya was provided with exquisite food and refreshing beverages. He shared several sincere and meaningful words with her, leaving her with reassurances of his support.


    After his departure, the atmosphere within the vi felt markedly different. Freya, Kristian, and the nearly


    the sheppards were the only souls left in the sprawling estate.


    ian, still dressed sharply in his suit, cast a cold nce at the half-eaten food on the table and scoffed, "Wow, $66t know ying the victim was one of your hidden talents."


    Freya don''t even spare him a look. She couldn''t be bothered to reply.


    She had nned to finish hey meal, but her appetite had vanished. Now, she just sat there in silence.


    The quiet grated on Kristian''s nerves. He couldn''t stand being ignored-especially when it was just the two of Chews in the room. "tad you not hear the?"


    4 heard you," Freya replied coldly, not even turning her head.


    Uh, you heard mom bad decided to ignore me?"


    "There''s so rude swing 1 have to answer when a dog barks." Freya shot back with


    a sly smirk. "Bark all you want boesn''t mean it repared to engage


    ʯ·Û


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    Chapter 51 Freya Was Not Without Allies


    Kristian clenched his jaw so tight. She really just called him a dog!


    "You can get out now," he snapped, thest thread of his patience fraying. "If you stir up more trouble before the divorce is finalized, don''t expect me to hold back."


    Freya raised an eyebrow, clearly amused. "Are you under some grand illusion about your own behavior?" She folded her arms and leaned back slightly, her voiceced with sarcasm. "Because as far as I can tell, I''m the one taking the hits here, while you''re the one kicking up dust. And you call that holding back?"


    He wasn''t holding back at all, yet he was a master at singing his own praises.


    Kristian''s face remained unyielding, cold as stone. "If you were innocent, usations wouldn''t be necessary." Freya withdrew the only hundred-dor bill from her wallet and thrust it at him.


    Confusion clouded Kristian''s features.


    "Get your head examined," Freya dered, her patience fraying. "This one''s on me."


    With those final words, she ascended the stairs, fetched her phone, and marched out of the vi, leaving Kristian brooding in her wake.


    Once she was beyond the confines of the vi, Freya hailed a cab to take her home.


    Previously, while probing the shadowy mastermind behind Ashley''s car ident, she had neglected to examine the data, merely stowing it away. Now, it was imperative to scrutinize it thoroughly to uncover who had implicated her so deviously.


    While immersed in these thoughts, Trent''s call interrupted her.


    The moment she picked up, Trent''s voice, warm and reassuring, filled the line. "Are you really back in hackering?"


    "Not entirely." Freya understood his underlying question and responded, "Just untangling aplex web, so I came to investigate."


    "It''s because of Kristian, isn''t it?" Trent deduced.


    "Yes," she confirmed.


    Trent inquired with a curious tilt of his head, "Do you have any ns tonight?"


    "Nope," Freya replied, her voice a soft murmur.


    Seizing the moment, Trent suggested, "Let''s meet up and talk about something important."


    "Alright," Freya agreed.


    Their exchanges were typically direct, stripped of any pointless conversation.


    Once off the call, Freya received a message from Trent detailing the time and venue. She responded with a sinct "okay" before the glow of her phone screen faded into darkness.


    That evening, at a dimly lit bar, Freya, d in a ck and white ensemble, located the secluded room where Trent awaited her presence.


    She pushed the door open with a quiet resolve. Inside, Trent was perched alone,


    his habitual rxed grin in ce, his gold-rimmed sses lending him an intellectual air.


    Upon spotting Freya, he weed her warmly. "Ah, you''ve arrived."


    "Mm-hmm," she replied, her voice steady.


    Trent''s eyes gleamed with a hint of mystery as he dered, "I have something intriguing to show you." He reached into his pocket and produced a bundle of photographs.


    Freya raised her eyebrows, taken aback by the gesture.


    With a flourish of his hand, Trent presented them, his demeanor poised and


    dignified. "These are genuine-


    take a closer look"


    Freya, curious, began sifting through the photographs. Each image revealed


    candid moments of Ashley entangled romantically with a man.


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    Among them were intimate shots of kisses, casual exchanges at social events,


    and everyday snippets of their


    lives.


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 Chapter 52

    Chapter 52 Prepare For A Definitive Conclusion To...


    "Where did thesee from?" Freya asked, her gaze fixed on the photos Trent had ced before her.


    While she harbored no genuine interest in Ashley''s personal affairs, the fact that Trent deliberately showed her these photographs suggested he had something meaningful to convey.


    "A business partner gave them to me," Trent replied candidly, making no attempt to hide the truth. "He mentioned someone had approached him to issue a press statement and fabricate stories based on these images."


    Freya''s brow furrowed slightly as she contemted the implications.


    She was well aware that Ashley worked as a model.


    Unfortunately, Ashleycked proper motivation and consistently sought the path of least resistance in her career. This approach had resulted in her limited fame within the industry.


    Freya understood that obscurity provided no shield against public scrutiny. Even rtively unknown individuals could suddenly find themselves at the center of a social media storm. Once that happened, inte users would methodically unearth every personal detail, right down to their residential address.


    "Do you want to return to Alerith?" Trent inquired, noting that she had processed the situation. "There''s a midnight flight with seats still avable."


    Freya looked at him with genuine confusion. "Why would I?"


    "If my assessment is urate, Kristian already knows about your hacking abilities," Trent exined, having carefully analyzed Freya''s predicament. "The moment Ashley''s scandal erupts, you''ll be his primary suspect."


    "If I suddenly depart, his suspicions would only intensify," Freya responded, demonstrating her clear grasp of


    the situation.


    Trent studied her face carefully.


    Treya provided her definitive answer. "He has falsely used me numerous times already. Whether I remain here or flee to Alerith, as long as he harbors doubts, he''ll inevitably create problems for me."


    Furthermore, she was still waiting for her divorce proceedings to conclude.


    Time had once seemed to rush past her, with entire years vanishing in what felt like moments.


    Now, paradoxically, each day stretched endlessly, making thirty days of waiting feel like several arduous years. "Would you like me to track down whoever is behind this?" Trent offered, possessing h-l


    0.0%


    ***** to 69 69


    you won''t be scary trays replied, having spent de af stigating Ashley''s premis or wded byen if you bounded them, they might simply be pars after than the true desta


    trem paved thoughfully "What exactly do you mean?


    "Temember when bobley experienced that car addent and I was subsequenty fomen Bresa hat mentionent this incident during their previous conversations. Thus affroom, thoughly exa the entre station and discovered something pelir. The evidence ultimately po star''s business mastermind He orchestrand Ashley''s ident and suited all the me on me, smply u disere the sung Chaos within Kristie''s family"


    Trend''s expression revealed germine astonishment


    Meanwhile, in a separate private room within the same establishment, an teica pic domimaet the Conversation.


    Kristian had gathered with Felipe and Zander, sharing with them the evidence Brera inat uncovered


    After listening attentively to Kristian''s ount, Felipe fasited a mischierus sumie mancaning is characteristic nonchnce. "You actually believe evidence of this metre?"


    Kristian turned his attention toward him


    Felipe borated on his perspective, "You mentioned she possesses backing stils. Faricating entence would be elementary for someone like her. Besides, would a serious businesspetitor truly resort to such trente tactics? If Freya created this evidence, she certainly didn''t invest much effort


    Erristiar


    Kristian replied, "You''ve just identified the key point yourself the supposedly take enitences sophistication."


    Knowing Freya''s meticulous character, if she genuinely intended to falsity evidence, she would undoubtedly create something impable.


    The evidence before them contained obvious ws that invited suspicion.


    "What was the police response?" Zander, who had remained quiet until now, finally spoke


    ¡°No definitive answer yet. Apprehending the suspect likely presents challenges, Kristian replied, his eyes darkening with concern.


    Ashley''s situation had proven far moreplicated than he had initially anticipated "Despite having recordings and digital correspondence, securing a conviction bes difficult if the suspect insists it was merely a joke.¡±


    "Is this rtively minor matter truly worth summoning us? Felipe poured himself a drink, his mischievous demeanor evident as he added, "Simply ensure Ashley has adequate security personnel for protection"


    From his perspective, Kristian merely worried about the mastermind targeting Ashley again


    Zander posed an unexpected question "Are you genuinely nning to divorce Freya?"


    Kristian appeared momentarily stunned


    Felipe also registered surprise. He raised an eyebrow, draping himselfzily across the sofa before conte


    26.59


    "His true love has returned. If he doesn''t divorce Freya, how could he marry Ashley?"


    "This isn''t some trivial game," Zander remarked, finding Kristian''s approach problematic and, as a friend, feltpelled to address it. "If you''re divorcing Freya simply because Ashley has reappeared in your life, I cannot support such a decision."


    Before Kristian could formte a response, Felipe interjected sharply, "Have youpletely lost your mind, Zander?"


    "In the past, your rtionship exhibited remarkable stability, revealing genuinepatibility," Zander continued, deliberately ignoring Felipe. "Have you truly considered whether your attraction to Ashley stems from lingering memories of the past or appreciation for who she truly is now?"


    Sometimes, he reflected, people clung to rtionships not because love remained, but because they valued the emotional investment they had already poured into that connection.


    "Do you know her well?" Kristian suddenly challenged, his voice cutting through the tension.


    Zander found himself momentarily disoriented by the question. ¡°What?¡±


    "You imed Freya and I arepatible. In what specific ways?" Kristian''s words carried an unmistakable chill, his deteriorating mood evident as he continued, "Thest two years of our marriage appeared peaceful and harmonious on the surface, but it was merely an borate performance."


    Zander''s confusion deepened with each passing moment.


    Kristian rose to his feet, speaking about Freya with palpable frustration. "Since the moment I mentioned divorce, she has revealed her true nature,pletely contradicting her previous persona."


    "Won''t you regret it if you proceed with this divorce?" Zander persisted, hispassionate eyes carefully observing his friend''s reactions.


    As someone who knew Kristian well, he recognized that Freya upied a unique


    position in Kristian''s emotionalndscape.


    This typically reserved man rarely disyed strong emotions, yet anything


    concerning Freya consistently disrupted hisposure.


    Kristian nearlyughed with exasperation at the question.


    For the first time, he confronted the issue directly and retorted, "What possible reason would I have for regret?" "Freya possesses exceptional qualities," Zander replied simply, unable to articte his thoughts more precisely. "What you perceive is merely what she deliberately allows you to see," Kristian responded, his anger intensifying. "My understanding of her character surpasses any of yours."


    Why did everyone insist on suggesting he would experience regret? Hisprehension of Freya''s nature extended far deeper than anyone else''s.


    Zander fell silent, at a loss for words.


    Kristian''s agitation had visibly increased once again.


    "I will experience no regret whatsoever regarding this divorce," Kristian continued,


    seemingly addressing both Zander and himself simultaneously.


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    Chapter 53 Emting Felipe''s Tactics


    "Alright, you two, enough about women," Felipe interrupted, weariness evident in his voice. "Can''t we shift to another topic?"


    "Have you resolved your problem?" Kristian inquired, his sour mood apparent as he deliberately tried to dampen his friend''s spirits.


    Felipe hesitated mid-pour, then responded with feigned casualness, "Only things that trouble me deserve to be called problems. What I''m experiencing doesn''t even register on that scale."


    "Have you discovered who fathered her child?" Kristian pressed deliberately, twisting the knife.


    Felipe mmed his ss onto the table, hisposure finally cracking. "How exactly am I supposed to determine that? You understand how chaotic the entertainment industry is. Directors, producers, co-stars-she herself probably can''t identify the father of her child."


    A heavy silence descended between Kristian and Zander.


    "You''re exaggerating," Zander ventured after a moment. "I believe she''s quite amitted actress."


    "Is there anyone you actually dislike?" Felipe snapped, his temper ring. "She''s wonderful, Freya''s wonderful -apparently everyone you''ve ever encountered is wonderful."


    Zander retreated into silence.


    Felipe drained his drink in one swift motion, attempting to quell the frustration simmering within him.


    The thought of his wife carrying another man''s child constricted his chest painfully.


    "If it bothers you this much, why not divorce her?" Zander suggested, striking a vulnerable spot. "She seems quite eager to end things with you."


    A cold gleam shed in Felipe''s eyes as he retorted, "If I divorce her, how else can I make her understand what betrayal truly feels like?"


    "You''re crazy," Zander concluded bluntly.


    Felipe had no desire to remain any longer or continue the conversation.


    He stood abruptly and addressed Kristian, "I''m heading out. Enjoy yourselves."


    As he prepared to leave, he seemed to recall something important.


    He extracted a small perfume bottle from his pocket, spritzed himself generously, then produced a fresh lipstick. He applied it to his palm and pressed it against his cor, creating a distinct mark.


    0.0%


    20:35


    +


    <


    Both Zander and Kristian watched his peculiar ritual with bewilderment.


    Kristian wrinkled his nose at the overpowering fragrance. "What the hell are you doing?"


    "Giving her a taste of her own medicine," Felipe exined dispassionately,


    discarding both items as he spoke with unsettling calmness.


    "That''s certainly an unconventional approach," Zander remarked.


    "What an absolute fool," Kristian muttered.


    "I can hardly find an actual woman to leave lipstick and perfume on me," Felipe exined matter-of-factly, disying no embarrassment. "She betrayed me once; I''ll ensure she experiences that sting of betrayal repeatedly."


    "If she no longer cares for you, no amount of perceived betrayal will affect her," Zander cautioned. "But if she still harbors feelings, this could deeply upset her, and stress isn''t beneficial for a pregnant woman. It might harm the baby."


    Felipe''s posture stiffened momentarily before he dismissed the concern with a wave. "It''s not my child, so why should that concern me?"


    With those words, he departed.


    However, both Zander and Kristian noticed him discreetly wiping away the lipstick mark as he exited.


    "Let''s leave as well," Zander suggested to Kristian.


    Kristian''s gaze lingered on the abandoned lipstick and perfume, his eyes darkening perceptibly. "You go ahead." "Okay." Zander donned his mask and hat before departing.


    At eleven that night, Freya had just returned home from her meeting with Trent and finished showering.


    As she prepared for bed, her phone vibrated, capturing her attention. She answered on speaker, "Gerard?" "Yes." Gerard nced nervously at his boss in the back seat, steeling himself before continuing, "I need to discuss something with you. Are you at home currently?"


    "I am," Freya confirmed.


    She had a good impression of Gerard, appreciating his courage to stand against Kristian.


    Gerard felt a surge of remorse, mentally apologizing to Freya repeatedly as he replied, "I''lle up to see you then."


    "Alright."


    The call disconnected abruptly.


    Gerard pressed his lips together anxiously, ncing at Kristian. "I''vepleted the task as requested."


    "I''ll overlook your previous indiscretion, but should it happen again, your position at Shaw Group will be terminated," Kristian stated firmly, draping his suit jacket over his arm, his crisp white shirt contrasting


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    Chapter 53 Emting Felipe''s Tactics


    sharply with his dark trousers.


    "Understoodpletely," Gerard acknowledged.


    Kristian exited the vehicle with purposeful movements, striding foward Freya''s residential building.


    "Wait!" Gerard called after him.


    Kristian paused, his chiseled features emanating a cool detachment, entated by the stark white of his shi against the evening darkness.


    "Should I perhaps secure amodations nearby where you might refresh yourself before meeting Ms. Briggs Gerard suggested tactfully, his eyes briefly noting the telltale lipstick smear on Kristian''s cor.


    When Kristian had summoned him at nine o''clock for transportation, he had responded without hesitation. However, the sight that greeted him-his immacte boss marked with lipstick and enveloped in heav perfume-had been utterly unexpected.


    Even during Kristian''s rtionship with Ashley, such evidence of intimacy had never been visible. Thei physical contact had rarely extended beyond consoling gestures.


    Yet tonight, the lipstick stain and overwhelming fragrance suggested considerable proximity with someone.


    Kristian responded with biting coldness, "Am I required to bathe and change clothing before I''m permitted in her presence?"


    "Not at all, sir. It''s simply that you''re currently disying a woman''s lipstick mark and carrying a rather potent perfume scent," Gerard exined carefully, indicating the stain. "Meeting your wife in this state might create an fawkward situation."


    "That''s precisely the intention," Kristian said firmly.


    In reality, he couldn''t fully articte why he was emting Felipe''s tactics.


    Yet after contemting Zander''s observations, he found himselfpelled to discover whether Freya retained any emotional connection to him.


    Human nature contains inherent contradictions-despite his proimed indifference toward her, despite his reluctance to see her, he now engaged in this peculiar behavior seeking confirmation.


    With these conflicting thoughts upying his mind, he continued forward. Gerard observed Kristian''s departure, smacking his forehead in resignation before deciding to relinquish his


    concerns.


    After all, Freya was proceeding with the divorce from Kristian anyway. Meanwhile, Freya moved about her apartment infortable loungewear that highlighted her gentle demeanor. Her very presence seemed capable of soothing even the most turbulent emotions.


    When knocking disrupted the evening quiet, she approached the door without hesitation.


    She had considered installing a video doorbell but had ultimately decided against


    it, believing her residence there would be temporary.


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    Chapter 53 Emting Felipe''s Tactics


    Consequently, when she opened the door to find Kristian standing before her, her


    brow creased visibly with


    displeasure.


    "Why are you here?" she questioned directly, making no attempt to mask her


    annoyance.


    "I instructed Gerard to contact you," Kristian exined, his suit jacket still casually draped over his left arm, his pristine white shirt lending him an air of refined elegance. "I need to talk to you..."


    The absolutest person Freya wished to encounter was Kristian. The absolutest thing she wanted to hear from his lips was that he wanted to talk to her.

 ith Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 54

    Chapter 54 Farrah Welch


    "What would you like to talk about?" Freya asked coldly.


    Frustration bubbled through Kristian''s veins as her cool demeanor inmed his already agitated mood.


    He closed the distance between them with one decisive step and blurted, "Let''s talk about your ns after o divorce finalizes. Will you continue as Ethel Briggs''s bodyguard, or run off with Trent Seymour?"


    "You''vepletely lost your mind," Freya shot back, abandoning any pretense of politeness.


    When their divorce proceedings first began, she had hoped for an amicable separation.


    As time progressed, however, Kristian''s behavior grew increasingly irrational- bordering on madness. Th gentle man she had known seemed nothing more than a figment of her imagination.


    "If you''re truly without employment, out of respect for my grandpa, I could arrange a position for you at Shav Group," Kristian offered, dismissing her response.


    His true purpose for this visit was to gauge her reaction to the telltale lipstick staining his cor, business tall merely provided convenient cover.


    Yet as the words left his mouth, his mind wandered to her post-divorce existence.


    The image of her alone in some vi, gazing forlornly at the sky like an abandoned kitten, stirred unexpected difort within him.


    "What position offers an annual sry exceeding twenty million?" Freya challenged.


    Her outrageous demand caught Kristian off guard.


    "Sry corresponds directly to ability," he countered. "What talents do you possess that justify over twenty million?"


    "If there''s no position paying twenty million annually, why would I even consider yourpany?* Freya reasoned, her logic rendering him momentarily speechless. "With my 1.4 billion divorce settlement safely deposited, even at a standard bank interest rate of 1.5%, I''d earn over twenty million yearly while doing absolutely nothing."


    Kristian struggled to formte a response.


    "Not to mention," Freya continued, "such a substantial deposit wouldn''t yield such


    a paltry rate. For a supposedly savvy businessman, your arithmetic skills are surprisingly deficient."


    "What happens when impulsivity strikes and someone swindles your fortune away?¡± Kristian retorted, scrambling for verbal footing.


    "I wouldn''t fall victim so easily," Freya stated firmly. "Unlike some, I possess critical thinking skills."


    Kristian''s jaw tightened. "Are you suggesting I don''t?"


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    202-


    Chapter 54 Farah Webh


    You do Freya assessed him coolly, "but perhaps you''d be better off without one." Considering his recent actions, could any rational person behave so erratically? Anger constricted Kristian''s chest-he must have temporarily lost his mind to orchestrate this foolis


    escounter


    We''ll see who ends up destitute first," he spat.


    Their exchange had derailedpletely, leaving Kristian seething with rage. Teae now," eramanded.


    Kristian pivoted and departed, his tall figure radiating frosty contempt.


    Once the elevator doors closed behind him, Freya secured her door and returned to the living room.


    She sank into the sofa as her mind involuntarily reyed the image of lipstick smeared across Kristian''s cor and recalled the lingering foreign perfume she had detected.


    Her brow furrowed as emotions churned more violently than anticipated.


    An indescribable irritation troubled her-a sense of betrayal that stung even more sharply than witnessing him with Ashley


    She massaged her temples, contemting her imminent departure from Jeucwell and her desire to bid farewell to Farrah Welch, a cherished friend.


    Despite thete hour, she typed on her phone, "I''m leaving Jeucwell in a few days. Can we share onest meal together?


    Farrah had be her confidante shortly after her arrival in Jeucwell.


    They had connected instantly, their personalities meshing effortlessly. Throughout their friendship, Farrah had frequently invited her to dine, shop, and explore the city together.


    At that time, Farrah upied merely a small corner of the entertainment industry. Thendscape shifted dramatically a year ago when her controversial portrayal of a viin catapulted her unexpectedly to B-list


    actress status


    Half a year had psed since theirst encounter.


    Freya waited patiently for a response, but when none materialized, she


    concluded Farrah had likely surrendered to slumber


    As she prepared for bed herself, her phone erupted with desperate messages from Gerard.


    "I deeply regret my deception"


    *Could you find it in your heart to forgive this single transgression?"


    Choosing silence as her response, Freya darkened her screen and retired for the night.


    Meanwhile, Gerard wrestled with mounting anxiety. His boss''s thunderous expression confirmed the catastrophic oue of the evening''s events.


    29.63


    Kristian paced restlessly. Noticing Gerard''spulsive phone-checking, he delivered his displeasure in cial tones. "Still lingering? Perhaps you''re anticipating tomorrow''s breakfast service?"


    "I''m departing immediately," Gerard replied, relinquishing his phone and hastily starting the vehicle.


    Throughout the drive, his mind raced with potential strategies to regain Freya''s favor. His formidable employer had maneuvered him into offending his personal idol!


    That night, Kristian tossed in fitful slumber and Gerardy awake with worry, yet Freya descended into peaceful unconsciousness.


    She refused to allow trivial matters to disrupt her rest. Only dreams featuring her mother possessed the potency to disturb her tranquility; everything else she effortlessly relegated to insignificance.


    Morning arrived with Farrah''s bted response. "Absolutely. How about today?"


    The timestamp revealed it had been sent at three o''clock in the morning.


    Initial confusion gave way to understanding as Freya recalled Farrah''s profession-she had likely justpleted a filming session. With this realization, she replied, "Are you scheduled to film today?"


    Her phone immediately sprang to life with an iing call.


    The melodious voice that greeted her carried warmth and enthusiasm. "I''m on hiatus from filming for a while. If today suits your schedule, why dy? I''ve heard wonderful things about a new restaurant in the city center. Shall we investigate?"


    "That sounds perfect," Freya agreed readily.


    She maintained minimal standards regarding cuisine-as long as it wasn''t toxic and remained within the boundaries of edibility, she expressed contentment.


    As her sister often observed, she possessed an amodating pte. After finalizing their arrangements, Freya changed her attire and ventured out. Her wardrobe consisted predominantly of cool tones-ck, white, and various shades of gray dominated her sartorial selections.


    Her shoulder-length hair cascaded naturally with a few strands of bangs framing her face.


    Despite the simplicity of her ensemble, she radiated extraordinary beauty.


    By the time they reunited, the morning had progressed to ten o''clock. Farrah arrived concealed behind sunsses and a hat, enveloped in a warm- toned long coat. Standing beside Freya, her frame appeared charmingly diminutive.


    "Let''s proceed inside," Farrah suggested, capturing Freya''s hand and steering them toward the central shoppingplex. "Public outings have be increasingly challenging for me-constantly vignt about detection by


    tabloids and enthusiastic fans."


    Freya offered a practical alternative: "Perhaps next time, you could remain in a private room, and I''ll navigate my way to you"


    "Absolutely not!" Farrah countered decisively. "With your notoriously unreliable sense of direction, you might never locate me, even with precise floor and room coordinates."


    58.8%


    Chapter 54 Farrah Welch


    "I''m not directionally challenged," Freya rified with mild indignation.


    Their initial encounter had urred because Farrah mistakenly presumed Freya


    was lost.


    A simple misunderstanding had fostered their connection, and after discovering mutual affinity, friendship blossomed naturally.


    Although Freya maintained numerous friendships, most originated in chahood. Farrah represented her first meaningful adult friendship.

 Chapter 55

    Chapter 55 Are You Pregnant


    It was strange. Everyone in Alerith saw Freya as invincible-a force to be reckoned with. Yet Farrah insisted she needed protection, iming Freya had a terrible sense of direction and vowing to protect her.


    Sometimes, Freya wondered when she''d given Farrah the impression she was someone who needed safeguarding.


    With those thoughts swirling in her mind, she followed Farrah into the private


    room.


    Farrah tugged her down into a seat, and once they''d ordered, she leaned in. "Why did you n to leave Jeucwell so suddenly? Is your husband relocating?"


    She knew about Freya''s marriage.


    But neither spoke the name aloud. Farrah never asked, and Freya never volunteered it.


    When two women met, conversation flowed easily-food, drinks, gossip, work, fashion, beauty. Rtionships rarely came up unless something major happened.


    Besides, Freya hardly ever attended Kristian''s gatherings. Since they''d never announced their marriage, few even knew.


    "No," Freya said inly. "We''re getting divorced."


    Farrah blinked, certain she''d misheard.


    Then her eyes widened.


    Shock mmed into her-like she''d never once imagined Freya''s marriage ending


    this way. "You''re joking, right? I remember you said he treated you well!"


    "The papers are filed." Freya''s voice stayed even. "Next Tuesday, the court finalizes it."


    "Give me a second." Farrah floundered, struggling to process it.


    Divorce? She''d never seen thising.


    In her view, Freya was incredible-how could anyone walk away from her?


    After a steadying breath, Farrah ventured, "Did you initiate it... or did he?" "He did."


    "Why?" Curiosity sharpened Farrah''s tone.


    Freya sidestepped the truth. "We weren''t right for each other."


    0.0%


    20:36


    She knew Farrah too well.


    If Farrah learned Kristian was leaving her for another woman, she''d explode.


    And Freya didn''t want to worry her too much.


    "His loss." Farrah squeezed her hand, forcing cheer. "You''ll find someone better- someone hotter, kinder. Let him see how many people adore you. You don''t need him."


    Freya hummed in agreement.


    They talked a while longer before their food arrived.


    Mid-bite, Freya spotted it¡ªa faint kiss mark on Farrah''s neck, previously hidden under her scarf.


    "Farrah."


    "Hm?" Farrah nced up from her phone.


    Freya tilted her head. "Are you seeing someone?"


    "As if!" Farrahughed.


    Freya pointed. "Then what''s that?"


    Farrah stiffened-just for a second.


    Freya didn''t miss it.


    "I''m married, actually." Farrah shrugged, tone breezy as ever. "Courtesy of my nominal husband."


    Now it was Freya''s turn to be stunned.


    "Since when? You never told me."


    "Merely a marriage of convenience." Farrah waved a hand, her smile a little too quick. "Once his exes crawling back, we''re done. Didn''t mention it because he doesn''t matter."


    Freya''s brows shot up.


    His ex?


    "Then why marry you..." She hesitated, searching for words.


    "Grown-up needs." Farrah''sugh rang bright-too bright. "Enough about that. Where are we shopping after this? It''s been forever."


    She didn''t mention the force behind that mark.


    Last night, her so-called husband hade home reeking of another woman''s perfume, lips stained with foreign rouge. She''d fought, but men were stronger. In the end, she''d surrendered.


    Luckily, he''d stormed off before things went further. Otherwise, she feared what might''ve happened to the life growing inside her.


    25.6%


    < Chapter 55 Are You Pregnant


    "If you need anything, just say the word. I''m here for you," Freya offered simply, her assurance hanging in the


    air between them.


    "Seeing you''re okay brings me such relief," Farrah replied with Case, her striking eyes crinkling at the corners as her smile bloomed. "Should you face any difficulties after the divorce, don''t hesitate. I''ll ensure you''re well taken care of." Freyaughed softly. "Ironically, I should be the one making that promise to you."


    Confusion flickered across Farrah''s face.


    "I possess considerable wealth," Freya rified.


    "How considerable?"


    "1.4 billion."


    Farrah fell silent, utterly stunned.


    Questions bubbled beneath her skin, her emotions inly visible in every feature. "Could you repeat that


    amount?"


    "1.4 billion," Freya stated again, cing her trust in Farrah. "He transferred it to me when we initiated divorce proceedings."


    Farrah sat speechless.


    1.4 billion? How many zeros followed that figure? She realized she couldn''t umte such wealth even with a lifetime in the entertainment industry.


    "Perhaps he feels guilt over his affair?" Farrah spected, excitement edging into her voice. "Or did you catch him in somepromising situation?"


    This was 1.4 billion, not million. Certainly not loose change.


    She couldn''t fathom why a man would relinquish such a fortune unless genuine


    love remained.


    Freya hesitated, words failing her.


    She pinched the bridge of her nose in contemtion.


    Farrah''s disarming nature had a way of lowering everyone''s defenses.


    Freya had mentioned the money to prevent Farrah from worrying excessively, but


    had overlooked exining the underlying cause.


    "Is he truly having an affair?" Farrah''s eyes widened dramatically.


    Freya contemted briefly before answering, "The situation mirrors your own."


    "His ex?"


    "Yes."


    "Holy shit!" Farrah eximed, indignation rising visibly within her. "I always believed he treated you well- someone worthy of sharing your life. Yet he proves


    to be nothing but another contemptible disappointment."


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    Chapter 55 Are You Pregnant


    Freya remained silent. She dared not speak. Farrah''s emotions zed too intensely to manage


    "He spent 1.4 billion merely to extricate himself from your marriage?" Farrah burst out, righteous anger ring in her eyes. "Someone like him deserves to leave empty-handeff. He never mentioned another woman in his heart when he married you, did he?"


    Farrah sprang to her feet. "Absolutely not!"


    Freya stared in bewilderment.


    Before she could react, Farrah seized her hand firmly. "Take me to confront him. I must speak my mind! How dare he mistreat my dearest friend? Once I achieve fame, I''ll expose his despicable behavior and let justice seeking inte users tear his reputation to shreds."


    "That won''t be necessary." Freya grasped her wrist gently, adding, "We''re about to..." Her words trailed off


    She hadn''tpleted her thought about receiving the divorce decree.


    The abrupt pause hung heavily.


    Farrah noticed the shift in her expression and immediately sat down, concern


    washing over her, "What''s wrong?"


    Freya took her hand and began checking her pulse with unprecedented seriousness.


    Farrah watched, perplexed by this sudden medical interest.


    "Are you pregnant?" Freya inquired cautiously, her gaze intensely focused.


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 Chapter 56

    Chapter 56 Being med Again


    A shiver raced down Farrah''s spine, and with a startled gaze, she jerked her hand


    away. Her eyes were wide. with a spark of fear. "Pregnant? Me? That''s


    impossible!"


    Confusion clouded her mind.


    How did her friend discern pregnancy just from a touch at her wrist?


    "So, how far along are you?" Freya pierced the veil of Farrah''s denial with a pointed question, choosing to confront her directly.


    She had once read a book about using pulse diagnosis to determine pregnancy. Although she had never practiced it and wasn''t entirely sure of Farrah''s condition, she decided to take a bold guess.


    Confronted by Freya''s unwavering stare, Farrah realized there was no escaping the truth.


    With a heavy sigh, she dropped her gaze and confessed to her. "Just over two months."


    "And yet you still..." Freya''s voice trailed off, her thoughts on Farrah''s unreliable husband. "You really shouldn''t have sex during the initial trimester."


    "We didn''t do it," Farrah murmured. Her cheeks flushing a deep crimson as she added, "When he tried to, I ended up infuriating him so much that he''d storm out.¡±


    Freya''s brow furrowed in concern.


    Even considering their marriage was a business arrangement, and even if Farrah''s husband harbored affection for another, his actions hadn''t been justified in endangering Farrah or their unborn child.


    The mere thought that anger was needed to fend him off raised serious questions about how he usually treated Farrah.


    "I just remembered, my agent wants me to wrap up early and head back," Farrah suddenly said. She was aware that lingering any longer might unearth more secrets, secrets she was keen to keep under wraps. She didn''t want Freya to worry excessively about her, especially since her husband was not a man Freya could afford to antagonize.


    Her husband belonged to a powerful and influential family, a family whose reach and authority were


    unmatched.


    Even with a fortune like Freya''s¨C1.4 billion strong-challenging them was futile. Farrah was determined not to let her friend be pulled into this chaotic whirlwind or have her life thrown into disarray.


    0.0%


    ...


    30.06


    Chapter 56 Being med Again


    "Farrah," Freya called out, her voice filled with concern.


    Pretending not to hear, Farrah swiftly grabbed her purse and slipped on her hat and sunsses. "I''m heading out now. Let me know once you''ve settled in a new city. I''ll drop by when I have some free time. Take care!"


    With that, she hastened away, not allowing Freya the opportunity to delve deeper or ask further questions.


    Freya lingered in the private room for a moment longer, her thoughts chuded with concern for Farrah. She eventually reached for her phone and sent a heartfelt message. "If you need anything, please don''t hesitate to reach out. You shouldn''t have to face this alone."


    Freya had the means to uncover the identity of Farrah''s enigmatic husband, but respecting Farrah''s wishes, she chose not to pry.


    After all, everyone had their secrets, their private realms that deserved respect.


    As Farrah settled into backseat of her car, she saw the message and felt a surge of warmth spread through her heart. Being friends with Freya was like finding a rare treasure.


    After sending her message, Freya stepped out of the private room, oblivious to the online tempest that was starting to unfurl.


    The hashtag "#AshleyBradleyTheHomewrecker" had rocketed into the trending sphere.


    Intrigued by this unfamiliar name, countless users clicked through, driven by a burning desire to unearth the story behind it.


    The viral discussion showcased a series of images featuring two silhouettes, veiled in a soft focus. Despite their obscured features, their graceful and confident postures shone through, allowing those who knew him to identify the man as Kristian.


    Apanying the images was a provocative caption, saying, "Ashley Bradley caught in a stealthy encounter with a married magnate."


    "Wait-who''s Ashley Bradley? Howe I''ve never heard of her?"


    "Does anyone care to exin?"


    "Why is this even a trending topic?"


    "This must be a concoction. Why must gossip columns assassinate a woman''s character?"


    "Clearly, she has stepped on some powerful toes to be smeared so publicly."


    "Ashley has lingered in the shadows of the industry for six years, never stirring headlines nor stepping on toes. Who would orchestrate such spite?" ¡°Isn''t the man in those pictures striking a familiar chord?"


    "Absolutely, I noticed that too."


    "I wonder if the man in this photo could be the president of Shaw Group."


    "Mystery solved! That''s Kristian Shaw, president of the Shaw Group. I practically have his face memorized-I stare at his photos every night before bed. Blur him all you want, I''d still know it''s him!"


    25.1%


    However, the truth was quite different; it wasn''t any locksmith but Kristian himself who had managed to open


    the door.


    Gerard was clueless about how Kristian hade to know Freya''s door code.


    Freya, however, saw through Gerard''s falsehoods.


    Had a locksmith actually been involved, there would have been evident meks on the lock, but upon her earlier inspection, there were none.


    She had exclusively registered her fingerprint and hadn''t disclosed the code to anyone else.


    While she did provide a temporary code to the housekeeping service, it was designed to expire after a set duration.


    "I''ve already warned you, dare to stir trouble again, and I won''t hold back," Kristian dered in a voice icy and resolute. His eyes piercing as he added, "It appears you think I''m merely bluffing."


    Freya''s expression was one of confusion. "What are you talking about?"


    "You will record a message for Ashleyter, exining that this was all spurred by your jealousy,¡± Kristian instructed, his tone suggesting that he believed she was feigning ignorance. "Fail to do so, and you''ll face the repercussions."


    Though Freya was at a loss for words, the mention of Ashley hinted at yet another me that had been ced on her.


    100.0%

 Chapter 57

    Chapter 57 Kristian''s


    Threat


    Freya didn''t acknowledge Kristian. Instead, she deliberately picked up her phone and dialed a number in in view of everyone. "Is that the psychiatric hospital? I have someone here struggling with severe mental health issues. Could you possibly send assistance?"


    "Freya Briggs!" Kristian leapt to his feet, strode across the room, and wrested the phone from her grasp, terminating the call with a jab of his finger. A wave of frustration washed over him as he realized she remained as exasperating as ever.


    "If you''re crazy, you should seek treatment," Freya remarked with unsettlingposure. "Neglecting your condition won''t merely harm you-it could endanger those around you as well."


    "Do you believe feigning ignorance will extricate you from today''s predicament?¡± Kristian flung the phone aside, towering over her with contempt evident in his stance.


    Freya remained remarkably unmoved by his frigid demeanor. "What predicament are you referring to?"


    "Gerard, show her the evidence." Kristian''s prating gaze never left her face, astonished at her convincing performance.


    Gerard retrieved an iPad, pulled up a page, and extended it toward her.


    He harbored doubts about her culpability. "Ms. Briggs, please examine this material."


    "No one else would resort to something so boring," Kristian dered with conviction, his disappointment in Freya deepening by the moment. "I''ll ensure you face consequences for harming Ashley,"


    Freya crossed her legs with deliberate casualness, browsing through the photographs while asionally ncing at thements beneath them.


    She offered no indication of who might be responsible, merely looking up with detached interest. "How exactly do you intend to make me face consequences? Perhaps spend considerable sums to make me trend online, announcing to the world that you''ve betrayed me?" Her gaze locked with Kristian''s. "Allowing inte strangers to ridicule me for failing to maintain my husband''s fidelity?"


    Gerard was shocked by her guts.


    Kristian''s fury manifested as a palpable chill permeating the air around them.


    "If that''s your strategy, prepare for disappointment." Freya''s retort left Kristian momentarily stunned. "People online possess greater sense and superior values than you demonstrate. They''ll assign me solely to the one whomitted infidelity."


    "Do you genuinely believe I won''t take action against you?" Kristian regarded her with a truly cial stare.


    0.0%


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    Following the emergence of the trending topics, he had meticulously investigated Freya''s recent whereabouts and discovered her meeting with Farrah. This connector led him to condute, estoneously, that Farrah had guided Freya''s supposed amos.


    felge had poenously mentioned that Farrah was romantically mucbred with someone else and expecting a dild


    presumed that someone with such aplicated personal station wealt naturally dispenseable advice.


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    creading


    7539


    Chapter 57 Kristian''s Threat


    incident, Freya decided against borate exnations.


    She responded with direct simplicity, "I didn''t orchestrate this."


    "Do you genuinely expect me to believe that?"


    "Kristian, when will you finally engage your critical thinking abilities?" Freya''s frustration with this repet argument was palpable. "What possible motivation would I have to expend resources cing her on treter topics?"


    Kristian said, "You believe she''s disrupting-"


    "What exactly do you want from me?" Freya interrupted, cutting to the heart of the matter.


    She recognized the futility of rational discourse with him-it resembled attempting to reason with as immovable object. She had grown weary of wasting her breath on someone so determinedly obstinae. Waz absolute foolishness!


    "Post an apology online," Kristian demanded, interpreting her directness as an admission of guilt, his irritazion and anger intensifying. "Then present yourself to Ashley and continue apologizing until she grants you forgiveness."


    "Mr. Shaw, I believe requiring Ms. Briggs to issue a public apology would be counterproductive..." Gerard intervened, unable to witness this unfair treatment. Kristian''s cial stare shifted toward him.


    Gerard hastened to exin his position. "The online discussion is already diminishing in intensity. If ahe were to apologize now, she would inevitably be the target of public vitriol."


    "She has brought this situation upon herself," Kristian remarked with chilling detachment.


    "That perspective misses the critical issue," Gerard persisted, genuinely attempting to shield Freya from harm as he searched for apelling argument. "But-"


    "Gerard," Freya interjected, fully aware of what he intended tomunicate.


    She understood that if she became the focus of public scrutiny, inte users might delve into her background, potentially uncovering her marriage to Kristian and exposing theplicated dynamics between Kristian and Ashley.


    She preferred to keep Kristian ignorant of these potential consequences.


    Gerard paused.


    "Your employer has clearly reached an immutable decision. Further persuasion would be futile," Freya observed with remarkableposure, her gaze meeting Kristian''s with an inscrutable emotion. "Are you absolutely certain you wish me to issue a public apology?"


    "Without question," Kristian affirmed, brooking no disagreement.


    Freya acquiesced with unexpected simplicity, "Very well."


    Gerard found himself thoroughly perplexed by herpliance.


    Still determined to mitigate the situation''s impact, he attempted to dissuade her.


    "Ms. Briggs, shouldn''t you


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    Chapter 57 Kristian''s Threat


    reconsider-


    Why had she agreed so readily? This acquiescence seemed entirely incongruous with her established character.


    Provided you issue an online apology, this matter will be considered resolved," Kristian stated, notably omitting any further mention of a personal apology to Ashley. "When identifying yourself, specify that you''re Ashley''s rival. Make no reference to our marital status."


    Freya offered no verbal response. He expected an apology? Did he truly believe she shared his simplistic mindset?


    Kristian averted his gaze and addressed Gerard withplete emotional detachment, "Remain here and supervise herposition and publication of the apology."


    "Yes, sir."


    "After its publication, promote it to trending status."


    "Understood," Gerard acknowledged.


    As Kristian prepared to depart, he cast a final nce at Freya, delivering a parting threat. "I strongly advise against attempting any deception. Whatever actions you take, Farrah will bear the consequences on your behalf." With this ominous deration, he collected his car keys and exited the premises..


    Once seated in his vehicle, he dyed starting the engine. Despite his outward appearance of control, his inner state was far from serene. Reflecting on Freya''s attitude andportment throughout the evening, he found himself consumed by an overwhelming sense of irritation.

 Chapter 58

    Chapter 58 Do You Honestly Believe That...


    It was the first time in a while that Freya had demonstrated suchpliance.


    Despite achieving his desired oue, Kristian experienced an unsettling difort that settled deep within


    him.


    After Kristian''s departure, Gerard gathered his courage and addressed Freya directly, "Ms. Briggs, why did you agree to apologize? Aren''t you essentially bing the scapegoat?"


    "The scapegoat?" Freya echoed.


    "Don''t you think that''s what''s happening?"


    "It is," Freya admitted, having forgiven him for his earlier words. "But your boss remains convinced of my guilt." "Maybe you could exin the situation to him again." Gerard couldn''t bear witnessing Freya epting me unfairly. "If you rified things a few more times, surely he would believe you."


    Freya''s prating gaze settled on him. "Do you honestly believe that yourself?" Gerard doubted it. Recently, Kristian was actingpletely irrationally.


    "You can sleep in that room tonight," Freya mentioned casually, gesturing toward a door. "You''ll need to manage your own clothing needs."


    Gerard stared at her, perplexed. He failed toprehend her meaning. "Sleep?"


    "Didn''t Kristian instruct you to monitor me until I post an apology online?" Freya sp?ke with remarkableposure, disying no anger whatsoever. "I have no intention of posting it today."


    Gerard paused, processing her words.


    "The kitchen is located over there, and you''ll find milk and fruit in the refrigerator," Freya exined practically. "If hunger strikes, feel free to order takeout."


    "Ms. Briggs!" Gerard called after her retreating form.


    Freya turned slightly, acknowledging him.


    Gerard hesitated momentarily before finally speaking. "I''ll exin everything to Mr. Shaw myself-tell him you weren''t responsible. If he remains skeptical, I''ll investigate and present him with concrete evidence."


    "That won''t be necessary," Freya declined firmly.


    She had agreed to apologize, but not for this particr matter.


    0.0%


    ...


    < Chapter 58 Do You Honestly Believe That Yourself


    She had previously warned that she wouldn''t hesitate to expose Kristian and


    Ashley''s affair if he pursued her again because of Ashley.


    Gerard felt a sharp twinge of sympathy wash over him.


    Yet Freya ended their conversation there. After exchanging only a few words, she ascended the stairs.


    If Kristian and Ashley''s affair became public knowledge, Shaw Group wod undoubtedly suffer. Since Lionel had always shown her kindness, Freya felt obligated to inform him beforehand.


    Upon learning the situation, Lionel didn''t me her.


    He merely released a weary sigh.


    The situation had deteriorated significantly, and he no longer possessed the will to manage his wayward grandson''s actions.


    After concluding their call, Freya messaged her assistant. "Monitor Farrah Welch carefully. Should Shaw Group interfere with her job, help her."


    Her assistant responded promptly, "Understood."


    With that matter addressed, she contacted Frederick.


    Certain tasks suited his capabilities perfectly.


    "Hello, Freya!" Frederick''s voice resonated with genuine delight. He always treasured receiving her calls.


    "Are you upied at the moment?"


    "Not at all."


    "I need your assistance with something," Freya stated directly. "Compose an apology letter mimicking my tone. I''ll forward you the specific details."


    Frederick momentarily faltered. "An apology?


    To whom?"


    "Ashley Bradley."


    Frederick''s confusion deepened. Having noticed the trending topic online and connecting it with previous events and images, he quickly grasped the situation. "Why should you apologize to her? She was the one who intruded on your rtionship."


    "This isn''t a sincere apology," Freya rified. "It''s merely a vehicle to reveal the truth to gossip-hungry social media users. I''ll send you the particrs."


    "Alright."


    Learning that the apology wasn''t genuine brought Frederick considerable relief. Freya represented everything he admired. He found it intolerable seeing her wronged.


    After reviewing Freya''s detailed instructions, Frederick''s anger intensified. What kind of despicable person was Kristian Shaw? He insisted that Freya clean up his ex''s mess.


    24.4%


    Chapter 58 Do You Honestly Believe That Yourself


    Frederick seethed with indignation.


    His fury knew no bounds.


    Channeling his anger productively, he crafted a subtly sarcastic apology letter in Freya''s voice, infusing it with elements of his own emotional response.


    That evening, while Freya and Gerard were sharing dinner, Kristian called


    Gerard set down his fork to answer. "Hello, Mr. Shaw."


    "Why hasn''t the apology statement appeared online yet?" Kristian demanded, now seated in the second-floor study at his vi.


    "It''s still being drafted."


    "Doesposing a simple statement truly require an entire afternoon?"


    "The previous versions failed to meet quality standards, necessitating multiple rewrites from Ms. Briggs," Gerard fabricated convincingly, casting a nce toward Freya. "She''s understandably frustrated now."


    Kristian remained silent briefly before responding, "You''ve developed quite a confident attitude recently, haven''t you?"


    "Would you prefer I request assistance from the editorial team, Mr. Shaw?" Gerard proposed strategically, recognizing Kristian would reject this suggestion. "Crafting an effective apology presents significant challenges. Errors ur easily in such delicate matters."


    "I''ll extend the deadline by one day," Kristian dered, his forehead creasing with displeasure. "I expect to see results by tomorrow evening."


    Gerard promptly acknowledged, "Of course."


    Immediately following the call''s conclusion, Freya inquired, "You could have simply stated it wasn''t written. Dishonesty inevitably requires additional falsehoods for concealment."


    "Given his temperament, admitting nothing was written would certainly provoke


    his anger." Gerard adjusted his sses thoughtfully. "This approach benefits everyone involved and avoids unnecessaryplications."


    A notification sound interrupted them.


    Kristian had messaged him. "Forward me her previous drafts."


    Gerard''s expression momentarily froze before he swiftly replied, "Already deleted..."


    "Editing records always remain essible."


    "Sheposed it in a basic text document, leaving no traceable history."


    Kristian found himself speechless.


    He tossed his phone onto the desk with frustration, sensing something wasn''t right.


    Recalling Gerard''s unmistakable admiration upon witnessing Freya''s exceptional hacking abilities, Kristian grabbed his jacket and departed, driving directly to Freya''s apartment.


    51.0%


    ...


    **) Bere that asset


    By Aix armed the evening had advanced past nine o''clock


    cent revned constably on the sofa, enjoying a variety program. This represented


    his most rxed and Akce se bing titan''s assistant.


    Free down the stairs to retrieve water and paused momentarily to observe the show.


    Aron war at some Gerard shifted position, creating spa "Viewing is considerably


    more


    we offer, but I''m fine here" Frera responded, exining she was merely taking a brief respite wy. The Amiting myself to thirty minutes of viewing"


    Gwangwly retained from insistence


    The Mer matched the television program. Theedy show thoroughly entertained Gerard, and Freya,


    the array for a perist, at her tension gradually dissipate


    Callway at afternoon dedicated to reviewing coborative projects between Briggs Group and Shaw Group, deepand cunderable mental fatigue


    Aggunman) ten minutester, the electronic door lock suddenly activated with an audible click.


    at probe this moment, the variety show reached its most humorous segment,pletely absorbing both Frers and Gerard, rendering them oblivious to external sounds.


    As Kristian entered, he discovered Preya and Gerard watching television together. stantaneouch; intense anger consumed him.


    He stood motionless at the threshold, his suit jacket draped over one arm, radiating unmistakable coldness as his gaze settled upon them. "What the hell are


    you doing?"


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    Rumors said that Lucas married an unattractive woman with no background...


    WORLD''S Coveted Genius


    6.6M views

 Chapter 59

    Chapter 59 Not Thrilled To See Me, Are You


    & Chilling race cut through the silence abruptly.


    Gerard suffered an unsettling realization washing over him as he recognized his boss''smanding tone.


    The corners of his mouch badn''t even settled before his boss spoke up again, stealing the moment.


    Showing yoursel Kistan approached, his presence casting a shadow over the once light-hearted atmosphere


    Boch Gerard and Freya turned to face bim at the same moment.


    Gerard rose swiftly, his threat tightening as he stammered, "Mr-Mr. Shaw..."


    Why was his boss here now?


    Preya gare Cristan a feeding nce, then resumed watching, seemingly unaffected by his arrival.


    of he got in that easily be bad dearly figured out her password. She definitely needed to change it-soon.


    Have you prepared the apology statement?" Kristian''s voice harbored a controlled anger.


    Gerard''s eyes darted towards Freva. He was uncertain whether she had drafted it, especially since she had spent the entire afternoon secluded upstairs.


    Why the urgency Freya responded coldly. "It will be sent out eventually." Texpect it to be posted by tomorrow evening," Kristian dered, his brow furrowing at her casual demeanor. "it''s not, be prepared for the fallout."


    "You''re really disrupting my evening Freya snapped back, irritation clear in her voice. "Can''t I have a moment''s peace to watch TV?"


    With a sigh, Freya snatched up her ss of water and marched upstairs, her steps echoing.


    Both Gerard and Kristian stood there, dumbfounded by the abrupt outburst of Freya''s temper.


    Gerard,pressing his lips, hesitantly ventured, "Don''t worry. I''ll stayte and draft one myself. If she hasn''t prepared it by tomorrow, I''ll send her mine


    Kristian merely gazed at him, offering no reply.


    Under the weight of his piercing stare, Gerard nervously wiped his brow, puzzled. "Is there something on my


    face


    He remembered clearly washing up after their meal-his face had been free of anything


    "Why aren''t you heading out for dinner?" Kristian''s gaze hardened, his features tightening into a mask of cold displeasure.


    "I''ve had my dinner already," Gerard responded, recalling how he had been so captivated by the variety show that he had lost all sense of wariness. "Ms. Briggs had my meal ordered along with hers around six, and we shared it."


    Kristian''s eyes seemed to frost over at the mention.


    It had been a long time since he had dined with Freya, yet here was Gerard, seemingly relishing his evening, despite being ced here strictly for business.


    Realization dawned slowly on Gerard. "You haven''t eaten yet?"


    "Go to the office and scrub the toilets," Kristian instructed, ignoring the question. Gerard raised an eyebrow, his voice tinged with disbelief. "Seriously?"


    Kristian, leaning back with a sardonic lift of his eyebrow, retorted smoothly, "Do I seem like I''m in the mood for jokes?"


    "And what of Ms. Briggs?" Gerard inquired, his toneced with a hint of worry.


    "I''ll handle her personally," Kristian stated, his tone sharpening around the word "personally".


    Realization dawned on Gerard, a shadow passing over his features as he decoded the frostiness in his boss''s manner. "Understood, I''m off to the office then."


    He turned on his heel and exited with urgent strides, his departure brisk and without dy.


    As a frequent moocher of snacks and screen time, Gerard made it a point to haul out the garbage as he left-a tiny gesture of goodwill.


    With the door''s soft click, Kristian''s gaze swept over the room, contemtive and calcting.


    Had he not appeared tonight, would Freya have tolerated Gerard''s continued presence?


    Compelled by this question, he made his way upstairs silently and tapped on the door behind which Freya had vanished.


    Freya, expecting Gerard, swung the door open without hesitation.


    The notion that Kristian might linger had never crossed her mind.


    He was likely just here to monitor Gerard''s progress; after all, a personal check-in often proved more impactful than a simple call.


    However, upon seeing Kristian instead, Freya promptly tried to close the door, a clear dismissal.


    But Kristian was quick; he blocked the door.


    He observed the shift in his demeanor as she caught sight of him. A pang of jealousy over Gerard''s presence made his tone unusually harsh. "Not thrilled to see me, are you?"


    Freya''s response was terse. "Quite the opposite, actually."


    22.9%


    Chapter 59 Not Thrilled To See Me, Are You


    "You have a particr fondness for Gerard?" Kristian probed further, his voiceced with a hint of insecurity.


    Freya retorted with a frosty edge, "I tend to prefer thepany of those who possess a semnce ofmon sense."


    "Freya!" Kristian''s voice rose, a mix of frustration and disbelief echoing in the space between them.


    "Either speak your truth or leave," Freya countered sharply, her voice icy.


    "You''re this agitated over a mere apology?" Kristian challenged, his annoyance palpable as he revisited an old grievance. "When you masterminded that viral nder against Ashley, did you even pause to consider the fallout?"


    At his words, Freya''s resolve wavered, her wish for his absence so intense she could almost quantify it-a million just to see him vanish.


    His usation hung heavily in the air, rendering her silent. Kristian felt a pang of difort at her quietude; he would have preferred her fiery retorts or cutting remarks over her silent treatment.


    Interrupting the tense moment, Kristian''s phone buzzed to life.


    ncing at the disy and seeing the name "Liam", his brow furrowed in irritation. He excused himself to the balcony of the study, answering the call. "What''s up?"


    "Do I need a reason to call?" His younger brother Liam Shaw''s voice came through, light and teasing, a stark contrast to the heavy atmosphere Kristian left behind. "Hey there, my dear brother."


    "Keep wasting my time and y


    "Keep wasting my time and you''ll find yourself out on the street," Kristian warned, his voice icy with menace.


    Liam let out a low chuckle, his a fit."


    "What is it that you want?"


    emeanor still rxed. "Oh, if you were to throw me out, Grandpa would have


    "Kristian pressed, his impatience evident.


    Their interactions were infrequent at best, and Kristian was certain Liam hadn''t called without an ulterior


    motive.


    "Grandpa sent me to snoop into your romantic entanglements," Liam admitted with an easy air. "Word has it from Gerard that you ended things with your wife to chase after your ex."


    Kristian held his silence.


    Undeterred, Liam continued, "To be honest, I''m all for your decision to divorce. You''ve always been too guarded, and it wasn''t fair to her."


    Still, Kristian said nothing.


    Liam wasn''t finished. "I know a few charming folks who''d consider it their lucky day to meet your wife. I''ve checked them out; they carry no torch for any former mes and will be whollymitted in their rtionships. Above all, they will trust their partners implicitly."


    Liam''s tone was bold, unafraid of crossing lines.


    Kristian''s hand tightened around the phone, his breaths bing shallow and


    forceful.


    51.2%


    He knew Liam well enough to understand that his brother was serious. Liam was


    a man of action; he''d make good on his promises.


    "Our divorce decree hasn''te through yet." Kristian finally spoke, his voice calm but firm.


    "Nearly there, just about a week left of the waiting period," Liam said, his voice carrying a youthful and vibrant tone. "Hey, if you''ve moved on, maybe it''s time your wife found someone new too."


    Kristian''s eyes narrowed, a storm brewing in his gaze. "Are you trying to provoke me?"


    "I''m merely sharing some brotherly advice. Frankly, it seems like only your ex could truly endure your personality," Liam countered bravely. "Nowadays, women covet men who shower them with affection. Consider my friend: when his girlfriend was harassed, he rushed to her defense without a second thought. She was so moved back then."


    Memories of a sweeter time shed through Kristian''s mind.


    Freya had grown distant after he responded to Ashley''s call.


    Before that upheaval, she had been warm and nurturing, and he had reciprocated with deep care and attention. Their bond had once been the subject of widespread admiration.


    "Okay, that''s my cue to shut up," Liam said with a yful grin. "I''ve done my part


    in showing concern for your love life-so if Grandpa brings it up, I''m off the hook."


    "Is this what you call showing concern?" Kristian queried, his voiceced with skepticism.


    Liam burst into heartyughter. "What do you expect? Should I jet back and wrap you in a bear hug?" "Shut up!" Kristian shot back sharply, his retort slicing the air.


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 Chapter 60

    Chapter 60 I''ve Never Deceived You


    Itam hung up the phone, a satisfied smile ying across his face.


    seatedfortable in the private room with his legs crossed, he dialed another number with casual confidence I''ve spoken to him. He won''t force his wife to apologise."


    "Really?" skepticism tinged Lionel''s voice.


    De you doubt my ability to handle matters" Liant''s eyes gleamed with mischievous charm, his expresston devilishly captivating


    However, had he known the tactics Liam employed with Kristian, hisfort would have evaporated instantly Within the Shaw family, no one understood Kristian better than Liam. He possessed an uncanny ability in target Kristian''s vulnerabilities. Though he asionally faced stern reprimande from Kristian, he remained utterly unfused


    que eltuation proved no different. Fristian had already formted a strategy to address Liam upon his return home


    How dare Liam suggest arranging a match for Freya? He was deliberately provoking troublet


    Eristian set his phone aside, originally intending to supervise Freya writing her apology letter. Yet something inexplicable made him hesitate, as though this action might drive Freya further from him


    Then there was Liam''s suggestion about introducing Freya to someone else.


    From the study, Freys had been observing Kristian for quite some time. Though his call had ended minutes ago, he lingered mysteriously. What was he plotting?


    itle presence made concentrating on her project impossible


    "Kristian, if your call to finished, please leave. I have work requiring my attention" Preva never softened her words when requesting his departure


    At the sound of her valce, Eristian turned to her, feeling stung by her cold attitude.


    He approached with measured steps, his prating gase feed upon her "If you promise to cross targeting Ashley, you won''t need to apologise this time"


    He couldn''t exin his auditen lenteney the simply couldn''t bear the thought of these pure eyes filling with


    Freya stared in bewilderment, momentarily speechless he genuinely suspected Kristian might be experiencina


    Chapter 60 I''ve Never Deceived You


    Kristian assumed her agitation confirmed his suspicions. "If not for the divorce proceedings, I would never have discovered your multitude of secrets."


    "I instructed you to leave!" Freya''s tone crystallized with increasing coldness.


    "Freya," Kristian pronounced her name before asking the question that ignited her fury. "I genuinely need to understand-were your demonstrations of kindness, attentiveness, and affection throughout these past two years merely an borate performance?"


    "Perhaps you should direct that question inward," Freya retorted sharply, overwhelmed by the impulse to gather her belongings and depart immediately. "Everything about me is authentic. On our wedding day, I clearly articted that we could support each other. I''ve never deceived you."


    She addressed his inquiries with direct responses, choosing strategic silence for questions she couldn''t answer.


    "How can you possibly make such ims?" Kristian''s gaze intensified with frigidity, convinced she embodied deception. "Have you conveniently forgotten your assertion that you were Hugh Briggs''s daughter? How do you exin that? Was that not a deliberate falsehood?"


    Freya found herself momentarily speechless. She hadn''t fabricated anything. The true deceivers were her father and sister.


    Furthermore, it wasn''t precisely deception; during that period, Freya had genuinely been safeguarding her sister like her personal bodyguard.


    Anyone who dared victimize Ethel inevitably faced her formidable wrath.


    "You needn''t issue the apology statement," Kristian dered, wishing to terminate the conversation. His words carried unintended venom. "I prefer that people remain unaware I once had a deceptive, jealous wife."


    With that pronouncement, he departed.


    Though anger toward Freya consumed him, his grandfather cherished her deeply. Compelling such a resolute woman to apologize would devastate her dignity, likely breeding resentment toward him. For his grandfather''s sake, he would excuse her behavior this once. Just this singr time.


    Freya remained oblivious to his internal reasoning. As she observed his departure from the second-floor corridor, she followed him downstairs.


    After he closed the door behind him, she decisively changed the security password.


    Upon returning to her study, she discovered a message from Frederick.


    He wrote, "When are we releasing that apology letter? I''ve crafted it perfectly-it will definitely provoke public condemnation of both Kristian and Ashley." Daring to mistreat his beloved Freya essentially meant disregarding himpletely.


    Freya responded sinctly, "We''re not posting it."


    Bewilderment overwhelmed him. Why abandon their n? His initial assumption was that Kristian had intimidated Freya, but then he recalled that the apology statement originated with Kristian.


    What mysterious developments were unfolding?


    Consumed by confusion, he called her, plunging directly in-


    61.6%


    established. "Freya, why are we canceling the post? Weren''t we nning to


    expose Kristian and Ashley''s


    scandalous behavior?"


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 Chapter 61

    Chapter 61 Forcing Us Won''t Patch Up What''s...


    "We settled on new terms," Freya stated, her gaze unflinchingly anchored to theptop screen that disyed the intricate coboration project between Briggs Group and Shaw Group. "He conceded that an apology wasn'' necessary."


    Frederick''s eyebrows shot up in surprise. "But how does skipping the apology connect with our n to expose his affair?" he queried, his voice tinged with confusion.


    Sighing deeply, Freya replied, "I''m just too tired to keep up the fight, too drained to engage in further arguments."


    Originally, Kristian had insisted on an apology, and if she had gone public with everything, it would have appeared warranted. Even if he had instigated the conflict, she could have defended her actions as necessary. However, now that he had withdrawn his demand for an apology, if she still chose to expose his affair, she knew him well enough to predict his reaction. He wouldn''t easily let it slide.


    Her concern deepened at the thought of his potential anger, which might be the least of her problems. The real Crisky in the possibility of their divorce proceedings hitting an impasse, or worse, him seeking revenge.


    Considering Kristian''s formidable reputation in the business realm, she feared the repercussions of his retaliation could be severe.


    "So we''re just supposed to ept this quietly?" Frederick asked, his toneced with indignation on her behalf. "Just treat him like he doesn''t matter," Freya suggested, a serene calm settling over her features as she spoke. ¡°There''s no need to dwell on it."


    Frederick agreed, though his hesitation lingered, conceding to her reasoning.


    Before disconnecting, he added with a hint of concern, "By the way, Freya, your sister keeps pestering me about when you''lle back to Alerith. I told her to reach out to you herself, but she seems a bit hesitant." Freya''s voice was calm and resolute through the phone. "I''ll return after we finalize the divorce on the 31st." "Got it," he replied simply.


    With the conversation over, Freya redirected her attention to her work, her mind buzzing with strategies. Once the divorce was settled, she was poised to take on significant projects under Briggs Group, especially those intertwining with Shaw Group''s interests.


    Her determination was clear: she would carve out a substantial profit.


    The days unfolded quietly, a tranquil prelude to the storm that was brewing.


    00%


    < Chapter 61 Forcing Us Won''t Patch Up What''s Already Torn Apart


    On a crisp Friday evening, Lionel called Kristian and Freya back home.


    Without hesitation, Freya epted the summons, respecting Lionel''s authority and perhaps curious about the purpose behind it.


    Upon their arrival at the grand Shaw family estate, the butler weed Kristian and Freya with a nod and


    guided them through the opulent halls.


    This visit felt different, the usually bustling atmosphere was subdued, with


    Leonidas and Melinda notably absent. Only Lionel was present, along with Liam,


    who had just returned from his travels.


    *Good evening, Grandpa," Kristian called out as he made his way in.


    Freya mirrored his gesture with a nod of her own.


    "You''re here," Lionel remarked, his voice tinged with a somber note that was unusual for him. The looming shadow of their impending divorce seemed to sap his usual vibrancy. "Please, sit with me, Freya."


    ¡°Sure,¡± Freya replied, taking a seat beside him, intentionally avoiding the spot next to Kristian.


    Across from them, Liam, dressed in casual attire, sported a roguishly handsome expression. A yful smile yed on his lips, seemingly unaffected by the tense atmosphere.


    "It''s been a while, Freya," he said with a charismatic grin.


    Freya returned the greeting with a brief nod.


    Though her interactions with Liam had been sparse, meeting only a handful of times through the years, his presence was memorable. Much like Kristian, Liam possessed a distinctly striking allure.


    The dinner that evening progressed with an air of restraint, the usual chatter dampened by unspoken tensions. Liam made a few light-hearted attempts to lift the spirits at the table, but Lionel''s usual warmth and smiles were conspicuously absent.


    As the meal came to a close, Lionel set his fork down with a definitive clink and turned to Freya, his eyes aplex tapestry of emotions, his voice raspy with strain. "Freya... are you truly set on divorcing Kristian?"


    "Yes..." Freya spoke, but the rest of her words lingered unspoken.


    "I can''t bear the thought of losing you," Lionel admitted, his voice thick with emotion. "You''ll be dearly missed." "You can still visit, or call me, anytime you need," Freya offered, her tone soothing.


    Lionel leaned forward, his desperation clear. "But can you reconsider the divorce with Kristian?" His voice grew heavier,den with a sorrow that seemed to age him in the moment. "If you stay, I promise Kristian will treat you right, and I''ll make sure Ashley is out of the picture."


    "Grandpa!" Kristian cut in, his displeasure evident.


    "Shut up!" Lionel shot back sharply, his patience frayed.


    In his view, Kristian was a worthless fool, who couldn''t even protect his own marriage.


    "Lionel, forcing us won''t patch up what''s already torn apart," Freya replied, her resolve firm. "I don''t love him anymore. A divorce is the healthiest choice for both of us."


    26.4%


    Chester 61 Forny Us Went the Where way for en


    "She''s right," Liam chimed in, his eyes briefly meeting Kristie''s where "Guys, the day thank has her dowen''t belong will only wound her BANDAY"


    Lionel''s expression hardened as he red at team, irritation firing in kis eyes.


    Meanwhile, Kristian''s gaze turned ky, a heavy, unspoken pressure emanating from kim ke stared at Liars, clearly displeseed by the interference


    "Why don''t you join me for a while, Freya?" Liam insisted, offering her a knowing back that starty prosent an escape "I have some friends I think you should meet, twen after the Givorce, i''s ingate you Tax building your career."


    "Sure," Freys agreed, her voice carrying a note of relief, eager to step y from the tension.


    Kristian''s jaw clenched at her response. She agreed? His mind raced with suspicion. We the men  d the kind of people liam was eagerly setting her up with?


    "Grandpa, I''m going to take Freya out for a while," tiam dered, giving Lionel a conspiratorial wine "for e Kristian can have some time to yourselves."


    Lionel nodded, his expression solemn. "Alright."


    Kristian''s throat tightened, words eluding him as he struggled to respond


    His brow furrowed subtly, a shadow of concern crossing his features.


    something about this evening was unsettling Considering Lionel''s protective nature, it was peculiar for him to simply stand by and watch Liam whisk Freya away, particrly at such a crucial moment then importing (divorce looming like a storm cloud.


    "Feel bothered?" Lionel''s voice cut through the tension, unexpectedly gentle. Kristian blinked, confusion flickering in his eyes, "What?"


    Do you feel bothered watching Freya being swept away by someone else?" Lionel''s tone was earnest, probing deeper into Kristian''s shielded heart. "Next Wednesday, the divorce decree wille through, and Freys will be free from you. Then, it''ll be someone else offering herfort and support. You''ll be reduced to just a passing shadow in her life."


    Lionel fixed his gaze on Kristian, his voice soft yet insistent. "If you feel nothing hearing this, then perhaps proceeding with the divorce is the right decision. But if there''s even a flicker of regret, then maybe you should ove it another thought." Kristian bit back a surge of emotion, his voice steady yet distant. "That won''t be necessary."


    Since he had resolved to part ways, he needed to follow through with his decision to divorce, even if it felt ufortable or if lingering possessiveness made it difficult it didn''t mean anything beyond a habitual attachment from years of being together.


    Moreover, he had made amitment to Ashley about their future together, and he was determined not to let


    her down


    "Kristian Shaw!" Lionel bellowed, his voice sharp with irritation at Kristian''s unyielding attitude.


    "I have no doubts about how i feel about Freya," Kristian replied, his tone unwavering and serious. "The


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    Chapter 61 Forcing Us Won''t Patch Up What''s Already Torn Apart


    decision to divorce was made after thorough deliberation. I''m an adult, Grandpa,


    and I''m well aware of my


    actions."


    "Do whatever you think is best,¡± Lionel snapped back, his patience wearing thin. "Just don''t expect me to pick up the pieces when things fall apart.¡±


    Kristian remained silent, absorbing the gravity of Lionel''s words.


    Lionel''s re intensified. "If you dare go through with marrying Ashley, consider yourself disowned from the Shaw family."


    "Grandpa, please try to see the good in her. She''s a decent woman," Kristian implored, his voice deep and


    earnest.


    "A decent woman?" Lionel scoffed, his disbelief clear. "A decent woman wouldn''t


    interfere in another''s marriage. Would she have drawn you in, knowing you were still married? Would she have pushed you to divorce Freya just to be with her? Open your eyes, Kristian-can''t you see what''s really happening?"


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 Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 62

    Chapter 62 No One Waits Indefinitely


    Kristian shifted ufortably at his grandpa''s words and simply replied, "I initiated the divorce proposal; Ashley has nothing to do with this."


    "I just don''t understand why you must be with her," Lionel retorted, his voiceced with anger and anxiety. "What makes her so extraordinary? Didn''t your rtionship with her end previously?"


    "The breakup stemmed from my misunderstanding," Kristian rified. "I assumed she departed because I failed to support her adequately, but Iter discovered she was battling a life-threatening illness and wished to spare me the anguish, deliberately severing our connection."


    Lionel stared back in utter bewilderment.


    "Six months ago, she reached out to reveal the truth-her illness had been cured." Kristian struggled to articte the emotions churning within him,


    In truth, he questioned whether genuine love for Ashley resided in his heart.


    Upon learning of her circumstances, he merely desired to provide her with security-a sanctuary where worries would dissipate. Beyond this simple wish, his thoughts hadn''t wandered further.


    "Grandpa, she sacrificed our rtionship for my well-being back then, and I cannot fail her now," Kristian insisted


    "And what of Freya?" Lionel burst out, frustration evident. "Have you considered her feelings at all? From the moment you chose matrimony with her,mitment to your marriage should have been paramount."


    Kristian fell silent, contemting the usation.


    We acknowledged that his time with Freya had brought joy, yet he couldn''t sustain their union.


    "Regarding Astley-just because she imed to have faced a life-threatening illness, does that guarantee its really wond challenged bluntly. "If such grave conditions were so easily conquered, your grandma wouldn''t have Geparted this world so swtry


    Kraban yad, the words striking deep


    Lisas pressed on, "Throughout this entire situation, Freys remains the only one truly wronged! Even if Ashley''s


    THERM STOWS wounds, the made her choice to one waits indefinitely."


    TIAMA YAID Charts any touched Kristian''s heart, leaving him awash in conflicting emotions. "You bedrag en haag wow, but when regret inevitably finds you and you yearn for Freya''s return, del have vaskad, what dered with certainty. "She won''t linger for someone who failed to treasure her


    You cannot speak or ten-w could you posoby now" Kristian shot back instinctivel


    Do you beleve that because your dad managed to reim your mom''s heart after wounding her, you might aplish the same with Freya" Lionel delivered the devastating truth if that''s your assumption, I must


    item you Free''t like your wete de mont wee you back"


    The words caused Cristian''s deart to faber momentarily suddenly, an unfamiliar sensation surged within him - if something precious was shaping through his fingers Ake sand.


    I''ve shared all I needed to say. If reiming Freya''s affection matters to you, abandon this divorce," Lionel actised concern evident in his tone. Should she insist, use my approaching birthday celebration as justification for dy"


    That won''t be necessary ristian refused firm


    Lionel abandoned further persuasion attempts


    Kristian reflected on how Liam had whisked Freya away some time ago. Rising to his feet, he announced, "I''m departing now. I''ll visit again when time permits


    Just go!" Lionel snapped, abandoning any pretense of politeness.


    Kristien marched purposefully from the family estate. Declining driver assistance, he took a vehicle himself and drove away


    As he navigated away from the family estate, Lionel''s words echoing in his mind, he ced a call to Gerard. Gerard had been preparing for sleep when his boss''s call illuminated his phone. Drawing a deep breath, he forced a smile into his voice and said, "What can I do for you, sir?"


    "Investigate what critical illness Ashley suffered from," Kristian instructed, his lips barely moving as he spoke.


    Gerard momentarily questioned his hearing. "Miss Bradley''s illness?"


    "Yes," Kristian confirmed curtly, steering around a corner.


    "Perhaps Ms. Briggs would be better suited for this investigation?" Gerard suggested hopefully, attempting to evade the assignment. "She possesses superior research capabilitiespared to our team."


    Kristian had examined all the evidence from the car meticulously, confirming its veracity.


    Gerard vividly recalled Kristian''splicated expression-like someone who had wrongfully used another yet couldn''t summon the humility to apologize.


    "You handle this investigation," Kristianmanded, leaving no room for negotiation.


    Freya could undoubtedly uncover the truth in minimal time. Yet Kristian understood his own psychological tendencies; if the results aligned with Lionel''s suspicions, his instinctive reaction would be to use Freya of defaming Ashley. Delegating the task to Gerard seemed the more prudent approach.


    "As you wish," Gerard acquiesced reluctantly.


    However, had Freya been privy to Kristian''s reasoning, she would have certainly responded, "You''re


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    Chapter 62 No One Waits Indefinitely


    overthinking everything. I wouldn''t waste my time investigating for you at all."


    At that precise moment, she sat quietly in Liam''s vehicle. After traveling in silence


    for some distance, she finally spoke up. "You can let me out here. I''ll hail a taxi home."


    "Why the rush?" Liam inquired, navigating the road with a radiant, disarming smile. "I haven''t even introduced you to my circle of friends yet."


    Freya''s expression transformed into confusion.


    She cast a sideways nce at him. "Wasn''t this merely your convenient excuse to depart from the earlier situation?"


    "Not necessarily," Liam replied cheerfully, his personality exuding natural charm. "The 1.4 billion Kristian allocated to you in the divorce settlement-wouldn''t you like to see that sum multiply?"


    ¡°You''re not attempting to defraud me, are you?¡± Freya questioned directly.


    Her interactions with Liam had been limited, though consistently pleasant.


    Yet pleasantness in conversation was entirely separate fromprehensive knowledge of someone''s character. While not genuinely concerned about being swindled, she feltpelled to voice the question.


    "Do you believe I share Kristian''s tendencies?" Liam countered. "I wouldn''t deceive you. Forget my parents-my grandpa himself would subject me to considerable grief if he discovered I had misled you."


    Freya remained silent, contemting his words.


    The vehicle continued forward briefly before she spoke again. "I won''t apany


    you today. I have pressing matters awaiting my attention at home."


    "Don''t you harbor any desire to provoke Kristian?" Liam probed.


    Freya responded with genuine curiosity, "Provoke him in what manner?"


    ¡°He unts his rekindled ex-girlfriend to distress you; logically, you should cultivate admirers to unsettle him. That represents equitable retaliation,¡± Liam stated with matter-of-fact directness.


    "Childish," Freya dismissed tly.


    Undoubtedly, his fraternal connection to Kristian manifested in his enthusiastic desire to antagonize his brother.


    Liam declined to release Freya midway; instead, he transported her directly to the racetrack.


    Upon witnessing his arrival with apanion, a gathering of attractive individuals began yful teasing.


    "Liam, how extraordinary to see you apanied by a woman."


    "I distinctly recall someone professing disinterest in femalepanionship?"


    "Liam, aren''t you going to provide an introduction?"


    "This is my sister-inw, Freya Briggs," Liam announced openly, bantering with the group. "I understand you three have recently developed some promising ventures. Might you share them with us?"


    The trio exchanged puzzled nces.


    62.7%


    Chapter 62 No One Waits Indefinitely


    "You''ve never expressed interest in financial gain before-why this sudden desire for investment opportunities?"


    "To provide my sister-inw with practical experience," Liam exined smoothly,


    his lips curving into a subtle amile. "As you may know, Kristian is divorcing her. My grandpa harbors concerns about her financial stability post-divorce, so he''s tasked me with helping her invest in lucrative enterprises."


    100.0%

 Chapter 63

    Chapter 63 Kristian Was On The Brink Of Rage-


    The group gazed at Liam, their eyes wide with disbelief.


    Amidst them stood a dashing young man d in sleek racing gear, who broke the silence. "Kristian''s pretty rich, isn''t he? Didn''t he leave her anything after the divorce?" he inquired incredulously.


    "No," Liam interjected swiftly, his voice dripping with feigned concern as he sought to smear Kristian''s reputation. "You all know how stingy he is. Just recall the times you''ve had dealings with him."


    A murmur of agreement rippled through the group. "He''s notoriously stingy."


    "Poor girl, life''s really been unfair to her."


    For a fleeting moment, everyone''s gaze turned toward Freya,den with aplex blend of pity and curiosity. While others managed to secure a fortune from divorcing a wealthy spouse, they believed she appeared to walk away with nothing.


    Freya maintained a dignified silence amidst the murmurs.


    Breaking through the awkwardness, the young man stepped forward, determination etching his features. ¡°Look, for Liam''s sake, I''m willing to bring you into a couple of my projects," he dered confidently. "Just move your investment over to me, and sit back for the yearly dividends."


    "No need for that," Freya responded calmly, her refusal leaving a palpable surprise in the air.


    The young man''s face registered shock, but before he could press further, Liam chimed in nonchntly, "She''s not looking to capitalize on her past with Kristian.¡±


    "This project is entirely separate from him; it stands on its own," the young man quickly rified, hoping to reassure her. "You can rest easy knowing that."


    Freya remained silent, her gaze fixed intently on Liam, her eyes shimmering with unspoken questions.


    "Just wait a little longer," Liam whispered soothingly, a secretive smile ying at the corners of his mouth. He had returned specifically to witness the unfolding drama. "After we''re done here, I''ll bring you back." Freya''s instincts screamed that this was a trap.


    Despite her desire to leave, she found herself tethered to the moment,pelled to engage in the conversation. Isted in this remote spot, the option of hailing a cab was a distant dream.


    Time trickled by slowly, and about twenty minutester, the tranquility was shattered by the arrival of a car. Its headlights pierced the darkness, zing so intensely that the assembled group had to shield their eyes


    0.0%


    Out of the vehicle stepped a man who seemed tomand the night itself. With long strides, he approached, his presence almost tangible. The long coat he wore billowed around his legs, adding to his formidable aura.


    "Liam, Kristian is here," someone announced, a note of tension in their voice.


    "Why does it seem like he''s not in the best mood?"


    "He looks absolutely livid."


    Liam smirked, an air of satisfaction evident as he crossed his legs casually.


    He had orchestrated this meeting with meticulous care, maintaining a rxed demeanor as he instructed, "Make sure topliment my sister-inw when hees over. He likes hearing that."


    "Aren''t they getting divorced?" one of them queried, confusioncing his tone.


    Liam''s voice carried a sharp edge as he challenged. "Would you really want people to whisper that you married a worthless woman, only to divorce herter?"


    The gathered group fell into a sudden, contemtive silence.


    It dawned on them then-not only they were vested in maintaining a pristine reputation, but Kristian seemed equally concerned.


    Driven to get on Kristian''s good side, they unanimously decided to shower Freya with praise.


    As Kristian strode toward them, his eyes caught sight of Freya engrossed in a phone conversation, her figure poised and graceful. Nearby, Liam was deep in conversation with a gathering of young men.


    Surveying the scene, Kristian dismissively concluded that Freya wouldn''t spare these fellows a second nce. The group greeted Kristian enthusiastically.


    "You got here faster than I expected," Liam noted, his tone casual yet probing. Kristian''s icy gaze swept across the faces before him, his expression unreadable and frosty. His eyes finally rested on Freya, who was still tangled in her phone call.


    The group, perceptive of his sharp gaze, exchanged knowing looks before they beganvishing Freya withpliments.


    "Mr. Shaw, your wife is absolutely stunning. Why haven''t we seen her at these gatherings before?"


    "That''s right."


    "Liam mentioned his sister-inw was gorgeous, but we thought he was just exaggerating."


    "Mr. Shaw, are you seriously going through with divorcing her?"


    One after another, they voiced their thoughts with conviction.


    Kristian''s gaze darkened, his eyes narrowing slightly as he interpreted the curious nces around him. They seemed to be waiting eagerly for him to announce a divorce, as if Freya was a prize to be imed the moment he was out of the picture.


    "Looks like you''ve got too much free time," Kristian stated, his voiceced with a cold edge. "Why not focus on


    25.7%


    Your projets etest of


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    As he thought set them crding wound Sex e mitures and he was gone, a waste of displeasure singed through ham. With your notice achevements in you really think you desere to six and have fun at this gathering be sorted he discrepabe


    The group shifted ufortabt


    the eves dating i am, who seemed untured by the growing tension. here Why did seem Be Kstion was on the brink off ag


    and be there in mammed, his we smooth and unhurried, cuting through the that move Valge the demise then des inalized Discussing it now


    agreement misunderstaring Can''s reled returnce to think he meant the project


    handsome textures barteret, his eyes tuming as he struggled to contain his rising seemed to pass trough the gou as the sense the sum bewing within him..


    Dan, catching the sunde suit in banks smak smer Fantly


    served the scene with amusement, then et weer what us inster be gone call Deals


    go back, he called out casually.


    Shea mcted by and cost a bote mifere gance at stian. Ber eyes swept over him


    with a Cee before she longest sweat


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    Breaking the tense alene kan slet in n thistan is wore low and inged with challenge ¡°Kristian, dorat''t your confidence wave when you nest Few the them Kranian met his gre, ins expression mesme Why want ns confidence water?? Treya is entirely meless Can ventured, he was super firm and you? Divancing her to reunite with your old fame?''s radar, ''s noting hurt af rematane


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    With a pat on thoulder Sam could be out and Tonesty, out a pece of shr


    Chapter 63 Kristian Was On The Brink Of Rage


    "Are you asking for trouble?" Kristian retorted, his voice icy andposed.


    "Perhaps I am," Liam replied with a sardonic chuckle. "But let''s be clear-you''re the real trouble here."


    "Liam!" Kristian''s call was sharp, a cold edge to his tone.


    Half a year had passed, and Liam had honed his wit to a fine point!


    "Why so serious over a little banter?" Liam grinned, taking a step back. "I''ll take Freya home. And don''t forget -Grandpa expects that package delivered to thepany," he added louder, ensuring the others overheard to ward off any suspicion.


    With Kristian present, if Freya didn''t leave with him, the gossip would be inevitable.


    Craftily using their grandfather as a shield, Liam knew no one would question his motives; after all, it was well-known he had little interest in wealth or business.


    "Grandpa specifically asked you to deliver it," Kristian said, his eyes flickering between Freya and Liam.


    Liam shot him a curious look.


    Was that jealousy in Kristian''s eyes?


    "You both should deliver what Grandpa wants, together," Freya suggested smoothly, herposure unshaken. "Just

 Chapter 64

    Chapter 64 Ashley''s Deliberate Maniption


    Freya mmed up.


    Kristian''s theatrical disy rivaled her sister''s own dramatic ir.


    Without lingering a moment longer, she strode purposefully toward Liam''s car and slipped into the passenger


    seat


    As the vehicle pulled away, Kristian''s fingers constricted around his car keys, his knuckles nching with


    tension


    Everyone expected him to depart, but instead, his gaze swept over them with such intensity that they scarcely dared breathe.


    "Mr. Shaw, is there anything else you require?" someone ventured.


    "Do you harbor feelings for Freya?" Kristian inquired abruptly, his voice cutting through the air like winter frost. Confusion rippled across their faces.


    Before anyone could formte a response, Kristian added, "You''d better abandon such notions. She gravitates exclusively toward the good-looking ones."


    Having delivered his admonition, Kristian departed without sparing a thought for their reactions.


    Only after his taillights vanished into the distance did they recover theirposure.


    "Did he just imply we look ugly?"


    "Damn! I''ve consistently captivated women with my innate charm."


    "Perhaps they''re enamored with your financial assets rather than your facial features?"


    "Or possibly your honeyed words."


    "Kristian Shaw addressed all of us collectively, not me specifically."


    A contemtive hush descended upon the group.


    Meanwhile, Kristian seethed internally,


    The memory of Freya refusing to share transportation with him before an audience made him want to retrieve her forcibly and demand an exnation for her behavior.


    Yet he restrained himself. He recognized that by the time he arrived, Liam would have departed, and Freya would deny him entry.


    0.0%


    Chapter 64 Ashley''s Deliberate Maniption


    After their previous encounter, she had likely altered her security codes.


    In this particr aspect, he understood Freyapletely.


    Freya had indeed resolved never to grant Kristian ess again. As buildings blurred past her window, she turned to Liam. "Do you and Kristian maintain an amicable rtionship? I doubt it."


    "Indeed we do," Liam rified. "Were that not the case, considering my words and actions, he would have confronted me decisively long ago."


    Freya expressed mild astonishment. She had misjudged the dynamic between the brothers.


    Liam consistently challenged Kristian, while Kristian appeared perpetually on the verge of reprimanding him. Theirbative interactions scarcely suggested harmony.


    "Our brotherlymunication differs from conventional siblings. I derive pleasure from provoking him and observing the ensuing drama. Though he invariably responds with irritation, his threats remain empty-merely verbal posturing," Liam exined enthusiastically.


    "That''s unexpected," Freya remarked with genuine surprise.


    "He tolerates my behavior because of a childhood incident," Liam recounted with a wistful smile. "As a child, Kristian maintained a reserved demeanor, rarely speaking. If someone directed ten sentences toward him, he might respond with just one. This reticence made him unpopr among some kids, who eventually ganged up on him. That particr day, while searching for Kristian, I discovered him surrounded by a group of kids and instinctively took a blow for him. Consequently, I lost consciousness, which terrified him. Since that moment, he''s demonstrated exceptional protectiveness toward me."


    "Mmm," Freya murmured thoughtfully. The revtion defied her expectations.


    Liam nced sideways at her, his lips curving upward. "Freya."


    She turned toward him. "Yes?"


    "Have your feelings for Kristian truly dissipated?" Liam inquired. "They have," she affirmed.


    "Excellent-maintain that stance," Liam advised, his words catching Freya off guard as usual. "Throughout his life, he''s encountered minimal resistance and few genuine obstacles. Your challenging presence introduces a valuable lesson." Freya remained silent, lowering the window to wee the rush of evening air.


    As they continued their journey, approximately two or three kilometers from her residence, she glimpsed a solitary figure dressed in a white sweater waiting at an intersection ahead.


    Peering through the windshield, she recognized Ashley''s unmistakable silhouette.


    At that precise moment, Ashley spotted Freya in the passenger seat.


    Before Freya could contemte Ashley''s unexpected presence, the womanunched herself toward the vehicle with rming intensity.


    Liam mmed the brakes immediately, his customary rxed expression


    23.4%


    Dun


    The proximity proved too close-despite the screeching brakes, the vehicle still collided with Ashley''s body.


    A sickening thud resonated through the air as Ashley crumpled to the pavement. The car halted abruptly.


    Freya and Liam exited simultaneously, anxiety etched across their features.


    "Have you lost your mind?" Freya eximed, noting with relief that Ashley remained conscious as she hastened to assess her condition.


    Within moments, crimson liquid pooled beneath Ashley''s legs.


    Observing the blood staining Ashley''s lower body, Freya realized with horror that the impact had triggered a miscarriage.


    With trembling fingers, she extracted her phone and dialed emergency services, her heart weighted with unprecedented concern.


    "I promised... I would make Kristian...pletely reject you," Ashley articted betweenbored breaths, herplexion ashen. "After this incident... he will undoubtedly despise you."


    Liam stood motionless, processing her words.


    "He belongs exclusively with me... I won''t permit anyone... to alter that reality." Following this feeble deration, Ashley lost consciousness.


    Liam finally registered Ashley''s identity,prehension dawning. "Is this Ashley Bradley? Kristian''s old me?" "Yes," Freya confirmed.


    She struggled to articte her emotional response. Being falsely implicated infuriated her, yet she could only regard Ashley''s actions as foolish-sacrificing her well-being and her unborn child''s life for a man''s attention.


    Such behavior defied Freya''s understanding.


    Mercifully, medical assistance arrived promptly.


    Despite recognizing Ashley''s deliberate maniption, both Liam and Freya apanied her to the hospital.


    While surgery proceeded, they upied the corridor, contemting the recent events. Liam inquired, "What significance did her statement hold?"


    "Precisely what it appeared to convey,¡± Freya responded matter-of-factly.


    She anticipated Kristian''s inevitable me. Upon his arrival, Ashley would undoubtedly use her of causing the miscarriage, perhaps even alleging attempted murder.


    The prospect of managing this situation exacerbated her mental fatigue.


    These recurring conflicts exhausted her, particrly when their divorce remained


    pending. Exining herself seemed increasingly pointless.


    Liam detected her shifting demeanor. "What troubles you?"


    "Nothing significant." Freya rested her head against the wall and, seeking to


    minimizeplication


    61.8%


    him, "When Kristian encounters Ashley, regardless of her allegations, refrain from intervention or exnation.


    Leave the situation entirely to me."


    Understanding Kristian''s temperament, she knew with certainty that if Liam defended her, Kristian would conclude she had manipted his brother as well.


    Exclusive Offer For You

 Chapter 65

    Chapter 65 Hypocrisy


    Exining one thing already strained Freya''s patience; the thought of addressing


    a second issue made her shoulders tense.


    This month seemed cursed; misfortune followed her at every turn.


    Liam tilted his head, his expression sharpening with concern. "What''s going on?"


    ¡°Just trust me,¡± Freya responded, her voice deliberately steady.


    Though confusion flickered across Liam''s face, he respected her enough not to press further. The truth would reveal itself eventually.


    The surgery concluded an hourter.


    Medical staff transferred Ashley to a recovery room where the doctor delivered his assessment. ¡°The patient experienced a miscarriage and has multiple surface abrasions, but no critical injuries beyond that."


    "A miscarriage?" Liam echoed, his eyes widening.


    He reflexively turned toward Freya, whoseposure remained intact, and for the first time, unease crept through his veins. Could Kristian have fathered the child?


    Freya merely expressed gratitude to the doctor before walking purposefully toward Ashley''s room.


    Liam hastened after her. As they traversed the sterile hallway, the question burst from his lips. "Is the child Kristian''s?"


    "I''m not certain," Freya admitted truthfully.


    Despite Kristian''s insistence that intimacy with Ashley never urred, only the two of them knew the reality. Words failed Liam. If Kristian had indeed fathered the child, the situation would grow exponentially moreplicated.


    "I need to make a call," Liam dered, feelingpelled to summon Kristian for


    direct questioning. "Continue without me; I''ll join you momentarily."


    Freya recognized his intention to contact Kristian and made no attempt to dissuade him.


    The umted weight of recent events had depleted her emotional reserves beyond caring.


    She arrived at Ashley''s room five minutester. Ashley had regained


    consciousness, and a nurse had just


    connected her intravenous line.


    "Where''s Kristian?" Ashley demanded immediately.


    Freya stood motionless, struck speechless.


    0.0%


    The audacity still remained intact, despite everything.


    "The driver who struck me was your secret lover behind Kristian''s back, wasn''t he?" Ashley''s voice dropped to a near whisper, her gaze boring into Freya. "Imagine Kristian reaction when I tell him your jealous lover targeted me deliberately."


    Freya''s brow furrowed involuntarily. Had Ashley failed to recognize Liam?


    "I harbor no desire to falsely use you, but peace will elude me until your rtionship with Kristian dissolvespletely," Ashley stated bluntly. "I must secure him; he belongs exclusively with me."


    "The vehicle contained a dashboard camera," Freya replied, her tone matter-of- fact.


    Ashley released a hollowugh. "Do you honestly believe Kristian will trust your recorded footage over my testimony?"


    She was certain that her injuries and miscarriage would undoubtedly awaken Kristian''s protective instincts. That single encounter before returning home had unexpectedly resulted in pregnancy...


    Keeping the child remained impossible. Even if Kristian attributed it to that regrettable hotel incident and epted it now, she couldn''t risk it. Kristian''s present eptance offered no guarantee against future


    resentment.


    The optimal strategy to get rid of the baby involved using Freya to achieve her objective, simultaneously resolving two problems.


    Freya disyed no emotional response, her emotional batteries too drained even for anger.


    She knew Kristian would believe Ashley. He had dismissed previous evidence as fabricated, so he would undoubtedly consider the dashboard footage manipted as well.


    "Didn''t you fear the vehicle might not stop, potentially killing or permanently disabling you?" Freya inquired dispassionately.


    "Death would ensure Kristian remembers me eternally. Disability would guarantee his heightened devotion," Ashley dered feverishly. "Either oue justifies the risk."


    Her circumstances had deteriorated to the point where losing Kristian meant condemning herself to torment. That horrible man would never release her; he would inflict continuous suffering, rendering existence unbearable.


    Kristian represented her final salvation. She would cling to him regardless of the cost!


    "Then hold fast to him," Freya advised coldly. "Prevent anyone from taking him away."


    "You cannot take him away from me!" Ashley countered instantly.


    Freya regarded her with unmistakable pity.


    Such desperate existence truly embodied misery.


    She revealed a new insight, her tone maintaining its calm while emotion tinged


    her final words. "Who suggested I wanted him?¡±


    24.6%


    "What are you implying?" Ashley narrowed her eyes suspiciously.


    "Your car ident, your hotel incident," Freya began methodically, as she had anticipated this conversation. "If someone isn''t specifically targeting you, how do you exin these urrences?"


    The incident when she was attacked also troubled her thoughts. She had instructed Frederick to investigate, but the findings diverged significantly from her expectations.


    Whoever orchestrated these events remained expertly concealed. Since identifying the culprit proved impossible, perhaps sharing her suspicions with Ashley might prompt Kristian tounch his own investigation.


    A single ident befalling Ashley could reasonably be attributed to Kristian''s enemies seeking retribution. However, the pattern revealed something more calcted-Ashley experiencing an ident that implicated Freya, followed by Freya''s ident involving Ashley. This sequence pointed unmistakably toward someone harboring deep admiration for Kristian.


    "Have you identified the perpetrator?" Ashley''s brow creased with concern.


    "I haven''t," Freya acknowledged, hoping Kristian''s resources might yield better results, her voice betraying subtle emotion. "Perhaps Kristian could assist you with the investigation."


    The irony struck her forcefully.


    She found herself actually directing Ashley to seek Kristian''s help. Ashley paused momentarily, studying Freya''s expression with careful scrutiny. She epted the truthfulness of Freya''s assessment.


    From their initial hospital encounter, she had recognized that Freya bore no responsibility for the car incident. Despite her dislike for Freya, their subsequent interactions had convinced her that Freya valued honesty too highly to resort to deception.


    Under different circumstances, Ashley would have preferred avoiding causing Freya harm. Desperation, however, had eliminated all other options.


    "Freya, I apologize for today''s actions," Ashley suddenly offered. "But please understand, I must still ce me on you."


    "I never fully grasped the meaning of hypocrisy until this moment," Freya remarked lightly, delivering a scathing critique without resorting to vulgarity. "You embody the definition perfectly."


    Ashley''splexion flushed crimson with indignation.


    "Repeat that!"


    "This term seems specifically created to describe you," Freya articted deliberately. "Never have I encountered someone who so thoroughly exemplifies hypocrisy, opportunism, and self-righteousness."


    ''Freya!" Ashley exploded with fury.


    Freya disregarded her outburst, anticipating Liam''s arrival.


    Anyone experiencing a simr incident would have immediately contacted


    authorities and preserved evidence o prevent fraudulent ims from seeding.


    16.1%


    Chapter 65 Hypocrisy


    Liam entered approximately ten minutester.


    He offered no introduction, instead delivering several admonishments to Ashley.


    His character prevented him from tempering his response merely because she upied a hospital bed.


    Ashley had recklessly rushed toward his vehicle. Had he not applied his brakes swiftly while already traveling at reduced speed, she would have lost her life that


    day.


    "What gives you the right?" Ashley bristled at his reproach, her temper ring uncontrobly. "You struck me with your vehicle!"


    "If you''re determined to self-destruct, no one can stop you," Liam responded, maintaining his characteristic nonchnce as he settled into a chair with crossed legs. "Should you attempt to falsely use me again, I will not hesitate to end your life."


    Freya could only stare in stunned silence.


    Impressive indeed.


    100.0%

 t Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 66

    Chapter 66 I Just Stumbled Upon Her Affair With Yo...


    "If you kill me, you''ll rot in prison for it!" Ashley warned, her voice dripping with a mix of fear and defiance. Initially, she had hoped to provoke Freya to hit her, but after careful observation, she realized Freya hadn''t even driven since she moved


    out.


    Liam looked at her, his expression a mixture of disbelief and amusement. How could Kristian ever fall for someone like this?


    Although he had heard Kristian mention dating someone, Ashley had never been formally introduced to the family. This had left him intrigued about the person who had seemingly captivated Kristian''s heart.


    Now, seeing her in person, he was relieved he hadn''t made an earlier effort to get to know her. Her stupidity was nothing short of unbearable.


    "You were the one practically throwing yourself in front of my car. As long as I abide by the trafficws, even if you were run over, the fault would mainly be yours,¡± Liam retorted with a calm yet sharp tone, his words cutting through the tension. ¡°Even if I was at fault, it''d barely be 10%. That''s nothing I can''t deal with."


    Freya, listening silently, pressed her lips together, finding Liam''s logic unexpectedly reasonable.


    Ashley, on the other hand, clenched her fist, her frustration mounting. This man was just as infuriating as Freya!


    "Do you have any idea who I am?" Ashley started, her voiceced with a mix of disdain and anger as she red at Liam.


    Liam raised an eyebrow, intrigued yet unfazed. "I really don''t."


    "I''m Kristian''s future wife," Ashley dered, her voice loud and meant to intimidate. ¡°Should I choose to escte this, he could sue you, potentially ruining your life."


    Liam retorted with a sardonic smile, "Then let him sue me."


    Ashley was pissed off.


    Liam leaned back, an easy grin spreading across his face. "I wouldn''t mind getting a taste of prison life," he quipped.


    Ashley''s eyes narrowed, her voice sharp as a de. "Don''t think I won''t dare."


    "What wouldn''t you dare?" Liam scoffed, tilting his head slightly. "After all, your future husband is Kristian Shaw." With a light chuckle, Liam''s eyes twinkled mischievously. "A titan of industry, a veritable prodigy among his peers. If he wants to destroy someone, all he has to do is snap his fingers."


    Ashley furrowed her brows, caught off guard, unable to tell if the man in front of her was genuinely intimidated


    0.0%


    Chapter 66 1 Just Stumbled Upon Her Affair With Your Brother


    or simply mocking her.


    "But," Liam continued, his tone shifting as he got up from his chair.


    "But what?" Ashley pressed, her gaze fixed on him.


    Liam''s smile widened, his stance rxed yet confident. "But his choice in partners seems questionable," he drawled, hands buried deep in his pockets as he sauntered a step closer. "Otherwise, why on earth would he choose you over my truly exceptional sister-inw?"


    Just as Ashley''s temper red, the words "sister-inw¡± echoed in her mind, halting her retort.


    Could it be that the man seen with Freya was...


    "I forgot to introduce myself," Liam said, his voice smooth and unhurried, a yful smirk on his lips. "I''m Liam Shaw, Kristian''s younger brother."


    He stressed the word "brother", a sly glint in his eye.


    Ashley''s eyes widened in horror, her face draining of color as if she had seen a ghost.


    If this man was truly Kristian''s brother, then all her reckless antics on the road and her earlier remarks...


    Damn it! Kristian couldn''t find out about this-no matter what.


    "Kristian is already on his way here,¡± Liam remarked with a hint of mischief, his eyes twinkling with the anticipation of impending drama. "When he shows up, maybe you''d be kind enough to exin your so-called ident and your desperate desire to see me rot in prison."


    "You..." Ashley''s mind reeled, words failing her as panic set in.


    Liam, with a gesture of exaggerated courtesy, pulled over a chair for Freya. "Please, Freya, take a seat."


    Freya, taken aback, could only nod mutely.


    The next half hour passed with Liam talking to Freya, while Ashley remained on the hospital bed, eavesdropping on their discussion.


    During those moments, Ashley mapped out how to exin everything to Kristian, her excuses already lined up. Around eleven o''clock, Kristian burst through the door.


    His clothes were crumpled and worn, a testament to his haste. He was slightly out of breath, his eyes scanning the room with palpable anxiety.


    Noticing Freya, his brows knitted together in a brief frown of confusion, but he brushed past her, his focus fixed solely on Ashley. "Ashley," he called out.


    "Kristian," Ashley responded, her voice breaking as tears began to stream down her cheeks.


    As Freya observed the scene, she couldn''t help but marvel at Ashley''s ability to summon tears at will-a truly enviable skill in the art of deception.


    Meanwhile, Kristian, with a gentleness he seldom afforded Freya, soothed Ashley, his voice dripping with empathy and patience.


    In the background, Liam cleared his throat subtly. Was Kristian really sidelining Freya so tantly? His own


    29.1%


    Amer Ah Your other


    we wax move steps away, yet here he was, offeringfort to his mistress as if they were alone. Kristian was wwur * V*


    ''xvg on here Asian demanded, his tone icy as his eyes flicked between Freya and Liam, clearly aww When Ashley m the hospital


    Obese Aune heavy in the an, neither Freya nor Liam offered any details.


    All Kristian knew from the brief phone call was that Ashley was hospitalized, the specifics remained unspoken.


    "It was eva Ashley murmurest, reaching out to sp Kristian''s hand with a dramatic ir.


    Kristian catching the look on Freya''s face, instinctively pulled his hand back, evading Ashley''s grasp.


    Ashley''s Aps quivered, and her eyes brimmed with fresh tears as she continued, her voice trembling, "I just stumbled upon her affair with your brother. She wanted me dead just to shut me down for good."


    Liam and Kristian exchanged a look of sheet disbelief.


    Treva with Liam?" Kristian echoed, his voiceced with confusion and a hint of betrayal.


    "Yes" Ashley said, her voice low andden with pain. "I was trying to clear my head when I saw them together in the car, tangled in an intimate embrace. At that moment, I didn''t realize he was your brother. I thought... I thought he was just another secret Freya kept from you."


    Ashley spoke each word with sharp, deliberate precision, her eyes slightly tinged


    with red, drawing a veil of sympathy around her.


    To any onlooker, she was the picture of sincerity.


    "I shouted to her, threatening to expose her affair, and in retaliation, she had your brother ram the car into me," she went on, her voice wavering with a mix of indignation and hurt.


    "You really should''ve pursued an acting career-what a waste of talent," Freya snapped back, her tone dripping with sarcasm.


    In response, Ashley just fixed her with a steady, unwavering gaze, her lips pressed into a thin line.


    Freya, still seated, met her stare unflinchingly, her voice icy and sharp. "If you''re insinuating that I was intimate with Liam in that car, then spell it out for us. What exactly did we do, and where?"


    Ashley''s cheeks burned with a mix of shame and anger as she turned to Kristian. "Kristian, I... I''m too mortified to spell it out loud..." she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Kristian''s features hardened into a mask of frost.


    He nced sharply at Freya and demanded, "What did you do?"


    "Why ask me? She''s right before you!" Freya retorted coldly, her gaze piercing.


    "Have you ever taken my words to heart?"


    Her pointed question left Kristian momentarily at a loss for words.


    In the tense silence, Liam looked on with a troubled expression, reflecting on the reckless actions of Kristian that had wounded Freya so deeply.


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    "Ashley, out with it!" Kristian eximed, his voice deeper, edged with frustration.


    Ashley hesitated, her resolve flickering. Finally, she murmured, "I saw Freya lean across to the driver''s seat, her


    lips seeking Liam''s, her hand sping his neck... and what followed was even more intimate." Her voice trailed


    off, heavy with implication.


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    Chapter 67 Exposing Ashley''s Lies


    "What were those intimate things?" Kristian inquired, his voice descending to an unprecedented depth and his eyes churning with barely contained emotions.


    Ashley positioned herself against the hospital bed, her recently freed hand from the IV drip clenching slightly. "Kristian, I witnessed him sliding his hand inside Freya''s blouse."


    "Impressive!" Liam eximed spontaneously.


    Freya nced his way, her anger momentarily dissolving into amusement at his unexpectedment.


    "Why not simply dere we had sex right there in the car?" Liam countered with biting sarcasm. "Your talent for fabricating stories truly stands unrivaled."


    "Liam!" Kristian thundered.


    Liam curved his lips into a deliberate smile, remembering Freya''s reaction as he responded, "What? Did you actually believe it?"


    Kristian remained wordless, observing Liam defend Freya giving him an inexplicable constriction in his chest. "Kristian, they might have simply been caught up in the moment." Ashley tugged gently at his sleeve, concern flooding her beautiful eyes. "She might harbor resentment about our rtionship, exining her behavior."


    Ashley added softly, "Don''t hold it against her."


    Freya and Liam maintained their silence, standing motionless as they awaited Kristian''s verdict.


    Kristian''s hands tightened at his sides before he finally asked in a strained voice, "Are you absolutely certain about what you saw?"


    "Yes," Ashley confirmed with a nod.


    "Is there any possibility you misinterpreted the situation?" Kristian pressed.


    "No," Ashley stated with unwavering conviction.


    Kristian stood immobile for an extended moment, utterly silent.


    The other three could not begin to decipher his thoughts during this weighted pause.


    "Kristian, since you''re nning to divorce your wife for this woman, why prevent us from being together?" Liam interjected provocatively. "I would treat her with more consideration than you ever did, and Grandpa wouldn''t raise objections."


    "Silence!" Kristianmanded, his tone cial.


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    Chapter 67 Exposing Ashley''s Lies


    Ashley experienced a wave of relief. Liam had unwittingly incriminated himself, leaving Freya without a credible defense. It seemed her strategy had seeded.


    Kristian''s gare shifted to the silent Freya, his emotions enfangled inplexity. "Won''t you offer an exnation?"


    "Is there truly any purpose?" Freya responded, exhaustion evident in her demeanor.


    "Freya!"


    "If I maintain there''s nothing between Liam and me, and today''s incident resulted from Ashley deliberately rushing into harm''s way, will you ept my word?" Freya challenged, meeting his gaze directly.


    An oppressive silence descended upon the room.


    Ashley observed the exchange, already visualizing the irreparable fracture forming between Freya and Kristian. No man could tolerate betrayal, especially from those closest to his heart.


    "Kristian..." Ashley ventured cautiously.


    Kristian spoke with detached coldness. "I will."


    Freya recoiled in surprise, confusion evident on her face.


    Ashley tensed immediately. Panic shed across her features as fear permeated her heart. She instinctively reached for Kristian''s hand. "Kristian, I''m telling the truth. They really..."


    "Do you understand who Liam is?" Kristian interrupted, weariness infusing his voice and bearing.


    Ashley nced instinctively toward Liam.


    Before she could respond, Kristian continued, ¡°He''s my younger brother, who would sacrifice everything to protect me."


    "Kristian..."


    ¡°Even if he treats others harshly, he would nevermit an act of betrayal against me." Kristian''s prating eyes focused on her with


    intensity, his words


    stripped of any warmth.


    Ashley''s panic escted visibly. "Kristian, I swear I''m telling the truth. They were actually being intimate..."


    "Enough!" Kristian exploded, his anger reaching its crescendo.


    Ashley trembled involuntarily.


    Kristian struggled to reconcile how the woman he had implicitly trusted could transform so drastically. "Did you believe that regardless of what usations you leveled against Freya, I would ept your words without question?"


    The color drained from Ashley''s face.


    ¡°Liam would never betray my trust, and neither would Freya.¡± Kristian''s genuine anger simmered beneath a barely controlled exterior. "You shouldn''t tarnish her reputation with such false ims."


    Freya stood bewildered by this unexpected turn of events.


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    Chapter 67 Exposing Ashley''s Lies


    Earlier, she had steeled herself for a barrage of usations, only to witness the situation reversepletely.


    "Is your brother experiencing some mental anomaly today?" Freya whispered to Liam, gesturing toward her


    head.


    "You should consider this his normal state," Liam responded with amusement, seemingly unsurprised by the oue. "He''s typically the one with his head lost in the clouds."


    Freya offered a smile.


    "Kristian," Liam suddenly called out.


    Kristian turned toward him, his demeanor still intimidating. He couldn''tprehend how Ashley had undergone such a profound transformation from her previous innocence.


    Liam continued toplicate the situation. ¡°Is the child she was carrying yours?" "What child?" Kristian looked up sharply.


    "When I drove Freya home, this woman darted out at an intersection to


    orchestrate a collision." Liam recounted the exact sequence of events. "She suffered a miscarriage, and the physician confirmed the pregnancy was terminated."


    Kristian''s attention shifted back to Ashley.


    Liam persisted with his questioning. "Was it your child?"


    "No," Kristian replied immediately, without a moment''s hesitation.


    He had never engaged in intimate rtions with Ashley, making it impossible for the child to be his.


    Ashley realized her strategy had veered off course. Panic surged within her as she frantically searched for a way to salvage the situation.


    "Why didn''t you inform me about your pregnancy?" Kristian inquired.


    "I was terrified..." Ashley''s eyes grew red as she hugged her knees, curling into


    herself on the bed. "I feared you would reject me, abandon me..."


    She buried her face against her knees, dissolving into sobs.


    The scene would evoke sympathy from anyone unaware of the underlying


    circumstances, suggesting she had been deeply wronged.


    "I''m truly sorry, Kristian," she repeated brokenly.


    "Was it that incident at the hotel?"


    "Yes..."


    Kristian''s expression remained unchanged. He simply asked, "Why did you


    defame Freya, damaging her reputation so severely?"


    "I was afraid you would leave me for her, believing she was more virtuous than


    me after discovering my pregnancy," Ashley wept, her voice filled with apparent desperation. "Everything was my fault. I''m so sorry... Please forgive me..."


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    Her performance projected utter destion, as if she were drowning in emotions beyond her control.


    Kristian reflected on her traumatic experiences, recognizing that even though he had ensured her abusers were imprisoned, emotional scars required time to heal.


    ¡°I''m not abandoning you." Kristian attempted to view the situation from her perspective. "However, your actions were wrong. You must apologize to Freya and Liam."


    "I''m deeply sorry, Freya. I''m truly sorry, Liam," Ashley apologized promptly with convincing sincerity. "My behavior was inexcusable. I deeply regret my actions."


    Freya remained speechless.


    She mentally awarded Ashley perfect marks for such a masterful performance.


    Ashley had clearly perfected the art of securing male affection, far surpassing Freya''s stubborn refusal to acknowledge fault even when wrongfully used. Ashley''s swift confession and seemingly heartfelt apology proved remarkably effective, especially given Kristian''s persistent tendency to view her through an idealized lens.


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    Chapter 68 p Kristian


    Twice


    Freya''s words sliced through the tension, sharp and resolute. "I don''t ept it,¡± she dered, her voiceced with a finality that brooked no argument.


    Beside her, Liam stood firm, his voice echoing her determination. "Nor do I," he stated, his tone just as unwavering.


    Across the room, Ashley''s eyes brimmed with tears, her gaze locked on Kristian, pleading silently for his support.


    Yet, Kristian''s expression remained impassive, a sharp contrast to the indulgence he had previously shown her. Had Trent been at Freya''s side today, perhaps Kristian might have harbored some doubt, some willingness to entertain Ashley''s lies.


    Trent''s presence always got under his skin. But today, without Trent, the truth seemed clearer.


    Desperate, Ashley''s voice trembled as she addressed the room, seeking any foothold in the slipping sands of Kristian''s favor. "What will it take for you to ept?" she implored, her eyes scanning their faces for a sign of relenting. "Tell me, and I''ll do it."


    Freya met her gaze, her eyes steely. "If you truly wish for forgiveness," she began, her voice cold. "Then keep your distance from Kristian. Vanish from his life, and never cross his path again. Do this, and perhaps I might forgive you."


    Stunned, Ashley bit her lip, the sharp pain grounding her swirling thoughts. "But..."


    Freya wasn''t finished. Her challenge hung in the air, heavy and ominous. "Why? Can''t you do it?" she scoffed disdainfully. "Or perhaps, if that''s too much, prove your sincerity. p Kristian-twice. Maybe then, I''ll believe your regret."


    Under the weight of Freya''s words, Ashley clenched her fists beneath the nkets, her nails digging into her palms. A deep-seated hatred for Freya simmered within her, threatening to boil over.


    Yet, with a tremble in her voice, she persisted, "Ms. Briggs, I must admit, this mess is my doing. Kristian shouldn''t be med..."


    Freya''s response was swift, her tone icy. "I know," she said, eyes glinting with cunning. "And I''m asking you to p him-not to punish him, but to serve as a sharp reminder that he should be more cautious about the people he surrounds himself with."


    Kristian remained a silent, brooding figure in the backdrop.


    Liam arched an eyebrow, intrigued by the unfolding drama. 0.0%


    Ashley, her eyes brimming with unshed tears, bit her bottom lip, the picture of someone wronged and


    sorrowful


    The sharp crack of her own p echoed as her hand struck her face, leaving angry red marks on her pale skin.


    It was a desperate, theatrical gesture meant to garner Kristian''s forgiveness and shift his displeasure towards Freya.


    "What are you doing?" Kristian''s voice was sharp, his eyes narrowing in confusion and concern.


    Choking back a sob, Ashley responded, her voiceden with self-reproach, "I acted on impulse, selfishly so. I can''t bear to p you, nor can I bear the thought of leaving your side. All I can offer is my deepest apologies and do whatever it takes to earn Ms. Briggs''s forgiveness."


    If she were keenly aware of Liam''s significance to Kristian, she would have tactfully kept him out of the fray. Nevertheless, she believed Freya was out of her league.


    "That''s enough." Kristian finally spoke, his voice tinged with exasperation. "Let''s put an end to this."


    "That''s hardly enough," Liam chimed in, his tone casual yet cutting, "If someone can make false usations and then escape with minimal consequences-merely shedding a few tears, admitting their mistake, and staging a self-punishment-are we not setting a precedent that mistakes can be simply cried away?"


    "And what do you want?" Kristian''s stare was prating, a clear warning shing in his eyes as he faced Liam, signaling him to tread carefully.


    Restraint was never Liam''s strong suit; he always pushed limits.


    With a mischievous gleam in his eye, he insisted, "Why not make her kneel down for a while as punishment?"


    He grinned, adding, "Just for half a day, to let off some steam."


    Ashley''s heart pounded furiously in her chest as she looked up. Could Kristian actually consider such a suggestion?


    "Liam!" Kristian''s voice carried a stern warning.


    "Come on, your bias is showing," Liam noted, throwing a casual arm over his shoulder. "Tell me, if your wife had falsely used Miss Bradley, would you let her off the hook so easily?"


    Kristian''s jaw set firmly. He didn''t need a moment to ponder; he knew the answer was a resounding no.


    Meanwhile, Freya, having grown bored with the unfolding drama, decided it no longer warranted her attention. As long as Kristian didn''t wrong her directly, she was content to remain uninvolved.


    She turned to Liam, her expression indifferent. "I''m leaving."


    "I''ll give you a ride," Liam offered quickly.


    "No, thanks," Freya declined curtly.


    With a dismissive flick of her hair, she strode past Kristian and Ashley, treating them as worthless pests.


    Kristian''s heart constricted, his thoughts a swirling chaos, yet his feet moved of their own ord, trailing behind Freya.


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    Chapter 68 p Kristian Twice


    Standing by the doorway, he turned to Liam, his tone firm. "Keep an eye on Ashley. I won''t be long."


    Liam offered no reply.


    By the time Kristian caught up to Freya, they had already made it outside the building.


    "Freya!" he called out, seizing her arm, his voice a tense whisper.


    She halted, facing him with a serene expression. "What is it?" she demand¨¦d. "I''m sorry about today," Kristian stammered, the cold air biting at him, an ufortable shiver running down his spine. "Ashley doesn''t normally act like that. She might be dealing with past traumas that led to her outburst today." "Are you apologizing on her behalf? Who are you to her now?" Freya''s voice was steady, her gaze piercing.


    Kristian faltered, words failing him as they lodged in his throat.


    Freya wasn''t about to waste her breath on him. "Leave me alone, Kristian." Her tone wasced with frustration.


    She felt slighted, and rather than seeking the truth, Kristian had blindly sided with Ashley.


    And now, instead of holding Ashley ountable, here he was, offering excuses for her. Liam had seen it clearly. Kristian''s heart harbored a bias, always tilting in Ashley''s favor. "Freya," he began again, desperation edging into his voice.


    "I said leave me alone," she snapped, her patience worn thin. "Please, just hear me out," pleaded Kristian, unustomed to the iciness in her demeanor.


    Their eyes locked-hers clear and unyielding. Her silence was loud and clear, a silent message that Kristian felt deeply.


    "Where was your calm and rationality when I really needed you to hear me out?¡± She pressed, her voiceced with a steely resolve.


    In that moment, a sharp pang of anguish gripped his heart, as if a heavy stone were pressing relentlessly against his chest.


    Attempting to shift the heavy air between them, he pulled out his car keys. "Let


    me drive you home," he offered.


    "No need," Freya countered with unwavering firmness.


    However, he was not ready to back down.


    With a determined grasp, he captured her slender wrist and ushered her towards


    the parking lot. Despite her protests, he gently but firmly guided her into the car and took the driver''s seat.


    The clock had already swept past eleven-thirty at night.


    Exhaustion overtook Freya, and she sumbed to sleep in the passenger seat.


    Despite their strained rtions, she harbored a deep-seated trust in his ability to ensure her safety


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    Chapter 68 p Kristian Twice


    She was a creature of habit, usually retiring by 10 PM, and even onte nights, she never pushed past 11. The unusual hour,bined with the day''s tensions and not having prepared for bed, was simply too much for her. "Freya..." Kristian''s voice broke the silence as he tried to initiate a conversation. After a few attempts, he realized she was deep in slumber.


    Slowing the car, he nced at his sleeping wife. The sight softened is troubled heart, and a wave of tenderness washed over him.


    For a fleeting moment, he wondered if perhaps this uneasy peace was enough.


    Eventually, the car rolled into an apartmentplex around one in the morning. Kristian intended to gently wake her and escort her upstairs. He whispered her name softly, but she remained enveloped in sleep. Resolving to take care of her, he parked the car and, with careful arms, lifted her and carried her up to her apartment, holding her close all the while.


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 Chapter 69

    Chapter 69 Was Ashley Deceiving Him


    If it were any other day, Freya would have stirred awake by now.


    Instead, she remained in a deep slumber, her body surrendering toplete exhaustion.


    At the door, Kristian pressed Freya''s limp finger against the lock, granting them ess.


    He carried her up to the second floor. Unfamiliar with theyout, he methodically opened doors until the second room revealed Freya''s personal belongings scattered about.


    With gentle movements, he removed her shoes and eased her onto the bed. Just as his fingers reached for her cor to help her change, her eyes snapped open.


    Her hand darted out, gripping his wrist with surprising strength.


    "It''s me," Kristian murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.


    Recognition flickered in her eyes before they fluttered closed again, her consciousness slipping back into the realm of dreams.


    Kristian''s brow furrowed as he observed this reaction. Had something in her past conditioned her to this defensive awakening?


    Her response seemed less like normal waking and more like an instinctive safety check-a survival mechanism that needed confirmation of security before allowing her to drift back into vulnerability.


    After changing Freya into her nightclothes, Kristian settled beside the bed, watching her peaceful form.


    The realization struck him that despite their connection, he knew precious little about her history or the experiences that had shaped her.


    His phone vibrated against his leg, interrupting his thoughts.


    The screen disyed a message from Gerard, "Are you free now?"


    Kristian tucked the nket around Freya''s shoulders before slipping out with his phone, careful not to disturb her rest. He descended to the living room, flicked on the lights, and initiated a call.


    Gerard perked up instantly at the connection.


    His employer was still awake.


    "Good evening, Mr. Shaw," he said promptly, a hint of nervousness coloring his tone.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Kristian''s voice remained measured, betraying no emotion.


    "You asked me to investigate Miss Bradley''s illness and I''vepleted the inquiry." Gerard''s thoroughness


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    Chapter 69 Was Ashley Deceiving Him


    exined why Kristian tolerated his asional impertinence. "The findings differ somewhat from your previous understanding."


    Kristian positioned himself by the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing into the darkness outside. "Tell me."


    "Miss Bradley has documented hospitalizations and treatments for stomach cancer abroad," Gerard exined, carefully framing the information. "However, domestically, there are no outpatient records whatsoever."


    Kristian paused, the phone clutched in his hand as realization dawned: "You''re suggesting Ashley''s critical illness is fabricated."


    "Outpatient records are typically maintained for two years," Gerard offered diplomatically, seeking to avoid ufortable conclusions. "She might have undergone examination some time ago."


    Without another word, Kristian terminated the call.


    His mind raced back six months to when Ashley had called him. She had mentioned receiving her diagnosis report just one day before their breakup. The document allegedly confirmed her terminal condition, apanied by treatment records from overseas facilities.


    If she had received the report the day before their separation, the examination must have urred only days earlier.


    Though hospitals officially kept outpatient records for two years, many institutions didn''t purge their systems immediately after this period psed. Retention periods were often extended beyond official policy.


    Was Ashley deceiving him? The thought materialized and was dismissed almost instantaneously.


    What motive would drive her to such deception? If she desired hispanionship, why initiate their breakup at all?


    Conflicted thoughts swirled through his mind.


    He typed a message to Gerard, "Is your investigation urate?"


    "Absolutely," came the swift reply. "To eliminate any possibility of error, I conducted three separate verifications, with identical results each time." Kristian absently rubbed his phone, his mind formting a strategy.


    He trusted Gerard''spetence but hesitated to doubt Ashley''s integrity. Learning from Liam that Ashley remained awake, Kristian initiated a call. She answered immediately, her voice trembling with emotion. "Kristian..." "Why haven''t you gone to bed?" he inquired, his analytical mind engaging.


    "I feared you''d be angry with me," Ashley confessed, addressing the matter directly. "I don''t understand my own behavior earlier. I truly never intended to malign Ms. Briggs or your brother."


    "That''s behind us now," Kristian replied, his lips parting slightly. "Once your health improves, I''ll arrange aprehensive medical examination for you."


    Ashley''s body tensed involuntarily.


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    Chapter 68 Was Ashley Deceiving Tim


    Sudden anxiety gripped her as her deception hung precariously in the bnce "Oh, plow Aunt Howe yourself. I''ve already had one recently. I''m perfectly healthy"


    "A miscarriage can significantly impact your health," Kristian exined, his eyes betraying a flicker of concern "Having you examined would alleviate my anxiety." "Alright," Ashley conceded.


    His subtle investigation had yielded nothing conclusive.


    After encouraging her to retire early, Kristian ended the call and stretched out on the sole for the reg


    When morning arrived, Freya awakened in her bedroom, momentarily disoriented. Her recollection X only to sitting in Kristian''s passenger seat, sumbing to fatigue, and leaning against the headrest we key overtook her


    Then consciousness had returned.


    She dismissed her confusion and prepared to slip her feet into slippers when she noticed she was wearing


    pajamas


    Without much contemtion, she understood Kristian had been responsible.


    Before Ashley''s disruptive phone call, he had attended to her needs like this numerous times. After shoppin expeditions orte-night functions, he would carry her home directly,


    He would meticulously remove her makeup, help her change, and settle herfortably beneath the covers Her only responsibility was to surrender to slumber,


    Evidently, she had been profoundly exhausted the previous night, remaining undisturbed even during her change of clothes.


    After showering and selecting fresh attire, Freya descended the stairs with slippers on her feet. Pounding the corner, she spotted a figure sprawled across the sofa and paused mid-step.


    Had he really spent the entire night on that ufortable furniture?


    d in light-colored casual loungewear, she approached and nudged his long leg dangling over the sofa''s edge. "Wake up."


    Kristian stirred at her prompting.


    Opening his eyes to find her standing before him, he experienced a moment of bewilderment.


    "You should leave," Freya stated inly, her shoulder-length hair cascading over her clothing, enhancing her detached demeanor


    "You''re rather unsympathetic," Kristian remarked through the fog of interrupted sleep, massaging his forehead as he shifted to a sitting position, a migraine beginning to pulse behind his eyes. "If I hadn''t carried you insidest night, you''d still be slumbering in the vehicle."


    "Should I express gratitude?" Freya countered, her tone deliberately devoid of warmth.


    She wasn''t someone who would dismiss previous grievances because of a single act of kindness.


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    Chapter 69 Was Ashley Deceiving Him


    Kristian pinched the bridge of his nose. Why was she so confrontational at this


    early hour? Had he somehow provoked her ire?


    Freya disregarded his difort and ced a call to order breakfast.


    She requested only a single portion.


    Though aplished in many areas, she found cooking tedious and bothersome.


    Consequently, she typically relied on delivery services, asionally preparing simple dishes

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    Chapter 70 Gathering Organized By Liam


    Kristian lingered instead of leaving, casually observing as Freya ordered her meal and disappeared upstairs. He then wandered into her kitchen with an easy grace.


    Despite her aversion to cooking, the kitchen was immacte, boasting pristine countertops that rarely saw use, and only a smattering of basic spices lined the shelves.


    A blender caught his eye, alongside a modest selection of fruit.


    After about half an hour, the doorbell rang with the delivery of Freya''s ordered meal.


    By then, Kristian had managed to whip up a homemade breakfast,plete with freshly squeezed juice, hearty sandwiches, and perfectly fried eggs arrayed on the counter.


    Freya, descending the stairs with a slight furrow of her brow, eyed the spread Kristian had prepared. Mid-bite, she hesitated, her toneced with a mix of curiosity and concern. "Did you clean up after yourself in the kitchen?"


    "No," Kristian responded, the lie slipping out smoothly.


    The shift in Freya''s demeanor was immediate; her fork paused mid-air, her appetite waning as her irritation sparked. "Kristian!" she eximed, her voice sharpening.


    Kristian, unbothered, continued savoring his breakfast.


    As he did, his gaze inadvertently flicked towards Freya, his mind wandering. Ever since she moved out, how was she getting by when it came to meals? There was barely anything to eat in her apartment; if he hadn''t scraped together what little was left, breakfast wouldn''t have been possible.


    "Do you rely on takeout every single day?" he asked, his voice carrying a hint of concern masked by casual curiosity.


    "What''s it to you?" Freya snapped back, her defenses rising swiftly.


    "My grandpa wanted me to see how you''re doing," Kristian replied, his tone softening.


    Freya remained silent, her disbelief evident in the stillness that enveloped her. The flimsy excuse he offered didn''t convince her in the slightest.


    Swiftly finishing her breakfast, she stood to clear the table, her movements brisk and efficient. While stacking the dishes, she threw a nce over her shoulder. "Make sure you tidy up the kitchenter. I expect it to be as


    clean as it was before."


    "Do me a favor," Kristian called out, his own meal concluded.


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    Chapter 70 Gathering Organized By Liam


    He seemed unusually earnest, which only added to Freya''s growing suspicion. She paused, a skeptical frown creasing her brow as she turned to face him. This request didn''t sound like something he would normally say.


    With a practiced efficiency that belied his earlier casual demeanor, Kristian began to tidy up, setting the stage for a more serious conversation. "I need a record of all stomach cancer ses reported across the nation," he said, his voice taking on an unexpectedly serious tone.


    Freya''s confusion deepened. A wry smile touched her lips as she wondered silently about the source of his confidence. Did she look like she''d ever go out of her way to help him?


    "Why don''t you just ask for Ashley''s medical records directly?" she retorted, her voiceced with incredulity. She caught on to his intentions instantly. The records request was nothing more than a pretense.


    Kristian didn''t bother with a denial. "Alright, that''s actually what I''m after."


    "I''m not interested in helping you," Freya replied tly, her patience thinning.


    "But it was my grandpa who asked me to look into it," Kristian added quickly, ying hisst card as he mentioned Lionel''s involvement.


    Freya''s eyes narrowed as she stared at him, suspicion etched into every feature. What the hell was he scheming now?


    "He doesn''t believe Ashley ever really had stomach cancer. He''s demanding to see her medical records from both here and abroad," Kristian exined, his voice tinged with urgency. "You could retrieve them faster than anyone."


    "Why don''t you just ask Ashley herself?" Freya shot back.


    Kristian closed the distance between them, his presence looming over her. "Can''t you just get them for me?" he implored, looking down into her eyes.


    "That''s just it, I can''t," Freya blurted out, her gaze unwavering and sincere. "Myputer has developed its own kind of grudge against anything to do with Ashley Bradley. It seems to think her files are a virus and deletes them automatically."


    Kristian was momentarily at a loss for words.


    With a fluid motion, Freya grabbed the car keys from the table and flung them towards him. "There''s the door. Make sure it doesn''t smack you on the way out," she quipped, a sharp edge to her voice.


    Kristian caught the keys out of the air, a flicker of understanding crossing his features as he assumed she was still irate about the previous day''s matter.


    "It was Ashley''s fault yesterday. Please, don''t be mad."


    Freya paused, a new thought crossing her mind. "What if it wasn''t Liam who brought me homest night, but Trent?" she asked abruptly, her curiosity piqued. "Would you still take her side then?"


    As she concluded her words, a shadow seemed to fall over Kristian''s features, his gaze growing stormier by the


    second.


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    Chapter 70 Gathering Organized By Liam


    Freya read the shift in his demeanor like an open book. She pressed, her voice tinged with disbelief. "You''d believe her, right?"


    "Why would you be with Trent?" The mere mention of that name sparked a re of irritation in Kristian, a visceral reaction that tightened his jaw.


    Freya painted a casual scene. "Just friends getting together. Grabbing dinner."


    His fingers curled tighter around the car keys, knuckles whitening.


    Without a word, he stormed off, the heaviness of unanswered questions lingering in the air.


    He was tormented by the possibility-if Ashley had insinuated Freya was with Trent, rage would have consumed him.


    Though he was aware that Freya would never cross a line with Trent, the mere thought of their easy rapport and unspoken camaraderie sent waves of jealousy crashing through him, overwhelming his senses.


    Freya watched him evade her question, her heart sinking into an indifferent calm. Turning away, she ascended the stairs, her mind refocusing on her pending tasks. Later that afternoon, after diligently working through the stack of projects Hugh had piled on her desk, Freya was contemting a well-deserved break. Just then, her phone buzzed-it was a call from Liam.


    "Hey, Freya, want to go out and enjoy yourself for a bit?" Liam''s voice, ever rxed and inviting, floated through the speaker. "I''ve organized a small gathering with a few friends. What do you say?"


    Freya brushed him off with a quick, dismissive tone. "No, thanks. I''ve got many things to handle here."


    "Trent''s going to be there too," Liam noted, his toneden with implication. Freya hesitated, biting her lip in thought, her response hanging in a tense silence.


    Not one to let the moment slip, Liam pressed on, urgency edging his voice, "Look, just get ready, okay? I''ll swing by to pick you up in a bit. No more excuses," he dered, cutting off any potential protest as he ended the call abruptly. Around him, the vi''s upants watched the scene unfold with a blend of amusement and intrigue. One of them couldn''t help but tease, "Aren''t you scared Kristian will have your head for this little stunt?"


    With a mischievous glint in his eye, Liam chuckled softly, "Oh, he wouldn''t dare. He''s too soft-hearted for that." His enthusiasm for shaking things up was palpable. After snatching up his car keys, he threw a quick goodbye to the group and strode out of the vi.


    The gathering tonight was no casual affair; it was a calcted maneuver specifically designed for Kristian-to push him into action.


    Without using Trent as a catalyst, Kristian and Freya''s marriage might crumble into divorce, a scenario Liam desperately wanted to avoid, especially the relentless pestering from Kristian begging for help to win Freya back.


    As he drove towards Freya''s ce, Liam made nonchnt calls to both Kristian


    and Trent.


    He wasn''t particrly close to Trent, but that minor detail wasn''t enough to deter him from using him as bait


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    20:39


    Chapter 70 Gathering Organized By Lam


    to draw Freya out.


    By 7:30 PM. Liam pulled up to the vi, Freya reluctantly in tow


    Before she could voice her concerns, he quickly interjected, "We''re avoiding the usual spots-bars, nightclubs -they''re just too visible. So, I thought here would be perfect,¡± he exined, gesturing to thergely vacant vi. "It''s discreet, and besides, it''s almost empty."


    "I see." Freya responded evenly, her tone giving away nothing else. Attending these gatherings in Alerith had be a tiresome routine for her.


    Each event felt identical, with Frederick and the others invariably pulling her into their circle, where she often ended up relegated to a quiet corner, reluctantly participating in whatever games were on offer.


    Upon her arrival, only Felipe and Zander were present.


    A flicker of suspicion crossed her face as she scanned the room. "Is Kristian


    "Indeed," Liam answered, his response swift and certain.


    A wave of resignation washed over Freya.


    "He''ll be here any minute now, and Trent''s still making his way over," he added,


    gesturing towards the spread of fruits and snacks. "Help yourself if you''re hungry or thirsty. We''ll start the games once everyone''s here."


    I''m not participating. I''ll just watch from the sidelines," Freya stated firmly, folding


    her arms.


    They lingered a bit more before Trent pulled up in his car, his presence almost cinematic, dressed in a sleek charcoal suit thatplemented his stylish gold- rimmed sses.


    With a charismatic smile, he made his way over and took a seat next to Freya, engaging her in a light, effortless chat.


    Liam watched the unfolding interactions with a knowing smirk.


    At the same time, Felipe grabbed his phone and shot a message to Kristian. "If


    you don''t show up soon, your wife might just end up with Trent, all thanks to


    Liam."


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 e With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 71

    Chapter 71 Celebrating


    Their Impending Return...


    Kristian''s phone lit up with a message while he drove.


    Upon reading it, his expression darkened as he pressed the elerator, speeding toward a suburban vi.


    When he arrived, Felipe and Zander were immersed in a mobile game, while Liam darted about restlessly.


    Only Freya and Trent sat together, engaged in conversation.


    Though nothing about their distance or dialogue seemed unusual, the mere sight of them together disturbed Kristian deeply, stirring an urge to separate them.


    "Finally decided to grace us with your presence," Liam teased, setting a wine bottle on the table and tugging Kristian forward, "We''ve been stuck waiting for over half an hour."


    Kristian remained frosty as Liam pulled him down to sit.


    With his arrival, all six were now present.


    Telipe nced toward Trent, fidgeting with his phone as he questioned Liam, "There''s nothing special about today. Why gather everyone here? And why include Trent Seymour?"


    "Who said today isn''t special?" Liam announced abruptly.


    Everyone turned toward him, bewilderment etched across their faces.


    After filling each ss with wine, Liam remarked with calcted casualness, "In four days, my brother and his wife finalize their divorce. We''re celebrating their impending return to singlehood."


    Zanderpressed his lips, averting his eyes.


    Felipe cleared his throat softly,


    Liam, characteristically brazen, showed no hesitation.


    "That certainly warrants celebration," Trent interjected, clearly relishing the drama as he raised his ss first.


    Seeing his provocation seed, Liam lifted his ss with a satisfied smile. "Freya, let''s toast."


    Freya didn''t faiter, raising her ss promptly.


    "What''s holding you back, Kristian?" Liam prodded, nudging his arm. "Haven''t you been craving this divorce for ages? Or perhaps you''ve had a change of heart?"


    Kristian fized him with a prating stare, sharp enough to cut ss.


    Liem, unintimidated, had weathered that cial gaze countless times throughout their childhood.


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    Chapter 71 Celebrating Their Impending Return To Singlehood


    Tension radiated from Kristian as he observed Freya and Trent''s sses hovering near each other, almost touching. In a sudden surge of spite, he thrust his ss against theirs with a jarring clink


    The crisp sound reverberated throughout the spacious vi.


    Felipe and Zander exchanged knowing nces, both reaching the same conclusion: Liam was doomed today.


    "Felipe, Zander, why stand there like statues?" Liam asked, wanting full


    participation to enhance the entertainment value of hister schemes. "This is a milestone in my brother''s life."


    The pair cleared their throats awkwardly, reluctantly lifting their sses with conflicted expressions.


    All six raised their sses and drank. Felipe merely sipped, setting down his barely touched ss.


    Liam and Zander followed suit with minimal consumption.


    Only Kristian, Freya, and Trent emptied their sses entirely.


    As Kristian lowered his ss, he couldn''t help but notice both Freya and Trent


    had drained theirspletely -as if eagerly anticipating the final dissolution of the marriage bonds.


    The atmosphere grew heavy with difort.


    Felipe immediately regretted his decision to attend. Had he known Liam''s supposedly casual gathering revolved around this topic, he would have declined the invitation.


    To him, this wasn''t entertainment; it was merely sharing in the frigid tension between estranged spouses. "Seymour, I heard you''re perpetually single and have never maintained a romantic rtionship?" Liam feentinued stirring trouble, seemingly oblivious to the palpable tension.


    Trent maintained his characteristic poise as he replied, "That''s correct."


    "What are your thoughts on Freya?" Liam persisted, deliberately ignoring


    Kristian''s piercing re. "I''ve heard you two share a close friendship. She''s on the


    verge of bing avable. Any intention of pursuing her?"


    "That entirely depends on her wishes," Trent responded diplomatically,


    condensing his answer to one carefully measured sentence.


    Liam sensed the approaching climax of his orchestrated drama. "Freya, what''s your impression of him?"


    "He''s exceptional," Freya answered with calcted neutrality.


    Liam''s lips curved into a mischievous smile as he inquired yfully, "And what about my brother?"


    "Aplete scumbag Freya dered without hesitation.


    She felt no concern about tarnishing Kristian''s reputation; everyone present was well aware of his actions and this intention to divorce her for his former me. Labeling him a scumbag seemed entirely justified.


    Felipe couldn''t suppress his startled reaction and coughed.


    We had to admit that Freya possessed remarkable audacity.


    "Can''t you simply shut up and enjoy your meal? Kristian fixed Liam with a disapproving stare, his words Bripping with sy dudum


    Chapter 71 Celebrating Their Impending Return To Singlehood


    Liam grinned broadly. "Food exists for savoring, not for silencing conversation. Can''t you understand such a simple truth? How did Freya ever fall for someone of your limited intelligence?"


    Kristian found himself momentarily speechless.


    "Let''s initiate a game," Liam suggested, advancing to his next nned activity. He was determined to go all out for his brother''s sake. "Since we''re all intimately acquainted here, let''s y Truth or Dare. Thoughts?"


    "I''m game," Felipe conceded.


    Zander nodded in agreement. "Fine by me."


    Kristian''s cold gaze swept methodically across them, analyzing their unexpectedpliance. What possessed these two to participate?


    Felipe kept his eyes downcast. As long as he avoided looking up, he could evade Kristian''s intimidating stare. Liam had previously tempted him with an irresistible offer. Had Felipe known Truth or Dare would be introduced in such circumstances, he would have firmly declined.


    Now thoroughly entangled in this scheme, escape was impossible.


    "Kristian, will you participate?" Zander asked.


    Kristian desperately wanted to stand and depart.


    However, considering Liam''s unpredictable nature, he reluctantly agreed.


    Freya had initially resisted ying; such games had never appealed to her. But Liam''s relentless persuasion eventually wore down her resistance.


    Thus, all six participantsmenced the game.


    There were no ying cards or traditional game equipment. Instead, Liam produced six small porcin discs, which he had prepared beforehand.


    "These six white discs include only two with inscriptions-one marked ''big'' and another marked ''small-while the remainder are nk," Liam exined, revealing his extensive preparation for this asion. "The person receiving the ''big'' disc may interrogate or challenge the recipient of the ''small'' disc. Let''s begin!"


    He distributed the discs with decisive movements.


    Freya sensed something suspicious about the arrangement but couldn''t precisely identify the issue.


    In the initial round, Kristian received the "small" disc, while Trent obtained the "big"


    one.


    Seeing she wasn''t involved, Freya''s suspicions temporarily subsided, and she absentmindedly engaged in the


    game.


    "Kristian, do you select truth or dare?"


    "Dare!" Kristian''s response emerged cold and concise.


    "Seymour, you may issue your challenge," Liam announced, assuming the role of


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    Chapter 71 Celebrating Their Impending Return To Singlehood


    Every element of tonight''s gathering had been meticulously arranged to


    manipte Kristian and Freya.


    These initial rounds merely served as preliminary warm-up exercises for what


    Liam had truly nned.


    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart

 ft Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 72

    Chapter 72 Freya''s First


    Love


    Trent wasn''t particrly interested in this sort of game, idly throwing out a suggestion for Kristian''s challenge. Kristian took up the challenge with a shrug, and swiftly, they rolled into another round.


    After four rounds, it was conspicuous that Freya hadn''t been picked even once. As the fifth round loomed, tension subtly ticked up.


    "I got the one marked ''big''," Liam dered, a flicker of mischief sparking in his eyes. He nced around with feigned nonchnce. "So, who''s stuck with the one with ''small''?"


    "Not me," Trent quickly disimed.


    "Nor me," Felipe chimed in smoothly.


    "Definitely not me," Zander added, a trace of amusement in his tone.


    As the denials circled around, Liam''s gaze eventuallynded on Kristian and then lingered on Freya.


    The game started for real at that moment.


    Freya peered at her disc and, with a quiet eptance, admitted, "It''s me."


    "Truth or dare?" Liam asked, his voiceced with a practiced ease as if he had already predicted her choice.


    Considering the previous rounds hadn''t been too harsh, Freya said with unwavering confidence, "Dare."


    Truth made her ufortable; she much preferred sticking to dares.


    ¡°Not going to switch?" Liam prodded, almost hopefully.


    "Nope," she replied firmly, locking eyes with him.


    Grinning, Liam dished out his pre-nned dare. "Put your phone on speaker and call your first love. Tell him you miss him."


    It was a calcted move; no matter if Freya chose truth or dare, the theme of past loves was destined to surface.


    Liam was particrly keen to catch Kristian''s reaction. Would a shadow of jealousy flicker across his face? The anticipation was palpable.


    At the mention of the dare, Freya hesitated.


    Trent''s gaze fixed on her, his expression aplex tapestry of feelings that defied easy interpretation.


    "I''ll drink," Freya murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. With a resolute hand, she reached for the ss


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    < Chapter 72 Freya''s First Love


    perched on the table. One by one, she downed the contents of three sses.


    Upon emptying thest one, she set it down with a definitive clink, her hand pausing over it, reluctant to let go.


    This poignant gesture led the other four to a silent consensus-Freya''s first love was a hallowed chapter of her past, one that inevitably brought a touch of sadness whenever it surfaced.


    Kristian''s fingers clenched, the tension unwittingly creeping in


    Freya''s first love...


    Who could that have been?


    "Are you alright, Freya?" Liam inquired, caught off-guard by the intensity of the moment.


    He had thought that, given her marriage to Kristian, any fiery remnants of a past first love would have dimmed, perhaps to a point where they could even be mentioned in jest.


    Yet, the look on her face spoke volumes, she dearly hadn''t moved on.


    "I''m fine," Freya replied, a touch of dizziness clouding her senses, but her voice remained steady, her postureposed, "Let''s continue."


    Liam cast a concerned nce at Trent and Kristian before turning back to shuffle the stack of discs. With a deliberate slowness, he distributed them to each person, his brow furrowed slightly under the weight of his own thoughts.


    There was a quiet personal agenda ying in the back of his mind.


    This round, he made no special effort to hand the disc marked "small" to Freya, hoping to spare her from revisiting the tender subject of first loves just yet.


    Yet, fate seemed to mock his intentions; the disc marked "big" ended up with Kristian, while the one marked "small" again found its way to Freya


    Liam couldn''t mask his surprise, his features twisted into a look of genuine confusion.


    He knew Kristian too well-his resilience, his tenacity.


    As Treys observed the disc in her hand and then Liam''s unexpectedlyplex expression, she initially suspected a prank. Yet, the authenticity in his surprise washed away her doubts, revealing the cruel hand of


    Kristian, dutching the disc, maintained his usual stoic demeanor. ¡°Truth or dare?" he asked, his voice as steady


    "Date, Freya responded without hesitation


    A shadow presed over Kristian''s eyes, darkening them with a mix of curiosity and frustration


    Her reactance to share her past only fueled his desire to delve deeper.


    We tagged the disc face down on the table, his gaze locking onto Freya with an intensity that made the air word them dicten. We counciated each word with precision "Send me the details of your first love-rate. profession, and won my phone"


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    On An A


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    Chapter 72 Freya''s First Love


    The question hung in the air, leaving the rest of the group in baffled silence. Was such a personal query even permissible in their game?


    Freya gazed at him, her brow furrowed in confusion. Was there something seriously messed up in his head? Did he not even know the basics about himself?


    "What''s the matter? Scared to let me know?" Kristian squirmed under her gaze, feeling as if he''dmitted some unforgivable sin.


    His curiosity nagged at him-who had stolen her heart back then, and why couldn''t she let that man go, even now?


    "You''re out of your mind," Freya scoffed, her frustration driving her to down three more sses of wine in quick session.


    Trent watched her with growing concern. Freya wasn''t known for her drinking prowess, having barely touched alcohol since their childhood days.


    As she tipped back the third ss, Trent stepped in. "That''s enough, Freya," he said firmly.


    "Alright," she conceded with a slight nod.


    By the time she emptied the three sses, it hit her-Kristian and the rest probably


    think she was clinging to the memory of some irreceable first love.


    She chose not to correct their assumption. If they preferred to bathe in their misconceptions, she would let them.


    It wasn''t about Kristian; it was about her desire to distance herself from certain unsavory associations.


    "Let''s wrap this up," Trent suggested, his voice tinged with worry. "Freya''s clearly had too much, and she''s usually not one for heavy drinking."


    "Well..."


    Liam was on the verge of agreement when Kristian, barely containing his irritation, interjected, "If she''s not up for handling her drinks, she could always pick a


    different dare or truth. It''s not like anyone''s forcing her to drink."


    "Go on." With a tipsy glow settling over her, Freya''s tolerance for provocation was wearing thin.


    "Freya," Trent called out.


    "I can handle it," she dered, her voice defiant.


    Trent rubbed the bridge of his nose, dropping his voice to a low murmur meant


    only for her. ¡°Have youpletely forgotten about the incident four years ago when you were drunk?"


    At his words, Freya''s expression shifted to one of difort, her previous bravado faltering.


    That night was a dark blot in her memory, an episode she wished could be erased.


    From across the room, Kristian''s gaze bore into the pair, a silent battle of wills unfolding.


    Despite his urge to intervene, his pride anchored him to his seat, his tone icy and detached. "Can''t you handle


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    Chapter 72 Freya''s First Love


    it? Why not prove it then?"


    "Let''s do this!" Freya blurted out, more to convince herself than anyone else.


    At her outburst, Liam found himself at a loss for words.


    Trent was equally speechless.


    In that moment, a ripple of unease swept through the room. Everyone had noticed


    the change in Freya.


    Usually, if she wasn''t in the mood, she''d ignore them no matter how hard they tried to rile her up.


    But today, a single remark from Kristian had swayed her effortlessly. "Seymour, do you think Freya is alright behaving like this?" Liam asked, his voiceced with concern. There was a palpable tension as he broached the subject.


    Kristian and Felipe turned their attention to him sharply.


    Kristian''s features were shadowed with a grim severity, while Felipe maintained a poker-facedposure. Seeking information on Freya''s condition from someone other than Kristian, Liam exemplified the thoughtfulness of a remarkably considerate younger brother.


    Despite understanding the delicacy of his inquiry, Liam was aware that Kristian might be just as clueless. He spected that Trent could provide some insights. "As long as she avoids any more drinks, she should be fine," Trent answered after a brief pause, his eyes fixed intently on Freya.


    Meanwhile, Kristian slid the six discs toward Liam, snapping the tension briefly. "Well? What''s the holdup? Keep going,¡± hemanded, an edge of impatience to his voice.


    "Are you serious?" Liam blinked, disbelief coloring his tone.


    "Isn''t this us sealing the end of our marriage for good?" Kristian shot back sharply,


    his retort hanging heavy in the air.


    "Fine," Liam conceded reluctantly. With Trent keeping an eye on her, there was


    little reason to worry. "Alright, let''s get back to it."


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    20.45

 , and Wounds 73

    Chapter 73 Who''s Charlie


    Once a few more rounds passed, Liam quit ying tricks and simply dealt the disc to everyone.


    Freya, however, wasn''t about to back down frompeting with Kristian.


    She received either the one marked "small" or the one marked "big"-nothing in between.


    "Who''s ended up with the one marked ''big''?" Liam surveyed the group with a raised eyebrow.


    Freya, more upbeat than usual, couldn''t hide her enthusiasm. "That would be me,¡± she dered, her voice tinged with excitement. "Truth or dare?"


    "Dare," Kristian replied without hesitation.


    "Finish all the drinks on the table," she announced boldly.


    A hush fell over the group. Everyone exchanged stunned nces.


    Trent shifted ufortably in his seat, his expression one of dismay.


    He knew all too well that Freya''s judgment tended to slip when she had a few too many.


    Kristian, locking eyes with Freya, his gaze intense and unwavering, promptly lifted three sses. He downed them in one fluid motion, his voice dropping an octave, resonating with a seductive allure. "Let''s keep this going," he insisted.


    "Kristian,e on, if you''re going to y, y it right," Freya slurred slightly, her words still sharp despite her tipsiness. "I said all the drinks, not just three."


    "Freya, he''s dodging the dare and going straight for the drink," Liam interjected, gently pointing out what might have escaped her notice.


    Freya faltered, her gaze shifting from Kristian to the drinks scattered across the table. It seemed to be a logical exnation.


    Kristian''s expression darkened intriguingly as theyunched into another round of their game, their roles now flipped.


    Even through the fog of her drunkenness, Freya''s instincts remained sharp. "Dare," she dered confidently. "Come here," Kristianmanded, his voice low, his intense gaze locked solely on her.


    In that moment, Freya''s cheeks were a vivid pink, herrge, expressive eyes fluttering under the soft caress of her eyshes.


    Her lips, dewy and a deep shade of red, seemed to draw him in like a ma.


    Kristian, caught in the moment, realized he had never seen her quite like this-so vulnerable yet so alluring.


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    20:43


    Clutching her ss of wine with a defiant grip, Freya suddenly eximed, "No!"


    Her voice cut through the buzz of the room, leaving everyone, including a dumbstruck Trent, staring in surprise.


    With a flick of her wrist, she raised her ss and downed the contents as effortlessly.


    Thankfully, after a cautious hint from Trent, Liam had wisely switched her beverage to a milder wine, averting any potential disasters.


    "I just wanted you toe closer so I could whisper the dare," Kristian exined,


    his eyes still fixated on her luminous gaze, softening his earliermand. "I wasn''t trying to pull you over here."


    Freya''s expression was a picture of perplexity, her lips downturned and her eyes narrow with skepticism. She turned towards Trent, her voice tinged with


    confusion. "Why did he do that? I don''t get it."


    Shaking his head, Trent responded, "Neither can I."


    The room fell into an uneasy silence.


    Liam, scratching his head, chimed in, "Yeah, I''m lost as well."


    Calling her over was a dare in itself, even if he hadn''t framed it that way.


    It was clear now that Kristian was the one stirring confusion.


    "Alright, alright." Liam cut through the tension, his tone attempting to lighten the mood. "Let''s just end the game here. There are rooms both upstairs and downstairs. Pick one and let''s get some rest."


    Felipe and Zander rose from their seats, their movements quick and certain.


    It dawned on them that tonight''s gathering was orchestrated by Liam with Freya and Kristian in mind; they were merely pawns in his borate setup.


    "There are two bedrooms upstairs." Liam''s gaze shifted back and forth between Kristian and Trent. "So, who''s going to take care of Freya tonight?"


    Kristian''s face clouded over with irritation.


    The thought of someone else looking after his wife seemed preposterous and inappropriate.


    He decided it was time for a serious discussion with Liam about his reckless choice of words tonight.


    Before the tension could escte further, Trent stepped in, his voice firm and decisive, his eyes locking with Kristian''s in a silent battle of wills. "Freya will sleep on her own," he dered. "I''ll share the room with you."


    Kristian''s brow furrowed in confusion.


    Liam was at a loss for words.


    Their faces revealed a subtle glimmer of emotion.


    "Freya and I aren''t officially divorced yet; it''s only right that I look after her." Kristian''s gazended on Freya, who was obliviously ying with the disc. His decision locked into ce. "I''m not ustomed to sharing a bed with another man," he stated firmly


    "Freya," Trent called out gently, his gaze dropping to the floor in a moment of hesitation.


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    Chapter 73 Who''s Charlie


    Freya turned towards him, herrge eyes brimming with an innocent curiosity. "Yes?"


    Liam seized the moment to discreetly exit the scene.


    Witnessing Freya''s transformation from her usually confident self to this gentler, more vulnerable version tugged at his heartstrings. He knew too well that lingering too long could spark forbidden feelings.


    Convinced it was wiser to step back, he mentally passed the responsibility to the other two.


    "Do you prefer to sleep alone or with Kristian?" Trent asked, always considerate of her feelings.


    "I''d like to sleep with Charlie," Freya dered, her voice tinged with a dreamy softness, as if recalling aforting memory. "Holding Charlie feels so reassuring."


    Frustration etched itself across Kristian''s features.


    Who in the world was Charlie?


    Trent, trying to maintain calm, patiently exined, "Charlie isn''t here tonight. Your choices are to sleep alone or with Kristian."


    Kristian listened intently, his prating gaze drifting involuntarily towards Trent.


    The words that had just tumbled from Trent''s lips took him aback. In such a scenario, wouldn''t most people probe about whose bed she preferred-his or Kristian''s?


    What exactly was Trent''s motive with Freya?


    "Then, can I sleep with Farrah tonight?" Freya inquired nonchntly. All she truly wanted was aforting presence. "She''s soft andforting to embrace."


    "I''ll see what I can do," Trent replied, his voice tinged with resignation.


    "Sounds good," Freya responded, her tone light.


    With that, Trent grabbed his phone and stepped out, leaving the room behind.


    Freya, meanwhile, busied herself with the discs on the table, seemingly oblivious to Kristian''s towering presence beside her.


    When Farrah''s phone buzzed with an unknown number, her initial reaction was to dismiss the call instinctively.


    However, the persistent ringing left her with no choice but to pick up. ¡°Hello? Who''s this?" she asked cautiously.


    "This is Trent Seymour," he began, his voice carrying a courteous and refined tone throughout the conversation. "Am I speaking with Farrah Welch?"


    "Yeah. Why are you calling?"


    Once Trent confirmed her identity, he inquired if she was currently in Jeucwell, promptly followed by giving her the address and exining the evening''s arrangement.


    The conversation wrapped up after five minutes.


    As Trent ended the call and turned around, he found Kristian not too far off, his expression unreadable. "Can I


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    Chapter 73 Who''s Charlie


    help you with something?"


    Kristian''s voice was low and steady, "What exactly is your rtionship with


    Freya?"


    "We''re just friends," Trent answered evenly.


    "Who is Charlie?" Kristian pressed, his voiceced with a seriousness that bordered on solemnity.


    The very notion of Freya clutching someone named Charlie in her sleep-aigure she foundforting and soft -stirred an unease within him.


    He knew he belonged to Freya''s past, a ce he had no business intruding, but


    the urge to know still gnawed at him.


    Trent, with a graceful smile, adjusted his sleek, gradient sses and cast a


    knowing nce towards Freya. "Perhaps it''s best to ask her directly about such matters," he suggested smoothly.


    A faint scowl flickered across Kristian''s face.


    Such matters?


    "You mean to tell me she hasn''t mentioned this in the two years you''ve been


    married?" Trent''s words struck like a cold, sharp dagger.


    Words failed Kristian entirely.


    Trent pressed further with a cold smirk, "Didn''t she say anything in your ear while holding you close?"


    ¡°This matter is between her and me; it''s hardly appropriate for you to pry," Kristian snapped back, putting an end to the discussion. "If you want to understand rtionships, perhaps you should try getting married yourself.


    Trent merely offered a cryptic smile, gave no reply, and sauntered over to sit next


    to Freya, awaiting Farrah''s arrival.


    Kristian felt as if he were mming against a brick wall.


    His thoughts wandered back to their wedding night, when Freya hadmented


    as she embraced him that his body felt too rigid.


    That was thest time she ever held him.


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    Chapter 74 Want To Sit


    And Talk


    About an hourter, Farrah showed up, her trench coat hugging her frame. Her long brown hair gleamed softly beneath the evening lights.


    She was swiftly ushered inside by the vignt bodyguards stationed at the entrance. The only reason she dared to traverse the winding roads to this secluded vi at such ate hour was a brief, confirming phone call-Trent had indeed been referring to her dear friend Freya.


    "Good evening, Seymour." Farrah greeted with a poised smile, her eyes meeting Trent''s as he opened the door to wee her.


    Trent, a titan in the legal world,manded respect and admiration¡ªa fact Farrah was keenly aware of.


    "Freya is inside," Trent replied, his voice low and considerate, careful not to use Freya''s intimate nickname, Mina, in the presence of others. "She''s had a bit too much to drink, I''m afraid. Could you look after her for a while?"


    "Of course," Farrah responded without hesitation.


    As she stepped through the door after him, her thoughts swirled with curiosity about Freya''s well-being and whether Trent might be the one Freya had gone off and married without telling anyone.


    Her thoughts crumbled to dust when she saw the man carefully tending to Freya, bringing her steps to an abrupt halt.


    Kristian?


    "Freya..." Farrah froze in the living room, her thoughts tripping over themselves, trying to make sense of it all. At the sound of Farrah''s voice, Freya''s head snapped up. Her expression remained unreadable, yet her eyes sparkled with an unusual intensity.


    The moment Freya spotted Farrah, she sprang from her seat and dashed across the room, her arms wide open. "Farrah!" she eximed, burying herself in Farrah''s embrace.


    Farrah was utterly dumbstruck.


    As she returned Freya''s hug, her mind raced to catch up with the evening''s surreal turn of events.


    The notion that she, of all people, would encounter the enigmatic Kristian and the elusive Trent in one night seemed beyond belief. Who would ever believe a story like that?


    "What''s happening?" she whispered, her voice barely audible as she leaned into Freya.


    Freya let out a deep sigh, her breath warm against Farrah''s ear. "I can''t bear the thought of sharing a bed with


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    him, he''s just too stiff," she admitted, seeking sce in Farrah''s steady presence. "It''s you I wanted to be with tonight, not him."


    Farrah''s response was a stunned silence..


    She swallowed hard, her throat tight. "Who are you talking about?"


    "Kristian Shaw," Freya answered, her tone sharp and clear.


    Farrah''s eyes involuntarily darted across the room to the man in the sleek ck suit, whose presence seemed to chill the air around him.


    In that moment, the pieces fell into ce.


    Kristian-the very man Freya had alluded to earlier, desperate for a divorce to return to his old me.


    "Good evening, Mr. Shaw," Farrah managed to say, infusing her greeting with a veneer of politeness.


    Kristian nodded, his gaze piercing. "Take good care of her," hemanded, his voiceden with amanding


    chill. "If you need help with ang, don''t hesitate to reach out to me."


    Though his disdain for Farrah was palpable, it was clear that his primary concern was Freya''s wellbeing.


    Farrah gave a small nod of acknowledgment.


    After inquiring about which bedroom Freya would use for the night, Farrah guided her upstairs with a gentle hand on her elbow.


    Thankfully, Freya wasn''tpletely overtaken by alcohol this time. Once Farrah had helped her into the shower and ensured she was settled, they both retreated to theforting silence of sleep.


    Downstairs, the two men in the living room remained seated, each lost in his own contemtion.


    The tension was palpable, hanging thick in the air like a fog. The standoff continued until the clock struck one in the morning.


    It was then that Trent finally conceded to the night, his footsteps heavy as he trudged upstairs.


    The fact that Farrah hadn''te out suggested Freya was already fast asleep.


    As the sound of Trent''s door closing echoed through the house, Liam made his appearance from a room on the first floor. Dressed in dark pajamas, his hair was tousled and unruly, a clear sign of having just been in bed.


    Kristian, who had been simmering in a stew of his own frustrations, felt his temper re anew at the sight of


    Liam


    "Chill out," Liam remarked, his voice a tired drawl as he shuffled across the room


    in his slippers and copsed onto the sofa. "It''s bad for your nerves to get worked


    up."


    "And you know about that?" Kristian''s voice crackled with barely contained fury, his hands itching to throw a punch


    After everything Liam had instigated tonight, Kristian thought it might be more satisfying to hurl him out the


    window.


    Liam just chuckled a low, irritating sound-and scooted closer on the sofa. "I''m only looking out for you,


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    Chapter 74 Want To Sit And Talk


    Kristian Don''t you see that?"


    Kristian''s gaze, dark and intense, pinned Liam with a mix of disbelief and irritation. It was as if he couldn''t believe Liam had the audacity to keep a straight face while saying something so absurd.


    "Now that we''re alone." Liam leaned in, his voice dropping to a hushed whisper. "How did it really hit you? Finding out Freya''s heart still harbors shadows of her first love?"


    A flicker of curiosity danced across Liam''s features, his eyes probing for the truth. Meanwhile, Kristian, with a practiced nonchnce, poured himself a ss of wine and knocked it back in one swift gulp. "I felt nothing." he answered aloofly. "You''re just putting on a show," Liam countered swiftly, his tone tinged with certainty. "If it truly didn''t matter to you, why did you press her to reveal her first love''s name, age, and job during our game?"


    Kristian was momentarily speechless, his annoyance with Liam escting rapidly.


    "Sometimes, facing your emotions is the only way forward." Liam pressed on, his voice steady and insightful.


    The point of tonight''s setup was to push Kristian to recognize his feelings for Freya. His reaction during the first love segment proved her unresolved past bothered him more than he''d admit.


    Raising the stakes, Liam challenged him. "What if her first love returned this very moment, asking her to leave you and marry him? What then?"


    "She wouldn''t dare," Kristian snapped, his eyes shing dangerously cold.


    "Why wouldn''t she?" Liam delivered this piercing truth with his characteristic nonchnce, his voice asid- (back as a Sunday morning. "You were ready to leave her for your old me. Isn''t it only fair she considers the


    same?"


    Kristian''s response was a silent, icy stare that seemed to lower the temperature of the room.


    After a tense moment, he muttered, "That''s not the same thing" "Whatever you say," Liam replied with a nonchnt shrug, dismissing the heavy


    air as if it were nothing more than a passing cloud. "Anyway, the nning for Grandpa''s 80th birthday party is underway. If you want to prevent her from divorcing you just yet, you should mention it to her tomorrow morning." With those final words, Liam retreated to his room, leaving a trail of unsettled thoughts behind him.


    Alone in the living room, which was as brightly lit as midday, Kristian sank deeper into the sofa. The weight of Liam''s words pressed on him, stoking the embers of irritation within.


    He loosened his tie in a futile attempt to ease the mounting pressure.


    By three in the morning, exhaustion had imed him, and he had drifted into an uneasy slumber on the sofa.


    Abruptly, the soft creak of a door swinging open upstairs jolted him awake. Blinking into the dim light, he caught sight of Freya descending the stairs Dressed in light-colored pajamas, her gaze had returned to its usual calm.


    It was clear to Kristian that she had sobered up


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    Despite her modest tolerance for alcohol, a brief nap-merely a couple of hours-


    had sufficed to clear her foggy


    when she woke up feeling parched and on the verge of descending the stairs for some water, she caught Kristian''s gare fixed on her from the sofa.


    Their gates intertwined, and an unspoken connection seemed to weave itself


    around them.


    Standing hesitantly at the stairwell''s edge, Freya remained motionless, her eyes still entangled with Kristian''s.


    Breaking the silence with his voice, gravelly and soft, Kristian offered, "Want some water?"


    "Yeah" Freya responded, her voice a gentle whisper.


    Although Kristian didn''t catch her words clearly, he read the need in her eyes.


    He got up, filed a ss with water, and extended it to her as she approached.


    "Here, take this," he suggested with a soft tone. "Thank you," Freya murmured, epting the ss offered to her. Kristian watched intently as she downed the contents in one fluid motion, the clear indication of her parched throat. As she ced the empty ss back on the table with a gentle clink, he inquired with a concerned tone, Need more?"


    "No, thank you." Her voice was firm, her gaze already shifting away from him. Staying in the Ining room with him was thest thing she wanted. Though she hadn''t been entirely wasted the previous night, her memories of the evening remained painfully intact. Every word and action yed back in her mind like a cringe-worthy montage.

 Chapter 75

    Chapter 75 It''s Just A Kiss


    Freya hesitated, her expression unreadable. After a tense moment, she answered with her familiar detached calm, "There''s nothing to talk about."


    Kristian disagreed, a yful yet determined glint in his eye as he offered her a ss of water, effectively blocking her way. "Oh, I think there''s a lot to talk about," he insisted, his voice tinged with curiosity. "For starters, who was your first love?" Freya''s response was a measured silence, her lips pressed tightly together. Undeterred, Kristian pressed further. "Did you actually have feelings for him, or was it just a fleeting thing?"


    "Do you really care?" Freya''s retort was sharp, a challenge thrown.


    Having spent so much time with Kristian, she knew how to get under his skin and make him speechless.


    This time, hiseback was swift, his eyes narrowing as he leaned in closer. His voice dropped to a whisper. "I''m genuinely interested in the person who''s haunted your thoughts all these years."


    "I see," Freya replied, her tone t but her mind racing.


    Kristian''s brow furrowed in confusion. That was it?


    Ignoring his perplexity, Freya leaned back against the table, the soft light catching her eyes and entuating her striking features. She delivered her next words slowly, each syble dripping with irony. "He was someone a lot like you."


    Kristian''s expression flickered from confusion to shock.


    She continued, a slight smirk ying on her lips, "Aplete scumbag.¡± The color drained from Kristian''s face as he realized the depth of her insult. His annoyance was palpable, his jaw setting in frustration.


    Freya''s voice was light, almost teasing. "If you''re really that curious about him, take a good look in the mirror," she suggested with a faint smirk. "You and he could be twins, at least when ites to breaking hearts."


    Kristian''s gaze darkened, a storm brewing in his eyes as the air around them seemed to chill.


    Just when Freya thought he might erupt in anger, he managed to keep hisposure, though barely, and asked with a strained voice, "And who exactly is Charlie?"


    There was a moment''s hesitation on Freya''s part.


    Charlie, her beloved custom-made stuffed toy, designed to match her childhood habit of needing something to hug at night, was far more innocent than what Kristian might imagine.


    Yet, she wasn''t about to divulge that.


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    Chapter 75 It''s Just A Kiss


    Charlie, her beloved custom-made stuffed toy, designed to match her childhood habit of needing something to hug at night, was far more innocent than what Kristian might imagine.


    Yet, she wasn''t about to divulge that.


    "Why the silence? Is it that difficult to tell me?" Kristian''s voice was sharp,ced with an anger he hadn''t felt in a long time.


    Freya straightened up, her back against the cold surface of the table, eyes locked with his, unflinching. "There''s nothing difficult about it," she replied indifferently. "Charlie is my bedtimepanion.¡±


    The moment the words left her lips, Kristian''s jaw clenched, and his thin lips pressed together even tighter. A bedtimepanion? The very thought sparked a fury within him that was hard to contain.


    Kristian''s voice wasced with barely contained fury as he spoke, his words sharp as ice picks. "I never imagined your life was so vibrant before you met me. Perhaps I should invite yourpanion to share our bed, see how that feels?" Freya recoiled, her heart skipping a beat.


    From the shadows, Liam emerged, his presence as quiet as a whisper.


    "What''s the matter, Kristian? Can''t stand the thought?" The usation hung heavy in the air, making Kristian squirm under Freya''s prating gaze. "Kristian... when did you start having such strange preferences?" Liam sensed the tension escting and intervened with a light cough. "If it''s men you''re interested in, perhaps pursuing a boyfriend would be more appropriate. There''s no need to cling to Freya''s ex."


    Kristian''s anger surged, his demeanor frostier than ever. "If you don''t want to be thrown out of Jeucwell, then get your ass back to your room."


    Liam took the hint, his mouth snapping shut as he retreated and quietly closed the door behind him, resisting the urge to linger.


    Unperturbed, Kristian turned back to Freya, his expression unreadable. "So, will you let me sleep with Charlie?" he asked, soundingpletely casual.


    Freya''s cheeks grew warm, a flush spreading across her skin.


    How could he propose such a thing so calmly, using that devastatingly handsome face that seemed crafted by divine hands?


    To anyone watching, it would appear as if he was talking to her about something important.


    Kristian''s brow furrowed as he caught the flicker of difort on Freya''s face. His annoyance morphed into a fierce, almost overwhelming rage. "Can''t bear to part with your preciouspanion?" he snapped, voice dripping with sarcasm.


    "Charlie is just not right for you," Freya replied, her voice barely above a whisper. The image of a tall, muscr man clutching a stuffed toy to sleep was ludicrous to her.


    Kristian, seething with fury, felt a sharp pang in his heart. Did she really believe he wanted to sleep with Charlie at night?


    No, his curiosity was piqued about who could have captured her attention sopletely.


    if he ever discovered who dared to encroach on what he considered his, he would banish them from Jeucwell and Alerith, ensuring they never crossed paths with Freya again.


    "How long have you been sleeping with him?" Kristian''s voice was tinged with a blend of jealousy and disbelief. Despite himself, the thought of Freya returning to someone else''s embrace after their impending divorce pressed down on him like a ton of bricks.


    He wanted to demand what right she had to call him a scumbag when she had someone she could crawl into bed with whenever she pleased.


    At least he could say he''d never shared a bed with anyone other than her.


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    Freya paused, her mind racing through memories. Charlie was a gift she''d bought for herself on her seventeenth birthday.


    She was now twenty-four, subtract two years for their marriage, that left five years before.


    Kristian was on the verge of losing it. How long had she been sharing her bed with Charlie that she had to count the years?


    "Is it really that hard to keep track?" he asked, his voice a menacing growl, echoing through the tense air between them.


    Freya was abruptly snapped out of her reverie by his sudden closeness, his face mere inches from hers.


    She instinctively recoiled, only to feel the cold edge of a table pressing against her back, trapping her with nowhere else to go.


    Kristian, detecting her involuntary withdrawal, felt a surge of irritation that he couldn''t quite exin.


    Regaining herposure, Freya met his gaze squarely, her voice steady despite the tension. "Didn''t you promise not to dwell on my past? That you''d only care about my loyalty after we were married?"


    "Are you truly loyal?" Kristian pressed, his voice thick with unspoken emotions.


    He couldn''t forget that moment when Trent had asked her if she preferred to sleep alone or with Kristian, and she had impulsively eximed her preference for sleeping with Charlie, iming it was simply morefortable.


    What did Charlie have that lingered in her mind, unshakeable even after her two years of marriage?


    Kristian remembered all too well how she was drawn to striking appearances.


    "Yes," Freya responded firmly, her reply a sharp contrast to the turmoil brewing between them.


    "Freya, you''re the real scumbag here," Kristian spat bitterly, his frustration mounting. The more he probed, the more his difort grew. "Every night, as you lie beside me, your thoughts wander to Charlie, don''t they?" That was a harsh truth Freya could not deny, even if just to herself.


    She had spent five years falling asleep next to Charlie; adjusting to its absence in her bed since her marriage had been a struggle she hadn''t anticipated. Kristian''s voice simmered with barely restrained fury as he dered, "We are even." His chest heaved with anger, painful lump forming in his throat. "If you dare bring those two around after the divorce, I can''t promise they''ll leave my sight unscathed."


    Freya''s response was dismissive, her tone dripping with condescension. "So childish."


    Kristian stood mere inches from Freya, his irritation possibly fueled by her recent nights spent with Charlie, or perhaps it was the raw, possessive longing that gnawed at him. When Freya made her remark, something snapped in Kristian. He couldn''t resist; he dipped his head, his lips seeking hers in a sudden, impulsive kiss.


    His lips held a strange blend of icy chill and gentle warmth.


    Deep within, the beast that he had caged for so long wed at its confines, nearly breaking free.


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    Chapter 73 its Just A Kiss


    Caught off guard, Freya didn''t anticipate his advance. As his warmth enveloped her, a few secondspsed before her mind could process the sensation.


    Her dyed reaction only fueled the fervor in Kristian. Grasping the back of her head gently, he deepened the kiss his passion mounting


    Just as he was poised to take things further, Freya shoved him back forcefully, gasping for air. "What the hell are you doing?" she demanded, her heart racing, cheeks flushed with a rosy hue.


    Frantically, she wiped her lips, her eyes brimming with a storm of emotions.


    "It''s just a kiss between a husband and his wife," Kristian retorted, his gaze intense as he watched her lips, his voice rough with desire. A subtle movement rippled through his throat. "What else would it be?"


    Freya''s anger red, yet she found herself at a loss for words in the moment.


    After dabbing at her lips a few more times, she fixed him with a stern look. "You''re


    with Ashley now," she stated icily. "Don''t kiss me with lips that have touched


    another woman. It''s utterly disgusting."


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    Chapter 76 I''ve Only Ever Kissed You


    Kristian''s gaze lingered on Freya''s lips, now a deeper shade of red from her nervous biting. His throat felt dry as desert sand


    Stepping forward, he towered over her, his eyes narrowing slightly. The rough timbre of his voice broke the silence "What did you just say?"


    "I said I... M


    Her words faltered, muffled by his sudden, passionate kiss,


    Kristian cradled the back of her head with one hand, while his other arm snaked around her waist, pulling her closer with a gentle yet electrifying grasp.


    In these moments, Freya found herself utterly overpowered. Each kiss melted her resistance, leaving her helplessly swept away by hismanding presence.


    The typically stok andposed Kristian, once ruffled and passionate, transformed into an intoxicatingly dangerous enigma


    Her remaming shred of rationality wed at her, urging her to break away. She feared she would have stayed ensmayed by him, wandering through a dreamlike trance.


    wch a surge of strength, she pushed against his chest. "Kristian!"


    The usual coldness in his eyes now swirled with an indescribable heat, and his lips, stightly parted, shimmered with a reseal monstress


    Flustered with her cheeks burning and heart pounding, Freya fixed him with a fierce stare. "How many times vest 1 tell you? Don''t kiss me with the same lips you''ve kissed Ashley with I''m guarding my health from Windsorbacter Pyines"


    Aber words, the corners of Kistian''s mouth twitched upwards. His initial annoyance melted into a bemused


    bacter Pn-es whe would think of such a thing in a moment like this


    Twe as me and you" Kutian''s tone was lofty, touched with an indifferent coolness, his usually pristine etter sightly darede ek in his poned facade "If you were going to catch anything, it would''ve happened when we that got art wed


    Tad er es get back the wordsced with venom


    Carrung der fabed cheeks, a bunt of sent tackered across his features, lightening his mood. "Do you want to get checked? 15 coves the medical ex*****


    Chapter 76 I''ve Only Ever Kissed You


    Freya was speechless, her frustration boiling over.


    "No need." She wiped her mouth again, then stood up sharply, her movements brusque. Taking a few deliberate steps away, she shot him a piercing re before marching upstairs.


    Kristian watched her depart, a slow grin spreading across his face-a smile be scarcely noticed forming


    He grappled with the thought, bewildered, of how Freya could stir his momordinary desires so easily


    This stir of emotion, it seemed, was reserved solely for her.


    Irritated yetposed, Freya ascended the stairs. As she approached the door, she took a moment to steady herself, ensuring she made no sound that might disturb Farrah


    To her surprise, however, the lights inside the room were already on.


    "What happened, Freya?" Farrah inquired, her voiceced with concern as she noted the unusual tension in her demeanor. "Who''s got you all worked up?*


    "It''s no one," Freya responded curtly, her usual calm and rational facade slightly cracking under pressure, a rare urrence unless provoked by Kristian, who always seemed to effortlessly stoke her ire. "Why are you up? Did I disturb you?" "Nope," Farrah replied, her voice short and to the point, before swiftly changing the subject. She leaned in lowering her voice with a sly edge. "Is Kristian Shaw the husband you''re nning to divorce?"


    "Yes," Freya confirmed tly.


    "And who was his ex?" Farrah prodded, her curiosity piqued.


    "Ashley Bradley."


    "Never heard of her," Farrah blurted out, a frown knitting her brow in confusion, but she quickly shook it off, pressing on with her inquiries. "Are you really prepared to divorce him? He seems like the dream husband to many-charming, wealthy, and undeniably attractive."


    Despite being immersed in the entertainment industry, Farrah wasn''t up to date on every scandal, including the one involving Ashley.


    "He''s definitely handsome, no doubt about that," Freya admitted, a hint of


    reluctant admiration in her voice. As someone who appreciated beauty, she couldn''t deny the allure of Kristian''s handsome features. "But, unfortunately, he''s also an unfaithful husband."


    "Indeed," Farrah agreed, nodding thoughtfully.


    No matter how dashing, affluent, or physically appealing a man was, if his heart wasn''t truly with his partner, none of it mattered in the end.


    Freya perched on the edge of the bed, a twinge of guilt coloring her tone. "I''m sorry. I know you''re pregnant and it was thoughtless of me to ask you toe over sote. I just wasn''t in my right mind," she admitted, her eyes clouded with remorse.


    Farrah, taking Freya''s hands in hers, gave her a reassuring smile. Her voice was gentle,ced with unwavering affection. "You''re my best friend, Freya. I''de to you whenever you need me."


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    Chapter 76 I''ve Only Ever Kissed You


    There was a palpable sense of gratitude in Freya''s heart, feeling trulyforted and cherished. The thought that Farrah considered their friendship so profound made her presence feel all the more significant.


    With a concerned furrow in her brow, Freya inquired further, "Have you had your prenatal check-up yet? How''s the baby doing?"


    "Everything''s fine," Farrah replied, her voice bubbling with warmth and a serene happiness that filled the room.


    Freya exhaled a deep sigh of relief upon hearing the good news.


    They switched off the bedsidemp, and the darkness enveloped the room as theyy side by side, each ensnared by their own swirling thoughts as sleep slowly overtook them.


    As the night deepened, Freya sumbed to the embrace of sleep, undisturbed by Kristian''s earlier attempt at affection. Meanwhile, Farrahy awake, her mind a storm of worries that kept sleep at bay.


    Downstairs, Kristian, restless andpelled by his own concerns, dialed Gerard''s number.


    It was well past three in the early morning-a time when any unexpected call was bound to grate on one''s nerves, Gerard''s included.


    "Does it really have to be at this hour? Why the urgent call?" Gerard grumbled into the phone, his voice thick with sleep. "Just because you''re my boss doesn''t give you the right to disrupt my night."


    "Get up. I''ll make sure you see an extra ten thousand on your paycheck this month for your troubles." Kristian''s deep voice resonated with an enticing offer.


    Ten thousand dors? The fog of sleep cleared from Gerard''s mind instantly.


    He flung the covers aside, briskly rubbed the sleep from his eyes, and fumbled for


    his sses on the nightstand. Slipping them on, he adjusted to his more business-like tone. "What do you need, Mr. Shaw?"


    "I need a background check on someone."


    "Who are we talking about?"


    "Charlie." Kristian''s voice took on a grim tone as he uttered the name.


    He could postpone digging into Freya''s past rtionships for now, but Charlie was


    a different matter-Freya''s bedtimepanion, the one she clung to even in


    sleep, choosing him over her own husband.


    Kristian was driven by a need to uncover the face and the allure that kept Freya''s thoughts tethered to Charlie, even after two years of marriage.


    Gerard''s brow furrowed in confusion. "Just a name?"


    "Someone intimately linked to Freya. They''re inseparable," Kristian replied, careful


    not to divulge too much about Freya''s circumstances. "They spent most of their nights wrapped up in each other."


    Gerard paused, processing the information.


    "Focus on this instead of those other minor tasks," Kristian instructed, bestowing


    him with certain special benefits "Forget about cleaning toilets for now. I need you


    to uncover everything you can about this Charlie. Hurry up and get it done"


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    "Understood, sir," Gerard responded, his voice tinged with relief at the prospect of avoiding the dreaded toilet


    cleaning.


    Kristian acknowledged with a nomittal grunt and ended the call.


    He lingered over his phone for a moment, contemting whether to enlist his hacker friend''s aid in his quest. However, the risk of his own identity being unearthed dissuaded him.


    After all, repeatedly soliciting help for investigations wasn''t typical among friends. Eventually, he drafted a message to Damon in Alerith, seeking assistance. Given Freya''s origins in Alerith, Damon might have an easier time gathering information. With his requests dispatched, Kristian finally allowed himself a moment of respite. He loosened his tie, sprawled out on the sofa, and tried to rx.


    But rest eluded him, his sleep troubled and fitfulpared to Freya''s peaceful slumber.


    In his dreams, he saw Freya encircled by two charismatic men, both adept at charming her.


    As she embraced the gentle one, she turned to Kristian and said, "You have Ashley, while I have Charlie and my first love."


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 Chapter 77

    Chapter 77 Weren''t You Aware Of Their Friendship


    Freya had just wrapped up her conversation with Kristian and even pressed a swift kiss to Charlie''s cheek. Kristian, seething with a silent rage that seemed to boil his very blood, was jolted awake by the disturbance. Irritated, he flicked his eyes to his phone, checking the time. The glowing digits showed it was only five in the morning. Sighing deeply, he massaged his weary temples, his fingers tracing circles of weariness. With a huff, he grabbed his coat and strode over to the room where Liam was dozing. Pushing the door open with more force than necessary, Kristian''s shadow fell over Liam. In a single, fluid motion, he nudged Liam off the bed.


    This time around, his sleep could be noticeably more peaceful.


    Liam hit the floor with a thud, his confusion painting his face in the dim light. What had just happened? And why on earth was he lying on the floor?


    These questions barely had time to form in his groggy mind before he dismissed them, too drowsy to care. He simply rolled over and nestled into the plush, warm carpet, findingfort.


    As dawn broke, Farrah''s eyes fluttered open first.


    With the early signs of pregnancy ebbing into a phase of unpredictable sleep patterns, she found herself waking up with the sun more often than not. After freshening up and slipping into her day clothes, she made her way downstairs.


    Settled in the living room, she was busy thumbing through messages on her phone when a cold, displeased voice cut through the morning stillness. "Why are you here?"


    Farrah paused, her heart skipping a beat.


    She looked up to find Felipe standing in the doorway, his expression unreadable but his eyes sharp with an icy disapproval.


    in that instant, her face mirrored a flicker of uncertainty, and she instinctively stood up from the sofa, as if readying herself for confrontation.


    ¡°.....¡± she began, her voice faltering. The sight of Felipe''s stern face reminded her of the task he had previously assigned to her


    "How could I have been so blind to your tricks? You even managed to slip into a private gathering." Felipe''s misunderstanding brewed a storm within him as he stepped closer, his presence chilling "What are you up to? Is it Kristian you''re after, or are you getting involved with Trent Seymour and Liam, too?"


    Farrah hurried to rify, shaking her head gently. "Actually, Mr. Seymour instructed me toe and take care


    of."


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    20:52


    Chapter 77 Werent You Aware Of Their Friendship


    His anger erupted like a sudden gust, voice hard and cutting. "He just snaps his fingers, and you rush over like a loyal servant? Tell me, did you sleep in his room all night?"


    "No Farrah responded sharply, desperate to crush the swirling assumptions. "He needed my help with..."


    "Did you get rid of the child?" Felipe interjected ruthlessly, his tone hollow, eyes locked on hers with an intensity that weighed down the air between them.


    Farrah''s posture tensed, an instinctive reaction making her take a cautious step back.


    It seems you couldn''t do it," Felipe noted, his voice eerily calm yet oppressively cold.


    Retreating another step, Farrah faced him squarely, her voice trembling but firm. "This child is mine. You have no right to force me to get rid of it.¡±


    Felipe''s retort wasced with scorn. "And when you were betraying me, did you think about that?¡± His stare was piercing voice dripping with derision. "Don''t worry, I''ll make sure it''s taken care of myself. And don''t think threatening to end your life will stop me this time."


    This time, he was resolute, his tolerance worn thin, determined not to let her get what she wanted.


    Farrah was losing herposure, her thoughts crashing into one another. "Go ahead, I dare you!"


    Felipe''s response was a cold, challenging smirk. "Just wait and see." His eyes, usually warm and engaging when in thepany of others like Kristian, now zed with a chilling intensity.


    Farrah''s voice cracked, the words struggling for power. "If you dare harm my child, I will despise you until myst breath. Her threat hung flimsy and unconvincing in the air, a desperate bluff she knew held no sway over Chim


    A sharp ache twisted in Felipe''s chest, a fleeting sign of inner turmoil, yet his expression was stone-impassive with a veneer of icy amusement. "Despise me


    all you want," he retorted evenly, his voice a low growl. "That child has no ce in my world."


    With calcted calm, he pulled out his phone and dialed swiftly, directing his assistant to get a private hospital ready for an urgent procedure-an abortion. He announced that he would be bringing Farrah there shortly


    Farrah''s heart seized with panic. She could tell Felipe''s decisions were set in stone, his will unyielding.


    Trapped in the sprawling, secluded suburbs, escape was a fantasy.


    The vi, brimming with his allies, offered no refuge. There was nobody she could trust, nobody to whom she could turn for help.


    And Freya Freya had suffered enough at Kristian''s hands. Farrah''s resolve hardened; she could not, would not, drag her friend deeper into this nightmare.


    Felipe''s voice cut through her thoughts, icy andmanding. "So, Farrah, do we need to do this the hard way, or will youe quietly?" His footsteps echoed ominously, each one like a hammer to Farrah''s fragile heart, igniting a suffocating fear and a desperate urge to escape.


    "You can''t just decide to terminate this pregnancy," Farrah stated, her eyes brimming with urgency, her fingers clutching her phone so tightly that her knuckles turned white. "You are the father."


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    Felipe let out a derisive scoff.


    The scorn in his gaze intensified as he gently caressed her chilled cheek. "I was overseas on business during that time. How the hell could you possibly be carrying my child?


    Tears welled up in Farrah''s eyes, her lips trembling as she fought back sobs.


    "If you get rid of this child and remain loyally at my side, I''ll give you everything you desire. Fame? I can make that happen too." His fingers, surprisingly warm, brushed away her tears, his voice softening to a coaxing whisper.


    Farrah shook her head defiantly, her resolve hardening.


    She didn''t crave the allure of fame, nor did she wish to remain ensnared by his side. All she yearned for was the life blossoming within her.


    "Just listen to me," Felipe muttered, his voice a dangerous blend of temptation and threat as he stepped closer. "Let''s go to the hospital together."


    "I won''t go," Farrah dered firmly, stepping back to put space between them. A wave of panic washed over her, more intense than ever before.


    Felipe''s hand lingered in the air, still warm from their contact, his eyes darkening, his tone chilling. "Don''t make me do something we''ll both regret."


    Farrah held her ground, refusing to back down.


    At that moment, Trent made his way down the stairs.


    Amid the strained air that hung palpably between them, he didn''t probe too deeply


    and instead ventured, "How''s Freya doing?"


    "She just woke up. She was still sleeping when I got out of bed," Farrah responded with a calm demeanor, though a flicker of contemtion crossed her face.


    Felipe, catching snippets of their exchange, shifted his gaze from one to the other, piecing together that Farrah had been tasked by Trent to look after Freya.


    A question nagged at him-what was Kristian doingst night? Wasn''t he


    supposed to be the one caring for his wife?


    "Thanks for stepping inst night," Trent chimed in, his tone courteous and his attire sharp in a well-tailored


    suit.


    Farrah brushed off his gratitude with a light-hearted, "It was no big deal."


    Yet, Felipe''s mood soured once more. What did she mean by "no big deal"? What exactly was going on between her and Trent? And why would she agree to tend to Freya, a woman she barely knew, merely on Trent''s say-so? "Rumors had always swirled around you, iming your indifference towards women, but it looks like they were wrong." Felipe mused aloud with a casual air that belied the keen sharpness in his eyes. "I never took you for someone with such a bunch of close female friends, Seymour."


    Trent''s expression clouded with confusion.


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    Across him, Farrah found herself at a loss for words, What the hell was wrong with Felipe?


    "What exactly brought you and Farrah together?¡± Felipe inquired, his piercing gaze locking onto Trent with an intensity that seemed to cut through the air.


    Trent, ever astute, picked up on the undercurrents swirling between Felipe and Farrah. He responded smoothly, his voice calm but edged with a hint of amusement, "Farrah happens to be a friend of Freya''s, and since Freya and I have known each other for a long time, that''s how we met."


    Felipe''s expression turned to stone.


    Farrah and Freya were friends?


    "Weren''t you aware of their friendship?" Trent teased, reveling slightly in the unfolding drama. His voice was even, but the sharp glint in his eye betrayed his enjoyment.


    "Of course, I knew," Felipe countered swiftly, his voice devoid of hesitation. His casual dismissal belied the tightness around his eyes: "I merely didn''t anticipate your... unique approach to forming friendships. Do you make it a point to know all of Freya''s friends?"


    "More or less," Trent replied, a faint smile ying at the corners of his mouth. His tone was effortless and genuine.


    The history between him and Freya was deep-they were childhood friends, woven into the fabric of each other''s lives along with a shared circle of friends. Farrah was the exception, the only friend Freya had made in recent years.


    Felipe felt an overwhelming urge to peer into Trent''s mind. How could he manage such straightforwardness, suchposure, under the weight of his words?


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    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart

 Chapter 78

    Chapter 78 A Bizarre Disy Of Possessiveness


    "It seems Freya is quite capable on her own now, so she no longer requires Farrah''s assistance," Felipe remarked, with aid-back tone, his fingers entwining with Farrah''s effortlessly. "We have our own affairs to handle, so we''ll take our leave first."


    Trent offered them a subtle, knowing smile. "Please, feel free to go ahead."


    Felipe acknowledged this with a small nod, his expression carefully neutral, the perfect mask of civility. However, as they were about to exit, Farrah abruptly withdrew her hand, stepping instinctively toward Trent with a determined look in her eyes. "You


    go on ahead. I need to have a word with Freya," she stated firmly, her voice tinged with resolve.


    She was all too aware of Felipe''s underlying motives. If she left now with him, it was clear as day that he would drive her straight to the hospital to go through with the abortion.


    "Farrah Welch," Felipe called out sharply, his voiceced with a stern warning.


    "I''ll head home once I''ve spoken with Freya," Farrah countered smoothly, her tone unwavering. "You go ahead and handle what you need to."


    A shadow passed over Felipe''s face, his eyes darkening with frustration.


    He seemed to dismiss Trent''s presence entirely as he strode back to Farrah, his movements brusque. He seized her wrist, his intent unmistakable, determined to lead her to the hospital.


    "I told you, I''m not going with you!" Farrah''s voice rose as she struggled against his grip, her defiance clear.


    Felipe''s grip tightened mercilessly, to the point where Farrah winced, fearing the strength of his hold might actually injure her.


    Observing the escting tension, Trent stepped forward, his actions gentle but firm as heid his hand on Felipe''s wrist. "Miss Welch has expressed a desire to stay a bit longer to talk with Freya. It''s a rare chance for them to catch up. Why not let them enjoy this moment?"


    "I would normally wee Freya to our home anytime,¡± Felipe responded curtly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation. "But today, Farrah must leave with me."


    The moment the words left his mouth, he attempted to pry Trent''s hand from his wrist with a sudden jerk. Yet, despite gathering all his strength, he found Trent''s grip was as unyielding as iron.


    Confusion clouded Felipe''s features. Why was Trent unnaturally strong?


    "Why not let them chat a bit longer?" Trent''s smile remained courteous, as if he was making an effort to


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    protect Felipe''s ego.


    Felipe''s eyes narrowed, a storm brewing behind his gaze, yet he reluctantly let go of Farrah''s hand.


    Simultaneously, Trent released his hold as well.


    Felipe shot Trent a piercing look, his expression unreadable, then turned his attention to Farrah. "Let me know when you''re finished talking with Freya. I''ll be waiting."


    "That won''t be necessary," Farrah replied, her voice firm.


    Ignoring her protest, Felipe turned and strode toward Liam''s room, driven by a


    need to understand why Trent was present at their gathering.


    He hadn''t anticipated the scene that awaited him: Liam and Kristian sitting on the floor, eyes locked in a tense standoff.


    "What in the world are you two doing?" Felipe''s voice carried a mix of bewilderment and curiosity.


    Both men swiveled their heads to look at him, their expressions a silent challenge to his intrusion.


    Without waiting for an exnation, Felipe shrugged nonchntly and settled himself on a nearby sofa, choosing not to delve deeper.


    Liam was about to confront Kristian for leaving him sprawled on the cold floor, but


    the snippets of conversation he''d identally caught earlier diverted his attention. With a raised eyebrow, he asked, "Felipe, were you just having a heated argument with a woman?"


    Felipe, visibly seething, snapped back, "Are you deaf or something?"


    Liam wondered silently if the chaos of the day was his fault for inviting Trent.


    But before he could utter a word in his defense, Kristian stepped in, his voice sharp as a de. "Are you blind?" "What''s your problem, Kristian?" Felipe challenged, his voiceced with frustration that had been brewing since the previous night. "Did I get in the way while you were scolding Liam?"


    Kristian''s response was a silent, icy stare that spoke volumes.


    Calling out Liam was something only he could do. Anyone else risked facing the consequences.


    "Fine. I won''t argue with you," Felipe conceded, his voice a mix of resignation and irritation, aware of Kristian''s fiery temper. He couldn''t help but grumble, "I just don''t understand. Why did Liam bring Trent Seymour to our gathering? Was it just to annoy us?"


    As Felipe''s words trailed off, Kristian''s eyes narrowed and turned towards Liam, probing for his motives. Liam''s intention wasn''t to annoy Kristian but to make him feel jealous.


    *Felipe, I don''t like where you''re going with this," Liam retorted, brushing off his pants as he stood up with a nonchnt shrug "When you were promised perks for joining the gathering, didn''t you ept without


    hesitation?"


    Felipe fumbled for something to say. How was he supposed to know Farrah would be there as well?


    "Was it Farrah Welch you were arguing with earlier?" Kristian deduced, catching the flicker of recognition in


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    Felipe''s eyes.


    Felipe''s silence confirmed it, heavy with unspoken tensions.


    Liam gave him a fleeting look, his expression revealing barely a flicker of emotion.


    "She''s a friend of Freya''s. It was Freya''s idea to have her here, so Trent reached out," Kristian exined, fully aware of the undercurrents of Felipe''s concerns. "There''s absolutely nothing romantic happening between her and Trent."


    He remembered standing there when Trent had dialed her number; their initial exchange was polite, distant, like two people just getting acquainted.


    Felipe''s face twisted into a grimace, his lips tight. "I know," he muttered tersely. This caught Kristian off guard, and a flicker of confusion passed between him and Liam.


    If Felipe already knew the nature of their rtionship, what was fueling this tension?


    "Just a heads up," Felipe continued with a hint of sternness. "If Farrah asks for a ride when you leave, make sure you turn her down. And tell Zander the same. Trent shouldn''t take her either."


    Kristian frowned, irritation knitting his brows together. "What do you mean?"


    He was already in a foul mood, haunted by remnants of a disturbing dream from the night before-a premonition of sorts, suggesting that Freya might lead a reckless life after their divorce.


    There was no trace of Felipe''s usual yful smirk. Instead, his features wereposed into a serious expression, yet his voice carried a light tone. "Farrah rides only in my car."


    The siblings were momentarily dumbstruck, processing Felipe''s words.


    It seemed like a bizarre disy of possessiveness, almost as if he were unting


    his control.


    Kristian''s patience snapped. "Get out!"


    Felipe just chuckled, brushing off the outburst as he remained in the room, undeterred,


    The air was thick with tension as the three men lingered silently.


    At about 8 A.M., Freya came down the stairs atst, stepping into the living room


    where Zander loitered, his hair tousled in a charming disarray.


    Once everyone had gathered, Liam, wearing an apron, cheerfully set about serving breakfast.


    The surroundings were drenched in an awkward unease that hovered over the dining table like a stubborn fog Kristian stole nces at Freya with a frequency that made the air crackle; the tension he radiated was palpable.


    Liam''s eyes flicked back and forth between Kristian and Freya.


    Freya, for her part, appeared remarkablyposed under the weight of those stares, quietly eating her breakfast Her eyes were downcast, her thoughts seemingly miles away.


    Felipe, who had strategically seated himself at the opposite end of the table from Farrah, abruptly set down his utensils, breaking the silence. "Didn''t you have something you wanted to discuss with Freya? Why the hesitation?" he demanded, his voice cutting through the morning stillness.


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    Chapter 78 A Bizarre Disy Of Possessiveness


    "What is it?" Freya''s voice was calm as she turned to face Farrah.


    "It''s nothing serious," Farrah responded, her smile belying her annoyance at Felipe''s blunt intrusion. "I''ve just been mulling over what would be a good name for the baby. I''ve thought about it for a while but can''t seem to decide." Freya''s immediate thought was to suggest turning to the child''s father. Remembering what Farrah had mentioned earlier, her brow creased slightly. That fucking scumbag didn''t deserve a say.


    ¡°I''ll think it over at home and share some suggestions with youter,¡± she offered with genuine warmth, her usual sincerity shining through. "Don''t worry about it right now. We''ve got plenty of time; the baby isn''t due for several months." Farrah nodded, her face rxing into a grateful smile. "Okay, thanks."


    100.0%


    Exclusive Offer For You


    im Now

 Chapter 79

    Chapter 79 Kristian Was Jealous


    Liam, his voice tinged with a note of provocation, remarked, "Isn''t it customary to involve the father choosing the child''s name? If you''re struggling to find a suitable name, Miss Welch, perhaps the baby''s fath could provide some inspiration."


    Farrah''s gaze shifted involuntarily towards Felipe, her expression aplex tapestry of emotions.


    Before she could muster a response, Freya cut in sharply, her voice frosty with disapproval. "He doesn''t deserv a say in such a crucial matter."


    Liam''s eyes widened in surprise, unprepared for Freya''s fierce stance.


    Beside him, Kristian''s brow furrowed in confusion, mirroring the sentiment.


    Felipe, too, looked taken aback, his face a mask of bewilderment.


    The three men exchanged looks, their faces etched with confusion at her unexpected outburst..


    Zander''s face remained unreadable, his gaze drifting over to Felipe to gauge his reaction.


    Felipe''s initial sh of anger quickly dissolved into a resigned nod. What was Freya''s deal? Why was she getting involved in their issues?


    On further reflection, she had a valid point. He wasn''t the baby''s father, so he truly wasn''t deserving.


    Breaking the tense silence, Liam ventured cautiously, "Freya, why did you say that?"


    "I''m done eating. Go ahead and enjoy your meal." Brushing off the question, she put her ¨¹tensils down, stood, and quietly headed for the sofa.


    Minutes ticked by, and soon, everyone had wrapped up their breakfast.


    As the group prepared to leave the vi, a new issue surfaced. Liam had brought Freya here, so how was she supposed to get back?


    "Freya." Liam''s voice carried a hint of curiosity as he approached her. "Do you want to ride in my car or Kristian''s?"


    Before she could answer, Trent intervened with a firm tone, jangling his car keys as a clear indication of his preference. "She''ll ride with me," he dered.


    Freya exchanged a knowing nce with Trent, picking up on the undercurrent of urgency in his eyes. With a subtle nod, she agreed, "Sure."


    The moment she consented, the air around Kristian shifted dramatically, bing charged and tense, like the forewarning of a tempest.


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    < Chapter 79 Kristian Was Jealous


    Felipe, who had been smirking triumphantly a moment before, found his satisfaction ebbing away as Trent turned his attention to Farrah "Would you like to


    join us, Miss Welch?" he asked, his voice smooth but insistent.


    "No, thanks. My agent will pick me upter," Farrah responded with a guarded tone, aware of Felipe''s vtile nature. Leaving with Trent today would only guarantee Felipe''s wrath down the line.


    He insisted she terminate the pregnancy, and she was determined to have onest discussion with him. If he wouldn''t back down, she''d be left with no choice but to walk away.


    The frost in Felipe''s eyes melted ever so slightly, his lips twitching as he decided to give her another day to reconsider.


    With that, Freya slid into the passenger seat of Trent''s car.


    They drove past Felipe, who, despite his earlier hostility, moved aside-a gesture Kristian didn''t miss.


    "I''m leaving too," Zander announced, his presence as crisp and polished as his white shirt. With the effortless charm of a seasoned gentleman, he added, "I''ll be joining the film crew soon, so it looks like this will be ourst meet-up for a while." Kristian and Felipe exchanged a brief, knowing nod as they watched him stride away.


    In the lingering silence that followed, only Kristian and the remaining few were left.


    Liam, having lost his interest in the unfolding drama once Freya had exited, dered his intention to depart, eager to recount the evening''s happenings to his grandfather.


    "Liam." Kristian''s voice, low and resonant, broke the quiet, his hand casually tucked into his pocket.


    Liam paused, his hand frozen on the car door handle, turning slightly. "What''s up?" he inquired, an eyebrow raised in curiosity.


    "Would you mind giving Miss Welch a ride?" Kristian asked, his tone nonchnt.


    Liam blinked, taken aback by the request.


    Even Felipe raised his eyebrows, puzzled by Kristian''s unexpected move.


    "Miss Welch, Liam will be happy to drive you," Kristian continued smoothly, his gaze never wavering from Felipe, who looked visibly rattled. "He''s rather free tonight, so feel free to direct him as you please." Farrah, momentarily stunned, processed the offer. She ultimately nodded in eptance. "Alright."


    She decided against riding with Trent, mindful of Felipe''s disdain for him.


    With Liam being his friend, Felipe wouldn''t be too bothered.


    As the car pulled away into the sunlit morning, Kristian remained, a solitary figure breathing in the crisp morning air. Felipe, on the other hand, seethed beside him, barely containing his desire to confront.


    "Kristian, what the hell are you thinking?" Felipe burst out, his voice thick with frustration. "What about our agreement back in the bedroom?"


    With a slight frown, Kristian gave his reply. "What agreement?"


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    "You swore that Farrah wouldn''t leave tonight unless it was with me," Felipe stated, his tone sharp and using.


    "Right."


    Felipe was visibly frustrated. Why didn''t Kristian keep his promise?


    With a mix of bewilderment and anger bubbling inside him, he marched up to Kristian, unable to grasp the sudden shift in his attitude. "Why would you let her leave with Liam?" he demanded, his tone sharp.


    "And what about you? Didn''t you step aside so Freya could ride with Trent?" Kristian responded withposure, his eyespletely detached.


    Caught off guard, Felipe halted, his fiery momentum quenched by a sudden epiphany.


    His anger dissolved, reced by a sly amusement. A smirk yed on his lips as


    he slung an arm around Kristian''s shoulders, his voice teasing. "What''s this? Are you jealous?"


    Kristian remained silent, his face unreadable. Jealous? The idea seemed ludicrous to him.


    "I only stepped aside because you have a thing for Ashley," Felipe went on, his tone casual yet clearly designed to needle Kristian. "Imagine how she''d feel knowing Freya was in the same car as you. Is that what you want? To make her jealous? Or... is it Freya you''re actually interested in?"


    He scrutinized Kristian''s expression intently, searching for any telltale sign.


    Kristian''s frown deepened slightly. The conversation shifted abruptly as he remembered Gerard''s call earlier about Ashley possibly feigning her illness.


    With a renewed focus, he unlocked his car and threw over his shoulder with deliberate nonchnce, "Maybe you should spend less time worrying about who I''m interested in and more time figuring out who the father of the baby is." With that parting shot, he slid into his car and pulled away, leaving Felipe simmering with frustration and unanswered questions on the sidewalk. Kristian''s thoughts briefly lingered on Freya and the news of his grandpa''s uing eightieth birthday he had yet to share, but he decided it was better to wait for a more fitting moment.


    Freya knew Lionel''s birthday was approaching, but with everything that had been going on, the days had slipped right past her.


    As their car pulled away from thevish vi, Freya turned her troubled gaze towards Trent, who maintained a stoic focus on the winding road ahead. With a hint of concern in her voice, Freya ventured, "Is something happening in Alerith?" "Nope," Trent responded, his tone even and unflustered. "It''s about Farrah." "Farrah?" Her voice hitched slightly, a frown knitting her brow.


    Trent''s hands remained steady on the wheel as he cast a brief, meaningful nce


    her way. "You''re not aware of her ties to Felipe, are you?"


    Confusion clouded Freya''s expression. The puzzle pieces weren''t aligning. How did Felipe fit into this picture again?


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    "This morning, I caught Felipe and Farrah in a heated argument in the living room," Trent exined, though he confessed to missing most of the fiery exchange. "Felipe mentioned Farrah was his wife."


    "What?" Freya eximed, the weight of the revtion making het head spin. If Felipe was Farrah''s husband, was he the scumbag she was talking about?


    A marriage orchestrated for corporate gains was one thing; a resurrected past romance was quite another. Yet, the thought of him coercing Farrah, especially during her pregnancy, filled Freya with indignation.


    While Trent''s eyes returned to the road, his jaw set in concentration, Freya wrestled with her next move. Calling Farrah risked intrusion if she was in Felipe''s presence, so she opted for discretion, typing out a message. "Is Felipe actually your husband?"


    Farrah, sitting in the back of Liam''s car, felt her phone vibrate.


    She nced at the screen, hesitating as Freya''s message popped up.


    After a moment of contemtion, weighed down by the gravity of her response,


    she responded, "Yes."


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 Chapter 80

    Chapter 80 Kristian''s Suspicion


    Farrah offered nothing more, her lips sealed tight.


    To shield Freya from undue concern, she adopted a breezy, upbeat demeanor as she shared. "Honestly, I never would have guessed Kristian is the one you ended up marrying on a whim. It''s downright astonishing."


    A ripple of worry flickered across Freya''s face as she absorbed the message.


    Trent, picking up on her unease, inquired gently, "How''s she doing?"


    "She''s married to Felipe," Freya answered slowly, her gaze locked on her phone screen. "But she quickly shifted the topic."


    After a few more exchanges, when Freya learned that Farrah was in Liam''s car,'' she chose not to probe any further.


    She made sure Farrah knew that, no matter the storm, her support would always be there.


    "Will the divorce decreee through by the end of the month?" Trent asked, piecing together the timeline. €


    Freya confirmed with a sinct "Yes."


    "Call me once it''s all settled, and I''ll arrange a flight back to Alerith." Trent''s demeanor towards Freya was always tender.


    Freya turned to him and asked, "Have you wrapped up your affairs in Jeucwell?"


    "Yes," he replied.


    Freya epted his offer without hesitation.


    Trent then dropped her off, ensuring she was safe inside before driving off, his headlights cutting through the night as he returned to his hotel.


    Meanwhile, on Kristian''s side, instead of heading back home, he made his way to the hospital where Ashley was being treated.


    When Kristian entered the room, Ashley''s eyes lit up with a glimmer of hope. She shifted upright on the bed, her gaze softening as she greeted him warmly.


    "I''ve arranged a thorough checkup for you." Kristian spoke, gripping the doctor''s examination form, his eyes sharp and unwavering. "We should get the tests done right away."


    Ashley''s heart skipped a beat, momentarily caught off guard. She took a deep breath, steadying herself before


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    nodding slightly. "Alright."


    With the examination form in hand, Kristian waited patiently by the door.


    Ashley''s heart sank a little, noticing he hadn''t reached out to hold her hand. She couldn''t help but wonder if the shadows of that night still lingered between them.


    Breaking the silence, she ventured, "Kristian?"


    He turned, his expression unreadable. "Yes?"


    "Are you... are you still upset about that night?" Lowering her gaze, her voice carried a hint of sorrow.


    Kristian paused, his features softening as he finally understood her concern. He shook his head, his voice gentle but firm. "No, don''t worry about that now. We need to focus on these tests."


    "Okay," Ashley murmured gently, her eyes still downcast.


    Getting aplete checkup required navigating a series of tests. She hesitated at the entrance, her reluctance drawing out each second before she finally stepped inside.


    Kristian noticed, his brow furrowing slightly as his tone grew more insistent, yet tinged with concern. "Why aren''t you going in?"


    "Can we possibly skip this one?" Ashley gnawed nervously on her bottom lip, her eyes wide with palpable apprehension. "I''m scared," she whispered, the tremor in her voice betraying her anxiety.


    "It''s just a routine stomach scan; it won''t hurt a bit," Kristian assured her gently, though his brow furrowed slightly, hinting at his underlying suspicions about the true nature of her distress. "Go ahead, there''s nothing to worry about."


    Yet, Ashley remained rooted to the spot, paralyzed by fear.


    Kristian observed her in silence, his eyes steady and unwavering.


    Following an intense standoff, her eyes brimmed with tears, spilling over like a dam breached, cascading down her cheeks. "I really don''t want to do it, Kristian. Every time I step into that room, it''s like I''m back there- abroad, suffering through those endless treatments," she choked out between sobs, her voice cracking under the weight of her memories.


    Kristian''s response was a soft touch, a reassuring pat on her shoulder. He murmured with a soothing calmness, "If it''s too much for you right now, we don''t have to proceed. Let''s focus on the other tests first, okay?"


    Ashley''s crying didn''t cease; it shook her slender frame, making her words almost inaudible.


    A couple more hours dragged by before her tests were finally finished. Kristian managed her discharge with efficient care and drove her home. As they arrived, he reminded her with a concerned tone. "I''ll arrange for someone toe by and help out with meals tomorrow. After your recent miscarriage, you should really take it easy."


    "Please, don''t bother!" Ashley responded quickly, her voice a mix of independence and slight panic, before softening her tone. "I''m used to being on my own."


    Upon hearing this, Kristian didn''t press further. He lingered just long enough to see her ascend the staircase, then he got into his car and drove toward the office.


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    < Chapter 80 Kristian''s Suspicion


    Upon his arrival, Gerard immediately came up to him, offering a polite nod.


    "How is the investigation progressing?" Kristian inquired, his voice steady as he continued towards his desk.


    A flicker of confusion crossed Gerard''s face. Which investigation was his boss referring to?


    Noticing Gerard''s befuddled expression, Kristian halted, his piercing dark eyes narrowing slightly. In a measured tone, he remarked, "Have you forgotten?" Gerard couldn''t bring himself to confess hispse in memory.


    He quickly regained hisposure, his thoughts whirling until the early morning phone call from his boss snapped back into focus.


    With a newfound calm, he responded, "No, sir. I''ve been preupied with coordinating efforts with our partnerpanies this morning and haven''t yet had the opportunity to delve into it."


    He knew, deep down, it wasn''t entirely his fault.


    Kristian''s words often drifted into oblivion whenever Gerard was half-asleep, only to be forgotten by dawn.


    This particr instance, however, clung to his memory, fueled by the promise of a ten thousand dor bonus. "Reassign your ongoing projects to the secretarial team," Kristian ordered, his voice devoid of emotion, showing no interest in exposing Gerard''s momentary forgetfulness, "Concentrate solely on the assignment I''ve given you."


    "Right away," Gerard responded promptly, eager toply.


    Right before he could submit his work, Kristian summoned him into the office.


    He entered to find Kristian, his suit jacket casually thrown over a chair, d in just


    a crisp white shirt that lent him an almost stoic air of detachment. "I need theprehensive details of Ashley''s medical treatments abroad-the doctors, the support staff, everyone involved in her surgery."


    "Absolutely," Gerard replied, his response quick and decisive.


    As he turned to leave, a sudden thought halted him mid-stride.


    Kristian loosened his tie, his chiseled features softened by the ambient light of the room. "Any questions?" he asked indifferently.


    Gerard hesitated, his voice carrying a mix of curiosity and caution. "You''re looking for Miss Bradley''s medical records to confirm her diagnosis of stomach cancer, correct?"


    Without a flicker of hesitation, Kristian confirmed, "Yes."


    "There''s a pretty simple way to confirm it," Gerard remarked. ¡°And what might that be?" Kristian pressed, his interest piqued.


    Gerard approached with measured steps, his fingers adjusting his sses as he kept hisposure. "Whether it involves traditional or minimally invasive techniques, any surgical intervention would leave scars on the abdomen. These scars might fade over time but they never disappearpletely," he exined, his tone


    smooth and confident.


    In simpler terms, if Kristian really wanted confirmation, he could potentially look


    for tell-tale scars on Ashley''s


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    Chapter 80 Kristian''s Suspicion


    abdomen.


    Kristian''s brow furrowed, the suggestion striking a moral chord. The idea of


    invading Ashley''s privacy felt inherently wrong to him.


    "You''re nning to marry her eventually, aren''t you? Checking for a scar shouldn''t


    be too intrusive," Gerard blurted out, his voice slightly coaxing, as if he could read the turmoil brewing in Kristian''s thoughts.


    "Just look into it." Kristian dismissed his suggestion with a subtle brush-off. Gerard gave a brief nod and walked off, a hint of understanding flickering in his gaze as he turned away.


    He carried with him the certainty that Kristian''s heart had always belonged to Freya, even if Kristian himself mistook his lingering feelings of rejection for love. Gerard mused that after the inevitable fallout between Kristian and Freya, he might find himself busier than ever, possibly relocating his main office to the


    branch office in Alerith.


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 Chapter 81

    Chapter 81 Ashley Has Been Deceiving You


    Gerard barely lingered in thepany. With a few swift delegations to the secretarial team, he was out the door.


    Weekends were supposed to be for rxation, but for Gerard, a Sunday was just another day in his relentless schedule.


    Kristian, on the other hand, settled into his desk shortly after Gerard''s departure.


    The office was quieter than usual, a gentle hum of silence filling the space typically buzzing with activity. Like Gerard, Kristian found little difference between weekdays and weekends.


    His focus was unyielding as he sifted through documents, his phone''s persistent vibration a mere background nuisance until he reached a stopping point. With a nonchnt nce, he finally attended to the insistent device.


    The moment he saw the message, a chill ran through him.


    The screen disyed several photos of Ashley caught in tender embraces with another man. The apanying text hit like a cold de. "Ashley has been deceiving you.''


    The message''s neutral tone made it hard to discern whether it was sent by a man or a woman. Kristian, his curiosity piqued and a knot of anxiety in his stomach, immediately dialed the mysterious number to unearth the origins of these unsettling photos and to understand the implications behind them.


    He examined each photo with meticulous attention, confirming to himself they were genuine, untouched by digital maniption.


    Upon making the call, he was met with the cold, impersonal announcement from a mechanical female voice dering the number was invalid.


    A crease formed between his eyebrows as he pondered this dead end, his mind racing back to a simr scenario that had been the talk of the town not long ago.


    Driven by a sudden urge, Kristian snatched his phone and jacket from the back of his chair and stormed out of the office, determined to confront Ashley directly at her ce.


    Meanwhile, Ashley was in the midst of a tense conversation, her face a mask of fear, her voice quivering with nervous energy "I never thought he''d side with Liam Shaw over me. You can''t hold this against me," she stammered into the phone, her words dripping with worry and regret.


    The voice on the other end rebuked her sharply. "You know well the repercussions of jeopardizing my ns."


    Ashley''s grip on her phone tightened, her entire body shaking as tears streamed down her face, fear manifesting more palpably than ever before.


    0.0%


    Chapter 81 Ashley Has Been Deceiving You


    She opened her mouth to plead her case when a sudden, insistent knock at the door interrupted her.


    The sound reverberated, persistent and ominous.


    For reasons she couldn''t fathom, her heart hammered against her chest, threatening to burst.


    "I have to hang up. Someone''s at the door."


    "Make sure you don''t reveal the truth about your illness."


    "Okay..." Her voice trailed off as the call disconnected. Swiftly, she erased the call history and dabbed at her eyes with a tissue.


    She then took a deep, steadying breath to calm her nerves before she approached the door.


    Only a select few knew of her current hideaway-her friend, Kristian, and Gerard. Regardless of the visitor, it was crucial that her secret remained just that¡ªa secret. As she opened the door, Kristian''s tall, daunting silhouette filled the entryway,


    The sight of him sent a jolt of tension through Ashley, her body stiffening involuntarily. Despite her anxiety, she managed a smile, masking her nerves with feigned surprise and warmth. "What a surprise! What brings you here at this hour?"


    "I need to talk to you," Kristian stated, his voice a low murmur, his lips barely parting as he clutched a stack of urgent-looking documents.


    "Please,e in." She stepped aside. "Can I get you something to drink? Maybe some coffee or tea?"


    No, thanks." The t refusal came quickly. Kristian''s gaze was unreadable, his eyes a calm, piercing te as he remarked, "Let''s talk first."


    A ripple of unease washed over Ashley. Her guilty conscience fluttered like a trapped bird, her eyes darting away from his steady gaze.


    Kristian, observing her difort, sensed something was amiss. Under normal circumstances, he might have chalked it up to health concerns, perhaps a troubling doctor''s visit.


    Ever since she lied about Freya and Liam having an affair, his trust in her had never been the same.


    Ashley''s voice wavered, betraying her anxiety. "What-What would you like to discuss?"


    Kristian chose to give her the benefit of the doubt. "Is there something you''re not telling me?"


    Ashley''s hand tightened around the ss of water before her, her face a mask of innocence and confusion. "Why would you ask that out of the blue? Has something happened?"


    "Nothing in particr," Kristian replied evenly, his deep voice betraying no emotion. "It''s just that Freya has been deceiving me so frequently ofte. I''m beginning to fear that my life is entangled in lies."


    At his words, Ashley''s tension melted away, and she exhaled a deep breath of relief. Her shoulders eased, and she shed him a gentle,forting smile. "Don''t worry. Even if the whole world deceives you, I''ll always be truthful with you."


    "Really?"


    27.6


    "Don''t you believe me?"


    "It''s not that I believe you." His demeanor remained guarded, his thoughts imprable. "I just needed to be


    sure."


    "I have never lied to you," Ashley asserted with a calm conviction, masking the deceit in her heart. "And I never will,"


    Kristian simply grunted in acknowledgment.


    The room fell eerily silent, the weight of unsaid words hanging thickly in the air.


    Ashley had settled into a quiet ease, her gaze clear and inquisitive as she peered across at him. "Anything else?" she ventured softly.


    Kristian''s response was crisp, each word measured. "Once I finalize my divorce with Freya, I intend to marry you." His tone was dispassionately businesslike as he continued, "Before we move forward, I need to know- have you been with anyone else during our two-year separation?"


    Ashley''sposure shattered instantly. "What?" she stammered, her voiceced with disbelief.


    She couldn''t fathom why he was probing into her past now; he had never seemed interested before.


    Kristian, thumbing his phone with deliberate motions, didn''t miss a beat. "If you have," he stated evenly. "I owe that man my thanks for looking after you during my absence."


    "No." Ashley replied, her heart thundering like a runaway train. Her voice dropped to a murmur, her expression dimming like a cloud passing over sunlight. "Since we broke up, I''ve remained alone. With my Illness looming over me, I couldn''t possibly entertain the thought of epting someone else''s affections." She knew the impact her words would have on him, likely stirring a potent mix of guilt and regret within him. This was her y: if he felt remorseful enough, perhaps he could see past her previous transgressions. Unfazed, Kristian unlocked his phone, pulled up a message with attached photos, and slid the device across the table towards her. "Then exin these. Who is it?" he demanded, watching her closely.


    Confusion etched her features initially, but as she glimpsed the photos, herplexion drained to a ghostly pallor.


    The phone slipped from her trembling hands, ttering loudly against the tabletop.


    Her expression was a portrait of panic and uncertainty, her lips parting slightly as if to speak, yet no words escaped.


    Confusion and fear intermingled in her wide, desperate eyes. How the hell could this happen? How did these photos find their way onto Kristian''s phone? Kristian''s voice, cool and collected, cut through the tense silence. "What exactly is your connection to him?" He offered her a moment to rify, his demeanor suggesting that he was prepared to listen-if her exnation was convincing enough.


    "1. 1. Ashley stuttered, her fingers nervously catching her bottom lip, her thoughts


    a tangled mess. With a shaky breath, she said, "I don''t know him."


    58.7%


    Kristian''s gaze turned cold, his detached words pressing down like a weight. "Is that so?"


    "Kristian, please, you have to believe me," Ashley pleaded, her mind racing to forge a believable excuse. She couldn''t afford to falter or foster any doubt. "I honestly don''t know him. It had to be Freya who tampered with these pictures. She''s trying to tear us apart."


    In that instant, she decided to shift the me to Freya.


    Given Kristian''s growing disdain for Freya, coupled with Freya''s past deceptions, Ashley banked on this redirection. "It must have been her scheme," she insisted with a newfound resolve.


    "Ashley," Kristian called out, his voice now a blend of warning and formality as he ced the incriminating documents on the table. "You know I have no tolerance for lies or deceit."


    Rmended for you


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 Chapter 82

    Chapter 82 A Clever


    Maneuver


    Ashley felt her heart plummet into the depths of despair.


    She had toyed with the idea of being honest, but circumstances had backed her into a corner.


    If she failed to marry Kristian, she would tumble back into her own living


    nightmare.


    "I didn''t lie to you,¡± she murmured, her voice quivering as she sought to stir a flicker of understanding. "I know I messed up before with what I said about Freya and your brother, but believe me, this time I''m not lying. 1 you doubt my words, go ahead, look into it. I swear, I don''t know that man."


    Ashley knew that no matter how deep Kristian dug, he would uncover nothing. That man was far more adep at shrouding their tracks than she was at revealing truths.


    Kristian let the conversation drop without further pursuit, his silence heavy and telling.


    The evidence was irrefutable-the photos weren''t tampered with, and Ashley''s truth was a woven web of lies. Tears breached her defenses, spilling over in genuine terror.


    His expression unreadable, Kristian simply said, "I believe you.¡±


    "You... you believe me?" Ashley''s voice cracked, shocked by his sudden softening.


    "How could I not?" Kristian touched the file folder-a brief, tender gesture before he leveled a grave demand. "But there''s still one thing you need to clear up."


    Ashley, her nerves frayed and jangling like rm bells, took a sip of water to steady herself. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked, her gaze flickering with unease


    "I handed your overseas medical records to your attending physician," Kristian blurted out, his voice calm and measured.


    He opened the file folder with a slow, meticulous motion that seemed to draw out the silence between them. "After reviewing them, he imed he''d never treated a patient like you. How do you exin that?"


    The sound of the water ss shattering against the hard floor punctuated the room as it slipped from Ashley''s


    grasp


    If she had been anxious and scared before, now she teetered precariously on the brink of utter despair. The blood drained from her face, leaving her lips pale and her eyes wide, reflecting an unmistakable terror. Kristian had not just looked into her history, he had delved into it.


    "Maybe he''s seen too many patients and just... forgotten," she stammered, clutching at straws, her voice a fragile thread


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    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 82 A Clever


    Maneuver


    Ashley felt her heart plummet into the depths of despair.


    She had toyed with the idea of being honest, but circumstances had backed her into a corner.


    If she failed to marry Kristian, she would tumble back into her own living nightmare.


    ¡°I didn''t lie to you,¡± she murmured, her voice quivering as she sought to stir a flicker of understanding. "I know I messed up before with what I said about Freya and your brother, but believe me, this time I''m not lying. If you doubt my words, go ahead, look into it. I swear, I don''t know that man."


    Ashley knew that no matter how deep Kristian dug, he would uncover nothing. That man was far more adept at shrouding their tracks than she was at revealing truths.


    Kristian let the conversation drop without further pursuit, his silence heavy and telling.


    The evidence was irrefutable-the photos weren''t tampered with, and Ashley''s truth was a woven web of lies.


    over in genuine terror.


    Tears breached her defenses, spillin


    simply


    His expression unreadable, Kristi Y "You... you believe me?" Ashley''s voi said, "I believe you."


    1. d. shocked by his sudden softening.


    "How could I not?" Kristian touched the file folder-a brief, tender gesture before he leveled a grave demand. "But there''s still one thing you need to clear up."


    Ashley, her nerves frayed and jangling like rm bells, took a sip of water to steady herself. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked, her gaze flickering with unease


    "I handed your overseas medical records to your attending physician," Kristian blurted out, his voice calm and measured.


    He opened the file folder with a slow, meticulous motion that seemed to draw out the silence between them. "After reviewing them, he imed he''d never treated a patient like you. How do you exin that?"


    The sound of the water ss shattering against the hard floor punctuated the room as it slipped from Ashley''s


    grasp


    If she had been anxious and scared before, now she teetered precariously on the brink of utter despair. The blood drained from her face, leaving her lips pale and her eyes wide, reflecting an unmistakable terror. Kristian had not just looked into her history, he had delved into it.


    "Maybe he''s seen too many patients and just... forgotten," she stammered, clutching at straws, her voice a fragile thread.


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    Chapter 82 A Clever Maneuver


    "I had them verify with theputer records," Kristian pressed on, relentless, his eyes boring into her as if trying to unearth her secrets. "They reviewed every patient treated in the past two years. Your name wasn''t


    there."


    This time, Ashley''s voice deserted her, cornered by the truth she couldn''t deny.


    Kristian absorbed her demeanor instantly, detecting the absence of the anticipated fury. Instead, his voice was icy, his words slicing through the tense air. "Why did you lie to me?"


    Ashley''s gaze fell, her tears cascading silently.


    Kristian remained motionless in his seat, offering her no sce.


    They were engulfed in a heavy silence for a lingering ten minutes, her sobs muffled by her hands. Throughout this time, her mind raced to forge a usible excuse. Finally, gathering her resolve, she dried her tears, her eyes swollen and reddened, and mustered a pained smile. "Since the truth hase to light, there''s no sense in concealing it any longer. Yes, I lied to you. I was never a patient at that hospital."


    Kristian''s expression tightened, a subtle crease forming between his brows.


    "There''s more I haven''t told you," Ashley went on, her voice trembling despite her efforts to smile through the tears. "My stomach cancer... it was never cured."


    A shadow seemed to pass over Kristian''s features as he weighed her confession.


    Ashley''s voice broke slightly. "I underwent surgery at a different facility, and the doctors said I have only a year left. If you doubt my words, I''m willing to prove it to you by showing the scars."


    With a resolve born of desperation, she began to peel off her jacket and reached for the buttons of her blouse, betting on Kristian''s probable intervention.


    And true to her expectations, just as she loosened the first button, his voice cut through the air, firm yet restrained. "Stop, that won''t be necessary."


    Her voice trembled slightly, her eyes glistening with unshed tears as she spoke. "If you think I''m lying, you can check the hospital records."


    She paused, her gaze locked on his. "It''s the private hospital next door-the one I mentioned before. You''ll find the inpatient record."


    Kristian''s brow furrowed as he listened. For the first time, he found himself trapped in a haze of doubt, unable to discern the truth in her words. After a moment of tense silence, he replied, his voice low and uncertain, "I''ll look into it." "Okay." Ashley nodded, her demeanor surprisinglyposed.


    That particr hospital was a puppet, owned by the verypany that could manipte its records at will. Kristian''s investigation would likely yield only the truths they permitted him to discover.


    Observing her unruffled calm, Kristian''s confusion deepened. "If that''s the case, why lie about being cured?"


    "Because I love you," Ashley admitted, her voice breaking with the intensity of her emotions. "I want to be with


    you."


    26.63


    Alone now, she grappled with the sheer terror of having faced Kristian, the one person who could see right through her fa?ade. The fear that her web of lies might unravel at any moment gnawed at her.


    After a few moments of strained silence, she summoned the Strength to reach for her phone. Her firs trembled as she dialed the number she had saved earlier.


    It was a desperate move, but necessary. If she didn''t reach out to that person now, the repercussions could be catastrophic.


    100.0%

 Chapter 83

    Chapter 83 Walking Into A Trap


    Stepping out of the building, Kristian slid into his car with a sigh. As he settled into the driver''s seat, he pulled out his phone and dialed Gerard''s number. He needed Gerard to dig into whatever Ashley was hiding-


    He had his doubts-he always did about people who had deceived him in the past. Trust was not easily rebuil On the other end, Gerard, already knee-deep in inquiries about Charlie, raised his eyebrows at the new assignment. He couldn''t help but think his hard work warranted a better paycheck. "Really? Are we digging into Miss Bradley''s affairs now? Wasn''t she the one Kristian''s in love with? Wasn''t Kristian ready to leave his we just to be with that woman? What was there to look into?


    Just cut the chatter and follow my orders," Kristian snapped back, his voice icy as the evening air creeping through the car windows. "Start by checking when she was hospitalized, then see where she really was during those days*


    Even with hospital records proving her admission, it would be pointless if her whereabouts didn''t align


    A normal person wouldn''t find themselves tethered to a hospital bed without good


    reason.


    Lenting out a deep sigh, Gerard responded, "Understood."


    Ageing was his only option-Kristian was the one signing his paychecks.


    Ending the call, Kristian tossed his phone beside a stack of documents on the passenger seat, his thoughts swirling with recent betrayals and unresolved questions.


    tmotions fupped at him like a relentless tide.


    Be considered messaging the group chat to convene a meeting with his friends, but with Zander off joining a Siis crew, that left only one other. He dialed Felipe, who picked up amidst the clinking of sses and muffledughter of a lively bar How Felipe''s voice cut through the background noise, tinged with surprise. "Yes," stan replied, his tone devoid of warmth.


    Feiger''s voice carried a mellow warmth as he spoke. "I can''t make it. Norah just got back, and I''m still with her Why don''t youe over instead?"


    King rise''s gathering just wasn''t Kristian''s style.


    However, today had been one rollercoaster after another, he felt a pressing need to escape the confines of his 45 Sterned, he got the address and didn''t waste a second before hitting the road.


    Mende, on Freya''s side, she had just powered down herputer, marking the end of another grueling


    workday, when her phone buzzed with a new message. It was from Trent.


    "Mina, I need you. Room 520, Imperial Hotel. Pleasee."


    Puzzled, she quickly replied, "What''s going on?"


    The silence that followed Trent''s unread messages tightened a knot of worry in her stomach. With no time to spare, she snatched her phone and hailed the first cab she found, anxiety nudging her every second.


    The cab ride seemed endlessly long, stretching over an hour.


    Upon arriving, she rushed to Trent''s door and knocked on it urgently. Silence answered her,


    "Trent? Trent, open the door! It''s me, Trent!" she called out, her voice blending with the sound of her knocks. When no one answered, she kept knocking and pulled out her phone to call him.


    Just then, her call connected, and she heard a familiar ringtone echoing from inside the room. It was unmistakably Trent''s.


    In that charged moment, her heart clenched with a rising tide of worry. Beyond his role as a luminary in the legal world, Trent was the designated heir to the influential yet notoriously faction-ridden Seymour family. His past was littered with perilous confrontations, often finding himself targeted due to his heritage. This time, he had ventured to Jeucwell without the usual retinue of bodyguards or aides, his onlypanions being staff from the local branch.


    The thought sent shivers of unease down Freya''s spine, her anxiety mounting with each passing second.


    "Trent!" Her voice echoed a bit more desperately through the corridor.


    Just as she reached out to the front desk for assistance in breaching the stubborn door, it swung open abruptly. Heart pounding, Freya hastened into the engulfing darkness of the room, guided only by the dim light of her phone.


    "Trent?" she called out tentatively, her voice a soft tremor in the pitch-ck void. Without warning, a figure lunged, a bat swinging menacingly towards her head. Instincts honed by necessity, Freya''s hand shot up in defense, snatching the weapon mid-air. With a fluid, practiced motion, she twisted the bat free and flung her assant over her shoulder.


    The blownded with a sharp thud, followed by a cry of pain from the floor.


    Freya abruptly realized she had walked into a trap.


    The revtion hit her when Trent called her "Mina", her childhood nickname. This familiar term had initially disarmed her suspicions, as only a select few in Alerith- childhood friends and certain family members-knew


    it well


    The notion of someone masquerading as Trent had never crossed her mind


    With a swift move, she stepped on the hand of the assant and demanded in an icy tone, "Who are you, and where is Trent?"


    26.6%


    Beneath her, the assant squirmed and wailed, "Captain! Help me!" His voice was twisted with agony. "Ah! I can''t take it-it hurts like hell!"


    The desperate cries resonated through the air, and suddenly, the curtains were yanked away, unleashing a cascade of bright sunlight into the room. This sudden burst of light forced everyone to instinctively cover their eyes.


    In that fleeting second of vulnerability, the hidden assantsunched another assault on Freya.


    They seized the opportunity, exploiting the brief blindness as eyes struggled to adjust from dark to light-a natural human reflex to shield oneself from abrupt illumination.


    Amid the chaos, a bat aimed for Freya, but with remarkable reflexes, she caught it effortlessly.


    The assant holding the bat stood frozen in shock.


    Everyone else stared in shock, mouths hanging open.


    Goddamn it! What the hell? How on earth did this happen? How the fuck did she pull that off? Wouldn''t anyone else need to blink, maybe flinch a little in that light?


    And seriously, how did she catch something moving that fast and not feel a thing?


    "I won''t ask again. Tell me your name, who you''re working for, and where Trent is." Freya''s voice was ice-cold, her grip on the bat tightening as she surveyed the group of bewildered men in the room.


    Scanning the room with a keen eye, she quickly deduced that they were likely bodyguards, probably employed by a local security firm.


    Dressed in identical ck suits, every one of them held a bat ready for action. However, their skills were noticeablycking.


    The six men instinctively turned their gazes towards their team leader, their eyes wide with uncertainty. "Should we tell her? She''s a force to be reckoned with."


    "Do you really think we''d tell you everything just because you asked?" the leader,


    a tall, lean man, retorted sharply. "Have we no pride at all?"


    Tim Baur, the bodyguard pinned under Freya''s foot, was utterly stunned. Harry ck, who felt the unyielding grip of Freya on his bat, was equally taken aback.


    Both cast desperate nces at their leader. Couldn''t their leader have waited until they were no longer at Freya''s mercy before making such defiant derations? Suddenly, Tim let out a piercing scream. "Ouch, it really hurts!"


    Harry trembled, caught in a whirl of fear. What was his best move now? Would begging for mercy be his only way out now?


    "Cap. Captain. His voice cracked as he spoke, his throat dry with apprehension. This was the first time he truly felt the gravity of such a mission. He nced up, his eyes wide with worry. "Could we possibly ensure our safety first before you continue negotiations with her? It feels like we''re being left to fend for ourselves here."


    56.3%


    Chapter 83 Walking Into A Trap


    T¨ªm immediately chimed in, his toneced with urgency, "That''s right-I''m with you on that."


    Freya, caught off guard, struggled to find the right words. Who the hell hired these morons? Were they all amateurs?


    "Are you out of your mind?" the leader snapped at Harry, his patience wearing thin. "She''s holding onto your bat, not sping your hand. Just let it go already!"


    The crowd of onlookers nodded emphatically, their voices merging into a unified chorus. "Let go, Harry."


    "But..." Harry''s protest was feeble, his voice trailing off as he gulped down his fear. "If I release it, she''ll take the bat. She''s intimidating enough without a weapon. With it, aren''t we just signing our own defeat?"


    A heavy silence fell over the group.


    Freya remained speechless, unable to formte a response.


    Clearing his throat to regain control of the situation, the leader issued a firm


    directive. "Then keep a grip on it until we''vepleted the mission." "Remember, for the sake of our team spirit, a true sacrifice is sometimes necessary."


    "Don''t give up, Harry. We''re right here with you."


    Each teammate joined in, offering words of encouragement to bolster his resolve.


    100.0%

 Chapter 84

    Chapter 84 Are You epting My Offer Or No


    Harry gripped the bats with newfound determination and dered firmly, "I can do


    it!"


    "What. What about me?" Tim inquired, his face etched with desperation


    "Endure today''s challenge, and you''ll be our team''s resilience champion"


    "We''ll present you with an award upon our return."


    "Plus a five hundred dor bonus this month," added the team leader emphatically,


    Tim''s expression brightened instantly. "Really? Five hundred dors?


    "Right now-here," the team leader responded, concerned Tim might falter. He extracted five crisp hundred- dor bills and ced them in Tim''s free hand. "Stay resolute."


    "Absolutely!" Tim clutched the money, feeling a sudden surge of determination course through him


    Just a bit more endurance, and those five hundred dors would belong to him. He would persevere!


    Freya observed the exchange, a flicker of emotion crossing her usually impassive eyes. After evaluating theirbat capabilities and confirming she could handle them single-handedly, she removed her foot from Tim''s


    hand


    Before anyone could process her movement, she seized the bat from Harry''s grasp.


    The entire maneuversted mere seconds.


    "No longer stepping on my hand?" Tim questioned, still holding the money tightly in his right fist


    Freya nced toward the sealed door, unconcerned about potential escape attempts, and casually inquired, "Would you prefer I continue?"


    "You should maintain pressure longer, perhaps with more force, to make it believable, Tim suggested, reclining and extending his hand. "Otherwise, epting this five hundred feels undeserved."


    Freya found herself speechless. These men were unbelievable!


    "Had I known it would conclude so rapidly, I wouldn''t have parted with the money,"mented the team leader.


    Tim dutched the bills fiercely, saying hastily, "You gave me your word. I''ve already nned to purchase new dothes and shoes for my daughter with this money. She''s anticipating candy too *


    He refused to relinquish the cash


    "And you," the team leader glowered at Harry. "Didn''t I instruct you to maintain your grip? Why did you


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    Chapter 84 Are You epting My Offer Or Not


    release it?"


    Harry remained silent, uncertain how to respond. He had indeed held tight, but Freya''s strength had simply overwhelmed him.


    "Do you value your daughter greatly?" Freya suddenly asked Tim, who remained seated on the floor.


    "What are you getting at?" Tim''s demeanor shifted to seriousness, wariness creeping into his voice. "If you threaten my daughter, I''ll defend her by any means necessary."


    "Since your daughter matters so much, have you considered that pursuing today''s incident could result in your arrest for intentional harm?" Freya drawled with subtle indifference.


    Everyone froze in confusion.


    "An arrest record would impact your daughter''s future," Freya continued, targeting his vulnerability. "She might face discrimination from ssmates and disqualification from government or banking positions due to background check failures."


    "You''re serious?" Tim''s anxiety propelled him into his regional dialect. "Will this truly affect my child?"


    "Verify online if you doubt my statement," Freya exined patiently.


    She believed a father with genuine concern for his daughter couldn''t be entirely malicious-perhaps he merely struggled to provide.


    Tim''s worry intensified immediately, prompting the others to retrieve their phones and search for confirmation. After reviewing the results, they exchanged troubled nces, uncertain about their next course of action. "Reveal who hired you, exin their objective, and disclose the whereabouts of that phone''s owner. I''l absolve your responsibility," Freya offered, eyeing Trent''s phone on the table, open to peaceful negotiation.


    "Well...¡± The team leader hesitated visibly. "It''s not unwillingness to share information, but rather our inability to afford the contract vition penalty."


    The sum totaled five million dors. Even selling their houses wouldn''t generate sufficient funds.


    Freya inquired directly, "How much?"


    "Five... five million," admitted the team leader, divulging this detail since it wasn''t protected by confidentiality. "We were promised 500, 000 dors uponpletion, with a tenfold penalty for information leakage."


    "I''ll provide six million," Freya stated matter-of-factly. "One million for your group


    to divide, and five million to cover the penalty."


    The bodyguards stood speechless with astonishment.


    They immediately disregarded the previous confrontation.


    Now, a single thought dominated their minds: whether something was amiss with the young woman before


    them


    They had intended to render her unconscious, yet she offered to pay their penalty?


    "You..." The team leader attempted to negotiate, concerned that someone so seemingly naive might face future


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    20:53


    exploitation.


    Freya, disinterested in prolonged conversation, focused solely on identifying who repeatedly targeted her "Are you epting my offer or not?"


    "Yes!" the seven of them eximed in perfect synchrony.


    A million dors! Divided amongst their group, each would receive over ten


    thousand dors, equivalent to an entire year''s earnings for them.


    "Captain, I believe this youngdy differs greatly from that person''s description. She seems honorable," Tim ventured, his voice carrying newfound respect. "She''s not malicious at all."


    Freya''s brow furrowed in confusion.


    "What exactly did the mastermind tell you?" she inquired, curiosity evident in her voice.


    "We''re merely employees of a small enterprise, traveling wherever work necessitates. Typically, we assist with transporting goods or provide temporary security services," Tim borated. "Yesterday, someone unexpectedly approached us with a proposition. They instructed us to conceal ourselves in a hotel, render someone unconscious, and wait thirty minutes. Sessfulpletion would earn us 500, 000 dors. We initially declined, but they insisted you were troublesome-frequently tormenting ssmates and disrespecting your parents."


    "Absolutely! We couldn''t remain passive after hearing that, so we epted the job."


    "They even supplied each of us with formal attire to ess the hotel discreetly." Everyone contributed to the confession, revealing every detail with remarkable candor.


    The team leader had attempted to interrupt them, but they weren''t professional security personnel-just genuinely straightforward individuals addressing this situation withplete honesty. "We deeply regret our actions. Please ept our apologies."


    "We''re truly sorry," echoed the remaining six members, their remorse palpable.


    "Simply knock me unconscious and wait half an hour?" Freya detected something peculiar about the arrangement.


    They nodded affirmatively. "Yes, exactly."


    "Nothing additional?"


    "Nothing whatsoever."


    Upon hearing their response, Freya grew increasingly perplexed about the mastermind''s intentions.


    Contemting this mystery, she pressed further, "Who gave you these instructions? Do you possess any photographic evidence?"


    "Unfortunately, they onlymunicated with me by telephone, and the contract


    mysteriously appeared at our doorstep." the team leader admitted withplete transparency. ¡°We suspected a potential scam until we received 200, 000 dors upfront."


    "Provide me with his contact number," Freya requested directly.


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    Chapter 84 Are You epting My Offer Or Not


    After considerable internal debate, the team leader relinquished the information,


    deeply regretting their near- brush with criminal activity.


    Freya carefully recorded the number, reflecting that this encounter hadn''t resulted


    in any personal loss, and proposed pragmatically, "Regarding the penalty payment, share your banking information, and I''ll arrange for someone to transfer the funds to you shortly."


    Rmended for you


    COMPLETED


    The Unwanted Wife''s


    UNEXPECTED Comeback


    The Unwanted Wife''s Unexpecte...


    On the day of their wedding anniversary, Joshua''s mistress drugged Alicia, and


    S...

 Chapter 85

    Chapter 85 Could Ashley Be Responsible


    The team leader stepped forward, retrieving a bank card from his wallet and offering it to Freya with an apologetic gesture.


    Freya examined it briefly, recorded the card number, and returned it to him with a curt nod.


    She dispatched the phone number to Frederick for investigation and forwarded the card details to her assistant for the financial transfer.


    Afterpleting these arrangements, she tucked her phone away. "The money will be transferred shortly. Once you''ve settled the penalty, forward me the other party''s ount information. And refrain from epting such assignments in the future."


    *Absolutely!*


    "We promise."


    "Thank you."


    Everyone responded with exaggerated politeness, their expressions swimming with remorse.


    "By the way," Freya added, her gaze hardening as she regarded the phone resting on the table, "where might I find the owner of this device?*


    "We have no idea..." They shook their heads in unison. "That person merely instructed us to deliver the phone here, ce it on the table, then render you unconscious upon arrival. No additional information was provided." "Got it" Freya''s eyes darkened perceptibly. Noticing their lingering presence, she continued, "If you''re concerned about payment, you''re wee to wait until the funds arrive."


    She intended to remain for an additional half hour, intrigued by what the orchestrator of this trap might have nned


    "That won''t be necessary. We trust your word, Tim dered earnestly.


    "I appreciate that," Freya responded simply.


    The group of bodyguards departed shortly thereafter.


    For her protection, Freya positioned a baseball bat within arm''s reach


    She secured the door, retrieved Trent''s phone, and discovered it unlocked. Scrolling it, she found a message in their conversation, identical to the one she had received earlier.


    Frederick called promptly, and Freya answered. Heunched directly into his findings. "That numb established andcks verification."


    0.0%


    "I suspected as much." Freya felt a headache building behind her temples. Why hadplications suddenly multiplied? First, she walked into an ambush. Then, someone hired thugs to incapacitate her. Such amateur tactics diverged from her typical adversaries'' methods.


    Who could possibly be responsible?


    "Freya," Frederick continued, concern threading through his voice, "I''ve noticed a pattern of targeted incidentstely. Have you provoked someone''s enmity?"


    Freya maintained her previous theory. "More likely someone harboring feelings for Kristian. A genuine enemy would employ far more sophisticated methods."


    Her true opponents would attempt something genuinely life-threatening.


    "But I''ve investigated thoroughly and found no suspicious individuals," Frederick remarked, perplexed.


    ¡°Let''s set it aside for now," Freya said, unwilling to expend valuable energy on the matter. "We''ll address it when necessary. After my divorce from Kristian is finalized, we can conduct a proper investigation."


    "Exercise caution then."


    "I know."


    Moments after ending the call, her assistant messaged her. "Funds transferred sessfully."


    Freya replied with a concise, "Acknowledged."


    Having resolved these matters, Freya surveyed the room methodically.


    After confirming the absence of surveince equipment, she gripped the baseball bat and retreated to the bedroom to rest.


    Approximately twenty minutester, the distinct sound of a key entering the lock reached her ears.


    Instantly vignt, Freya rose silently, positioning herself behind the bedroom door with the bat poised, prepared to confront the intruder.


    The lock disengaged, and a tall figure with elegant, slender legs entered the premises.


    His polished shoes created rhythmic taps against the floor with each calcted step, intensifying the atmosphere, though Freya maintained herposure.


    Within moments, the man approached the bedroom, ced his hand deliberately on the handle, and pushed the door open.


    As he crossed the threshold, Freya swung the bat with controlled force, carefully moderating her strength to avoid inflicting serious injury.


    The bat halted mid-trajectory.


    The man, emanating an aura of cold calction, had caught it firmly. Recognizing hisbat proficiency, Freya tightened her grip andunched a swift kick.


    Though he evaded with remarkable speed, her foot connected. He released the bat and retreated several paces. The entire confrontation transpired in mere seconds.


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    Freya prepared to press her advantage when recognition dawned, prompting her startled exmation, "Trent?"


    "Mina?" Trent''s eyes widened as he identified his assant.


    In unison, they questioned, "Why are you here?"


    "A few minutes ago, someone knocked at my door, leaving behind a letter and


    room card," Trent exined, visibly rxing his defensive posture while adjusting


    his gold-rimmed asses. "The letter imed a young woman had been kidnapped in this very room."


    Freya''s brow furrowed in confusion.


    Trent borated further, "The message stated they couldn''t risk antagonizing the kidnappers or involvingw enforcement, so they discreetly provided me with ess to rescue her."


    Freya''s expression transformed asprehension dawned. "You''re currently staying at this hotel?" she inquired.


    "Indeed." Trent nodded, his schrly appearance exuding a particr charm. "My initial instinct was to alert the authorities, but concern for the victim''s wellbeing prompted me to investigate personally. I never anticipated finding you here."


    Freya acknowledged with a thoughtful nod, realizing someone had orchestrated this scenario with full awareness of Trent''s identity.


    Whoever plotted this possessed considerable cunning.


    "And yourself?" Trent prompted.


    Freya exited the bedroom, deposited the baseball bat on the table, and presented him with his phone. "Someone appropriated your device to message me, addressing me as ''Mina''. Without questioning its authenticity, I came directly here."


    Trent examined the message, a subtle frown crossing his features.


    Settling onto the sofa, Freya engaged him in analyzing their predicament. "Your awareness leaves much to be desired. You failed to notice your phone''s disappearance. If you returned to active duty, the Captain would reprimand you severely for such carelessness."


    Trent reflected momentarily, deducing the theft likely urred during his assistance to a stranger in the parking area.


    "Your ability to authenticatemunications hardly surpasses mine," he countered with a knowing smile while securing his phone. "The Captain would certainly admonish you equally."


    Freya found herself without a suitable retort.


    Rather than continuing their verbal sparring, she redirected attention to the day''s peculiar events. "This situation remains unresolved."


    If the orchestrator''s n involved merely luring her here and subsequently bringing Trent to the same location, what ultimate purpose could they have? "Could Ashley Bradley be responsible?" Trent ventured, considering the most usible candidate. "Perhaps arranging for Kristian to discover us together inpromising circumstances."


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    Such a scenario would lead Kristian to misinterpret Freya''s actions, potentially intensifying her disaffection. toward him. Wouldn''t that aplish the desired oue?


    "Shecks the intellectual capacity for such intricate maniption," Freya asserted confidently, dismissing Ashley''s capabilities. "Furthermore, she wouldn''t possess the resources to arrange for someone to surreptitiously obtain your


    phone."


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 Chapter 86

    Chapter 86 Did You Sleep With Trent


    Freya rose from her seat, her resolve clear and her voice tinged with weariness. "Forget it. It''s not worth another second of my mind," she dered, determined not to dwell on the matter any longer. "I''m heading back home."


    The familiar sting of usation was all too predictable. Kristian, ever the skeptic, would undoubtedly question her again,yering another false usation on the pile that had umted over their strained encounters. In Kristian''s eyes, she was nothing but a liar.


    "Let me give you a ride," Trent offered, already pushing himself to his feet.


    "No, thanks," Freya replied curtly, her mind already racing with other ns. "You might want to check the hotel''s surveince footage first. See who actually delivered that letter."


    Trent paused, considering her advice, then nodded in agreement, choosing not to push it.


    Nevertheless, his concern was palpable as he escorted her to the hotel entrance, hailed a cab for her, and kept his gaze fixed on the cab until it vanished from sight.


    Back in the sanctuary of his room, Trent dialed a number on his phone. At that instant, the amiable facade he often wore around Freya slipped away, revealing a glint of danger in his eyes as hemanded a detailed investigation.


    While he could stomach being manipted to an extent, the repeated threats to Freya crossed a line he would not allow


    Meanwhile, oblivious to Trent''s guarded efforts, Freya reclined in the back seat of the car, her eyes closed in a moment of reprieve.


    Outside, in the hotel parking lot, a strikingly handsome man surveyed the scene from the driver''s seat of a Rolls-Royce. His exceptional features were illuminated by the dashboard lights as he watched Freya exit the hotel and slip into a car.


    The air inside the Rolls-Royce was charged with tension.


    Felipe, seated next to the driver, wore aplex expression as he turned to Kristian, offering a constory pat on the shoulder. "Come on, it''s not the end of the world. Farrah''s expecting another man''s child, and you don''t hear meining, do you?"


    "Get out," Kristian replied, his voice a frosty whisper.


    The coldness in his voice sent shivers down Felipe''s spine.


    He blinked, startled, half-convinced he''d misheard.


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    20:54


    Just as he opened his mouth to rify, Kristian cut him off, his voice even sharper. "Get out!"


    "But-you''re not thinking of confronting Freya, are you?" Felipe''s concern was palpable, his voiceced with anxiety as he tried to reason with Kristian. "Don''t rush in without thinking. What if you''ve got it all wrong? If


    "I said, get out!" Kristian snapped, his gaze piercing, leaving no room for argument. His patience was clearly on itsst thread.


    Kristian had been grappling with doubts ever since he received those damning photos and message. He''d convinced himself they were just misunderstandings; after all, he''d been wrong about Freya before and regretted it deeply.


    He''d chosen to wait, to give her the benefit of the doubt.


    Yet, nothing had prepared him for the sight of Freya, radiant andughing, casually strolling alongside Trent.


    Take it easy, alright?" Felipe suggested with a resigned sigh as he opened the door, feeling the weight of Kristian''s anger. "Just... talk it out.¡±


    Kristian dismissed Felipe with a wave of his hand.


    With Felipe out of the way, Kristian sped toward Freya''s ce, catching up to her cab with ease.


    An hour had passed when Freya stepped out of the cab and made her way home.


    She hesitated on the doorstep, her heart sinking as she noticed Kristian waiting for her, his presence emanating an icy wrath. Her gaze sharpened with sudden realization.


    This was undoubtedly the fallout from the incident at the hotel.


    Without exchanging a word with him, she used her fingerprint to unlock the door and entered. This time, she left the door ajar, an unspoken invitation for him to follow; she sensed he needed to air his grievances.


    "Enjoy your day?" Kristian queried, his voice cool as he scrutinized herposed expression.


    He couldn''t help but feel a grudging admiration. Even after the exposure of her affair, she confronted him with such serene confidence. She could have easily been a spy with that kind of steel in her nerves.


    Freya swapped her shoes for morefortable ones and proceeded further into the house, a trace of weariness in her steps. "Sure," she replied nomittally.


    "And where did you go?" Kristian pressed, shutting the door with a soft click behind him.


    "A hotel," Freya responded, her voice dropping to a whisper as she sank into the sofa, the soft cushions a small relief to her drained spirit.


    Kristian''s expression shifted to one of sheer disbelief, his brows arching high on his forehead. How could she state that with such conviction, as if it was the most righteous thing in the world?


    "You''re here because you knew I was with Trent, isn''t that it?"


    Freya, growing impatient with the sluggish pace of their conversation, seized the moment to rify her actions. "I only rushed to the hotel because someone stole Trent''s phone and sent me a message, pretending to be him."


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    Chapter 86 Did You Sleep With Trent


    Pulling out her phone, she swiftly navigated to the incriminating message and held it up for Kristian to see. "I genuinely believed he was in peril."


    Kristian, however, didn''t respond immediately. He scrutinized the phone screen, his eyes narrowing slightly as theynded on the name "Mina".


    A flicker of suspicion crossed his features. Was Mina a secret endearment shared between them?


    Breaking the brief silence, Freya continued, her tone a mix of frustration and relief, "It was only when I arrived that I realized it was a setup. I was attacked, but thankfully, I managed to defend myself."


    Her eyes met Kristian''s, earnest and determined. "I can find people to vouch for me, if that''s what you need."


    She took a deep breath before adding, "As for Trent, he was lured there under a different pretense. Someone knocked on his door, handed a note iming a girl had been kidnapped and needed his help. He rushed over only to find the ''kidnapped girl'' was me."


    Kristian lifted his gaze, locking eyes with her serene expression.


    He almost snapped, demanding to know if she thought he was some kind of idiot.


    Did she think he was gullible enough to ept such a pathetic excuse?


    "Is there anything else you''d like to ask?" Freya''s voice sliced through the tension, prompting him to speak.


    A frosty chuckle escaped Kristian''s lips, his eyes brewing a tempest. "You''ve really gone the extra mile," he said, his tone sharp as shards of ice. "Fabricating a whole narrative just to y me for a fool."


    Freya blinked, momentarily unsettled by his usation.


    "What do you mean by that?" she asked, a hint of confusioncing her words.


    "You''ve crafted your story too well,ying it all out from the start to seem credible," Kristian replied, his stare piercing through her, reading every flicker of emotion across her face. "But you overlooked one crucial detail."


    "And what exactly would that be?" Freya shot back, almost on reflex.


    "Did I ever indicate that I came here for this reason?" Kristian''s question hung in the air, setting the stage for his subtle usation. Having been duped twice in one day, he pondered bitterly about their underestimation of him. "Do spontaneous confessions such as this be credible?"


    Augh, edged with frustration, threatened to burst from Freya. His talent for conjuring conspiracies was truly unparalleled.


    "Freya, you''re intelligent, and so is Trent," Kristian began, his voice strained as he grappled with his rising emotions at the mere thought of them together. "But remember, there''s such a thing as being too clever by half"


    They had preempted any questions with a well-rehearsed exnation of their day. It was indeed a convincing narrative,


    But if things were truly innocent, as she imed, why would someone like Freya, with her fiercely independent streak, feelpelled to justify herself to him?


    He vividly remembered how she had coldly brushed him off in the past when he had wronged her. And now, here she was, casually detailing every moment


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    "What exactly are you implying?" Freya''s tone wasced with a growing impatience.


    "Did you sleep with Trent Seymour?" The words tumbled out of Kristian''s mouth


    as his hand tightened into a fist, his eyes darkening with a storm of barely contained fury.


    Freya was momentarily speechless. This usation was absurd.


    Taking a deep, steadying breath, she decided to address the misunderstanding head-on. After all, if their roles were reversed-if she had seen him with Ashley- she might have jumped to the same conclusion.


    "No," she asserted calmly.


    "Can''t you just be honest for once?" The ice in Kristian''s voice was palpable as he finally unleashed his pent-up emotions. "Do I need to show you the photos of you two walking out of a hotel room and him bidding you goodbye at your car before you''ll admit the truth?"

 Chapter 87

    Chapter 87 Kristian Didn''t Trust Freya


    Freya swallowed her emotions and addressed Kristian directly, "If you harbor doubts or mistrust me, please state it inly."


    "Who delivered that letter to Trent? Why him specifically? If someone truly faced kidnapping, wouldn''t contacting authorities be the logical solution?" Kristian unleashed his questions as Freya had requested.


    "One moment," Freya replied.


    Kristian''s anger red. Had she genuinely asked him to wait after everything?


    Freya retrieved her phone and contacted Trent, requesting the letter. After ending the call, Trent took a picture of it and transmitted it immediately.


    Freya disyed the image to Kristian.


    He examined every word meticulously, grudgingly acknowledging that Trent''s reputation was well-earned-even his excuses demonstrated wless execution.


    "The letter courier is currently being identified through hotel surveince footage," Freya rified.


    Kristian tossed her phone onto the table, regarding her with an unfamiliar, icy stare that sent shivers through her. "Let me guess-you''ll im next that the surveince system malfunctioned?"


    "You don''t trust me?" Freya challenged.


    "In your position, would you trust me?¡± Kristian rose, his chest constricting with emotion. "This letter was likely crafted by some hired hand, prepared specifically so when I questioned its authenticity, you could offer handwriting verification."


    Freya felt her throat tighten. Hadn''t her exnation covered everything thoroughly?


    The coldness in Kristian''s eyes crystallized, creating a palpable distance that Freya sensed acutely. Something fundamental had severed between them.


    Tension saturated the air.


    "Freya," Kristian uttered her name, his voice devoid of warmth. "I can''t fathom how profoundly I misjudged you." With those words, he departed.


    The door crashed violently as he exited.


    He had contemted trusting her, but after witnessing her emerge from the hotel with Trent and volunteer exnations unprompted, how could trust remain possible?


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    Chapter 87 Kristian Didn''t Trust Freya


    The more he reflected, the more foolish he felt.


    This time, he contacted no one. He drove straight to the nearest bar.


    At that moment, he craved alcohol to numb his anguish. He feared confronting Freya again, feared losing control, feared inflicting unintentional harm.


    Freya already suffered from the encounter. She stared at the still-vibrating door, feeling as though her recently peaceful heart had suddenly shattered.


    Her thoughts echoed with Kristian''s resolute departure and his parting words. Her chest constricted painfully.


    Had Trent not called just then, she might have sumbed to emotions she thought long abandoned.


    The moment their call connected, Trent detected the distress in her voice. "What happened, Mina?"


    "Kristian doesn''t trust me," Freya murmured, lowering her gaze and supporting her head with one hand. Trent contemted briefly before asking, "How exactly did you present your exnation?"


    Freya recounted their interaction meticulously, omitting nothing.


    "I''ll speak with himter," Trent assured her, recognizing the emotional toll this took on Freya. "Your approach likely appeared as unprompted confession- creating the impression of manufacturing excuses."


    "Why are you echoing his perspective?" Freya asked, perplexed.


    She had simply wanted to exin everythingprehensively, avoiding petty disputes over details.


    Trent smiled gently, helping rify the situation. "Your character typically ignores usations about actions you haven''tmitted. You only defend yourself when pushed beyond tolerance. After two years together, he should understand this fundamental aspect of you."


    That simple observation stirred profound ripples in Freya''s heart.


    Indeed, she rarely offered preemptive exnations.


    "Don''t worry, I''ll handle the conversation with him," Trent reassured her, knowing precisely how to approach Kristian


    Freya acknowledged with a soft sound and ended the call, letting the phone slip from her grasp onto the table. She copsed onto the sofa, her thoughts swirling chaotically.


    She had expected her turmoil to subside gradually, but mysteriously, her mind continued reying Kristian''s cutting words and the cold silhouette of his retreating back.


    After another ten minutes, her tumultuous emotions refused to subside.


    She finally pulled herself up and ventured outside, gging down a taxi headed for


    a downtown establishment. Upon reaching for payment, she discovered her phone''s absence.


    She dismissed the oversight without concern, extracting her wallet and settling the fare before striding into a nightclub.


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    Chapter 87 Kristian Didn''t Trust Freya


    Inside, kaleidoscopic lights fractured the darkness. Freya imed an arbitrary


    seat and promptly ordered two beverages.


    She wasn''t someone who typically resorted to alcohol as emotional sanctuary, nor would she permit herself to be intoxicated.


    The chaotic atmosphere simply matched her internal discord.


    Just as her drinks arrived, an uninvited presence imed the adjacent seat. "Hey there! Are you alone, beautiful?" a stranger inquired with practiced casualness.


    "Move," Freyamanded, her voice deliberately frigid.


    "Don''t be so harsh. We''re all just here to enjoy ourselves. Let''s have a drink together." The man edged closer, simultaneously slipping a substance into her beverage with practiced stealth.


    Freya had witnessed this maneuver countless times before.


    Meanwhile, additional men congregated around her position.


    Freya possessed striking beauty thatmanded attention even in the subdued illumination. Herposed demeanor paired with innate elegance made her an appealing target. She naturally avoided crowded environments and detested physical proximity to strangers.


    Today''s selection of an exposed seating area instead of a secluded booth stemmed purely from her deteriorating mood and readiness to confront any trouble.


    "You''re quite the character," one remarked.


    "I''ll cover your tab tonight," another offered.


    "Order whatever you like, it''s on me,"


    a third chimed in.


    One of them extended the contaminated drink toward her, his countenance arranged in a seemingly benevolent smile, as though genuine friendship motivated his actions.


    Freya epted the ss while the men exchanged knowing nces, silently congratting themselves on their perceived victory.


    Freya, however, had immediately detected their scheme. The coordinated efforts revealed their collective conspiracy with the man who had tampered with her drink.


    "You should drink this yourselves," Freya stated evenly, her tone unwavering.


    The men hesitated, the pulsating music hampering theirprehension. Before they could request rification, Freya seized the face of the drink-bearer, forcibly parted his lips, and poured the tainted liquid down his throat.


    The entire sequence unfolded with such rapidity that hispanions stood momentarily paralyzed.


    Freya''s gaze swept across them critically. "Did you really think I wouldn''t notice you spiked the drink?"


    "Gee! So what if you know?"


    One bl.....


    "She made me drink it!"ined the unwitting victim.


    "Isn''t it better this way? Later, we''ll send her to your bed to enjoy," another


    suggested crudely.


    "Miss, whether you know or not, the result is the same. Here, I call the shots," boasted their apparent leader.


    "Is that so?" Freya remained utterlyposed.


    "Are you going toe with us willingly, or do we have to carry you?" The instigator smirked confidently, dismissing Freya as merely another helpless woman. "If we carry you, you won''t feel so cold."


    "I''m not in a good mood today," Freya replied, methodically wiping her hands with


    a paper napkin, her fastidious action emphasizing her perception of these men as contaminating elements. "If you apologize and turn yourselves in now, I might exercise leniency."


    Rmended for you


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    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 88 Badass Freya


    "Not in a good mood? Don''t sweat it-we''ve got just the remedy to turn that frown upside down."


    "Stick with us, and we''ll teach you the true meaning of happiness."


    "I''ll scoop you right up, sweetheart."


    The men closed in on Freya, their eyes glittering with the hunger of wolves circling easy prey,


    As one dared to extend his fingers toward Freya''s chest, she seized his wrist, channeling every ounce of her strength into her grip.


    "Ouch!" The man howled in agony, his body quivering involuntarily. "It hurts! Release me now, or you''ll live to regret it!"


    Witnessing theirpanion''s distress, the others sensed the situation spiraling beyond their control and lunged forward simultaneously.


    It was in this critical moment that Freya unleashed her response.


    She delivered a powerful kick to the nearest assant, sending him flying with a resounding thud as his body collided violently against the wall.


    As the remaining men converged, Freya swung her fists with calcted precision, wasting no motion as she left a trail of bruises and injuries in her wake.


    She channeled all the day''s umted frustrations into each powerful strike.


    For every attacker who approached, Freya dispatched them with ruthless efficiency.


    Against these untrained adversaries, she required no borate techniques or special maneuvers, she simply met their clumsy advances with devastating punches and kicks.


    "Holy hell!"


    "I''ve never been beaten like this in my life."


    Their voices dropped to anxious murmurs.


    The final man standing grabbed an iron rod and swung it toward Freya, convinced that wielding a weapon would guarantee victory against a woman.


    Reality proved merciless.


    As the rod descended, Freya caught it mid-swing with expert timing, wrenched it from his grasp, and struck him twice in rapid session


    He copsed to the floor, whimpering


    00%


    "What''s unfolding over there?" curious onlookers murmured.


    "Aren''t those the notorious bullies who terrorize this establishment? They''ve harassed countless women before."


    "Why doesn''t anyone intervene?" someone questioned.


    "How could they possibly help? These cases are difficult to investigate, and


    evidence rarely surfaces," came the resigned reply.


    The nightclub buzzed with excited chatter, dozens of eyes fixated on Freya, who stood confidently clutching the rod, herposed demeanor and striking


    appearance captivating everyone in the vicinity.


    What a formidable woman! The collective thought hung in the air.


    Freya surveyed the defeated group with a clinical gaze.


    Three suffered broken ribs, two nursed fractured arms, and all bore numerous injuries across their faces and


    torsos.


    "I''m going to press charges for assault!" threatened the man who had initially drugged Freya, clutching his battered stomach and wincing. "You''ve inflicted serious injuries. Prison awaits you."


    Freya tossed the iron rod to the floor, where itnded with an ominous ng.


    The men flinched visibly, their bravado crumbling.


    "Would you like me to summon the police for you?" Freya inquired, sitting down withmanding presence, her voice unnervingly calm.


    Her actions constituted clear self-defense.


    The men gulped nervously, exchanging panicked nces.


    Hastily, they devised an alternative strategy.


    "Do you have any idea who we are? Cross our path, and you''ll never find peace in Jeucwell," one hissed.


    "If you beg properly, we might consider letting this incident slide," another suggested with false magnanimity. "Think about your family. You might be tough, but can you protect everyone you love?" a third threatened ominously.


    They bombarded Freya with repeated threats, growing increasingly desperate.


    Freya had initially intended to merely teach them a physical lesson, breaking ribs and arms-serious injuries, but potentially recoverable.


    Now, however, it appeared they deserved to spend several years behind prison bars.


    "If you desire a peaceful existence, heed our warning," the men dered, having formted their approach to intimidate Freya. "Spend just one night with us, and we''ll forget today''s unfortunate events. We won''t harbor any grudges."


    "Alright," Freya agreed, a dangerous glint in her eye.


    The men stared in disbelief.


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    Chapter 88 Badass Freya


    Onlookers throughout the club watched with open mouths.


    Everyone remained stunned by this unexpected development, including the very men who had made the proposal.


    They had merely spoken those words as a dying tactic, desperately hoping


    their leader would arrive after hearing the disturbance.


    But had this formidable woman actually consented?


    "You... genuinely agreed?" They struggled toprehend her response, suspicioncing their voices.


    Freya maintained herposure, her eyes revealing nothing of her intentions. "Didn''t you suggest that spending one night with you would resolve today''s unfortunate incident?"


    Upon hearing her words, understanding dawned on the men. They had initially perceived her as intimidating, but now concluded she had just been pretending to be tough.


    "Let''s proceed. Where are we going?" Freya rose from her seat and assessed them carefully, already calcting how she would administer another beating once they reached their destination.


    "There''s amodation upstairs. Let''s utilize those rooms," one suggested.


    "Assist me in standing," another whimpered.


    "Damn! I''ll ensure she suffers extensive


    for this humiliation!" a third muttered venomously.


    They struggled to their feet, grimacing from their injuries, their bruised faces


    contorting as they regarded Freya with predatory anticipation.


    Freya preserved her authoritative demeanor. "Show me the way."


    The men experienced another wave of astonishment.


    They questioned whether this situation was actually happening. How could someone who had seemingly surrendered possess the audacity to speak somandingly?


    "What causes your hesitation?" Freya expressed irritation at their dy. "Hurry! Direct me to the location."


    "Very well. We''ll lead you," one of the men conceded through clenched teeth, internally vowing to make her endure torment for the embarrassment he had suffered today.


    Those men harbored no significant suspicions, assuming Freya was merely salvaging her dignity by continuing her tough fa?ade.


    As they prepared to escort her away, several young women throughout the establishment rose from their seats, regarding her with evident concern.


    "Miss, you mustn''t leave with them. If you concede once, they''ll exploit you with increasing severity," one warned earnestly.


    "Precisely!" another added.


    "Please don''t worry. We''ll call the cops. They wouldn''t dare threaten your family,"


    a third reassured.


    Multiple women stood in solidarity, determined to prevent Freya from experiencing


    harm.


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    Chapter 88 Badass Freya


    Freya''s resolve softened momentarily as she turned toward them with appreciation. "Please don''t concern yourselves. I will manage this situation."


    Thedies attempted to continue their protest.


    "Say another word, and I''ll toss you out myself," threatened one of the less severely injured men. "Mind your own business, or you''ll be discovered lifeless on the street tomorrow."


    Freya delivered another kick, her movement both fluid and decisive.


    The man copsed forward, his face connecting violently with the floor.


    "What are you attempting now?"


    "Do you wish for your family to experience suffering?"


    "Bitch, you''re deliberately provoking us!"


    The assemge of men hurled curses and threats liberally.


    Freya positioned herself protectively before the concerned women, examining the


    men''s menacing expressions before questioning, "You believe you canmit murder without consequences?"


    "Continue speaking, and our leader will ensure you never witness another dawn." Their fury escted dangerously.


    Freya regarded them as though they possessed diminished intelligence. She initially intended to alert the authorities, recognizing that their arrogance and behavior undoubtedly indicated criminal tendencies.


    However, when she reached for her phone, she remembered she hadn''t brought it


    with her.


    Unwilling to engage in further pointless dialogue, she stated simply, "One additional word, and I''ll fracture your remaining arm as well."


    Hearing her unflinching deration, they simmered with rage but remained conspicuously silent.


    They likewisecked the courage to approach her again. Even now, they remained thoroughly intimidated by herbat prowess, particrly the unfortunate individual who had just experienced another decisive kick.


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 Chapter 89

    Chapter 89 Freya''s Still In


    There


    "Quick Hurry and inform our leader!" one of the men shouted urgently.


    "Starting today, you''ll live in hell!"


    After hurling the biting remark, the group hastily departed, obviously eager to rally more support and tend to their wounds.


    The crowd, witnessing the confrontation, gradually scattered to resume their own affairs. Only a handful of young women, who had previously taken a stand, remained, their gazes fixed on Freya with evident concern. "Are you alright, miss?"


    "It''s always wiser to visit ces like this with somepany."


    "That''s right."


    They surrounded Freya with their soothing presence.


    (Freya offered them a reassuring smile, her warmth visibly calming their worries. "I''m fine, really. Thanks for


    Pour concern."


    "Please, think nothing of it." The young women smiled with warmth, theirpassion unmistakable. "If you''re up for it, why not join us? We''re nning to hang out a little longer before heading out."


    "Thank you," Freya responded, her eyes softening with appreciation. "But I think I''ll head back home now."


    The young women didn''t press further, respecting her decision.


    As Freya made her way out, they couldn''t resist calling after her, treating her like some innocent little girl. "Wait a moment, miss."


    Freya paused, looking back. "Yes? What is it?"


    "Just remember, if you ever find yourself in a situation like this again, never agree to go with anyone."


    Those people didn''t seem trustworthy at all. If you had gone with them, it could have turned out terribly." "Never ept a drink that''s been out of your sight in a nightclub."


    Absorbing their earnest guidance, Freya gazed at them, her eyes softening, as though she viewed them not just as peers but as cherished younger sisters. ¡°I understand," she murmured, her voiceced with genuine appreciation "Thank you"


    "You''re wee," they responded, their faces lighting up with gentle, reassuring smiles.


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    Chapter 89 Freya''s Still In There


    With a lingering look, Freya exited the nightclub into the cool evening air.


    Her eyes flickered to therge clock mounted above the entrance-it was already eight in the evening.


    Nestled in the heart of downtown, the nightclub was a daunting two-hour drive from her quiet suburban home. The very idea of the journey ignited a strong sense of reluctance within her.


    Her anger had faded, leaving her with a clear understanding of why Kristindoubted her.


    If something felt off, there was always a catch-an old saying she''d learned to believe.


    Indeed, Kristian''s suspicions regarding her unlikely actions and her interactions with Trent were justified. No wonder he harbored doubts.


    Shaking off these reflections, Freya initially considered hailing a taxi but quickly dismissed the idea in favor of the subway. It was not only cheaper but would sh her journey time by half. Resolved, she descended into the subway''s bustling embrace.


    By the time she surfaced at the station near her home, the night had deepened to half past ten.


    Stepping out, her attention was abruptly captured by the urgent re of sirens.


    A fire truck barreled past, heading toward her neighborhood, while worried whispers floated around her.


    "A fire at this hour," one bystander murmured, anxiety threading their tone. "I wonder if anyone''s trapped inside."


    "Absolutely. It scares the hell out of me."


    "How could a fire just erupt out of nowhere?"


    "Who knows?"


    A fire? Freya''s expression tightened, and her steps grew quicker as she made her way over.


    The moment she reached a point overlooking her apartment, her worst fears were confirmed. mes hungrily devoured a house below,pping at the floor above.


    It appeared to be her home.


    Her usual calm shattered, she broke into a frantic run toward the inferno.


    It wasn''t about the receable items-herptop, her phone; it was her marriage certificate thaty in jeopardy.


    If it sumbed to the mes, she''d be faced with the hassle of recing it. Moreover, with her fragile rtionship with Kristian teetering on the edge, the disappearance of their marriage certificate might spark usations of deceit from him, undoubtedly leading to yet another heated exchange.


    Downstairs, at the base of the apartment building, a fire truck had already made its entrance, navigating through the residential area. Authorities had erected barriers to hold back the gathering crowd of onlookers.


    Kristian sat in his car, a look of concern etched across his face, while Gerard, who had hurried over to fetch him, was at the wheel


    ncing toward the smoke engulfed building, Gerard turned to his boss and remarked, "It looks like the fire is directly below Ms. Briggs'' home."


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    Without another word, Kristian pushed the door open and got out of the car.


    The alcohol clung to him, making his head feel a bit light and unsteady. Without the alcohol clouding his judgment, he wouldn''t have bothereding.


    "Think anyone''s actually in those apartments upstairs? One of the doors stayed shut when we knocked."


    "If no one came to the door, maybe there''s no one there, right?"


    "With smoke this thick, they should definitely know something''s up."


    As murmurs from the onlookers swirled around him, Kristian pulled out his phone with a sense of urgency, thumbing through his contacts to call Freya. Despite his repeated attempts, they all went straight to her voice


    mail.


    "Mr. Shaw," Gerard ventured cautiously, drawing near.


    Without a word, Kristian snatched Gerard''s phone from his hand and dialed


    Freya''s number once more, his brow furrowed in frustration.


    A nagging thought gnawed at him-perhaps Freya wa disagreements and was deliberately ignoring his calls.


    still harboring resentment over their earlier


    still harboring resentment


    Regardless of whose phone he used, the result was the same. After numerous tries, there was still no answer from Freya.


    Kristian''s heart sank, a sudden wave of panic washing over him.


    His concern for her safety overshadowed any thoughts about her rtionship with Trent. Fueled by concern, he called Trent, pressing him to get in touch with Freya. However, the oue only intensified his anxiety.


    Trent did indeed make the call, but there was no answer from Freya''s phone.


    "Try not to worry excessively." Gerard attempted to console him, his voice calm. "Perhaps she is outdoors and didn''t hear her phone."


    "No, she''s inside."


    Kristian''s voice was rough, strained as he stared at the house now shrouded in smoke.


    When he had spoken to Trent, Trent had managed to check the location of Freya''s phone; it was still connected to the Wi-Fi at her home.


    A dreadful realization dawned on him almost immediately.


    Freya''s phone must be on silent, and she could be asleep, unaware of the danger encroaching upon her.


    "What are you doing?" Gerard''s voice cracked as he reached out, attempting to restrain Kristian, who was already pushing his way toward the growing crowd.


    "Let go!" Kristian''s voice was a fierce growl as he shrugged off Gerard''s grasp and marched determinedly toward the engulfed building "Treya is still in there," he dered, a mixture of resolve and dreadcing his


    words.


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    Chapter 89 Freya''s Still In There


    The thought of her with Trent stung, but watching her lose her life was something


    he refused to ept.


    The wail of sirens filled the air as the fire truck screeched to a halt.


    Thick, choking smoke was already seeping from the cracks of Freya''s apartment windows. Kristian''s heart hammered with the terrifying thought of her, unaware and suffocating, her breaths possibly growing fainter with each passing moment. The image of discovering Freya lifeless was unbearable, sending a sharp pang of agony through his chest.


    Gerard, still hesitant, reached out again in a futile attempt to pull Kristian back.


    But it was clear now, Kristian''s determination gave him an unstoppable strength, his long strides barely hindered.


    Gerard found he couldn''t hold him back at all as Kristian disappeared into the haze, driven by a desperate hope to save her.


    In that moment, a voice, tinged with confusion, pierced the air. "Gerard?"


    Gerard''s body tensed, and he froze in ce.


    Nearby, Kristian, who had just wrenched himself free from the mor and was making a dash toward the building, halted abruptly at the sound.


    "Ms-Ms. Briggs?" Gerard''s voice quivered slightly as his eyes widened in sheer surprise and disbelief. "Why are you here?"


    "I stepped out for a while. I just got back." Freya didn''t notice Kristian, who had surged out of the crowd. Her gaze lingered on the flickering fire before shifting to Gerard. "And you? What are you doing here?"


    Gerard''s eyes darted instinctively towards Kristian.


    Freya''s eyes followed, catching the trace of concern.


    Seeing the sheer concern written all over Kristian''s face made her stop in her tracks.


    "Mr. Shaw..." Gerard spoke up, breaking the silence.


    "Get in the car," Kristian interjected sharply, his voice cutting through the tension.


    His demeanor was frosty, yet the relief in his heart was palpable as hemanded, "Let''s head back."


    Gerard remained silent, a lump forming in his throat.


    He cleared it, hoping to dispel the thick air of tension. "You were so worried about


    Ms. Briggs just moments ago. Now that she''s safe, aren''t you going to speak to


    her?"


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 Chapter 90

    Chapter 90 iming Indifference, Yet Acting...


    "I was worried about her? That''s absurd!" Kristian snapped. Every time he saw Freya, all he could think about was her affair with Trent.


    Gerard, as blunt as ever, said, "You looked ready to charge into the mes for her."


    Kristian shot him a cold stare. Gerard was getting too boldtely, wasn''t he?


    "You really should have a proper talk with her," Gerard added, ignoring the warning in Kristian''s eyes. Then he quickly excused himself. "I''ll wait in the car." He got into the car and locked the doors.


    Kristian didn''t think much of Gerard''sment-until he reached the car and found the door wouldn''t open.


    His brows twitched.


    A cold edge crept into his voice. "Gerard Todd!"


    (Inside, Gerard kept his head low, pretending not to notice.


    The car''s soundproofing helped. And as long as he didn''t look up, he believed, he could survive the storm.


    "Did youe looking for me?" Freya asked.


    Kristian, still annoyed, didn''t sugarcoat it. "Do I look like I''de for you?"


    "No," Freya answered without hesitation.


    That stung more than he expected. He knew just how ungrateful she was. No matter how much he worried about her, in her eyes, he was just a cold, heartless


    man.


    "Good. I only came for the marriage certificate. If it got burned, I don''t have time to redo it with you."


    "If all the documents are ready, you can get a new one yourself," Freya replied, calm as ever.


    Kristian fell silent, caught off guard. His emotions were all over the ce.


    He turned toward the car again, only to find Gerard still pretending not to notice him. He knocked on the


    window


    Inside, Gerard panicked. Should he open the door? What if his boss hadn''t talked things over with his wife?


    Before Gerard could decide, a message popped up on his phone. "Open the door now or you''re fired!" Gerard''s face went pale.


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    Chapter 90 iming Indifference, Yet Acting Differently


    He quickly unlocked the door and stepped out like lightning. "Mr. Shaw, please get in."


    Kristian slid in, the coldness in his gaze enough to freeze the air.


    Gerard shivered and quickly closed the door behind him.


    "Ms. Briggs, we''ll be heading off now," he said politely before getting into the driver''s seat.


    Freya nodded lightly. "Okay."


    The car sped into the night and was gone in seconds.


    The silence inside was suffocating. Gerard hesitated, then finally spoke. ¡°Sir, you


    clearly care about Ms. Briggs. Why pretend you don''t?"


    "Would you care about someone who betrayed you?" Kristian shot back.


    Gerard blinked. ¡°Betrayed? You mean she betrayed you?"


    Kristian didn''t answer. He refused to mention the affair between Freya and Trent.


    She was still a woman with a name. Even if Gerard wouldn''t spread rumors, it could damage her reputation.


    "Your divorce will be finalized on Wednesday. After that, Ms. Briggs might go back to Alerith. You may never see her again."


    Kristian frowned.


    He didn''t think too much about it, thinking that Freya had asked for a vi from


    him. If she had nned to leave the city, why ask for it?


    "Mr. Shaw..." Gerard began again.


    "Did you finish investigating what I told you to?" Kristian cut him off.


    "Not yet."


    "Then stop wasting your time on other things."


    After being brushed off twice, Gerard sighed and finally yed hisst card. "If you don''t care about her, why investigate Charlie-the one linked to Ms. Briggs?"


    iming not to care, but always acting otherwise-when would Kristian be honest with himself? No wonder things hade to this.


    "Don''t be so nosy," Kristian warned, his voice dark.


    Gerard zipped his mouth.


    But Kristian''s thoughts kept drifting back to Freya. He didn''t understand why she


    had taken up so much space in his mindtely.


    Just then, his phone buzzed. It was Trent. Kristian''s eyes narrowed as he answered. "What?"


    "Did you find Freya?" Trent asked


    "Freya?" Kristian repeated mockingly. "Isn''t it Mina now? That special nickname?"


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    Trent fell silent.


    That silence hit Kristian like a punch to the gut. So they were hiding something from him all along.


    "Let''s meet and talk," Trent said, relieved Freya''s identity hadn''t been exposed. Kristian paused, then replied, "Monday. 10 a.m. My office."


    He wanted to see what Trent had to say.


    Trent agreed and hung up without another word.


    He didn''t even ask about Freya-assuming, from Kristian''s tone, that she was fine.


    Freya returned home about thirty minutester.


    Smoke still lingered, and the walls were ckened.


    She picked up her phone from the table-one missed call from Trent, two from Gerard, and seven from Kristian.


    She frowned, remembering what Gerard had said earlier.


    She unlocked her phone and sent Trent a quick message letting him know she


    was safe.


    Then she paused on Kristian''s name in her contact list. She typed out a message about the fire being out, then deleted it.


    Instead, she sent a short message and a picture.


    The picture lit up on Kristian''s screen.


    Her message read, "The marriage certificate is fine. Not burned."


    The picture showed their marriage certificate still intact, lying neatly on a table.


    Kristian, still in the car, saw the message and nearly exploded with frustration. He was at a loss for words. Freya had really mastered the art of getting under his skin.


    He didn''t reply. Just turned off his phone and tossed it aside, his face growing darker.


    Gerard peeked at him through the mirror and immediately looked away, swallowing hard. The air felt colder


    now


    Freya''s message was simple. He cared about the certificate-so she made sure to show him it was safe. After sending it, she went back to her unread messages


    and found one from Lionel, sent hours ago.


    "Will you attend my 80th birthday banquet?" it read.


    She typed back, "I''m not sure yet."


    Lionel held a strong position in their circle. If the Briggs Group needed a representative, she could attend.


    Her divorce from Kristian was set for August 31st. Lionel''s birthday was on September 15th


    She didn''t know what responsibilities awaited her in Alerith, so she couldn''t promise anything yet.


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    Chapter 91 Her Moral

 Chapter 91

    Chapter 91 Her Moral Principles Remain-Beyon...


    Shortly after the message was sent, Freya''s phone lit up with Lionel''s iing call.


    She swiped to answer with a quick, "Hello, Lionel."


    "Am I interrupting anything, Freya?"


    "Not at all."


    "Do you have time tomorrow evening?" Lionel asked, his tone hopeful. "Isaac and Melinda have returned from handling their affairs, and considering your pending divorce from Kristian, they thought a meal together might be appropriate."


    Freya hesitated, letting the silence stretch between them.


    She and Kristian had just shared dinner at the Shaw family''s residence on Friday. Though only Liam and Lionel had been present, it still qualified as a family gathering.


    "Melinda has been eager to see you since her return yesterday," Lionel continued, filling the silence. "Would you like to speak with her?"


    "That won''t be necessary," Freya replied, unwilling to face Melinda''s persuasive charm. "I''ll attend tomorrow night."


    "Wonderful." Relief colored Lionel''s voice.


    After exchanging goodnights, Freya waited for him to disconnect. The prospect of another family dinner weighed heavily on her mind.


    She massaged her temples, ced her phone on the charger, and retreated to freshen up.


    That night, she slept without disturbance.


    The day''s exhaustion had seemingly imed every ounce of her energy.


    While Freya descended into peaceful slumber, Kristiany awake, staring at the ceiling.


    He didn''t waste time contemting whether Ashley''s words after her deception had been sincere; instead, his thoughts revolved around Freya and Trent. Did she truly understand the kind of man Trent was?


    The more he dwelled on Freya''s rtionship with Trent, the more tangled his emotions became.


    Eventually, fatigue overcame his restlessness, and he surrendered to sleep.


    The following morning, Freya arranged for a cleaning service to restore order to her apartment, while Kristian departed for the office


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    Chapter 91 Her Moral Principles Remain Beyond Reproach


    At precisely 10 A.M., Trent arrived at Shaw Group''s headquarters. After identifying himself, security granted him


    entry.


    Gerard personally escorted him to Kristian''s office. Watching the two equallymanding figures face each other, Gerard''s heart pounded against his ribs. He feared they mighte to blows right there in the office. With their impressive height and build, predicting a victor seemed impossible.


    "Return to your duties," Kristian instructed Gerard. "Mr. Seymour and I have personal matters to discuss."


    "Got it."


    Gerard hastily withdrew. He understood the unspoken directive-no interruptions during their conversation. As the door clicked shut, Kristian rose and moved to the sofa opposite Trent. "If I were in your position, I''d be too ashamed to show my face again."


    "What exactly are you implying?" Trent feigned innocence, his expression deliberately naive.


    "Must I remind you of yesterday''s encounter between you and Freya?" Kristian countered, his gaze sharper than


    ice.


    Trent adjusted his gold-rimmed sses, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.


    This demeanor particrly infuriated Kristian.


    Trent consistently maintained a rxed tone and expression, even when confronted directly.


    At times, Kristian struggled toprehend why Freya had be involved with someone like Trent. Couldn''t she see that Trent was the type who would exploit others without remorse?


    "I heard from Mina that you believe we were intimate at the hotel," Trent stated matter-of-factly, deliberately using Freya''s nickname.


    Kristian remained seated, his posture rigid. "Isn''t that precisely what happened?"


    "If she no longer has anything to do with you, I''d definitely say yes, just to provoke you," Trent remarked lightly, his eyes deceptively gentle. "But since she remains your wife, I won''t damage her reputation. You''ll understand the truth once you view this video."


    With these words, Trent handed over his phone after starting a pre-selected recording.


    Kristian epted the device, and as he watched intently, Trent exined, "I''ve edited the footage to highlight the essential segments. If you desire theplete version, I can forward itter, though it exceeds an hour in length."


    Kristian offered no response, his attention fixed on the screen. The footage revealed several men entering a room, followed by Freya.


    The scene shifted to reveal a figure in a mask and cap, dressed in a work uniform, knocking on Trent''s room door. This mysterious man left a key card and a letter on the floor, his featurespletely obscured from the


    camera


    The footage then captured Trent discovering the letter and entering the room where Freya waited


    He remained inside for barely ten minutes before they both emerged, with subsequent video showing him


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    2050


    escorting Freya to the hotel entrance and walking her to a waiting cab.


    "The video includes timestamps for verification purposes," Trent pointed out, noting that Kristian had likely finished watching the evidence.


    "And what are you trying to prove?" Kristian inquired.


    Though convinced by the video''s authenticity, he found Trent''s methodical presentation irritating.


    "I spent less than ten minutes in the room with Mina," Trent emphasized with deliberate precision. "That''s insufficient time even for a shower, let alone any intimate encounter."


    "Five minutes for a shower, two minutes for the act," Kristian responded with unexpected frankness, his thin lips barely moving. "Such efficiency isn''t beyond possibility."


    Trent adjusted his sses once more, appearing entirely unruffled, and released


    a softugh. "It seems you possess considerable expertise in that area.


    Kristian found himself momentarily speechless.


    He suppressed his instinctive response, returning the phone with a measured observation. "I was referring to your capabilities, not mine."


    "Your assessments consistently miss the mark, except in business matters," Trent countered, his subtle insinuation suggesting Kristian had misjudged the situation entirely.


    Kristian remained uncharacteristically quiet.


    He recognized that Trent was implying his treatment of Freya had been unjust.


    "What about the men who entered Freya''s room earlier?" Kristian questioned, his gaze intensifying. "Have you identified the person who delivered the letter?"


    "The investigation continues," Trent admitted candidly. "We''re attempting to recover additional surveince footage. Regarding those in Mina''s room, they were merely hired help who mistakenly believed Mina was a cruel woman." Trent recognized this as the optimal moment to proceed.


    He methodically shared every detail of the hotel incident with Kristian.


    His motivation wasn''t self-justification but recognition that certain aspects warranted Kristian''s investigative resources. While Trent had uncovered several leads, other elements remained beyond his reach.


    After ten minutes of careful exnation, Kristian had absorbed Trent''splete ount.


    The narrative aligned perfectly with Freya''s version, but Kristian could distinguish genuine testimony from fabricated stories.


    This realization filled him with difort.


    He had wrongfully used Freya again regarding this incident the previous night, and outside her apartment, he had callously stated lus sole concern was the destruction of their marriage certificate, even as her apartment might have been on fire.


    He thought she must harbor significant resentment toward him now.


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    O Q


    20.55


    "After spending two years with Mina, you should know what kind of person she is," Trent defended her with


    unexpected earnestness. "You may question my integrity, but her moral principles


    remain beyond reproach."


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    20.55

 Chapter 92

    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 92 He''s Not The Jealous Type


    Trent straightened his suit, a smooth gesture that underscored his suave demeanor. "If there''s nothing else, I''ll take my leave," he said, his voice calm yet imbued with an underlying sharpness. "It seems this was a wellid trap."


    "Wait a second." Kristian''s voice halted him.


    Trent lifted his gaze, waiting for him to continue.


    Kristian''s intense, guarded stare met his, asking a question that pierced straight to


    the core. "What exactly are your feelings for Freya?" His voice was low, the


    questionden with an unspoken challenge.


    Trent''s response was polished, his


    top


    even. "I''ll be whoever she needs me to be."


    His eyes briefly flickered with a range of emotions as he spoke of Freya, his childhood ymate.


    Their connection was profound-deeper than friendship, more steadfast than love, a bond that rivaled familial ties.


    *If Freya ever decided to get married him, he was d to be her groom.


    If she didn''t want that, he''d dly stay by her side as her lifelong friend.


    Kristian''s expression hardened as he processed Trent''s words. "You have no romantic feelings for her, do you?" he demanded, his tone skeptical.


    "Is that what you think?" Trent countered, his eyebrow arching slightly.


    "If you truly cared, wouldn''t it bother you that she still cherishes her first love?" Kristian pressed, his tone sharpening.


    Reflecting on those issues, a shadow passed over his eyes. "And let''s not forget, she still holds tight to her beloved bedroompanion, Charlie."


    To truly love someone often breeds a sense of possessiveness, and for someone like Trent, this was no exception.


    "Your perspective on love is rather limited," Trent retorted, his smile unwavering. ¡°As long as Mina finds. happiness, I''m prepared to go to any length.¡±


    Kristian, his eyes narrowing, tried to catch a flicker of deceit in Trent''s steady gaze but found nothing but sincerity.


    Could it be that Trent''s love for Freya was that profound?


    "She dashed off to Jeucwell to marry you impulsively, and I didn''t stand in her way, did I?"


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    Chapter 92 He''s Not The Jealous Type


    Trent recognized Kristian''s doubt, but he threw in his thoughts regardless.


    He couldn''t stand the thought of Kristian thinking Freya was unloved. Making Kristian feel the threat of losing her was the only way to make him regret it. Freya deserved better, much better.


    Kristian, now grappling with a mix of confusion and revtion, found Treincreasingly enigmatic.


    As Trent casually adjusted his sses, his demeanor remained unfazed. "She married you on a whim, captivated by your charm," he went on, his tone a mix of candid and cautionary. "If you cherish her, her joy is also my joy. But should you falter, rest assured, I am more than capable of stepping in to ensure her happiness."


    "You won''t get that chance," Kristian retorted impulsively, his words escaping him before he could tether them. With a mild, almost pitying shake of his head, Trent delivered a softly veiled reminder. "You''re receiving your divorce decree the day after tomorrow."


    Kristian, faced with Trent''s unshakable confidence, felt a surge of irritation.


    His emotions, tangled and raw, finally condensed into one piercing question, his voice a low growl. "Does she even know how you feel about her?"


    Trent saw right through the trap Kristian hadid, and his response made everything clear. "She thinks we''re just friends."


    Acknowledging Freya''s awareness would only lead Kristian to brand her as a yer.


    Trent saw no point in prolonging the argument with Kristian; he had expressed what was essential, and the rest was for Kristian to mull over in his own time.


    Meanwhile, Kristian found himself adrift in his thoughts, haunted by the implications of Trent''s words. He was painfully aw


    for men like Trent.


    that Freya had a soft spot


    If their marriage ended, Trent would probably be the one she turned to. The notion alone left Kristian simmering with unexined frustration.


    During their two tumultuous years of marriage, it seemed to Kristian that Trent had onlye into the picture after he and Freya had broached the topic of divorce.


    Did Trent harbor genuine feelings for Freya? That was a question that Kristian found himself unable to answer at the moment.


    Still, he couldn''t leave the issue unexplored. After some contemtion, he instructed his contacts to dig deeper into the matter before he turned his attention back to his professional duties.


    Leaving the Shaw Group building, Trent felt a cautious optimism. Reflecting on his conversation with Freya, he reached out to tell her he''d straightened things out with Kristian.


    Freya''s response was a nomittal "Hmm."


    "Your reaction seems off," Trent noted, his tone a mix of concern and curiosity.


    "Whether he believes it or not is irrelevant," Freya replied dismissively.


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    20:55


    Chapter 92 He''s Not The Jealous Type


    She had epted it for what it was. "I''m mulling over the family gathering at the Shaws'' residence tonight. I''m almost certain they''ll want me to extend my stay through Lionel''s birthday celebration," she remarked, a note of resignation in her voice.


    She was well-acquainted with the dynamics involving Lionel and Melinda- familiarity was one thing, managing the reality was quite another.


    While Freya couldn''t simply decline-Kristian''s family members had always shown her kindness, and her schedule was surprisingly open-opting out woulde across as tantly disrespectful.


    "When is Lionel''s birthday, anyway?" Trent inquired, breaking into her thoughts. "September 15th," Freya responded swiftly.


    "Isn''t Kristian heading overseas on the 16th?" Trent''s memory suddenly clicked into ce. "You might want to subtly double-check that. If it''s urate, it could serve as a perfect pretext for you."


    The bureaucratic process generally took a full 30 days toplete a divorce decree.


    If Freya and Kristian missed this window, they would bepelled to endure the tedious process of reapplying and waiting yet another month for resolution.


    A lot could transpire in thirty days.


    "Alright," Freya agreed, her voice tinged with determination.


    Whatever the circumstances, she was adamant about finalizing the divorce immediately after the morrow. Jeucwell, once a cherished refuge, had lost its allure.


    Before ending the call, Trent added, almost as an afterthought, "By the way, I told Kristian I have feelings for you."


    Freya was caught off guard, a mix of shock and confusion clouding her features. She couldn''t quite grasp his unexpected revtion.


    "He seemed jealous," Trent went on with a slight edge to his voice.


    "He''s not the jealous type," Freya countered smoothly, her tone lightening as she regained herposure. "Let''s keep this between us, okay? Don''t bring this up as a joke in front of Frederick and the others."


    "Understood," Trent replied, his chuckle tinged with amusement.


    He knew all too well how theirmon friends lived for gossip, the kind that could start storms.


    After hanging up, Trent started packing his belongings for the journey back to Alerith. His prolonged stay in Jeucwell had been necessary, but now, he was anxious to tackle the umting issues back home.


    Meanwhile, Freya savored the slow rhythm of her remaining days of leisure.


    She cherished these moments of tranquility, knowing they were fleeting. Soon, she''d be engulfed in the demands of her bustling life.


    If it weren''t for her assistant''s pressing reminders, she might have even toyed with the idea of escaping to a tropical ind, retreating for some alone time after the divorce, giving herself a break before getting back to


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    Chapter 57 Tiers of the jealous Type


    business


    hy noon, the day unfoldedzily Freya prepared a simple lunch, her thoughts wandering back to Trent''s


    66intments


    Curiosity piqued, she decided to call Gerard, probing with subtle questions. Her conversation confirmed that Kristian was indeed traveling abroad on the 16th, a piece of information that brought her a quiet sense of relief.


    The moment the call disconnected, a wave of concern washed over her as she thought of Farrah. With a sense of urgency, she dialed her number, unwilling to let her suffer in silence. She had her reservations about Felipe.


    The phone was picked up almost instantly.


    "Farrah..." Freya began, her voiceced with worry.


    "Freya, help me!" Farrah''s plea broke through the line, her voice ragged and trembling with tears. "Felipe is determined to get rid of my child."


    "Just tell me where you are." Freya cut through the chatter and went straight for the details.


    Before Farrah could exin anything, the call was suddenly severed. Panic tightening her chest, Freya frantically redialed, only to be met with the stark reality that the phone had been switched off.


    On the other end, Farrah''s situation was growing dire. Her attempt to flee had not gone unnoticed by Felipe. He kept her confined in the car, her phone switched off and discarded where she couldn''t reach it. "Thinking of escaping?" Felipe''s voice was cold, his eyes a piercing re as he tightened his grip on her wrist. This betrayal was unexpected.


    Justst night, Farrah had vowed toply with his demands and terminate her pregnancy. Yet, under his nose, she had covertly purchased a ne ticket to escape while he was busy at work.


    "Let me go!" Farrah cried out, desperation fueling her struggle. The overwhelming


    difference in their physical strength made her attempts seem almost pitiful.


    Ste to be House The Cat And My Heart


    Chapter 93 Shal

 Chapter 93

    Chapter 93 Shall I Call The Police


    Peipe''s grip remained unyielding as he issued a chillingmand to his assistant. "Drive. We need to reach the hospital now." His voice cut through the tense air like a de.


    Without hesitation, the assistant ignited the engine and steered the vehicle toward the hospital.


    Thendscape blurred past the windows, marking their rapid departure from the airport. Beside him, Farrah''s hear pounded fiercely against her chest, a tumultuous wave of panic and dread swelling within her.


    The very thought of what might happen to her baby chilled her to the bone. Terminating the pregnancy was something she couldn''t ept


    "Felpe, If you force this abortion on me, I will never forgive you!" Tears streaked her flushed cheeks, her eyes a fiery testament to her resolve


    Felipe, however, seemed unmoved by her pleas. He merely tightened his hold, ensuring she remained firmly by his side, her movements severely restricted.


    the car journey feit endless, stretching on for a grueling hour until the facade of the hospital loomed before


    Farat''s resistance peaked as she refused to get out, her instincts screaming at her about the grim reality that awained beyond the car doors.


    Felipe cast a nce her way, his features betraying a fleeting shadow of reluctance. Still, he stood firm and pules her from the car with firm, unshakable force.


    His voce a low, an attempt to mask the storm brewing within him. "Be good, Farrah. Your health isn''t in the Age sex to carry a child now. If you truly desire a family, we can consider it once you''ve recovered."


    "You just went so rid yourself of this baby because you doubt he''s yours, isn''t that it?" Farrah pressed, her wire saw with emotion, her wrist throbbing painfully from his iron grip. "Why make up such excuses?" she testat, que gor¨¦ng


    Telge''s response was sharp, a clear edge of warning in his tone. "Enough!"


    Farrah''s gaza burned with unyielding defiance.


    The roogsaldors were eerily silent, amplifying the gravity of her situation. Given Farrah''s identity, Felipe kad wrodowy orchestrated this moment, sparing no detail.


    We Got waste time exining to Farrah, just signaled the waiting doctors and coldly handed her over.


    They moved with mechanical precision, disregarding Farrah''s frantic struggles and the tears streaming down.


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    20.56


    Chapter 93 Shall I Call The Police


    Her resistance was poignant but futile.


    She was forcefully led toward the operating room, stripped of her means to seek help or alert the authorities.


    Powerless, she couldn''t even shield her own child from what was toe.


    As she was dragged away, her eyes locked on Felipe''s face-a mask of chilling


    indifference. Her heart seethed with a raw, intense hatred.


    "Felipe Yates, you''ll pay the price!" she vowed silently, her inner turmoil sharpening each word.


    Suddenly, a familiar voice cut through the tension. "What are you doing?"


    Freya''s concerned tone echoed across the lobby. She stood there, her eyes fixed on the group restraining Farrah.


    Time seemed to stand still as everyone turned to face her.


    For Farrah, Freya''s voice was a lifeline, a melodious reprieve from her nightmare. She hastily brushed away her tears, and upon seeing her friend, a fresh wave of emotion overwhelmed her, bringing more tears to her eyes. Freya had made it.


    "Let go of my friend!" Freya demanded, her voice firm.


    The doctors hesitated, their eyes flicking uncertainly among each other before settling on Felipe. He remained by the entrance, his expression unreadable.


    Felipe''s brow creased in annoyance as Freya stepped in. Why the hell was she popping up everywhere?


    "This is a private family matter. It would be wise for you to stay out of it," Felipe stated, his voice low and edged with a cool hostility as he stepped closer to her.


    Freya, undeterred and her gaze steely, countered fiercely, ¡°Should I call the police then? Perhaps they can enlighten us whether coercing someone into an abortion is merely a ''family matter''."


    By now, she had positioned herself protectively by Farrah''s side, her stance serving as a barrier.


    The tension thickened as the doctors interjected, their voices a mix of concern and caution.


    "Mr. Yates, this situation shouldn''t escte further," one doctor advised, trying to instill some sense into the conversation.


    "Despite your marriage, you can''t simply strip your wife of her maternal rights." "Maybe... you should try discussing things with her more time?"


    It was clear none of the doctors relished being involved in such a delicate matter,


    but with the hospital owner''s directives hanging over their heads, their hands were


    tied.


    Felipe''s expression darkened significantly, his annoyance spiking as Freya continued to thwart his ns.


    Her presence was like salt in an open wound-infuriating and relentless.


    "Freya, you may be Kristian''s wife, which makes you untouchable for the time being," Felipe hissed, attempting


    to wield his words like a weapon. ¡°But remember, your divorce is looming. With


    just a word, I can turn your life into a living nightmare."


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    Farrah, emboldened by Freya''s defense, snapped defiantly, "I dare you!"


    It was only then, amidst the heated exchange, that she started to fear,


    The moment Freya called her, nerves had overwhelmed her, and the words had slipped out before she could think twice.


    Now, as the weight of her hastily spoken words sank in, a knot of worry tightened in her stomach, churning with thoughts of the potential dangers Freya might face because of her.


    "Calm down, Farrah. Remember, the baby can sense your anxiety," Freya noted, her voice steady and soothing as she fixed Farrah with a look brimming with reassurance. "Haven''t I made it clear I have money?"


    Farrah hesitated, her mind casting back to their previous conversations. Freya had confided in her about the staggering 1.4 billion dors Kristian had agreed to as a divorce settlement. Even at the modest bank interest rates, it would generate an ie of over 20 million dors annually.


    Such a sum ensured that destitution was nowhere on Freya''s horizon.


    On the sidelines, Felipe observed their exchange, his memory echoing with the details of Kristian''s financial promise to Freya.


    His friend always left chaos wherever he went.


    "Farrah, think it through," Felipe interjected, his voice tinged with a darker note of coercion. "If you choose not to terminate the pregnancy today, who''s to say Freya won''t end up in a car ident or sustain a serious injury in the future?" His threat was steeped in maniption, a desperate ploy to sway her decision.


    He wouldn''t really orchestrate such horrors. He merely wanted to scare Farrah into making what he believed was the right choice.


    Farrah''s eyes were swollen and red, torn between doubt and uncertainty. She was caught in a painful dilemma -unable to give up her child, yet dreading the thought of Freya suffering.


    "Don''t bother with him. We''re getting out of here," Freya insisted, tugging Farrah''s arm with determined resolve as she brushed off Felipe''s threat.


    Farrah remained rooted in ce, hesitant.


    Turning back, Freya''s eyes softened, concerncing her voice. "What''s holding you back?"


    "You should head out first, Freya..."


    ?


    "Enough already-juste with me and prioritize your well-being." Freya''s words carried a finality that allowed no room for objection. "Kristian doesn''t wield this power, and certainly not him."


    End up in a car ident? Sustain a serious injury? Absolutely no way that was going to happen.


    If it were her enemies suggesting such drastic measures, perhaps Freya could entertain the thought. Felipe? It was hardly worth considering.


    Her dismissal evidently struck a nerve. Felipe''s frustration was palpable, his pride wounded.


    Insulting Kristian was one thing, but why would she drag Felipe into it?


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    "Freya, are you sure you want to challenge me?" Felipe''s voice was low, threaded with a veiled threat as he watched her steadily escort Farrah away.


    "You''re overthinking things," Freya replied curtly, her dismissal Brief.


    Felipe''s stance rxed, his earlier tension easing as he interpreted her words as non-confrontational.


    He made his way over to her, his height casting a looming shadow over Freya. With a cold smirk, he said, "Since youck the courage to oppose me, I''d advise you to stay out of my way."


    Freya''s response was swift and dismissive. "You''re hardly significant enough to be considered a threat," she retorted with a nonchnt flip of her hair. Without another word, she took Farrah by the arm, leading her away without so much as a backward nce at Felipe.


    His fists tightened at his sides, the muscles in his jaw working silently as he considered his next move. Finally, with a flick of his wrist, hemanded his bodyguards, "Stop them."


    Felipe''s mind seethed with frustration. Dealing with Freya was absolutely maddening!


    As he gave the order, four imposing bodyguards swiftly encircled Freya and


    Farrah.


    "Freya..." Farrah''s voice trembled slightly, the fear evident in her eyes. Unshaken, Freya squared her shoulders and stared Felipe down. "If I were you,


    I''d think twice before making things worse," she warned, her voice steady andmanding.


    Felipe''s face hardened, his resolve unwavering.


    He was determined to keep Farrah here and terminate the pregnancy.


    The growing threat of the child was too great a risk for Farrah¡ªand he would not


    tolerate any jeopardy to her wellbeing.


    100.0%


    "Freya, are you sure you want to challenge me?" Felipe''s voice was low, threaded with a veiled threat as he watched her steadily escort Farrah away.


    "You''re overthinking things," Freya replied curtly, her dismissal Brief. Felipe''s stance rxed, his earlier tension easing as he interpreted her words as non-confrontational.


    He made his way over to her, his height casting a looming shadow over Freya.


    With a cold smirk, he said, "Since youck the courage to oppose me, I''d advise you to stay out of my way."


    Freya''s response was swift and dismissive. "You''re hardly significant enough to be considered a threat," she retorted with a nonchnt flip of her hair. Without another word, she took Farrah by the arm, leading her away without so much as a backward nce at Felipe.


    His fists tightened at his sides, the muscles in his jaw working silently as he


    considered his next move. Finally, with a flick of his wrist, hemanded his bodyguards, "Stop them."


    Felipe''s mind seethed with frustration. Dealing with Freya was absolutely maddening!


    As he gave the order, four imposing bodyguards swiftly encircled Freya and


    Farrah.


    "Freya..." Farrah''s voice trembled slightly, the fear evident in her eyes. Unshaken, Freya squared her shoulders and stared Felipe down. "If I were you,


    I''d think twice before making things worse," she warned, her voice steady andmanding.


    Felipe''s face hardened, his resolve unwavering.


    He was determined to keep Farrah here and terminate the pregnancy.


    The growing threat of the child was too great a risk for Farrah-and he would not


    tolerate any jeopardy to her wellbeing.


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 Chapter 94

    Chapter 94 Admiration For Freya''s Prowess


    "What the hell are you doing just standing there?" Felipe''s voice cut through the air with unmistakable authority. "Get moving!"


    As hismand echoed, the bodyguards sprang into action, closing in on Freya.


    "Wait!" The word sliced through the tension like a knife. Farrah''s voice rang out just in time, halting everyone in their tracks. All eyes darted to her as the bodyguards froze, their movements stilled.


    Peering intently through a narrow gap between two guards, Farrah''s eyes locked onto Felipe, who stood aloof and imposing at a distance. "Why are you so set on getting rid of my child? If you can''t stand it, why not just divorce me?"


    Felipe''s expression hardened, his lips pressing into a rigid line as his gaze turned icy, masking a storm of emotions.


    "Your body''s too fragile to handle a pregnancy," he blurted out, his voice strained but controlled, revealing his concerns without wanting to deepen the rift between them. "I''ve spoken to doctors. Pursuing this pregnancy could very well cost you your life."


    Freya gasped, her heart skipping a beat as she turned to face Farrah.


    A hollow, mockingugh escaped Farrah, as if she''d just heard the most absurd thing imaginable. "Why can''t you just tell me the truth?"


    "Do you doubt my words?" Felipe retorted, his eyes narrowing into slits, a dangerous edge creeping into his


    tone.


    Farrah''s voice crackled with disbelief, her eyes sharp and challenging. "As a mother, wouldn''t I know the condition of my own child? My assistant apanied me to every pregnancy checkup. The doctor was always reassuring, confident the baby was in perfect health."


    If there had been any risks, surely the doctor would have alerted her immediately.


    Seriously? How could such a dire situation even be possible?


    "Seize them!" Felipe bellowed, his voice a thunderous roar filled with rising hostility.


    At hismand, the bodyguards sprang into action. Two of them lunged toward Freya, while the others went straight for Farrah, their intentions clear-they nned to forcibly restrain Farrah and get her onto the operating table that very day.


    But they had sorely underestimated Freya.


    Freya, who had always favored her agility over brute strength, moved with lightning


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    Speed


    Chapter 94 Admiration For Freya''s Prowess


    through the air, connecting with a bodyguard''s chest in a powerful, brutal kick.


    Farrah stood frozen, her eyes wide as she witnessed Freya''s unwavering dominance. Her initial sorrow quickly morphed into sheer admiration.


    Watching Freya in action, she wondered-was this fierce warrior really the same woman she had known for years?


    Freya was relentless. Seizing the wrist of another bodyguard who dared approach Farrah, she twisted sharply. The sickening snap of bones filled the air followed by the man''s anguished scream.


    With a fluid, practiced motion, she then unleashed another fierce kick, catapulting the bodyguard straight into Felipe.


    The confrontation was over in less than a minute, leaving Farrah and the onlookers frozen in shock.


    Freya stood in front of Farrah like a fierce guardian, her re at Felipe sharpening with every passing moment. "Really? Attacking a pregnant woman? How low can you possibly sink?"


    "Mr. Yates... that woman''s a beast. We don''t stand a chance against her."


    "The way she fights... it''s nearly as fearsome as Mr. Shaw''s." "Should we still proceed?"


    The bodyguards shared uneasy looks, their anxiety palpable. They silently pleaded for Felipe to call off the assault, craving an escape from this embarrassing standoff.


    Felipe''s fury was palpable, his voice booming across the space. "If you can''t handle one woman, what use are you to me?" The thought of Farrah being spirited away by Freya gnawed at him.


    His bodyguards stood mute, their morale shattered.


    Amid the tense silence, a defiant thought flickered through their minds. "If he''s so capable, why doesn''t he handle it himself?"


    Freya, ever perceptive, voiced their silent rebellion wlessly. "Well, Felipe, if you think they''re useless, perhaps you should step in?"


    A spark of admiration flickered in the bodyguards'' eyes, resonating with her challenge.


    Felipe, catching the hopeful exchanges among his bodyguards, simmered with resentment, cursing under his breath.


    If Kristian hadn''t ended up with such a fierce wife, Felipe doubted he''d be dealing with this nightmare. "Considering you''re Kristian''s wife, I have no intention of shing with you." He was desperately trying to maintain his dignity amidst the escting tension.


    Around him, four of his bodyguardsy defeated, their attempts to subdue Freya futile. Felipe weighed his chances soberly. He was no fool to rush into a losing battle.


    Freya''s eyes shed fiercely, her voice icy as she retorted, "Don''t bother sparing any thoughts for his sake. If you''ve got the balls, bring it on."


    If Felipe dared, she was ready to put him in his ce for Farrah.


    26.4%


    Felipe stood, momentarily speechless, as her words sliced through the air.


    "Mr. Yates, please, don''t hold back. Go and defeat her,"


    "That''s right!"


    "Come on, Mr. Yates. She''s just a woman-you can deal with her easily."


    "You can do it!"


    The cheers from the previously subdued bodyguards now rang out, emboldening the atmosphere, making sure their voices reverberated throughout the vicinity.


    Trapped in his predicament, Felipe knew engaging Freya in a duel was a direct path to humiliation. Yet, retreating would stain his reputation, possibly making Farrah view him as a coward.


    Turning to Farrah with a mix of desperation and earnestness, he attempted to shift the focus. "Farrah, have you truly made up your mind, to leave with her?" His voice took on a serious tone, seeking to pierce through the chaotic noise and reach a resolution.


    In the past, Farrah might have wavered, caught in the throes of indecision over whether Freya was up to the challenge of facing Felipe.


    But now, her mind was crystal clear, awash with admiration for Freya''s prowess.


    When Felipe posed his question, Farrah''s response was smooth, almost nonchnt. "We''ll deal with thatter. What''s important right now is your duel with Freya."


    Felipe found himself at a loss for words again.


    The crowd''s gaze fixed on him, anticipation thick in the air as they awaited his decision.


    Farrah''s voice cut through the tension, light yetced with a challenge. "If you''re scared, just admit defeat."


    Her tone, breezy and slightly mocking, seemed to cast a spell over Felipe, whisking him back to their first encounter with that spirited, defiant girl he couldn''t forget.


    "I can''t beat her," Felipe admitted bluntly, determined not to make a spectacle of himself. "But are you sure about leaving with her?"


    Freya''s nce was a sharp, silent retort-her eyes practically rolling. If he couldn''t beat her, then he''d better not bother talking.


    Understanding dawned on Felipe, his fingers curling into a subtle fist.


    "Let''s go, Farrah," Freya said, her voice calm yet firm as she ushered Farrah to grab her phone before they headed out. Nobody dared intervene, their fear of another beating keeping them frozen.


    Felipe''s eyes lingered on Farrah''s back as she walked away, his words tangled on the tip of his tongue but never spoken.


    The bodyguards exchanged nces, tension palpable in their hesitant stance. As soon as the two women exited the building, they turned to Felipe. ¡°Mr. Yates, are we seriously going to let Mrs. Yates leave with Ms. Briggs without even trying to stop her?"


    57.6%


    21:01


    "Why don''t you go and stop them?" Felipe retorted sharply, his voiceced with


    frustration.


    Mute and chastened, the bodyguards stood helplessly.


    Just then, Felipe''s assistant, who had been lingering nearby, stepped forward with


    a respectful nod.


    "Keep an eye on Freya and Farrah. Find out where they''re staying," Felipe instructed, his voice low butmanding.


    He was firm in his belief that Freya couldn''t possibly take Farrah away from him.


    "Bring her back when the time is right."


    "Got it," the assistant acknowledged with a crisp nod.


    His gaze turned steely as he extracted his phone from his pocket, pausing thoughtfully before typing a message. "Keep pushing your luck-I dare you. The consequences will be brutal."


    Farrah caught sight of the text just as she stepped into Freya''s neatly kept apartment, courtesy of a professional housekeeper.


    Freya invited her to sit and unwind, and as Farrah settled down, she nced at


    her phone.


    She decisively chose to disregard Felipe''s intimidating message.


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    100.0%

 Chapter 95

    Chapter 95 Offending Felipe


    As with all things, there was always a price to pay.


    Felipe was no easy man to sway. Once his mind was made up, he would push everyone to the edge of their limits to see his own ambitions fulfilled.


    Farrah had just locked her phone screen when she noticed an iing call from her agent.


    The moment she picked up, her agent''s voice red on the other end, filled with panic. "What on earth did you do to upset Mr. Yates?" The agent''s voice trembled with urgency. "He''s pulled all your resourcest


    Farrah froze. She didn''t offer much of an exnation, simply replying, "We had a falling out."


    "Are you out of your mind?" The agent''s exasperation was palpable. "You were just beginning to carve out a name for yourself, and now you''re pregnant and need a year off. I agreed to that, but even so, you could still keep your name in the game, keep marketing yourself. But now you''ve gone and offended Mr. Yates, and he''s cut off everything. What are you going to do now?"


    Without the right promotions, Farrah''s poprity would vanish like morning fog In this business, another actress would quickly fill her shoes. If that happened, she wouldn''t just slip from the second tier, she could very well fade into nothingness.


    Farrah understood the stakes.


    She was silent for a moment before speaking, her voice soft but steady. "Then I''ll start over."


    "Farrah!" Her agent was astounded. How could she turn her back on such a powerful connection when she could have held on to it?


    "It''s not a big deal. I''ve got the skills and the looks," Farrah replied, her confidence unwavering "1 excel at my craft. As long as I keep pushing, I''ll seed,"


    Her agent stayed silent.


    Farrah was about to add more reassurance, but her agent cut in. "Being cklisted by Mr. Yates means you won''t get any decent offers."


    Farrah''s chest tightened, her grip on the phone tightening as well.


    "The only roles that wille your way will be low-budget projects," the agent said bluntly. "What good is your talent in those ces? Are you willing to spend your life in insignificant roles?"


    Farrah''s first instinct was to reject that fate. She refused to ept that reality.


    Her dream, however unbelievable it seemed, was to be an artist in her craft.


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    Chapter 95 Offending Felipe


    "I''ve said what I needed to. The choice is yours now." The agent''s voice softened with concern, aware of the gravity of the decision Farrah faced.


    The call ended.


    Farrah sat still, lost in thought.


    Returning to Felipe was never an option. She wouldn''t sacrifice her child''sture, no matter what.


    But her career...


    With Felipe''s ban, she would be untouchable, too risky for director to consider.


    The weight of it all sank in.


    A ss of water was gently ced on the coffee table in front of her.


    Freya offered it with a calm smile. "Have some water, Farrah."


    "Thanks." Farrah returned a gentle smile, unwilling to let Freya worry. She took a sip, trying to lookposed.


    Afterward, worried that Freya might notice something off, she began to chat, her eyes sparkling with false brightness. "Howe I never knew you were so good at fighting?"


    "There was never a need to show it," Freya replied simply.


    Farrah gave her a yfulpliment, "You are so cool, Freya.¡±


    "I''ve got your back about your career," Freya said, her tone serious.


    Farrah paused, confused. Her eyes questioned Freya''s words. "Huh?"


    "Don''t worry about what your agent said," Freya exined, having overheard the conversation. She''d been standing there, waiting with the water, long before Farrah had noticed her presence.


    Upon hearing Freya''s words, Farrah paused, then smiled casually. "She''s just joking. Felipe can''t control my career."


    Her friend had already offended with Felipe because of her.


    How could she let Freya worry about her career too?


    "Just focus on yourself and the baby for the next few months. Don''t worry about the resources that were cut off," Freya''s tone was reassuring, her expression unwavering. "Once you''ve had the baby and recovered, I''ll help yound even better job opportunities."


    "Freya..." Farrah''s mood lightened as she cleared her throat.


    She found Freya''s optimism endearing.


    The way Freya painted a picture of a brighter future was somehow more


    convincing than any pitch her agency had ever made.


    Freya smiled. "What do you think?"


    "Awesome! You could even run apany," Farrah teased, though in her heart,


    she had already begun to find peace with her situation.


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    Chapter 95 Offending Felipe


    She believed every storm had its calm.


    She refused to let Felipe''s actions control her fate.


    Freya grinned. "I do own apany."


    "Come on, you got be kidding!" Farrahughed, nudging Freya lightly on the shoulder. ¡°Even though you''ve got a hefty 1.4 billion in the bank, that''s just savings,"


    Freya was momentarily speechless.


    "Don''t worry, I''m fine.¡± Farrah ced her hand gently on Freya''s shoulder. "Once


    the baby is born, I''ll work hard to support the two of you."


    As for Felipe? She wouldn''t see him ever again.


    "Alright." Freya didn''t push further.


    When Farrah was ready to return to her career, Freya would have a n in ce,


    a big surprise waiting to take the weight off her friend''s shoulders.


    Farrah felt a warmth stir in her chest. She ced a hand on her belly, reflecting on what had happened. "By the way, how did you know where I was?"


    Felipe owned multiple hospitals.


    It couldn''t have been mere coincidence that Freya came to this very one.


    "I had someone look into it," Freya said simply, not borating.


    When she couldn''t reach Farrah on the phone, she dug into Felipe''s connections to find her.


    To ease Farrah''s mind, Freya quickly shifted the subject. "When is his old meing back?"


    She remembered Farrah saying that Felipe would divorce her once his old me returned.


    Farrah''s body stiffened, her hand instinctively tightening.


    Freya noticed the change. "What''s wrong?"


    "I lied to you earlier, Freya," Farrah said with a deep breath, fearing her friend''s judgment. "There''s no ex. We ended up sleeping together by ident, and the marriage was arranged by our families."


    Freya''s brow furrowed in confusion.


    Felipe didn''t seem like the type to follow family orders so blindly.


    "Three months ago, he was on a business trip, and I was filming overseas," Farrah confessed, her voice steady now. "One night, he called me, drunk, saying he missed me, so I went to see him."


    "Was that when you got pregnant?" Freya asked gently.


    "Yes." Farrah nodded. "But he''s always believed the baby is not his. No matter


    how much I exined, he


    refused to believe me."


    "And your marriage?" Freya asked.


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    "Let''s not get into that right now," Farrah replied, her heart heavy. She didn''t know


    where her marriage stood.


    Felipe refused to divorce her, and she couldn''t make sense of it all. He didn''t love her or believe her exnation.


    Wouldn''t it be better if they just parted ways?


    100.0%

 Chapter 96

    Chapter 96 Freya''s Still My Wife


    Freya saw that Farrah had grasped the situation, so she didn''t say much more.


    She arranged a room for her and took her out shopping for clothes. By the time they got back, it was already past 5 PM.


    If Liam hadn''t called, Freya would havepletely forgotten about the visit to the Shaw residence.


    After giving Farrah a few instructions, she quickly rushed over.


    By the time she arrived, it was already after seven.


    "Keeping elders waiting like this shows no respect," said a man who looked a bit like Isaac.


    Freya recognized him-it was Robin Shaw, Kristian''s uncle.


    The house was lively tonight. Lionel, Isaac, Melinda, Kristian''s two uncles, their wives, and children were all present.


    (Freya knew she waste, so she simply said, "Sorry."


    "A simple sorry like that was insufficient. Just because youtched onto Kristian doesn''t mean you can be arrogant," Robin replied, clearly displeased with Freya, whom he thought came from a humble background.


    Lionel couldn''t stand anyone speaking poorly of Freya.


    Before he could respond, a cold, calm voice cut through the air, carrying weight. "Unde Robin, you might want to save that speech for yourself."


    Robin frowned. "What are you getting at?"


    "Freya is still my wife," Kristian said inly.


    Freya looked at him, startled.


    Lionel, Isaac, and Melinda all exchanged pleased nces. They clearly approved of how Kristian was handling things.


    "Dad, look at what Kristian''s turned into," Robinined, not realizing Lionel favored Freya. "All for a woman who only knows how to climb thedder and doesn''t respect us. He''s even shing with us now. It shows bad parenting, doesn''t it?"


    Isaac gave Kristian a casual nce and said, "Well, we didn''t raise him well. We certainly can''t match your parenting skills, Robin."


    Everyone fell silent.


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    Chapter 96 Freya''s Still My Wife


    Robin''s children were known for being spoiled and unmotivated. They didn''t do well in school or business, and only cared about having fun.


    The room fell into an awkward hush.


    still holding Freya''s hand, Kristian led her to sit beside Lionel. He turned to Robin and said, "If ine hadn''t gotten into trouble, Freya and I would''ve been on time."


    "What happened?" Lionel yed along.


    "ine got into a fight andnded at the police station. He imed the president of Shaw Group was his cousin. If I hadn''t cleaned up the mess, we wouldn''t have beente," Kristian said slowly.


    Lionel cleared his throat.


    He admired Kristian''s calm way of lying.


    What Kristian didn''t know was that Lionel had seen him parked outside the


    residence, waiting for Freya for over an hour.


    Robin''s face flushed, and his wife, Z, looked embarrassed.


    Liam, ever the mischievous one, added, "Getting into fights and ending up at the


    station? Uncle Robin, Aunt Z, that''s some fine parenting."


    "Liam, don''t you think that''s too much?" said a girl around seventeen. She was


    Carrie Shaw, daughter of Edgar, Lionel''s youngest son. "Haven''t you and Kristian ever fought with anyone? And what about Freya?"


    Actually, no," Liam replied truthfully.


    The elders stayed quiet, letting the younger ones talk.


    Robin and Edgar had long held a grudge since Lionel handed Shaw Group to Kristian.


    Why him, when Lionel had so many grandchildren?


    "Then take a look at this," Carrie said, pulling out her phone. "This is what I saw at


    a nightclub yesterday. I didn''t expect Freya to fight like this."


    She yed a video for everyone to see. In it, Freya was seen in a fight.


    The video was messy, but her swift, sharp moves were clear. Her stance was firm and unafraid.


    At the end, her voice rang out, "Say one more word, and I''ll break your other arm too."


    The atmosphere shifted.


    Everyone turned to Freya, surprised.


    Her skills were no joke.


    Lionel''s first thought was how impressive she was. And then, a deeper fondness settled in.


    "Freya, you''re amazing." Liam said with admiration. He knew he couldn''t fight like that. How did Freya manage


    it?


    Isaac and Melinda exchanged a look. Clearly, winning over Freya would be no easy feat for Kristian.


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    Chapter 96 Freya''s Still My Wife


    "You say ine was wrong to fight. What about Freya? What do you call that?" Carrie asked, clearly annoyed by


    the praise


    She was certain Lionel would disapprove. He always hated impulsive people who acted without thinking.


    To Cartie, Freya had embarrassed the shaw name.


    "standing up for what''s right," Kristian answered calmly.


    Lionel nodded. "Exactly."


    Isaac and Melinda also agreed. "Kristian''s right."


    Everyone else looked stunned.


    Carie couldn''t hold back. ¡°Grandpa, that''s biased! ine gets scolded, but Freya


    is praised for doing the same thing


    "If a fewdies hadn''t stopped her, she would''ve gone upstairs to sleep with those men!"


    Her voice rose with frustration.


    She hated that Lionel favored Freya too. It was bad enough that Kristian and Liam got most of the attention- now Freya was included?


    Carrie believed she, as Lionel''s granddaughter, deserved that spot.


    "Say that again," Kristian said suddenly, his voice icy and cold. His eyes were sharp, full of warning.


    Edgar quickly pulled his daughter back. He didn''t want to get on Kristian''s bad side.


    "If your eyes don''t work, get them checked. Freya isn''t someone you can insult," Kristian said, cutting straight to the point.


    With those few words, everyone understood Freya''s ce in this family. Other than the asional holiday gathering, they rarely saw her and knew little about her. That was why they couldn''t understand why Kristian had chosen her. "That''s enough. This was supposed to be a peaceful evening. You''ve all turned it into a shouting match. Why can''t you be as quiet as Freya?" Lionel asked firmly, putting on a serious tone.


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 Chapter 97

    Chapter 97 ring Favoritism


    Freya''s words faltered, trapped in her throat as Lionel unexpectedly threw her name into the conversation.


    The room''s mood soured instantly, as evident from the uneasy grimaces painting a few people''s faces.


    Edgar deliberated over his choice of words before speaking up, maintaining an objective tone. "Dad, if I may speak frankly, the favoritism you exhibit is rather ring. ine and Carrie are your biological grandchildren. Yet, you''ve never shielded them with the same enthusiasm, have you?"


    "Humph." Lionel expelled a dismissive scoff, his face twisting with annoyance.


    "Why should I shield them?" he dered brashly, tossing aside any semnce of respect for the room''s decorum as the family''s patriarch.


    "They are your own flesh and blood," Undeterred, Edgar pressed on, his voice firm with resolve. "Can you truly say it''smon for a grandfather to show more affection towards his granddaughter-inw than to his own grandchildren?"


    These words cast a ripple ofplex emotions across the room, sparking glints of agreement and skepticism in their eyes.


    Edgar''s words dripped with a deliberate intent to embarrass Freya, making it clear she would always be seen as an outsider.


    "Am I supposed to care more for you ungrateful brats over Freya?" Lionel''s temper red, his demeanor chilly and uninviting, "From childhood days to now, when have ine and Carrie shown any concern for me that wasn''t tied to their own needs? I''d say even Kristian and Liam don''t hold a candle to Freya." Lionel''s bluntness cut through the air, his words dismissing any concern for the feelings of others.


    Just like children, the elderly cravepanionship and care. Though Kristian and Liam would show fleeting concern during their visits home, their presence was always brief. As for Carrie and ine, they might as well have been shadows, appearing only when they needed something from him.


    "Carrie is still too young to know how to express her caring for you," Edgar attempted to justify, struggling to defend her. "As for ine..."


    He trailed off, defeated. There was no justifying ine''s behavior.


    "Enough with the excuses. I''m clueless," Lionel dered, his voice tinged with bitterness. "Which of you has ever spent quality time with me the way Freya does? Who among you has joined me for a game of chess, practiced calligraphy, or simply stood by my side in quietpanionship? None of you! Are you about to im your schedule''s too packed again? Despite managing the extensive Shaw Group and his packed schedule, Kristian makes it a point to spend time with me each month. Are you iming to have less time than he does?"


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    Chapter 97 ring Favoritism


    Lionel''s voice rose with each word, his anger palpable.


    Not a soul among Edgar, Robin, or their family members dared to utter a word.


    They recognized their neglect toward Lionel, yet they considered his favorite pastimes like calligraphy and chess dreadfully dull.


    "Grandpa, doesn''t it bother you that you might be hurting our feelings with your words?" Carrie''s resentment towards Freya deepened. "And who''s to say Freya didn''t just pick up your hobbies to curry favor with you after her marriage to Kristian?"


    "You could learn them too," retorted Freya, breaking her silence. "If you manage to best me in any of these activities, I''ll persuade Lionel to hand over the Shaw Group to you."


    "That''s a fair challenge," Lionel quickly agreed. He had yet to defeat Freya in a game of chess.


    At times, he pondered over how adeptly she had refined her strategy. Although he never faced outright defeat, he realized upon reflection that Freya had tactfully allowed him victories.


    Carrie''s fury escted. "Did you even consult Kristian before making such a statement?"


    "I see no issue with it," Kristian responded with a serene expression.


    Lionel gave a derisive snort, his demeanor suggesting that Kristiancked the courage to raise any objections. Kristian was left speechless.


    "Challenging me in an area where you''re skilled isn''t a testament to your abilities." Carrie bristled at the thought, convinced she ought to have been the one everyone adored. "If you''re so brave, trypeting in something I excel at." "What does your expertise have to do with Lionel?" Freya countered sharply. Although Lionel had not been fond of her at first, he had never spoken harshly. As her understanding of him deepened, she discovered his underlying solitude. Lionel treated all his children with equal concern, though heter deemed some as undeserving of his attention. Carrie''s animosity grew. "What''s the use in just currying favor with Grandpa?"


    "At least that''s better than showing outright disrespect to your elders," Freya retorted coldly, her tone unaffected by the taunts thrown her way.


    Had there been a realpetition, she would not have hesitated to face this young girl.


    However, any such contest would only serve to escte the existing tensions, contributing further to the unfolding drama.


    Reacting to the previous exchange, Carrie''s anger red, but Lionel smoothly intervened by calling for the dinner to be served.


    Throughout the meal, a tense calm prevailed. Everyone dined with decorum, and Freya, true to form, indulged in her favorites while thoughtfully serving Lionel the dishes he preferred.


    This simple gesture, meant as a mark of respect and affection, was misinterpreted by some as an attempt to


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    ingratiate herself with Lionel.


    Freya remained indifferent to the whispers and chose not to justify her actions.


    Once dinner concluded, the servants efficiently cleared the dining area, and everyone joined Lionel for a leisurely stroll in the back garden.


    During their walk, a long-buried issue finally surfaced. "I''ve caught wind of rumors suggesting that Kristian ns to divorce Freya. Could there be any truth to it?"


    "Smart minds don''t waste time on rumors," Lionel replied, his tone deliberately vague.


    Freya stole a quick nce at Lionel. Wasn''t her divorce from Kristian finalized on the day after tomorrow?


    "Yet, a friend at the courthouse mentioned seeing Kristian and Freya''s divorce papers just recently," seizing the right moment, Robin chimed in. "Judging by the timeline, they might receive their divorce decree within a couple of days."


    Kristian''s brow furrowed, his lips parting to denounce the statement as untrue.


    However, Freya preempted him, her voice calm and assured. "Indeed, the day after tomorrow."


    Lionel found himself at a loss for words.


    Kristian stared at her, his eyes wide in disbelief.


    "The world beyond the confines of the Shaw family is quite different," Robin scoffed dismissively. "Merely uttering sweet nothings and charming the elderly doesn''t secure a prosperous life."


    "Why lecture me? Perhaps it''s your children who need the advice," Freya retorted sharply, not one to be easily subdued. "Even thergest fortune can dwindle through carelessness," she continued pointedly.


    Robin and Edgar''s financial stability primarily hinged on dividends from the Shaw Group, while ine was notoriously reckless with his spending.


    This financial disparity was starkly evident between Isaac''s family and his two brothers'' families.


    At Freya''s words, Robin bristled, ready to snap back, but Lionel stepped in, his tone brokering peace. "Robin, Edgar, you guys should return home now. I need to discuss something important with Freya and Kristian."


    With clear reluctance, they finally took their leave with their wives and children.


    Lionel then led Kristian and Freya to a private meeting with Isaac and Melinda, while Liam had long since vanished, likely indulging in his own pursuits.

 Chapter 98

    Chapter 98 Dying The


    Divorce


    As Freya scanned the room, the reason for tonight''s gathering had finallye into focus.


    She sensed that Lionel and Kristian''s parents likely hoped she would reconsider the divorce.


    "Freya,e sit with me," Melinda called warmly, her voiceced with affection, a clear sign of her fondness for Freya.


    Freyaplied and moved over to her.


    Soon, Lionel and Melinda began discussing the issue.


    Isaac, as usual, sat on the sidelines, buried in his newspaper. Kristian, awkward and out of ce, stood alone.


    "What do you think you''re doing?" Lionel barked when he saw Kristian sit next to him. "This seat isn''t for you. Go over there!"


    Kristian remained silent, shuffling to another spot, only to be met with disdain again. "Freya and I don''t want to sit next to you. Move further away."


    Kristian could feel the weight of their disapproval. His family clearly resented him due to the impending divorce from Freya.


    With no further protest, he made his way to sit beside his father, finally escaping the humiliation of being dismissed.


    "Still haven''t convinced Freya to change her mind?" Isaac asked casually.


    Kristian didn''t respond, his frustration simmering just below the surface.


    "Have you met Freya''s family?" Isaac pressed.


    "No," Kristian answered curtly.


    At this, Isaac lowered his newspaper, finally showing a flicker of emotion. "Kristian, that''s not like you. You''ve always been efficient."


    "You make it sound like you were some kind of smooth operator when you were chasing Mom," Kristian retorted, his tone cutting.


    "Speed isn''t everything: sess is what matters," Isaac replied, nonchntly picking up his newspaper once again, clearly uninterested in his son''s problems. "If you still think you have a chance with your old me, you''ll never win Freya back."


    Kristian, feeling like his father was sticking his nose where it didn''t belong, shot back, ¡°If you''ve got so much time on your hands, why not manage thepany?"


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    21:02


    Chapter 08 Dying The Diveres


    "I''d rather spend time with my wife,"nne shot back, his words few but pointed


    Kristian gave him a sidelong nce. "Haven''t you been unting your love for the past 22 years? Aren''t you tired of it?"


    Ever since he was five, after his father had won his mother''s heart, Isaac had taken every opportunity to show off their perfect love.


    Isaac smiled contentedly, unbothered. "Those without a wife wouldn''t understand."


    "I have one."


    "Oh? The soon-to-be divorced Freya?" Isanc raised an eyebrow, clearly enjoying the banter.


    Kristian fell silent, unable to respond.


    "Or perhaps your old me, aka your next wife?" Isaac pressed, a teasing glint in his eyes,


    Kristian longed to silence his father, perhaps more than ever before.


    He even regretted helping Isaac win over his mother all those years ago-maybe


    he should have found a few more rivals for his father topete with, just to keep him humble.


    "Let''s not get bogged down in the past," Isaac said, sensing his son''s difort. "Whether you helped me woo your mom or not, I would''ve won her over."


    "Do you think you''re the only one who can brag?" Kristian snapped back.


    Isaac paused, then asked, "Do you know why?"


    Kristian didn''t respond. He didn''t want to know.


    "Because your mom has always loved me. I was her first love, the one she could never forget," Isaac said, his voice bing unexpectedly serious. "Even though


    I misunderstood her, there was never another woman by my side. I didn''t break up with her, nor did I divorce her for anyone else." Isaac''s words hung in the air.


    ?


    Kristian stiffened, the truth of his father''s words settling in.


    Isaac gave him a sharp ''nce, his voice turning cold. "I don''t want to admit you''re my son in public. You''ve embarrassed us. We can''t bear that kind of shame."


    Kristian stared at him, incredulous. "Who was it that used to parade me around everywhere, telling anyone who would listen that I was your son?"


    "Who did that?" Isaac raised an eyebrow.


    Kristian fell silent, unwilling to continue the argument.


    As the tension between father and son simmered down, the conversation


    between Lionel and Freya began to echo through the room.


    "How about you and Kristian wait until after my birthday to finalize the divorce?"


    Lionel suggested, his tone pleading "I really want you to attend my birthday banquet as my granddaughter-inw."


    "I''ve already agreed with Kristian to get the decree the day after tomorrow," Freya replied, her voice firm.


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    Chapter 98 Dying The Divorce


    Kristian,e here!" Lionel interrupted, his voice sharp with urgency.


    He genuinely didn''t want Freya and Kristian to part ways.


    in his eyes, Freva was a good woman, and Kristian simply didn''t know how to value her.


    "Dy your divorce until my birthday. You have no objections, right?"


    Lionel red at Kristian, as if saying with his eyes, "Even if you do, keep it to yourself!"


    Kristian''s gare darkened, but he gave a stiff nod. "I have no objections."


    "Freya, Kristian has agreed," Lionel said, his voice filled with hope. "Just wait until my birthday."


    "Lionel Freya said softly, feeling a pang of guilt at seeing the old man so disappointed, but she couldn''t back down. "It takes 30 days to finalize a divorce. Your birthday is on the 15th, and Kristian is scheduled to go abroad on the 16th. To avoid anyplications, it''s better to get the divorce done the day after tomorrow."


    The words hung in the air, and Melinda, Isaac, and Lionel all turned to look at her. They understood now-Freya was resolute in her decision to divorce Kristian, no matter what.


    The atmosphere in the room shifted, bing thick with tension.


    "Who told you I was going abroad?" Kristian''s voice was dark with anger.


    Freya assumed he was upset about her checking his schedule. "Gerard."


    "He''s been busy with other thingstely. My schedule''s been handed over to the secretarial department," Kristian lied smoothly, his face as cold as ever. "The trip abroad''s been canceled."


    Freya''s eyes narrowed. She didn''t believe him.


    "If Kristian isn''t going abroad, then you can dy your divorce," Melinda chimed


    in, trying to smooth things


    over.


    "Call the secretarial department and ask about the schedule for the 16th," Freya insisted, convinced Kristian was lying. "Put it on speaker. If it''s true, I''ll go with you on the 16th to finalize the divorce."


    Kristian''s eyes darkened slightly, and he motioned to his father. "Are you sure?" "Yep, Freya replied, unwavering


    "Alright."


    Kristian moved closer, pulled out his phone, and unlocked it, deliberately drawing her attention.


    Behind him, Isaac, despite his usual disdain for his son, saw the signal for help and knew he had to step in. While Kristian blocked Freya''s view, Isaac discreetly took out his own phone, sending a message to the secretarial department, all while pretending to read his newspaper.


    It was a small thing for Isaac, who had once run Shaw Group with ease.


    Contacting the secretarial department and passing on a message was a piece of


    cake.


    Even Melinda didn''t catch onto their subtle maneuvering


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    €


    }


    21.02


    "Why haven''t you called yet?" Freya asked when she noticed him holding the


    phone without making a move.


    "To make sure you don''t go back on your word," Kristian said, his face expressionless, trying to buy more time. "Repeat what you just said. I need evidence."


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 Chapter 99

    Chapter 99 Avoiding


    Further Entanglement Wi...


    Freya''s eyes-clear as a mountain spring and just as deep-locked onto Kristian''s. Kristian struggled to read her mind. "Scared to be caught on record?"


    "Hardly, Freya replied, her gaze drifting from his chiseled features to Isaac sitting just behind him. ¡°But before we kick things off, could you maybe set your phone down, Isaac?"


    The request stunned Kristian.


    Isaac appeared equally surprised.


    Always the cunning strategist, Isaac casually ced his phone aside and rested the newspaper on hisp. feigning confusion. "What''s going on?"


    Now, Kristian''s contempt for his father deepened.


    "The phone hidden under the newspaper," Freya rified gently. "That message should go to the secretarial department, correct?"


    Her simple observation astonished both men.


    Isaac nced at his son, his eyes silently asking, "What do we do about Freya? She''s exceptionally perceptive." Kristian''s gaze responded, "How would I know?" Kristian never anticipated Freya would discover their ploy. He had always believed in his father''s talent for maniption but hadn''t expected Freya to outmaneuver them.


    "What?" Isaac projected innocence so convincingly that anyone would believe he was genuinely bewildered. Melinda,pletely puzzled, assumed Freya had made an error, given Isaac''s seemingly authentic confusion. Freya, however, possessed specialized training that made her far from gullible.


    "It''s nothing," she replied, choosing not to pursue the matter. After exchanging pleasantries with the elders, she added, "I need to attend to some matters, so I''ll be taking my leave now. I''ll visit again when time permits."


    Melinda rose from her seat. "I''ll walk you out, Freya"


    Freya epted, sensing Melinda likely had something to discuss privately.


    As the women departed, everyone watched them leave. Isaac set aside the newspaper and turned to Kristian. "Freya is too clever. It''s fortunate she''s divorcing you."


    Kristian stared at his father, perplexed. Did he evenprehend what he was saying?


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    21:02


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    let Freya depart from their lives.


    Freya''s presence had fulfilled Melinda''s longing for a daughter-someone gentle, reasonable, intelligent, and passionate in both love and disdain.


    "Please, feel free to ask," Freya encouraged.


    After careful deliberation, Melinda proposed, ¡°I would like to make you my goddaughter."


    While Isaac and Lionel had mentioned this idea to provoke Kristian, Melinda harbored this desire genuinely.


    Her affection for Freya was deep.


    Freya paused, surprised by the proposal. After contemtion, she respectfully declined.


    Following the divorce, she wished to eliminate all personal connections with Kristian.


    She needed aplete separation.


    Melinda felt disappointed but didn''t press the matter further.


    After bidding Freya farewell, she returned with conflicted emotions. Noticing Kristian still standing in the living room, she cast him a mildly disapproving nce but ultimately remained silent.


    Though Kristian had erred, Melinda couldn''t bring herself to admonish him. During her break with Isaac, she had depended on Kristian for support.


    "If you truly cannot relinquish this connection, we could consider relocating to Alerith," Isaac suggested consolingly. "Then we could make her our goddaughter."


    "Freya declined," Melinda sighed, recognizing that Freya''s refusal stemmed from her desire to avoid further entanglement with Kristian.


    Nevertheless, Melinda felt profound regret.


    Upon hearing this, Kristian experienced unexpected relief. Realizing how distant Freya now lived, he announced his departure and headed outside.


    Once outdoors, he discovered that Freya had already departed.


    "Were you hoping to see Freya off?" Liam appeared, cing a reassuring hand on Kristian''s shoulder.


    Kristian remained silent, noticeably more withdrawn than before.


    Liam patted his shoulder supportively. "What''s troubling you?"


    "Investigate the nightclub where Freya confronted those troublemakers. If you discover any irregrities with the establishment, report them to the authorities. Ensure those who threatened her face consequences," Kristian instructed before proceeding to the garage, retrieving a vehicle, and departing.


    As the car distanced itself from the house, his mood visibly deteriorated.


    He couldn''tprehend his emotional state, but the realization that Freya had departed that evening-bidding farewell to his parents and grandfather without acknowledging him-left an inexplicable heaviness in his chest.


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    Chapter 100 Let Farrah Out!


    Kristian drove without direction, his mind wandering as the night enveloped him.


    The office wasn''t an option at this hour, and his vi felt equally impossible.


    His foot pressed heavily on the elerator while his hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, eyes fixed on the road ahead though his thoughts had drifted elsewhere.


    He might have continued driving endlessly if Felipe''s call hadn''t interrupted him.


    "What''s up?" he answered, his voice carrying its usual coldness.


    "Can youe and deal with your wife?" Felipe''s tone was icier than normal, clearly irritated by Freya''s unexpected arrival. "I''ll give you half an hour toe and take her away, or I''ll have no choice but to call the police."


    Kristian''s brow furrowed in confusion at Felipe''s words. The request made little sense to him.


    Felipe demanded, unusually aggressive.


    "Freya is with you?" Kristian responded calmly, though puzzlement tinged his voice.


    Felipe fell momentarily silent on the other end. Why would he ask Kristian toe if Freya wasn''t there? He wasn''t delusional.


    "Of course!" Felipe snapped before abruptly ending the call.


    At the intersection, Kristian swung the car around and elerated toward Felipe''s residence.


    After disconnecting, Felipe gazed down from his balcony at the eight bodyguards whoy sprawled on the ground, all incapacitated by Freya.


    He pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration. Was Freya somehow invincible? His numerous security personnel had proven useless against her.


    Freya stood below, her gaze directed upward as she demanded, "Give Farrah back to me."


    Upon returning home earlier, she had discovered her door forced open and Farrah missing from the apartment. She had immediately suspected Felipe''s involvement.


    "Don''t make this harder than it needs to be," Felipe said, his patience dwindling rapidly. "Should I present my marriage certificate with Farrah to prove who she rightfully belongs with?"


    "Let her out. I need to ensure her safety," Freya insisted, genuine concern evident in her voice.


    She knew Farrah resisted relipe''s presence, and she feared he might have been too forceful while taking her, potentially harming Farrah-especially concerning given her pregnancy.


    0.0%


    Felipe dismissed her concerns entirely; this was his domain after all. "Why should


    I listen to you? I only let your behavior at the hospital slide because you''re a woman, but if you continue to overstep, don''t me me for being too harsh."


    "I''ll count down from three. Let Farrah out." Freya remainedser-focused on retrieving Farrah, disregarding everything else.


    She hadn''t been able to reach Farrah by phone, and if not for the device''s location showing Felipe''s house, she would have beenpletely lost.


    "Three."


    "Your threats mean nothing. I won''t allow you to see her."


    "Two."


    "Kristian is on his way here. You''d better control yourself."


    "One."


    Freya''s demeanor grew increasingly cial.


    Felipe remained undaunted. "So what happens when your countdown ends? Do you imagine you can simply force your way in?"


    As thest word left his mouth, Freya made her move.


    A small, custom-made ying card materialized in her left hand seemingly from nowhere.


    While Felipe continued his taunting, she flicked her wrist, sending the specially crafted card flying toward him, slicing through a wire on the balcony in an instant.


    Felipe recoiled in shock, his pupils contracting with fear. What was happening? Had reality suddenly transformed into some television drama?


    "If you refuse to bring Farrah out, I cannot guarantee my next move won''t be... imprecise," Freya threatened, her typically serene eyes now radiating an icy determination.


    Hearing the threat, Felipe instinctively stepped backward.


    If that card had been aimed directly at him, he would have been finished.


    Felipe was shocked. How could she possess such abilities?


    Seeing Felipe''s hesitation, Freya produced another card in her left hand-this time, a nine of diamonds.


    Felipe called out frantically, "Hold on a second."


    He hastily retreated to the bedroom, first instructing his bodyguards to monitor Freya, then frantically dialed Kristian''s number.


    "When the hell are you getting here?" Felipe''s voice trembled with newfound fear


    of Freya. The memory of her card-throwing prowess sent chills down his spine. "If


    you don''t arrive soon, your wife might actually finish me


    off."


    "What happened?" Kristian asked evenly.


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    "She''s trying to take my wife away from me," Felipe blurted without thinking.


    Kristian fell silent at the absurd im.


    Nevertheless, he pressed harder on the elerator after ending the call.


    Freya waited below for approximately ten minutes with no sign of Felipe emerging. Just as she prepared to force her way inside, her phone vibrated in her pocket..


    Noticing an unfamiliar number on the screen, she declined the call.


    The persistent caller immediately tried again.


    Freya tucked away her card and answered reluctantly, "Hello, who is this?"


    "Is that Freya? I''m Norah Russell." The voice on the other end sounded pleasant


    despite obvious anxiety. "Your friend is at the hospital on South Avenue, and someone is attempting to force her into having an abortion. Can youe quickly?"


    "Name," Freya demanded sharply.


    "Farrah Welch."


    The single words stunned Freya momentarily. She swiftly regained herposure, thanked the caller, and ended the conversation.


    Before arriving at Felipe''s residence, she had tracked Farrah''s phone to this location, naturally assuming Farrah herself was present.


    Now it appeared Felipe had deliberately orchestrated this deception.


    Freya had no time to settle scores with Felipe. As she rushed to find transportation, she spotted Kristian''s car approaching. Without hesitation, she darted toward him, demanded to borrow his vehicle, and seized the keys before speeding away.


    Kristian followed after her without question.


    Freya paid no attention to his presence, started the engine, and elerated away from the vi.


    The bodyguards observing the scene exchanged bewildered nces, utterly confused by Freya''s abrupt departure.


    Felipe exhaled with relief when informed of her exit, believing Kristian had finally removed his troublesome wife from the premises.


    However, his momentary calm shattered when his assistant called.


    The assistant reported concisely, "Sir, Miss Russell has somehow arrived here, informed Ms. Briggs of the situation, and is now physically preventing us from proceeding. Should we continue with the abortion?"


    "Norah?" Felipe questioned in disbelief.


    "Yes."


    Felipe''s face contorted with rage. What was Norah thinking, creating such


    interference at this critical juncture?


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    "Remove her immediately. The procedure must proceed regardless of obstacles," Felipemanded sharply, adding, "Ensure Farrah remains emotionally stable." "Understood," the assistant acknowledged before ending the call


    At the hospital, a striking young woman with flowing hair positioned herself protectively before Farrah. Her elegant postureplemented her fashionable seasonal attire.


    Felipe''s assistant, impably dressed in a tailored suit, addressed her with calcted formality, "Miss Russell, this is a private family matter concerning Mr. Yates. If you refuse to step aside, I regret that we may be forced to take less


    courteous measures."


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    With You


    "Forcing a woman to end her pregnancy? And you call that a family matter?" Norah''s eyes burned with fury as she stapped, "Call Felipe Yates. I want to hear it from his own lips."


    "Miss Russell, please don''t make this harder than it already is," the assistant said, trying to keep his voice calm. "Barder? Norah shot back, her tone razor-sharp. "You''re the one twisting the knife in Farrah''s back."


    Silence tightened around them like a noose.


    Recognizing the futility of further discussion, the assistant jerked his head toward the bodyguards, signaling them to remove Norah


    They advanced confidently, ustomed to handling resistant women without difficulty.


    "Let me go!" Norah struggled against their grip, her voice rising in desperation. "If you force Farrah to abort her child today, I will definitely tell Felipe''s parents about this!"


    "Carry on," the assistant ordered, ignoring her outburst, his gaze coldly locked on Farrah.


    Farrah stood frozen, a knife trembling in her hand. As the guards closed in, she lifted it to her throat, her voice cracking but clear. "Back off! One more step and I''ll end it right here."


    Shecked Freya''sbat training, and even armed, she stood little chance against professional bodyguards. Her life was her only bargaining chip.


    She hoped desperately they wouldn''t risk her death on these premises.


    "My boss said suicide threats are useless," the assistant stated with programmed precision. "If you go willingly, you''ll suffer less."


    Farrah''s heart plummeted, her fingers quivering around the knife''s handle.


    The bodyguards'' expressions revealed they considered her threat empty.


    "I told you to stay back!" Farrah shouted, pressing the de harder against her skin.


    The knife bit into her flesh, drawing a thin crimson line that trickled down her neck.


    The assistant''s impassive facade cracked momentarily, his eyes widening at the sight of blood. "Everyone, halt!" hemanded sharply.


    "Let me leave," Farrah demanded, maintaining her dangerous position


    "Regardless of where you flee, this matter is concluded," the assistant stated tly. "The boss''s decisions remain


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    Chapter 101 fm Right Here With You


    incontestable."


    Farrah tightened her grip. "Just allow me to walk out of here."


    she harbored no illusions Felipe would eventually locate her wherever she went. But she desperately needed


    this chance


    "Either I leave feely, or I''ll sever my carotid artery right now," Farrah interrupted, her voice surprisingly steady.


    "Don''t be rash. I''m contacting Mr. Yates immediately," the assistant replied, retrieving his phone while simultaneously signaling the bodyguards with his other hand.


    Farrah watched him intently, maintaining her vignce.


    Yet despite her alertness, the bodyguards'' sudden lunge caught her unprepared. They wrenched the knife from her grasp with practiced efficiency. Because she''d been pressing it against her skin, the de sliced deeper into her neck as they pulled it away.


    Blood flowed more heavily from the wound.


    "Tarrah!"


    Freya''s voice cut through the chaos, filled with raw concern.


    She rushed to Farrah''s side, delivering a precise kick to the approaching bodyguard before examining the bleeding wound.


    "Treya..." Fear resonated in Farrah''s voice.


    "I''m right here with you," Freya assured her, though anxiety churned within her as she assessed the injury. "The cut isn''t life-threatening. We need to get you medical attention immediately."


    Without further hesitation, she guided Farrah toward the hospital, her protective stance daring anyone to


    interfere


    The medical team-familiar faces to Freya-rushed forward as she guided Farrah toward them. "Please disinfect and bandage her wound immediately," Freya instructed.


    "Of course, right away," one of the doctors responded with evident anxiety. They quickly retrieved a medical kit before escorting Farrah into a private examination


    room.


    Their nervous demeanor betrayed the tension permeating the entire facility as they began treatment.


    With Farrah temporarily out of sight, the assistant regained his professionalposure, though his wary nces at Freya revealed newfound respect for her capabilities.


    He considered a diplomatic approach


    Before he could formte his argument, Freya fixed him with an icy stare. Her patience had evaporatedpletely, leaving only cold determination behind her words. "Inform Felipe Yates that he should prepare for legal proceedings. And anyone who attempts to touch Farrah again will suffer severe consequences." "The Yates Group maintains an extensive legal department. You''re wee to pursue litigation if you wish," the assistant replied mechanically, adhering to Felipe''s predetermined talking points. "However, regarding your assault on our security personnel, we might have our own matters to discuss in court, Ms. Briggs."


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    "Are you sure?" Freya challenged.


    "What uncertainty could possibly exist?" The distinctive sound of a car door mming punctuated the air as Felipe himself approached from the vehicle. "Beyond what my assistant has mentioned, we could also address your unauthorized entry into my residence and the threat against my personal safety."


    "Perfect-we can simultaneously settle the ount of my broken door," Freya countered, her contempt for him intensifying with each exchange.


    "I entered your property out of legitimate concern that you had confined my wife against her will," Felipe responded with calcted coldness, his disdain for Freya equally apparent. "That differs fundamentally from your trespassing and subsequent violence."


    Freya abandoned any pretense of civility. "Save your fabrications for the courtroom."


    Felipe prepared to escte further when Kristian intervened, pulling him aside.


    "What exactly are you doing?" Felipe questioned with undisguised irritation. "Don''t tell me you''re aligning yourself with your soon-to-be former wife."


    "I''m merely reminding you that Freya maintains a close friendship with Trent Seymour," Kristian exined, hoping to prevent a direct confrontation. He understood Felipe''s vindictive nature intimately-any perceived slight would inevitably result in retribution once the divorce finalized, potentially overwhelming Freya.


    Felipe stood defiantly with hands tucked into his pockets. "What relevance does their friendship hold? Do you genuinely believe someone of Trent''s stature would jeopardize rtions with the Yates Group for her sake?"


    A casual acquaintance might not warrant such risk.


    However, Kristian recalled Trent''s unambiguous deration of feelings for Freya during their previous conversation. When Trent had offered everything in his possession for Freya''s benefit, Kristian recognized the sincerity behind those words.


    This recollection sparked a flicker of annoyance within Kristian, prompting his silence.


    "Remove your woman from these premises," Felipe demanded. "Make sure she stays out of my business affairs, or I''ll ensure she faces consequences."


    As Felipe delivered this ultimatum, Freya''s gaze locked with Kristian''s, a clear challenge for him to attempt stopping her.


    Kristian hesitated, conflicted.


    He had consistently avoided entanglement in others''plications, preferring to wait by the vehicle until Freya concluded her business.


    He harbored no fondness for Farrah. Yet witnessing the situation unfold, he finallyprehended the source of Freya''s conflict with Felipe, whose actions had clearly crossed eptable boundaries.


    "Ms. Briggs," a doctor called, emerging with Farrah. "We''ve sessfully bandaged Ms. Welch''s wound. Due to her pregnancy, we couldn''t administer any medication."


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    Chapter 102 You Harbor Feelings Yet Refuse...


    Freya examined the bandaged wound with a critical eye. "Hmm, how much would this cost?"


    "No... please don''t worry about payment," one of the doctors hastily responded. Though this hospital operated under the Yates Group''s private ownership, every physician had earned their medical credentials through years of rigorous training.


    Having overheard fragments of the earlier discussion, they realized that if Freya pursued legal action against the Yates Group, their professional futures would crumble instantly.


    Felipe''s gaze darkened when he noticed the bandage encircling Farrah''s neck, his hand freezing mid-motion in


    his pocket. "What happened to


    "k?"


    ¡°She threatened self-harm if anyone approached and identally cut herself," the assistant exined matter-of-factly. "Subsequently, when the security personnel confiscated her knife, they inadvertently grazed her skin again."


    "What were you thinking?" Felipe''s heart constricted as he spoke. ¡°Didn''t I explicitly tell you to exercise caution?"


    The thought of what might have transpired had the de prated deeper sent shivers down his spine. The assistant remained silent, understanding that enduring his employer''s wrath was his only option. "There''s no need for this charade anymore," Farrah stated, her eyes reflecting an emotional wastnd as she regarded Felipe like aplete stranger. "Wouldn''t my death bring you relief?"


    For the first time, a profound difort settled over Felipe, causing his voice to drop. "I only requested an abortion, not your suffering."


    Farrah''s gaze turned cial. As if terminating a pregnancy wasn''t suffering?


    "Whether you believe it or not, I suggested the abortion because I care deeply for you," Felipe insisted, recognizing that speaking now was crucial before the opportunity vanished forever. "Carrying this child to term could potentially endanger your life."


    If not for that grave concern, he would never have pressured her. Even if the child wasn''t biologically his, it would still address him as father.


    Freya perceived Farrah''s reluctance to engage with Felipe and intervened on her behalf. "If your concern for her were genuine, you wouldn''tpel her toward termination."


    "How is this your concern?" Felipe felt Freya was interfering unnecessarily and retorted, "Should anything happen to Farrah, you''ll face consequences."


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    "Felipe." Kristian''s voice cut through the tension, his sharp features carrying an unmistakable warning.


    Felipe found himself at a loss for words. What had gotten into Kristian? This entire situation existed because of his wife!


    "Farrah understands her body better than you do." Freya genuinely believed Felipe was being unreasonable and challenged, "Who informed you that this pregnancy posed a danger to her?*


    Felipe answered promptly, "A doctor, obviously."


    "Which doctor specifically?" Freya pressed.


    Felipe''s silence spoke volumes.


    Farrah then spoke without a trace of bitterness, stating simply, "Jocelyn Watson, correct?"


    Felipe instinctively turned toward her. How had she discovered this?


    "Freya, let''s depart," Farrah said, having confirmed the truth from his expression, feeling a profound ache spreading through her heart.


    Jocelyn Watson had been Felipe''s childhood confidante. Since Farrah''s marriage to Felipe, Jocelyn had repeatedly created difficulties for her.


    Jocelyn also worked at the same medical facility where Farrah received prenatal care, though not within the obstetrics department.


    "Sure," Freya agreed, guiding her toward the exit.


    As they passed Norah, Farrah''s expression softened with appreciation. "Miss Russell, thank you for contacting Freya on my behalf. I''ll treat you to a meal when this is behind us."


    "I''d enjoy that," Norah responded graciously.


    "Thank you as well," Freya added.


    If not for that timely call, Freya wouldn''t have hurried to the hospital, and Farrah


    might have been wheeled into surgery against her will.


    Norah''s lips curved into a warm smile, her eyes forming delicate crescents. "You''re wee."


    Freya acknowledged her with a slight nod before guiding Farrah past Felipe and Kristian toward the exit.


    Suddenly, Kristian grasped her arm. "Wait."


    Freya''s brow creased with concern.


    Her initial assumption was that Kristian intended to assist Felipe in preventing their departure, which prompted her somewhat frosty demeanor toward him.


    "Take the car,¡± Kristian stated, tossing the keys in her direction, his expression maintaining its characteristic detachment. "Drive it to thepany the day after tomorrow to collect me. I''ll be avable in the afternoon to finalize our divorce proceedings."


    Freya hesitated momentarily before epting the keys. "Alright."


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    She settled into the driver''s seat while Farrah positioned herself in the back


    Throughout this entire exchange, Felipe remained speechless until Freya''s vehicle disappeared from the hospital grounds. He then rounded on Kristian with evident frustration. "Are you still harboring resentment about my allowing Freya to ride in Trent''s car yesterday morning?"


    "What are you implying?" Kristian responded, genuinely perplexed.


    "Farrah is my wife. Do you believe it is appropriate for you to permit Freya to take her away?" Felipe expressed genuine distress, unable toprehend Kristian''s reasoning


    Upon hearing this usation, Kristian replied, "I allowed Freya to escort Farrah away for your beneft"


    Felipe released a disbelievingugh. "Do borate on how undermining me benefits me."


    "Forcing Farrah to terminate her pregnancy would cultivate lifelong resentment," Kristian exined, demonstrating unusual thoughtfulness. "You love her, don''t you?"


    This pointed inquiry caused Felipe to stiffen visibly.


    Kristian vividly recalled how Felipe had attempted to deceive Farrah by applying perfume and creating a deliberate lipstick mark on his cor previously. If Felipe truly felt nothing for her, he wouldn''t have resorted to such juvenile tactics.


    "I don''t follow your reasoning," Felipe muttered, averting his gaze. "Regardless of paternity, Farrah remains this child''s mother," Kristian reminded him gently. "Even with benevolent intentions, you should consult her rather than dictate decisions."


    "Why are you especially irritating today?" Felipe scowled, clearly aggravated, and countered, "You lecture me endlessly, but what about your decision to divorce Freya for your ex? Isn''t that equally reprehensible?"


    Kristian fell into contemtive silence.


    "Aren''t you concerned that Freya will forever resent you?" Felipe challenged.


    Kristian responded tly, "I don''t have feelings for her."


    Felipe sneered.


    Kristian appeared mystified by this reaction.


    "Care to wager on that?" Felipe''s prating gaze carried unmistakable defiance.


    Kristian retorted coolly, "Not in the slightest."


    "Is it genuine disinterest or simple cowardice?" Felipe exposed his friend''s vulnerability with the precision only intimatepanions possess. "You harbor feelings yet refuse acknowledgment. I''ve never encountered anyone more internally divided than you."


    Kristian''s expression hardened. "I''ve stated clearly-I don''t care for her."


    "Of course, naturally you don''t," Felipe replied dismissively. "Yet you grew agitated when she entered Trent''s vehicle, and you were noticeably tense during your encounter with him. When will you exhibit honest self- reflection, Kristian?" Felipe pressed further, ¡°If genuine indifference existed, her actions wouldn''t affect you


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    whatsoever Consider how frequently you''ve grown angry or engaged in disputes


    since initiating divorce


    Felipe''s observations prated Eristian''s carefully constructed facade like precisely aimed arrows.


    If Felipe had to endure emotional turmoil, he certainly wouldn''t allow Kristian to escape unscathed.

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    Chapter 103 Don''t Go Through With The Lawsuit


    "You''re overthinking this." Kristian''s tone remained steady, but his grip tightened slightly. "We have some disputes because she''s been acting differentlytely, and she went too far."


    "Oh really?" Felipe let out a sneer. He had a meaningful look on his face as he clicked his tongue.


    Kristian found this reaction irritating. "You don''t believe me?"


    "Who has really changed, though?" Felipe lifted an eyebrow, aiming to stir things up. "I might not be familiar with her old self, but I know you better than anyone else."


    "I need to leave." Kristian had enough of the talk.


    "Kristian," Felipe called out after him.


    Kristian was still holding his phone, looking at Felipe with a disinterested stare, as if nothing could capture his attention.


    "Freya is the only one who has ever truly influenced your feelings since you were a kid," Felipe pointed out, intent on making him think more about it tonight. "You wouldn''t get into such arguments with anyone else, not even with Ashley."


    Kristian knew exactly how to strike a nerve, and Felipe was equally skilled at it.


    Felipe''sments caused a stir in Kristian, but he showed no reaction. He smoothly put his phone in his pocket and reached out his left hand to Felipe.


    Felipe, puzzled, furrowed his brow and asked, "What''s that for?"


    "The car keys." Kristian''s voice was calm, betraying no sign that Felipe''s words had touched him. "Freya has my car, so I need to use yours."


    "And what will I drive?" Felipe asked.


    "I''ll take you where you need to go."


    Felipe was too taken aback to say anything, his thoughts swirling with confusion. Was Kristian losing it from all this tension?


    Kristian, uninterested in lingering, snatched the keys from Felipe''s hand, maintaining his usual detached demeanor. "If you''reing, get in the car."


    Felipe was tempted to refuse, but given thete hour, he opted not to bother his assistant.


    As they were about to leave, he turned to Norah and simply said, "Get in. I''ll give you a ride."


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    Kristian watched the scene quietly.


    Norah politely refused, mentioning that someone was already on their way to pick her up.


    Without pressing further, Felipe opened the passenger door and climbed in.


    Kristian drove the car away from the hospital, setting a course for his vi. Midway through the journey, Felipe couldn''t help but ask, "Do you actually n to marry Ashley?"


    "Mind your business,¡± Kristian responded, clearly unwilling to engage in the topic. "What Zander said now seems reasonable," Felipe pressed on, eager to make his point felt. ¡°Divorcing your wife for your old me is really low."


    "Should I call him and ask how he thinks of a man forcing his wife to have an abortion?" Kristian retorted sharply, unbothered.


    Felipe was left speechless..


    Kristian turned up the music, and concentrated on the road.


    About an hourter, they pulled up at Kristian''s vi.


    Felipe, who had dozed off, was jolted awake as the car stopped. His voice was hoarse from sleep. "Are we there?" "Yeah.¡± Kristian turned off the engine and opened the door.


    "You don''t need to walk me to the door," Felipe said as he unfastened his seatbelt and pushed the door open, feelingpletely worn out. "Why not stay over? It''ste..."


    His words trailed off when he noticed the unfamiliar surroundings.


    Blinking hard, he looked at Kristian. "This... isn''t my house."


    "It''s mine." Kristian tossed the car keys to him, looking unfazed. "You''ll have to make your own way from here. I''m off to bed."


    Felipe was at a loss for words.


    He chased after Kristian, incredulous. "Just because you got called out, you''re pulling this on me?"


    "Drive safely," Kristian said coldly, fiddling with his phone.


    Felipe was stunned. Was Kristian really being that mean? They were supposed to be very close friends!


    Meanwhile, the atmosphere was far more peaceful between Freya and Farrahpared to the tension with Kristian and Felipe.


    Freya lived in the suburbs and was still on her way home when Kristian and Felipe did.


    In the quiet of the car, after much contemtion, Farrah looked at Freya. "Freya." "Yeah?"


    "You were just kidding about suing Felipe, right?¡±


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    "No, I really wasn''t," Freya replied earnestly.


    Farrah bit her bottom lip, troubled by a whirlwind of thoughts.


    At a red light, Freya turned to her. "What''s the matter?"


    "Just drop it," Farrah suggested.


    This took Freya by surprise.


    "Don''t go through with thewsuit." Farrah finally found the nerve to express her thoughts, her eyes reflecting a mix of emotions.


    Freya quickly reassured her, saying, "Don''t worry about any bacsh. And don''t


    be concerned about me losing either."


    "I just want to cut all ties with him," Farrah dered resolutely. She opened up to Freya. "I''m leaving Jeucwell


    tomorrow."


    "Alright," Freya responded, choosing not to probe further.


    She respected Farrah''s decision and was ready to support her friend.


    Comforted by Freya''s understanding response, Farrah felt a reassuring warmth spread through her.


    She felt at ease to share more of her ns. "Once I''m settled, I''m going to file for divorce."


    "Okay. If needed, I can ask Trent to rmend a goodwyer, to make sure you have the bestpensation," Freya offered, thinking ahead.


    "Okay."


    Farrah felt very fortunate. Meeting Freya was the best thing that had ever happened to her.


    That night, after returning home, Freya made sure Farrah wasfortable, fixed the door, and only went to sleep once she knew Farrah was asleep.


    The following morning, Freya personally took care of booking Farrah''s flight to Alerith.


    To keep Felipe from locating Farrah, Freya reached out to Frederick to pick up Farrah and she also had Farrah''s medical records moved to a different hospital. By the time she was done, it was already noon.


    After eating lunch out, Freya came back to see Felipe waiting at her doorstep. She got annoyed immediately she saw him. "What do you want?"


    "I need to speak with Farrah." Felipe''s voice was raspy, and he appeared exhausted.


    His poor state waspletely caused by the events of the previous night. Despite thete hour, Kristian had insisted he drive back, and fortunately, Felipe had the good sense to follow


    him inside his house.


    But to his utter astonishment, despite the many empty rooms avable, Kristian had him sleep on the sofa. Sleeping on the sofa was one issue, but during the cool autumn night, Felipe was left without a nket and


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    shivered on the sofa until morning.

 Chapter 104

    Chapter 104 Kristian Was


    In A Bad Mood


    "She''s not here with me," Freya said calmly, her tone cool and even.


    "I''m not taking her to the hospital," Felipe replied, one hand tucked casually into his pocket, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "I just want to talk to her. You don''t need to worry."


    "She''s not here with me," Freya repeated without flinching.


    Felipe sighed, as if trying to prove a point. "I didn''t bring any bodyguards or assistants. Just came alone."


    "She left Jeucwell this morning," Freya stated bluntly, unbothered by his reaction.


    Felipe''s rxed demeanor disappeared. His expression hardened. "Where did she go?"


    "I don''t know."


    "I don''t believe you."


    "Believe whatever you want." Freya shrugged and turned to head inside. "After what happenedst night, do you really think she''d still be here?"


    Her words struck deep. Felipe froze, suddenly realizing she was serious.


    Without another word, he rushed off and immediately called his assistant. "Find out which flight Farrah booked today!"


    About ten minutester, his phone rang.


    "From this morning till now, Mrs. Yates bought tickets for seven different flights," the assistant reported, tone steady as always. "Destinations include..."


    Felipe''s chest tightened. He understood immediately-Farrah was trying to throw him off her trail.


    "Narrow it down. Focus on flights between nine and ten," he ordered.


    Freya had only just returned. If she had gone to see Farrah off, the flight had to be before ten. She wouldn''t have lingered at the airport for hours.


    The flight between nine and ten must be the one that Farrah took.


    "Between nine and ten, only Braacfast and Chisas," came the swift response.


    "Check both ces. We must find Farrah," Felipe snapped, feeling the sting of betrayal. She really ran away from


    him?


    But Freya had expected this.


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    Chapter 104 Kristian Was In A Bad Mood


    She had already sent Farrah off on a 7 a.m. flight. If not for the required flight n, she would have booked a private jet instead, leaving no trace. And Felipe still had no idea that Farrah had gone to Alerith.


    While his assistant followed up, Felipe, frustrated and on edge, drove straight to the Shaw Group office.


    Ever since Kristian brought up divorce, things had been spiraling out of control. And Felipe was starting to think Kristian had jinxed his life.


    As he stepped into thepany''s top floor, the tension hit him immediately. The atmosphere was stiff, especially around the secretarial department. Everyone seemed overly cautious, moving on eggshells.


    "Gerard," Felipe called, spotting Gerard hovering outside an office, arms full of documents.


    Gerard jumped in surprise. When he saw Felipe, he let out a breath and managed a polite smile.


    "Why does everyone look like they''re about to be fired?" Felipe asked, casual but clearly curious.


    "Nothing special," Gerard replied quickly, hiding the truth. Their boss had been in


    a terrible mood all day. None of them dared go near him. "Did you need something?"


    "Came to see Kristian. He''s in?"


    "Yes, he''s in."


    "Great," Felipe said, stepping toward the office.


    "Mr. Yates!" Gerard called after him.


    Felipe paused. "What?"


    Gerard hesitated. "Just... maybe don''t provoke him today. He''s not in the best mood."


    Felipe smirked. "Perfect. Neither am I."


    The secretaries all fell silent.


    "Gerard, maybe you should take the files in first," someone whispered. "If Mr. Yates goes in like that, things will just explode."


    Others nodded in agreement.


    Gerard stood frozen, regretting everything. He wanted to go, but given Kristian''s current state, he didn''t dare. He regretted not getting the files signed earlier before sharing the information he had found.


    "If I''d just sent these in earlier..." he muttered to himself, face pale with worry. "Now look what''s happening.


    No one med him aloud. But everyone knew the real issue-those managers had sent the documents way toote


    Inside the office, Kristian was reviewing some documents. At the top of the page was Ashley''s name.


    He skimmed the documents, his eyes growing colder with each word.


    She had, in fact, been admitted to the hospital she''d mentioned. The records matched-check-ins, payments,


    30.7%


    21.02


    everything.


    But the surveince footage told another story. Ashley hadn''t been anywhere near


    the hospital during the days she imed. Instead, she had appeared in other ces entirely.


    Just then, the door burst open.


    Kristian looked up, his face hardening, ready tosh out. But it was Felipe who walked in, brows raised, looking amused. "Your assistant told me you''re in a bad mood."


    Kristian said nothing. He didn''t recall ever saying he was in a bad mood.


    "Thought I''d drop in and hear what''s bothering you. Might make me feel better about my own problems," Felipe joked, making himselffortable on the couch, legs crossed.


    Kristian didn''t answer. He had no time for small talk.


    He needed to confront Ashley-face to face.


    "Not talking? Fine, I''ll guess. Is it the divorce? Feeling hesitant now that it''s actually happening?"


    Kristian''s hand froze over his mouse on hearing those words.


    The word "divorce" sank into his chest like a stone. Thoughts of Freya flooded in-


    her smile, her quiet strength, their highs and lows, every argument, every shared moment.


    "Looks like I was right," Felipe said, watching him closely. He stood and approached the desk.


    But Kristian had already shut down hisputer, grabbed his phone and coat,


    and was heading for the door. He needed to confront Ashley and get to the bottom


    of things.


    Felipe tried to stop him in his tracks, but Kristian gave him no room. He had to chase after Kristian. "Hey! It was just a joke! You''re really that upset?"


    Kristian stopped, his eyes unreadable.


    "Your wife helped my wife leave the city, and I didn''t take it out on you. Why give


    me the cold shoulder? It''s just Freya. You can find someone else after the divorce."


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    Chapter 105 Can I Really Put My Trust In You


    "No wonder Farrah left you," Kristian said, his voice even and devoid of emotion. "Given your intelligence, perhaps you''ll fare better in your next life."


    Felipe''s expression clouded over, a mix of hurt and confusion washing over his features.


    Unperturbed, Kristian pressed on, "When have I ever said I was upset?"


    "Your assistant imed as much," Felipe countered, his voiceced with a trace of doubt. "Is it possible he lied?


    You..."


    Kristian''s attention had already drifted away, his thoughts spiraling elsewhere.


    A sudden epiphany struck him.


    Memories flooded back-the car ident that involved Ashley, the incessant online gossip, Freya''s secretive dealings with Trent. It dawned on him that his understanding of these events had alwayse second-hand.


    And the tales were invariably at odds with what Freya had portrayed.


    Felipe saw the shift in Kristian''s demeanor. As Kristian stood there, a pained expression shadowing his face, Felipe waved his hand before his eyes. "Really? Just a few words and you''re this upset?"


    Kristian remained silent, his jaw set firmly as he took determined steps out of the office.


    He had to face the truth-Felipe had hit the mark.


    Through it all, he seemed to be the one who had turned into someone different. Freya had remainedpletely herself, unchanged and true.


    "Hey!" Felipe shouted, chasing after Kristian, but thetter had already slipped into the elevator and was descending


    Gerard, sensing a disturbance in the air, set down the stack of papers he was holding and ventured cautiously, "Mr. Yates, is there something wrong with Mr. Shaw?*


    ¡°He lost his mind today." Felipe answered, his voiceced with confusion and a simmering frustration.


    With that, he stormed off, indifferent to whatever Gerard or the others might think or feel


    Gerard stood there, dumbfounded, as did the rest of the secretarial staff.


    They were all still waiting on Kristian''s essential signature


    Convinced that Kristian was not in the right frame of mind, Gerard gave up hope of getting any cooperation from him that day. Meanwhile, Kristian had driven off to see Ashley.


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    When he arrived, he found Ashley still cocooned in theforts of her afternoon slumber.


    Her eyes widened in surprise as he appeared. "Kristian? What are you doing here so suddenly?"


    "I''ve been looking into what you told mest time," Kristian said, stepping past the threshold. His tone was icy, distant. "You were right-you did spend over a month in that hospital."


    At his confirmation, a wave of relief washed over Ashley, calming her frayed


    nerves.


    She shut the door behind her and stepped closer, her voice tinged with uncertainty. "If my presence as someone on the brink of death diforts you, I can leave."


    "Someone on the brink of death?" Kristian echoed, his voice dropping to a whisper.


    "Didn''t I mention it previously? My time is limited to a few more months," Ashley said, avoiding his gaze, her eyes clouded with sorrow. "If my condition is too burdensome for you, I''m prepared to leave Jeucwell and spend my final days in tranquility."


    "Is that so?" Kristian responded, his tone cold and detached.


    His indifference felt like a dagger to Ashley''s heart. She quickly picked up on the underlying tension.


    She noticed that his stare was cold and dismissive, treating her as if she were a mere acquaintance.


    The icy realization struck her hard, prompting her to dismiss these creeping doubts.


    It was unthinkable!


    Kristian''s love for her was undeniable; how could his eyes betray such disinterest?


    "Y-yes," she stammered, her voice trembling as confusion swept over her. "What''s the matter?"


    "Then perhaps you can rify why, supposedly confined to a hospital ward, Gerard discovered you were actually elsewhere at the time?" Kristian''s intense stare bore into her. "Who orchestrated the fake hospital records for you?"


    A torrent of shock surged through Ashley''s mind.


    Her body seized up, her face struggling to hide her turmoil. "W-what are you implying? I-I don''t follow."


    "Is it confusion, or are you too frightened to admit the truth?" Kristian''s tone was serene yetden with an imposing force.


    Tension caused Ashley''s hands, previously rxed at her sides, to quiver slightly.


    Every subtle twitch, no matter how slight, didn''t escape Kristian''s observant eyes. "Do you think I''m guilty of something?" Ashley pressed, her voice quaking as she fought back her fear. "I''m puzzled by your usations. If you doubt that I had stomach cancer, I can show you the scars from my surgery."


    Kristian, idly stroking his phone with his right hand, his left nonchntly at his side, tapped the screen a few times and responded without emotion, "No need to undress. I''ll set up a medical exam immediately. Then we''ll see if you really underwent surgery."


    "You don''t believe me?" Ashley''s heart sank. She was cornered, yet she knew she had to deny everything to the bitter end. Saying the truth out loud would seal her


    fate.


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    Chapter 105 Can I Really Put My Trust In You


    Kristian nced up, his eyes sharp. "Can I really put my trust in you?"


    Haunted by his past experiences, he had ced his trust in her, inadvertently wronging Freya in the process.


    Yet, recent revtions from the investigation had shattered this trust, showing that the person he had always believed in had been deceiving him all along.


    This left him pondering a troubling question: if she was untrustworthy, who else was left to trust?


    "How can you be so sure Gerard isn''t deceiving you as well?" Ashley yed her final card, her eyes brimming with tears, her voice shaky. "What if Freya has bribed him?"


    A flicker of annoyance crossed Kristian''s face, his eyebrows knitting together. It was always about Freya.


    "I''ve told you before-not every usation should fall on her," Kristian replied, his voice low and controlled, as he looked at Ashley like she was someone he no longer recognized. "What brought you back to me, Ashley? What are you really after?"


    With aplex look, Ashley paused at the doorway, turning to face him. "Kristian, you can be quite heartless," she remarked, her toneced with a cold finality.


    Kristian stood, confused by her abrupt usation.


    "If you no longer trust me, then it''s best I leave," Ashley dered, her tone resolute and defiant..


    She began to pack her belongings, her movements deliberate and indifferent, as if preparing to sever ties without a backward nce.


    Throughout the process, Ashley''s demeanor echoed that of someone whose heart had been shattered, utterly disillusioned by a lover''s betrayal.


    Kristian advanced toward her room, pausing at the doorway to pose a chilling inquiry. "You''ve yet to exin why you deceived me and returned. What was your real motive?"


    "If you harbor doubts about my sincerity, why bother asking?" Ashley''s response came after a brief hesitation, her voice lowering. "Regardless of my exnations, you''ll suspect they''re lies, right?"


    This straightforward remark caused Kristian''s eyebrows to knit together slightly,


    his grip on the phone intensifying.


    He reflected on Freya''s words.


    "Do you extend your trust to everyone but me?"


    "Believe it or not, I''m innocent of those usations."


    Her voice, delivering these denials, now mirrored Ashley''s current tone.


    How had he responded to her? His replies had been dismissive. "I don''t trust a


    single word you utter or any evidence you present."


    He had also said, "Freya, I can''t fathom how I could have misjudged you so


    terribly."


    Kristian dwelled on these memories, his feelings swirling in turmoil.


    Ashley had achieved the exact reaction she desired.


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    Chapter 105 Can I Really Put My Trust In You


    From the recent developments, it dawned on Kristian that he might have


    inadvertently harbored feelings for Freya. Only she had the power to unsettle him


    so profoundly.


    Rmended for you


    COMPLETED


    Don''t Leave Me, Mate


    "Ahh!"


    She was in a moaning mess. She did not...


    Don''t Leave Me Mate


    2.7M views

 Chapter 106

    Chapter 106 What Does It


    Feel Like To Love Someone


    Ashley could no longer maintain her charade, and Kristian would surely reject marriage now.


    Her only recourse was to depart before hepletely uncovered her deception. Perhaps then, a faint glimmer of hope might exist if their paths crossed again someday.


    "I''m leaving." Ashley finished gathering her possessions and, brushing past Kristian, murmured, "Believe it or not, I''ve never actually lied to you."


    With those words hanging in the air, she turned to go.


    Just as she reached the threshold, Kristian''s voice halted her retreat. "Wait."


    "Anything else?" she asked, her back still turned.


    "Who helped you falsify the hospital records?"


    "My cousin." Ashley had rehearsed this exnation meticulously. "He works at that facility. I didn''t want my friends agonizing over my health, so I asked him to create a fabricated version for me."


    Kristian''s gaze bored into her. He found her exnation utterly imusible.


    Yet when he reflected on her earlier words, Freya''s image materialized unbidden in his mind.


    "I underwent surgery at a different hospital three months ago, but due to exceptional circumstances, that institution maintains no record of my stay." Ashley disyed more conviction in this performance. "The Evergreen Hospital, from May 3rd through June 7th. Feel free to verify it. As for why I returned to you, my reasons remain unchanged from before."


    Having addressed his question, Ashley wiped away a nonexistent tear, her eyes remaining dry.


    Kristian struggled to identify his emotional state.


    Anger? No.


    Disappointment? Not exactly.


    He experienced little beyond a profound desire never to see her again.


    "You may go," he stated dispassionately, his tone barely deviating from its usual cadence. "From this moment forward, we share nothing."


    Ashley forced her lips into a smile that ached to witness. "Alright."


    She gripped her suitcase handle and departed.


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    Before today''s confrontation, she had contemted her response if Kristian exposed her deception.


    She had imagined revealing her desperate circumstances, believing that his protective nature wouldpel him to champion her cause and confront her tormentor.


    But faced with reality, rity dawned harshly,


    Kristian, who never fully invested himself emotionally, wouldn''t be swayed by her plight even if he understood it. His primary concern was whether she had betrayed his trust.


    As this realization settled, Ashley''s fingers clutching the suitcase handle grew numb with cold. The prospect of failing her assignment and returning to that person filled her with icy terror. It would be absolute hell!


    Once outside, despite her reluctance, she contacted that man. She recognized


    the futility of escape. No matter her actions, she remained trapped in his web of control.


    The connection clicked through.


    That familiar masculine voice answered-deceptively calm yet inherently threatening, "Failed?"


    "Yes..." Ashley''s palm grew slick with cold sweat against the phone.


    "How utterly worthless!" The man''s words slithered slowly, dangerously, as he assigned her new directives. "I''ll present you with another task. Should you fail at this as well, prepare to return to the basement."


    Ashley felt paralyzing dread course through her veins.


    The basement? No! She couldn''t bear that fate!


    K.......


    Kristian dismissed Ashley''s affairs from his thoughts entirely. After departing the building, he retreated to his vehicle.


    He reclined against the leather seat, his mind meticulously reconstructing everything about Freya, including Felipe''s pointed remarks from the previous day. "When will you exhibit honest self-reflection, Kristian?"


    "Freya is the only one who has ever truly influenced your feelings since you were a kid. You wouldn''t get into such arguments with anyone else, not even with Ashley."


    These observations echoed repeatedly through Kristian''s consciousness.


    He attempted to dismiss them, but discovered their persistent grip on his thoughts.


    Amid his tangled contemtions, he contacted Zander, who was currently at the film location, to pose several questions.


    "Kristian?" Zander had justpleted filming a scene and expressed surprise at receiving his call.


    Kristian''s gaze darkened subtly. Settling against the driver''s seat, he inquired with calcted detachment, "What does it truly feel like to love someone?"


    Zander was utterly astonished by this unexpected inquiry.


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    Chapter 106 What Does It Feel Like To Love Someone


    His thoughts raced frantically.


    "Are you in love with Freya?"


    "That''s not what I''m asking about." Kristian, perpetually skilled at concealing his emotions, fabricated with perfectposure. ¡°It''s actually Gerard. He''s been wrestling with uncertainty about his emotions recently and just asked me to exin the experience of loving someone."


    "I''m unattached, Kristian," Zander responded sinctly.


    "Haven''t you portrayed characters in romantic productions?" Kristian remarked with practiced casualness. "Just offer some general insight so I can provide him with an answer, otherwise he''ll remain too distracted to function effectively." Zander felt momentarily speechless. How could he possibly provide casual advice on such a profound matter? Rather than offering superficial guidance, he maintained his characteristic gentleness. ¡°Perhaps consult online resources or discussion forums. They might contain moreprehensive perspectives." Kristian abruptly terminated the connection.


    Heunched his browser and entered several words-"What does it feel like to love someone?"


    Then he initiated the search. He selected the first result that appeared.


    "Love manifests through several recognizable patterns. First, during digital conversations with them, you inevitably find yourself smiling."


    Kristian furrowed his brow in confusion. Smile? Freya primarily evoked frustration in him.


    "Second, during periods of separation, youpulsively think about them, imagining various coincidental encounters, and when you actually see them, your heartbeat elerates uncontrobly."


    Kristian''s confusion deepened. He experienced none of these reactions.


    "Third, you develop heightened self-awareness, feeling somehow undeserving of their presence."


    Kristian found himself speechless.


    Definitely not.


    "Fourth, observing them with another person generates distinct unhappiness."


    At this juncture, Kristian''s mind involuntarily constructed images of Freya alongside Trent, and he indeed experienced difort.


    Could he possibly harbor genuine feelings for Freya? As he contemted this question, his finger scrolled to the conclusion of the article, where bold text proimed: "Did someone specific materialize in your thoughts while reviewing these signs? If you identify with at least three listed reactions, it indicates authentic emotional


    attachment."


    Kristian deactivated his phone and tossed it onto the adjacent seat.


    The article specified three criteria. He recognized only one matching response, therefore disqualifying him from


    the conclusion.


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    With this rationalization, he suddenly experienced remarkable mental lightness


    and wasted no additional time. He activated the engine, directing his vehicle toward Freya''s residence.


    He had reached a conclusion. Although he didn''t love Freya romantically, his family held her in high regard, and with Ashley''s situation resolved, he intended to


    propose that he and Freya reconsider their divorce ns.


    Even without love, she represented apatible partnership.


    If Zander could glimpse these thoughts, he might be shocked and tempted to


    examine the inner workings of Kristian''s mind directly.


    The vehicle continued its journey, and an hourter, he arrived at Freya''s residence.


    Considering Preya''s customary indifference toward him, he telephoned before ascending to her apartment, informing her of his desire for a substantive


    discussion

 Chapter 107

    Exclusive Offer For You


    im Now


    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 107 She Yearned


    For Passionate Love


    Freya anticipated the conversation would revolve around their divorce, so she permitted Kristian toe upstairs.


    Within minutes, Kristian had settled into her living room.


    "Get to the point,"


    she stated coldly, lowering herself onto the single sofa across from him, her demeanor exhibiting remarkableposure.


    Kristian''s eyes wandered to the water ss before her. Realizing he needed to approach this conversation methodically, he remarked, "I''m feeling quite thirsty."


    "Then make this quick," Freya countered sharply, her words cutting through the air with surgical precision. The abruptness of her response startled him.


    At this moment, he could affirm with absolute certainty that Freya no longer cared for him.


    He wondered where her tenderness had vanished-that patience and attentiveness she oncevished upon him. Freya caught him studying her and her brow furrowed slightly. "Why are you staring at me like that?"


    "You''ve changed," Kristian observed, noting the dramatic transformation she had undergone in the past month, his tone deliberately detached.


    Freya remained silent.


    Unwilling to squander precious time, she steered the conversation back to its purpose. "What exactly do you want from me?"


    "We''re not getting divorced," Kristian dered without hesitation, convinced of the righteousness of his


    statement.


    Freya thought her ears had deceived her. "I beg your pardon?"


    "The situation with Ashley and me was merely a misunderstanding. I''ve discussed


    it with her, and we won''t be pursuing a rtionship," Kristian exined, his gaze never leaving her face. "Therefore, there''s no reason for us to dissolve our marriage."


    Silence enveloped the room again as Freya processed his audacity. She genuinely wondered what gave him the courage to utter such preposterous words.


    Noticing her prolonged silence and interpreting her contemptuous expression, Kristian ventured, "Do you actually want this divorce?"


    0.0%


    "Why not?" Freya retorted. "Should I spend the remainder of my days with someone as unfaithful as you?*


    Kristian found himself speechless.


    "Your rtionship status is entirely your concern," Freya continued, without a trace of hesitation. Her only desire was to extricate herself from this situation. "From the instant I discovered, half a year ago, that you viewed me merely as her recement, I resolved to end our marriage."


    Had he not objected then, they would have parted ways long before now.


    While she appreciated his handsome features, that admiration didn''t trante into endless tolerance. She wasn''t desperate for his affection.


    "You were never a substitute," Kristian insisted, feelingpelled to rify this point.


    Freya responded with a dismissive "Okay."


    "Initially, I was drawn to your independent spirit." Kristian borated. "We aligned


    on numerous issues, and I believed you would make an eptable marriage partner for me."


    His assessment had proven urate.


    In the first year and a half they were together, they navigated life without confrontation, addressing every challenge through thoughtful discussion.


    Their shared existence had genuinely radiated warmth.


    "eptable?" The word ignited something within Freya. "Is that how you saw


    me?"


    "Yes," Kristian affirmed calmly. "You trusted me implicitly, never bombarding me with calls when work dyed my return home. Most significantly, you treated me with extraordinary kindness."


    His words sparked a firestorm of emotions within Freya.


    Gazing at the man seated across from her, she posed a direct question. "Then why did you reciprocate my kindness?"


    "You showed me kindness, so naturally, I returned it," Kristian replied, as if stating


    an obvious truth. "Moreover, since we are married, caring for you fulfilled my marital obligation."


    "Nothing more?" Freya pressed.


    "Nothing more."


    His straightforward admission pierced through Freya''s carefully constructed defenses.


    Her heart, which had finally found tranquility after so much turmoil, ached once more with renewed intensity. She had always believed that despite viewing her as Ashley''s shadow, Kristian must have genuinely appreciated her as an individual during their marriage.


    Now this revtion struck her deeply-his care stemmed merely from obligation, from reciprocating her kindness, not from any wellspring of affection.


    In fairness, he had disyed considerable gentleness and honesty throughout their rtionship. He ***- tenderly warm her abdomen during painful cramps, patiently dry her hair when


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    Chapter 107 She Yearned For Passionate Love


    and skillfully massage her feet after long days in ufortable heels.


    Household responsibilities and financial concerns had never burdened her. Even absent love, such an arrangement should have fostered contentment.


    She recognized that she shouldn''t be insatiable.


    Furthermore, she understood that without divorce, Kristian would undoubtedly continue providing for her with his characteristic attentiveness. Yet this knowledge failed to sway her.


    Such a foundation for partnership felt dangerously tenuous-vulnerable toplete disintegration at the merest suggestion from his former me.


    "This time, I assure you, divorce will never again cross my lips," Kristian dered, assuming her hesitation stemmed from fear of repeated abandonment. "I''ll devote myself to your care indefinitely."


    "That won''t be necessary," Freya responded with remarkableposure, though turbulent emotions churned beneath her steady gaze. "I want this divorce finalized."


    Confusion clouded Kristian''s features. "For what reason?"


    "What do you imagine I truly desire?" Though reluctant to portray herself as hopelessly romantic, Freya couldn''t suppress her authentic feelings.


    Before encountering Kristian, romantic love had eluded her entirely.


    Yet her inexperience hadn''t prevented her from developing profound aspirations.


    Her vision of an ideal partnership involved two deeply enamored individuals navigating life''splexities together, weathering storms without contemting separation.


    She yearned for passionate, consuming love.


    Kristian''s brow furrowed as he contemted her question, eventually offering his assessment, "Fidelity? Financial security?"


    They had previously discussed faithfulness, and she had indeed requested financialpensation during divorce proceedings.


    "You can leave now," Freya stated bluntly, abandoning polite pretenses. "I''ll collect


    you tomorrow afternoon to process our divorce. Ensure you bring all necessary documentation."


    Her dismissive tone ignited Kristian''s indignation. "Freya!"


    His attempt at reconciliation had been met with outright rejection.


    "Was there something else?" Her detachment had intensified further.


    "If specific desires exist, simply express them. Understanding your habits doesn''t


    grant me ess to your innermost thoughts," Kristian exined, genuinely bewildered by her anger.


    Freya had exhausted her patience for this conversation.


    Beyond his striking appearance and considerable wealth, she found him utterly worthless.


    With unflinching directness, shemanded, "Exit my residence immediately."


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    Chapter 107 She Yearned For Passionate Love


    Kristian acquiesced, his fury practically radiating from him. "Fine, let''s proceed with the divorce."


    In this moment, emotional intensity consumed them both-Freya stinging from Kristian''s callous perspective on their rtionship, while Kristian sulked over her rejection of his feconciliation attempt.


    The fundamental reason for their necessary separation remained iprehensible to him.


    After departing from Freya''s home, Kristian returned directly to his office


    Gerard, detecting Kristian''s uncharacteristic mood and recalling previous incidents, immediately attributed it toplications with Ashley.


    After careful consideration, he determined he should attempt to improve his boss''s disposition.


    After all, he needed to deliver a reportter, and if his boss remained in this state, he would inevitably bear the brunt of his displeasure!

 Chapter 108

    Chapter 108 Gerard''s


    Remarks Touched A Nerve


    Gathering his courage, Gerard rapped gently on the office door and tentatively called out, "Excuse me, Mr. Shaw."


    "Enter, please." Kristian''s voice, everposed, carried an unmistakable undertone of frostiness this time. Gerard, sensing the subtle shift, took a deep, steadying breath and pushed the door open, documents clutched in his hand. "These are the documents requiring your signature today. Please review them at your leisure."


    "Just set them over there," Kristian instructed, his tone detached.


    Gerardplied without hesitation, setting the documents neatly on the designated spot. "Understood."


    Though urgency gnawed at him, he was acutely aware that any pressure applied now could backfire spectacrly.


    Considering his own financial well-being his sry, bonuses, and precious vacation time-he had thought it wise to defuse Kristian''s temper first.


    "Mr. Shaw, are you still perturbed by the news I shared earlier today?" Initially, Gerard had nned a more cautious approach, but on reflection, chose to tackle the issue head-on.


    Kristian, his thoughts tangled with Freya''s apparent disinterest, barely masked his distraction. "No."


    "Could it be..." Gerard ventured further.


    "Do you not have more pressing matters to attend to?" Kristian interrupted.


    "None that surpass the importance of addressing your concerns," Gerard responded softly, his toneced with


    concern.


    Kristian shifted his gaze from theptop screen to Gerard.


    "If there''s nothing more, feel free to return to your tasks." Kristian refrained from disying his irritation openly, yet his features grew distinctly frosty. "Please, make sure to collect the documents at day''s end."


    Hearing this, Gerard found himself torn, uncertain whether to depart or linger a moment longer.


    "Do you have anything else to say?" Kristian''s voice carried a trace of impatience, signaling his desire for a brief exchange.


    Gerard stood motionless, rooted to the spot.


    Drawing on years of experience and his recent observations of Kristian''s mood swings, he concluded that only something rted to Freya or Ashley could trigger such a response.


    Given that the mention of Ashley hadn''t disturbed Kristian, it was likely Freya who caused the upset.


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    Chapter 108 Gerard''s Remarks Touched A Nerve


    "The investigation I initiated into Charlie has, thus far, turned up nothing," Gerard ventured cautiously, scrutinizing Kristian''s face for any shift in emotion. "Might there be more specific details you could share that might aid the investigation?" At this, Kristian''s expression turned icy and unreadable.


    His eyes narrowed as he delivered a chilling rebuke. "Cease your investigation; it''s no longer necessary."


    Confusion clouded Gerard''s mind.


    "From this moment forward, refrain from uttering Freya''s name in my presence, or discussing anything associated with her," Kristian dered, his voiceden with fury, his feelings visibly agitated.


    Gerard grasped the gravity of the situation instantly. "What about the divorce proceedings tomorrow?"


    "Didn''t I explicitly instruct you to avoid that topic?" Kristian snapped back, his annoyance intensifying at the mere mention of divorce.


    He was baffled by Freya''s insistence on ending their marriage, especially after he had rectified his issues with Ashley and vowed to dedicate himself entirely to her.


    What was driving her relentless determination?


    "While I''m not privy to the details of your fallout with Ms. Briggs," Gerard began tentatively, his admiration for Freya making him cautious. "I''m inclined to think the me might lie with you."


    Kristian fixed him with a piercing stare. Was Gerard daring to challenge him?


    Gerard''s heart skipped a beat as he realized what he had just implied. His brain whirred, his body tensing up Good heavens! What had he just blurted out? Why did he suddenly blurt out such words?


    "I''m to me?" Kristian''s voice was icy, slicing through the tension like a knife.


    Internally, Gerard was in turmoil, scrambling to regain hisposure. How could he extricate himself from this predicament? Silently, he begged for a way out.


    "Is it really my fault that I suggested we shouldn''t get a divorce?" Kristian''s voice trembled slightly, the air around him crackling with tension.


    Gerard blinked in astonishment. Kristian actually didn''t want the divorce-was that


    it?


    His eyes widened in disbelief, and he stammered, "You mean you''re not separating from Ms. Briggs?"


    "She''s the one pushing for it," Kristian responded, his tone cold and distant.


    The memory of theirst bitter exchange, where she had coldly told him to leave, reignited his fury.


    Gerard, digesting this revtion, began to understand theplex dynamics at y.


    It seemed Kristian found Ashley''s character questionable and didn''t wish to end


    his marriage with Freya. However, Freya, fiercely independent, wasn''t about to let anyone dictate her choices


    Reflecting on this, Gerard offered cautiously, "It makes sense why Ms. Briggs would feel that way."


    Kristian''s expression clouded over, his sense of betrayal palpable. "Gerard!" he eximed sharply.


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    Did it make sense? How could he not see the whole picture?


    "If you try seeing things from her angle, her stance might not seem wrong," Gerard suggested gently, assuming


    the role of a mediator.


    Kristian''s anger bubbled to the surface once more. How was it possible that it wasn''t wrong?


    Gerard, reading Kristian''s turbulent thoughts, provided a pointed illustration. "Imagine if she had sought a divorce driven by her feelings for Mr. Seymour, but at thest possible moment, she discovered he wasn''t the honorable man she believed him to be. If she then came to you, retracting her wish for a divorce, how would that sit with you?"


    "How would I feel?" Kristian deflected, choosing not to answer directly.


    Internally, he was already boiling with indignation from the hypothetical, his aura icy.


    "Wouldn''t you feel manipted, as if she could simply decide to divorce at her whim and change her mind just as recklessly?" Gerard ventured a guess at his thoughts. "Wouldn''t you feel utterly betrayed, perhaps even consider it unforgivable?"


    Kristian kept his silence, yet his reaction was loud and clear.


    Gerard wrapped up his point. "Yet what you are doing now mirrors the scenario I justid out, only the roles -you and Ms. Briggs-are switched. She isn''t one of your employees, nor someone whose loyalty you can secure with money."


    Gerard, noting Kristian''s expression turning even more frigid, continued, "Emotions aren''tmodities that can be priced, Mr. Shaw."


    Hearing these words, Kristian halted, his eyebrows knitting together instinctively. Gerard''s remarks touched a


    nerve.


    He had always held the belief that as long as he provided for Freya, cared for her, and kept his promises, she would remain at his side indefinitely.


    She never had to fret over finances or mundane household tasks; she was free to pursue whatever brought her joy.


    Yet, she had declined.


    "So, what should I do then?" Kristian interjected abruptly, appearing puzzled.


    "Consider this-if a woman desires a life unburdened by worries, as long as she''s not betrayed and receives both freedom and ample funds, she might remain," Gerard remarked. "However, Ms. Briggs isn''t in want of these things. What she seeks is genuine, reciprocal love."


    While Gerard wasn''t fully aware of Freya''s familial wealth, his suspicions grew during their first shopping trip together; he deduced she was well-off.


    The mall they frequented boasted price tags starting in the tens of thousands, featuring only the finest luxury


    brands.


    A neer to such extravagance might hesitate, even if they weren''t footing the bill, showing some restraint.


    But Freya? She shopped with ease, choosing items as though browsing through her own wardrobe, utterly


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    Chapter 108 Gerard''s Remarks Touched A Nerve


    serene throughout.


    "You think you understand her that deeply?" Kristian''s voice carried a sharp chill.


    Gerard went quiet. He opted to remain silent.


    Rmended for you

 Chapter 109

    Chapter 109 Best Ways To Dy A Divorce


    "Go clean the toilets on this floor. I''ll cut your pay if they''re not spotless," Kristian said tly, clearly furious.


    Gerard struggled to stay calm. "But I..."


    Why did telling the truth always feel like a crime? It just wasn''t fair.


    Kristian''s lips barely moved. "You don''t want to do it?"


    "Of course, I''ll do it," Gerard replied with a forced grin, eyes glossy. "It''s an honor to scrub toilets for a premium assistant''s sry."


    "Then why are you still standing here? Should I bring you the supplies myself?" Kristian shot him a cold look. Gerard''s chest tightened with frustration. He pulled out his phone and sent a text to his friend. "My boss is so petty. I just said one honest thing, now I''m scrubbing toilets like it''s punishment."


    His friend replied, "He''s doing you a favor. Highest pay for a rxing task? Not a bad deal."


    How is toilet duty rxing?"


    Gerard stared at his screen, speechless.


    He knew Kristian was just picking on him again!


    Still, Gerard dragged himself to the restrooms and did the job withoutint. When people from other departments spotted him scrubbing away, their eyes widened.


    Everyone silently agreed-Kristian was in a mood again.


    Time slipped by.


    After finishing all the restrooms, Gerard checked the clock and went to collect the documents that needed Kristian''s signature. But not a single one had been touched.


    "Mr. Shaw?" he asked carefully, deciding to take a risk since he was already being punished. "Didn''t you say you''d sign them before the day ends? They''re still untouched."


    Kristian didn''t look away from his screen. "The day''s not over yet."


    Gerard wanted to argue but noticed the files had been there since midday.


    What had Kristian been doing for hours?


    Curiosity crept in


    He quietly leaned over to peek, and what he saw made him freeze.


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    Chapter 109 Best Ways To Dy A Divorce


    In the search bar on Kristian''s screen: "Best ways to dy a divorce?"


    Gerard blinked twice. "Sir, you..."


    Before he could say more, he felt the air grow heavy. Kristian''s presence turned icy, sending chills through Gerard''s spine.


    "Did you see it?" Kristian''s voice was low and sharp.


    "Nope. Didn''t see a thing." Gerard knew better. In the adult world, too much knowledge could get one fired. "Nothing at all."


    Kristian stared at him. "Didn''t notice the giant letters? Your eyesight''s worse than I thought." Then his tone shifted. "If so, head to the HR department tomorrow. Turn in your resignation."


    Gerard stood frozen. Was he supposed to have seen it or not?


    "Fine, I saw it," he confessed, bracing for the fallout.


    Kristian''s gaze narrowed. "So you''re snooping through sensitivepany data? You''re out."


    At that point, Gerard figured he had nothing left to lose. "So should I have seen it or not?"


    "If it can be fixed, it doesn''t matter who sees it. If it can''t, the oue won''t change," Kristian said, voice deep and calm.


    Gerard took yet another deep breath. His boss was truly something else.


    "Thinking bad thoughts about me?" Kristian asked without looking up.


    "Not at all. Just reflecting." Gerard shed a polite smile.


    Kristian didn''t say another word.


    Both of them turned their attention back to the screen. Under the search box were various suggestions.


    "Disappear for a while. Come back after things cool down."


    "Get injured and stay in the hospital. No one will drag you to court."


    "Take a long business trip."


    "Make up reasons-sister''s wedding, dad''s birthday, whatever works."


    "Say you lost the required documents. Simple."


    "Pretend to be pregnant."


    After skimming through them, Gerard let out a small cough. "Okay, minus thest one, the rest kind of make


    sense."


    "None of them work," Kristian said dismissively.


    He wasn''t looking for actual advice. Just something to trigger an idea.


    Gerard was losing his mind. Weren''t these good enough?


    33.7%


    ¡°But really, I can''t think of anything else. Why not just burn the house down? That''d solve everything," Gerard


    said.


    Kristian gave him a long look, like he couldn''t believe what he''d just heard. "Do you have any use for that brain of yours?"


    Was that even a real suggestion?


    Gerard went silent.


    "If you''re out of ideas, go collect your pay tomorrow," Kristian said without a trace of emotion.


    Gerard panicked. That paycheck was his lifeline. "I could get your documents and crash a car on the way. I''m ready to risk it all for your and Ms. Briggs'' future."


    "Get out," Kristian snapped, fed up.


    Gerard was hopeless. That was a terrible idea.


    "What if you just don''t go through with it? Divorce needs both parties to agree,


    right?" Gerard asked, tired of brainstorming nonsense.


    If things dragged out, maybe Freya would back out.


    Kristian''s eyes darkened. He finally spoke. "She''s the one asking for it."


    He knew that if he refused, the divorce wouldn''t go through. But he also knew


    Freya would vanish from Jeucwell for good.


    Once a couple was apart for years, thew allowed a divorce based on irreconcble differences.


    And with Trent on her side, she''d have the bestwyers in town.


    That would be the end-no turning back.


    Gerard said bluntly, hoping to provoke something, "Then go through with it. You don''t love her. It''s justfort and routine. The feelings fade sooner orter. You''ll find someone else-sweet, quiet, a better match."


    With that face and money, Kristian wouldn''t stay single for long.


    Even Gerard had to admit-his boss was unfairly good-looking.


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 Chapter 110

    0


    Chapter 110 Kidnapping Freya


    Kristian immediately dismissed the notion, knowing that no one could rece Freya.


    "Mr. Shaw?" Gerard called out cautiously.


    "Pick up the documents tomorrow morning," Kristian said curtly, shut down hisputer, and grabbed a pen.


    He had spent the whole afternoon without finding any feasible solutions.


    He was enraged by Freya''s words, yet the idea of her marrying someone else after their divorce stirred a deep, inexplicable agitation within him.


    He wanted to erase every man from her life. He wanted her to remember only him.


    As Gerard left the office, he felt a tug of inner turmoil.


    He knew his boss cared about Freya, but it wasn''t genuine love.


    Maybe the divorce was the right move. For Freya, it meant freedom; for Kristian, an opportunity for personal growth.


    But for the sake of his own peaceful life, Gerard chose to help Kristian. If there was a chance for reconciliation, he wouldn''t have to endure Kristian''s frequent outbursts.


    With that in mind, Gerard decided to call Freya.


    But her resolute attitude towards the divorce left him disappointed. It became clear to him that the divorce was unavoidable.


    Meanwhile, on Freya''s end, she had just finished packing her essentials for the uing divorce proceedings when her phone began to vibrate repeatedly.


    She sat on the sofa and picked up her phone to check the flood of notifications. She started opening them one after the other.


    The most active thread was from the group chat with her friends, still alive with ongoing conversations.


    Frederick''s message popped up, saying, "Freya, your divorce is set for tomorrow, right?"


    Greta remarked, "Staying away from toxic people is good for your health."


    Rileymented, "Congrattions on your uing freedom!"


    Frederick announced, "I''ve just reached Jeucwell!"


    The group chat buzzed with messages tagging Freya, but after scanning and finding nothing of importance, she


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    Chapter 110 Kidnapping Freya


    logged off.


    Ethel had also sent her a message, which read, "What time will you get back tomorrow? I''ll pick you up at the airport."


    Freya also noticed a message from Frederick. "I''m in Jeucwell. Where are you staying? Send me your address."


    Freya skimmed through most of the messages, which were mostly about her impending divorce.


    It surprised her that her friends remembered the date even more than she did.


    As she pondered this, a call from Frederick interrupted her thoughts. He sounded enthusiastic as she picked up. ¡°Freya, have you checked the messages? I''m in Jeucwell. Send me your address, and I''ll take you back to Alerith." "Okay," Freya responded, promptly sending him her address.


    She recalled Trent talking about booking a flight and mentioned this to Frederick, uncertain if there were any seats left.


    "That''s not important. I''ll stay in Jeucwell for a few days before I go back." Frederick chuckled.


    "Alright," Freya said.


    After ending the call, she sent Frederick her location.


    Just as she finished, the doorbell rang. Without concern for who it might be, she approached the door, ready to handle any unwee visitor.


    As soon as she opened it, a spray hit her face, and she fell to the floor.


    The figure at the door quickly hoisted her over his shoulder and carried her to the underground parking lot.


    Two hourster, Freya was taken to a deserted warehouse on the outskirts.


    Her mouth was sealed with tape, and thick ropes bound her body. Her eyes were tightly shut because she was still unconscious.


    Two men stood before her, looking like any average person who might blend into a crowd.


    "Get Ashley Bradley here and let her know the person is here."


    "Okay."


    Soon, Ashley arrived, dressed in a knitted sweater, her long hair cascading over her shoulders.


    Seeing Freya still unconscious, she tightened her fists in frustration.


    After a moment of struggle, she asked the two men, "How long before she wakes up?"


    "About an hour." The men who kidnapped Freya were in their forties. They were stocky and appeared well-


    trained.


    "Once she''s awake, strip her naked and record the process of raping her," Ashley ordered, her eyes showing a


    trace of reluctance. "Let me know when it''s done."


    "No worries, we''re seasoned professionals at this," one of the men remarked,


    looking at Ashley. "Miss Bradley, care to join?"


    29.6%


    "I heard she''s married to Kristian Shaw, but whether that''s true, who knows?" the


    other chimed in, eyes on


    Freya.


    She was strikingly beautiful, her silent presence radiating a cold elegance.


    This was quite a catch.


    Ashley, clearly troubled, said sharply, "Just stick to your task."


    She took a deep breath and hardened her resolve. "We''re short on time. Proceed."


    With that, the men removed the tape from Freya''s mouth and loosened the ropes binding her.


    As they started to undress her, Ashley''s fists tightened. Her expression was a mix of difort, guilt, and


    regret.


    Despite the churn of her emotions, she remained silent and didn''t stop them.


    She felt sorry for Freya. She didn''t want this, but she had no choice. She couldn''t


    go back to that basement or suffer through that torment again.


    A muffled thud resonated through the room.


    Ashley was about to reprimand the men, thinking they had hit Freya too hard, when she saw Freya kick one of them away.


    Her eyes widened in disbelief.


    "Weren''t you supposed to be knocked out by the spray?" Ashley''s voice trembled and her body instinctively backed away.


    "That stuff doesn''t work on me," Freya dered, advancing towards Ashley with an icy re. "I didn''t think you were behind this."


    Immediately the spray hit her, Freya could tell what it was. Her previous training had made her resistant to


    such chemicals.


    She had initially nned to overpower the assant and contact the authorities,


    but upon realizing someone had been targeting her and Ashley, she chose to y along.


    But Ashley being the mastermind shocked her.


    "Why did you do this?" Freya pressed Ashley against a pir in the warehouse and said, "I never hurt you."


    Ashley was overwhelmed with fear. She understood the gravity of her situation. Once Kristian learned of her actions, he would relentlessly pursue the truth.


    It wouldn''t be long before he peeled back all theyers of her life, and by then, there would be no turning back.


    As she opened her mouth to respond, she saw the two men behind Freya grabbing iron rods and rushing towards her. Unable to stop them in time, Ashley instinctively pushed Freya out of harm''s way and yelled. "Watch out!"


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    21.04

 Chapter 111

    Chapter 111 Don''t Get In The Way


    Freya had already sensed the man she had kicked earlier was drawing near.


    Before Ashley''s hand could even reach her, Freya spun andnded a powerful kick on the man behind her, simultaneously snatching the iron rod from his grasp. The move left everyone in stunned silence.


    The man''s brows furrowed, his gaze sharp as he stared at her. "Who exactly are you?"


    Freya walked toward them, iron rod in hand, silent as ever.


    The two men exchanged a quick nce. It was clear-if they didn''t act now, they''d soon regret it.


    Without a word, they grabbed another rod from the ground.


    "We only let you get the upper hand earlier because we were unprepared," one man sneered coldly. "If you strip and lie down now, we might just let you leave alive. Otherwise..." His voice trailed off ominously.


    I only wanted to ruin her reputation, not to kill her." Ashley stepped forward, anxiety spreading through her chest. She never meant for things to escte this far.


    Her only goal had been leverage over Freya, not killing.


    "Miss Bradley, this is no longer your problem the moment she decided to fight back.¡± The man in the khaki coat''s smile was like a wolf''s grin, dark and predatory. "Leave now. We''ll call you once it''s done."


    Ashley''s eyes flitted helplessly toward Freya. "Freya..."


    She didn''t want to kill Freya. She only wanted toplete the task.


    But now, it felt as if everything had spiraled beyond her control. What should she do?


    "Leave," Freya said simply.


    "They''re skilled fighters. You can''t win." Ashley was paralyzed by indecision. Calling the police would ruin everything, but if she didn''t, Freya would be at their mercy.


    "Ashley, whose side are you on?" The man in the ck coat''s patience was running thin. "If you want a video, you can wait outside."


    "She''s Kristian Shaw''s wife," Ashley said, her voiceced with reluctance. "If you hurt her, he won''t let you off


    the hook!"


    "So she''s indeed Kristian''s woman," the man in the khaki coat chuckled, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I''ve heard his wealth is limitless. Maybe we should ask for a hundred million in ransom?"


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    21:04


    Chapter 111 Don''t Get In The Way


    "If he doesn''t pay, we''ll break her arms and rape her," the man in the ck coat added.


    "Good idea," hispanion agreed.


    Ashley felt a shiver run down her spine. Everything had gone too far. "You''re insane!"


    "Ashley, if you don''t leave now, we''ll deal with you too." The men''s words were as chilling as the bite of winter. For them, the thought of a hundred million was far more tempting than anything she had to offer.


    "Freya, run!" Ashley suddenly stepped in front of her, shielding her. "Run west once you''re out. I''ve parked a car there. You can''t get hurt."


    Freya''s brow furrowed in confusion.


    "Aren''t they your hired men?" she asked.


    "I just wanted leverage over you," Ashley''s voice trembled, fear finally sinking in.


    "Not to kill you. Please, go quickly!"


    If she stayed, they wouldn''t dare do anything to her.


    Even if she died today, it was far better than returning to that horrible man.


    "No need," Freya said calmly, pulling Ashley behind her. "These two are nothing to me."


    "They''ve killed before..." Ashley''s heart pounded, her fear mounting. "If you fight them¡ª¡± ¡°Enough," Freya interrupted, her tone final.


    The two men exchanged a look, sensing they were being underestimated.


    With a sharp movement, they raised their rods and closed in on her.


    "Quite fearless, aren''t you?" one of them sneered. "Today, you two will both stay right here."


    "Freya..." Ashley''s nails dug into her palms, her worry palpable.


    Freya remained asposed as ever.


    The men, enraged by being ignored, decided to teach Freya a lesson first.


    In the blink of an eye, they attacked in unison.


    Ashley''s heart leaped into her throat as one of the rods swung toward Freya''s head from behind.


    Then, somehow, she found the strength and speed to rush behind Freya.


    The rod struck Ashley''s back with a sickening force.


    She gasped, a muffled cry escaping her lips as the pain coursed through her body.


    Freya quickly retracted her hand, narrowly missing Ashley''s face as she aimed for the man behind her.


    "What are you doing?" Her voice was filled with confusion.


    "I..." Ashley winced in pain, sweat trickling down her face. If that blow hadnded on Freya, it would have hurt just as much.


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    §ã


    21:04


    Chapter 111 Don''t Get In The Way


    "Stay there," Freya said, pulling Ashley back. She spoke calmly, almostzily. "Don''t get in the way."


    Ashley couldn''t even find the words to respond. How was she getting in her way? She had taken a blow for her, for heaven''s sake!


    Before Ashley could think further, Freya showed her she didn''t need anyone to shield her.


    With a fluid motion, Freya delivered two swift kicks, using impressive fores to knock both men to the ground. They were left sprawled, unable to rise.


    The men gaped in disbelief. She was stronger than they had imagined, her skills far superior.


    "Kidnap me?" Freya twirled the iron rod casually, standing over them like a queen surveying her conquered foes. "How quaint."


    Terrified, the men quickly surrendered. "We were just joking! We had no such intention. Miss Bradley hired us, we were just following her orders."


    Ashley froze. When had she ever told them to attack Freya?


    "Really?" Freya''s voice was cryptic, her expression unreadable.


    "Of course!" The men groveled, fear and greed intertwining in their eyes. They were already plotting to call for reinforcements, regardless of Freya''s ties to Kristian.


    "You im to be experts at this sort of thing. Was that also her idea?" Freya asked, cing the rod ominously between the ck-coated man''s legs.


    The men shuddered in terror, unable to tear their eyes from the rod. They swallowed hard, unable to muster any courage to fight.


    They werepletely powerless.


    "I can''t stand bullies, especially those who target women," Freya said, her voice


    soft but deadly as she kicked the rod forward with a force that sent them


    scrambling. "Since you can''t control yourselves, I''ll help you with that "


    Rmended for you


    A Thousand Faces Hide The Ge...


    Janice, the long-forgotten legitimate heiress, made her way back to her famil...


    Thanyard faces


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    GENIUS HEIRESS WRATH


    100.0%

 Chapter 112

    Chapter 112 Giving Ashley


    A Chance


    Before the man could plead, an intense pain shot through him, making him


    scream.


    He fainted from the agony.


    The man wearing the khaki coat turned ghostly pale, instinctively lifting his hands to shield himself.


    Thatst hit had definitely destroyed hispanion, and he couldn''t afford to share the same fate.


    "I know I messed up. I swear I won''t do it again. Just let me go," he begged in utter terror, ready to agree to anything.


    "How many women have you hurt?" Freya asked in a cold tone.


    Terrified of more harm, the man falsely imed, "It was all just talk; we never actually did anything. This is the first time."


    "If you don''t confess the truth, then I''ll have to- Freya began.


    I''ll speak! Please, I''ll tell you everything!" he cut in, his forehead slick with sweat.


    Freya stood firm, brandishing an iron rod, as the other many out cold, bleeding slightly.


    In fear, the man admitted, "Only four or five, but I promise we didn''t kill them, we only-" Freya cut him off with a sharp kick.


    They were despicable monsters.


    Pain surged throughout the man''s body, overwhelming him until he cked out.


    A loud ng reverberated when Freya tossed the iron rod to the ground.


    Ashley, having seen it all, shook uncontrobly. She never thought Freya could be so imposing.


    "Why are you just watching? Call the police," Freya said, her voice as calm as


    ever.


    "Why... why should I?"


    Freya responded, "Apparently, I''m not with my phone."


    "Oh, okay." Ashley''s mind hadn''t caught up, but her hands automatically reached for her phone.


    At the dial screen, she paused and swiftly turned the screen off. Her body turned stiff as she said, "No... I can''t call the cops. They''ll turn on me."


    "You''re afraid of getting caught?" Freya''s gaze was piercing and clear.


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    Chapter 112 Giving Ashley A Chance


    "Yes," Ashley said hesitantly. She couldn''t afford to get caught.


    "You''re afraid of getting caught, yet you hired them to kidnap me? It''s clear now that you have no morals,"


    Freya remarked as she made her way toward the exit, leading to a slightly overgrown field.


    Ashley bit her lip, keeping her gaze lowered, too afraid to respond.


    She trailed behind Freya, aware that Freya wouldn''t just forgive her.


    "How''s the injury on your back?" Freya asked.


    "Huh?"


    "The injury you sustained when you got in the way,¡± Freya said casually.


    She couldn''t make sense of Ashley''s behavior.


    "It''s... it''s okay," Ashley managed to say.


    Her lips were pale, and she was clearly in difort, but she struggled to admit


    it. "Please, can you not turn me in? I''ll do anything."


    "Who made you do this?" Freya asked directly.


    From their previous encounters, Freya knew Ashley had a questionable character but didn''t seem likely to engage in criminal acts.


    Something seemed off.


    "Nobody..." Ashley faltered, "I just wanted leverage over you, in case I ever needed money to use against you." Freya was dumbfounded by such a weak excuse, choosing not to challenge her lie.


    She nonchntly took Ashley''s phone, unlocked it, and when asked for a


    password, she chose to dial an emergency number.


    "What are you doing?!" Ashley eximed in rm.


    "If you won''t be honest, I''m calling the cops immediately," Freya threatened. "Kidnapping is a serious crime. If you want to risk a life behind bars, continue hiding the truth."


    "Don''t!" Ashley''s demeanor reverted to her former self.


    Watching her changing expression, Freya probed, "Still unwilling to speak?"


    "I''ve told you all I can," Ashley dered and took a deep breath. Her face disyed a torrent of emotions." "What else do you want from me?"


    "Then I have no choice but to involve the police," Freya concluded. "You can''t!" Ashley snapped.


    If the police got involved, she was confident she wouldn''t end up in jail because that person had ways to free her. However, once released, she would face consequences far worse than hell.


    Freya remained resolute, and Ashley was unable to get her phone back or sway Freya''s decision.


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    21:04


    Ashley knew that if Freya had truly intended to call the police, she would have


    done so already instead of prolonging the conversation here.


    "I don''t understand what made you forsake your basic decency, Freya expressed, baffled by Ashley''s behavior.


    "Had you not let me escape, shielded me, and prevented them from killing me, I would have believed you werepletely evil."


    Freya was never forgiving toward those who were truly evil. But Ashley''s behavior was perplexing.


    "Do you have family?" Freya changed the subject abruptly.


    Ashley was taken aback. "What..."


    "Family," Freya reiterated.


    "Yes."


    Upon hearing this, Freya handed back the phone to her and walked away.


    Ashley was left feeling that Freya was a mystery, never fully understanding her motives. "What are you going to do?"


    "To find your family and inform them about your criminal activities," Freya replied, testing her. "And perhaps discuss how you nearly wrecked my family by interfering in my marriage."


    Ashley was stunned into silence. Tears welled up in her eyes as she lunged forward and grabbed Freya to stop her. "You can''t do that!"


    Seeing her distressed expression and desperate actions, Freya paused.


    "If you still hold any regard for what I once did to you, then kill me," Ashley said as her emotions reached a boiling point. "Or have someone destroy me, cripple me. Just do whatever you see fit."


    Freya was taken aback by such extreme words. Her brows furrowed in thought. It wasn''t normal for someone to speak so recklessly about their own life.


    Ashley seemed indifferent to her own safety or suffering but was desperate to prevent Freya from contacting the police or her family.


    "Come with me," Freya finally said, deciding not to escte the situation, and walked out of the abandoned factory.


    She followed the directions Ashley had previously given and located the car.


    About thirty minutester, Freya was at the wheel with Ashley beside her, both silent.


    Freya''s hand hung out the window as she waited for Ashley to settle before she spoke again. "Tell me, who put you up to this, and who''s forcing you? If you don''t, I''ll have to let the police deal with today''s ordeal."


    Freya was open to giving Ashley a chance, seeing she still had some sense of morality.


    However, if Ashley proved unworthy of redemption, she wouldn''t bother with her again. After all, opportunities only came once.


    "If I tell you, could you please kill me?" Ashley murmured, looking defeated.


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    21.04


    Freya responded casually, "I abide by thew. I don''t engage in crimes. Your fate


    is yours to determine."


    "Committing suicide would be too obvious to him. If he finds out, he''ll kill my


    family," Ashley disclosed. Her


    fists tightened as she released some of her built-up tension.


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 Chapter 113

    My Heart


    Chapter 113 Freya''s


    Promise


    Freya caught the hint immediately. "He?" she asked, a knowing look in her eyes.


    Ashley hesitated, realizing she had let something slip.


    She paused, carefully weighing her next words. The mission had already crumbled like a house of cards. Whether she was caught or managed to escape, she would inevitably fall into that man''s clutches.


    The choice to speak or stay silent seemed like a matter of little consequence.


    "If I tell you, can you promise me that you''ll protect my family?" Ashley asked, her voice quiet but firm. "They''re just ordinary people, and they don''t deserve this."


    "Speak first," Freya replied, not yet willing to give her promise.


    Ashley wasn''t sure why, but hearing that simple response eased the knot in her chest.


    She looked at Freya and said, "Ask away. There''s so much I could say, I don''t know where to start."


    Did that person order you to kidnap me?" Freya asked.


    "Yes," Ashley answered.


    "Why?"


    Ashley confessed, her voice barely above a whisper, "He wanted me to create apromising video of you, something he could use to force you into doing his bidding."


    Freya didn''t say much more, her gaze steady. She continued, "What does he want me to do?"


    "He wants you to stay close to Kristian, to follow hismands whenever he gives them," Ashley said, feeling


    a weight slowly lifting off her shoulders. "My return was part of his n too."


    "He wants you to marry Kristian?" Freya asked, piecing it together.


    "Yes."


    "Why do you obey him sopletely?" Freya''s voice held a touch of confusion.


    "I don''t have a choice," Ashley replied, her bitter smile a reflection of the helplessness she felt. "He controls every part of my life. Everything I do, everything I am-it''s all in his hands."


    Freya looked puzzled. Weren''t they living in a world wherew and justice should have the final say?


    Ashley took out her phone and scrolled to a picture, handing it over to Freya.


    "This is my grandma and my younger brother," she said.


    0.0%


    After Freya nced at the photo, Ashley continued, her words tinged with sorrow, "They''re being cared for by that man''s subordinate. I''ve always done as I''m told, and in return, he''s promised to look after them. My parents are gone. My grandma has dementia, and my brother''s still in high school it''s been two years since I''ve seen them. Now, it''s just phone calls and video chats. They think the person taking care of them is a housekeeper I hired."


    Freya furrowed her brow, her mind racing


    Ashley''s voice softened as memories of the past resurfaced. "When I was with Kristian, my grandma was very ill. I was struggling. My career wasn''t going anywhere, and I had no money. I tried hinting that I needed help in my career, but whether he didn''t understand or didn''t care, after months of waiting for him to step in, I finally left."


    "You could''ve been straightforward with him," Freya said calmly. "He would have helped."


    "I was young," Ashley admitted, her toneced with regret. "I didn''t understand the world yet. I was too proud to ask for help. And I thought... I thought he would offer without me having to ask. But when we broke up. just two dayster, that man approached me. He promised easy money if I helped him. I agreed, and that was when everything went wrong."


    "Does that man have a personal vendetta against Kristian?" Freya asked, connecting the dots.


    Ashley blinked in surprise. "How... how did you know?"


    "He''s using you to marry Kristian in order to steal Shaw Group''s business secrets, isn''t he?" Freya said, a sharp edge to her voice.


    If the n had been to harm Kristian, there would''ve been more direct methods.


    Ashley''s jaw dropped, stunned by how urately Freya had pieced everything together.


    "You..." she started, but no words came.


    "I won''t report this to the police," Freya said firmly, cutting the conversation short. "But if something like this happens again, I won''t hesitate to act."


    "Thank you..." Ashley''s relief was palpable. It felt like a heavy burden had been lifted from her heart.


    She knew there was unlikely to be a next time.


    Returning with a failed task would probably mean a life spent trapped in that basement, forever.


    "Take out your phone and call the police," Freya said, her tone still measured.


    "Didn''t you just say you wouldn''t report it?" Ashley asked, confused.


    "I''m not calling about your involvement," Freya rified. "I want the police to arrest the two people in the warehouse."


    "But..." Ashley hesitated, uncertainty flickering in her eyes.


    "If they use you, I''ll vouch for you," Freya said, offering reassurance.


    With a deep breath, Ashley did as instructed, dialing the police with newfound confidence.


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    2105


    As they drove back, Freya''s mind seemed to wander, and she asked, "Besides today, have you done anything else illegal?"


    "No," Ashley responded quickly, almost too quickly.


    Freya nodded without another word, turning the car toward the city. By the time they arrived at an apartmentplex, the sun had set, and the clock had ticked past seven.


    As they stepped out of the car, Freya turned to Ashley and said, her voice steady but intense, "No matter who you''re up against, don''t let them control your conscience. I can protect your family, but I can''t save you from losing your moralpass."


    Ashley froze, struck by the weight of Freya''s words.


    Her heart swelled with a mixture of joy and disbelief as she swallowed hard.


    "You... you''re really willing to protect my family?"


    Freya didn''t respond right away, turning away to leave.


    Her promise wasn''t for Ashley, but for the sake of those two innocent, vulnerable souls.


    Ashley watched Freya walk away, a strange sense of trust filling her. Freya hadn''t said much, but something in her quiet strength spoke volumes.


    Freya made a call using a public phone to ensure Ashley''s family was safe and settled.


    As she approached her own apartment door, something niggled at her, a sense that she had forgotten something important.


    When she was taken, the door had been left open. Frederick had called her earlier, saying he''d arrived in Jeucwell. With the hours that had passed and the door ajar, it was clear he must have thought something had happened to her.


    With a sense of urgency, she opened the door and stepped inside.


    She was about to head to the living room to grab her phone when she caught a familiar, anxious voice.


    "Trent, have you found Freya yet?" Frederick''s voice trembled with concern. Freya sighed, closing the door with a feeling of bittersweet relief.


    As the door clicked shut, Frederick, still clutching the phone, walked over to her.


    Seeing her standing there, his eyes widened in surprise, and he lost track of whatever Trent was saying on the other end. "Freya?" he said, his voice barely a whisper.


    "Mina''s back?" Trent''s deep voice came through the phone, echoing with tension. "Yeah, yes," Frederick replied quickly, his relief palpable.


    Trent''s voice softened, and he gave his orders. "Give her the phone. I need to speak to her."


    "Okay," Frederick said, almost as though he were still processing everything. He handed the phone to Freya, his hands shaking slightly. "Freya, it''s Trent."


    Freya took the phone, assured Trent she was safe, and exined the situation in brief.


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    Chapter 113 Freya''s Promise


    "d to hear you''re alright," Trent said, his tone now lighter. "You should also let Kristian know you''re okay."


    "How does he know?" Treya asked, still a little confused.


    ¡°This afternoon,¡± Trent exined, "when Frederick found out you were missing, he thought it was someone with a grudge against Kristian. So he asked me to check


    with him."


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 Chapter 114

    Chapter 114 Questioning


    The Two Men


    Freya massaged the bridge of her nose, her voice tinged with resignation as she muttered, "Understood."


    Once the call ended, she scrolled through her contacts to find Kristian''s number. She attempted to reach him several times, each attempt thwarted by an automated voice telling her the call couldn''t be connected.


    With a thoughtful frown, she opted to send him a message, reassuring him of her safety.


    As she pressed send, her mind wandered back to something Ashley had mentioned, prompting her to seek out Gerard for more information.


    At that moment, Gerard was apanying Kristian at a remote vi. The buzz of Freya''s iing call caught Gerard''s attention, and he nced towards Kristian, hesitating. "Sir, Ms. Briggs is calling. Should I take it?"


    "Not at the moment," Kristian responded, his gaze growing stormier as he reclined on the sofa.


    "Understood." Gerard acknowledged, watching the call disconnect on its own.


    Once the line went dead, Gerard couldn''t help but express his concern. "She likely called to tell you she''s safe. Aren''t we risking worrying her by not responding?"


    "She won''t be worried," Kristian said, his voice carrying an icy detachment.


    True to his words, Freya was far from worried.


    She simply assumed he was simply in a location with poor reception.


    Once he confirmed Freya''s safety, Kristian initiated his questioning. In the spacious living room of the vi, Kristian, with Gerard loyally standing behind him, confronted two men sitting opposite. d in hospital gowns, both looked exceedingly gaunt.


    Had Freya been present, she would have recognized them as her kidnappers.


    "Who are you, and what was your purpose in kidnapping Freya Briggs?" Kristian inquired, lounging on the sofa with his legs elegantly crossed, his presence radiating undeniable authority.


    His mere presence was enough to instill terror.


    The two men trembled, acutely aware of the formidable figure before them. There was no mistaking it-Freya was Kristian''s wife, undeniably.


    Noting their hesitance, Gerard shed a knowing smile and subtly adjusted his


    sses. "My boss is not one to wait. I suggest you talk sooner rather thanter, or else..."


    His eyes darted briefly to their groins.


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    Chapter 114 Questioning The Two Men


    The men winced and protectively covered themselves.


    Gerard''s smile didn''t waver.


    "My-My name is Omar Guzman," stammered the man who had previously been d in ck, now donning a hospital gown.


    The other man anxiously cleared his throat and stammered, "I''m Trevor Pne."


    "We honestly had no clue she was connected to you." Omar confessed, his voice trembling with genuine fear. "We were paid to deliver her to the warehouse. Had we known she''s with you, we never would have touched her."


    "He''s right," Trevor added hastily, his face pale and glistening with sweat.


    Kristian''s eyes narrowed, his voiceced with chilling sarcasm. ¡°So you''re saying it''s fine to kidnap someone else?"


    Both men shivered under his piercing gaze. "Absolutely not!"


    "And who put you up to this?" Kristian demanded, his chilling presence and piercing eyes imposing an immense pressure.


    Trevor and Omar exchanged wary, hesitant nces, silently weighing the consequences of revealing the truth. Their memories were hazy-one moment they had been knocked out, and the next, they had awakened in agony at this unfamiliar vi, with no recollection of what had happened in between.


    Kristian''s patience evaporated swiftly. "Gerard," hemanded icily, "call the police. Have these two taken away immediately." Pausing briefly, Kristian continued in an unforgiving tone, his words razor-sharp with menace. "Collect enough evidence to ensure they''ll face the death penalty."


    Panic surged through the two men, their faces draining of all color.


    "No! Please!" Omar begged frantically, desperation evident in his eyes. "We''ll tell you everything, we swear! Just listen!"


    Trevor blurted out hastily, his voice trembling slightly from the weight of his confession, "It was a woman named Ashley Bradley who orchestrated the whole ordeal. She paid us handsomely to kidnap Freya Briggs." "Ashley Bradley?" Gerard turned, his eyes wide with disbelief, as he looked towards his boss for confirmation. The situation painted a grim picture of a feud between Kristian''s ex and his current wife-a scenario far toomon, yet here it escted into a realm of criminal schemes.


    "What exactly did she instruct you to do?" Kristian''s voice dropped an octave, heavy with foreboding.


    Omar and Trevor exchanged nces, their faces etched with anxiety.


    Admitting the truth felt like walking a tightrope above a perilous drop.


    The air in the room grew thick with tension as Kristian''s presence seemed to loomrger, casting a shadow that felt almost icy.


    Omar gulped, struggling to keep his voice steady. "She demanded we... strip


    Freya, rape her, and capture it all


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    Chapter 114 Questioning The Two Men


    on video."


    Trevor, pale and nodding solemnly, corroborated Omar''s ount.


    Gerard hesitated for a moment, his gaze flickering back to Kristian, gauging the storm that was about to break.


    "Did youy a hand on her?" Kristian''s voice was icy, devoid of any warmth. Gerard knew without a doubt that if they confessed to having touched he Kristian would shatter their bones without a second thought.


    "No!" they replied in haste, beads of sweat forming on their foreheads. "We were just about to carry out Miss Bradley''s instructions when your wife took us down." "You two couldn''t manage her?" Gerard inquired, his tone tinged with curiosity. The men were momentarily lost for words. It wasn''t simply a matter of managing her; they stood no chance whatsoever!


    "Honestly, she is way out of our league. Even with two additional men, we''d be no match for her," Omar admitted, his voice reflecting a deep-seated fear of Freya''sbat prowess.


    Upon hearing this, Kristian reflected on the incident where Freya had been assaulted by a group of people.


    He had initially suspected she was colluding with those people, but now he realized the threat was genuine. "Mr. Shaw?" Gerard interjected gently.


    "Turn them over to the police and dig into their pasts. Should you find any criminal ties, present the evidence," Kristianmanded.


    Gerard nodded, his response firm. "Understood."


    "Mr. Shaw, we admit our mistakes. We''ll never repeat them. Please, show us mercy just this once," they implored with desperate eyes. "We neverid a finger on Ms. Briggs!"


    Their voices cracked,den with fear of their past misdeedsing to light, knowing well the harsh consequences that awaited them.


    "Didn''ty a finger on her?" Kristian rose to his feet, the lines of his tailored suit emphasizing his imposing figure. "And if Freya had been defenseless, a woman unable to defend herself, would you have shown her any mercy?" His voice was cold, the potential danger to Freya gnawing at him.


    The thought disturbed him deeply, and he knew the incident demanded a detailed investigation.


    A shiver of fear coursed through the men as they realized their dire situation. "If it''s justice you''re after, you ought to pursue the one who directed us. We were merely pawns," they blurted out, hoping to divert the me. "Rest assured, not a single one of you is getting out of here," Kristian dered with unwavering resolve.


    He dismissed their further cries for mercy and signaled to Gerard, who promptly dialed the authorities. Within minutes, the police arrived to detain the men.


    As the police officers escorted them out, Gerard remarked sternly, "Mr. Shaw insists these two individuals undergo thorough rehabilitation for their offenses. We''ll be providing more evidence shortly."


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    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 115 Fabricating A

 Chapter 115

    Chapter 115 Fabricating A Reason To Dy The.....


    Once the police had departed, Gerard made his way back to the vi.


    As he approached, he found Kristian surrounded by a cold, almost suffocating aura. His presence was as sharp as a dagger''s edge. "The police have taken them into custody," Gerard said, his voice careful yet resolute.


    Kristian, his expression unreadable, gave a slight nod. "Set up a meeting with Ashley for tomorrow," he ordered. His eyes remained distant, as if watching something beyond the walls. "Also, dig deeper into the incident where Freya was attacked by that group in open areas. I want a full investigation."


    "Understood," Gerard replied promptly, his mind already ticking off the next steps. Kristian''s voice broke the silence again. "There''s one more thing."


    "Yes?"


    "How''s the investigation into the hotel incident with Freya and Trenting along?" he inquired, his tone still t but tinged with the weight of expectation.


    "We''ve gathered some information," Gerard said, brow furrowed. "But it''s a bit puzzling. We''re waiting for the second round of findings toe through. I''ll update you as soon as we have more details."


    Kristian nodded briefly, his lips barely moving. "Alright."


    With that matter settled, Gerard remembered something else he needed to bring up.


    He reached into his jacket pocket, pulling out a custom ying card, its edges neatly trimmed and its design subtle yet distinct. "This is from Mr. Yates. He asked me to pass it along to you."


    Kristian gave it a fleeting nce before walking over to the sofa. His movements were asposed as ever, his demeanor cool and distant.


    He ced the card on the table, his voice as even as the surface of a stillke. "Tell him to find Zander on set. I don''t have time for his games."


    "No, that''s not it," Gerard rified quickly.


    Kristian raised an eyebrow, the silence stretching between them.


    "Mr. Yates mentioned that this card was left at his ce when Ms. Briggsst visited," Gerard continued, recounting every word without hesitation. "He wanted me to return it to you."


    The words hung in the air like a delicate thread, and Kristian''s curiosity stirred.


    He took the card, a King of Diamonds, and turned it over in his hand. "She went to his house?"


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    Chapter 115 Fabricating A Reason To Dy The Divorce


    The idea seemed almost preposterous. Freya had always kept her distance from Felipe-so why visit his home? It didn''t add up.


    As he turned the card over, something caught his attention. The material was unlike any standard deck-it was exceptionally thin, almost imperceptibly so, and it had a smoothness that felt unlike any card he had ever touched.


    "Where did he get this?" Kristian asked, his voiceced with a quiet intensity. He fixed Gerard with a sharp


    gaze.


    Gerard was momentarily confused. Hadn''t he just exined? Freya had left it at Felipe''s ce.


    "Didn''t Felipe say anything else besides telling you to give this to me?" Kristian pressed, his fingers running across the smooth surface of the card.


    If this were an ordinary item Freya had carelessly left behind, Felipe would have sent it to the Shaw Group office days ago.


    But the fact that it was being returned in this manner only raised more questions.


    Gerard, admiring his boss''s attention to detail, answered, "Mr. Yates did mention that if you want to know more about how Ms. Briggs left this card at his ce, you should speak with him directly."


    Kristian paused, the gears in his mind turning.


    He didn''t hesitate long. Grabbing his phone and car keys, he made for the door.


    "Mr. Shaw," Gerard called after him.


    "Reschedule tomorrow morning''s meetings," Kristian instructed, his voice as cold as ever. "I''m going to see Felipe."


    "And what about your divorce with Ms. Briggs in the afternoon?" Gerard asked, his voiceced with realization. "Postpone it," Kristian said, a flicker of thought crossing his mind.


    Gerard raised an eyebrow. "What''s the reason?"


    "I went to the outskirts to find her tonight," Kristian exined smoothly, already preparing his excuse. "The car ran out of gas in the middle of nowhere, and my phone died. I was stuck until the early hours. Then Felipe came to take me away for a discussion. I haven''t slept and I''m exhausted."


    Gerard nodded, relieved. "Understood."


    Trusting Gerard to handle the logistics, Kristian walked out, his steps steady and


    sure.


    To cover his tracks, Gerard quickly sent a message to Freya, saying he was upied, ensuring the situation remained under control.


    This would ensure that Freya would remain none the wiser the next day.


    Kristian hadn''t expected to find himself fabricating a reason to dy the divorce, but here he was. After a long drive, he arrived at Felipe''s vi an hourter.


    Felipe, like Kristian, was ustomed to solitude.


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    Chapter 115 Fabricating A Reason To Dy The Divorce


    Around one in the morning, his vi was as silent as the grave, not a soul in sight.


    Kristian, undeterred by the hour, stood before the door, pressing the doorbell relentlessly for nearly ten minutes, but received no answer.


    Recalling the door code Felipe had once shared with him, Kristian entered it, the quiet click of the mechanism betraying his entry.


    Momentster, he stepped inside the vi.


    He closed the door softly behind him and called Felipe, making sure not to startle him.


    Felipe''s phone rang, its sound piercing the quiet night like an unwee intruder.


    Felipe''s groggy voice filtered through the line. "Kristian, are you out of your mind, calling at this hour?"


    Kristian stayed silent, his presence an unseen shadow in the quiet room. With a frustrated grunt, Felipe tossed his phone to the floor and curled into his nkets, intending to sleep through the disturbance.


    Meanwhile, Kristian flicked on the living room lights, casting a cold glow through the darkened house. His footsteps echoed sharply as he began ascending the stairs.


    The rhythmic thud of his leather shoes was the only sound in the otherwise still vi.


    Felipe, now wide awake, gripped the covers tighter, his heart racing in his chest.


    Oh no.


    Was there really a ghost in the house?


    The sound of approaching footsteps grew louder, each one like a hammer strike to his nerves.


    The sound of knocking at the door sent a shiver through Felipe.


    It repeated, each knock louder than thest. Flicking the lights to their brightest


    setting, Felipe dressed quickly, his hands trembling.


    He approached the door cautiously, his every step slow, deliberate.


    Outside, Kristian, growing impatient with the drawn-out knocking, ced his hand on the doorknob.


    By sheer coincidence, Felipe did the same from the inside.


    Before Felipe could apply any pressure, he felt the doorknob turn on its own.


    A cold wave of shock washed over him. What in the world was happening? Could


    it really be a ghost?


    The door creaked open with a soft click, as if announcing a sinister arrival.


    Felipe quickly backed away, grabbing his pillow from the bed.


    If a ghost dared to enter, he would throw the pillow at it.


    In a blur, the bedroom door swung wide.


    And there stood Kristian, his tall frame silhouetted against the hallway light.


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    Chapter 115 Fabricating A Reason To Dy The Divorce


    Felipe, now wide awake and clutching the pillow like a shield, froze, his heart skipping a beat. Kristian frowned slightly at the sight. His voice, as cold andmanding as ever, cut through the tension. ¡°If you were awake, why didn''t you answer the door?" Felipe blinked, his stiff posture rxing in an instant.


    "Kristian?" he breathed, his legs suddenly feeling like jelly.


    Kristian didn''t step inside but remained in the doorway, his expression unreadable. "Come out. We need to talk."


    Too exhausted to argue, Felipe silently followed Kristian downstairs, his mind already racing through a thousand unanswered questions.

 Chapter 116

    Chapter 116 Do You Not Find Freya Very Mysterio...


    Felipe slumped onto the couch, still sleepy and startled, and irritably asked


    Kristian, "Why are you scaring me at this hour?¡±


    "Scaring you?" Kristian was baffled by theint.


    "Why are you here?" Felipe changed the subject while yawning. "You didn''te to mope about your divorce with me, did you?"


    "For this." Kristian stretched out a small ying card.


    As soon as Felipe saw it, his drowsiness disappeared, and a mischievous grin appeared on his face.


    "Gerard said you told him that I should see you if I was curious about how Freya''s ying card got to your ce," Kristian said, his eyes intently fixed on Felipe.


    Felipe nodded nonchntly. "Yeah, that''s correct."


    "When did she leave it?" Kristian pressed on, eager for an answer.


    "That night when you came here to pick her up," Felipe said, still amazed by Freya''s skills.


    Kristian looked confused.


    Felipe didn''t mince words. He handed the card back to Kristian, stood up, and began walking upstairs. "If you really want to know,e with me."


    Kristian followed him.


    Felipe walked through the bedroom to the balcony with his hands in his pockets and nodded toward a severed line. "Last time she was downstairs there, she used that card you''re holding to cut through this line."


    "I didn''te here to joking with you." Kristian was skeptical.


    Cutting a line urately from a distance with a ying card was beyond ordinary.


    Even if Freya had once been the Briggs family''s bodyguard, it seemed far- fetched.


    Felipe arched an eyebrow. "You don''t believe me?"


    Kristian shot him a skeptical nce that said, "Really, do you think I''m that naive?"


    "Alright." Felipe had expected such skepticism and turned back toward his study. "Come on, you''ll see for yourself."


    He turned on hisptop and pulled up the surveince footage from that night.


    0.0%


    As the footage of Freya fighting the bodyguards yed, Felipe watched Kristian''s grave demeanor and started narrating, "She''s quite the force. She single- handedly took down several of my guards."


    Kristian watched closely. Freya''s fighting technique was precise and deliberate, each move made with maximum efficiency.


    Her skills were clearly beyond what you''d expect from a typical bodyguard.


    "You don''t need to see the bit where I had a chat with her," Felipe said as he fast- forwarded the video. "Let''s skip to the important part."


    Kristian remained silent, allowing Felipe to skip through the footage.


    Felipe paused the video just as he had taunted Freya, saying, "So what happens when your countdown ends? Do you imagine you can simply force your way in?"


    Immediately he said that, Freya flung a ying card, which sliced through the line on the balcony.


    ¡°See that?¡± Felipe eximed, still feeling a shiver.


    Kristian suddenly interrupted, "Wait."


    "What?" Felipe looked at him, confused.


    Without a word, Kristian rewound the footage to the moment right after Felipe spoke.


    This time, he concentrated hard on Freya''s left hand, not missing a blink.


    Yet, he still couldn''t understand how the ying card hade into her hand. It seemed to appear out of nowhere.


    He slowed down the yback speed, but it remained unclear.


    "What''s the matter?" Felipe asked as he watched him rewind the video repeatedly.


    Kristian was deep in thought. While he still held Freya''s ying card, he requested, "I need a copy of this footage."


    "Aren''t you set to divorce her?" Felipe hesitated, then locked hisptop screen. "Why do you need it?"


    "Just give it to me."


    "No." Felipe was puzzled by Kristian''s insistence.


    "If you really want this footage, help me find Farrah first." Felipe''s voice showed


    his desperation. He had been searching endlessly with no sess. "She was sent away by your wife. You need to bring her back to me."


    "Give me the footage first, and I''ll have Gerard help you with that," Kristian retorted, his patience wearing thin.


    Felipe leaned back in his chair and faced him squarely. "I trust you in other matters, but first, you have to help me find her. Just tell me which city she''s in."


    Felipe didn''t question Kristian''s integrity per se.


    It was more about Freya''s mysterious nature. If she held other secrets, finding Farrah could be an impossible task.


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    Chapter 116 Do You Not Find Freya Very Mysterious


    "Alerith," Kristian suddenly dered.


    Felipe was taken aback. "What?"


    "Farrah is in Alerith." Kristian wanted to wrap things up there.


    relipe gave him a skeptical look. "How do you know this?"


    "If you want to protect someone, where would you put them?" Kristian asked him.


    Felipe answered without hesitation, "Jeucwell."


    It was his territory. Keeping the person close was the most secure option.


    "Alerith is Freya''s territory." Kristian, despite his reluctance to ept it, everything about Freya suggested she was more than she appeared. "Trent is also in Alerith, so Farrah is most likely there."


    "She''s never liked Alerith," Felipe blurted out.


    "If not for those past events, she might have chosen to go to a city she liked. Considering you had to take her to the hospital twice, she''d feel most secure being with Freya''s men."


    His simple remark suddenly widened Felipe''s perspective.


    He looked at Kristian with mixed emotions, then pulled out a sh drive with the


    copied video from his desk drawer and gave it to him.


    "Thanks." Kristian collected the sh drive and turned to leave.


    "Kristian," Felipe called after him.


    Kristian stopped, his aura as imposing as always. "Anything else?"


    "Do you not find Freya very mysterious?" Felipe hinted, hoping Kristian would


    catch on. "A person your skills and knowledge can''t seem to crack..."


    "She''s a hacker." Kristian summed it up in one sentence.


    Because she was a hacker, he had ceased further investigation as he was convinced that it was futile to try and unearth any leads.


    Felipe rose to his feet, one hand casually in his pocket. "It''s rare for a hacker to manage feats like hers. Even the top guards you''ve brought on board can''t run five kilometers, but Freya..."


    Kristian stayed silent.


    He pondered as well, but certain thoughts were better left unexplored. Once he began, he knew he wouldn''t be able to refrain from digging further. They were about to get a divorce, and finding out her background seemed irrelevant at this point.


    "Good endurance might indicate she enjoys sports, and herbat skills could suggest she''s trained in self-defense." Felipe was smarter on this topic than Kristian. "However, the ability to sever a line from the ground floor and fix a ying card to the wall isn''t something just anyone can do.¡±

 Chapter 117

    Chapter 117 You''re About To Be All Alone Again


    "What exactly are you getting at?" Kristian''s eyes narrowed as he sensed a deeper message hidden beneath Felipe''s words.


    "If she''s a kind soul, then there''s nothing to worry about," Felipe mused, his voiceced with doubt. "But if she''s a fugitive on the run from Interpol, that''s a whole different story."


    Kristian''s gaze shifted to him, filled with disbelief.


    Felipe bristled. "What''s with that look?"


    "Trent is her friend," Kristian responded coolly, his mind sharp, refusing to be swayed by Felipe''s wild theories. "If Freya really had a criminal past, he would know about it."


    "I''m just throwing out possibilities," Felipe shrugged casually. "After all, your wife is quite mysterious."


    Kristian didn''t bother to answer.


    He had spent two years with Freya, and in that time, he had never uncovered anything that hinted at hiddenyers beneath her surface.


    But now, in the final stretch before their divorce, she had started to mix with the elite circles of Alerith and disy skills in hacking that were beyond anything he had imagined. And just when he thought he had seen it all, this mysterious ying card appeared.


    What other secrets was Freya keeping?


    "Tomorrow''s the big day, right?" Felipe broke the silence, his voice light but tinged with curiosity. "Are you nning to dig deeper into her past using that surveince footage?"


    "That''s none of your concern," Kristian replied, his voice firm.


    Felipe, ever persistent, offered a half-hearted chuckle. "It may not be my business, but I do worry about you. After all, you''re about to sever yourst link to her."


    Kristian''s gaze remained steady.


    "Think about it," Felipe pressed on, standing up and cing a hand on Kristian''s shoulder. "Once the divorce is final, she''ll be out of your life. But what if, while you''re digging through her past, you find something that pulls you in again? With her personality, she might not be as inclined toe back to you."


    Kristian gave a sharp retort, saying, "Focus on finding Farrah before you worry about my affairs."


    Felipe fell silent, clearly caught off guard by the cold dismissal.


    Kristian wasn''t one to linger. He grabbed the sh drive and left Felipe''s vi without a second thought


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    AcL


    Chapter 117 You''re About To Be All Alone Again


    drove back, Felipe''s words continued to echo in his mind.


    Divorcing Freya meant there would be no more ties between them. Digging deeper into her life seemed like an exercise in futility.


    But the more he thought about it, the more the nagging questions lingered. By the time he returned to his vi, it was already close to dawn. Instead of resting, he found himself slowing down the footage of Freya conjuring the ying card, stretching the image to capture each detail."


    Yet, the card appeared only as a fleeting shadow-too elusive too elusive to reveal how Freya had performed the trick.


    When he finally snapped back to reality, daylight had already broken through.


    ording to their arrangement, today was supposed to be the day they finalized their divorce,


    Yet, for reasons he couldn''t exin, he found himself hesitating. The thought of severing thest bond he had with Freya, of bing strangers, unsettled him.


    As he wrestled with his emotions, a message from Gerard popped up on his phone. "Miss Bradley has left Jeucwell. We''ve lost track of her."


    Without wasting a second, Kristian dialed Gerard''s number.


    When the call connected, his voice was low, edged with tension. "What do you mean?"


    "Miss Bradley left Jeucwellst night," Gerard exined. "It''s like someone''s been hiding her whereabouts. Should we send the top experts you hired to track her?" "No need," Kristian replied, his voice firm.


    He wasn''t ready to resort to those experts unless it became absolutely necessary, Gerard sighed, his concern palpable.


    Kristian''s instincts told him there was more. "What''s bothering you?"


    "I just can''t help but feel for you," Gerard said without hesitation. "Your ex has already left, and now your wife is about to walk out of your life. You''re about to be all alone again."


    Kristian didn''t have the energy to argue. "Look into who Ashley''s been spending time with thesest two years. And check out the person in those photos fromst time."


    "Got it," Gerard replied promptly.


    After hanging up, Kristian copsed onto his bed, massaging his temples.


    Without a solid reason, postponing the divorce would be impossible.


    Amidst the storm of his thoughts, sleep finally overtook him.


    In his dreams, Freya appeared, a figure cloaked in ck leather. Her back was turned to him, surrounded by a group of bodyguards dressed in dark suits and sunsses.


    He tried to approach her, to demand the truth, but just as he got close, he felt the cold barrel of a gun pressed against his forehead.


    30.9%


    It was Freya holding it.


    Her face was colder than he''d ever seen before, her expression as emotionless


    as stone. She pulled the trigger, and his world went dark.


    As death imed him, Freya''s voice echoed in his ears. ¡°Mission aplished. Target neutralized."


    Kristian jerked awake, his body soaked in sweat, his breathing in ragged gasps. His eyes narrowed, dark with the weight of the dream''s implications. Just then, his phone rang.


    After taking a moment to steady himself, he answered the call, recognizing Freya''s name on the screen. His brow furrowed, confusion mixing with the remnants of the dream. ¡°Hello?¡± he answered, his voice rough.


    Freya paused, sensing the exhaustion in his voice. Could Gerard be telling the truth?


    "Where are you now?" she asked, probing for more information.


    "My home," Kristian replied, his words slow, weighed down byck of sleep. "What''s going on?"


    "Gerard mentioned you were up all night searching for me, and that Felipe dragged you away for ate-night chat," Freya said, her tone almost clinical. "I just wanted to know when you''d be ready for the divorce."


    The word "divorce" struck Kristian like a thunderp, snapping him out of his fog.


    He realized that even if he were dying in a hospital bed, Freya would likely drag him out just to finalize the divorce.


    "Bring the papers ande to my ce to pick me up," he said, his voice raspy but resolute. "I''ll get dressed and be ready."


    Freya hesitated for a moment before agreeing. "Alright."


    After hanging up, Frederick, who had been with Freya, asked curiously, "How did it go?"


    "It doesn''t seem like he''s faking it," Freya replied, her voice soft but sure as she gathered the documents. "He sounded genuinely out of it. If he were stalling, he wouldn''t have asked me toe over."


    "That''s a relief!" Frederick eximed.


    Freya nodded, her mind already moving ahead.


    Since she wouldn''t be staying in Jeucwell much longer, she turned to Frederick. "You''re nning to stay a couple more days, right?"


    "Yeah," Frederick confirmed.


    He had initiallye to apany Freya, but the allure of Jeucwell''s food had kept him around longer than expected. He decided to stay a few extra days before heading home.


    "Then help me hand this apartment over to a real estate agent," Freya instructed. "Move the stuff to the vi in the suburbs. I''ll send you the addresster."


    Frederick agreed without hesitation. "Got it."


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 Chapter 118

    Chapter 118 Liam''s Persuasion


    Once everything was in order, Freya grabbed the car keys and set off to pick up Kristian. It was the same car she had borrowed from him during herst visit to the hospital, when she had gone to pick up Farrah


    She quickly nced at the documents resting on the passenger seat, ensuring nothing was amiss, before starting the car.


    But just as she turned the corner, she spotted Liam leaning casually against his car right outside the residential area. He had parked in a way that blocked her only exit, forcing her to lower her window and ask him to move. She had no interest in why he was there or in any conversation he might want to start.


    "Freya, I didn''t mean to block your way," Liam said, strolling over and casually leaning against the window of her car. ¡°Grandpa misses you and wants to y a game of chess with you."


    "That''s a lie," Freya immediately called him out.


    She knew Lionel was aware of the divorce today, and since he had already agreed to it, he wouldn''t be trying to stop it now.


    Liam was clearly just fabricating a story.


    Liam scratched his face with his index finger and gave her a mischievous smile. "Actually, it''s my parents. They want to have another meal with you."


    "Really?" Freya raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.


    "Of course," Liam insisted, keeping up the act. "If you don''t believe me, I can call them right now."


    Freya ced one hand on the steering wheel and asked, "Are you just trying to dy the divorce?"


    Considering Isaac and Melinda''s personalities, if Liam truly reached out to them, they would undoubtedly help him cover up the lie. Therefore, making that call seemedpletely unnecessary.


    "Kristian has agreed to this. Why are you trying to stop it?" she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.


    Liam was left speechless. How could he possibly react to such a thing?


    "If you keep blocking my way, I''ll add a use to the divorce settlement saying all Kristian''s luxury supercars are mine," Freya issued a threat, fully aware of Liam''s deep affection for cars. "Knowing your brother, he wouldn''t disagree."


    Liam came to a halt, then shrugged it off with a calm demeanor. "What are you talking about? If you want a divorce, I''ll show you the way."


    "Let''s pick up Kristian at his ce first."


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    Chapter 118 Liam''s Persuasion


    ¡°Sure,¡± Liam replied, his tone surprisingly obedient. He led the way, driving smoothly toward Kristian''s vi. Kristian''s garage housed a collection of rare, limited-edition luxury supercars-vehicles that weren''t even avable for sale on the market anymore.


    As they made their way to Kristian''s vi, Liam caught a glimpse of the car behind him in the rearview mirror. After a moment of contemtion, he made up his mind to call Kristian.


    Kristian wasn''t in the mood to answer any calls today, least of all from his younger brother.


    "What''s up?" Kristian''s voice sounded tired and raspy, like he had just woken up. Liam drove on, his eyes fixed on the road. "Are you really going through with the divorce?" he asked.


    Kristian remained silent. Liam had touched a nerve.


    "I can help you dy things," Liam offered, outlining his terms. "But you''ll need to promise me that if Freya wants all your luxury supercars, you''ll refuse."


    "I don''t need them," Kristian replied coldly.


    Liam opened his mouth to say more, but before he could, Kristian had already ended the call.


    Kristian stared at the transparent folder on the table, filled with all the divorce paperwork.


    While he might not understand Freya fully, he knew enough to recognize her resolve.


    Even if the divorce were dyed today, it would happen tomorrow.


    Since Freya didn''t want to be with him, there was no sense in trying to force it. Kristian had no interest in a marriage gued by constant conflict.


    Having waited for more than an hour, Freya finally arrived, just after three. Liam opened the door for her and led her inside, chattering away. ¡°Freya, are you sure about this? A man as handsome, wealthy, and fit as my brother is a rare gem. If you divorce him, you''ll never see such a fine face again. Isn''t that a loss?" Freya paused, giving him a look that clearly said she wasn''t buying it. "Weren''t you the one encouraging my divorce before?"


    "Encouraging it is one thing," Liam replied, still as carefree as ever, "but I don''t want you to miss out on something this good. I''m just helping you weigh the pros and cons of divorce."


    "Who said that getting divorced means I have to remarry?" Freya didn''t bother confronting him about his true


    motives.


    Up until today, Liam had held out a sliver of hope for Kristian, partly out of curiosity about how things would y out.


    But now that divorce day had arrived and it was clear Kristian and Freya''s rtionship wasn''t going to improve, Liam feltpelled to intervene.


    "If you don''t remarry, people will say you can''t get over my brother," Liam continued. "They''ll think you''re too proud to reconcile with him." Freya let out a weary sigh.


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    "You''re the only one who would say that," she muttered.


    Yet Liam had a point. After divorcing Kristian, it would indeed be hard to find someone as handsome as him.


    Trent was also good-looking. But whenpared to Kristian''s almost ethereal appearance, Trent''s charm fell just a little short.


    Moreover, Kristian had an aura about him that few could replicate.


    As she pondered these thoughts, Freya walked into the living room and saw Kristian sitting on the sofa, waiting for her.


    He was dressed in a sharp, well-tailored suit, with a few stray locks of hair falling over his forehead, adding an effortlessly charming touch to his appearance. Upon seeing Freya, he picked up the folder and said, "Let''s go."


    "Fine," Freya replied with a simple word.


    They both got into the car. Liam stood at the door, watching them leave. Once the car disappeared from view, he took out his phone and sent a text message to his family. "They''re off to get divorced."


    The three recipients read the message with a mixture of emotions, but ultimately, they epted the reality. They decided not to interfere with Kristian''s rtionship.


    The car drove towards the courthouse, with Freya at the wheel and Kristian in the passenger seat. Neither of them spoke during the drive.


    It was an hour''s journey from Kristian''s house to the courthouse. Kristian held the folder in his hand and nced sideways at Freya, noticing she seemed calmer than usual. He asked, "No turning back?"


    He didn''t specify what he meant, but Freya understood.


    "No turning back," she answered simply.


    "The money has been transferred by Gerard, and the vi in the suburbs is now in your name. The most expensive luxury supercar is in the garage of that vi," Kristian said, his voice steady, though his eyes darkened.


    "Okay," Freya replied.


    "The vi''s entry code is your birthday. The car keys and the spare vi keys are


    in the mailbox outside, with the same code," Kristian continued.


    Freya gave a small nod. "Okay."


    "The other keys are in the key tray at the vi''s entrance," Kristian added.


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    Chapter 119 Their Divo

 Chapter 119

    Chapter 119 Their Divorce


    Was Official


    Freya remained unwavering in her response. "Okay."


    The moment the word escaped her lips, Kristian''s grip on the folder tightened like


    a vice. He couldn''t quite name the emotions bubbling within him. It felt as though something vital was slipping from his grasp, destined


    to vanish forever.


    "Freya," he called her name, his voiceced with an unfamiliar softness.


    Freya paused, halting at the traffic light. Her gaze remained tranquil andposed. "Yes?"


    "I''m sorry for what happened before," Kristian began, his voice surprisingly steady, as though he hadn''t expected the words to leave his mouth. "I''ll find out who attacked you and who set you up at the hotel."


    "There''s no need," Freya replied, her tone indifferent. "The past will be erased once we''re officially divorced." She didn''t linger on what had already passed. Whether it was past wounds or fleeting moments of tenderness, they would all remain in the past once the divorce was finalized.


    "If you ever find yourself in trouble again, you cane to me," Kristian offered, his voice still holding a trace of hope.


    Freya''s response was calm and unchanging. "There''s no need."


    Kristian fell into silence. Was she making it clear that she wanted to sever every connection between them? If a child were involved, would that soften her resolve? Would she stay for their sake?


    As these thoughts swirled in his mind, a pang of frustration flickered within him- directed squarely at Felipe. Why hadn''t Farrah divorced him?


    "Once you''re in Alerith, keep Farrah hidden," Kristian suddenly said. "Felipe already knows she''s there."


    Freya faltered for a moment. Why had the conversation shifted to Farrah?


    She didn''t think much of it, nor did she suspect Kristian was trying to manipte her. She answered with a quiet confidence, "Alerith is a big city; he''ll never find her."


    Kristian didn''t speak further.


    Her confidence intrigued him. Was she relying on her own skills, on Trent''s connections, or perhaps the influence of the Briggs family?


    As he mulled over these questions, his gaze lingered on her, studying her more carefully than before.


    "We''re here," Freya announced, her voice steady as she parked the car and nced at the courthouse across the street. She pulled out the car key, intending to get out.


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    Chapter 119 Their Divorce Was Official


    At that exact moment, Kristian''s hand shot out, gripping her wrist.


    Freya looked at him, her expression perplexed, as though she were staring at a stranger. "What''s wrong?"


    "Can you tell me who you really are now?" Kristian''s dark eyes searched hers, the intensity of his grip increasing. "And where is your family?"


    Freya''s gaze flickered, just for a second.


    She hadn''t nned on revealing any of this to him, but the words left her lips almost reluctantly. "I''ll tell you after we''re divorced."


    "Can''t you say it now?" Kristian''s brow furrowed, a note of frustration creeping into his voice.


    "No," Freya replied firmly, wrenching her wrist from his grasp. "Hurry up, or the staff will be off work soon." With that, she swiftly exited the car.


    Kristian stared at his empty hand, memories flooding back-like a forgotten photograph.


    The time he''d taken her to meet Ashley. Back then, she had merely mentioned the pain he was causing her, but she hadn''t fought him off. Had she been hiding her ability to fight back all along?


    Before he could make sense of his thoughts, Freya had already opened the car door and pulled him out.


    They headed to the courthouse together.


    In less than half an hour, the paperwork waspleted, and their divorce was official.


    Kristian felt as if he were drifting in a dream, as if a significant part of his life had simply vanished in that instant.


    When the staff asked if they were divorcing voluntarily, he considered saying no. But he knew that if he did, Freya would vanish without a trace, leaving Jeucwell without a word, and he would never see her again.


    So, he nodded, signed the papers, and just like that, they were divorced.


    At 4:40 PM, Kristian and Freya walked out of the courthouse.


    Freya felt a subtle oddness-an almost surreal sensation, as if this moment, this transition, were too vast to grasp fully. It wasn''t unusual, though. Kristian had been her first love, and now, her ex-husband. It was only natural that there would be a lingering sense of strangeness.


    Reflecting on the message Trent had just sent her, she said to Kristian, "Goodbye."


    "Goodbye," Kristian responded, his gaze dark and unwavering as he watched her leave.


    Freya walked away with determination, leaving him with nothing but the silhouette of her back.


    Realizing the distance between them, Kristian took long strides to catch up and called out, "Let me give you a ride back. It''s hard to get a cab around here."


    ¡°No need, someone ising to pick me up,¡± Freya replied just as Trent''s car appeared.


    Trent parked in front of her, rolled down the window, and called, "Mina, hop in." "Okay," Freya responded, her voice steady as she headed toward the car.


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    Kristian''s brow furrowed, watching her approach the car. But then, without warning, he yanked her back by the wrist.


    Freya stumbled from the sudden motion, irritation shing in her eyes. "What are you doing?"


    "Why is he here?" Kristian''s voice was sharp, almost frigid.


    He found himself spiraling, imagining that Trent had been waiting for the orce so


    he could step in and marry Freya. The mere thought sent a wave of anger surging through him.


    "He''s here to pick me up. Why else?" Freya snapped, wrenching herself free from his grip.


    She hadn''t told him that she and Trent were leaving for Alerith today because she knew what he would assume that she was going to be with Trent.


    Trent''s timely appearance was simply to prevent Kristian from reading too much into things. She and Trent had nothing to hide.


    Kristian searched her face, trying to find any sign of what he feared. But Freya''s expression remained cool andposed.


    Despite the fire burning in his chest, he knew he had no right to press further. "You still haven''t told me who you really are, or where your family is."


    "Lionel knows," Freya replied curtly.


    Kristian blinked, his confusion deepening. "My grandpa?"


    "Yes," was all Freya offered in response.


    As he tried to piece things together, Freya quickly opened Trent''s car door and


    slid inside. Trent started the engine, and the car sped off.


    Kristian stood motionless, watching the vehicle fade into the distance. The urge to chase it down tugged at him, but he knew it would be pointless.


    With a deep sigh, he returned to his own car and drove to his family home.


    He needed answers-answers that Lionel held but had never shared. Why had


    Lionel known Freya''s true identity but kept it from him for so long?


    Meanwhile, Freya was already en route to the airport.


    On the road, Trent nced at her. "Does Lionel really know your identity?"


    "Yes," she confirmed.


    Trent''s voice was thoughtful. "Then things might not be over between you and Kristian."


    "What do you mean?" Freya asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "If Kristian finds out how much you''ve kept from him," Trent said with a wry smile,


    his his charm never waning, "he mighte seeking answers again."


    Freya paused, then reached into her bag, pulling out her phone. "I almost forgot."


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    "What?" Trent asked, his curiosity piqued.


    "To block all his contact information," Freya said, her fingers swiftly moving across


    the screen. "To cut ties with


    the past."

 Chapter 120

    Chapter 120 You Don''t Measure Up To Her...


    Trent hesitated, visibly taken aback by Freya''s words.


    After pondering for a moment, he replied, "Cutting ties with himpletely is out of the question. Not only are there ongoing partnerships between Briggs Group and Shaw Group, but if Kristian learns you revealed your real identity to his grandpa but kept him in the dark, he might pursue you even more aggressively."


    "He wouldn''t behave like that," Freya countered, her fingers swiftly removing Kristian''s contact. "There was never any real affection between us."


    For him, their rtionship had merely been a matter ofpatibility.


    A knowing smile yed on Trent''s lips, his tone hinting at something more. "That might not be entirely urate."


    Freya looked at him, confusion etching her features. What was he implying?


    Trent chose not to answer, instead focusing on driving them swiftly towards the airport.


    On their journey, Freya cast a nce over her shoulder at the back seat, her anxiety easing at the sight of herptop and essential documents safely with Trent.


    Elsewhere, when Kristian arrived at the family estate to meet Lionel, the butler told him that Lionel had left with friends and wouldn''t return for several days.


    Kristian was aware that his grandfather was unhappy with him for ending his marriage to Freya, but he remained unfazed. He was convinced that it was only a matter of time before he uncovered the truth about Freya, so he decided it was best to depart.


    That evening, he made his way back to his vi.


    Though solitude was his usualpanion here, tonight the sprawling vi felt unusually deste, devoid of the faintest echo of warmth.


    He knit his brows together, wrestling with a persistent irritation that clung to him like a stubborn shadow.


    Lost in his thoughts, he meandered through the rooms and, without realizing it, found himself in the room Freya had once upied. Her personal effects were no longer there; only the random assortments purchased during her impulsive shopping sprees remained.


    Surveying each piece, As he looked at each item, he could picture her expression while choosing them and the way she looked at him.


    He was ensnared in these memories for a full two hours, until the sharp ring of Gerard''s call pierced through


    his reverie.


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    Chapter 120 You Don''t Measure Up To Her Standards


    Startled by his own sentimentality, he abruptly vacated the room, his face a mask of unease tinged with frustration, his ego refusing to bepromised.


    What on earth was he doing? A divorce was just that¡ªa divorce, no reason to treat it like the end of the world. She possessed no virtues, her only talent being her uncanny ability to provoke his ire.


    Dispelling the lingering clouds of his frustration, he finally answered Gerard''s persistent call, his phone pressed against his ear.


    The vi was awash in brilliant light, as if mocking the darkness of night, yet there


    Kristian stood, a lone figure on the second-floor corridor, enveloped by a profound istion that seemed to detach him entirely from the world outside.


    "Mr. Shaw?" Gerard called out once more, his voice echoing slightly, a testament


    to the unsettling quiet on the other end of the line.


    Kristian''s eyes were fixed on the sofa downstairs, lost in a vision of Freya


    lounging there, engrossed in her favorite TV dramas.


    When Gerard''s voice sliced through his reverie once again, Kristian''s reply came through cold and detached. "Yes, what is it?"


    Taking a deep breath, Gerard steeled himself-mindful of the generous paycheck that necessitated such patience and said, "Regarding the incident you asked me


    to look into, the assault on Ms. Briggs by several men..."


    Kristian cut him off before he could borate further, his voice icy. "Let''s talk about it tomorrow. Head over here now."


    "To where exactly?" Gerard inquired, a note of hesitance in his tone.


    "My home." Kristian''s crisp directive came.


    "Now?"


    "Yes, now," Kristian said firmly, making it clear he wouldn''t entertain objections.


    Gerard knew better than to challenge themand.


    As Kristian''s assistant, his life was essentially dictated by his boss''s whims, save for those rare days off. Though he craved more freedom, the promise of big paychecks and generous bonuses held him back. Merely thirty minutester, Gerard arrived, dressed in his customary sharp suit and sses.


    Before he could even ask why he had been summoned, Kristian, perched nonchntly on the sofa, waved dismissively and said with a detached air, "Head down to the wine cer and bring up a selection of bottles." "Wine?" Gerard blinked in confusion, wondering if he had heard correctly.


    With a piercing nce from Kristian, Gerard quicklyplied, descending into the cer to retrieve the wine. What followed was a silent ordeal, with Kristian wordlesslypelling him to down ss after ss.


    By the time they cracked open the third bottle, Gerard was visibly struggling, the room beginning to spin.


    Kristian, well aware of his assistant''s limited tolerance, watched as Gerard teetered on the edge of inebriation.


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    Once he saw that Gerard had reached his limit, Kristian reclined deeper into the sofa, his eyes unusually expressive. "Gerard."


    "Yes..." Gerard''s voice trailed off as he copsed onto the sofa, his consciousness slipping away.


    "Why do you think Freya was so adamant about the divorce?" Kristian''s voice grew heavy, his eyes shadowed by the stirrings of alcohol-fueled introspection. "Ivished her with everything she desired."


    At the mention of his idol, Gerard jerked upright, his cheeks flushed and his speech thick with alcohol. "It''s because she thinks you don''t measure up to her standards!"


    Kristian''s gaze sharpened.


    "You may be wealthy, attractive, and physically fit, but she is seeking a deeper emotional bond," Gerard muttered, his loyalty to Freya clouding his thoughts. "With a philistine nature, you''re just not in her league!"


    "Is that so?" Kristian''s voice grew colder, an icy edge creeping in.


    Gerard shivered but his resolve did not falter. "Yes, absolutely."


    "Then tell me who do you think has caught her eye?" Kristian probed, his gaze prating, as though trying to unearth secrets buried deep within Gerard''s words.


    If Gerard had been sober, caution would have been his shield.


    The trouble was, his drunken state left no room for prudence. "I believe... Mr. Trent Seymour," he blurted out, his tongue loose from the wine.


    Kristian''s hold on his wine ss grew chillingly tight.


    Oblivious to the looming storm, Gerard continued, "Mr. Seymour-he''s always so gentle and patient with Ms Briggs, always eager to see things from her angle. That, I think, is the very essence of true love."


    Kristian remained silent, his response frozen in the cool air. He rose, setting his wine ss on the table with a soft clink, casting a final, indifferent nce at the figure sprawled on the sofa.


    Seizing the only nket from the sofa, Kristian ascended the stairs with a dismissive, frosty air, leaving Gerard behind without a second look.


    Come morning, Gerard awoke, curled up on the sofa, the chill of the room biting


    at his skin.


    Struggling to piece together the fragmented memories of the night before, his mind drew a nk after he drank with Kristian


    What exactly had transpired? And why was he waking here, in this unweing chill?


    "Wake up already, and clean yourself up," Kristian instructed briskly, standing near him dressed impably in a tailored ck suit, his frigid aura sharper than ever. "After you''re done,e and report what you discoveredst night.


    Gerard sat up, dazed and confused.


    As he sshed cold water on his face, Gerard''s mind spun relentlessly, searching


    for any clue about how he had possibly angered Kristian.


    Sure, Kristian was notoriously aloof and hard to please, but he''d never made Gerard sleep on the sofa before-


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    Once he''d finished freshening up, Gerard approached cautiously and spoke up.


    "Did I do something wrong?"


    "No," Kristian answered curtly, his attention fully devoted to his breakfast, an indifferent chill radiating from


    him.


    Gerard hesitated, awkwardly gripping a ss of milk. "You sure?¡±


    "No," Kristian repeated tly, lifting his eyes with icy calmness. Then he ruthlessly


    added, "You only said that I don''t measure up to Freya''s standards."


    Gerard went rigid, his entire body frozen mid-motion.


    "And you also said I have a philistine nature," Kristian concluded coldly.


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 Chapter 121

    Chapter 121 Freya''s Capable Assistant-


    "Sir, this must be a misunderstanding," Gerard pleaded, his stomach knotting with dread for the difficult days looming ahead. "I truly believe you and Ms. Briggs belong together-a perfect match."


    Kristian deliberately set down his fork, ncing up from his breakfast with measured calm. "Yet you suggested Trent would suit her better, didn''t you?"


    Gerard stood frozen in shock.


    What foolish remarks had spilled from his lips duringst night''s drinking session, and how had Trent be entangled in this mess?


    "Since you hold him in such high regard, you can work for him starting today," Kristian announced, dabbing his mouth with elegant precision as he finished his meal. "Someone as unremarkable as myself clearly doesn''t merit your exceptional talents."


    "I-I waspletely wrong," Gerard stammered, panic rising in his chest. ¡°You can''t possibly take seriously the nonsense I babble when intoxicated. I swear, in my heart, you are way better than Mr. Seymour."


    Kristian rose from his chair with deliberate slowness. "Do you mean that?"


    "Absolutely!"


    "And why should I believe anything you say now?" Kristian challenged.


    Gerard dered desperately, ¡°If I speak even one false word, may I be immediately terminated from Shaw Group and left with nothing to my name."


    "Well then, consider yourself fired," Kristian replied coolly.


    "Please don''t!" Gerard felt his world crumbling around him.


    If only he had resisted drinking with Kristian!


    Kristian observed Gerard trailing behind before unexpectedly calling out, ¡°Aren''t youing? Do you genuinely wish to be terminated?"


    Gerard blinked in confusion before his shoulders sagged with relief. ¡°I''m right behind you."


    Together they departed the vi, Gerard sliding behind the wheel while continually monitoring Kristian"s expression in the rearview mirror.


    "Recap what you discoveredst night," Kristian instructed from the back seat, his tone unchanged.


    "The individuals who attacked Ms. Briggs were definitely hired hands, but they''vepletely vanished without leaving any trace," Gerard answered, his demeanor shifting to professional seriousness. "I considered asking Ms.


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    Briggs if she could recall their physical appearances.


    "Wasn''t the area under surveince?" Kristian inquired.


    "The cameras appeared to malfunction during that precise timeframe-there''s no footage avable," Gerard


    exined as he navigated the morning traffic.


    Kristian''s brow furrowed in contemtion.


    After a thoughtful pause, he said, "You go ahead and handlepany matters. I''ll personally question her."


    "Understood." Gerard immediately grasped the situation, recognizing Kristian merely sought an excuse to spend time alone with Freya.


    He surrendered the vehicle to Kristian and made his way to work via subway.


    Kristian drove directly to Freya''s apartment only to discover she had vacated the premises the previous day. The property was already being advertised online.


    In a moment of rity, he recalled seeing Freya depart with Trent just yesterday.


    His mind raced through countless possibilities in that instant.


    Without hesitation, he steered toward the vi he had gifted to Freya.


    If she wasn''t there, it meant she had left Jeucwell with Trent.


    Should that prove true, he would definitely journey to Alerith to demand why she had departed without a word to him!


    *Meanwhile, Freya had just returned to Alerith and had rested for a single night.


    She was preparing to inform her assistant that she needed additional time before resuming work when he materialized at her doorstep.


    In her private living room stood a tall man with youthful features, an air of cool detachment.


    His striking handsomeness was enhanced by his immacte appearance and remarkably smoothplexion.


    Despite being well into his twenties, he retained a distinct boyish charm. Standing beside Frederick, anyone would assume they shared the same age.


    "Couldn''t you grant me a few more days of rest?" Freya asked, her tousled hair revealing she hadn''t fully awakened yet.


    Her assistant, Melvin Swain, impably dressed in a tailored suit and radiating cool professionalism, responded tly, "No, you''ve already enjoyed a two-year hiatus."


    Freya opened her mouth to protest when her phone vibrated against the table. Seeing Frederick''s name on the screen, she epted the call.


    "Freya! This is incredible!" Frederick''s voice overflowed with unbridled enthusiasm. "Is that rare supercar in the vi actually intended for me?"


    It was an exclusive limited edition, after all.


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    He had longed to purchase one for years but couldn''t secure a reservation due to


    its scarcity.


    Freya truly was the best!


    "Yes," Freya replied with casual indifference toward automotive luxuries. "You''ll need to decide whether to


    keep it in Jeucwell or have it transported back to Alerith."


    "Freya, I can''t thank you enough!" Frederick''s voice bubbled with unbridled enthusiasm.


    "If you truly want to express gratitude, convince Melvin to leave my ce," Freya suggested, ncing at her assistant with resigned helplessness. ¡°Perhaps persuade him to take another month of vacation."


    Frederick responded simply, "Goodbye."


    This was Melvin, after all-Freya''s


    most dependable right-hand man.


    When she preferred not to work, he seamlessly managed everything withoutint.


    However, anyone attempting to interfere with her professional responsibilities would face his merciless removal.


    Freya exhaled deeply, realizing she had no allies in this situation.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs,¡± Melvin interjected again, his expression unwavering.


    "Fine, I surrender," Freya conceded. "But let me establish one condition-I can only remain at thepany for two or three days. Afterward, I must attend to matters at Briggs Group, and you cannot prevent me."


    "I''ve already arranged for your preferred bed and sofa to be installed in your office lounge," Melvin continued with professional detachment. "You need only rest in the lounge while I handle the operational demands."


    Freya considered thispromise. "One week, maximum."


    "You''re wee to bring Briggs Group assignments to ourpany," Melvin suggested, demonstrating his intimate understanding of Freya''s preferences. "Briggs Group certainly won''t provide suchfortable amodations or an assistant capable of resolving problems on your behalf."


    "Melvin, I..." Freya began to protest.


    "I can manage Briggs Group responsibilities for you as well," Melvin offered smoothly.


    Freya swallowed her prepared objections.


    Such exceptional assistant talents shouldn''t go unutilized.


    "Fine," she agreed with resignation. "I''ll follow your rmendation."


    Since Melvin had be her assistant, her workload had diminished dramatically, eventually approaching nearly nothing.


    She had even contemted transferringpany ownership to him, allowing herself to collect dividends without any professional obligations.


    Yet he had firmly declined this arrangement.


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    Chacties IT Press Capable start


    While Fress sacred her post-doce liberation, Kristian''s world was crumbing


    around him.


    Upon arriving at the vi he had pitted to Freya, he observed a young man in casual attire emerging from the greage, dunching a set of keys with evident satisfaction


    Fear has position, Kristian couldn''t distinguish the young man''s facial features clearly


    Nevertheless, he determined that in bearing appearance, and physis build, this man embodied the


    quintessential pretty boy archetype


    Instantly, a disturbing thought shed through Kristian''s mind.


    Could this be the Charlie, the one who reportedly shared Freya''s bed?


    The mere possibility ignited uncontroble jealousy within Kristian


    Barely divorced and already entertaining visitors-wasn''t that excessively precipitous?


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    Chapter 122 Individuals Of Lesser Importance


    Kristian strode over with purposeful steps, his confidence evident in every movement.


    Frederick jumped when he spotted Kristian, his pulse quickening instantly. "Mr... Mr. Shaw..."


    "You recognize me?" Kristian lingered at the threshold, radiating an intimidating coolness that filled the space with his authority.


    A flicker of recognition crossed Kristian''s mind as he studied Frederick''s features, sensing they''d crossed paths before.


    "Who in this city doesn''t know the president of Shaw Group?" Frederick nervously ran fingers through his hair, feeling vulnerable without Freya nearby. "What brings you here?"


    "Where''s Freya?"


    Kristian cut to the chase, unwilling to spend time on someone he deemed insignificant.


    Remembering Freya''s instructions, Frederick answered honestly, "She returned to Alerith with Trent."


    The revtion caught Kristian off guard.


    How had this development escaped his notice?


    And more tellingly, this stranger seemed to be quite close to Freya.


    "Do you and Freya share a close rtionship?" Kristian''s eyes narrowed.


    "We''ve known each other since elementary school," Frederick replied candidly, as Freya had mentioned her identity no longer mattered after finalizing the divorce. "Why do you ask?"


    Kristian felt increasingly distant from understanding who Freya truly was. "When exactly did she leave with Trent?"


    "Yesterday. Weren''t you informed?"


    Frederick''s expression puzzled as he continued, "She headed straight to the airport with Trent afterpleting the divorce proceedings."


    Kristian''s expression darkened dramatically. Freya was really something, huh? She had indeed vanished without so much as a goodbye.


    "If there''s nothing else, I really should get inside..." Frederick struggled under the weight of the tension


    between them.


    Though Kristian initially nned to dismiss him, he noticed the car keys clutched in Frederick''s hand as the


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    Chapter 122 Individuals Of Lesser Importance


    man turned to leave. After thorough questioning, he discovered Freya had not only gifted this young man her fancy cat but also allowed him to upy the vi.


    Kristian was furious.


    With emotions churning inside him, he drove back to his family home.


    This time, Kristian disregarded the butler''s protests, fully aware they were merely excuses fabricated by his


    grandfather, who preferred avoiding him.


    Upon entering, he found Lionel absorbed in a solitary chess match. Noticing Kristian''s arrival, Lionel pretended not to see him and deliberately continued his game,pletely ignoring his grandson''s presence.


    Kristian settled into the seat across from him, his voiceden with tension as he inquired, "Freya once mentioned you know her family''s residence."


    ¡°Don''t you possess that information as well?¡± Lionel continued moving chess pieces.


    Kristian furrowed his brow in confusion. What was he supposed to know?


    "Didn''t you encounter her father and younger sister during yourst visit to Alerith?¡± Lionel nced up, his tone heavy with implication.


    Kristian instinctively began to deny it. "I never..."


    He suddenly halted mid-sentence. Freya''s father and younger sister?


    The faces of Hugh and Ethel suddenly materialized in his thoughts.


    "Are you suggesting Freya is indeed Hugh Briggs'' daughter?" Kristian found the conclusion preposterous.


    How could Freya possibly be connected to Hugh? Hadn''t Hugh explicitly told him that he had only one daughter?


    As these thoughts swirled, Kristian''s attention returned to his grandfather. He posed the most critical question, "When did you discover this?"


    "Why this interrogation?" Lionel showed no intention of revealing anything, regarding him with contempt. "Remember that you two are now divorced. Whatever Freya''s background might be, it no longer concerns you." For the first time in his life, Kristian''s mind descended intoplete disarray.


    If Freya truly was a member of the Briggs family, it meant Hugh and Ethel had deliberately deceived him at the hospital.


    He''d always wondered why Ethel showed such affection toward Freya, supposedly just an ordinary bodyguard. "What are you going to do?" Lionel called out as Kristian rose to leave.


    "I''m going to discover why she concealed the truth from me," Kristian replied with determination, standing and dialing her number immediately.


    He yearned to hear her exnation firsthand.


    However, upon dialing, he encountered only an automated message indicating the phone was powered off.


    A wave of unease washed over Kristian. After ending the call, he dispatched a message to Freya via a chat app,


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    Chapter 122 Individuals Of Lesser Importance


    only to receive a prompt notification: "Message sent but rejected by the recipient."


    He attempted several alternative methods ofmunication, each yielding identical results.


    The realization dawned on him-Freya had deliberately blocked his contact.


    This awareness ignited a surge of indignation within him. He pivoted back toward Lionel and requested his


    phone.


    Lionel intuited the situation but chose not to expose Kristian''s intentions, silently handing over his device.


    This time, the connection went through.


    After several rings, Freya''s voice emerged unchanged from before. "Hello, Lionel."


    "It''s Kristian," he announced, carefully restraining his anger while emphasizing each syble.


    Freya paused momentarily before responding withposure, "What do you want?"


    Kristian seethed, longing to confront her face-to-face and express his outrage. "Two years of marriage, and I remained oblivious that my wife was the daughter of Hugh Briggs."


    "I told you, but you dismissed my words," Freya replied with striking nonchnce.


    Kristian found himself speechless. Who would have believed such statements in that particr context?


    "Where are you currently?"


    "In Alerith," Freya admitted without hesitation.


    Kristian felt his anger threatening to erupt.


    Of course he knew she was in Alerith.


    Taking several measured breaths, he attempted to address her with forcedposure, "We need to talk. Provide me with your address."


    "Meeting my boss requires scheduling an appointment, sir," Melvin interjected through the phone''s speaker, his tone crisp and professional. "She''s upied and cannot amodate individuals of lesser importance."


    Kristian found himself at a loss for words.


    Freya cleared her throat delicately before noting, "Melvin, are you aware of who


    this caller is?"


    "I don''t know, but regardless of identity, anyone deemed insignificant must schedule an appointment to see you," Melvin responded with earnest conviction. Freya couldn''t suppress a lightugh.


    Melvin consistently managed to irritate others with his unwavering seriousness. Their exchange reached Kristian''s ears, and hearing Freya happily talking to another man stirred a flicker of jealousy within him.


    And how dare that man refer to him as "individuals of lesser importance"?


    "Mr. Shaw, you''ve heard my assistant''s position, correct?" Freya reclinedfortably in her car seat, exuding casual indifference. "If you have matters to discuss, arrange an appointment properly. I have pressing


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    Chapter 122 Individuals Of Lesser Importance


    obligations, so I''ll end this call now."


    With that deration, Freya terminated the connection and immediately switched


    her phone to silent mode.


    Just as shepleted this adjustment, a message appeared on screen. "Remove


    me from your block list."


    Freya dismissed the notification with a single swipe, disregarded its


    entirely, and set her phone aside


    before closing her eyes to resume her rest.


    "Ms. Briggs," Melvin ventured.


    Freya acknowledged with a soft murmur, her eyes remaining shut.


    "If I heard you correctly, you referred to him as Mr. Shaw just now?" Melvin had


    keenly detected the significant detail.


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 Chapter 123

    Chapter 123 Visiting Briggs Group


    "Yeah? What''s going on?" Freya asked, her tone light, like the conversation was just a breeze blowing by.


    "You haven''t returned to work for two years and kept extending my time off. Is it because you married him?" Melvin contemted the recent phone call and the cascade of events that had unfoldedtely.


    Freya acknowledged it without hesitation. "Yes."


    Melvin posed one final question, his voice steady. "Is his name Kristian Shaw?"


    Freya''s eyebrow arched in surprise at his unexpected knowledge. "Yes."


    Little did Freya realize that her dedicated assistant had already cklisted Kristian from their professional sphere.


    Melvin vividly recalled Gerardmenting countless times about Kristian''s abysmal leadership. In his mind, if someone failed so terribly as a superior, they must surely fail as a husband too. No wonder Freya had severed her marriage to Kristian.


    Good riddance indeed!


    "What''s brewing behind that inquisitive expression?" Freya inquired, reading her assistant''s face with practiced


    ease.


    "You should concentrate on steering thepany smoothly from now on," Melvin advised earnestly, his tone unexpectedly formal and devoid of humor. "Don''t venture into marriage again."


    "Noted," Freya responded casually.


    Throughout their journey, Freya rested in the backseat while Melvin mapped out the day''s agenda in his mind. Thirty minutester, they pulled up at Anita International Group headquarters.


    Freya had christened thepany after her mother. Despite being merely four years old, the business had flourished remarkably.


    "Holy cow! Is that Ms. Briggs?"


    "And Melvin Swain?"


    "Am I hallucinating? She actually graced us with her presence?"


    "Persistence pays dividends. Melvin has been counting down to this moment, and atst, she has returned." Exmations erupted from staff members the instant the two stepped through the doors.


    0.0%


    Cher 127 Wing Briggs Cros


    Freys and Men took the executive lerance Mailling over the reactions, Freya nced sideways at him. "What exactly have you been doing these past two years? They sound like I abandoned them at sea


    They simply missed your presence tremendously. Melvin rep, maintaining an impassive expression


    Freya shot him a doubth look


    She struggled to ept that exnation


    After exiting the elevator, Mehrin escorted her to her office. Upon discovering it immacte and arranged


    precisely as it had been two years price, Freya hesitated at the threshold


    She marveled at Men''s attentiveness, a ware of appreciation washing over her.


    "These documents require your signature. I''ve thoroughly vetted them, everything appears in order," Melvin exined, presenting her with a neatly organized stack. "Sign these first, and I''ll prepare the aromatherapy in the lounge."


    That won''t be necessary." Freya balted him with a gentle gesture.


    Melvin frore mid-step.


    Preya rified, I''ve been essentially idle for two years, and my sleep quality has improved significantly. The aromatherapy isn''t needed anymore."


    Hearing this, Melvin felt a weight lift from his shoulders.


    He poured Freya a steaming cup of coffee, suggesting sheplete the signatures and then retire to the lounge While he handled the remaining matters.


    But rxation eluded Freya. Just as she finalized thest document, her phone vibrated with a call from Hugh


    She maintained her characteristic detachment, disying minimal enthusiasm for prolonging their conversation. "What is it?


    "Trent informed me you''ve returned to Alerith" Hugh spoke delicately, treading carefully to avoid further damaging their fragile rtionship. "If your schedule permits, visit thepany today. Didn''t you express interest in an investment advisor position?


    Freya instinctively nced at Melvin, weighing her options carefully. After a moment''s contemtion, she nodded. "Okay."


    She would need to face this situation eventually, addressing it promptly seemed the wiser choice.


    Hugh''s voice brightened with unmistakable relief. "I''ll be waiting at thepany. Just let me know when you arrive."


    Freya responded with a simple, "Alright."


    After ending the call, she briefed Melvin on her ns.


    He efficiently distributed the freshly signed documents before personally escorting her to Briggs Group office.


    The clock had already struck half-past ten when they pulled up to the imposing building.


    Upon receiving word of Freya''s arrival, Hugh hastened to greet her at the entrance, ushering her directly to his


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    Chapter 123 Visiting Briggs Group


    executive office.


    Freya harbored no intention of lingering. Her agenda was precise-secure the investment advisor position, sign the necessary paperwork, and depart


    "Mina!" Hugh called out as she turned to leave.


    Freya halted mid-stride.


    "One more thing." Hugh continued, retrieving an elegantly designed invitation card from his desk drawer "Lionel Shaw is celebrating his 80th birthday and extended an invitation to us. Should we attend?"


    From a purely business perspective, their presence would be expected. Declining might trigger spection and unnecessaryplications.


    However, considering Mina''s intricate history with the Shaw family... if she


    preferred to abstain, Hugh would respect her decision.


    "Let''s go," Freya dered with unexpected firmness,


    "Are you certain?" Hugh''s brow furrowed with concern. "Given your divorce from Kristian, won''t your presence potentially create tension?"


    "I''ll be attending as Briggs Group''s representative, not as Freya," she exined, her tone measured. Though not particrly fond of Hugh, she saw no reason to leave him anxious. "Besides, he holds no power over me anymore."


    "Very well," Hugh replied, visibly reassured. "We''ll attend together."


    (Freya pressed her lips together, ultimately choosing silence over furtherment.


    Despite Hugh''s invitation to join him for lunch, Freya declined politely.


    Departing with the signed contract in hand, she contemted a pending project requiring discussion with Shaw Group. She decided to visit her cousin, the president of Briggs Group, whose office was located on a lower floor. As she navigated past the nning department, a heated exchange captured her attention.


    "You''ve spent an entire week on a basic proposal withoutpletion. If this exceeds your capabilities, perhaps employment elsewhere would be appropriate!"


    "You''re being unreasonable. I haven''t received proper training for these tasks. How am I expected to perform thempetently?"


    "Why didn''t you request assistance if you were uncertain?"


    "I simply cannotplete it. If urgency is a factor, perhaps reassign it to someone


    else."


    ¡°I''m prepared to terminate your employment immediately. Do you doubt my authority?"


    "Fire me?" The young woman''sughter rang with disdain, her expression radiating contempt. "Do you possess such authority? Are you aware of my connections?"


    Initially, Freya had resolved not to intervene in departmental matters.


    However, witnessing such tant exploitation of personal connections within thepany Sonited


    Charter 123 Visting Briggs Grove


    indignation Briggs Group represented more than Hugh''s enterprise-it embodied her mother''s passionate


    Jegacy


    Had she not witnessed this exchange personally, she might have remained unaware. But now, she couldn''t


    allow such parasitic behavior to continue unchecked


    "I find myself exceedingly curious about these connections you reference," Freya stated coolly, contract in hand. Her business attire entuated her tall frame,


    made even more imposing her elegant heels.


    Her unexpected presence caused every employee in the nning department to freeze, instinctively recognizing her as someone of significant authority


    Who is she? She''s absolutely striking


    "Suchmanding presence! I''d value her friendship."


    "What now? Our president suddenly seems diminished beside her. Her aura and appearance are truly formidable.


    "Who are you? The arrogant young woman frowned, assessing Freya with narrowed eyes. "How does our departmental business concern you?"


    She intended to maintain her haughty demeanor, but recalled her mother''s warning against arrogant behavior in the workce, particrly avoiding any negative impressions on Hugh.


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    Chapter 124 You''re Fired


    When did she start working here?" hreys asked, her tone even, though her eyes fingered on the team leader who''d recently dressed down the bussh young


    woman


    The team leader, momentarily distracted, answered without verifying Freya''s identity. "From July."


    T''d like to ess the list of her assignments from the past couple of months," Freya said, her voice steady but firm.


    Without hesitation, the team leader pulled up a folder on the desktop


    Assuming Freys we ons of the new high level hires from the Briggs Group, she began detailing, "These are all the propoests she''s submitted sincs onboarding" "Only twoY"


    "Thres, if you count the one she''s still working on," the team leader said, sounding drained. When the chairman''s secretary had ced this female employee in their department and asked her to mentor her, she had genuinely tried


    But it proved impossible like attempting to fashion silk from straw. The employee not onlycked knowledge but actively resisted learning


    (That was why, when she failed to submit today''s required proposal, the team leader had finally lost her temper.


    Freys reserved judgment. She opened one of the proposals and, upon examining its contents, couldn''t suppress


    How could anyone consider such work eptable?


    Even university interns, with minimal guidance, produced superior results.


    To ensure fairness before making usations, Freya inquired about the young woman''s sry. Upon hearing the figure twenty thousand dors monthly-Freya felt inclined to dismiss whoever had hired this girl as well.


    Even a fraction of thatpensation seemed excessive.


    "You''re fired. Go to the finance department and settle your sry." Freya didn''t waste words on someone so undeserving


    The team leader froze in shock


    So did everyone else.


    They stared at Freya with wide eyes, clearly surprised by her decisive action.


    "Is she really fired?" The team leader''s voice carried both relief and concern. "I believe someone influential supports Vienen Garza"


    Freja remained unmoved. "She''s fired."


    Thepany had no ce for the ipetent.


    "You''re merely an investment advisor. How dare you terminate my employment?" Vivien Garza spotted the contract in Freya''s hand with "Investment Advisor" emzoned on its cover. "When my father discovers this,


    I''ll ensure you can''t remain here."


    Freya''s lips curved into a genuine smile.


    She found herself curious about Vivien''s father-the man who had introduced such chaos into Briggs Group.


    "Invite him over," Freya suggested, wondering what position Vivien''s father held. "I''ll await him in conference room three."


    "Just wait!" Vivien hurled the threat before storming off.


    Though her mother had warned against troubling Hugh unnecessarily, this situation hade to her doorstep. She nned to appear pitiful, shed a few tears, and she was certain Hugh would undoubtedly defend her.


    Watching this unfold, the team leader grew uneasy. She worried Freya might mishandle the situation and create problems for herself.


    "Focus on your responsibilities. I''ll address this matter," Freya assured them before departing.


    She intended to wait in the conference room but, noting the president''s office upied the same floor, decided to consult her cousin first for better context.


    At the door, she knocked and entered after receiving permission.


    n Briggs worked diligently at his desk and asked without looking up, "What is


    it?"


    "Have you hired any management staff with the surname Garza in the past two years?¡± Freya closed the door behind her, posing the question conversationally. Two years ago, no management personnel with that surname had existed within thepany.


    Her inquiry caused n to halt mid-sentence.


    His pen froze over the document as he nced up sharply, disbelief transforming into recognition. His eyes widened with surprise and delight. "Mina!"


    "Hi there, n,¡± Freya smiled gently at him.


    "You mischievous girl! Where have you been these past two years?" n rose from his desk and embraced her, genuine affection warming his voice. "It''s one thing to explore and enjoy yourself, but you left the entirepany for me to manage, robbing me of any chance for romance."


    "I simply went to explore Jeucwell," Freya replied, rxing into the familiarfort of family.


    n released her and yfully tapped her forehead. "You naughty girl!"


    Freya rubbed the spot where he''d touched, feigning injury.


    Though two years had psed, for adults, time moves with remarkable swiftness- two years had vanished like


    moments.


    They exchanged warm updates about their lives for several minutes, easing back into their familiar rapport.


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    Chapter 124 You''re Fired


    Eventually, n''s expression shifted as a memory surfaced. "By the way, didn''t you ask me something when you first walked in?"


    "Is there any senior executive with the surname Garza working in thepany?"


    "Garza?" n''s brow furrowed in concentration. "I don''t believe so."


    "Really?" Confusion flickered across freya''s features. Perhaps Vivien had adepted her mother''s surname instead?


    "Really." n nodded, concern creeping into his eyes. "Why do you ask?"


    "Nothing significant. I''m about to terminate someone''s employment. You wouldn''t interfere with that decision, would you?" Freya raised an eyebrow teasingly.


    "I always follow your lead. Do you imagine I''d stand in your way?" n flicked her forehead again, the gesture affectionate.


    No matter her age, she remained that clever little girl in his eyes.


    Comforted by his support, Freya promised to returnter and departed to wait in the conference room.


    After her exit, n puzzled over the executive with the surname Garza.


    Suddenly, recognition dawned on him.


    Oh no! Could Mina have encountered that person?


    The possibility elerated his heartbeat. Freya''s rtionship with her father already carried tension, and if she discovered this particr matter, wouldn''t it create an irreparable divide?


    As n contemted the situation, his thoughts spun into disorder.


    He considered intervening but feared encountering Freya while she was upset.


    Her temper, when provoked, could be formidable.


    In the end, he decided against action. It was better to observe from a distance


    and allow Hugh to weather the initial confrontation.


    Meanwhile, Freya waited patiently in the meeting room.


    As noon approached,motion erupted outside the door, followed by Vivien''s dramatic voice. "Dad, the person who wants to fire me is inside. She specifically requested your presence."


    Hugh froze momentarily.


    She called him dad?


    He frowned, hesitated briefly, but maintained his silence.


    In many ways, he had indeed functioned as a father figure to Vivien.


    Typically, he avoided involvement in such matters. Throughout childhood, neither Freya nor Ethel had required his intervention-Freya had always protected her younger sister.


    This marked the first such request, and it struck him as unusual.


    Despite his conflicted feelings, Hugh preserved his authoritative demeanor befitting thepany chairman. He


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    Chapter 124 You''re Fired


    resolved to approach whoever waited inside with measured diplomacy.


    Viviencked professional experience, and her mother had wished for her development, which exined her cement in the nning department. Surely, Hugh reasoned, anyone would respect his position and seekpromise rather than dismissal.


    Vivien cast a confident nce his way before pushing open the meeting room door, already savoring Freya''s imminent humiliation.


    As the door swung wide, Freya lifted her gaze from the contract she''d been


    reviewing.


    Hugh sought to identify who had challenged Vivien''s position, while Freya intended to discover who had permitted Vivien''s infiltration into thepany''s


    ranks.


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    Chapter 125 He'' Trusted


    Her


    Vivien made her entrance first, her eyes fixed on Freya, brimming with a disdain she could scarcely hide.


    She cracked the door open and called out to Hugh, "Dad, it''s her."


    No sooner had she uttered the words than Hugh appeared in the doorway.


    His eyes met Freya''s, and in that moment, his thoughts spiraled. What the hell should he do now?


    How could it be Freya? What had Vivien done to provoke her?


    "This man-he''s your father?" Freya''s voice cut through his thoughts, her fingers tightening around the edge of the contract, though her expression gave nothing away.


    Hugh opened his mouth to respond, but a piercing nce from Freya silenced him.


    In her eyes, he saw the same cold detachment that had marked his first disagreement with her.


    Unaware of the undercurrents, Vivien chimed in, "Yes, that''s him."


    "And what role does Mr. Garza y at Briggs Group?¡± Freya treated him like a stranger.


    Hugh tensed, a surge of realization washing over him that Mina harbored deep- seated animosity. "Myst name is Briggs, not Garza," he dered, his voice edged with panic, dominated by the single thought that her daughter was furious.


    He also discerned that Freya''s deliberate reference to "Mr. Garza" signaled her intent to cut all personal connections with him.


    Now, he had only one course of action-respond to her queries sinctly, careful not to utter anything unnecessary that might provoke her wrath.


    "You don''t even recognize my father?" Vivien was dumbfounded, though she moderated her voice to sound less confrontational in Hugh''s presence. "He''s the chairman of thepany."


    The mention of "father" stirred something in Freya, yet she masked her emotions adeptly. "Is that so?"


    "Vivien, I haven''t married your mom yet, so it''s prudent to address me as Mr. Briggs for the time being," Hugh exined, perceptive of Freya''s minute reaction. Vivien''s cheeks turned a shade of crimson, embarrassment flooding her features.


    Realizing her overstep, she stammered, "Okay, Mr. Briggs."


    "Briggs Group prides itself on recognizing hard work and talent. It doesn''t matter to me if he''s your father;ckingpetence means you should depart," Freya stated candidly, her tone sharp. "We have no room for


    0.0%


    exoter''s cheeks famed with embarrassment from the sharp scolding.


    The presenter of high her usual retorts were swallowed back, haunted by the fear that her meticulously


    mantan Sede the bedient gri might crumble.


    Seaney he timer softly his emotions a tangled mess. "Vivien, please step outside.


    I need a moment to s with But gritty


    With at less departed


    She made in atempt to linger or eavesdrop; rather, she returned to her desk,


    resuming her work as though the nodent hadn''t affected her


    Per colleagues sensing the tension, held their breaths and subtly retreated, giving her space.


    They had all writessed the scene


    Toten had seen seen entering the third meeting room with the chairman!


    Good heavens. Vien''s protector is the chairman himself?"


    This is the end for that poor woman, isn''t it? I overheard Vivien mention she''s an investment advisor."


    Hoge she''s fHET


    This mess is my fault. If Mr. Briggs intends to discipline that woman, I''lle forward and set the record Forage" dedimes the team leader, her hands slick with nervous sweat. She hadn''t anticipated that Vivien''s


    Connections were so formidable


    Sespite her reluctance to walk away from the lucrative sry and perks at Briggs Group, she was adamant about not leding anyone else take the me.


    den died out their endless discussions, disinterested.


    She had suramoned Rugh not solely to confront that conceited woman but also to demonstrate her support secure to everyone present All day long, they relentlessly heaped work upon her. Did they truly believe she where to perform my real work?


    in dark conner to the bustling noise outside, the meeting room felt like a breath of stillness.


    thugs perched to fray''s right, his demeanor flustered and guilty, akin to a child caught in mischief.


    na''s not what you''re thinking Hugh hurried to rify, eager to prevent any further misconceptions. "She weaving trouble finding work, and her mother was getting anxious, so I mentioned Briggs Group. That''s all there we to to Goritism behind it."


    Masks those three lousy proposals one unfinished, two not even close to qualified-and she still gets twenty Moved & month, tres dered crisply "Would you not deem that favoritism?"


    kety in all over his face, Hugh nervously twisted his fingers.


    HA SAA 16 eveal that his rtionship with Vivien''s mother effectively made him her stepfather, which in


    Chapter 125 He Trusted Her


    the ineffectual here."


    "Mr. Briggs..." Vivien''s cheeks med with embarrassment from the sharp scolding.


    In the presence of Hugh, her usual retorts were swallowed back, haunted by the fear that her meticulously maintained facade as the obedient girl might crumble.


    Hugh cleared his throat softly, his emotions a tangled mess. "Vivien, please step outside. I need a moment to


    speak with her privately."


    "Understood."


    With that, Vivien departed.


    She made no attempt to linger or eavesdrop; rather, she returned to her desk, resuming her work as though the incident hadn''t affected her.


    Her colleagues, sensing the tension, held their breaths and subtly retreated, giving her space.


    They had all witnessed the scene.


    Vivien had been seen entering the third meeting room with the chairman!


    "Good heavens... Vivien''s protector is the chairman himself?"


    "This is the end for that poor woman, isn''t it? I overheard Vivien mention she''s an investment advisor."


    "I hope she''s fine!"


    "This mess is my fault. If Mr. Briggs intends to discipline that woman, I''lle forward and set the record straight," dered the team leader, her hands slick with nervous sweat. She hadn''t anticipated that Vivien''s connections were so formidable.


    Despite her reluctance to walk away from the lucrative sry and perks at Briggs Group, she was adamant about not letting anyone else take the me.


    Vivien tuned out their endless discussions, disinterested.


    She had summoned Hugh not solely to confront that conceited woman but also to demonstrate her supportwork to everyone present. All day long, they relentlessly heaped work upon her. Did they truly believe she was here to perform any real work?


    In stark contrast to the bustling noise outside, the meeting room felt like a breath of stillness.


    Hugh perched to Freya''s right, his demeanor flustered and guilty, akin to a child caught in mischief.


    "Mina, it''s not what you''re thinking." Hugh hurried to rify, eager to prevent any further misconceptions. "She was having trouble finding work, and her mother was getting anxious, so I mentioned Briggs Group. That''s all there was to it-no favoritism behind it."


    "Look at those three lousy proposals-one unfinished, two not even close to qualified¡ªand she still gets twenty thousand a month," Freya dered crisply. "Would you not deem that favoritism?"


    Anxiety written all over his face, Hugh nervously twisted his fingers.


    He hesitated to reveal that his rtionship with Vivien''s mother effectively made


    him her stepfather, which in


    29.0%


    his eyes justified arranging the job.


    He was well aware that admitting this could irreparably damage his rtionship


    with Freya.


    Moreover, she had long harbored resentment towards him.


    "Mina..." His words trailed off, utterly bewildered and at a loss for words.


    "Dismiss her," Freyamanded, her voice leaving no room for debate.


    Hugh, feeling a profound sense of injustice, made one more attempt to defend her. "Briggs Group is a massivepany. It surely wouldn''t suffer from keeping her on."


    "The principle of thepany has always been promoting people based on merit, not connections," Freya retorted, her voice sharp with irritation. "Are you


    suggesting we abandon that principle for your newfound daughter?"


    "Absolutely not!" Hugh countered emphatically.


    He cherished his two biological daughters above all.


    "If Vivien genuinely had the talent, I wouldn''t interfere," Freya admitted earnestly. "However, she''s neither hardworking nor meticulous, and she exploits her position to intimidate others. Thepany cannot condone keeping such a person." ¡°Huh?¡± Hugh responded, clearly taken aback. Freya''s portrayal starkly contradicted his own perceptions of Vivien.


    Freya gave him a puzzled look, one brow slightly raised.


    "From what I''ve seen, Vivien might not be as sharp as you, but she has consistently shown herself to be straightforward and diligent," Hugh said thoughtfully. "I remember once when I visited..."


    Then he noticed that Freya wasn''t really interested in the specifics and simply said with a curt nod, "I saw her doing research and handling work at home."


    Freya slowly closed the contract she had been holding, her movements deliberate.


    She had just finished dealing with Ashley''s issues, and now it seemed Vivien was


    next in line.


    "I didn''t think she''d go as far as pretending to be diligent right in front of me." Hugh''s tone shifted, a bit more weight behind his words now.


    Freya hesitated for a brief second before impulsively blurting out, "Do you really trust what I''m telling you?" Maybe it was the way Kristian had never truly trusted her¡ªor the string of recent misunderstandings that wore her down. Hearing Hugh speak with such sincerity made her heart clench nervously in her chest.


    "You''re my daughter," Hugh responded firmly, his voice filled with genuine affection. "Of course I would trust you." His words carried theforting confidence that only a parent could offer. "I know your character well enough, as your father."


    In his eyes, Freya had always been direct and fair, never intentionally harming or misleading anyone. He knew this clearly, and deeply respected her integrity. "Rx," he assured her gently. "I''ll discuss this properly with Vivien''s mother." He understood exactly how


    Chapter 125 He Trusted Her


    Freya felt about the matter and added decisively, "In a few days, I''ll move Vivien


    to training. It might finally teach her a thing or two."


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    Chapter 126 He''s My Stepfather


    Freya didn''t have much to say about the oue.


    Yet, as her mind wandered back to Vivien''s earlier words, she absentmindedly twirled the contract between her fingers and sighed, "She once threatened me, iming that once her father found out, I''d be shown the door."


    Hugh''s face faltered for a brief moment. What wild tales had Vivien been spinning this time?


    "Her father has no say over you, much less the right to meddle in Briggs Group''s business," Hugh dered, his stance unwavering.


    Freya''s eyes met his, her expression unreadable, ensuring he didn''t feel cornered. "Next time I step foot into thepany, I expect her to be nowhere near the nning department. If she can''t cut it after training, then she should be let go."


    Dismissals at Briggs Group weren''t handed out on a whim. If an employee underperformed, they''d be given paid training for half a month or even a full month. Only if they still couldn''t meet the standards would they be reassigned- and only then, if nothing improved, would they be let go. Vivien''s ipetence had long crossed the line.


    "Understood." Hugh nodded, fully backing Freya, his cherished daughter.


    As the conversation wrapped up, Hugh observed that Freya seemed a little distant, her demeanor still cool. He hesitated, clearing his throat before speaking, "When we step outside, you should make the announcement. It wouldn''t be proper for me to do it."


    Freya didn''t protest.


    They both stood and opened the door to the meeting room.


    As Freya and the chairman made their way out, the room fell silent, the air thick with anticipation. Everyone''s eyes darted anxiously toward Freya, worried she might bear the brunt of some fallout.


    "Mr. Briggs, this matter is my responsibility. Please, don''t let this investment advisor go," the team leader spoke first, her voice steady but firm. "If me must fall, let it fall on my shoulders."


    Hugh blinked in surprise. When had he ever spoken of dismissing Freya?


    Instinctively, he nced at Freya, her calm gaze unwavering, but a twinge of unease gripped him. Could she be thinking he had dismissed others for Vivien''s sake in the past?


    The mere thought of such a misunderstanding made him uneasy. If Freya believed he''d been unjust in favoring Vivien, would that distance between them only grow wider?


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    Chapter 126 He''s My Stepfather


    "Mr. Briggs hasn''t dismissed me," Freya interjected, her voice slicing through the tension. She then turned to Vivien, her tone unwavering "Pack up your things and head to the training department."


    "What?" Vivien blinked, her usualpliant demeanor faltering as she looked to Hugh, confusion clouding her


    face.


    Freya didn''t sugarcoat it. "Your skills aren''t up to par for the nning department''s editorial role. You''re being transferred to the training department, where you can pursue a field that aligns more with your talents."


    "What is she saying?"


    "Did I hear that right? Vivien''s really being moved out of our department?"


    "No way! Isn''t she Mr. Briggs''s daughter?"


    "What kind of pull does this investment advisor have to make him transfer his own daughter?"


    The murmurs swirled around Vivien like a storm, and she longed for the earth to swallow her up. She never imagined Hugh would be so cold.


    Despite her usual obedience, why was he treating her like this?


    "That won''t be necessary!" Vivien quickly tried to backpedal, her voice dripping with false humility. "Maybe I''m just not cut out for apany like Briggs Group. I don''t want to waste anyone''s time, so I''ll just resign."


    "Get her a resignation form," Freya instructed the team leader, her voice calm and decisive.


    The team leader hesitated, a flicker of confusion crossing her face.


    How did the investment advisor know she handled resignation forms?


    Nheless, after a nce at Hugh, who said nothing, she quickly retrieved a form. "Here you go."


    Vivien was frozen, her mind scrambling. What in the world was happening? Was Hugh really going to let this stand without saying a word?


    "Didn''t you want to resign?" Freya asked bluntly, cutting through the tension like a hot knife through butter. Vivien clenched her jaw, her eyes shing with barely contained rage, before reluctantly taking the form and ring at Freya. With everyone watching, she couldn''t back down-not with Hugh present. Slowly, she picked up a pen, deliberately dragging out the process, hoping that Hugh would step in and somehow fix this, reprimanding the investment advisor, and announcing her as his daughter to save face. But Hugh remained silent.


    "It''s not a crime to be slow," Freya remarked, her eyes narrowing as she observed Vivien''s drawn-out resignation process. "The real crime is being slow and never trying to improve."


    Vivien''s eyes stung with unshed tears, her humiliation mounting. What gave this woman the right to treat her


    like this?


    Without a moment''s hesitation, Freya snatched the resignation form from Vivien''s hand, then proceeded to hand it to Hugh for his signature.


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    Chapter 126 He''s My Stepfather


    "Your final paycheck will be wired to your ount soon," Freya said, her tone indifferent. "You can leave now."


    Vivien was livid, her face flushed with indignation.


    She could feel the eyes of everyone on her, their silent mockery weighing on her like an anchor.


    She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms.


    Hugh, watching the unfolding scene, cleared his throat awkwardly, mentioning he had other matters to attend to before quickly exiting the room. He didn''t want Vivien to make any more false moves, particrly calling him "Dad" in front of everyone. He didn''t want others to misunderstand, nor did he want Freya to misunderstand


    The moment Hugh left, the tension evaporated, reced by an air of gossip.


    "I swear, for a second, I thought the chairman was her father."


    "Me too."


    "Vivien, now that you''re out of here, maybe it''s time to get serious. Nopany runs on charity, they need realpetence."


    Vivien''s temper red, her pride wounded. "Do I need you to lecture me?" she snapped, once Hugh was gone. "Even if I don''t work, my dad will still give me pocket money."


    "Is Mr. Briggs really your dad?"


    "Seriously, if he was your father, how could he let you resign like this? Maybe your


    dad''s too busy, so M. Briggs had to step in."


    "Our chairman''sst name is Briggs, not Garza."


    "What if she took her mother''s surname?"


    "Vivien''s mom''s maiden name is Newman."


    Vivien''s frustration deepened as the gossip buzzed around her. Her hatred for Freya grew in that moment.


    She turned to face the group, her voice dripping with scorn. "Mr. Briggs isn''t my biological father, but he is my stepfather. If I ever want to return to Briggs Group, he can find a job for me whenever I like. Even if I do nothing but show up and clock in, I''ll make more than any of you." She spat out the words, desperate to assert her superiority.


    Freya, already prepared to leave, halted in her tracks. Vivien''s words had struck a chord.


    The chill in her demeanor grew.


    Neither she nor Ethel had ever unted their connection to Hugh, never used it to elevate themselves in others


    eyes. Vivien, however, clearly hadn''t learned a thing.


    "As far as I know, your mother and Mr. Briggs aren''t legally married, are they?"


    Freya turned on her heel, her voice carrying with the weight of truth. "In that case,


    what kind of stepdaughter are you?*


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 Chapter 127

    Chapter 127 I Have The Authority To Oversee It


    Vivien''s temper red once again.


    She ground her teeth in frustration, firing back with all the conviction she could muster, "Who told you my mom and Mr. Briggs didn''t get their marriage certificate?"


    "He did," Freya responded simply, her words hanging in the air like a sharp p.


    It felt as though Vivien''s face had been pped with a cold, stinging truth. Her cheeks burned in embarrassment. What was the connection between this woman and Hugh? How did she even know about that?


    "They got married ages ago," Vivien blurted out, lying with all the assurance of someone trying to sell a broken clock as thetest model.


    "Even if they did," Freya replied coolly, her voice unwavering, "without my permission, you wouldn''t be able to join Briggs Group. Not even its subsidiaries."


    "Who do you think you are to say that?" Vivien''s heart skipped a beat. Freya''s calm and collected demeanor sent a shiver of doubt through her. A strange unease gnawed at her.


    "Because I''m the investment advisor at Briggs Group," Freya said tly, delivering a quiet blow. "Hiring employees is part of Briggs Group''s investments, and I have the authority to oversee it."


    Vivien seethed, her frustration bubbling up to the point where she felt she might explode.


    Freya, unfazed by the seething re aimed at her, turned and walked away, leaving Vivien to simmer in her own frustration as she made her way toward n.


    Just as Freya neared the president''s office, she spotted n leaning casually against the corridor corner.


    He spread his arms wide, a yful grin spreading across his face. "Come here. Let me give you a hug. Don''t cry."


    Freya was momentarily speechless. She walked past him, heading straight into the office, muttering, "Why did you think I was crying?"


    Clearly, it was Vivien who was on the verge of tears, not her.


    "Enough," n said, catching up with her, entering the office right behind her. "You don''t have to put on an act in front of me. Think I don''t know you''re bothered by Uncle Hugh''s rtionship?"


    "Whoever he chose to be with has nothing to do with me," Freya replied coldly, her voice as sharp as a de.


    n saw the walls she had built around herself, and while he didn''t push, he understood. Everyone had their own reasons, their own hidden wounds.


    "Later, send a notice to HR. If they see Vivien Garza''s name on any application


    they should


    immediately," Freya instructed, her tone firm and final. "If the chairman asks, just tell him it was my decision."


    n''s lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement.


    Freya shot him a puzzled look. "Why are youughing?" she asked, raising an eyebrow.


    "Referring to him as ''the chairman''," he teased, flicking her forehead gently. "You don''t have to be so formal


    with him."


    Freya didn''t answer. She knew Hugh had been good to her and Ethel, but he had failed her mother, and that


    was something Freya couldn''t forgive him for.


    "Have we had any dealings with Shaw Group recently?" she asked, swiftly changing the subject.


    "Yes, we have," n replied, focusing on the business at hand. "There''s an Al robotics project under negotiation. Do you want to take the lead on it?"


    "Let me take a look," Freya said, her professional instincts kicking in.


    Only a handful of people, including Hugh, Ethel, a few close friends, and her assistant, knew about her brief marriage and divorce from Kristian. n was not among them.


    n passed her the project details, and after scanning them, Freya nodded, taking the documents from him. ¡°I''ll handle this."


    While previous coborations with Shaw Group had gone well, the fact that it was Kristian''spany made her eager to push for better terms.


    n didn''t argue. He knew Freya had a sharp business mind.


    Later, after securing the project, Robin invited her to stay for a meal, but Freya politely declined. Melvin had been waiting for her downstairs for over two hours, and they had to head back to her ownpany.


    As soon as Freya stepped out of the office, Hugh arrived.


    He had been searching the entire building for her but couldn''t find her. Finally, he


    made his way to n. "Have you seen Mina?"


    "She just left," n replied nonchntly.


    "Left?" Hugh''s brows furrowed. "Didn''t you ask her to stay for a meal?"


    He had just ordered all of Freya''s favorite dishes, hoping to catch her before she left.


    "She had something urgent," n exined with a slight hint of mischief. "In the future, you might want to be more cautious about who you bring into thepany. She might not voice her objections, but she carries negative feelings."


    Hugh immediately understood that Freya was still upset with him.


    Meanwhile, Freya wasn''t dwelling on that matter. After leaving Briggs Group, she joined Melvin in the car. He had been waiting for her patiently for over two hours.


    They headed straight for a restaurant, where Melvin had already made a reservation, knowing exactly what


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    Chapter 1271 Have The Authority To Oversee It


    dishes Freya liked. He wasn''t one to be too extravagant but understood her preferences.


    Just as they arrived, Freya''s phone buzzed with a message from Hugh.


    "Come home for dinner tonight, okay?"


    Freya didn''t bother replying. She had just humiliated Vivien at thepany, and Vivien would surely go back. andin to her mother. Freya didn''t know the woman her father was dating and didn''t want to jump to


    conclusions.


    But she definitely didn''t want to sit through a dinner while her father took calls from that woman.


    Turning down the dinner invitation was the best course of action.


    As they dined, Freya overheard a voice she could do without.


    "It was because of a woman that I got fired." Vivien''s voice wasn''t too loud, but it carried just enough for Freya to hear. "You have no idea how humiliating it was. That woman told the whole nning department that I''d never be allowed into Briggs Group again.


    didn''t even make a scene. It''s not my fault!"


    Vivien''s anger boiled over. "I told you it was that woman causing all this trouble. I''ve been working hard, and today they just fired me without warning!"


    She paused, clearly frustrated with the person on the other end of the line. "No matter what happens, it''s always my fault. You always defend him. Let''s see how calm you stay when he leaves you for that woman."


    Vivien hung up the phone angrily and slumped into a chair. A man sitting beside her gently tried tofort her.


    "Didn''t I tell you to talk calmly with your mom?" he said softly.


    "You saw for yourself," Vivien replied, seething. "She won''t listen to me. She thinks I must have done something wrong to offend Hugh Briggs. I don''t know what spell he''s cast on her."


    The man sighed, then said gently, "Alright, don''t get upset. I''ll talk to her when I get the chance. You can count on your uncle."


    That single sentence caught Freya''s attention. He was Vivien''s uncle? Was he Edwin?


    Freya turned her gaze to see the man.


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 Chapter 128

    Chapter 128 Being Followed


    From where Freya sat, the face of the man remained a mystery, but the voice and silhouette left no room for doubt-it was Edwin.


    Thest encounter at the hotel had been carefully orchestrated by Freya. She had hoped that by provoking Edwin, he would take the bait and give her the perfect opportunity to expose his wrongdoings.


    That way, she could gather the evidence needed to send him behind bars.


    But so far, nothing had gone awry.


    "Melvin," she called out, her voice steady.


    "At your service," came the prompt reply.


    "Do you think your outfit today is fit for showcasing your fighting skills?" Freya asked, her mind already spinning a n.


    Melvin, who knew her intentions better than anyone, understood immediately. Without hesitation, he answered, "Yes."


    When Freya gave an order, it was as good as gospel, no matter the circumstances.


    Freya nodded, feeling reassured. "Good."


    They finished their meal at a leisurely pace, and when the time came to pay, Freya raised her voice slightly, intending to catch Edwin''s attention and set the wheels of his n into motion.


    Just as she expected, as soon as she spoke, both Edwin and Vivien turned their heads toward her.


    Freya''s voice was unmistakable, clear and melodic. Vivien, having heard it just moments ago, recognized it immediately. Edwin, too, remembered it all too well- the same voice that had echoed in the confines of the hotel room, the one that had driven him to near madness.


    Sure enough, as soon as Freya finished paying and made her way to the door, Edwin approached her and Melvin, a smile ying at the corners of his lips. "Well, well, if it isn''t Ms. Briggs?"


    Freya barely nced his way, deliberately ignoring him as though he were a shadow passing through the room.


    "Uncle Edwin, do you know her?" Vivien couldn''t hide her confusion, her brow furrowing as she spoke.


    "Who exactly is this woman?"


    "More than just knowing her," Edwin responded with a touch of smirk, "I was the one who facilitated her... affair with Mr. Shaw." He hadn''t heard the whole story of what had transpired at the hotel after he left, but he was sure of one thing: a woman like Freya wouldn''t escape the attention of Kristian.


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    Chapter 128 Being Followed


    Men, after all, were weak to such allure.


    Vivien blinked, processing the words. "Mr. Shaw?"


    "I''ll exin it all to youter," Edwin dismissed, not wanting to get into the details here. "You go on ahead, and


    I''ll catch up with you when I have a moment."


    "No! You have to teach her a lesson today!" Vivien snapped, her anger ring. "She''s the one who spoke ill of


    me to Mr. Briggs, which led to him kicking me out."


    Edwin raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes.


    He turned toward Freya, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°It seems you have quite the knack for getting involved with men-first Mr. Shaw, then Mr. Briggs."


    Vivien looked between them, trying to piece things together, though she was still confused. "What do you mean?"


    Edwin''s grin widened. "She was once intimate with Mr. Shaw. Now that he has lost interest, she''s moved on to Hugh Briggs. She must have coaxed him to fire you."


    Vivien''s face contorted in shock as realization dawned. "You mean she''s involved with him in that way?"


    Edwin nodded solemnly, as if delivering a cold, hard fact. "Yes."


    Vivien recoiled, her mind racing. "But he''s too old for her!" Her voice was harsh, yet there was genuine confusion beneath the surface.


    "In their line of work, financial incentives tend to trump age differences," Edwin


    mused, studying Freya''s face. She was undeniably attractive. "Honestly, even if he were seventy, I wouldn''t be surprised if she made a move on him.¡±


    Vivien recoiled in disgust.


    Freya had been listening intently, her face unreadable. When they finished speaking, she turned to Melvin and calmly asked, "Done recording?"


    "Yes," Melvin replied, his tone as professional as ever.


    "Good," Freya said. "Tomorrow,pile the evidence and file awsuit against Edwin Newman for defamation. and libel. We''ll pursue criminal charges."


    Melvin nodded, his expression serious. "Understood."


    Edwin''s face fell. If Freya was indeed involved with Hugh, then taking him to court would be an open-and-shut


    case.


    He couldn''t allow this to happen.


    "I didn''t nder anyone!" Edwin protested, stepping forward to block their path, his voice rising. "Everything I said was the truth!"


    Freya didn''t spare him another nce, her voice cutting through the air like a de. "Tell that to the judge." With that, she turned and walked away, her steps unwavering.


    She was certain Edwin would send someone to follow her and she was waiting for the perfect moment to strike.


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    21:08


    She believed it would only make her case stronger.


    "Stop right there!" Edwin called, trying to catch up, but he was too slow.


    Vivien was still puzzled. "Uncle, why are you so upset? If it''s all true, let her sue."


    Edwin''s face twisted with panic. "You don''t understand. Without evidence, it''ll look like I''m lying!"


    He had no idea whether Freya and Kristian were involved, nor did he know if Freya had anything to do with Hugh


    He remembered her mentioning she had once been Ethel''s bodyguard, and it was


    possible that Hugh had fired Vivien because of Ethel''s influence.


    Edwin was flustered. He couldn''t just sit back and wait to be sued.


    Thinking quickly, he told Vivien he had something urgent to attend to, then made a


    call to track Freya''s car and gather reinforcements.


    Meanwhile, Freya and Melvin drove at a leisurely pace, well aware that they were being followed.


    The tailing group exchanged whispers.


    "Who are we following for Mr. Newman?"


    "Could it be someone important?"


    "I think that car alone is worth a fortune."


    "Should we keep following?"


    "Yes!"


    Freya, ever calm, finally spoke. "We''re not going back to thepany today. Let''s


    head to the residence I rarely stay at."


    "You were at thepany for less than an hour today," Melvin pointed out as he steered the car.


    Freya paused, contemting. "I''ll make sure to stay a full day tomorrow." Melvin''s voice was full of reason. "Most people would intercept at night. If you go


    to the residence now, they won''t act. You might as well stay at thepany for half the day to give them more time to prepare."


    "Melvin," Freya simply said.


    "I''ll take that as a yes," Melvin replied, his tone resigned but respectful.


    Freya was speechless. How was she supposed to deal with an assistant who insisted she go to work?


    They pulled into thepany garage, the following cars unable to enter due to unregistered tes.


    Once the location was confirmed, the followers updated Edwin, who instructed them to hold their position and wait for backup.

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    Chapter 129 Obtaining Evidence


    As the sun began to dip below the horizon, signaling the close of another workday, Freya made her way to the lounge. There, she swiftly shed her formal attire, recing it with something far morefortable-a pair of sneakers and casual clothes.


    The reasoning behind the change was simple: the evening ahead promised to involve a bit of confrontation, and she needed the right gear to handle it.


    No sooner had she finished changing than her phone buzzed, disying a call from Ethel. Recalling Hugh''s earlier words, Freya decided it was best to pick up.


    "Hey, Mina."


    "Yeah?"


    "Are youing home for dinner tonight?" Ethel''s voice was full of warmth, yful and endearing, like a soft breeze coaxing with a charm of its own. "I don''t have any sses today, so I decided toe home early and learn a few new dishes from the cook."


    Freya''s grip tightened on her phone.


    She wasn''t particrly keen on returning home, but thest thing she wanted was to dampen Ethel''s


    excitement.


    "Mina, please..." Ethel''s voiceced with a hint of sweetness.


    "What time?" Freya gave in, her tone softening.


    "Half past seven," Ethel replied, clearly thrilled.


    "Alright," Freya agreed, though with a twinge of reluctance.


    Once the call ended, Ethel turned to her father, who had already returned home. "Mina said she''de for dinner, but you know how she feels about Cheryl and her daughter. If you''ve got any business with them tonight, make sure not to call them once Mina arrives."


    "Understood,¡± Hugh answered quickly, nodding in acknowledgment.


    To ensure no awkwardness, he subtly mentioned this to Cheryl, though he did so with a diplomatic touch, aiming to spare her feelings.


    Freya checked the time-it was already 5:30 p.m. An hour''s drive stood between her and her father''s home, but she needed to take care of those stalkers first.


    After a brief moment of thought, she made a decision.


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    Chapter 129 Obtaining Evidence


    She alerted Melvin, and together they set off-not toward home, but toward the outskirts.


    Parked in a secluded area, they pretended their car had broken down, leaving the hood popped open as a silent invitation for troublemakers to make their move.


    By 6 p.m., the sky had already darkened, wrapping the world in an early nightfall, as if nature itself was preparing the stage for what was to unfold.


    The group of people stalking Freya was visibly excited at the sight of the isted location.


    "This is the perfect spot," one of them murmured, his eyes scanning the surroundings. "No cameras, no one around. It''s just us."


    "Exactly!" another agreed.


    "Get Mr. Newman here, and let''s finish this."


    "Let''s move, quick!"


    In an instant, more than ten men spilled out of their vehicles, each brandishing an


    iron rod, making their way toward Freya and Melvin''s car


    Melvin, ever watchful, nced at Freya. "They''re here."


    "Eight each," Freya noted coolly, her gaze assessing the approaching group. With Edwin included, there were sixteen in total.


    "Understood," Melvin replied, his voice calm.


    They closed the car''s hood, acting as though they were ready to leave, the calm before the storm.


    Before they could even take their hands off the hood, Edwin and his men lunged forward, surrounding them, their intentions. The sound of iron rods tapping against palms sent a chill through


    their stern faces betraying


    the air.


    "Well, well, Freya," Edwin sneered, stepping closer, a sense of satisfaction in his voice.


    Freya exchanged a brief, knowing nce with Melvin before asking in a voice that remained steady, "What do you want?"


    "Hand over the video you recorded today," Edwin demanded, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Otherwise, my bodyguards aren''t just here for show."


    "Are you threatening me?" Freya''s tone remained unshaken.


    Edwin nodded with a smirk. "Precisely."


    With no surveince in sight and no phones visible, he felt emboldened by his position, sure that they were untouchable in this isted setting.


    Freya scanned the men around her, their aggressive postures clear. "I won''t give it to you."


    "Then I''ll deal with both old and new scores," Edwin sneered, signaling to his


    men.


    Two of his men moved forward, aiming their rods at Freya and Melvin, intent on inflicting damage.


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    Chapter 120 Obtaining Evidence


    A blow from those rods would surely leavesting pain. But Freya and Melvin were far from defenseless.


    As the rods swing toward them, they moved with swift precision, disarming the attackers in a blur of motion before the men even realised what had happened.


    "What are you waiting for?" Edwin''s voice rose in fury, the anger in his chest igniting like a wildfire. "Get them!"


    Without hesitation, the remaining men advanced, rods raised high.


    At this point, Freya and Melvin acted purely in self-defense, showing no mercy.


    The sharp sound of heavy blows rang out, followed by the anguished cries of Edwin''s men.


    Edwin''s eyes widened in disbelief.


    He had never imagined Freya and Melvin were so capable in fighting.


    In less than ten tes, all sixteen of his men were incapacitated, lying on the ground, while Freya and Melvin remained untouched.


    "You..." Edwin stammered, clearly at a loss.


    In such an isted spot, the thought of Freya possibly finishing him off and dumping his body in some forgotten ravine didn''t seem too far-fetched.


    Alone and outnumbered, Edwin stood no chance against the two of them.


    Freya''s voice was low but filled with quiet authority. "Last time, you had Emil break Ethel''s arm and cause her head injuries. Now, we settle that score."


    Edwin''s steps faltered, his confidence shaken. "She... she''s already recovered," he blurted out.


    "If you harm me or kill me, it''s intentional harm," he stammered, his voice rising in panic. "I''ll sue you! Don''te any closer!"


    Fear radiated from him. Had he known how formidable they were, he might have ordered his men to bring machetes.


    Surely, Freya and her assistant wouldn''t be able to catch machetes unarmed.


    Freya, unfazed, turned to Melvin. "Get in the car."


    Melvin, as always, obeyed without hesitation.


    The two stepped over the incapacitated bodyguards and slid into the car, quickly reversing and making a U-turn,, leaving the scene behind them.


    The bodyguards and Edwin were left in a stunned silence, unable toprehend what had just happened. Given Freya''s previous actions at the hotel-when she


    had dunked him into a bathtub-Edwin couldn''t fathom why she''d suddenly let him


    go.


    In truth, Freya never spared anyone who had wronged Ethel.


    Once inside the car, she checked the dashcam footage they had just recorded-its rity in both video and audio was wless.


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    with the evidence in hand, she could press charges against run and have hem locked y Freys bat duty entrusted someone with the task of ensuring this matter was handled


    with that resolved, Freys headed towards her father''s residents, the evening proceeding for smoother than


    papades


    At 7:20 p.m., she arrived.


    Ethel was overjoyed, rushing to her and enveloping her in a warm he


    Freys, with a tender smile, ruffled her hair, the affection between them as natural as breathing


    "You have no idea how much I''ve missed you while you were away," he said, her voice a mixture of joy was longing, as she snuggled against her.


    Freya, always gentle with her, replied, "I missed you too"


    "Come in and eat," Ethel urged, tugging her inside, "Today''s dishes were made by


    Dad and me. I made two, and Dad made four."


    Freya paused,


    Looking inside, she saw Hugh bustling around in the kitchen, an image both


    familiar and unsettling


    A swirl of emotions stirred within her.


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 Chapter 130

    Chapter 130 Handle Him However You Need To


    Hugh had never been one to grace the kitchen with his presence. It wasn''t a ce he sought out; in fact, he often kept his distance, preferring to let a cook handle the preparations. The kitchen had always seemed more like an unfamiliar territory, a ce where he didn''t belong


    But now, here he was, standing over a stove, actually cooking.


    "When you got back to Jeucwell, Dad started experimenting with recipes all by himself," Ethel remarked, an amused grin dancing on her face. ¡°He burned through a lot of ingredients before he finally nailed today''s


    recipes."


    Freya, for her part, wasn''t picky about food. As long as it was edible and safe, she was content.


    Yet, Hugh always went above and beyond to impress her. He believed she deserved nothing less than the best, even if it meant stepping far outside hisfort zone.


    "Come on, try my cooking," Ethel urged, coaxing Freya closer as she offered a piece of sulent pork bathed in a savory sauce. "These are my specialties. What do you think?"


    "It''s delicious," Freya responded with a contented smile, her senses delighting in the rich yet delicate vor. ¡°It''s well-seasoned and fragrant.¡±


    Ethel beamed, her face lighting up with pure joy.


    In that instant, Hugh appeared from the kitchen, holding a bowl of soup, still wearing his apron.


    His face brightened when he saw Freya and, with eager steps, he made his way toward her, proudly holding the bowl aloft. "Mina, you''re back," he said warmly, his smile wide and filled with relief.


    "Yes," Freya replied, her face softening at the sight of him.


    Hugh nced at the table. "Let''s eat."


    "Alright," Freya responded, settling into her seat.


    Ethel joined her, taking her ce at the table, but Hugh remained standing. There was a gleam in his eyes, a quiet joy in simply seeing Freya at the table with him.


    Freya noticed his stillness and asked, "Isn''t it hot?"


    "Huh?" Hugh blinked in surprise.


    It was only then that he realized how hot the soup was, its steam rising in azy swirl. With a hiss, he hastily ced it down, clearly embarrassed.


    Ethel burst intoughter, teasing him. "Dad, you''re hrious!"


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    21:09


    Hugh''s cheeks flushed with a crimson hue, his embarrassment in.


    He quickly removed his apron and joined Freya and Ethel at the table.


    He quickly shed the apron and joined Freya and Ethel at the table. Freya, with a gentle smile, took thedle and served Hugh a bowl of soup, handing it to him.


    For a fleeting moment, Hugh froze, staring at the bowl in his hands. His heart swelled in his chest. His eyes. shimmered with emotion, a single tear slipping free, betraying him despite his best efforts.


    "Dad, tears won''t make the soup taste better," Ethel teased, her words light- hearted and full of warmth.


    Hugh chuckled, wiping away the tear, his eyes still red but filled with tenderness.


    He took a spoon and began sipping the soup, savoring the warmth that filled him withfort. He drank slowly, as though each drop carried with it a moment of peace.


    Two years had passed, and Freya was finally willing to share a meal with him again.


    As Hugh watched her, Freya''s chest tightened, a heavy, unexined weight settling inside her. It was a strange sensation, one she couldn''t name-an odd pressure that lingered, gnawing quietly at her.


    "Let''s eat first," Freya said, her voice taking on a subtle shift. "I need to talk to you afterward."


    *Alright," Hugh responded softly, his voice thick with emotion.


    The meal continued, but the atmosphere was different.


    The conversation slowed, and the food began to cool, left forgotten as they lingered at the table.


    Hugh''s thoughts were simple. He wasn''t sure when he''d get another chance to sit and eat with Freya. He cherished this fleeting moment, as if it were a rare treasure, something he could never take for granted.


    For Freya, however, her thoughts were upied with how to approach the subject of Edwin.


    Cheryl was Edwin''s younger sister. If Hugh married Cheryl, then Edwin would legally be his brother-inw.


    If Edwin were imprisoned, it would certainly affect both Cheryl and Hugh.


    This was a conversation that needed to happen.


    It was half-past eight when Hugh finally ced his fork down, signaling the end of the meal.


    Freya had eaten, but she hadn''t done much else. With the cook off for the day, it seemed only right that she help clean up.


    But before she could move, Hugh rose, taking the dishes from the table. "You and She go watch TV. I''ll take care of this," Hugh insisted.


    Freya didn''t argue. He was determined, and she let him have his way.


    On the sofa, Ethel nibbled on fruit, her eyes narrowing with curiosity as she nced at Freya. "Mina, what''s the secret between you and Dad that I don''t know? Don''t just brush me off with ''you''re still young''; I''m almost twenty, you know."


    "I''ll tell youter," Freya responded, a faint smile curving her lips.


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    The two of them sat together on the sofa-one engrossed in the TV, the other quietly contengutang, the


    conversation yet toe.


    Fifteen minutester, Hugh returned, having finished cleaning up.


    He settled onto a single sofa and turned to Freya, his voice gentle. "What did you want to talk about?


    "I''m going to send Edwin Newman to prison," Freya said bluntly, her wording out like a calm deration


    "If everything goes as nned, he''ll be sentenced to ten to twenty years."


    Hugh and Ethel exchanged a look of surprise, then both blurted out in unison, "That''s it?"


    Freya frowned. Wasn''t this something Hugh cared about?


    "Handle him however you need to," Hugh reassured her, his voice steady, "Don''t let it weigh on you."


    Freya felt a weight lift from her chest. "Alright."


    "Anything else?"


    "No."


    "Oh, okay," Hugh replied simply.


    The conversation meandered on, brief and intermittent.


    Ethel sighed, observing the exchange,


    Her father, a master of smooth talk in the business world, seemed at a loss for words with her sister.


    "Dad, didn''t you say you''d deal with Kristian at Lionel''s birthday party in Jeucwell


    on the 15th?" Ethel probed, trying to find another topic. "Have you figured out how to handle it?"


    Hugh hesitated, his gaze flicking toward Freya,


    Ethel caught the shift. "Why are you looking at Mina when I asked the question?"


    Hugh froze, flustered. Ethel was being deliberately provocative.


    "I bet you can''t handle him," Ethel said, her tone suddenly serious.


    "Impossible!" Hugh retorted, instinctively defensive.


    Ethel''s grin was mischievous.


    Freya nced over, and Hugh felt a brief pang of panic.


    He had failed to intimidate Kristian enough before. Her daughter wouldn''t think hecked authority as a father, would she?


    The thought unsettled him, and he found himself wishing he could rewrite history, assert himself more effectively in that moment.


    "You don''t need to teach him a lesson," Freya interjected decisively. "I''ve divorced him. The less involvement,


    the better."


    Hugh, realizing there was nothing left to say, quietly agreed. "Alright."


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    Chapter 130 Handle Him However You Need To


    He didn''t argue, though a quiet bitterness lingered within him toward Kristian.


    As there was nothing else to discuss, Freya stood. "I''m going upstairs. Come to me if you need anything."


    "Alright." Hugh wanted to keep her there, but deep down, he knew he''d have nothing meaningful to say. He wouldn''t know how to start the conversation, even if he tried.


    She didn''t want to talk about family matters or Kristian. And after a long day at work, thest thing she needed was a talk about thepany.


    Ethel shook her head in amusement, casually holding a snack pack. "Dad, is ''alright'' the only thing you can say? In that case, how are you supposed to start a conversation with Freya?"


    Ethel dramatized, cing her hand over her heart. "In my opinion, you should say, ''Why go upstairs? Leaving so soon after dinner? Don''t you want to spend more time with me? I''m your dad, after all. Don''t you even see me as one?**


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 Chapter 131

    Chapter 131 An Uninvited


    Guest


    Freya stopped short in her track.


    "You know, if you say it that way, Mina is definitely going to suspect something is off and ask what''s going on with you." Ethel continued to initiate the conversation. "And then, if you im everything is fine, she won''t buy it. She''ll be convinced there''s something you''re hiding. That way, she will try to talk to you. You are so clumsy!" Ethel added a final remark.


    Freya turned to the naughty Ethel


    asked questions every student dreaded, "How many schrships have you won since you started college? Are all your certificationsplete? How are you preparing for graduation? Do you have your career path figured out?"


    "Every year,pleted them all, and I''ve even secured a spot for grad school. I''m justzing around at home now." Ethel chuckled, breezing through the questions.


    "Really?" Freya turned to her.


    Her eyes and tone were soft but filled with an underlying intensity that made Ethel feel a sense of danger.


    "And what about ns for your future?" Freya pressed on, "Like, are you thinking about marrying your boyfriend?¡±


    Ethel coughed ufortably.


    She regretted her earlier remarks to her sister. This was just a mild rebuke; had she been more daring, the consequences would have been worse.


    At that moment, the doorbell suddenly rang.


    Ethel quickly set down her snacks, jumped up, and dered, "I''ll get the door!" Then she hurried off.


    Hugh reflected on Ethel''s words, pursed his lips, and cautiously offered, "Mina, why not stay a bit longer? It''s rare to see you; we should catch up."


    "Good night," was all Freya said.


    Hugh dared not speak further. "Alright, good night."


    Just then, Ethel walked back in.


    Her eyes flickered uncertainly between Freya and Hugh.


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    21:09


    Freya asked, "Who was at the door?"


    "Umm..." Ethel hesitated, unsure of what to say.


    Her father had always warned her against bringing up Cheryl and Vivien before Freya.


    Now that Vivien had unexpectedly shown up, she was flustered.


    "Who is it?" Hugh pressed further.


    Ethel shot Hugh a meaningful look.


    He got the hint right away-it had to be Cheryl or Vivien. Weren''t they told not to disturb him tonight? Why then had someone shown up?


    "His new partner?" Freya asked.


    "No!" Ethel retorted sharply.


    "Vivien Garza?" Freya tried again.


    Ethel looked at her sister with a mix of shock and curiosity. "How... how did you guess that?" How did she know that name?


    ¡°Let her in,¡± Freya said calmly. She was curious about what Vivien wanted.


    Ethel nced at Hugh for confirmation and, upon receiving a nod, she went to open the door for Vivien. Hugh had been silently reprimanding Vivien in his thoughts. Typically, Vivien was considerate, so why choose to stir up drama just when he hoped to enjoy some undisturbed time with Freya?


    To avoid any misunderstandings with Freya, he rified, "Before you returned, I had called them and expressed my wish to spend today just with you all at home, without any interruptions. I''m not sure why she suddenly appeared."


    "It''s fine," Freya said, unbothered.


    She suspected Vivien might havee because of Edwin, or possibly Vivien hoped to use her current situation to her advantage.


    Soon enough, Ethel ushered Vivien in.


    Vivien looked visibly startled to see Freya, and her gaze turned to Hugh with a hint of shock. Her expression seemed to question how Hugh dared to bring Freya here. Wasn''t he worried his daughter might find out?


    "Vivien, what brings you here?" Hugh asked with courtesy.


    "I need to discuss something with you." Vivien moved closer to Hugh, biting her lip. "Could you tell them to give us a moment?"


    Hugh was startled. Did she understand the weight of her request? These were both his precious daughters! Asking them to leave could easily make them feel like he favored his "new daughter" over them.


    "Say whatever you need to right here," Hugh insisted, keenly aware of Freya and Ethel''s feelings. "They are part of this family, not outsiders."


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    Vivien clenched her fists. Was Ethel really so quick to ept Freya''s presence? "What I need to discuss is rather sensitive. Are you sure it''s alright to talk about it here?" She measured her words carefully, recalling her uncle''s advice.


    Hugh was perplexed. How sensitive could it be?


    Vivien took a deep breath, stepped closer, and whispered, "I know about your rtionship with that investment advisor."


    "And so?" Hugh asked, quite inly. So what if Vivien knew? Freya was already working at Briggs Group, which meant she didn''t mind being in the public eye.


    He had always hoped that his rtionship with Freya would be known.


    Vivien was taken aback by his casual response.


    Her brow furrowed in confusion and she blurted out, "Aren''t you worried that Ethel will find out about this?"


    "What are you even talking about?" Hugh grew increasingly baffled with each word. Freya''s identity as his daughter was a fact Ethel had always been aware of,


    so what was there to fear? Could Vivien be losing her mind because of her dismissal?


    "Are you aware that your investment advisor has also been involved with Kristian Shaw from the Shaw Group?" Vivien raised her voice slightly and her eyes even flickered threateningly towards Freya.


    Hugh and Freya paused, surprised that she knew this.


    This information was meant to be confidential, known only to a select few.


    Freya had settled back into the couch, eyeing Vivien as though she were a fool.


    Seeing Mina''sposed expression, Hugh''s forehead creased with concern as he asked sternly, "Who told you?"


    "My uncle," Vivien replied.


    "And how would he be privy to this?" Hugh pressed further.


    "The rtionship between her and Kristian was facilitated by him." Vivien was no


    longer scared and blurted it all out.


    Both Hugh and Ethel looked puzzled.


    Ethel popped a piece of fruit into her mouth, her eyes wide with curiosity. "Facilitated by your uncle?"


    "Yes!" Vivien said with great confidence.


    At this point, there was no use in hiding the truth.


    Her uncle had sent her a message instructing her to find Hugh and sort out the


    video issue to avoid a defamationwsuit.


    The only way forward was to speak with Hugh directly.


    "You''re not on the same page." Freya gently corrected, "The ''rtionship'' Vivien was talking about is a specific type of transaction within the circle, not an actual romantic rtionship."


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    With Freya''s rification, Hugh and Ethel caught on.


    Ethel''s expression turned into a scowl, showing her growing dislike for Vivien.


    Filled with rage, Hugh red at Vivien and, for the first time, raised his voice as he pointed to the door. "Leave now!"

 Chapter 132

    Chapter 132 Frederick Was Kidnapped


    Vivien was utterly taken aback by the sudden outburst.


    She had never seen Hugh lose his temper like this, and she stood there, frozen in ce, momentarily too stunned to respond.


    "Mr-Mr. Briggs," she stammered, swallowing hard, her voiceced with fear. "Why are you so angry?"


    Hadn''t he admitted it himself? Or perhaps he hadn''t disclosed the true nature of his rtionship with the investment advisor to Ethel?


    As she mulled over these thoughts, Hugh spoke, his words sharp and deliberate. "The investment advisor you mentioned is my daughter, Freya Briggs."


    "How-How is that possible?" Vivien stuttered, instinctively attempting to deny the truth.


    "Get out!" Hugh''s patience was at its breaking point. His fury erupted like a wildfire. "From now on, you are never to set foot in my house again."


    He had once treated Vivien like a daughter. Who could have predicted she would speak about him and Freya in such a manner?


    Vivien, panic-stricken, knew full well the importance of Hugh''s protection. "Mr. Briggs, I''m sorry. I didn''t know she was your daughter. It was my uncle who told me she had that kind of rtionship with you, and she didn''t correct him, so I misunderstood."


    Her words only served to fuel Hugh''s rage further.


    His face hardened with anger. "You two talked about this in front of her?" he demanded.


    "It was... my uncle who said it," Vivien faltered, realizing toote the situation was slipping out of her control. Hugh''s gaze instinctively shifted to Freya, a sense of guilt washing over him for not protecting her better.


    But Freya, calm andposed, didn''t seem troubled in the slightest. Lies would never gain a foothold in the truth


    She nced at Vivien''s frantic face and, with a cold smile, offered some advice. "You might want to follow your uncle''s example and end up sharing a cell with him."


    "What?" Vivien''s mind was spiraling in panic.


    Upon learning Freya was not only Hugh''s daughter, she realized she was in deep trouble.


    Now everything made sense-why Hugh had listened to Freya at thepany earlier that day, why Freya had stated that, without her consent, she would never join the Briggs Group again.


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    Chaves napred


    Your unck spread rumors about me earlier today, then brought his bodyguards to assualt me in the evening and be even inted Del to barm my sister, Freya sand calmly. The got proof of everything he''s done."


    ven made to utter a single word stood foren


    She now understood that Free was far more formidable than she had ever imagined. Freya was quite different


    We re buning on your own, or should I show you the door? Freya asked, her eyes looking down at Vinem who was now tiny smaller than her.


    Viten bit der dp in besitation


    A mix of emotions gripped her, but she turned and fled.


    The son in the room show ebbed away, and Ethel, still reeling from the events,


    finally broke the silence. Tos y dicht you tell me about the assaut earlier?


    De re should have told us "High''s mice was heary with concern.


    The thought of his daughter potentially being in danger gnawed at him


    Frey took in their worried expressions. It''s nothing serious, and it''s already been handled *


    Bow on the nothing serious" High''s concern was evident. Starting tomorrow, I''l have eight bodyguards follow you everywhere"


    Freya simply shook her head. "That''s unnecessary."


    Their presence would only slow me down."


    Hugh was left speechless.


    Ethel, too, was too amared to say anything


    Nevertheless, Freya''s words somehow made sense.


    Hugh had previously arranged bodyguards for both Freya and Ethel Ethel had epted them, appreciating their discreet protection, but Freya had refused.


    Even after Hugh insisted, Freya had demonstrated she could easily dispatch an entire team of bodyguards on


    her own.


    Since then, Hugh had never raised the issue of bodyguards again.


    Freya said, standing as she prepared to go upstairs, I''m heading up. Good night." "Hold on," Hugh called out, his voice filled with hesitation.


    Freya paused mid-step.


    Ethel, too, nced over, surprised. Hugh had actually stopped her sister-this was definitely a step forward.


    "Well..." Hugh stumbled over his words, unsure of how to phrase what he wanted to say. He feared that being too direct might upset Freya, but remaining silent felt equally wrong


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    21.09


    Chapter 132 Frederick Was Kidnapped


    Freya, sensing his unease, read his unspoken thoughts.


    She offered him a small, reassuring smile. "Vivien is different from that person. I can tell the difference."


    Hugh was taken aback, his emotions swirling.


    Freya''s words sank in, and with that, she headed upstairs, unaffected by the tension in the room.


    "Did your sister mean what I think she did?" Hugh asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.


    Ethel nodded. "Yes."


    For Freya, she understood that Vivien''s actions were influenced by Edwin, not Cheryl. She wouldn''t me Cheryl for Vivien''s faults.


    After a soothing bubble bath to ease the day''s exhaustion, Freya climbed into bed.


    Momentster, her phone rang.


    Seeing Frederick''s name on the screen, she answered, "Hello?"


    "Help!" ke''s hoarse, desperate voice echoed through the phone. Freya stiffened, realizing this


    wasn''t a prank. "What happened?" she asked, concern flooding her tone.


    Her first thought was that Frederick might have been kidnapped by her enemies.


    But since those enemies didn''t know her true identity, she rxed a little. As long


    as they weren''t the ruthless criminals, the situation might not be as dire.


    "I''m kidnapped. Comes


    save me!" Frederick''s voice cracked in panic.


    Freya leaned against her headboard, raising an eyebrow. "Shouting so loudly,


    aren''t you worried the kidnappers will hear?"


    "He''s right next to me."


    "Does he hold your phone?"


    "Yes, he does."


    "Tell him to turn on the speakerphone, and I''ll talk to him."


    Frederick passed the message along. "Freya wants you to turn on the speaker."


    The so-called "kidnapper"plied, and the speakerphone was activated.


    "Freya, he''s turned it on," Frederick confirmed.


    Freya ran ¨¤ hand through her still-wet hair, her expression growing serious as she addressed the person on the other end. "Is that you, Kristian?"


    Frederick''s eyes widened in shock.


    How did she guess?


    He turned to look at the man in a suit, who remained cool and detached, his expression unreadable.


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    21:09


    Kristian''s gaze deepened as he acknowledged, "It''s me."


    "Do you want money?"


    "Remove me from your cklist."


    Freya fell silent, taken aback.


    She had considered many possibilities, but never this one.


    Holding the phone, she asked, her tone level, "Is it worthmitting a crime for


    that?"


    "Who said Imitted a crime?" Kristian replied, defensive.


    "Didn''t you kidnap Frederick?"


    "He volunteered."


    Freya was puzzled.


    "Volunteered?"


    Rmended for you


    Fo


    I WAIT

 Chapter 133

    Chapter 133 Don''t Impersonate Me


    A cold shiver ran down Frederick''s spine as Kristian''s gaze locked onto him. He knew the time hade-he had to confess everything to Freya.


    Previously, Kristian had used Lionel''s phone to contact Freya, asking her to lift the ban she had ced on him.


    Afterward, he waited.


    However, even as the workday drew to a close, she had not removed him from her cklist.


    It was then that Gerard made a surprising discovery about Frederick''s identity.


    As he read through Frederick''s profile, Kristian suddenly recalled why Frederick seemed so familiar. They had


    crossed paths before in Alerith, during a meal and again in Ethel''s hospital room.


    Since Freya had entrusted Frederick with both her house and car, Kristian surmised they were fairly close.


    Hoping to use this to his advantage, Kristian invited Frederick to his office, iming he wanted to discuss a


    business coboration with Frederick''s father.


    Frederick epted the invitation without hesitation.


    Soon after, Kristian suggested they try out an immersive holographic experience. Frederick, unsuspecting, agreed eagerly and signed a document without second thoughts.


    Before long, he found himself strapped into a high-tech chair by Kristian.


    As Frederick recounted the events to Freya, she asked, "How does this rte to the kidnapping?"


    Even if Frederick were bound to a chair, this seemed a bit overdramatic.


    Kristian wasn''t going to let him starve, was he?


    "I need to go to the bathroom, and he''s refusing to release me," Frederick said, clearly distressed. "Freya, please -just take him off the cklist for now. You can put him back on once I''m free."


    Freya didn''t respond.


    Neither did Kristian


    I''m going to bed," Freya finally said, her voice resolute. "I''m not going to entertain this further."


    "Please, Freya Frederick pleaded, his voice desperate. "Help me, just this once!"


    "Don''t worry," Freya replied tly, "If you do end up dying in Shaw Group''s chair, I''ll make sure they face the


    consequences."


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    21.09


    Fredens het sask Why was preys being so onhelpful in such a crucial moment? "Freys?" he called squin, to all he heard were the beeps of the line disconnecting Retire he could speak further, freys had already hung up, turning her phone to silent and pulling the covers up


    in the brightly he experience room, Frederick remained trapped in the cher. "I told you," he muttered, "Once Freys makes up her mind, nothing can change it. Threats won''t work on her."


    "Get her to remove me from the cklist, and I''ll offer your father''spany a project," Kristian said coldly, tossing Frederick''s phone onto hisp.


    Frederick growned. "I never intended to take over the family business," he said quietly.


    Kristian was momentarily at a loss for words.


    "What is it that you want, then?" he asked, his voice growing more direct.


    "Nothing." Frederick replied after a beat. "But here''s the thing-whatever you can offer me, Freya can offer too. If i offend you, she will help me out. But if I offend her, there''s no one who wille to my aid."


    In truth, if he offended Freya, not a single soul woulde to his aid; every one of his friends would choose to walk away.


    Kristian thought for a moment, his fingers tapping against his phone. "So, you''re not helping me, huh?"


    "It''s not that I won''t," Frederick replied earnestly. "It''s that I simply can''t."


    He was not stupid. He knew Kristian had failed Freya. Anyone with any sense wouldn''t help Freya''s ex.


    Kristian leaned back, considering Frederick''s words.


    "In that case, I''ll need to borrow your phone to send a message," he said, his voice low and calm. "I''m sure someone in your ''Seven Little Warriors'' chat can help me."


    Frederick''s eyes widened in rm. How did Kristian know about that group? "I know Freya''s in there as well," Kristian added with a smirk.


    "Knowing she''s in the group, you still think you can get a solution?" Frederick asked, though he could already tell things weren''t as simple as they seemed.


    Kristian sat down casually, his demeanor cool and collected. "Just because she''s in there doesn''t mean she checks her messages frequently." During the two years they were together, Freya rarely yed with her phone. She preferred reading books-her interests were vast. Even after their divorce, he doubted she had be more attached to her phone.


    Frederick swallowed nervously, a wave of unease washing over him.


    If Kristian really did use his phone to send messages in the group, things were about to get awkward.


    "Gerard," Kristian called, handing the phone to Gerard, who was still at the office. "Unlock it, check Frederick''s


    usual tone in chats, and send a few messages in the group."


    "About what?" Gerard asked, sympathy evident in his eyes.


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    Kristian typed on his own phone, then sent a few messages to Gerard.


    "You won''t believe what happened. I was kidnapped by Freya''s ex."


    "I was smart enough to escape.


    "He''s an idiot, trying such a ridiculous trick to get Freya to remove him from her cklist.""


    Once those were sent, Kristian said to Gerard, "When someone replies, send another message: ''But seriously, if Freya ever blocks me, how should I get her to unblock me?'' Then respond to them based on Frederick''s tone." Frederick watched, wide-eyed, as he processed what Kristian was doing.


    How was Kristian mimicking his tone so perfectly?


    "Got it," Gerard replied without hesitation, already setting to work.


    "Wait!" Frederick cried, panic rising in his chest. "Don''t impersonate me! Please, there''s no need to send those messages."


    He knew that once his phone was returned, the group would mock him endlessly for the exchange.


    "Isn''t it just about getting Freya to remove you from the cklist?" Kristian asked with mock simplicity. "It''s not that hard." Frederick mustered all the courage he could, his eyes brimming with the threat of tears.


    Kristian studied him closely, his silent presence pressing Frederick to say something more.


    Trapped in the chair, Frederick took a moment to consider his situation before hesitantly asking, "Could I go to the bathroom first?"


    Kristian gave a slight nod, and Gerard swiftly unstrapped him from the chair.


    To ensure Frederick didn''t escape, Kristian instructed Gerard to stay by his side.


    As they entered the bathroom, Frederick noticed Gerard trailing him every step of the way, his gaze never wavering. Sighing deeply, Frederick muttered, "Could you


    at least turn around? It''s a bit ufortable with you staring."


    "If I don''t keep an eye on you and you escape, I''ll lose my bonus this year," Gerard replied, adjusting his sses with a seriousness that made his words seem final.


    Frederick was left speechless. He knew better than to try reasoning with someone who valued their sry and bonuses more than anything else.


    Five minutester, Gerard escorted him back to Kristian''s office, where Kristian


    awaited, still holding Frederick''s phone in his hand.


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 Chapter 134

    Chapter 134 Kristian Went To Alerith


    Kristian lingered in the chair, the crisp lines of his tailored suit lending an air of detachment to his presence. As Frederick stepped in, Kristian inquired, "Ready to tell me now?"


    "Ready


    "Why are you so adamant about Freya unblocking you?" Frederickunched into the conversation.


    A quick nce toward Kristian betrayed Gerard''s unease.


    His gut churned with the premonition that Kristian''s forting words would be anything butforting


    "It''s I who should cut ties, not her," Kristian dered, his eyes turbulent with raw emotion. "She shouldn''t have the power to block me."


    Ideally, if someone were to be blocked, it would be him initiating it. Furthermore, Freya hadn''t been honest from the very beginning.


    Gerard found himself at a loss for words.


    Frederick deemed Kristian''s stance somewhat immature. "Why not just delete her? Then you''d be the one ending things."


    Kristian just gazed at him in response.


    He uttered no word, nor did his expression turn threatening, yet the intensity in his silence was enough to send chills down one''s spine.


    "If you truly desire Freya to unblock you, you must first prove your worth to her," Frederick said earnestly. "As things stand, she won''t be persuaded otherwise."


    Kristian''s eyes narrowed. How had someone as uninspiring as this be Freya''s friend?


    Frederick hesitated, his voice trailing off. ¡°Not to mention..." He pondered whether to divulge more.


    Impatient, Kristian pressed on, "Not to mention what?"


    "You are Freya''s ex-husband," Frederick blurted out, then quickly averted his gaze, nervously scratching his cheek. He continued, his voice lowering. "She has a strict rule about past rtionships-an ex should be someone you never hear from again."


    Kristian''s interest piqued, he queried sharply, "What about her first love? Did they cut off all ties after their breakup?"


    He recalled Freya mentioning a simr idea.


    Yet, he vividly remembered a party hosted by Liam where Freya, having lost a game, was asked to call her first love. Her reaction was quite revealing.


    0.0%


    Instead of making the call, she decided to ept punishment, knocking back three sses in a row.


    During their two years of marriage, Freya seldom touched alcohol, only doing so when absolutely necessary.


    Was her excessive drinking that night due to her steadfast rule, or did it stem from a deep-seated scar left by that first love?


    As these thoughts swirled in his head, Kristian felt a constriction in his cheat.


    Perhaps her phone still contained that first love''s number, or maybe she had etched it into her memory.


    Frederick''s brow furrowed in bewilderment. Freya''s first love? The idea that Freya


    might have harbored a past romance puzzled him deeply.


    He squinted, disbelief etching his features as he inquired, "Who exactly


    mentioned Freya had a first love?"


    Kristian''s emotions swirled chaotically upon hearing this.


    He pressed on, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and annoyance. "And what about Charlie?"


    Frederick''s response cameced with surprise. "Charlie? Who on earth is that?"


    His caution was palpable; he was wary of making unfounded statements.


    The talk of a first love and someone named Charlie was news to him. Was it possible Freya had fabricated such borate stories?


    Kristian


    suddenly realized why his stomach churned when he saw Trent with Freya, yet he felt merely annoyed when Frederick was with her.


    To Freya, Trent was more than just a friend; he was privy to her deepest stories about a first love and Charlie -stories that were a mystery to Frederick.


    "Can you rify Trent''s connection to Freya for me?" Kristian asked once more, his voice carrying a note of urgency.


    "They are merely close friends," Frederick exined, his mind ticking over as he considered his words. "They have a shared history of growing up together, their families are intertwined. Their friendship is genuine and longstanding."


    "Hand him back his phone,"manded Kristian, his tone authoritative. Obediently, Gerard returned the phone.


    Kristian''s mood was sour, his tone icy as he dismissed him with a wave. "You can leave now."


    "Huh?" Frederick''s face contorted into a look of confusion. Was he truly being dismissed, just like that?


    Gerard, ever the diplomat, gave Frederick a subtle nod, urging him to exit.


    Reluctantly, Frederick turned to leave, ncing back in disbelief every few paces, struggling to make sense of Kristian''s unexpected behavior.


    Yet, the relief of no longer facing interrogation or threats seemed to lift his spirits, and his steps grew lighter.


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    Chapter 134 Kristian Went To Alerith


    After escorting Frederick out, Gerard made his way back to Kristian''s office.


    A strong gut feeling washed over him, he sensed that Kristian had something serious on his mind.


    And he was right.


    As Gerard stepped into the office, Kristian was quick to outline his ns. "Get everything ready over the next two days. We''re setting off for Alerith on the fifth." "To Alerith?" Gerard echoed, a hint of surprise in his voice.


    Kristian leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. "There''s no need for me to concern myself with


    Jeucwell anymore. Our branch in Alerith negls more nurturing," he dered,


    Gerard''s response was a silent nod. Would anyone really swallow such a flimsy pretext? After all, the major operations in Alerith had always been directly under Kristian''s tight control.


    Whether it was Jeucwell, Alerith, or any international venture, the subsidiaries of Shaw Group had flourished without needing any overt interference.


    "Don''t you want toe along?" Kristian inquired, a note of concern in his voice as he noticed Gerard''s prolonged silence.


    Gerard, among all the secretaries and assistants, had always been the one Kristian felt mostfortable with Nevertheless, he wouldn''t press Gerard to apany him to Alerith if his heart wasn''t in it.


    With a heavy sigh that confirmed his apprehensions, Gerard finally spoke. "I''m your assistant: I go where you go."


    "Let''s not beat around the bush," Kristian said, cutting straight to the point.


    Gerard frowned slightly, his worries evident. "I don''t really belong in Alerith, and besides, the cost of living there is exorbitant."


    "No worries, I''ll gift you an apartment once we get there," Kristian assured him with a decisive nod.


    "Thank you!" Gerard responded, a weight lifting from his shoulders. His resolve hardened; he was ready to tackle any challenges thaty ahead. "I''ll secure our flights for the fifth and start coordinating with our Alerith branch about the work transition."


    "Sounds good," Kristian responded, his tone even and unfazed.


    Gerard looked up, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "And who will handle things back here?"


    "The previous president," Kristian answered nonchntly.


    He couldn''t help but remember the bet he''d made with Freya, and how his unreliable father had been caught out by her


    Had his father''s secret operation not been discovered by Freya, she would have postponed the divorce until after his grandfather''s birthday, giving him just enough time to win her heart back.


    With his father''s blunder throwing a wrench in his ns, Kristian felt little remorse about canceling his parents ''travel arrangements.


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    Chapter 134 Kristian Went To Alerith


    Without missing a beat, Gerard nodded and said, "Got it."


    In the days that followed, Lionel''s opinion of Kristian warmed considerably upon


    discovering he nned to stay in Alerith permanently.


    With a dismissive shrug, he told Kristian, "Go ahead, then," and from that point,


    he let things unfold without


    his involvement.


    As for Isaac, when the news reached him that Kristian had entrusted thepany''s responsibilities in Jeucwell entirely to him, he remainedpletely unfazed.


    With decades of experience behind him, Isaac wasn''t about to be outsmarted by


    his son.


    He swiftly delegated the duties and promptly slipped away to enjoy leisurely moments with Melinda.


    Time flew by swiftly, and before anyone knew it, Kristian''s departure day arrived.


    Gerard and Kristian found themselves boarding a ne headed for Alerith together.


    Gazing through the airne window at the vast stretch of clear blue skies dotted with fluffy white clouds, Gerard''s lips curved into a dreamy smile as thoughts of owning his own cozy apartment in Alerith danced vividly in his mind. Meanwhile, in bustling Alerith, Freya had diligently organized a meeting with the Shaw Group representatives to explore opportunities for coboration.


    To ensure their ns proceeded smoothly, she thoughtfully arranged a suitable


    position for Melvin within the Briggs Group, confident their professional chemistry would yield excellent results.


    When they arrived at Shaw Group''s branch office, the director warmly weed them and personally escorted them into the brightly lit meeting room.


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 Chapter 135

    k The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 135 The Partnership Was Sealed


    In the reception room, Richie looked over at Freya and Melvin with a sigh of relief.


    Fortunately, it wasn''t the people from thest partnership discussion. If it were, he''d be forced to wear a smile despite feeling deeply annoyed.


    "Please hold on for a bit," Richie said with a bright tone. "Our general manager will join us soon."


    Freya responded calmly. "Okay."


    After asking someone to keep thempany, Richie made his way to the general manager''s office.


    He felt more at ease as he walked in. "Good thing it''s not the same folks asst time. If it were, we''d be in for a rough time when the president gets here."


    "Who''s here?" asked the general manager, Chaz Fernandez.


    "The new investment advisor from Briggs Group and her assistant," Richie replied casually. "Seems like Briggs Group is giving her a trial run with this deal."


    "Don''t let your guard down," Chaz cautioned, closing a folder. "Briggs Group''s employees are tough negotiators."


    Each negotiation with them felt like a battle, leaving him drained for days afterward.


    At times, they considered cutting ties with Briggs Group, but the potential gains always lured them back.


    Briggs Group apparently felt simrly; their previous team was relieved not to be the ones dealing with Shaw Group this time. Everyone knew dealing with Shaw Group was a formidable challenge!


    Shortly after, Chaz, along with his secretary and Richie, made their way to the reception room.


    They settled in, and the discussion on partnership officiallymenced.


    This meeting really showed Chaz and Richie what despair meant.


    Melvin led most of the conversation, while Freya only spoke up during crucial moments. Her calm approach was effective, and her words were impactful.


    Thirty minutes in, the negotiations were winding down.


    Richie, drenched in sweat and smiling stiffly, said, "We''ll take this back for further discussion and follow up with you. Is that okay?"


    "That''s fine," Freya responded softly, giving them ample time.


    Melvin, sitting by her side maintained a calm nu¡ª


    After the meeting, Chaz and Richie left the reception room, leaving the secretary to assist the Briggs Gre representatives if necessary.


    Back in Chaz''s office, Chaz loosened his tie, his usual lightheartedness reced by a serious demeanor.


    Richie quickly drank a few sses of water.


    "These neers from Briggs Group are surprisingly more persuasive the the ones before," Richie said, st holding his ss.


    His stocky build was evident. "If the boss wasn''ting inter today, I might''ve just agreed."


    "Exactly," Chaz responded, his face grave.


    This deal was highly lucrative. It was tempting for any businessman in their field.


    However, Briggs Group was pushing for an additional seven percentage points of benefitspared to the previous terms.


    They were entitled to a major portion of the project''s benefits, but now Briggs Group''s share was nearlyrge than theirs.


    epting their terms felt like a loss, and hoping Briggs Group would return to earlier conditions seemed like waste of time.


    Still, no otherpany could match what Briggs Group was offering. What should they do? It was a rea dilemma!


    "Why don''t we tell them that we''ll get back to them by this afternoon?" Richie proposed, "Let the president deal with it when he gets here?"


    "No," Chaz dismissed the suggestion.


    That would not only question theirpetence but also, Briggs Group was unlikely to tolerate such a dy.


    These negotiators were not like the ones before; they had ess to resources beyond those typically avable to Briggs Group.


    Promising an answer but then dying it until the afternoon would surely upset them, potentially putting the whole partnership at risk.


    "What should we do then?" Richie asked, clearly torn.


    "We agree to the partnership," Chaz concluded after a moment''s thought. "In the long run, it won''t be a loss


    for us."


    "Are we really going ahead with this?" Richie pressed.


    "Yes," Chaz affirmed.


    "But what about future projects? We''re bound to have more projects with Briggs Group." Richie was worried, dreading the thought of negotiating with those two again.


    He sighed heavily.


    Then, Chaz''s expression lightened, and he grinned, seemingly relieved. "Whatester isn''t our problem."


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    Chapter 135 The Partnership Was Sealed


    Richie was puzzled.


    What did that mean?


    ¡°Gerard mentioned the president will be stationed in Alerith for the long haul,¡± Chaz exined. "Our job is to make sure this project turns out profitable. The president will manage any future issues."


    Richie had an epiphany. Chaz was right! How did he not think of that? The president was set to stay in Alerith for a considerable time, and both he and Gerard were adept strategists.


    "Alright, let''s go sign the contract," Richie said, now relieved.


    Chaz straightened his tie and walked back into the reception room.


    Facing Freya and Melvin, they maintained a professional stance.


    "We''ve decided to move forward with the partnership," Chaz dered, his face a


    blend of smiles and seriousness.


    Freya''s expression stayedposed, offering a courteous smile.


    Both parties signed and shook hands.


    The partnership was sealed.


    "Honestly, before today''s discussions started, we both felt relieved," Chaz admitted, acknowledging Freya''s expertise. "We thought it wouldn''t be as tough


    as previous times, but you proved to be the real powerhouse for Briggs Group.¡±


    "Indeed," Richie chimed in.


    Freya gave a small smile.


    Before she could reply, Chaz added, "Would you join us for a meal?"


    "I''d be happy to," Freya responded graciously.


    The secretary quickly set about setting up reservations.


    That noon, Freya and Melvin joined Chaz and Richie for lunch.


    As they enjoyed their meal, they had light-hearted conversations. Chaz, looking


    intrigued, asked, "By the way, Ms. Briggs, where are you from?"


    "Alerith."


    "Are you single?" Chaz asked bluntly.


    The abrupt question made everyone at the table briefly stop and nce around.


    Richie gave Chaz a questioning look, as if asking, "What are you doing?"


    Chaz looked back, as if saying, "I''m interested in her."


    Before anyone else couldment, Melvin confirmed, "Yes, she''s single."


    Freya gave him a quick look. What was he up to?


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    "That''s great. I''m single as well," Chaz said enthusiastically. "Ms. Briggs, what are


    your hobbies or interests in your free time?"


    Rmended for you


    COMPLETED TRIPLEIS


    Genius Triplets: Ex Wife Hidden ...


    Five years ago, Alessia La Rosa''s life took a drastic turn when, suffering from ....


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 Chapter 136

    Chapter 136 Kristian Visited Hugh


    "She enjoys nothing more than a good book or a nap," Melvin chimed in once again, his voice calm andposed. "Oh¡ªand she''s also quite fond of sparring."


    "That''s splendid," Chazmended bluntly.


    At that moment, one thought echoed in his mind: Freya wasn''t just easy on the eyes and skilled at her work- she carried a spirit that was rare and admirable. Exactly the kind of woman who checked all his boxes.


    Just as he opened his mouth to speak again, his phone buzzed. He intended to brush it off, but the moment he saw Gerard''s name sh on the screen, he offered an apologetic smile and answered, "Hello, Todd*


    "We''re out having dinner with the investment advisor from Briggs Group. The coboration has just been finalized.*


    "Yes."


    "Right now?"


    "Understood. I''ll be there immediately."


    Chaz''s face grew increasingly serious as the call continued.


    Once the call ended, despite wanting to continue dining with Freya, he couldn''t ignore hispany president''s orders. ¡°Ms. Briggs, I''m sorry, but ourpany president has arrived earlier than expected, and I need to return to thepany."


    Turning to his colleague, he added, "Richie, stay here with Ms. Briggs and make sure she has a good meal."


    "The president''s arrived?" Richie asked, surprised.


    "Yes, just got in."


    "But Gerard Todd mentioned they wouldn''t be here untilter in the afternoon, didn''t he?"


    "I''m not sure what changed, but I have to return now." And with that, Chaz left in haste


    Freya, however, couldn''t help furrowing her brows when she heard the name Gerard during the call. Thepany president you mentioned is..."


    "Our big boss-Kristian Shaw," Chaz replied withplete transparency. "He''ll be stationed long-term at our


    branch office."


    Freya''s thoughts twisted into a knot. What could Kristian possibly be up to?


    "I''ll take my leave now. Let''s catch up again sometime," Chaz said with a smile before quickly vanishing down


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    Chapter 136 Kristian Visited Hugh


    the street.


    Now that she knew Kristian was in Alerith, a shadow of unease passed over Freya''s otherwise calm face.


    Melvin noticed the change. "Ms. Briggs?"


    "It''s nothing. Let''s eat first," Freya said, collecting herself quickly.


    The meal was brief. After finishing, both parties departed, and Freya waste no time in going to see her cousin.


    n, thrilled by the sessful coboration and favorable terms, couldn''t help but praise her. "You''re amazing, Freya."


    Freya sat beside him quietly, her mind wandering.


    "What''s weighing on you?" n asked, sensing her distraction.


    "From now on, let Melvin handle anything rted to Briggs Group," Freya said with a faint frown. The news of Kristian working in Alerith still unsettled her. "I won''t be involved anymore."


    n blinked in confusion.


    "Why?" he asked, genuinely puzzled.


    "I heard Kristian Shaw''s going to be stationed in Alerith long-term," Freya exined, her tone initially serious, then tinged with yful sarcasm. "I''m afraid he''ll fall for me and try to turn our business deal into a marriage proposal."


    Upon hearing that, n turned his gaze sharply toward her, eyes narrowing. Freya shifted under his scrutiny, slightly flustered.


    "You''ve got a point!" n suddenly agreed with mock gravity. "In that case, I''d better go in your ce."


    Freya stared at him, taken aback. Was he seriously buying her lies?


    "I''ve looked into Kristian Shaw-he''s got the looks and lineage to match you," n continued in all seriousness, "but the man''s colder than a mountain breeze. He''s not your match."


    Had Kristian been a warmer soul, n might''ve pushed the idea. But that wasn''t the case.


    Freya exhaled softly, a subtle sense of relief flickering through her.


    "Speaking of matches, when are you getting married? You''re about to hit 25," n''s curiosity sparked like dry twigs to me. "Is there someone? What about Trent?"


    Freya was caught off guard.


    n pressed, "Come on! Say something! What''s with that look on your face?"


    "You''re still single yourself," Freya said smoothly, "so why should I be in a rush? Ask me again when you''re married with kids."


    "You cheeky little rascal!"


    "Well, now that the coboration''s done, I''m off. I''ve got work waiting."


    "Wait a minute!" n called out.


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    Chapter 136 Kristian Visited Hugh


    Freya turned back, her usualposure intact.


    "Are you secretly in love and hiding the guy from us?" n''s eyes gleamed with curiosity.


    Freya blinked,pletely thrown. Where had thate from?


    "Was it that guy who dropped you home when you were eighteen?" "Which one?"


    "The one in military boots, ck coat... ridiculously good-looking."


    That made Freya''s expression shift, finally. Was he referring to her captain? "How do you know about that?" she asked seriously now.


    Back then, she''d been injured during a mission, and her captain had insisted on seeing her home. It was nearly three in the morning when they arrived, and everyone in the house had been fast asleep. n lived next door, not in the same household.


    "So, it was him?"


    "No. He''s just one of my superiors," Freya answered quickly, not wanting to fan any mes. Still, she asked cautiously, "Did you see his face clearly?"


    "How could I, from that distance?" n replied truthfully. "But from his aura and gear, he seemed impossibly charming."


    Even as a man, n had found him impressive.


    That kind of presence wasn''t easy to forget.


    "I see." Freya gave a relieved nod, then joked with a straight face, "If you''d seen him up close, you''d know- he''s not good-looking."


    That mentioned captain now sat in a room, polished and solemn, surrounded by mahogany furniture. His long fingers, calloused and scarred, still had a maic elegance.


    In his hand was a photo-one with eight individuals, including him and Freya. "Impossible!" n muttered inwardly, trusting his own eyes.


    Freya no longer wished to speak of her captain. The fewer people who knew, the better.


    Everyone was moving on with their lives. The captain had long devoted his to the country. She didn''t want to drag him into everyday conversations-it didn''t feel


    right.


    Later that afternoon, after wrapping things up with Shaw Group, Freya nned to return to her ownpany.


    But her phone buzzed with a string of messages from Ethel.


    The conversation opened with a parade of exmation marks.


    "You won''t believe what just happened at home!"


    "Dad is dumbfounded."


    Freya responded with a question mark.


    "Kristian Shaw is here."


    Freya sent another question mark in response.


    "Your ex-husband just showed up at our home with a load of gifts. He''s in the study with Dad right now. No clue what they''re discussing."


    Freya was speechless. Kristian really was the kind of ex-husband who didn''t know where the line was drawn.


    She rubbed the bridge of her nose, clearly unwilling to get entangled in his web


    again.


    She knew herself-and him-too well. If they crossed paths again, sparks would fly,


    and not the romantic kind. It would be fire and ice, striking once more.


    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart

 Chapter 137

    Chapter 137 Seeking Hugh''s Blessing To Marr...


    Kristian was meant to be at his branch office today, wasn''t he? So what in the world was he doing at her hom now?


    The question gnawed at Freya, growing more insistent with each passing minute. Finally, with a sigh, sh picked up her phone and dialed Hugh''s number.


    She needed answers. If Kristian''s presence was just another mundane business matter, she could dismiss it and not bother heading home. But if it was personal-if it concerned her directly-she would return right away.


    The phone rang just as Hugh was in the middle of a discussion with Kristian. Seeing Freya''s name sh on the screen, he excused himself and answered the call with a sense of urgency.


    But before Hugh could even utter a hello, Freya''s anxious voice cut through. "Pretend you''re getting a call from your secretary about some urgent work matter."


    "What''s going on?" Hugh asked, his voice dipping into a carefully moderated business-like tone.


    Freya exhaled a silent breath of relief at his quick understanding.


    She dove right into the heart of her query, her words clipped with tension. "Is Kristian there with you?"


    "Yes," Hugh answered, his voice a mask of neutrality.


    He made sure not to even flicker his eyes towards Kristian, fully aware of the young man''s sharp perceptiveness.


    "Find an excuse to step out onto the balcony. I have some important questions," Freya instructed, her voice steady and clear.


    Hugh turned back to Kristian with a practiced ease born of years navigating the tricky waters of business politics. "I need to handle something quickly. Do you mind waiting here for a moment?"


    "Go ahead," Kristian responded, his voice smooth and unsuspecting.


    Hugh strolled over,posed and collected, giving nothing away.


    After he slid the door shut with a soft click, he let out a deep breath, his thoughts swirling with concern for his beloved daughter. "I''m on the balcony now," he murmured into the phone.


    "She mentioned Kristian brought quite a few things?" Freya''s voice crackled through the speaker, tinged with curiosity.


    "Yes." Hugh paused, the word hanging heavily in the air.


    She prodded further. "And ... - .


    "Some items of considerable value," he admitted reluctantly.


    "Why would he bring those?" Freya pressed, her confusion evident even through the phone.


    Hugh''s silence stretched out as he grappled with the decision to divulge the full extent of Kristian''s intentions


    He could already see it-the truth was going to hit her hard.


    Freya waited on the line, her patience a steady presence as she sensed his hesitation.


    Finally, Hugh found the courage to exin, his voice dropping to a confessional whisper. "He... he came to seel my blessing to marry you."


    Freya''s response was a sharp intake of breath-she was utterly taken aback by the revtion.


    "Don''t worry, I have no intention of agreeing to it." Hugh hurried to reassure her, his words quick and firm, as if to ward off any misinterpretations she might harbor. "I''ll see to it that everything he brought is sent back." "You go ahead and keep talking to him. I''ll be back," Freya said, frowning as her mind raced to make sense of Kristian''s motives. What on earth was he thinking, showing up to see her father out of the blue like this? Had he lost his mindpletely?


    The outrageous boldness of it left her momentarily speechless.


    Hugh hesitated for a moment, his brow twitching slightly, but he chose to hold his tongue.


    Once the call ended, he slowly made his way back to the study. Kristian was still there, standing rigid in his tailored suit.


    Hugh sank into the armchair and met Kristian''s gaze, circling back to the remark he had made earlier. He reminded him tly, "You two are already divorced."


    "That''s precisely why I''m here," Kristian countered, his voice carrying a regal resonance. "I should havee to see you, my father-inw, over the past two years. I admit that was my oversight."


    A smirk briefly yed on Hugh''s lips at Kristian''s admission. Where did he get the audacity?


    "I was unaware of your marriage to Mina, so I couldn''t intervene. But I''ll ensure you don''t get another chance with her," Hugh dered, his tone resolute and devoid of humor. "I''m aware of what you did to her."


    "I acknowledge my past mistakes, and I apologize," Kristian remarked, his demeanor showing a marked improvement from before. "You have my word-it won''t happen again."


    Hugh shot back, his voice firm. ¡°You can''t go back and pretend it never happened, Kristian. A man has to live with the choices he''s made. You''ve already divorced her-it''s time you both moved on."


    Kristian leaned forward slightly, his tone measured and steady. "Everyone''s made choices they wish they could take back. Haven''t you, Mr. Briggs?"


    Hugh hesitated, his expression darkening as old memories wed their way to the surface.


    Kristian went on, his voice calm but insistent, "Some mistakes are irreparable, but this situation still holds a chance for redemption."


    "No, it doesn''t!" Ethel interjected sharply, her voice cutting through the tense air


    26.2%


    Kristian''s intense gaze locked onto her, his eyes simmering with unspoken thoughts.


    Ethel, fully aware that eavesdropping was morally questionable, couldn''t shake the suspicion that Kristian harbored hidden agendas.


    "The past is a closed book," Ethel dered firmly, her voice echoing with resolve. "Ever since you abandoned my sister for what you called your ex, there''s been no path back to her."


    The very idea of exes disrupting present happiness grated on her nerves.


    "I was mistaken," Kristian admitted, his tone firm but sincere.


    Hugh''s expression soured, his dislike for Kristian barely contained.


    Ethel remained silent, yet her eyes zed with contempt.


    The room fell into an uneasy silence until Ethel, driven by a sudden impulse, queried, "Do you genuinely wish to reconcile with my sister?"


    Hugh''s brow furrowed in confusion at her line of questioning. What on earth was she up to?


    Kristian hadn''t anticipated any support from Ethel. "Yes," he responded simply. "Very well, then," Ethel countered sharply. "Hand over all your shares in the Shaw Group and your entire fortune to my sister."


    She then added with a fierce re, "And while you''re at it, try to piece together a shattered mirror or gather up water that''s been spilled. If you can manage those feats, then perhaps I''ll consider letting you chase after her."


    Kristian''s mouth fell open slightly as he countered, "Why does everything have to be about putting things back the way they were?"


    "Aren''t you trying to remarry my sister?" Ethel fired back, her brows knitting in confusion.


    "Yes, I am," Kristian replied, striving for rity. "But when I say I want to marry her again, I''m not talking about picking up where we left off. We''re not dredging up our old life together, we''re setting the stage for something entirely new. We can''t relive the past. That part of our lives is gone. But the future... we can build something new from it."


    Ethel was momentarily lost for words, struck by his cunning.


    "You''re just a smooth talker," she noted, her toneced with skepticism.


    Kristian remained silent, his eyes locking onto Hugh''s.


    Hugh''s approval was critical; with it, Kristian could gradually mend things with Freya


    Without it, a rough roady ahead.


    Hugh remained silent.


    A heavy silence settled over the room, thick with unspoken tension as the three of them sat in a wordless


    standoff.


    Time seemed to stretch into an endless moment until Kristian finally shattered the silence, his voice directed firmly at Hugh. "I promise to treat her well."


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    Chapter 137 Seeking Hugh''s Blessing To Marry Freya


    Hugh remained stoically silent, his thoughts swirling. Why hadn''t Freya shown up


    yet?


    The idea of agreeing to Kristian''s proposition was ludicrous, especially considering how close Hugh hade to physically confronting him over Freya''s heartache. And yet, here Kristian was, boldly seeking his blessing once again. "Mr. Briggs," Kristian ventured once more, breaking the strained silence. "Do you suffer from a short memory?" Freya''s sharp voice sliced through the tension as she strode in, still dressed in her business attire, her presencemanding. ¡°Hadn''t he already rejected your request?"


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 Chapter 138

    Chapter 138 I Hope You''ll


    Leave Me Alone


    Freya''s arrival immediately caught the attention of three people.


    Hugh''s tension eased when he saw her, though worry lingered in his heart. He was unsure if she still had feelings for Kristian. Should that be the case, Kristian''s actions might have hurt her deeply, intensifying her distress.


    "Mina!" Ethel''s gaze was locked onto her.


    Freya approached and yfully tousled her hair. She then turned to face Kristian with measured, pointed words. "The door is that way. No rush on your way out."


    "We''re not finished yet. How can I just leave?" Although Kristian''s voice stayed steady, his eyes locked onto Freya the moment he spotted her in her professional office attire.


    In that instant, he could only think that she perfectly embodied the role of a leader in the corporate world. Freya asserted right from the beginning, "There''s nothing more to talk about. When we got divorced, I told you a proper ex should stay out of my life."


    "I''m not just any ex-husband," Kristian retorted casually, his gaze fixed on her. Freya was momentarily at a loss for words. How could he be so audacious? Kristian overlooked her scornful look and turned to Hugh and Ethel. "Mr. Briggs, I need a moment alone with Freya. Would you mind giving us some room?"


    Hugh instinctively looked Freya''s way.


    If Freya was okay with him leaving, he would leave and if she wanted him to stay, he would stay.


    "You both can go downstairs and have some rest. I''ll join you after I''ve spoken with him." Freya finally resolved to speak privately with Kristian.


    "But..." Ethel was a little worried.


    With a calm look, Freya reassured her, saying, "It''s okay. Go on."


    Ethel was alwayspliant with Freya''s wishes, so despite her hesitance, she left, casting several backward nces.


    Hugh followed suit, albeit reluctantly. He had hoped to stay, believing that his presence might deter Kristian from overstepping


    However, respecting Freya''s request, he left.


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    Chapter 138 I Hope You''ll Leave Me Alone


    Then, only Freya and Kristian remained in the room.


    Freya stood defiant. "What do you really want?"


    "Let''s get remarried."


    "That''s out of the question."


    "You can set any conditions," Kristian said, his thin lips barely moving, just like


    when they divorced. "But you don''t have a say in this."


    Freya listened to him as he spoke confidently. "Really?"


    "Yes," Kristian affirmed with conviction.


    His demeanor and steady gaze suggested he was certain he could win her over again.


    ¡°Kristian, take a good look at yourself in the mirror," Freya said, her voice softening unexpectedly. "Do you see what I see? Someone stubborn and self- righteous, who thinks the entire world revolves around him."


    She was baffled, unable to understand why he was so certain she would agree to remarry him.


    "No, I''m none of those things," Kristian responded coolly, seemingly unfazed by her critique.


    Freya had no desire to continue the conversation.


    Seeing her silence, Kristian stood up, his long legs entuated by the tailored lines of his suit pants.


    He approached her slowly, his presence increasingly imposing.


    Freya instinctively frowned.


    "What happened before was my fault. I''vee to genuinely apologize." Kristian added softly, "I''m sorry."


    "And so?" Freya asked, her stance unyielding.


    She doubted that a mere apology could mend the fractures of their past.


    Kristian broke the silence. "Unblock me."


    "Kristian."


    "What?"


    "Are you actually aware of your wrongdoing, or are you just curious about me?" Freya pierced through his facade, her gaze steady and clear. "Is it because of who I am, my hacking skills, or... the card found at Felipe''s house?"


    She remembered the affection Kristian once showed her. Although it was never


    very deep, it was deeper than what she was seeing now.


    His eyes now held no warmth, only underlying motives.


    With her directness, Kristian dropped his pretense.


    Recently, Gerard had learned about Freya''s ordeal at the hotel and her subsequent assault. But the investigation into the mastermind hit a dead end.


    29.8%


    The suspect was a stranger to Freya, someone with no ties to her, and despite the proof, Kristian found it hard to ept that this individual was the culprit.


    Kristian sat back down and delved into the heart of the matter. Are there aspects of your life I''m unaware of?"


    "How is that your business?"


    "Apparently, there are."


    Freya didn''t reply. She was clueless about his thoughts or his ns, and frankly, she didn''t care.


    "Let''s team up and pretend to get back together," Kristian proposed. "We can work together to uncover who''s behind the assault and who set you up at the hotel." Freya refused. "That''s not necessary."


    "Freya!"


    "If I weren''t associated with you, none of this would have happened."


    That simple sentence made Kristian catch onto the key information. "What do you mean?"


    "I was first attacked andter set up at a hotel. Ashley was involved in a car ident and vited at a hotel,¡± Freya spelled out explicitly for the first time, ¡°all these events suggest one thing."


    "What''s that?"


    "All these actions were orchestrated by the same person, who did them to remove any barriers preventing her from getting close to you. The person is infatuated with you," Freya exined.


    She was utterly repulsed by such acts and was too tired to deal with them.


    Rather than entangle herself in such drama, she preferred to focus on earning more money and getting adequate sleep.


    Kristian was taken aback. He instinctively protested, ¡°Impossible."


    In his life, other than Freya and Ashley, he rarely interacted with women. His circle


    of friends was predominantly male.


    Seeing his staunch denial, Freya realized that he hadn''t changed; he was still dismissive of her opinions.


    "I''ve said everything that needs to be said. I don''t want to see you again." Freya truly wanted to cut all ties with him. "And I hope you''ll leave me alone."


    "First, unblock me," Kristian persisted.


    Exhausted from the back-and-forth, Freya pulled out her phone, unblocked his number, and said calmly, "Done."


    Upon hearing that, Kristian immediately tested it.


    He could send her messages and call her again.


    Though he had achieved what he wanted, the sight of her detached and


    indifferent demeanor weighed heavily


    on his heart.


    "Can you leave now?" Freya asked.


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    Chapter 138 I Hope You''ll Leave Me Alone


    "Did you do all this just to make me leave?" Kristian''s emotions surged, his earlierposure disappearing


    Freya didn''t hold back. ¡°What else? Did you really think I had forgiven you and we were going to get back together?"

 Chapter 139

    Chapter 139 They Could Just Fake It


    Kristian surged to his feet, his frustration erupting like a dormant volcano.


    He did exactly what Liam had told him to, but Freya still refused to change her mind.


    Freya trailed after him in silence.


    Downstairs, Hugh and Ethel sat tensely, their nerves strung tight with anticipation. Both were on edge, fearing that the situation upstairs might spiral into a heated argument-or worse, an outright confrontation.


    Seconds stretched into minutes as they waited, the quiet around them growing heavier.


    Then, atst, the sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs.


    Hugh and Ethel snapped their heads up, their eyes wide. The cold aura enveloping Kristian was palpable, even more biting than before. It was clear- whatever conversation had happened upstairs hadn''t gone well.


    "Mr. Briggs," Kristian said abruptly, stopping in the middle of the living room.


    Hugh turned his head on instinct, ready to answer, but then paused. He quickly recalled Freya''s hostile stance toward Kristian and decided to y it safe-he acted like he hadn''t heard a thing.


    Kristian''s eyes narrowed, perceptive enough to see right through Hugh''s facade.


    Unperturbed, he continued, his voice steady and deliberate, "I''ve just arrived in Alerith today and haven''t found a ce to stay. Would it be too much trouble to ask if I could stay here for the night?"


    All three of them stared in disbelief,pletely thrown off by Kristian''s bold request.


    1


    "Mina and She are young women; it''s simply improper to have a man in the house overnight,¡± Hugh finally blurted out, his voice shaking slightly with anger. ¡°I must insist you look elsewhere."


    Kristian simply gave a small nod. "Alright then," he said calmly.


    Without another word, he turned to leave.


    Before his divorce, he had never delved into Freya''s family or her connections, never stepping foot in Hugh''s


    home.


    Now, despite their separation, he felt a strange pull to bridge the gap he had ignored for so long.


    Hugh stood by the doorway, frowning as he watched Kristian disappear into the night. That was it? He left that easily? Was he really thatpliant?


    Snapping back to the present, he caught the intense gazes of Freya and Ethel fixed on him.


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    Chapter 139 They Could Just Fake It


    "What-What''s going on?" Hugh stammered, his voiceced with bewilderment. "You should never engage with him," Ethel dered, her lips curling into a pout as sheunched into her grievances against Kristian. "He''s too maniptive!"


    Freya, who had been eyeing the neatly stacked gifts with a discernible scowl, chimed in, "Have someone return these immediately."


    Without hesitation, Hugh set about making the necessary arrangements.


    However, Kristian seemed to have foreseen their n. No sooner had he climbed into the car than he instructed Gerard to drive off, effectively thwarting their attempt to return the gifts.


    A pang of guilt washed over Hugh as he gazed at the unimed presents. "What should we do with these now?" Freya''s response was as serene as the quiet before a storm. "Once he''s settled in Alerith, we can send them to his new ce," she suggested crisply. "If he dares to show up here again, keep the doors shut."


    "Alright," Hugh said with a quiet nod, his voice steady.


    Freya returned the nod and turned to head upstairs.


    "Mina!" Hugh''s voice cracked the air, causing her to halt.


    Freya stopped mid-step, ncing over her shoulder with aposed tone. "What is it?"


    "Do you... still have feelings for him?" Hugh asked carefully, searching her expression. He wasn''t trying to pry


    -he just didn''t want her getting hurt all over again. ¡°What do you actually feel about him now?"


    "No, I don''t have feelings for him," Freya responded without hesitation, her tone clear and unwavering.


    In those six months, whatever tenderness she''d once felt had slowly faded away.


    She was certain now-there was nothing left in her heart for Kristian.


    As Freya''s figure receded into the distance, Hugh''s worry deepened. He turned to Ethel, seeking confirmation. "Do you think she genuinely dislikes him, or is she perhaps guarding her heart against more pain?"


    Ethel''s confidence was unwavering as she replied, "She really doesn''t like him." "Why do you say that?" Hugh pressed, seeking deeper insight.


    "Because she''s my sister," Ethel answered without hesitation, her voiceced with the pure, earnest honesty only someone young and untainted could possess.


    Freya had always been refreshingly blunt. If she liked someone, she''d say it without batting an eye; if she didn''t, she wouldn''t sugarcoat her feelings. Pretending or ying games had never been in her nature.


    "What if Kristian shows up again?" Hugh asked, anxiety tightening his brows. "He''s not the type to just walk away. You know he doesn''t give up that easily."


    "He still believes Freya''s single, and that gives him a reason to keep going," Ethel said, her expression sincere. "As long as there''s a sliver of a chance, he''ll keep chasing it. But if he finds out she''s already with someone else,


    he''ll back off on his own."


    Hugh''s worry deepened, his thoughts consumed with concern for Freya. "But.


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    T dank


    Chapter 139 They Could Just Fake It


    thinking about rtionships right now," he said, frowning slightly.


    Her first marriage-her first love-had left scars too deep to ignore. After that kind


    of heartbreak, it made sense that she wouldn''t be eager to date again, let alone walk down the aisle.


    Ethel, on the other hand, was already several steps ahead, her eyes gleaming with inspiration. "Who says they have to actually be together?" she said, excitement bubbling in her tone. "Isn''t Trent pretty close with her? They could just fake it."


    Hugh''s eyes suddenly lit up, a spark of realization flickering in them. Why hadn''t that urred to him?


    Unbeknownst to him, Freya was also mulling over the same idea.


    Given Kristian''s persistent nature, once he showed up, it was only a matter of time before he returned.


    Locked doors wouldn''t stop him-he''d find some other way to get inside, one way or another.


    She hated having her peace disrupted like this, but dodging him altogether felt like a lost cause. All she ever wanted was a quiet, uneventful life, far from chaos and confrontation.


    With that thought weighing on her mind, she picked up her phone and dialed a number.


    At the same time, inside Kristian''s car, Gerard stole nces through the rearview mirror, his voice cautious as he inquired, "Sir, how did things go with Ms. Briggs''s father?"


    "Cancel Liam''s ck card," Kristian responded curtly, his tone final, leaving no room for questions.


    Gerard hesitated, piecing together the oue. It didn''t go great, huh?


    Composing himself, he replied, "Understood."


    Kristian, his fingers absently brushing against his phone, contemted Freya''s recent decision to remove him from her cklist. His thoughts were interrupted as hemanded, "Go visit the Price family."


    "The Price family?" Gerard echoed, his surprise evident in his tone.


    Kristian nodded, a solemn hush falling over him as the car hummed beneath them.


    Gerard didn''t press him for answers and simply kept driving. The second heid eyes on Frederick, he instantly understood what Kristian had in mind. Frederick had never imagined he''d bump into Kristian during one of his rare trips back home. Fate certainly had a wicked sense of humor.


    As Kristian and Gerard stepped into the Price family''s residence, the warmth of Frederick''s father''s greeting enveloped them, his smile broad and infectious. The moment he found out Kristian hade all this way just to see Frederick, he wasted no time nudging his son, reminding him-again and again-to be gracious and respectful.


    Despite agreeing outwardly, Frederick''s casual shrug hinted at his internal dismissal of the advice.


    Settled into the plushfort of the living room, the two men delved into conversation.


    Frederick, donned in a crisp white sweatshirt that entuated his youthful exuberance


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    maol.-)


    Chapter 139 They Could Just Fake It


    nerves with a veneer of casualness.


    He ventured first, his voice tinged with a forced lightness, "Mr. Shaw, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?"


    Kristian, leaning forward, his demeanormanding the room despite his role as


    a guest, didn''t waste a moment. "How much do you actually know about Freya?"


    His tone was direct, almost piercing.


    Frederick stiffened, his casual facade crumbling slightly.


    "Not much," he admitted, a bit too hastily. "You might want to talk to Trent about her. He''s closer to her than I am."


    "Sinde


    Kristian''s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. "Sinde neither of us knows much, why don''t we explore this together?" His suggestion, smooth and coaxing, wasced with an earnestness that was hard to ignore. "As her friend, isn''t it a failure on your part not to know even the basics about her?"


    Caught off guard, Frederick''s mind raced.


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 With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 140

    Chapter 140 He Would Never Betray Freya


    "Could you rify that a bit more? I honestly have no idea what you''re saying right now." Frederick spoke up, his forehead creased, clearly not understa


    understanding.


    Kristian, caught off-guard, hesitated, the words seeming to stick in his throat.


    Gerard disguised his chuckle with a forced cough, trying not to let it slip.


    He silently offered an apology, feeling a twinge of guilt. He hadn''t meant tough- it just burst out before he could stop it.


    Breaking the tense silence, Kristian''s voice cut through the air, each syble deliberate and heavy with intent. "I need to know everything about Freya. Name your price," he dered, dropping any facade of casual inquiry.


    Frederick''s eyes widened momentarily in realization, then narrowed as he leaned in slightly, a mix of intrigue and disbelief coloring his tone. "Are you suggesting I spy for you?" he inquired.


    "You could certainly put it that way," Kristian stated bluntly, his gaze unwavering.


    **No way,¡± Frederick eximed almost instinctively, his hands spreading in a gesture of refusal. "If I were to do that, it wouldn''t just be Freya who''d never forgive me-ourmon friends would see it as a betrayal as well." His thoughts turned to Freya, her kindness and loyalty vivid in his mind. How could he betray her? He would never do that.


    "If you reconsider, I''m prepared to offer ten million dors," Kristian dered, eyes locked on Frederick with quiet determination.


    Frederick shook his head firmly, not a trace of hesitation in his voice. "This isn''t about money. I''m Freya''s friend-and friends don''t sell each other out like that."


    Kristian leaned in slightly, his expression unreadable. "I''m not asking you to betray her. I just want to understand her better."


    Frederick''s brows pulled together, his tone turning serious. "But she doesn''t want you to understand her. She doesn''t even like you. To her, whatever this is-it feels like you''re invading her space." He spoke with an unshakable earnestness, the kind that only came from someone young and fiercely loyal. "Being chased around by someone you can''t stand? That''s not ttering-it''s exhausting."


    Kristian''s eyes shed with a hint of frostiness, his expression hardening.


    From the sidelines, Gerard discreetly shed Frederick a supportive thumbs-up, admiring his courage. It was a rare sight to see someone push back against Kristian''s intimidating presence so boldly.


    "And why did you believe she can''t stand me?" Kristian asked, his voice sharp as a de, cutting through the


    0.0%


    21:13


    Chapter 140 He Would Never Betray Freya


    tense air.


    "She''s blocked all means of contacting her. Isn''t that message clear enough?" Frederick''s heart raced with nervousness, but his belief in Freya''s support gave him the courage to carry on. "Freya rarely cuts people off. If she''s gone to that extent with you, it clearly means she wants nothing to do with you."


    Kristian''s eyes narrowed, a storm brewing behind them. "She''s already unblocked me."


    Frederick paused, momentarily thrown off.


    After a brief moment to gather his thoughts, he responded with calcted indifference, "That simply means you''re now insignificant to her. She doesn''t care enough to even bother blocking you anymore."


    That one sentence hit Kristian like a sucker punch straight to the chest.


    He remembered Freya''s face as she unblocked him, her expression devoid of emotion, her voice icy as she dered it done.


    That cold, detached demeanor seemed to signal she was severing ties, wanting nothing more to do with him. "Fifty million dors," Kristian stated, raising the offer without hesitation.


    Frederick''s response was steady, betraying no hint of temptation. "I''ve already said-it''s not about the money." "One hundred million," Kristian countered swiftly, his voice firm.


    "I can''t betray Freya," Frederick reiterated, his loyalty unwavering.


    "One billion," Kristian said, his tone now bordering on desperation.


    Frederick wasn''t swayed by the astronomical sum; instead, he viewed Kristian''s escting offers as a child''s tantrum in a man''s suit.


    He stood up, his posture rigid, signaling the end of the discussion. "Whether it''s one billion, ten billion, or a hundred billion, my loyalty to Freya isn''t for sale."


    "Are you certain?" Kristian pressed, his eyebrow arching.


    "Absolutely," Frederick affirmed, resolute.


    "Then I''ll just have to tell Freya it was you who slipped me her home address," Kristian said evenly, still seated, his gaze piercing. "How do you think she''ll react?"


    Frederick''s resolve faltered at those words.


    In that moment, he was no longer the cheerful, carefreepanion always seen by Freya''s side. A shadow of seriousness fell over his youthful features, marking a sudden, striking maturity.


    He locked, eyes with Kristian, his voiceced with conviction. "Freya''s not going to do anything. She knows exactly the kind of man I am. Even if something does happen, she''ll believe in me-because we''re friends."


    The seven of them had never wavered in their faith in one another. Their bond ran deep, built on years of unwavering loyalty and trust.


    They teased,ughed, and messed around, but when it really mattered, they had each other''s backs without question.


    26.6%


    21:13


    Frederick interjected, his tone earnest, "If your affection for Freya is genuine, you should honor her wishes."


    He regarded Kristian critically, seeing him as somewhat foolish in matters of the heart. "If you can''t manage that, then at least stop dragging her into your mess and causing her pain."


    A cold aura enveloped Kristian, his demeanor turning frosty.


    He shot back, a hint of challenge in his voice. "And on what grounds do yo advise me so boldly?"


    "As a friend of Freya''s," Frederick answered without skipping a beat.


    Kristian''s expression hardened, his lips pressed into a thin line. Deep down, he knew he couldn''t just walk away from Freya-not until he resolved the furmoil of his own emotions.


    Aurmo


    Noticing Kristian''s resolve, Frederick pressed on, "I''m aware of the strains between you and Freya. How can you profess to care for her if youck trust in her?"


    Kristian''s chest tightened as the words sank in, igniting a flicker of unease he didn''t show on his face.


    "Tell me, if Freya were in a room with your family and tragedy struck, wouldn''t you harbor suspicions?"


    Frederick responded immediately, his voice firm, "No. I know exactly the kind of person Freya is-I trust her with my life."


    With the air thick between them, the conversation drew to a close.


    Kristian offered Frederick a deep, unreadable look, then stood and exited without another word, leaving the weight of their exchange hanging in the air.


    As Frederick watched him stride through the door, he exhaled deeply, feeling the mmy sweat soaking his back.


    The intensity that Kristian exuded was just too overwhelming for him.


    His heart had raced wildly, his nerves jangling with fear.


    Kristian was not just intimidating-he was downright terrifying.


    Seeking some semnce of sce, Frederick quickly tapped out a message in


    the chat group. "Freya, I think you owe me something for calming my nerves. I


    was practically petrified by Kristian just now!"


    Meanwhile, Freya was anxiously awaiting a call from Melvin.


    Earlier, when she had tried reaching him, he was swamped and had merely texted her to wait.


    Upon seeing Frederick''s message, her curiosity piqued, and she queried, "What did he want from you, exactly?" Fred''s reply came swiftly, tinged with a mix of jest and seriousness. "He wanted me to spy on you, to feed him information. He even dangled a billion as bait. I turned it down, for your sake, of course. Don''t you think you owe me a littlepensation? Maybe just a small token, say, half a billion?" Freya raised an eyebrow and asked with a teasing edge in her voice, "Are you really sure that''s what you want?" Realizing he might have overstepped, Fred backpedaled quickly, assuring her he was merely joking.


    After all, Freya was someone he held in high regard, someone he truly respected.


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    Chapter 140 He Would Never Betray Freya


    He knew well enough that any attempt to extort money from her would surely


    backfire.


    Freya had been poised to say more, to shield him from Kristian''s deceptions, when Melvin''s call interrupted.


    With a swift swipe, she answered the phone.


    Melvin''s voice, warm and reassuring, floated through. "Ms. Briggs, how can I


    assist you today?"


    "Do you have a girlfriend?" Freya inquired, cutting to the chase.


    "No."


    "Someone you''re interested in?"


    "No."


    "What about a fianc¨¦e or anything simr?"


    "No."


    With each negative, Freya''s tension eased slightly.


    Before she could delve deeper, Melvin''s voice, tinged with amusement, broke in.


    "Are you by any chance trying to y Cupid?"


    "Nah," Freya replied, her eyes flitting nervously. She found herself noting how surprisingly attractive Melvin was. "Actually, I need a favor. Could you do something for me?"


    "Go on."


    "I want you to pretend to be my boyfriend."


    "Alright."


    Freya blinked in surprise, momentarily thrown off. She hadn''t expected him to


    agree so easily, without even asking why.


    Even someone asposed as she usually was found herself taken aback by his instant agreement-it was too smooth, almost suspiciously so.


    "So, when do we kick this off?" Melvin''s voice was smooth, almost yful.


    "In a couple of days," Freya replied after a brief pause. She figured jumping into it immediately would feel too calcted. "And stop calling me Ms. Briggs while we''re at it. That alone could blow our cover."


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 e With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 141

    Chapter 141 Date With Melvin


    When Freya finished speaking, Melvin fell silent for a beat, then said, "Give me ten minutes."


    Though unsure what he had in mind, Freya agreed with a nod in her voice. "Alright."


    The call ended.


    Left in the quiet, Freya mulled over how to navigate the situation.


    If Kristian had stayed in Jeucwell, she wouldn''t have batted an eye at any of this.


    But now that he was in Alerith, nting roots and even setting foot in her home earlier today, she couldn''t help but consider how best to respond.


    She loathed disorder. She cherished her peace and truly had no desire to entangle herself with Kristian any further.


    As her thoughts wandered, ten minutes quickly slipped by.


    (A message from Melvin came through-an image and a voice note. "Here''s the n I put together. Take a look."


    Freya tapped the image open.


    The contents left her momentarily stunned.


    "We''re just pretending... Do we really have to go into such detail?" she replied in a voice message, her toneced with disbelief.


    The image was a screenshot of a document. Itid out, step by step, how Melvin intended to court her-every move choreographed, from the first message to the moment she''d supposedly fall for him. If she didn''t know better, she''d have thought it genuine.


    "You want me to act like your girlfriend to make Kristian Shaw back off, right?" Melvin stated matter-of-factly. Freya admitted, "Yes." She saw no point in hiding it from her trusted assistant.


    "He is pretty shrewd. If we don''t follow the n to the letter, he''ll sniff out the truth," Melvin said thoughtfully. "I''ll set up a dinner for us tomorrow-and I''ll make sure he sees us."


    Freya blinked, surprised. He''d see them?


    "How exactly do you n on making that happen?¡±


    "Gerard-Kristian''s assistant-is a friend of mine," Melvin exined, his voice steady. "If Gerard knows, then so will Kristian."


    0.0%


    Melvin had Gerard all figured out. He was ready to y every card in his hand.


    Freya paused, marveling at how small the world could feel at times.


    After hanging up, she nced through the n once more,


    A thought struck her-wasn''t it a bit of a waste having Melvin work as her assistant? With such a mind, he ought to be running his ownpany.


    Meanwhile, Melvin wasted no time. No sooner had he ended the call with Freya than he rang up Gerard,


    The performance had to be airtight. One crack, and everything could crumble.


    "You''re pursuing someone?" Gerard nearly Choked on his own disbelief. "Are you serious?"


    "Dead serious," Melvin replied,ying the groundwork for the ruse. "I''ve had a crush on her for a long time, but back when she was married, I never dared speak my heart."


    Gerard''s pulse quickened. "And now?"


    "She''s divorced," Melvin said inly.


    In that moment, Gerard''s mind leapt-he instinctively thought of Freya.


    Just to be sure, he asked, "What was your rtionship like before?"


    "She was my superior," Melvin responded, subtly changing the narrative. He had intended to say she was his boss, but remembering that his connection to Anita International Group was still under wraps, he chose his words more carefully.


    After all, he still held a position at Briggs Group. So technically, it wasn''t a lie.


    Gerard rxed, then leaned into the conversation, eagerly offering all kinds of romantic advice.


    By the end of the call, curiosity got the better of him. "I''ll prep some flowers for you to give her at dinner tomorrow."


    "That''d be great," Melvin agreed without skipping a beat.


    To support his dear friend, Gerard even requested a day off from Kristian.


    The following afternoon, once work wrapped up, Freya followed the script and went on the nned date with Melvin.


    She arrived at the restaurant he had reserved, and he guided her inside.


    The ce was cozy and bathed in a soft glow-ideal for a romantic dinner. The


    setting whispered charm and warmth, enough to put anyone at ease.


    As they ate, Melvin looked across the table and said, "Gerard will be stopping byter."


    Freya looked up, startled.


    "Why''s heing?" she asked, baffled


    "To bring flowers," Melvin replied matter-of-factly.


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    Chapter 141 Date With Melvin


    Right on cue, Gerard walked in with a bouquet in hand..


    From his angle, he could only see Melvin''s face-not Freya''s.


    Though the flowers could''ve easily been delivered ahead of time, Gerard dyed just enough to catch a glimpse of the woman who had supposedly captured Melvin''s heart.


    He spotted a woman in elegant business attire across from Melvin and couldn''t help but smirk. So Melvin had a thing for sessful businesswomen?


    That was new. Gerard hadn''t seen that oneing.


    Straightening his tie, he approached with the bouquet, offering it to Melvin with a


    grin. "Mr. Melvin Swain, here are your... flowers."


    He nearly bit his tongue finishing thatst word.


    Because he saw Freya''s face.


    And just like that, Gerard froze-mind gone nk.


    He almost let out a curse.


    It was Freya! How on earth could it be her?


    "Ms. Briggs, what are you... doing here?" Gerard''s thoughts scattered like dry leaves in the wind.


    Freya raised an eyebrow, feigning mild surprise, though her tone was as calm as


    a stillke. "Mel invited me to dinner. Do you know him?"


    Gerard stood there in stunned silence.


    Mel? She called Melvin by his nickname? She hadn''t even called Kristian that way before.


    "We''ve been friends since we were kids," Gerard replied, his thoughts in chaos, desperately trying to make sense of the situation.


    Freya simply nodded. "I see."


    Gerard felt a wave of panic rising.


    He looked at Freya, who resumed eating as though nothing had happened, then


    turned to Melvin and said, "I need to talk to you. Come with me."


    "Later," Melvin declined immediately. "I''m having dinner with Freya."


    Gerard''s breathing hitched.


    "It''s fine. Go on," Freya said calmly, her tone collected. "Gerard probably needs to discuss something important."


    "Alright," Melvin agreed.


    He followed Gerard out into the hallway, ncing back once, his concern for


    Freya unmistakable. "Make it quick. Freya''s waiting."


    "Call it off," Gerard said sharply.


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    Chapter 141 Date With Melvin


    "What?"


    "I''m telling you to back away from Ms. Briggs."


    "Oh, that''s right," Melvin said casually, as if struck by a passing thought. "Did you


    two know each other?" He maintained a steady tone, not a flicker of unease crossing his face.


    Gerard said, his voice firm with intention, "You''ll have to answer me first.


    He wasn''t just fishing for details-he was hoping Melvin would walk away from this mess before it spiraled. Kristian wasn''t the type to y nice when crossed. "Do you even know who she was married to?¡± Gerard asked, eyes narrowing. "Not a clue," Melvin replied without missing a beat. "Never thought to ask."


    Gerard adjusted his sses slowly, a knowing smile ying on his lips. "She was married to my boss," he said. "Kristian Shaw."


    Melvin offered nothing more than a calm, almost indifferent, "Oh. I see.¡±


    Rmended for you


    COMPLETED


    TRIPLEIS


    Genius Triplets: Ex Wife Hidden ...


    Five years ago, Alessia La Rosa''s life took a drastic turn when, suffering from ...


    Ex Wife


    HIDDEN SERTITY


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 Chapter 142

    Chapter 142 She Has Nothing To Do With You


    Gerard blinked, caught off guard by how little Melvin seemed to care.


    "You''re aware of my boss''s reputation, right?"


    Fraught with concern, he couldn''t mask the worry etching his voice. He leaned in, dropping his voice to a whisper. "Listen, if he catches wind of you chasing after Ms. Briggs, trust me, he won''t let you off easy."


    "But they''re no longer together, right?" Melvin''s response was straightforward, cutting through the caution with a hint of defiance.


    "Yes, they''ve split, but it''s not as simple as you think," Gerard replied, struggling to find the right words. He looked earnestly at Melvin, his hands gesturing helplessly. "Just trust me on this one, Melvin. For the sake of your own future, it''s better if you back off now."


    "I can''t do that," Melvin dered, his resolve firm.


    "Melvin!" Gerard''s voice rose sharply, a note of desperation creeping in.


    They''re divorced now, which means Freya''s officially back on the market," Melvin said firmly, his tone steady and resolute. "And since she''s single, I''ve got every right to go after her."


    Gerard gave him a wary look. "My boss wants to patch things up with her."


    Melvin scoffed, eyes narrowing, "And why exactly should I give a damn?"


    "You know how he is-once he sets his mind on something, he doesn''t back down," Gerard noted, trying to sound calm, but his voice carried a warning edge. "If you seriously go after Ms. Briggs, he''s got a thousand ways to keep the two of you apart."


    Melvin''s jaw set stubbornly, his final words ringing with conviction. "I''m not backing down. If your boss has a problem with that, he cane and see me himself."


    Gerard hesitated, words catching in his throat as Melvin''s retreating figure blended into the shadows of the corridor. The decision loomed heavy over him.


    Melvin, stubborn to the core, was a man of unyielding conviction once his mind was made up.


    Yet, Gerard''s loyalty to his boss tangled him in a knot of indecision.


    Trapped between the steadfastness of his friend and the authority of his boss, Gerard wrestled with his conflicting emotions.


    After going back and forth in his head a hundred times, he finally yanked out his phone and dialed Kristian''s


    number.


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    Chapter 142 She Has Nothing To Do With You


    His logic was straightforward-since Melvin had no intention of backing down, the only smart move left was to give Kristian a heads-up.


    This way, there would be no underhand tactics-just a fair battleground for both of them.


    Meanwhile, Kristian was still holed up in the office, workingte into the night when his phone rang.


    He was poring over the contract Chaz had signed, his fingers tapping the eye of the document while his brows drew tighter with each line he read.


    The Briggs Group hadnded a deal that was far too generous-it was a stealpared to their usual contracts.


    Kristian looked up, eyes narrowing as he locked his gaze on Chaz and Richie, both standing tensely in front of his desk. "Can someone exin to me how this contract even got approved?" he asked, voice low but sharp, the weight of his stare pressing on them.


    Before either of them could react, the sudden buzz of Kristian''s phone sliced through the tension in the air.


    He nced at the screen-Gerard''s name shed urgently. With a sense of foreboding, Kristian answered the call.


    He knew Gerard well enough to understand that a call at thiste hour meant trouble.


    "What''s going on?" Kristian''s voice was tight.


    "Bad news," Gerard replied, his voice heavy with reluctance.


    Kristian''s irritation simmered. The day had already been marred by a disastrous contract negotiation, and now Gerard''s grave tone added to his growing frustration. "Out with it," he demanded sharply.


    "Ms. Briggs is out on a date," Gerard informed after a heavy sigh, his words slow and weighted.


    For a moment, Kristian was sure he''d misheard. A date? The thought echoed oddly in his mind.


    Despite his disbelief, the question slipped out. "With Trent Seymour?"


    "No."


    "Then who?" Kristian pressed, his curiosity piqued despite the annoyance.


    "My friend, Melvin Swain." Gerard''s voice trembled ever so slightly as the name slipped from his lips. Kristian''s grip on the phone tightened, his knuckles turning white as images he''d long tried to suppress came flooding back in a relentless tide. He managed to ask through gritted teeth, "Where are they?"


    Gerard paused, the silence stretching between them.


    He recalled Melvin''s earnest expression earlier, which made him hesitate. Finally, he asked, with a hint of caution in his voice, "Why do you want to know?"


    Kristian''s expression turned colder by the second, the frost in his eyes enough to chill the room.


    Seriously? Freya was his ex-wife! Why the hell wouldn''t he want to know?!


    "I know this might rub you the wrong way but I think it''s something we need to talk about," Gerard renlied tone earnest, believing deeply that Freya, Melvin, and even Kristian hi


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    Chapter 142 She Has Nothing To Do With You


    Despite Kristian''s rough edges, Gerard felt that he was just a man who hadn''t yete to terms with his


    emotions.


    All Gerard wanted was for Freya to find real,sting happiness."


    Kristian''s jaw tightened, the vein in his temple twitching. His patience was thinning fast. "Say it."


    "Do you... love Ms. Briggs?" Gerard asked, the question slipping out in a resh. Kristian didn''t answer right away. His deep eyes gave nothing away, as if they were bottomless wells, impossible to read.


    As the silence hung heavy, Gerard pressed on. "If you''re unsure about your feelings for her, then perhaps it''s best not to interfere with her life."


    Kristian''s voice was low and dangerous as he asked, "What exactly are you trying to imply?"


    "She is a wonderful person, and Melvin is serious about her." Gerard always believed that happiness came before anything else. "If you haven''te to terms with your own emotions, you shouldn''t interfere with their rtionship," he advised, his tone tinged with sincerity.


    Kristian had coasted through life with ease-showered with love by his family, praised for his academic brilliance, and steadily rising in a rewarding career..


    He seldom encountered real struggles. In boardrooms, he was apuded; in daily life, he was envied. With his striking looks, athletic build, and enviable wealth, admiration followed him wherever he went.


    Naturally, all that ease had molded him-into someone proud, a little too used to getting his way, and (frustratingly set in his opinions.


    If he didn''t break through these traits, even if he remarried Freya, they wouldn''t find happiness together. "Address!" Themand came from Kristian in a tone as icy as the winds of the harshest winters.


    His emotions might have been a tangled web, but his resolve was clear-he could not let Freya slip away from his life.


    In the mncholy days that followed their separation, Kristian had been lost in the echoes of their past. Each memory of Freya, no longer his, constricted his heart with a sharp pang of pain and a deep, gnawing regret.


    He was a man unacquainted with true affection, yet filled with remorse over their divorce.


    In his heart, Freya belonged to him-forever and always.


    As Gerard observed Freya and Melvin quietly dining, he took a moment to gauge


    the time it would take for Kristian to reach them. With a reluctant sigh, tempered by a sense of inevitable resignation, he finally disclosed


    the address.


    Kristian mmed the phone down and stormed out of the office without uttering another word about the


    contract.


    Gerard stared at his phone, his brows furrowed and jaw tense, a storm of mixed emotions flickering across his face.


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    Chapter 142 She Has Nothing To Do With You


    The restaurant was quite a ways from thepany-far enough that getting there quickly was out of the question. By the time Kristian made it over, Freya and Melvin would probably be long done with dinner and on


    their way out.


    That thought brought Gerard a strange, quiet relief-as if a weight had been lifted


    off his chest, even if just slightly.


    Sure enough, half an hourter, Freya and Melvin had polished off their meal.


    Melvin stepped forward and offered Freya a ride home, his keys already in hand, while Gerard lingered awkwardly in the background, quietly observing the exchange.


    Just as Freya was about to step into Melvin''s car, Kristian burst onto the scene, seizing her arm and pulling her away. His voice was both stern and possessive.


    "She''s with me. No need to go out of your way."


    Gerard''s jaw dropped, his eyes going wide with disbelief.


    How the hell did he get here so fast?


    By his calctions, Kristian was at least twenty minutes out. There was no way he could''ve made it here this quickly!


    "And let me be clear-Freya is mine," Kristian dered, his grip tightening, his steely gaze pinning Melvin in ce. "It''s time you let go of whatever feelings you have for her."


    "Take your hand off me." Freya''s voice was sharp and biting, each wordced with


    frost.


    Kristian remained still, his fingers tightening slightly as his expression grew colder, more unreadable.


    Without loosening his grip, he shifted his gaze to Gerard and ordered tly, "Gerard, take a couple of days off. Go keep your friendpany."


    Gerard stood quietly, not reacting, his lips pressed into a thin line.


    If Kristian expected him to persuade Melvin to back down, he could have just


    asked.


    "I don''t have time to hang out," Melvin retorted sharply, his striking features entuated by his tousled hair, giving him an air of rugged defiance. "Let Freya go already. She''s divorced from you-she''s got nothing to do with you now.*


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 Chapter 143

    Chapter 143 Questioning


    Kristian


    How dare he say something like that!


    Audacity


    Kristian reeled, visibly thrown by Melvin''s dudacity.


    Yes, he and Freya were divorced-but did that strip her from his life sopletely,


    as if she no longer had any connection to him at all?


    "Gerard." Kristian''s restraint snapped like a taut wire.


    Gerard, catching the shift in the air, wasted no time. He knew better than most the extent of Freya''sbat skills¡ªand her temper. Tugging at Melvin''s arm, he muttered, ¡°Let them sort it out themselves. Let''s go."


    "You should really tell Freya''s ex-husband to back off," Melvin said tly. "She''s his ex-wife now, and chasing after her like this? It''s downright inappropriate."


    Gerard was at a loss for words.


    Kristian''s fury surged.


    Ex-husband and ex-wife?


    Those words sliced through him like knives, each one a brutal reminder of what he''d lost.


    He threw Gerard a sharp look, then gripped Freya''s arm with firm intent, making it clear he had no ns to argue further-he was taking her to his car.


    "Let her go." Melvin stepped forward, cing himself between them, his face carved from ice.


    Kristian held on, refusing to release her.


    With swift precision, Freya twisted her wrist, slipping free from his grasp like water through fingers.


    Had the setting not been so public and the onlookers fewer, she might''ve taken a swing at him right then and


    there.


    "If you leave with him tonight, I swear you''ll regret it," Kristian hissed, the helplessness in his voice betrayed only by the desperation in his eyes as she pulled further from his reach.


    In moments like this, Freya was the only anchor that kept him from drowning in chaos-his one, fleeting sense of peace.


    Freya raised her gaze, calm but piercing "This is Alerith."


    "So what?" Kristian shot back, eyes glinting with something dark. The chaos of the evening had clearly unsettled him. "I don''t like ying tricks, but that doesn''t mean I don''t know how."


    0.0%


    Chapter 143 Questioning Kristian


    Her brow creased slightly.


    From what she''d known of Kristian, scheming had never been his style.


    But there was one incident she remembered vividly-someone had tried to undermine him, and just whe she''d moved to help, the tide had turned in a blink.


    He''d said the exact same words then-he didn''t like scheming, but he wait incapable of it.


    At that moment, he had been ice-cold.


    But it hadn''tsted long before he snapped back to his usual self.


    She wasn''t worried, not really.


    But Frederick did seem to cross paths with Kristian more often. If Kristian were truly provoked, things could getplicated when her guard was down.


    Fine. Onest conversation.


    "Mel, you should go," Freya said, her tone final. "See you tomorrow."


    Melvin hesitated, thrown.


    Was she really leaving with Kristian?


    Freya gave him a look-a silent message that she''d take care of it.


    "Gerard," Kristian said.


    "Goodbye, sir." Gerard, ever the sharp one, understood immediately and nudged Melvin toward the car.


    Melvin hesitated, ncing over his shoulder more than once, but finally got in. His mind was already working on a n.


    Kristian radiated coldness, his stare piercing. "You called him so sweetly."


    "It''s none of your concern," Freya answered coolly, sharp as ever. "Weren''t you offering to drive me home? Then what''s the holdup?"


    Her words stung. Kristian''s gaze grew colder.


    Why did it suddenly feel like she was treating him like some glorified driver?


    He didn''t linger on the thought. He needed this time with Freya-needed to talk, to make her see reason. And above all, to convince her to remarry him.


    Lost in his thoughts, he slid into the driver''s seat.


    Freya opened the back door and slipped into the rear like she owned the car.


    "Sit in the front," Kristian said, his patience thinning.


    She really knew how to push everyst one of his buttons.


    "When I''m with Mel, I always sit in the back," Freya said smoothly. "If that bothers you, I can always call him


    back."


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    Kristian couldn''t even respond.


    He wanted to summon Gerard, but knowing Gerard had driven off with Melvin, he


    could only grind his teeth silence.


    Torn between pride and frustration, he hit the gas.


    In the back, Freya nced at a message from Melvin, asking if she was okay,


    She replied with calm efficiency, telling him not to worry.


    Melvin couldn''t afford to attract too much attention. If Kristian ever investigated Anita International Group, th trail would lead straight to her.


    She could already hear him saying it, "I never expected you to hide so well-even owning Anita Internationa Group."


    Once her chat with Melvin ended, Freya looked up, eyes narrowing.


    They weren''t heading towards her ce. "Where are you taking me?" she asked, voice level.


    "My ce."


    "It''s the middle of the night," she pointed out.


    "I''m aware," Kristian replied.


    Freya didn''t push further.


    She wasn''t reckless enough to leap from a moving car or start a roadside


    argument-not out of fear, but for sheer practicality.


    Life was precious. She wouldn''t throw it away.


    Roughly an hourter, the car came to a stop.


    They had arrived in an upscale viplex. Freya quickly sent Melvin her location.


    If Kristian lost his mind, tonight, someone needed to know where she was.


    Once parked, she trailed behind Kristian into the house.


    She knew his ways-he wouldn''t stop until he got what he wanted.


    And if she slipped away tonight, he''d only resurface another day. She wasn''t about to let her life be haunted by his persistent shadow.


    Kristian opened the door and held it for her.


    Once she stepped inside, he locked it behind them, pressing a button. It was a specialized lock-once sealed from the inside, it couldn''t be undone without a password, not even from within.


    Freya scanned the space-ck, white, and gray tones dominated, cold and clinical. Then she settled on the sofa. ¡°So, what exactly did you bring me here to talk about?"


    "What''s your rtionship with him?" Kristian asked.


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    Chapter 143 Questioning notion


    Friends Boss and employes Admirer and the one admired/ Freys replied smoothly


    Kristian went silent


    Hey answer was a little too thorough


    His insides burned, but there was nowhere to unleash the fire


    "Do you have a crush on him?" he asked again.


    "That''s my business i owe you no exnations," Freys retorted bluntly, "Why don''t


    you start by telling the why I''m even here?"


    Kristian stared at her, sbsorbing her distante, her cold tons


    He knew she didn''t care for him anymore but still, he said it. "I want us to get


    married again."


    "I''ve already given you my answer," Freya said, unflinching, She''d known this was


    "You can name your terms," Kristian offered, eyes unwavering, emotions unreadable.


    "Marriage and divorce aren''t a game," Freya said firmly, her voice steady, "Whether it was done in haste or otherwise, you have to live with the oue,"


    Kristian''s brow furrowed.


    "Kristian," Freya said his name with careful weight.


    He looked at her.


    your world, do you truly believe that when you ask for a divorce, i have to say yes,


    and when you decide you want to marry me again, I''m supposed to just fall in line?" Freya didn''t flinch as she asked the question that needed asking "And if I


    refuse-does that mean I''m just being difficult?"


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 Chapter 144

    Chapter 144 I''m Just Stating The Truth -


    The first thought that crossed Kristian''s mind was to say yes.


    Deep down, in the quiet corners of his heart, he clung to the belief that as long as he didn''t let go, Freya couldn''t say it was over.


    But believing something and saying it aloud were two very different things.


    He wouldn''t voice it. He knew too well that doing so would only ignite Freya''s temper. "No," he said instead.


    "If that''s the case, then quit wrecking my life." Freya still held onto the hope that things could be settled without chaos.


    She had no desire to lock horns with Kristian.


    In most situations, she leaned toward reasoned choices. But Kristian, if left unchecked, had a habit of acting purely on instinct, which always ended in a sh.


    "Why don''t you want to marry me again?" Kristian stared at her, his presence intense and overbearing. "If it''s *because of Ashley, then I''m sorry."


    Freya was momentarily at a loss for words. She raised her eyes slightly. "Because we''re not cut from the same doth."


    The world she was raised in held one value above all-an unshakable trust among close friends, where reliance wasn''t questioned.


    Whether it was her, Trent, Frederick, or any of the others in their circle, they were like Kristian in some ways, cautious about trusting people. But once they called someone a friend, that trust became absolute.


    They knew each other, believed in each other, and leaned on one another without doubt.


    "What about Trent?" Kristian let the name slip with a biting coldness.


    Freya didn''t respond.


    But her silence said enough-Trent meant something to her.


    The tension thickened instantly.


    The air in the living room turned colder, as though a frost had settled in.


    Freya had no desire to speak to Kristian, and Kristian was too enraged to speak to her.


    "You''ve got three months to think it over." He finally broke the silence, unwilling to let the deadlock drag on.


    "If your answer hasn''t changed by then, I''ll find a way to make you remarry me."


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    Chapter 144 I''m Just Stating The Truth


    "Do you have to strong-arm me?" Freya''s brow furrowed faintly.


    She despised being threatened.


    Kristian''s answer was cutting and void of warmth. "You''re the one forcing me." "I''m not going to remarry you." Freya met his aggression with calm resolve.


    If Kristian pushed her too far, she''d return to that organization. She''d rather face danger head-on than let him continue interfering in her life.


    Kristian suddenly stood. His tall frame seemed to shrink the spacious room, and his gaze had lost all trace of restraint. Each word he uttered was deliberate. "Go ahead and try."


    With that, he turned and headed back to his room, leaving Freya behind in the chill of the living room. She briefly considered calling Kristian''s family, hoping they could talk some sense into him.


    But after thinking it over, Kristian likely wouldn''t listen to them anyway.


    After a moment of internal debate, she sent a message to Liam.


    Someone closer in age might be able to get through to Kristian.


    Liam received Freya''s message while ying chess at home with Lionel. He stared at his phone, forgetting it was his turn to move.


    "I keep telling you, none of you y like Freya does," Lionel grumbled, his beard twitching with irritation. "When she ys chess with me, she gives it her all-never distracted by her phone."


    "I''m just checking a message from Freya," Liam said with a smirk.


    Everyone in the family knew Lionel adored Freya.


    Lionel immediately perked up.


    Freya? Forget the chess match-he couldn''t care less.


    "What did she say?"


    "Kristian is messing with her life again," Liam said as he typed back. "She''s not interested in Kristian, but he keeps being pushy. I can''t tell if he''s emotionally clueless or just in dumb."


    if Kristian had just followed the proper steps without stirring up drama, he might''ve actually left a good impression on her by now.


    Liam clicked his tongue in exasperation. Kristian was seriously blowing it.


    Lionel looked puzzled. "What do you mean by pushy?"


    "He''s trying to pressure her into remarrying and even locked her in his house like


    he owns her,¡± Liam exined,ying it out clearly. "If he keeps this up, she''s going to cut ties for good."


    Lionel''s expression darkened. He wouldn''t allow it.


    "Grandpa, do you want Freya back in the family?" Liam asked, eyes gleaming with mischief.


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    Lionel shot him a look that said everything.


    Of course he did.


    He thought about it all the time.


    "Then help out. Keep Kristian so busy he won''t have time to mess with her," Liam suggested, casually fiddling with his phone as a n started to form.


    Lionel was on board immediately. He wanted Freya back-but more than that, he wanted her to be happy.


    With Lionel''s involvement, it wouldn''t be long before Kristian was dragged off to visit Lionel''s old friends in Alerith.


    After making his rounds, it was only a matter of time before those seasoned friends grew fond of him. And. naturally, once that happened, they''d start nudging him toward a few well-bred youngdies they had in mind. Kristian had no clue what wasing. He stayed holed up in his room for a while, where a bagy on the bed -inside, a brand-new set of women''s pajamas and lingerie.


    He thought about taking them out to Freya, but the image of her rejection reyed itself in his mind like a cruel echo.


    That thought alone kept him rooted to the spot.


    Right then, a knock came at the door.


    Since it was just the two of them in the house, it was clear who it had to be.


    He walked over and opened it, finding Freya looking calm as ever, cool and


    "I want to go home. Open the door," Freya said bluntly.


    She''d already tried. It was locked.


    Kristian''s hands curled into fists, and his voice dropped several octaves. "Do you really not want to stay with


    me?"


    Freya found the question absurd.


    Did he really have to ask?


    "No woman wants to stick around with her ex-husband after a divorce."


    "You''re just trying to rile me up." Kristian bristled at the word "ex-husband".


    "I''m just stating the truth," Freya said suddenly, catching the flicker of anger in his eyes. She added, "Are you truly serious about wanting to marry me again?"


    The abrupt shift in topic threw Kristian off, as if someone had frozen him mid- step.


    His eyes, dark and unreadable, fixed on Freya like he was trying to decode her meaning.


    "Why aren''t you answering?" Freya asked, pressing him.


    Though still unsure of where she was going with this, Kristian replied, "Yes."


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    Chapter 144 I''m Just Stating The Truth


    "Alright. If you can prove yourself by passing three challenges, I''ll consider the idea of remarrying you." Freya had said she''d consider it¡ªnot that she agreed. ¡°But until then, stay out of my life and leave my family alone."


    "What three challenges?" Kristian didn''t rush to ept.


    After the month he''d just spent trying to figure Freya out, he knew better than to leap without thinking.


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    100.0%

 Chapter 145

    Chapter 145 A Deal


    "First, figure out who was behind those incidents," Freya began, ticking the challenges off one by one. "Second, beat me in marksmanship."


    Kristian didn''t find either of those demands particrly daunting. "And the third?"


    "I haven''t decided on that yet," Freya replied, her eyes settling on him with quiet calction. ¡°Once you''ve handled the first two, I''ll let you know. But let me be perfectly clear-if you don''t outdo me in every one of them, don''t ever bother me again."


    "Deal," Kristian said without missing a beat.


    Freya felt a quiet wave of relief wash over her. For the first time in days, she could finally enjoy a sliver of peace.


    She nced at her watch. It was already past ten. "Can you open the door now so I can go home?" she asked, pronouncing each word with care.


    "You''re staying here tonight," Kristian said, his tone leaving no room for argument. "We''ll handle the second task first thing tomorrow morning."


    He turned, grabbed a bag, and handed it over. "Here''s something to change into."


    Freya was at a loss for words. She wanted to refuse, but after a moment''s hesitation, she figured it wasn''t worth the fight.


    She took the bag from him and walked to the room he''d indicated. Once inside, she locked the door, shrugged off her coat onto the bed, and picked up the pajamas before stepping into the bathroom.


    Kristian heard the soft click of the lock. For a moment, he couldn''t decide whether to admire her caution or feel disheartened by how wary she still was around him.


    Meanwhile, Freya stood under the shower, letting the water run over her.


    Her mind drifted back to the conversation with Kristian earlier. Thoughts began to coalesce. She hadn''t originally intended to investigate those incidents-they were petty and tedious.


    But when she considered them through the mastermind''s eyes, she realized she couldn''t simply turn a blind


    eye.


    Kristian''s sudden reappearance in Alerith, followed by his repeated run-ins with her, was bound to catch the attention of the person pulling strings from the shadows. It was only a matter of time before she was dragged into trouble again It was a headache she hadn''t asked for.


    Elsewhere, in a dimly lit basement across the sea, a womany sprawled on the cold concrete floor. Her hair was a mess, her face bruised and streaked with angry red welts.


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    on


    21:14


    Her eyes were shut, and her body was restrained by iron chains-around her neck, wrists, and ankles.


    All around her, lifeless snakesy scattered like discarded threats.


    Footsteps rang out, echoing through the basement.


    The sound made the woman in white flinch uncontrobly. It was a reflex born of relentless torment-a deep, primal fear triggered by that sound.


    A man stepped into view, dressed in a sharp suit, his very presence radiating menace.


    His pale skin gave him a sickly, almost unnatural look.


    "Wake her up," he ordered, flicking ash off his cigarette with practiced ease.


    His eyes moved to the corner where Ashleyy in chains.


    One of his men immediately sshed a bucket of ice-cold water in Ashley''s face.


    The freezing jolt yanked her back to consciousness. She gasped, jerking upright as the icy water soaked through her clothes, sending shivers down her spine.


    The man took a long drag from his cigarette, then flicked it to the ground and crushed it beneath his heel. He stepped closer, his face as striking as Kristian''s, yet carrying apletely different air-cold, venomous, and calcting


    "Have you made up your mind?" he asked, crouching before her. He lifted a hand and lightly tapped her cheek. Ashley flinched hard, her whole body quaking with dread.


    It wasn''t just his words-it was the unshakable terror he inspired.


    "All you have to do is take Kristian''s life," he said, his voice slow and deliberate. "Do that, and I''ll let the past stay buried. I''ll even shower you with wealth- everything you''ve ever craved."


    Ashley only wanted him dead!


    Her fists clenched at her sides. Every inch of her body throbbed with pain-a constant reminder of the hell she''d been through since falling back into his grasp.


    She had failed before, and because she''d begged him to spare her family, he''d found new ways to make her suffer every day.


    More than once, she''d wanted to end it all. But she couldn''t do it. Why should she die while he went on living? The man seemed to savor the fury and madness in her gaze. His smile curled wider. "You want me dead?" he asked, as though reading her mind.


    Ashley''s pupils shrank in panic. A chill surged down her spine, freezing her where she sat.


    "You''ll never make that happen," he said, hisrge hand cupping her wet, trembling face.


    His touch was warm, but to Ashley, it felt like poison.


    "You really think just because your grandma and brother are under protection, you can defy me?" His thumb brushed across her cheek as he spoke, voice low and dangerous.


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    Ashley didn''t say a word, but her chest tightened with fear.


    "They might be under guard,¡± he continued, drawing out the words, "but if I want them gone, no one can stop


    1. me. Got it?"


    "Why me?" Ashley''s voice was ragged, her eyes bloodshot from exhaustion and despair.


    "Because you were Kristian''s first love," he said, lifting her chin. He didn''t are about the hatred burning in her eyes. "If you go near him, he won''t question it. He''d never believe someone as weak and pitiful as you could kill him."


    Freya would be the better choice, Ashley thought bitterly. But she couldn''t say that aloud. Not after everything she had done to Freya.


    Even after all that, Freya had stepped in to help her. She couldn''t drag her into this nightmare.


    "That''s not true," Ashley said, holding back tears. "After what happenedst time, he doesn''t trust me anymore." "Just do as you''re told," the man snapped, his tone sharp and dismissive.


    Ashley bit down on her lip, her entire body racked with pain. She looked up at him and said, "Murder is still a crime in our country."


    "Once it''s done, I''ll have you brought back here," he said, his voice smooth and convincing. ¡°No charges. No prison. You''ll live in peace."


    Ashley didn''t buy a word of it.


    Murder wasn''t something you could just erase.


    And besides, she didn''t have it in her.


    Last time, she''d been forced to approach Kristian and try to tear his marriage


    apart. That alone had wrecked her conscience.


    But she''d done it to protect her family. She hadn''t had a choice.


    This time was different. It felt like she was sacrificing someone else''s life to save


    her own family''s. If she did it, her family would never forgive her-and neither would she.


    "Well?" the man asked, lifting an eyebrow when she stayed silent.


    Ashley''s voice came out steady, even though her body trembled. "I won''t do it."


    "Is that right?" He didn''t sound mad-just amused. "Then maybe I''ll pay your brother and grandmother a visit.


    I wonder how they''ll feel, knowing you yed the mistress and tore another family apart."


    "Don''t you dare!" Ashley hissed.


    "Up to you,¡± the man said, straightening to his full height.


    As he walked away, he added over his shoulder, "Three days. That''s all you get.


    Obey, or stick to your


    conscience."


    And with that, he left her there-shackled, shattered, and once again swallowed by


    the suffocating shadows of


    that basement.


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 Chapter 146

    Chapter 146 Gun Club Competition


    The next morning dawned over Alerith.


    Freya had already washed and dried the clothes she''d worn the day before.


    Freshly dressed and ready to go, she sat in the living room, waiting for Kristian.


    Half an hourter, the two of them shared breakfast and then headed out together.


    Their destination was a legitimate gun club nestled in the heart of city, one that required both a membership and a referral letter for entry. Kristian had, of course, already taken care of all the formalities.


    It took them an hour to reach the club.


    Kristian, well-acquainted with the manager, was greeted with a warm, familiar smile. "It''s been quite some time since west crossed paths, Kristian."


    "It has been a while," Kristian replied, falling naturally into conversation.


    "And who might this be?" the manager asked, his eyes drifting curiously toward Freya.


    Kristian''s expression shifted, his eyes dimming slightly as he began, "My..."


    "Just a friend. Freya Briggs," Freya cut in, introducing herself with aposed smile.


    Something in her gut told her that if she didn''t interrupt, Kristian would''ve said something she wasn''t ready to hear.


    Kristian nced her way; that had indeed been his intention-to introduce her as his wife.


    "This way, please," the manager said with a knowing glint in his eyes before gesturing them forward. "A professional will be along shortly to teach you how to shoot. Follow me."


    They walked in silence down the corridor that led to the shooting range.


    Freya and Kristian were each assigned their own professional instructor.


    The manager, Mack Russell, happened to be Damon Russell''s cousin. Observing Freya''s focused demeanor, he leaned toward Kristian and muttered, "You and Ms. Briggs-there''s no way you''re just friends, is there?"


    Kristian rarely had femalepanions, which made Mack all the more intrigued.


    "Indeed, we''re not just friends," Kristian admitted, already familiar with every corner of the shooting range from


    past visits.


    Mack''s eyebrows lifted with interest. "Oh?"


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    Chapter 146 Gun Club Competition


    "She''s my ex-wife," Kristian said eventually, weighing Freya''s reaction and deciding not to go with wife.


    Mack was visibly startled.


    With wide eyes, he asked, "When did you get married? How did I not know? Does Damon know?"


    "He does," Kristian replied coolly.


    "That''s too much! So he gets a heads-up, but not me?" Mack grumbled, feeling somewhat slighted. "You did even invite me to the wedding."


    Even more shocking was the fact that Kristian''s marriage had never made it into the news.


    "There was no wedding ceremony,¡± Kristiah said, pausing mid-motion as he held the gun, a storm of mix feelings flickering across his face.


    He didn''t borate, and once the instructor wrapped up his briefing, Kristian turned his attention to Frey who had just finished hers as well.


    Not wanting to pry further into their past, Mack changed the subject. "Just here for some fun today?" he aske "No, we''re here topete," Kristian said, his eyes already locked on a target fifty meters away.


    Mack''s lips twitched with amusement. Kristian always did have a mischievous streak.


    Leaving him to his game, Mack strolled over to Freya and chatted with her, "Let me give you a hand. Kristian'': been practicing since he was a kid, and the club''s shooting record? It''s his."


    "That''s alright," Freya replied, her tone steady and unfazed.


    "You sure you don''t want a little help?" Mack asked, a protective instinct kicking in.


    Freya seemed too graceful, too delicate, to be thrown into a shooting match with someone like Kristian.


    But Freya knew her way around a firearm. As soon as the gun was in her hands, the old familiarity washed over her. ¡°No, but thank you,¡± she said politely.


    Seeing her calm refusal, Mack didn''t press the issue.


    Aside from the two professionals observing, Mack himself was curious to see how


    thisposed young woman would handle losing.


    "Five bullets, highest total rings wins," Freya said to Kristian.


    "Alright," Kristian agreed.


    He took a textbook shooting stance, focusing intently on the fifty-meter target.


    Five sharp cracks echoed through the range.


    Each shot hit dead center. Fifty rings.


    The result came as no surprise to the club regrs or to Mack, who had seen Kristian pull this off more times than he could count.


    The training and safety briefings were merely formalities for someone like him.


    30.6%


    Kristian handed his gun back to a staff member, then turned to watch Freya.


    Mack, too, had his eyes on her.


    He expected at least a flicker of nerves-fifty rings was no small feat. But Freya looked calm. Unbothered. As i what she''d just seen meant nothing.


    She raised her gun and pulled the trigger.


    Bam! The shot sliced clean through the air,nding straight in the bull''s-eye.


    The staff member beside her dropped his stoic mask, blurting, "Holy crap!"


    Ten rings.


    Was she really new to this?


    Mack and Kristian were equally stunned.


    Mack had assumed she might have natural talent, but hitting a bull''s-eye on her first shot?


    Kristian, meanwhile, was quietly reevaluating everything he thought he knew about her-first the cards, now this. Just how many secrets did Freya keep tucked away?


    Before the shock wore off, Freya fired four more shots-each one dead center.


    "Is this really your first time?" the staff member asked, clearly impressed.


    At fifty meters,nding ten rings was child''s y for him-every pro at the club could pull it off without breaking a sweat.


    But wasn''t this young woman supposed to be a total novice?


    "I''ve shot before," Freya answered, cool and collected. "But it''s been a while." "Kristian, looks like your ex-wife''s got quite the skill set," Mack joked, thoroughly impressed. "Beating her might not be so easy."


    Kristian''s brow furrowed slightly, instinctively rejecting the term ex-wife.


    Freya nced toward the outdoor range and then back at him, proposing, "How about three hundred meters straight, one shot to settle it?"


    Mack blinked in shock.


    Kristian, too, appeared momentarily caught off guard.


    Seeing his silence, Mack turned to Freya. He genuinely feared for her. Three hundred meters was no joke- nowhere near the same as fifty.


    "Maybe start with a hundred meters? Three hundred''s quite the jump," Mack offered gently. ¡°If you''re not used to that range, it''s easy to miss altogether." He was trying to be realistic.


    At a hundred meters, Freya might stand a chance.


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    Chapter 146 Gun Club Competition


    If Kristian made even the tiniest error, she could take the win.


    "That''s unnecessary. Three hundred meters," Freya said firmly, her voice even,


    her gaze steady as it settled on Kristian, waiting.


    100.0%

 Chapter 147

    Chapter 147 A Draw


    "Why are you so stubborn?" Mack asked, the hope in his eyes unmistakable. "Just trust me on this-start with a hundred meters first."


    Freya said nothing. Her gaze, unwavering and sharp, was fixed on Kristian. She was waiting-for him to speak, to decide.


    If he chose a hundred meters, she''d match him step for step. But if he insisted on three hundred, she wouldn''t back down.


    "Shooting at three hundred meters is a different beast altogetherpared to fifty," Kristian finally said after a thoughtful pause. "Are you sure you want to jump straight into a three-hundred-meter shootout with me?"


    "I''m sure," Freya replied, steady as ever.


    "Alright then." Kristian nodded in agreement.


    Mack sighed, patting Kristian on the shoulder. "Come on, can''t you go easy on her?"


    Kristian didn''t bother with a retort as he calmly picked up the gun once more.


    He needed to win thispetition.


    "You shoot first," he offered, not wanting Freya to feel pressured.


    "No need for that," Freya declined. She wanted this match to be as fair as they came. "Let''s stick to the original order."


    Her words caused Mack, Kristian, and the staff members to pause and study her. How could someone stay soposed under this kind of pressure?


    Kristian didn''t argue. Instead, he focused entirely on the target. His expression was more serious now than it had ever been before.


    Even if he believed Freya couldn''t possibly hit a target 300 meters away, he couldn''t afford to underestimate her.


    He had no room for error-not today.


    Watching Kristian''s concentration, Mack grew even more curious. What was really going on between him and Freya? Why was this turning into such a high-stakes match?


    Bam!


    The gun roared, echoing through the range as the bullet tore through the air toward the distant target.


    Mack raised his binocrs and squinted, then stiffened when he caught sight of the impact. A perfect bull''s-eye.


    When Kristian normally practiced at the club, his 300-meter shots hovered between nine and ten rings.


    0.0%


    But this time, he''d nailed the center with surgical precision. Was the heat ofpetition really pushing him this far?


    Kristian returned the gun and looked at Freya, waiting for her reaction.


    Freya didn''t so much as nce at him. Calm as ever, she lifted her weapon and took aim.


    A shot rang out.


    Mack snapped the binocrs back to his eyes, more curious about Freya now than Kristian. After all, hitting all tens at fifty meters wasn''t something many first- timers pulled off here.


    And yet, the moment he caught sight of the target, he froze.


    He lowered the binocrs, rubbed his eyes, then raised them again-but the result hadn''t changed: another. bull''s-eye.


    At that moment, he was dumbfounded. How could those two both hit the bull''s eye? And shot it from three hundred meters away with a practically outdated rifle?


    "No way!"


    "Who is she? Is she really that good?"


    "I can''t even get close to a bull''s-eye at three hundred..."


    A ripple of murmurs broke out among the staff members nearby. All eyes shifted to Freya with admiration.


    Kristian paused. He took the binocrs from Mack and looked for himself. When the bull''s-eye came into view, This mind went nk for a moment.


    He had pushed himself to the limit tond that perfect shot, and yet Freya had matched him-effortlessly, it seemed.


    "Ms. Briggs," Mack said, his tone different now-less yful, more sincere, "have you ever considered joining the military? My dad could pull some strings, get you a rmendation letter."


    Before Freya could answer, Kristian grabbed Mack by the cor and tugged him back. "She''s not interested. Drop it."


    "But she''s got rare talent-"


    "One more word and I''ll have Damon haul you off for a little... correction."


    Mack fell silent instantly. He gave Kristian a sidelong nce. How could he always throw Damon in his face? Freya remained still.


    She wasn''t born with the gift. Her skill came from relentless practice-thousands of rounds, hours upon hours


    at the range.


    Kristian''s gaze darkened. Pulling Mack aside, his eyes settled on Freya like a storm waiting to break. "When did you get this good?"


    "I''m not obliged to answer that," Freya replied bluntly.


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    < Chapter 147 A Draw


    The more guarded she was, the more intrigued he became.


    Her eyes flicked to the target. "It''s a draw. So let''s up the ante."


    Kristian blinked in surprise.


    Mack leaned in, eager to hear what came next.


    "What about shooting in the rain? Or fog?" Freya suggested without a shred of hesitation.


    Kristian''s brows drew together in a frown.


    Under ideal conditions, he could aim and hit with confidence. However, when wind, rain, or low visibility came into y, the situation changed drastically, and he couldn''t guarantee sess.


    Freya, on the other hand, lookedpletely sure of herself.


    If he epted and lost, he''d have no right to chase after her again. No excuses. No future.


    With a heavy breath, he said, "Let''s leave it for another day. We''ve done enough for now."


    Freya didn''t press. He had the right to call it off.


    With no more reason to linger, she turned to go. She''d already spent half the day away from her work.


    "I''m heading out," she said, returning the equipment. Before leaving, she nced back at Kristian. "I hope you haven''t forgotten your promise."


    Kristian''s lips pressed into a thin line.


    Of course he hadn''t. She was reminding him not toe knocking until hepleted the first two challenges.


    "I''ll give you a ride," he offered, voice as cool as ever. "You won''t find a cab easily out here."


    "Leaving already?" Mack tried to stop them, eyes lighting up. "Come on, since you''re here, let''s share a meal. It''s tradition-any first-timer who hits a bull''s-eye at 300 meters gets a free lunch."


    The staff members nearby looked at him, baffled. Since when was that a thing?


    Mack turned to them. "Isn''t that right, fes?"


    "Absolutely!"


    "No doubt about it."


    "Please, both of you."


    They chimed in enthusiastically, making it up as they went along.


    Freya knew they were bluffing, but with so many eyes on her, declining outright would be awkward.


    Besides, Mack''s family stood tall for a century in Alerith. The family patriarch had served in the military. One of his sons took to business, and the other joined the military.


    Mack''s father was the soldier.


    The one Kristian had name-dropped earlier-Damon-was the businessman''s son.


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    Chapter 147 A Draw


    To avoid giving Melvin cause for concern, Freya shot him a quick message with the location.


    Half an hourter, Mack had everything ready.


    The table was overflowing with food, and he even uncorked a fine bottle of wine.


    His goal was simple-get Kristian drunk and pry something out of him.


    "Freya, is it alright if I call you by your first name?" Mack asked sincerely.


    He really liked Freya. In his eyes, she had a great personality, a sharp look, and


    skills that would put most shooters to shame.


    He had always admired women like that.


    Rmended for you


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    100.0%

 Chapter 148

    Chapter 148 Have You Met Freya Before


    Kristian''s gaze was icy as he flicked a cool nce in Mack''s direction. Mack was really annoying today.


    Mack acted oblivious, still waiting for Freya''to answer.


    Freya gave a grunt in agreement.


    Kristian frowned. How could she be nice to everybody but him?


    "Just heard from Kristian that you two are divorced. Any truth to that?" Mack''s tone was light.


    Freya replied in a t voice, "Yes."


    "So you''re single now?"


    "Yes."


    "You know, I''m not exactly hard on the eyes..."


    4-


    Before he could finish, Kristian''s voice sliced through the room like a de of ice. "Mack!"


    "Let''s eat," Mack said with a loaded smile.


    He''d figured it out. Kristian wasn''t ready to let Freya go. Maybe the whole contest had been about whether they''d split or stick it out.


    Mack chuckled to himself.


    Hedled soup into Freya''s bowl and tossed a teasing jab at Kristian. "What''s the rush? I only wanted to be friends with Freya. Are you nervous I''ll try to be more than that?"


    Kristian''s gaze sharpened like a drawn knife. Had he let things slide too far, giving Mack this much rope?


    "So was your little match about getting back together?" Mack leaned close, whispering, "If you win, you stay together? If you lose, you let her go?"


    Kristian felt the words catch in his throat. He shot Mack a warning re. "Say one more thing, and I''ll throw


    you out."


    "Alright, alright. Lips sealed," Mack said, looking all too pleased with himself. "Freya, this dish is amazing. Try


    some more."


    "Okay." Freya''s expression stayed cool and aloof.


    Just then, someone burst through the door, breathless, speaking fast to Mack. "Mack, your father''s here."


    Mack was visibly startled. He jumped up. "You sure?"


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    Chapter 148 Have You Met Freya Before


    "He''s already on his way in," the person said urgently.


    "Go stall him. Tell him I''m in training." Mack said, quickly formting a n. "I''ll


    meet him in the reception room in five minutes."


    "Got it."


    Suddenly, amanding voice rang out, sharp and unmistakable. "Why don''t you show me how training works in a restaurant?"


    Mack froze, stunned. How had his father gotten there so fast?


    He straightened immediately and greeted the man entering.


    The man wore a military uniform with effortless authority. Though in his forties, he barely looked thirty. "Weren''t you on leave for something important? And this is where you end up?" Brady Russell, Mack''s father, was every bit the sternmander. "Get back to training now. Skip your duties, and you''ll be confined."


    "Hold on, Dad," Mack said, visibly shrinking under his father''s gaze. "I took leave because Kristian was visiting the range. It''s not often he drops by, and I wanted to see if he''s still got it."


    Hearing his name, Kristian stood and approached, greeting respectfully, "Good day, Mr. Russell."


    Brady gave a slight nod.


    He held Kristian in high regard, and his temper cooled.


    Mack exhaled in relief, sensing he''d avoided a proper dressing-down. "I''ll head back to training after we eat. I won''t ck, promise."


    His father fixed him with a look heavy with authority and expectation but said nothing more.


    Mack understood that as approval.


    "By the way, Dad," he added, suddenly thinking of Freya, his smile brightening, "let me introduce someone incredible! Freya just faced off with Kristian in a 300¨C meter match and nailed the bull''s-eye in one shot. Totally impressive!"


    Mack beamed like he''d discovered gold.


    Brady followed his gaze-and froze for a moment when he saw Freya''s face, a flicker of something passing through his expression.


    Freya met his eyes.


    They exchanged no words, but their looks carried unspoken thoughts.


    "Already thinking of recruiting her?" Mack teased, knowing his father too well.


    Brady stepped toward Freya. "What''s your name?"


    "Freya Briggs," she answered.


    Brady grasped it instantly and spoke in his usual formal tone. "Could we talk privately? There''s something I''d


    like to discuss."


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    Chapter 148 Have You Met Freya Before


    ¡°Sure. Please,¡± Freya said politely, her voiceposed.


    They walked off together.


    Mack pped a hand on Kristian''s shoulder. "Think your ex-wife''ll give in to my dad?"


    "Does he know her?" Kristian asked suddenly.


    Mack blinked in surprise.


    He stared at Kristian, puzzled. "How could it be possible? Didn''t you hear him ask her name just now?"


    "The way he looked at her didn''t feel like a stranger''s gaze," Kristian said, his eyes thoughtful, the gears turning. "More like someone seeing a face from the past."


    "You good?" Mack looked genuinely confused by Kristian''s words.


    His dad had looked at Freya the same way he looked at any rising talent.


    Was Kristian seriously worried about Freya being recruited?


    Kristian kept his thoughts to himself. He''d ask moreter.


    Half an hour passed, and Brady returned.


    Mack nced behind him and, seeing no sign of Freya, asked, "Where''s Freya?"


    "Her assistant came and picked her up," Brady replied, his tone strict as ever. "Once you''ve eaten, back to training. No more idling around."


    "Got it." Mack didn''t dare argue.


    His father was just about to leave when Kristian, now in a crisp suit and perfectly polite, stepped forward. He looked at Brady and asked, "Mr. Russell, have you met Freya before?"


    Brady was a man of high rank. If he knew Freya, it meant there was more to her than met the eye.


    But as he thought it over, Kristian frowned. Freya didn''t seem old enough to match that theory.


    "Not exactly," Brady answered, his voice low and steady. "She just reminds me a


    great deal of her mother, whom I once knew well."


    That one sentence put Kristian''s doubts to rest.


    Brady left the club not long after.


    Thinking back to Freya''s clever parting excuse, he couldn''t help but smile,


    impressed by her quick thinking- and feeling a pang of regret. If he''d known her


    and recruited her before that man did, maybe things would''ve yed out


    differently.


    While Brady mulled it over, Freya was already gone, whisked away in Melvin''s


    car.


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 Chapter 149

    Chapter 149 Agreed To Meet Cheryl


    Melvin flicked his eyes to the rearview mirror, catching the silence radiating from Freya like a heavy fog "Is something troubling you?" he asked, his voile calm but curious.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya murmured, easing back into her seat and pinching the bridge of her nose. You don''t have to pretend to be my boyfriend anymore. I cleared things up with Kristianst night."


    "All right,¡± Melvin responded without hesitation, epting her words with ease. Feeling drained, Freya let her eyes drift shut, hoping for a moment''s peace.


    Seeing Brady again had stirred long-buried memories.


    She was never officially enlisted in the military-just an ordinary civilian who could be summoned when needed, then allowed to return to a life that looked normal from the outside. It had been ages since she''dst gone on


    a mission.


    As the car continued on, Melvin couldn''t shake the sense that something was off about her today. Instead of heading to the office, he quietly redirected the car toward her home, where Hugh and Ethel lived.


    Freya said little.


    Once they arrived, she went upstairs without a word and went straight to bed.


    Today, it was only her and Hugh at home, Ethel had returned to campus for sses.


    After passing thepany''s reins to n, Hugh spent most of his time at home, asionally sneaking away to visit someone who clearly meant a great deal to


    him.


    "Mina," he called out, summoning the nerve just as she reached the stairs.


    Ethel had once suggested that if he wanted to rebuild his rtionship with Freya, he had to speak more often.


    Freya paused, hand resting on the banister, and nced down. "What is it?"


    "Can we sit down and talk? Hugh asked, cautiously, his face tinged with unease. "It''s been ages since we just talked or even watched TV together."


    Those words gave Freya pause.


    Images of a younger Hugh sitting beside her during her childhood, trying to cook despite his utterck of skill,


    surfaced in her mind.


    Despite the resentment simmering in her heart, she came back downstairs.


    He had let her mother down, but he had still been a decent father.


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    Chapter 149 Agreed To Meet Chery!


    Seeing here down, Hugh breathed a quiet sigh of relief, feeling that maybe¡ª just maybe-Ethel''s advice had


    merit.


    "There''s something I want to get your opinion on," he said with a nervous twitch, pressing his lips together. ¡°Should we formally announce your identity? If you''re okay with it, I could host a banquet and announce it then."


    He didn''t want to risk what Vivien had hinted at ever happening again.


    His daughter deserved better than whispers behind her back.


    "There''s no need to make a big show of it, but no need to keep it under wraps either," Freya replied. "Let it unfold naturally."


    "I see." Hugh nodded, a shadow of disappointment flickering across his face.


    He still wanted the world to know he had two brilliant daughters.


    As they chatted about other things, a thought urred to Hugh-something he had long meant to say. But the words snagged in his throat, tangled in hesitation.


    Freya noticed immediately. "Is there something else?"


    "There is," Hugh admitted.


    "What is it?"


    "Well..." Hugh faltered, his voice hitching.


    He couldn''t bring himself to speak it aloud, worried it might tear apart the fragile bridge they had only just started to rebuild.


    But this matter had already lingered too long.


    Watching his struggle, Freya pieced it together and said bluntly, "Are you nning


    to register your marriage with Vivien''s mother?"


    Hugh froze. How had she figured it out? Who had told her?


    "How-How did you know?" he asked, stunned.


    "You always stammer when it''s about her," Freya said, holding back her emotions.


    Then, to Hugh''s shock, she added, "Pick a time. I''ll meet her."


    Hugh was taken aback, his eyes wide, momentarily too stunned to react.


    "You really want to meet her?" he asked, voice shaking ever so slightly.


    "I''m not blessing your rtionship, and I haven''t forgiven you," Freya said tly. "I just don''t want the family falling into disarray."


    Hugh marrying that woman felt inevitable. Freya couldn''t stop it, and doing so wouldn''t change anything. What she could do was meet her face-to-face.


    Ethel insisted Cheryl was a kind soul, but Freya remained unconvinced.


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    Chapter 149 Ageed To Meet Chery


    If Cheryl truly had good intentions, she would have walked away after what happened, not stayed tethered to Hugh for over two years.


    "All right" Hugh agreed quickly, his eyes misting over.


    But Freya had misunderstood one thing


    To Hugh, Freya and Ethel meant everything, If either of them refused to acept Cheryl, he wouldn''t go through with the marriage-even if it seemed unfair to Cheryl.


    More importantly, from the very beginning, he had made it clear to Cheryl that he might never marry her. Seeing how emotional he became, Freya feltfa twinge of conflict. She wondered if herte mother would me her for this decision-or if it would have broken her heart to see Hugh in this state.


    But thinking it through, her mother probably wouldn''t. She had always been the kind of woman who treated Hugh gently, with quiet patience and unwavering kindness.


    She was soft-hearted to the core.


    "Let me know what day works for you, and I''ll arrange the meeting," Hugh said, fumbling slightly.


    "I''m not avable on the 15th or 16th," Freya replied, her tone unreadable. "Any other day is fine."


    "How about the 10th?"


    "Okay,¡± Freya said, and with that, Hugh felt one burden lift off his shoulders.


    After Freya returned upstairs to rest, Hugh called Cheryl to let her know about the meeting with Freya on the Croth


    Cheryl agreed.


    Once everything, was in motion, Hugh also messaged Ethel


    His n was to take both Ethel and Freya together, and if all went well, he''d consider setting a date to officially register the marriage.


    Meanwhile, Cheryl lived in a duplex apartment Hugh had bought, with Vivien residing there as well.


    Overhearing the call, Vivien''s face twisted with frustration, cheeks puffed out like a child denied her way. "Why can''t 1 go? Aren''t 1 your daughter too?"


    "He still minds what you did before," Cheryl said coolly. She was elegant and poised, the kind of woman Ethel once described as genuinely kind. "I told you not to upset him."


    "I didn''t know Freya Briggs was his daughter," Vivien argued, feeling wronged. She had always behaved her best around Hugh, and he had genuinely liked her. But because of Freya, everything had fallen apart.


    Vivien seethed with resentment.


    "You were in the wrong, back then, so stop acting like the victim," Cheryl replied, her tone calm but unyielding

 Chapter 150

    Chapter 150 I Simply Dislike Her


    Vivien''s face was clouded with frustration, but she couldn''t deny the truth that gnawed at her-she was indeed at fault.


    Still, the mere thought of losing all the fruits of her hard work because of Freya sent ripples of unease through her mind.


    After a long, hesitant pause, she finally broke the silence, her voiceced with uncertainty. "Do you think Mr. Briggs will ept me again after this?"


    Cheryl studied her for a moment, her gaze sharp but silent.


    She knew exactly what kind of man Hugh was. Given the mess Vivien had made of things before, it was unlikely he would so easily offer her forgiveness.


    "You should first get a handle on your behavior," Cheryl advised after a heavy silence. "One wrong move, and it could alle crashing down. I hope you understand that."


    Vivien swallowed her frustration, the words stinging but necessary.


    Days passed in a blur, with Freya bncing her work between Briggs Group and Anita International Group.


    While Melvin had taken over most of the workload, Freya, as the owner of Anita International, still had matters that required her personal touch.


    As for Kristian, after theirst encounter at the shooting club, he seemed to vanish into thin air, as if honoring his vow not to disturb Freya until he had surpassed her in shooting.


    Time marched on, and before long, the 10th arrived.


    It was a Saturday.


    Ethel, Freya, and Hugh were all present. As they kept an eye on the time, Hugh led his daughters to the restaurant he had reserved for the asion.


    Despite his calm exterior, Hugh was still feeling that gnawing anxiety.


    After a few moments of indecision, he said, "If you''re not feeling up to it, just let me know. We can always


    reschedule."


    "It''s fine," Freya answered with a quiet, assured calm.


    Her words should have put him at ease, but they didn''t. The nervous energy still hung in the air, and he couldn''t shake the feeling that she might be displeased by somethingter.


    Nevertheless, he genuinely hoped for her support.


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    Chapter 1501 Simply Dislike Her


    Since his wife Anita''s passing, the house had be eerily silent, a void of warmth and joy.


    At exactly ten-thirty, Hugh''s group arrived at the restaurant, greeted by a waiter who led them to


    room.


    Cheryl was already there, having arrived early in an effort to make a good impression on Freya.


    As the door to the private room swung open, Freya''s gaze immediatelynded on the woman inside.


    It had been over two years since she''dst seen Cheryl with such rity.


    private


    "Mina, She,e sit here," Hugh said warmly. "Let me introduce you. This is Cheryl Newman. This is Mina..."


    He continued the introductions smoothly, but Freya interrupted with a quiet correction, "Not Mina. I''m Freya Briggs."


    That simple statement made Hugh realize, instantly, that Freya didn''t want others calling her by her nickname. He reintroduced them using their full names, and Cheryl, always poised, smiled warmly at them.


    Soon, it was time for the meal to begin.


    Throughout dinner, Cheryl was careful, her actionsden with subtle hints of trying to win Freya''s favor.


    Both Hugh and Ethel noticed this, exchanging a quiet nce that spoke volumes. It was clear-Cheryl was seeking Freya''s approval.


    "Freya, try this. It''s delicious," Cheryl offered with a gentle smile, her tone almost pleading for connection.


    Freya, everposed, politely refused, "Thank you. I can help myself."


    The words, though polite, sent a ripple of awkward silence through the room.


    While nothing was overtly wrong with Freya''s response, everyone could sense the distance between her and Cheryl.


    By the end of the meal, no one had truly enjoyed their food-not even Freya, who wasn''t usually difficult when it came to eating.


    As the meal wound down, the conversation reached a critical juncture. Hugh, sitting next to Cheryl, felt the weight of the moment. He nced between Freya and Ethel before asking, "About my marriage n with Cheryl, do you..."


    "I have no objections," Ethel replied casually, her tone light.


    Over the past two years, she had seen Cheryl''s kindness firsthand. In her eyes, Cheryl was patient, gentle, and even cooked meals that reminded her of their mother.


    If Hugh was happy, Ethel was at peace with it.


    After receiving Ethel''s blessing, Hugh turned to Freya, his expression uncertain. "Mina, what about you?"


    Freya''s tone shifted, bing formal and distant. "I have a question for Ms. Newman."


    Cheryl''s face remained serene, her expression never wavering. "Go ahead."


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    Chapter 150 I Simply Dislike Her


    "Did you know my mom?" Freya''s clear, piercing gaze met Cheryl''s without hesitation.


    Hugh froze, caught off guard, while Ethel blinked in confusion.


    Cheryl, unfazed, shook her head softly. "I didn''t know her, but I''ve heard of her."


    Freya''s eyes flickered with something unreadable, but it was quickly masked. Ethel leaned in and whispered, "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing," Freya answered calmly, her usualposure returning.


    The room''s atmosphere shifted, the air growing thick and oppressive, as though


    the very walls were closing in.


    "So... about the marriage n?" Hugh asked again, his voice tinged with uncertainty.


    He was anxious, his nervousness evident. Freya''s expression made it clear she was not pleased.


    ¡°I disagree,¡± she said, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with Hugh. ¡°But if you''re determined to get it, I won''t stand in your way."


    She then nced at Cheryl.


    Cheryl''s smile faltered, the light in her eyes dimming ever so slightly, but she masked it with a smile, reassuring Hugh, "It''s okay, whether we get married or not, it''s the same. Let''s not make things difficult for the children."


    Hugh felt his heart sink.


    After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice soft but searching. "Can I ask why?"


    Freya''s reply was blunt, a departure from her usual decorum. "No reason. I simply dislike her. That''s all." Ethel, hearing her sister''s words, felt a sudden jolt of rm inside her. Freya had never been one to target someone so openly. Even when she disliked someone, she usually remained distant and indifferent. This abrupt shift signaled that Cheryl had crossed some invisible line that Freya had drawn, a line no one dared breach.


    "Mina..." Hugh''s voice faltered slightly, a frown tugging at his features. His displeasure was faint but unmistakable.


    This was unexpected. He knew Freya wouldn''t act out without cause. She wasn''t


    one to be unreasonable. But now, with her candid words, she had ced him in a difficult position.


    After all, Cheryl was his current partner.


    Freya, sensing the subtle change in his demeanor, didn''t linger. "I have something


    to take care of, so I''ll leave first. Enjoy your conversation," she said, her tone measured.


    Ethel, quick to follow her sister''s lead, excused herself as well. "I have something to deal with, too!"


    Left alone in the private room were only Hugh and Cheryl, the silence between them thick and heavy.


    Cheryl felt a quiet stab of disappointment, but she swiftly masked it, forcing a smile and carrying on with feigned ease. "Thedies have left. Shall we go?"


    Hugh''s expression was aplex blend of emotions. He hesitated, his gaze


    lingering on Cheryl. "Cheryl..."


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 Chapter 151

    im Now


    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 151 Your Ex Is Trailing Us


    Hugh''s guilt gnawed at him more and more as Cheryl kept being so considerate.


    There was no way he could disregard Freya''s opinion and marry Cheryl. If he did, his rtionship with Freya might never recover. All he could do was wait and see how it yed out.


    After stepping out of the private room, Freya made her way straight toward the restaurant''s exit.


    Ethel dashed after her in an instant, her eyes glinting with that usual sparkle. "Hold up! Why are you speeding off like that? I can barely keep up!" Catching up to her, Ethel blurted out the words in one go.


    Freya threw a nce over her shoulder, not spotting Hugh or Cheryl, and asked, "Why did youe out?"


    "Because I''m your trusty sidekick," Ethel replied with a mischievous grin, her hair done up in two braids with wispy bangs that made her look adorably cheeky.


    Freya reached out and gave Ethel''s hair a gentle tousle.


    The two of them strolled out of the restaurant side by side.


    Instead of heading straight home, they wandered into a nearby shopping mall.


    At first, Ethel chatted away about silly little things, but before long, she circled back to what really mattered. "Oh right, Freya-what did you mean back there in the private room? Did you figure something out?"


    Hugh wouldn''t be the right one to ask something like this, and even if he did, Freya probably wouldn''t answer. But Ethel? She was perfect for it. She was Freya''s closest confidante, after all.


    "Has Cheryl always dressed the way she did today?" Freya asked as they walked, eyes casually scanning the disys.


    "Not really. She only started dressing like that about a year ago," Ethel said after thinking for a moment. Then she tilted her head. "Why? Is something wrong?"


    Freya hesitated while picking out a scarf for Ethel. "Don''t you think her style reminds you of someone?"


    "Reminds me of someone?" Ethel repeated, rubbing her chin and mentally flipping through everyone she knew.


    And then, she froze.


    Her eyes grew wide, and slowly, she lifted her gaze. "You mean... Mom?"


    "Yeah." Freya nodded, keeping the conversation going. "Her clothes, her jewelry, even her makeup-it''s all eerily simr to Mom''s."


    "Now that you mention it, I do remember something," Ethel murmured, her brows drawing together.


    0.0%


    Freya turned toward her, attentive. "What is it?


    "The first time I met her, the way she spoke to me-it was just like how Mom used to. Her tone, her mannerisms, everything." Ethel said, her unease deepening with each word. "At the time, I was upset that Dad had brought someone home so quickly, but Cheryl was always so kind to me, I didn''t feel like I couldin


    Thinking back now, she realized that maybe Cheryl had been putting on a show from the start-trying to lower her guard.


    Ethel suddenly felt naive. "Do you think she''s been mimicking Mom on purpose just to win over Ded?"


    "I don''t know," Freya admitted with a shake of her head.


    Whether Cheryl was doing it intentionally, or Hugh was the one picking out clothes and essories to match her mom''s style-Freya couldn''t say for sure.


    Either way, it made her feel sick.


    Ethel was still lost in her thoughts when her eyesnded on two familiar figures ahead, and she came to a sudden stop.


    Wasn''t that Freya''s ex? Why on earth was he out shopping with another woman? "Freya, let''s head over there," Ethel said quickly, tugging on Freya''s arm.


    She didn''t want Kristian getting the chance to speak to her sister again. "There''s nothing interesting here."


    Freya watched her sister scurry ahead, confused for a moment.


    Just as she was trying to figure out what was going on, a clear, slightly surprised voice rang out, calling her name. "Freya?"


    Ethel let out a quiet curse under her breath.


    Freya blinked in confusion.


    Both of them halted in ce.


    Freya turned toward the sound and spotted Kristian first, dressed in a sharp suit and carrying his usual cold, distant air. Then her eyesnded on the elegant young woman beside him-Norah.


    If it hadn''t been for Norah''s call that time, Freya wouldn''t have known Felipe had taken Farrah to the hospital


    Ethel, watching the scene unfold, leaned in to whisper to her sister, "Freya, do you know her?"


    "Yeah, we''ve met," Freya said tly, her tone void of warmth.


    "I wasn''t expecting to see you here," Norah walked up to them. "How''s Farrah doing these days?


    Freya gave a small nod. "She''s doing well."


    "d to hear it."


    They exchanged a few polite words.


    Ethel, who wasn''t exactly great at hiding her thoughts, kept ncing between Kristian and Norah, genuinely intrigued about how those two had ended up together.


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    Chapter 151 Your Ex Is Trailing Us


    She knew Norah was Damon''s younger sister-the president of the Russell Group. But had Kristian really moved on already?


    "Don''t get the wrong idea. My grandpa asked Kristian to go shopping with me," Norah exined with a gentle air, keeping things rxed.


    Then she turned to Kristian and added, "I''ll continue shopping with Freya Xou don''t have to stay with me."


    "It''s fine," Kristian replied, his gaze fixed on Freya from the moment he saw her. His voice was calm. "I''ve got time."


    Norah felt a flicker of awkwardness but she understood-Kristian''s heart still belonged to Freya.


    As she mulled it over, her eyes drifted towards Kristian, and she said, "Would you


    mind waiting here a minute? I need to use the restroom."


    Kristian answered simply, "Alright."


    And with that, Norah disappeared down the corridor.


    "Out shopping with your sister?" Kristian asked casually.


    Freya shot back dryly, "No."


    And that was that.


    She had no interest in lingering near Kristian, so she told Ethel, "Let''s go."


    "Okay!"


    Ethel never argued when it came to her sister.


    Kristian frowned ever so slightly, torn on whether to follow. But then he remembered Norah''s grandfather had entrusted him with apanying her, so he hesitated.


    Just then, a message pinged in.


    Norah had texted, "I''ve made ns with my friends. You can apany Freya instead."


    Reading the message, Kristian didn''t waste another second. He turned and


    headed in the same direction Freya had gone. He didn''t know what exactly drove him-only that if he let her walk away again without doing something, he''d feel hollow inside.


    Over the past few days, he''d been paying visits to Lionel''s old friends, as Lionel had requested. He wasn''t sure what Lionel had told them, but every visit ended with someone trying to set him up with their granddaughter.


    Norah''s grandpa was no exception.


    Ethel happened to nce back and spotted Kristian following them. She leaned toward Freya and whispered, "Freya, your ex is tailing us."


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 Chapter 152

    Chapter 152 Do You Still Care For Kristian


    "Ignore him." Freya was as indifferent as always when it came to Kristian. "Where else do you want to go? Let''s go."


    "Upstairs," Ethel replied.


    "Alright."


    Without so much as a nce, the two of them carried on, leaving Kristian behind.


    When they reached one of the stores, Ethel headed inside to try on some clothes. The sales assistant, noticing Kristian standing outside, hesitated for a moment before nervously asking Freya, "Excuse me, is that man with you?"


    "No," Freya answered, her voice calm andposed. Her natural beauty,bined with the calm assurance in her demeanor, made the sales assistant believe her without question.


    The assistant lingered for a moment, then, with a hint of concern, warned Freya, "When you leave, be careful. He seems to be following you."


    "Alright, I appreciate the heads-up," Freya responded, her tone warm but distant.


    Ethel picked out two pieces of clothing, and Freya helped carry them as they continued their shopping spree.


    For the next few hours, Freya and Ethel kept up their shopping spree, with Ethel taking the lead in picking out items. Whenever she found something that seemed perfect for Freya, she made sure to buy it for her sister as well.


    At four o''clock, Kristian watched them enter yet another store, his brow furrowing. He was genuinely curious about how Ethel, so small and delicate, could shop for hours without tiring.


    It wasn''t exhaustion that bothered him; it was the strange, lingering looks he kept getting.


    Those nces made him feel as though he were some kind of creepy stalker.


    Ten minutester, as Freya and Ethel emerged from a store, Kristian approached them, unable to resist. "How much longer are you nning to keep shopping?"


    Both women looked at him, confused.


    They couldn''t quite grasp why he would ask such a question, especially since the length of their shopping seemed utterly irrelevant to him.


    "I have something to discuss with you," Kristian added, his gaze fixed on Freya.


    "Did you forget what you promised me?" Freya remained calm, her emotionsrat


    00%


    presence.


    "I haven''t forgotten. I just want to exin some things."


    Freya remained as indifferent as ever. "There''s nothing between us, so there''s no need for any exnation. We have no personal matters to discuss. If it''s business, you should reach out to the president of Briggs Group."


    Her words left Kristian speechless. No matter what he wanted to discuss, it was bound to be either something personal or business-rted.


    The more distant she became, the more he felt drawn to her, wanting to break through her calm and to see some emotion, any emotion, in her eyes.


    "Then let''s not talk about us," he said, pulling out his phone. His lips parted


    slightly, coldness still evident in his voice. "My grandpa asked me to call him when


    I saw you. He said he has something to discuss with you."


    Freya was about to refuse, knowing she could contact Lionel herself, but before


    she could, Kristian had already dialed the number.


    Lionel picked up the phone swiftly, with Liam by his side.


    His impatience was clear in his voice as he spoke. "Speak quickly. Don''t interrupt my chess game with Liam."


    Kristian knew well that after his divorce from Freya, he was the least favored in his family. "Freya is with me," he said tly.


    There was a brief silence on the other end.


    "Put the phone on speaker. I have something to discuss with Freya!" Lionel''s voice came quickly.


    "Okay."


    Ethel nced at her sister, standing silently as she waited.


    Lionel''s voice boomed through the phone, each sybleced with a familiar


    warmth whenever he called Freya. "Is that you, Freya?"


    "Yes, Lionel. It''s me," Freya responded sweetly.


    Kristian nced at her, his grip on the phone tightening ever so slightly.


    Lionel went on, "I need to ask you something. Are you free?"


    "Yes, I am free," Freya answered.


    "Do you still care for Kristian?" he asked, his voice casual but probing.


    Both Kristian and Ethel looked at Freya, waiting for her response. They''d expected some hesitation, but instead, Freya answered with absolute certainty, "No, I don''t care for him."


    Her words hit Kristian like a blow to the chest. His breath caught in his throat.


    How much must she truly dislike him to say those words so easily, without even a flicker of hesitation?


    "You mean it?" Lionel asked.


    Freya''s response was firm. "Yes, I mean it."


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    Chapter 152 Do You Still Care For Kristian


    "If you truly don''t care for him at all, I''ll arrange a marriage for him." Lionel''s voice dripped with contempt for Kristian as he spoke, each word carefully measured. "Lately, a few of my friends have been asking me about


    this."


    Freya, keeping herposure, didn''tment too much. "You can handle it as you see fit."


    "If you still have feelings for him, I''ll make sure to hold onto him for you." No one could tell if Lionel''s words were sincere or not. "But since you don''t care for him, I''ll have to make the best use of his potential."


    Freya remained silent, her thoughts unreadable.


    Kristian''s brow furrowed slightly, an edge of frustration creeping into his voice. "Grandpa, I can hear you."


    "So what? I''m speaking the truth," Lionel replied bluntly. He wasn''t the least bit guilty. "If you can''t win Freya back, obediently go for the arranged marriage."


    "The Shaw Group doesn''t need an arranged marriage to boost its development," Kristian replied coldly.


    He wouldn''t ept an arranged marriage for business purposes, no matter how much his family wanted it. "Of course, the Shaw Group doesn''t need it. If it did, it might as well go bankrupt," Lionel scoffed. "I''ll give you three more months. If you can''t win Freya back, go for the arranged marriage. This matter is non- negotiable."


    With that, Lionel hung up.


    Kristian ced the phone down, his eyes still focused on the screen. He nced


    at Liam, who stood beside him. ¡°Did I sound convincing enough?"


    "More than enough," Liam said with a thumbs-up.


    "Will Kristian resent me for this?" Lionel muttered, mulling over the thought.


    Despite his disdain, Kristian remained the most aplished and sensible of his generation.


    "He''ll be grateful.¡± Liam smiled. "He''s probably secretly relieved, thankful you''ve given him a reason to connect with Freya."


    Liam had heard from Gerard that Kristian had agreed topete in three challenges to remarry Freya, promising not to disturb her until he won.


    He couldn''t understand Kristian''s reasoning; even the strongest emotions would


    fade without contact, yet Kristian had agreed to such terms.


    It seemed utterly foolish.


    "After my birthday, make sure to help him." Lionel was clearly worried. "He might never win Freya over by himself."


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 Chapter 153

    Chapter 153 He''s Not Good Enough For Her


    Kristian was blissfully unaware that both Liam and Lionel thought he was emotionally clueless.


    Just as Freya was about to leave with Ethel, ''he reached out and caught her wrist. "Running away again?"


    "Running from what, exactly?" Freya blinked,pletely thrown off. She couldn''t tell what game he was ying now.


    "You must''ve heard what my grandpa said," Kristian said, his voice steady butced with pressure. His eyes were deep, unreadable pools. ¡°If I don''t win you over within three months, he''s going to shove me into an arranged marriage."


    Freya didn''t even flinch. "And then what?"


    "Do you still think this is just my problem?" Kristian''s gaze bore into her, his voice a low thunder.


    Freya remained indifferent. "Isn''t it?"


    "If you hadn''t made such a ster first impression-if you hadn''t charmed my grandpa until he was singing your praises-do you think I''d be in this mess?" His tone sharpened like a de.


    Clearly, he wasying the me at Freya''s feet, as if she''d lit the fire he was now trying to put out.


    Watching the tension simmer like a pot on the verge of boiling over, Ethel quietly sat down nearby, choosing the role of silent spectator rather than stepping into the storm.


    This wasn''t a scene meant for interruption. It was theater-messy, unscripted, and charged.


    "Freya," Kristian called her name again, his voice a strange cocktail of warmth and ice. "You ought to have at least a shred of conscience. If I end up trapped in a loveless marriage, you''ll carry part of that burden."


    Freya stared at him in disbelief. "How about you try having a little self-respect first?"


    "That deal we made? It''s off the table," Kristian dered, as if reiming a lost battlefield. ¡°Instead of staying out of your way, the new arrangement is this-you stay with me until my grandpa finally drops the idea of pushing me to another random woman.


    The deration seemed to offer him a moment of relief.


    Lately, he''d been haunted by regret-why had he ever agreed to terms that gained him nothing? If he failed those three challenges, would that mean losing her forever?


    The thought gnawed at him, especially when images of her first love or that ever- hovering Charlie danced through his mind like unwee ghosts.


    Freya''s brows pinched together. Her voice came low and biting. "Keep dreaming."


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    < Chapter 153 He''s Not Good Enough For Her


    With that, she turned to leave.


    But Kristian caught her arm again.


    Freya wasn''t the type to be flustered by such tactics anymore. She had always been able to shake off his gri with ease.


    Yet this time, when she tried to slip free using her usual technique-she couldn''t. She tried again. Still held fast.


    A third time-and still, his hand stayed mped like iron.


    She quickly realized: there would be no easy escape today.


    "You really think I let you go all those other times because I couldn''t stop you?" Kristian leaned in, closing the space between them.


    The sudden proximity triggered a reflex in Freya. She wanted to get away-fast.


    She hated this suffocating atmosphere.


    And she liked Kristian even less.


    Kristian nced at Ethel, who remained seated nearby, and turned back to Freya.


    "Are you going toe quietly, or do I need to drag you there?"


    "Don''t push your luck," Freya snapped, fury flickering in her eyes.


    Seeing the fire in her eyes, Kristian''s expression softened-just a bit. At least she wasn''t brushing him off like he didn''t exist.


    His lips parted, the words slow and measured. "The choice is yours."


    "She," Freya called out firmly, her mind made up.


    Ethel stood up at once.


    Freya gave instructions calmly. "Call the bodyguards to pick you up. I''ll go with him."


    As she spoke, she subtly moved the hand Kristian wasn''t holding.


    The silent code between sisters ran deeper than blood. Ethel had been about to question her-what business could she possibly have at Kristian''s ce? But Freya''s discreet signal told her everything she needed.


    Ethel nodded and responded in a hushed voice, "Okay."


    With the message passed, Freya''s gaze turned cold again as she looked at Kristian. "Are we going or not?" Kristian felt a flicker of unease crawl beneath his skin. He knew Freya wasn''t the type to cave in this easily. But he couldn''t quite put his finger on what felt off. On the surface, it all appeared normal.


    So, after a moment''s pause, he chose to lead her out.


    What neither of them noticed was that once they stepped out of the mall, a shadowy figure emerged from a hidden corner-eyes glued to Freya.


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    < Chapter 153 He''s Not Good Enough For Her


    In the car, Kristian and Freya sat side by side in the back seat.


    Gerard was at the wheel. When he caught sight of Freya with his boss, he did a double take, as if he''d just witnessed a pig fly. "Ms. Briggs? What are you doing with my boss?"


    "He kidnapped me," Freya replied without missing a beat.


    Gerard quickly focused on the road, not daring to make another peep. Thest thing he needed was to irritate Kristian and end up out of a job.


    Halfway through the drive, he suddenly thought of Melvin.


    He turned to Freya. "By the way, Ms. Briggs, Melvin always says his big boss is something of a legend. That wouldn''t happen to be you, would it?"


    "No," Freya lied without hesitation.


    "Then your rtionship is...?"


    "Friends. And I''m merely his direct superior, not the big boss," she answered calmly.


    A stretch of silence followed.


    Kristian''s deep, unreadable gaze was fixed on her, probing.


    Freya could feel the weight of his gaze, but she didn''t turn her head.


    "Weren''t you two in a kind of... romantic chase before?" Kristian suddenly asked. "Is that over?"


    Freya didn''t hesitate. "Completely."


    Kristian nced at her again.


    "Because now, we''re in a rtionship," she added abruptly, her tone unreadable.


    Whether she was joking or not, no one could tell.


    Kristian''s expression chilled. "Is that so?"


    "Yes," she confirmed, almost too quickly.


    Kristian didn''t buy it. Not one bit.


    Sure, Melvin was handsome-but he wasn''t her type. Kristian had spent two years


    married to her. If he knew one thing, it was her taste in men.


    Without a word, he signaled Gerard to call Melvin.


    The call connected, and Gerard jumped right in. "Melvin, did you win over Ms.


    Briggs?"


    "Yes," Melvin replied without pause.


    Whether it was true or not didn''t matter-saying yes couldn''t hurt.


    He could always fall back on "In my heart, I already have."


    Gerard was stunned speechless.


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    Chapter 153 He''s Not Good Enough For Her


    Kristian''s frown deepened.


    "Why didn''t you say anything?" Gerard asked, trying to y it cool. "Aren''t we friends? You didn''t even tell me you were off the market."


    "You also failed to mention that this call wasing from your boss," Melvin


    replied evenly.


    Gerard nearly dropped the phone. How did he know? Did Melvin have surveince on him?


    Before Gerard could piece it together, Melvin continued, "I have a message for


    your boss. Pass it on, would you?"


    "What is it?" Gerard nced nervously at Kristian.


    Melvin didn''t flinch. "Tell him to give up on Freya. She needs someone who''s steady and sincere-someone who treats her right. Your boss is indecisive and fickle. He''s not good enough for her."


    Rmended for you


    My Coldhearted Ex Demands A...


    It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mista...


    My Coldhearted Ex


    Demands


    A REMARRIAGE


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 Chapter 154

    Chapter 154 She Didn''t Used To Be Like This


    Gerard stayed silent, his mind racing.


    directly?


    Why didn''t Melvin confront Kristian directly?


    Melvin had put him in a precarious position!


    "And honestly, if he had any decency as an ex-husband, he''d stop hovering


    around his ex-wife all the time,"


    Melvin remarked, his voiceced with annoyance. "Freya won''t be fooled by a few days of attention; he can''t


    just swoop in and win her back like that."


    Gerard''s heart mmed against his ribcage.


    Something about Kristian''s frosty attitude truly scared him.


    "And another thing," Melvin added, eyes narrowing.


    Gerard felt the edges of panic gnawing at him. There was more? Wasn''t it bad enough that he''d already thrown


    him under the bus?


    "Freya is my girlfriend now. If he has any dignity, he''ll back off," Melvin dered with a cold finality.


    Without waiting for a response, he ended the call with a heartless click.


    His words kept reying in Gerard''s mind, slicing deeper each time. Attempting to defuse the tension, Gerard managed a weak smile and said, "Melvin has a strange sense of humor, huh? Just try not to take it to heart." "He''s never joking!" Freya shot back sharply, her voice tinged with certainty. Gerard was on the brink of tears, his emotions teetering as if on a cliff''s edge. Freya''s actions onlypounded his distress, twisting the knife deeper into his already aching heart.


    "Tell him after you get out of the car-" Kristian seemed unaffected by the earlier conversation, disying a calm that bordered on indifference. He didn''t pick up any hint of possessiveness or romantic affection from Melvin towards Freya, nor did he sense any animosity that mighte from a love rival.


    To him, Melvin''s stance was that of a person merely defending a friend.


    Gerard, caught off-guard, faltered. "What?"


    Kristian''s voice was steady, almost detached. "If he''s never even been in a rtionship, then why is he trying to fake one with someone else?" Lifting his eyelids slowly, his gaze was deep, his eyes a well of secrets. "Imagine how awkward it would be if his act were to fall apart."


    0.0%


    21:16


    Chapter 154 She Didn''t Used To Be Like This


    Freya didn''t say a word, her lips pressed into a thin line.


    Suddenly, a realization dawned on Gerard. "You''re implying that Melvin and Ms. Briggs..." His voice trailed off as he stole a nce at Freya through the rearview mirror.


    His suspicion seemed confirmed by her demeanor-she was the epitome of calm.


    Kristian''s next words were directed squarely at Freya, his tone firm yet nebunkind. "You don''t need to fake a rtionship with anyone. If this is merely a ruse to deter my affections, then even if you pretended with ten people, it wouldn''t be enough to dissuade me."


    Freya''s brow creased subtly, her confusion mounting as she struggled to decipher his thoughts.


    "What exactly do you want from me?" she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and curiosity.


    "I want us to remarry," Kristian replied, his gaze intense and unwavering as he locked eyes with her, searching for a flicker of hope.


    Freya remained silent, her mind reeling. She had given him opportunities in the past to mend their fractures, but some chances, once squandered, were lost forever.


    For the remainder of their journey, a heavy silence hung between them.


    Freya nced at the GPS, then quietly grabbed her phone and typed out a quick message to Ethel, sharing Kristian''s home address.


    As soon as she received the message, Ethel promptly directed the bodyguards to gather all thevish gifts Kristian had sent and load them into the car.


    Hugh, watching her move briskly through the room with determined steps, blinked in confusion. "She, what are you doing now?"


    "Returning everything Kristian Shaw sent over," Ethel blurted out, his tone sharp and to the point.


    As they spoke, Hugh''s expression clouded with concern, prompting Ethel to notice his troubled look.


    With a nonchnt tone, she asked while watching the bodyguards work, "What''s on your mind?"


    Hugh hesitated, his lips tightening before he finally broached the subject. "Did Mina ever tell you why she can''t stand Cheryl?"¡±


    His question hung in the air, heavy with implications, as Ethel paused mid- thought. Her once bright expression dimmed, reflecting the storm brewing within.


    She never could hide her emotions; they painted her face like vivid strokes on a canvas. Now, shadows of concern etched her features. "You seem indifferent about Mina''s absence, yet fuss over trivialities."


    Hugh, caught off guard by the sudden shift, responded, "What happened to her?" "Kristian took her away," she replied, her voice tinged with resignation.


    A wave of relief momentarily washed over Hugh, his thoughts momentarily drifting back to the day''s lunch gathering that had preupied him all afternoon. "Don''t fret too much. If Kristian dares harm Freya, he''ll answer to me," he assured her, trying to inject a note of certainty into his voice.


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    Chapter 154 She Didn''t Used To Be Like This


    Ethel frowned, her gaze piercing as if she was seeing Hugh for the first time. "Dad."


    "What is it?" Hugh looked up, his voiceden with a mix of curiosity and concern.


    "Do you love Mina less after what happened today?" Ethel''s youthful sensitivity often led her to read deeply


    into situations.


    Hugh''s face hardened, a stern visage recing his earlier rxed demean "That''s the most ridiculous thing I''ve heard all day!"


    "If this were any other day, the mere mention of Mina being taken by Kristian would have sent you into a frenzy, eager to retrieve her or at least make a call." Her emotions were palpable, her heart a tumultuous sea that refused to calm.


    Hugh found himself at a loss for words, her questioning striking deeper than expected. He turned away, his steps faltering as he headed inside, his usual poised demeanor unraveling.


    Ethel trailed after him, persistence coloring her tone. "Is there an issue with Mina?"


    "It''s not an issue with her per se," Hugh began, his voice softening as he grappled with his feelings. "I just can''t fathom why she, who is usually sopassionate, would act so harshly towards Cheryl at lunch today."


    He was, after all, only human, subject to the whims of his own emotions.


    Seeing Ethel''s anger simmering beneath the surface, Hugh added in a soft tone, "As soon as you stormed off, Cheryl confided in me. She said she understood why you both were upset. She even admitted that if she were in your shoes, with her father nning to remarry, she''d be just as troubled."


    Hugh sighed, his thoughts drifting. Before today, he hadn''t anticipated such resistance. He had always hoped Freya would confront him directly if she opposed his marriage ns. That way, he could have respected her wishes


    openly.


    However, her expressing those doubts in front of Cheryl-that had stung more than he wanted to admit.


    "You''re just trying to me this on Mina," Ethel spat, her voice sharp with usation.


    Hugh''s brows furrowed, but he kept quiet.


    He wasn''t ming Freya-just wishing, deep down, that she could understand him better. Especially now, when Cheryl was doing her best tofort him through her own heartbreak.


    "I''m not ming her," Hugh finally said. "I just think it''s a little harsh to say you don''t like someone right to their face. She didn''t used to be like this."


    Ethel''s eyes red, her gaze burning with rising anger.


    She clenched her fists, unable to shake the thought of how devastated her sister


    would be if she ever found out what their father truly felt.


    "You wanna know why she doesn''t like Cheryl Newman?" Ethel shot back, her voice sharp as a whip. "It''s because Cheryl tries to copy Mom-down to the clothes, the way she talks, even the earrings she wears!"


    She turned on her heel, her voice growing louder as she stormed off. "It''s not just Freya. If I''d seen it sooner, I wouldn''t be able to stand her either!"


    53.4%


    Reflecting on it now, it seemed almost surreal.


    Cheryl''s change had been so subtle and gradual, a creeping transformation. Without her sister''s pointed reminders, it would have slipped right by unnoticed.


    As he watched Ethel''s figure disappearing into the distance, Hugh stood frozen, a


    mix of disbelief and weariness shadowing his features. He rubbed his brow, a tired sigh escaping him.


    How did everything end up like this?


    After a moment of heavy silence, he finally pulled out his phone andposed a message to Cheryl, his fingers hesitating over the screen.


    Meanwhile, Ethel sat in the back of the car, her eyes rimmed red with unshed tears. Despite the strained rtionship with Hugh, she didn''t mind-as long as she had Freya by her side.


    But witnessing Freya being mistreated was more than she could bear.


    For some kids, their heroes were their fathers, towering figures of strength and protection. For Ethel, however, Freya was her champion-the unwavering guardian who appeared the instant danger loomed, the magician who turned her deepest wishes into reality.


    Holding onto that thought, she took a deep breath and pushed down the rush of emotion, then spoke calmly to the driver and bodyguard seated up front. "Don''t let Mina hear about any of this, alright?"


    "Understood," they answered together, their voices steady and respectful.


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 Chapter 155

    Chapter 155 Her Parents Had Never Loved Each...


    Freya was oblivious to what had unfolded between Hugh and Ethel.


    After dropping Freya and Kristian off, Gerard had left, leaving only the two alone in the living room.


    Freya nced at Kristian, who hadn''t uttered a single word since their arrival. She had no intention of breaking the silence herself. Her visit today was simply to make it easier to coordinate with Ethel when she arrivedter.


    Originally, Freya had nned to have someone deliver the items, but after trying the door and finding it locked, she had given up. Besides, that time of day wasn''t ideal for deliveries anyway.


    "Have you thought it through?" Kristian suddenly shattered the silence,


    Freya looked at him, puzzled. "What do you mean?"


    "Getting remarried."


    Freya felt at a loss for words.


    (She had no desire to engage in conversation with him.


    Kristian rose to his feet and approached her. His tall frame towered over her, casting a shadow that seemed to swallow her whole. He leaned in just enough for his words to feel close, almost too close. "If you have any concerns, feel free to share them. As long as you agree to remarry me, I''ll transfer all my assets into your name." "That''s unnecessary." Freya dismissed him without hesitation.


    Once trust was broken, it was as if trying to mend shattered ss. No matter the effort, it would never be whole again.


    Freya''s trust in Kristian had long since vanished, irreparably lost.


    Kristian opened his mouth as if to say something more, but the icy distance radiating from Freya stopped him


    cold.


    There was something about her today, something different from the usual.


    As he contemted this, a knock came at the door.


    Freya checked the time and knew it was Ethel. She didn''t rush to answer.


    Knowing Kristian''s nature, if she got up to answer the door now, he''d probably think it was Melvin or Trent- and might even refuse to open it.


    Kristian, in fact, thought as much.


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    21:16


    Chapter 155 Her Parents Had Never Loved Each Other


    Yet, when he saw Freya make no move to answer the door, he assumed Gerard had returned.


    When he opened it, Ethel stood in the doorway.


    "Ms. Briggs?" Kristian murmured.


    "I''m here to take my sister home," Ethel said, her tone steady. She gestured to someone hidden behind the


    door. "And to return the things you left at our housest time."


    As she spoke, a group of bodyguards and a driver emerged, carrying a lot of bags into the room.


    Kristian was about to shut the door when Freya stepped forward, took the bags from the bodyguards and driver, and ced them in the living room.


    Once she was done, she stepped back to the doorway, her tone as cool and detached as ever. "I trust that next time you''ll refrain from sending gifts so casually. We''re not close enough to ept such gifts."


    Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked out with Ethel and the others.


    Kristian''s gaze darkened as frustration crept in. He pulled out his phone, dialing Gerard''s number with a sense of urgency. "Find out what''s been going on with Freya these past couple of days."


    "She has been working these past two days," Gerard replied, his voice calm and familiar with Freya''s schedule. "The only exception was lunch today with her father and a few others."


    "Who were they?"


    "I believe one was her father''s partner," Gerard replied.


    Kristian muttered that he understood and hung up, his mind racing. Was Freya upset because of that?


    He closed the door and returned to his study, his thoughts a storm.


    As for Freya, she sank back into the rear seat of the car, closing her eyes to steal


    a moment of rest.


    Though all she''d done was have lunch and shop with Ethel, she felt mentally drained.


    She was so exhausted that she didn''t want to deal with anything.


    Ethel noticed the shift in her sister''s demeanor and hesitated before speaking. "Mina?"


    "Yes?"


    "Are you unhappy?"


    "What makes you think that?"


    "Since we left the restaurant today, you''ve seemed... off. You''ve acted like your usual self, but I can tell." Ethel gently took Freya''s hand, offering a silentfort.


    Freya smiled faintly and gave Ethel''s hand a reassuring pat. "I just miss Mom a little."


    From childhood, their parents had seemed to be deeply in love. In Freya''s memory, they''d never argued-not even raised their voices at each other.


    But now, doubt crept in. Did her father ever truly love her mother?


    An hourter, the sisters arrived home.


    When they stepped inside, Hugh was still sitting in the living room. Seeing them enter, he stood and called out, "Mina."


    Freya froze, her steps halting. Her aloofness returned in full force, her tone and posture cold and indifferent "What is it?"


    "Can we talk?"


    "Mina..." Ethel''s voice was filled with concern.


    "You go upstairs first," Freya said firmly.


    There were things she didn''t want Ethel to hear. She would shoulder the burden


    of these ufortable matters herself. Ethel deserved a life where she could


    Ethel hesitated but eventually made her way upstairs. She didn''t want to make things harder for her sister.


    Once Ethel was gone, only Freya and Hugh remained in the living room.


    Outside, the night had already fallen. The lights inside were bright, but they did little to dispel the darkness that weighed on Freya''s heart.


    Hugh opened his mouth to speak, but the words seemed stuck, trapped by a heavy guilt.


    "I have a question to ask you," Freya said, breaking the silence.


    Hugh looked at her, a mix of guilt and affection in his gaze. "Go ahead."


    "Did you and Mom ever truly love each other?" Freya''s eyes were fixed on him, unwavering, as if silently demanding the truth.


    Hugh froze, his mind momentarily nk. One thought rose to the surface: Mina knew the truth.


    Freya saw the change in his face and pieced together the answer. "Is it hard to answer?"


    Hugh''s voice was strained, almost a whisper. "Mina..."


    "You only need to answer yes or no," Freya insisted, trying to remainposed.


    "Your mother and I married for convenience. Not many couples in arranged marriages truly love each other." Hugh looked away, his expression clouded with regret. "Your mother and I didn''t marry for love. But we both loved you and your sister deeply. That was never in question."


    At that moment, it felt as if the very foundation of Freya''s world had crumbled, leaving her standing on uncertain ground.


    Her hands stiffened at her sides, and the light inside her seemed to fade.


    "Mina," Hugh called out softly.


    Freya didn''t respond, but her eyes reddened.


    Hugh panicked, leaping to his feet and rushing toward her. "Mina, don''t scare me."


    Freya bit her bottom lip, the pain in her chest unbearable.


    57.4%


    To her, having a happy family had always been her greatest source of strength. During her intense training, she had always drawn strength from the thought of her family. When the going got tough, the idea of protecting her family kept her going. When she wanted to quit, the vision of her happy family was the only thing that motivated her.


    But after her mother''s death, just dayster, she had walked in on her father and Cheryl in bed together. That was when her world had shattered.


    Her father had imed he was framed.


    And Freya had believed him.


    But belief didn''t erase the reality that, despite his words, he had kept Cheryl close-and a rift had formed between them.


    Now, her father was telling her that the foundation of her belief, the happy family


    she had always trusted in, had never been real. Her parents had never loved each other.


    Her world came crashing down.


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 Chapter 156

    Chapter 156 Stopped Trying To Dictate Hugh''s...


    Now, Freya understood everything. It was no surprise her mother had never urged her or her sister to seek of a man like their father-after all, that mariage had been forged not in love, but in dary, holon waliot


    together for appearances, not affection.


    It was all theater-smiles painted on like masks at a masquerade.


    "What does Cheryl mean to you?" Freya asked, her voice gentler than a breeze before a storm, carefully mag her emotions in check.


    At her question, Hugh said nothing. He simply lowered himself beside her, the silence hanging like fog between


    them.


    For the next half hour, he peeled back theyers of the past-recounting how he came to marry Freya''s mother and the tangled history he shared with Cheryl.


    When he finally fell silent, Freya felt as though a boulder had taken residence on her chest, pressing her down with every breath


    She rose, emotions still glistening in her eyes. "I''m going upstairs."


    "Mina," Hugh called softly.


    "If you intend to make that woman your wife, then do it. But know this-She and I have only ever bad one mother." With those words, she left the living room, each step a quiet thunderp as she retreated to her room


    Now, the picture was clear.


    Cheryl had been Hugh''s first love-two young hearts aze, only to be torn apart by Hugh''s father during the fervor of their romance. Duty overruled desire, he was bound to Freya''s mother in a loveless match


    Likewise, Freya''s mother had once carried a torch for someone else-but she, too, had been no match for the iron grip of her father''s authority.


    In those days, marriage was rarely born of love. It was a chess game, orchestrated by elders, leaving little space for choice-or joy.


    Though both parents had their own loves, they surrendered to the weight of tradition, their resistance merely a whisper against the storm.


    And so they married-two strangers beneath the same roof, learning to coexist while longing for someone else. They had hoped to endure until they could part ways quietly.


    But fate, ever capricious, had other ns. Divorce eluded them, and three years into their forcedpanionship, Freya was born.


    0.02


    With her arrival, something shifted. They resolved to raise her with care, determined not to let history write her fate as it had theirs. They wanted her to know a childhood where love, even if feigned, felt real


    And in that, they seeded.


    As for Hugh and Cheryl....


    Three years prior, Cheryl had found herself in a nightmare-trapped in a marriage poisoned by violence. In her


    darkest hour, she reached for Hugh, a flicker of her past she hoped might save her.


    Hugh helped her find awyer, but he kept his distance.


    He had a family now, and the embers of their old love had long gone cold. What


    he offered was not romance it was restitution for a youth lost to fate.


    Cheryl eventually divorced. And then, Freya''s mother fell gravely ill. Two years ago, she passed away.


    Just three days after the funeral, Hugh-drowning in grief-soughtfort in drink, only to wake up beside Cheryl. Freya had seen it with her own eyes. A cruel setup by Cheryl''s family, who believed Hugh still carried a torch for Cheryl after helping her escape her abusive past.


    Freya had once asked, "Why did you turn to alcohol?"


    Hugh had answered, "Your mom and I spent decades together. Though love may not have lived between us,panionship did. And over time, that bes its own kind of bond."


    In that moment, something quietly shifted within Freya.


    She realized that being together didn''t always bloom from love.


    She couldn''t recall how she managed to shower or crawl into bed afterward. Everything felt like a blur.


    Staring at the ceiling, her mind reeled with memories of her parents-moments wrapped in warmth that had, to her, always looked like love.


    Her father''s tenderness, his worry when her mother was ill... that couldn''t have been an illusion.


    But how could it not be love?


    "Mina?" Ethel''s voice came with a knock at the door. "Are you asleep?"


    Freya pulled herself together, rose, and stood before the mirror, smoothing her face into calm before opening the door.


    "What''s up?" she asked, her tone warm and steady as always.


    "What did you and Dad talk about?" Ethel stood at the threshold, picking up on the subtle shift in Freya''s mood. "He told me toe check on you, maybe have a heart-to-heart."


    "Nothing serious."


    "Really?"


    "Yeah."


    27.8%


    21:22


    "I don''t buy it." Ethel tried to coax a smile out of her. "Unless you prove it-with an actual smile,"


    Freya smiled despite herself and tousled Ethel''s hair affectionately.


    Then, recalling the earlier conversation, she added, "If Dad wants to marry her, let him. It''s his life. We shouldn''t interfere."


    Ethel blinked, stunned. Her eyes widened with disbelief.


    She stammered, "You-You..."


    "Hmm?" Freya remained gentle.


    ¡°You just said... Dad?¡± Ethel stammered. Ever since their fallout two years ago, Freya refused to utter that word once in reference to Hugh.


    Yet now, she had.


    It felt almost unreal.


    Freya''s world had fallen apart and, somehow, through the wreckage, she hade to see things more clearly. She had grown-shed the need to draw strength from old ideas of family.


    Reaching out, she gently ran her fingers through Ethel''s still-damp hair. Her touch was soft, reassuring. "Yes. He''s my dad."


    "Can you tell me why you were so upset with him before?" Ethel asked cautiously. "Now that things seem better?"


    "I didn''t understand everything back then," Freya said. "Now I see-some situations aren''t about right or wrong." She had no desire to untangle the past any longer, nor did she feel it was her burden to carry.


    From where she stood, Hugh moving on so soon after her mother''s passing had felt like a betrayal-like he''d traded love for convenience.


    But now, she saw another side. Two people denied their first loves, cornered by tradition. Surely, regret weighed heavily on them both.


    Ethel scratched her head, visibly confused.


    She didn''t push further, but asked the one thing on her mind, "What did you mean earlier when you said Dad should marry Ms. Newman if he wants to? Does that mean you''re okay with her now?"


    That didn''t sound like the sister she knew.


    "I haven''t epted her," Freya rified, her usual calm returning. "But I''ve


    stopped trying to dictate Dad''s happiness."


    Over two decades ago, Hugh had no control over his own marriage.


    Now, even if Cheryl wasn''t someone Freya liked, she wanted her father to choose


    for himself this time. "You''re saying things I can''t wrap my head around. You two must''ve talked about something serious behind my back." Ethel pouted and stepped into the room uninvited. "To protest this betrayal, I''ve decided-I''m


    57.1%


    ...


    21.04


    Chapter 156 Stopped Trying To Dictate Hugh''s Happiness


    sleeping on your bed tonight."


    Freya sighed.


    What a child!


    "I''m iming your bed, your nket," Ethel announced, flopping onto the mattress


    like a small whirlwind of joy, "and I shall jokinglypete with Charlie for your


    love."


    Freya moved her stuffed pillow to the sofa before sliding under the covers beside


    her.


    Once the lights were off, Ethel curled close to her, resting her head against Freya''s arm, murmuring, "Mina..."


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Freya turned slightly toward her.


    "You''ve still got me," Ethel whispered, her breath warm, her words sweet as she


    drifted off. "I will always stand by you."


    "Sleep well," Freya said softly, tucking the nket around her little sister.


    Both of them had grown-no longer children clinging to the past. It was time to live their own lives, to stop trying to steer their father''s.


    So long as it didn''t concern the Briggs Group, Freya would no longer interfere.


    After all, the very roots of Briggs Group''s sess had been nted in the soil of


    an arranged marriage.


    Rmended for you


    ColShod Ex


    Demands


    A REMARRIAGE


    My Coldhearted Ex Demands A...


    It was supposed to be a marriage of convenience, but Carrie made the mista...


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    100.0%

 Chapter 157

    Chapter 157 Ashley Appeared In Alerith


    The next morning, Freya rose with the dawn.


    She slipped into her jogging clothes and headed out for a morning run, spending half an hour feeling the cool air on her face. When she returned, the smell of breakfast drifted from the kitchen, and she found Hugh there, busy making the meal.


    In the past few days, whenever Freya was home, Hugh had taken it upon himself to cook.


    The maids were only tasked with cleaning and some light shopping.


    "Call She down for breakfast, Mina," Hugh said, briefly pausing his movements when he saw Freya, though his tone remained unchanged.


    Freya gave a simple nod in agreement.


    Breakfast passed in silence.


    It was the weekend, and with no sses to attend, Ethel remained home, as usual.


    After finishing her meal, Freya stood, preparing to leave for Anita International to take care of some tasks.


    But before she walked out the door, she hesitated, emotions swirling inside her. Finally, she turned to Hugh, her voice firm yet gentle. "Dad, you can make your own choices about your life and happiness."


    Hugh froze, his fork suspended midair, stunned by her words. For a long moment, he simply stared, unsure how to respond.


    "I''m off to work," Freya added, her words cutting through the tension before she exited.


    Hugh''s chest fluttered with an unexpected excitement. He turned to Ethel, still eating, and asked, "What did your sister just call me?"


    "Dad."


    "What?"


    "She called you ''Dad''." Ethel sighed inwardly, knowing where this was headed.


    Hugh''s face softened, as though still trying to convince himself that he wasn''t imagining things. "Really?"


    "Yes," Ethel answered, pausing to put down her utensils. "If you don''t believe me, I can call her back and have her it again for you."


    "Stop it!" Hugh grinned, pretending to be annoyed, but there was no hiding the sheer joy lighting up his face.


    0.0%


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    21:22


    10 m


    =


    O<


    Chapter 157 Ashley Appeared In Alerith


    That single word had erased all the bitterness he had carried from the previous day. His mind reyed Freya''s voice saying "Dad" over and over again. It was like a melody that he couldn''t stop hearing After all this time, Freya had finally called him Dad again.


    Ethel, noticing the smile creeping across his face, couldn''t help but tease, "When I call you Dad, you don''t look this happy. Come on, admit it. Am I adopted?"


    "You little rascal, what nonsense are you spouting?"


    "Who was it yesterday saying Mina seems like apletely different person, huh?"


    "Definitely wasn''t me," Hugh huffed, still smiling, unable to contain his pride. smiling


    Freya had intended to head straight to the office, but just as she was about to leave, her phone rang. It was Ashley.


    Hearing Ashley''s voice, Freya almost couldn''t believe it. "Ashley?"


    "It''s really me," Ashley''s voice sounded much the same as it always had. "I''d like to meet with you. Is that okay?"


    "I''m busy," Freya replied curtly, turning her down.


    Ashley sat at a caf¨¦, gazing out the window at the endless parade of cars. Her mood was far from pleasant. Holding her phone, she said with calm urgency, "I cane to you."


    "Miss Bradley, I don''t think we''re that close," Freya replied, her grip on the steering wheel tightening as she continued driving. She couldn''t figure out why Ashley had suddenlye to Alerith. Hadn''t Ashley once said that returning to that man was like stepping into hell?


    "Please, I''m begging you," Ashley pleaded.


    Freya heard the desperation in her voice, her own hands tightening on the wheel, her expression unreadable.


    Had she not known about Ashley''s past, she wouldn''t have cared at all. Whether Ashley begged or not wouldn''t have made a difference.


    But for some reason, Ashley''s plea evoked the image of someone being manipted.


    After a moment''s thought, Freya decided. "Where do you want to meet?"


    "The caf¨¦ next to Shaw Group building." Ashley''s voice rxed, a faint, bitter smile tugging at her lips.


    Freya set her GPS and drove off.


    Half an hourter, she arrived.


    After parking, she saw Ashley sitting by the window. She looked even more worn


    than when she''d left. Though it was only autumn, she wore a scarf.


    Her white knit sweater and flowing hair gave her an air of fragile calm, but her appearance screamed of silent


    battles.


    As Freya walked in, Ashley''s gaze instantly locked onto her.


    In that moment, a glimmer of hope sparked in Ashley''s eyes.


    24.0%


    Chapter 157 Ashley Appeared in Alerith


    Freya took a seat across from her, her voice distant and cold. "What do you wan


    "That person wants me to kill Kristian," Ashley murmured, gripping the speen in


    her coffee cup, biting her p as though to hold back tears.


    Freya blinked, caughtpletely off guard. "What?"


    She stared at Ashley, utterly confused.


    "Someone tells you to kill, and you just do it?" Freya asked, her disbelief evident


    in her voice


    "I don''t have a choice," Ashley replied, her words heavy with a sense of helplessness.


    "You''re your own person. How can you not have a choice?" Freya''s tone grew sharper, disbelief edging into her words. She thought Ashley was a fool for even considering such a thing "Your grandmother and younger brother are under protection now. No one can threaten their lives."


    Ashley fell silent.


    Freya scrutinized her for a moment before continuing, "The more you give in, the more that man will see you as easy to manipte. He''ll use the same leverage to force you into doing things you''d never otherwise consider."


    Ashley avoided Freya''s gaze, her face clouded with doubt.


    She understood the logic. But fear and anxiety often led her to make irrational decisions


    "If you knew who he was, you''d understand why I couldn''t resist," Ashley finally whispered, her voice barely audible.


    Freya''s brow furrowed.


    She remembered the photos of Ashley with a strange man, but the information she had uncovered about him didn''t seem to add up to anything extraordinary.


    At the time, she''d been preupied with her divorce and hadn''t looked further into it.


    "Can you help me get Kristian to meet with me?" Ashley finally revealed the true purpose of this meeting


    Freya noted the change in Ashley''s expression. "For what?"


    Ashley didn''t answer right away.


    Freya pressed, "So you can kill him?"


    "I''m not really going to kill him. Just stab him," Ashley exined, her hands trembling slightly as she spoke. "I know human anatomy. There are ces to stab that won''t be fatal, just cause some pain."


    Freya stared at her,pletely stunned.


    "If I stab him, the police will arrest me for attempted murder," Ashley continued,


    her voice steady as sheid out her n. "Then I won''t have to endure all of this anymore."


    If she injured Kristian, there was no doubt he''d make sure she went to prison. He wouldn''t show mercy, and whoever had been controlling her wouldn''t be able to intervene. At least then, her torment woulde to an


    end.


    55.8%


    Even if she were eventually freed, she had obeyed that man''s order and the consequences would shield her from


    further harm.


    Freya was left speechless.


    She sighed deeply, then said, "You might want to go see a doctor for your mental


    health."


    Ashley was suffering. This twisted n was the only thing she coulde ap with after days of agonizing over


    her situation.


    "Freya..."


    "First, you interfered with my marriage. Then, you kidnapped me." Freya listed the


    offenses one by one. "And now you want tomit murder? What''s next?


    Causing an explosion?"


    Freya''s words cut through the air, sharp and biting.


    She had no patience for someone who couldn''t stand up for themselves.


    However, she knew Ashley wasn''t entirely beyond saving. Her actions were all driven by her love for her family.


    Freya believed a woman who should be living boldly, withoutpromising her morals or breaking thew. But Ashley... Freya didn''t even know how tobel her anymore.


    She Took The Houde The Car And My Heart


    Chapter 158 Just He

 Chapter 158

    Chapter 158 Just Heed My Advice


    The air crackled with tension as Freya and Ashley faced off, their gazes sharp and unyielding


    With a nonchnt grace, Freya whipped out her cellphone, dialed a number with deliberate slowness, and then casually flipped it onto the table. The phonended with a soft ck, its speaker buzzing to life, filling the room with the tinny sound of an iing call.


    The privacy screen on her phone cast a murky shadow over the disy, leaving Ashley craning her neck in a futile attempt to glimpse the caller''s identity. Before she could voice her curiosity, a familiar voice spilled out from the speaker.


    "Hello?" Kristian''s voice echoed slightly,ced with confusion.


    At the sight of Freya''s name shing on his screen, a bewildered frown creased


    his brow, his mind momentarily grappling with the surreal moment.


    Shaking off the initial shock, he steadied his voice and answered the call.


    Freya leaned in, her voice a calm cascade, betraying no hint of urgency. "Your ex wants to kill you. Are you willing to cooperate?"


    Kristian stiffened, a flicker of shock shing across his face.


    Ashley, too, froze mid-motion, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    The stunned expressions they wore were nearly mirror images of each other.


    "Why would you want to kill me?" Kristian asked, his brows knitting together in confusion.


    Gerard, who had been calmly going over some reports nearby, suddenly froze-his face drained of color, panic creeping into his eyes. What the hell was happening? Freya wanted to kill Kristian?


    "It''s not me." Freya corrected smoothly, the cool timbre of her voice cutting through the mounting chaos. "It''s your ex-girlfriend. She''s plotting to stab you, hoping it''llnd her in prison."


    That revtion struck a chord in Kristian, a name shing through his mind like a neon sign. "Ashley?"


    "Mm-hmm," Freya affirmed.


    "Not cooperating," Kristian''s voice cut through the air, sharp and resolute.


    He ended the call abruptly.


    Freya turned to Ashley, her expression unreadable, almost detached. "You heard him," she stated tly.


    Ashley''s eyes flickered with a mix of desperation and determination. "Then help me get close to him," she


    0.0%


    21:22


    implored.


    Freya arched an eyebrow, her tone skeptical. "And why exactly would I do that?"


    "If I don''t seed, you''ll be his next target," Ashley replied, her voice tinged with urgency. She understood the


    stakes all too well "Living under his thumb is like being trapped in hell-every waking moment is a relentless


    torment. Believe me, even you wouldn''tst."


    Ashley''s past was a shadow that lingered in her nightmares. She was haunted by visions of serpents and chilling scenes that yed over in her mind, a constant reminder of the man whose very memory could make her skin crawl and her body shudder with uncontroble dread.


    Previously, this man had shown an unsettling interest in Freya. Ashley knew that if she failed this time, he would certainly turn his malevolent attention towards Freya.


    With a scrutinizing gaze, Freya observed Ashley, searching for any hint of a lie, but found none.


    Resigned, she retrieved her phone and pulled up her chat with Trent. She scrolled through their messages until she found a particr photo that Trent had sent-a snapshot of Ashley standing next to a man.


    Freya extended the phone towards Ashley. She questioned sharply. "Is this the man you''re talking about?"


    Ashley stiffened the moment her eyesnded on the photo, her mind instantly rewinding to the moment Kristian had confronted her with it. Her first instinct was to me Freya, suspicion ring in her chest-until she paused, thinking it through. Freya couldn''t have been the one.


    "Yes, but also no," Ashley said slowly, her voice uncertain as her gaze flickered back to the photo. "That''s not his real face. It''s a disguise-he lookspletely different in person."


    Freya narrowed her eyes, curiosity piqued. "Then what does he actually look like?"


    Upon hearing the question, Ashley quickly turned to the caf¨¦ counter and asked for a pen and some paper. Once they handed it over, she sat back down and started sketching in front of Freya.


    Even after all the time she''d spent with him, not once had she taken a photo-she never had the courage to. The thought alone had felt too risky.


    But his face was carved into her memory like a mark she could never erase.


    After ten tense minutes, a rough but recognizable sketch took shape beneath Ashley''s pencil.


    Freya''s eyes narrowed, a shadow passing over her expression as she stared at the all-too-familiar face on the paper. Her expression turned icy. Lifting a finger, she tapped the sketch right between the man''s brows. "Does he have a scar here? About three centimeters long?"


    Ashley''s hand stalled in midair, the pencil hovering just above the paper.


    Her eyes widened in shock, pupils shrinking. "How-How could you possibly know that?"


    Freya''s expression changed in a heartbeat-cool and serious, like a switch had flipped.


    Without a word, she unlocked her phone, tapped through a few screens, and brought up a hidden photo. She turned the screen toward Ashley. "Is this him?"


    Ashley''s breath caught in her throat. Her eyes locked onto the image-that face, so familiar it could haunt her in dreams. Her lips parted slightly. "Yes."


    21.0%


    A storm of questions Tuse meble her why did Freya have this photo How did the even know who he wel


    Before Ashley could speak again, Freya cut in with a qusation that rams nut of mirthers, tu par went w


    Ashley linked, still simmaging to process everything "What she muttered,pletely thorum


    ¡°Betum to him tell him you can''t get chess in Kristian and suppeal that I should take your ce F* wordsnded like a cold step, jaling Ashley from her daze The


    air around her esemed to stall, charged unth new, unestling eORLEY


    "Do you do you grasp the weight of your fender Ashley atammered, her des trendding with a me of fear


    and disbelief


    4 da


    "He may be captivating, but he''s nothing like Eristian," Ashley pressed on, a desperate edge to her voice as the yed on Freys''s known weakness for charming men "You"


    "Don''t you yearn to live in peace with your grandmother and younger brother?" Freya''s eyes were piercing, hey gazeser-focused, culling deep into Ashley''s soul.


    Of course Ashley did. How could she not long for that kind of life? she clung to that thought, repeating # like a silent prayer in her head


    Yer, desiring peace and thrusting Freya into danger were worlds apart. Ashley knew the sting of past errorest time, her actions had nearly caused irreparable damage. She couldn''t allow history to sche with the same grave mistakes:


    "If that''s really what you want," Freya said, her tone steady but firm "Then listen to


    me. Do exactly as i say You only get one shot at this."


    Ashley was caught in a fierce battle within herself


    ¤Ê


    She felt torn between the lure of a tranquil life and the gnawing weight of her own


    consciencs.


    A wry smile twisted her lips suddenly. The hony was not lost on her. How


    Freya''s words from theirst unsettling encounter echoed hauntingly in Ashley''s


    ears.


    "No matter who you''re up against, don''t let them control your conscience. I can protect your family, but I can''t save you from losing your moralpass"


    Despite Ashley''s past misdeeds aimed at undermining Freya, thetter had steadfastly protected Ashley''s grandmother and younger brother Reflecting on those times, Ashley''s resolve hardened. Her voice was low but resolute as she spoke. "I want that, yet I cannot bear the thought of dragging you into this mess with me."


    Freya stood frozen, unable to find the right words. Ashley had rendered herpletely speechless.


    "You can go now," Ashley said, her tone clipped and resolute she had already made up her ming this was something she had to face on her own "If you ever cross paths with that man again, stay away from hind


    61.3%


    0192


    Oster 154 Au met thy


    Don''t a noh, don''t lost him per bang you men den wareh, haywick low by sostry.


    That ce had already swallowed her care, dragging her into a nightman dhe vaky escget Freps d'' deserve that kind of pain, and the world make our she never had to face te


    Boost sn Ashley turned and tock s stap toward the door, Freyi''s voice broke the silence behind her.


    Ashley haired, her moment nuddenly cut short


    Freys stood up and crossed the room with quiet determination. The storget just leches from Ady and mee Yer eyes. "If you really want to make things right between us, then listen to me. Don''t just sit wound waiting for him to strike again- take control. Step into the game before he drags you in on his terms." Ashley blinked, her expression a mank of confusion. "What are you suggesting?


    Freya''s tone dropped, her voice steady butced with tension. When you falled him, he has already shifted his focus to me," she exined with a chilling calmness. "Do you think he''ll simply ignore me if you both this tank


    The weight of Freya''s words crashed down on Ashley like andslide.


    It was a harsh, undeniable truth


    If Ashley were to fail and end up behind bars, that man would certainly set his malevolent sights on Freya next The threat loomed over Freya, an omnipresent shadow,


    f you genuinely care about my safety, then heed my advice," Freya continued, her eyes alight with aplex blend of fear and resolve. "Follow my lead, and not only will I stay safe, but so will you and your family"


    (Before Ashley could press for more answers, Freya had already turned on her heel and departed.


    She strode to her car, flung the door open, and slid into the driver''s seat, her mind churning with everything she''d just uncovered. Pulling out her phone with a quick flick of her thumb, she opened the group chat with her friends. Her fingers


    hovered briefly before she typed a short, loaded message. "That man showed up."


    The moment she hit send, she exhaled sharply and sank into the seat, eyes


    unfocused as memories wed their way to the surface. That man..... he had nearly obliterated their entire team once.


    She didn''t need anyone to warn her-she had already learned the hard way how


    terrifying he could be.


    100.0%

 Chapter 159

    Chapter 159 He Was The Fool All Along


    As Freya lost herself in thought, her phone suddenly rang, pulling her back to reality. It was Trent.


    His voice, much steadier than it had been before, broke through the quiet as he asked, "Did you see him?"


    "Nope." Freya''s response was blunt as she continued, "The person manipting Ashley is him. I''ve confirmed. it with her. It''s really him."


    Trent fell silent for a beat, the weight of her words settling in.


    After a long pause, he asked, "They haven''t returned yet?"


    Freya knew exactly who he meant.


    "No rush. That man''s target is Kristian. He''s using my past connection with him as leverage." Freya had been clearing her mind of distractions, trying to make sense of everything. "This time, we have the advantage in the dark, while he''s exposed."


    She still vividly recalled what had happenedst time. She remembered how close she hade to losing her life.


    Trent, sitting in front of hisptop, adjusted his sses and asked the question that had never urred to Freya. "Why would he target Kristian?¡±


    The moment the words left his mouth, Freya froze. Her mind spun, racing to connect the dots.


    But try as she might, she couldn''t find a single link between Kristian and that man.


    "I''ll look into it," she said, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration.


    "Alright," Trent replied, his voice steady. "But before you make any moves or interact with him, let me know. I''ll back you up."


    Freya murmured her agreement and ended the call.


    She stared at the photo on her phone, a familiar wave of relief washing over her. Thank goodness they''d disguised their faces back then. It meant the man couldn''t recognize them.


    If not for that, things could have gone south in an instant.


    Just as she hung up, a knock sounded at her car window. She turned, and there stood Ashley, looking as


    uncertain as ever.


    Freya rolled the window down.


    Their eyes met in silence.


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    Chapter 159 He Was The Fool All Along


    Ashley hesitated, her expression torn. "Are you really nning to have me tell him like that?"


    "Yes."


    "For real?"


    "For real."


    Ashley studied Freya''s resolute face for a moment before letting the question go. Without another word, she offered Freya a few final insights-how tomunicate with the man, how to keep him calm, and other helpful tips she''d gathered.


    "Oh, one more thing," Ashley said, pausing mid-step as if remembering something vital. ¡°He''s suspicious by nature. If he doesn''t have leverage on you, he won''t truly use you."


    Freya nodded, understanding the weight of Ashley''s warning.


    Considering the man''s abilities, now that she was back in Alerith, it was only a matter of time before he started digging into her past. When that moment came, he would likely leverage her family to exert pressure, or perhaps exploit some other weakness she hadn''t anticipated.


    Freya started the engine and drove off, her mind already working on how to handle what wasing.


    Meanwhile, Kristian, after hanging up on Freya, sat waiting for her call toe through again. He believed she''d exin everything.


    But as time dragged on, the phone remained silent.


    Gerard, standing nervously in the office, let his imagination run wild.


    Ashley wanted to kill Kristian? Had her love for him turned into hate?


    "Mr. Shaw," Gerard ventured cautiously, his heart racing, "what did you talk with


    Ms. Briggs about earlier? Do you need me to strengthen your security? Should I bring in the bodyguards?"


    Kristian waved him off. "That''s unnecessary."


    Gerard dared not ask any more questions.


    If Kristian wasn''t answering, then there was nothing more to be said.


    "Keep an eye on the office. I''m heading out." Kristian''s thoughts still felt scrambled. Something about the situation didn''t add up. Why would Freya discuss those things with Ashley? And why had Ashley shown up in Alerith?


    Suddenly, he stopped mid-step, his thoughtsing to a halt.


    Gerard, torn between curiosity and fear, asked hesitantly, "Anything else you''d like me to handle, sir?"


    "Invite Ashley to my office," Kristian ordered, his voice cold as he remembered their previous encounter. "Tell her I need to speak with her."


    He still didn''t understand why Ashley had kidnapped Freya. He needed answers, and he wouldn''t rest until he


    got them.


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    Gerard nodded quickly. "Understood."


    Kristian didn''t linger. Grabbing his phone and car keys, he headed for the elevator. But as he reached the entrance to the office, he unexpectedly ran into Ashley.


    Her posture told him everything-she had been waiting for him.


    "Kristian," she called out to him.


    Kristian turned, his brows furrowing as he took in her presence.


    She wasn''t the same as before. Her gazecked the longing he had seen so many times. Instead, it was cool, distant. "I''d like to discuss something with you. Are you avable?"


    Kristian didn''t answer, simply gesturing for someone to escort her upstairs.


    He hadn''t forgotten Freya''s call-Ashley wanted him dead.


    At the same time, Freya had arrived at the office of Anita International.


    After reviewing and signing all the documents Melvin had given her, she opened herptop and began her search.


    But no matter how thoroughly she looked, she couldn''t find any connection between Kristian and that man. Just as she was about to call Kristian to probe further, a sudden thought stopped her. She remembered her conversation with Ashley. To be safe, she decided to remind Ashley not to say anything to Kristian. Unfortunately, when she called Ashley, the response she received was far from reassuring. Ashley''s voice wasyered withplexity. "He... already knows."


    Freya was left speechless.


    Before she could hang up, Kristian''s voice came through, unmistakable and demanding. "Someone''s trying to steal Shaw Group''s trade secrets and kill me. Am I not allowed to know?"


    "You already know, don''t you?" Freya said quickly, regaining herposure.


    Kristian fell silent, unable to find the words. Her response had left him momentarily stunned.


    "Send me the address. Let''s talkter," Kristian finally said, after a long pause. Freya hesitated, then sent him the address.


    She hadn''t wanted him to find out-didn''t want to deal with his temper. He''d argued with her endlessly over past matters, and if he knew she would go undercover, he''d be pissed off.


    But now that he knew, there was no going back.


    Once Kristian had the address, a strange calm settled over him. He set his phone aside and resumed his conversation with Ashley.


    Ashley shared everything she''d told Freya, her voice heavy with the weight of the truth.


    When the conversation ended, Ashley stood, bowing deeply, her apology sincere. "I''m sorry."


    "You owe an apology to Freya, not me,¡± Kristian said, his emotions running deep and hard to pin down. He


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    Chapter 159 He Was The Fool All Along


    hadn''t expected the truth to be soplicated. "If you had told me your difficulties


    back then, I would''ve


    helped you."


    Ashley had long let go of the past. "That''s exactly what Freya said to me."


    Kristian paused, his mind suddenly racing.


    "Freya is truly remarkable," Ashley added, her words piercing the tension in the


    room. "You can''t let her slip away."


    Her words echoed in Kristian''s mind, making him reflect on so much-the stubbornness that had clouded his judgment, the misunderstandings between him


    and Freya, their endless arguments.


    Back then, when Freya had insisted that he was the one who had changed, he


    had thought she was just making


    excuses.


    But now, he realized the truth-he was the fool all along.


    Rmended for you


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 Chapter 160

    Chapter 160 I''ll''Cooperate


    With You


    Once the conversation was over, Ashley prepared to leave.


    Kristian provided her with an excuse and instructed her on how to report back to that man.


    He watched her retreating figure, a cold warning in his tone as he spoke. "If you ever harm Freya again, I will personally ensure you end up in prison."


    "Understood,¡± Ashley responded, a weight lifting from her chest.


    For the first time in what felt like forever, she could breathe easier. Guilt and anxiety had been her constantpanions, haunting herte into countless nights.


    But now, with this confrontation, she felt a quiet relief.


    In order to avoid disrupting Freya''s ns, Kristian reluctantly yed along with Ashley, staging a scene where it appeared she had been cast out of the Shaw Group building.


    He nced at the address Freya had sent him, a moment of contemtion flickering in his mind before he set off


    By the time Freya and Kristian finally met, it was already noon.


    To keep their conversation private, Freya had chosen a secluded spot.


    As they sat down, Kristian wasted no time, recalling Ashley''s earlier words. "Ashley mentioned you''re nning to go undercover around that person?"


    "Yes"


    "Wouldn''t it be better to report it to the authorities?" Kristian asked, his voice tinged with concern.


    "It won''t work," Freya replied, fully aware of the man''s identity and nature. "He won''te back to the country unless it''s absolutely necessary."


    Kristian''s brow furrowed instinctively.


    Freya pulled up a photo on her phone and handed it over to him. "Do you recognize this man?"


    The man in the photo was the one manipting Ashley, the very person Freya was determined to confront.


    Kristian studied the image, his eyes narrowing as he pondered. After a few moments, he shook his head. "I


    don''t know him."


    ¡°He''s the one manipting Ashley," Freya exined. "The first time, he had her steal Shaw Group''s trade secrets. The second time, he intended to kill you."


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    Chapter 1601 Cooperate With You


    Why would that man have gone to such extremes?


    Kristian had heard bits and pieces from Ashley, but he had no recollection of this person.


    "I can have someone investigate," Kristian offered, his gaze intense. "You don''t need to take this risk."


    "I''ve already decided," Freya responded firmly, her determination clear in her eyes. "You can choose to cooperate or do nothing, but this is already set."


    Kristian observed her, her calm yet resolute demeanor striking him.


    In the end, his only question was, "If I cooperate, what''s in it for me?"


    "Fewer beatings," Freya replied coolly.


    Kristian was left speechless. Was she always this bold?


    "If I help you capture him, can you give me a chance to pursue you?" Kristian


    asked, his voice softening as he


    looked at her.


    "No," Freya answered without hesitation.


    She would never make such a deal-to her, it was meaningless.


    Kristian''s face tightened, but he understood that their earlier disputes were all his fault. Ultimately, he said no more, leaving her with a single line, "I''ll cooperate with you."


    Freya nodded, acknowledging him before thanking him.


    From that day forward, Freya initiated discussions with her group of friends. Greta and the rest traveled abroad to prepare, while Freya, Trent, and Frederick stayed in Alerith.


    The tension wasn''t as thick as she''d feared.


    After making preliminary preparations and setting things in motion, Freya resumed her usual life.


    Naturally, she also arranged protection for her father and sister.


    She wasn''t overly concerned about long-distance threats to her family-after all, they were in Alerith, under the watchful eye of her captain. Such things simply wouldn''t happen here.


    That evening, Freya met with Ashley once more, who had finally reported back to the man behind her.


    The man, seeing Ashley on the video call, was taken aback by her newfound boldness.


    He had always viewed her as the docile pawn, but now she was showing a defiance he hadn''t expected.


    "Failed?" The man asked, his image flickering on the screen, his body the only part visible as he sat in the shadows. "You know exactly what I told you."


    "After thest incident, Kristian no longer trusts me," Ashley admitted, her voice trembling. "I''ve really tried my best."


    The man sat motionless, casually spinning his ring between his fingers.


    Ashley couldn''t see his face, nor could she decipher the emotion behind his silence.


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    All she could hear was the relentless ticking of the clock on his end, each second stretching out and tightening the knot of panic and fear growing heavier in her chest.


    "It seems I''ll have to spread your secrets to your neighbors and your brother''s school,¡± the man finally said, his voice deliberate, his long, slender fingers moving with deliberate grace, as if each one was sculpted to perfection.


    Ashley''s eyes widened in fear.


    The man''s tone was measured as he spoke again. "Your brother is taking the SATS next year, right?"


    "I have another way!" Ashley responded quickly, following the n Freya hadid


    out for her. If not for her steely resolve, she might have crumbled by now.


    The man''s silence was unnerving as he waited for her response.


    Ashley, with sweaty palms, sat before herputer and said, "We can have Freya Briggs take action."


    At the mention of Freya''s name, the man reacted.


    A light chuckle escaped him before he spoke again. ¡°Go on." "Kristian is trying to win Freya back. Because of some past events, he feels guilty towards her," Ashley continued, her throat tightening as she swallowed hard, the fear evident in her voice. "Freya can definitely kill him. It''s just..." she trailed off, her voice faltering.


    What the man didn''t know was that a piece of papery in front of Ashley''sputer.


    C-


    On it was a script Freya had carefully prepared, anticipating the man''s questions and providing Ashley with the exact words to say.


    When people were nervous, they often stumbled over their words or forgot their lines. With this script, Ashley was less likely to make a mistake.


    "Just what?" the man asked, his voice low,manding her to continue.


    "I''m not sure how to exploit Freya''s weaknesses to force her into this," Ashley confessed, not ncing at the script in front of her. "But I can assure you, if she agrees to do it, it will seed."


    As Ashley spoke, the man''s eyes, hidden from her view, darkened with an unreadable intensity.


    He stared at her through the screen, his thoughts shifting to Kristian.


    Finally, he spoke, his voice low and measured. "You just said Kristian is trying to win Freya back?"


    "Yes..." Ashley responded, confused by the question but answering truthfully.


    "Forget about Kristian for now," the man said slowly, his voice chilling. "Just stay put in Alerith."


    Ashley was left bewildered.


    After everything, was he giving up?


    "Keep your phone on you," the man said, his voice calm but carrying a sharp


    edge. "Don''t make it hard for me


    to contact you when I need to."


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    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart

 Chapter 161

    161 He''s Not As Cold As I Thought


    Ashley didn''t dare probe further. The moment she whispered a meek "yes", the man abruptly cut the video call, severing the connection like slicing a taut thread.


    His gaze drifted toward the glowingputer screen, fingers idly toying with a ring as though it were a puzzle piece to arger enigma. He sat still, ensnared in thebyrinth of his own thoughts.


    After a pause that hung thick in the air, he turned toward the man seated nearby and posed a chilling question:


    "Zane, tell me would Dorothy feel a deeper satisfaction in dismantling Kristian''spany and ending his life,


    or in helping him conquer Freya''s heart, only for her to kill his beloved woman herself?"


    Zane Castro, his right hand and a man of few wasted words, replied with a knowing smile, "Thetter, without a doubt."


    "Then have someone steer him toward her," the man said, his voice as unreadable as fog at midnight. His gaze carried the quiet danger of a de concealed beneath silk. "Better still if she ends up bearing his child."


    Zane gave a brief nod. "Understood."


    The room fell silent as the man was left alone with his schemes.


    Lighting a cigarette, he exhaled smoke like a silent vow, his mind orchestrating a slow, ruthless descent into suffering for Kristian. He wasn''t crafting a n; he was weaving a curse.


    A mere death at the hands of a lover might sting, yes-but for a man ruled by his heart, such an end might taste too bittersweet.


    No-he preferredyers to his revenge, pain painted in broader strokes.


    He''d let Kristian win Freya''s heart and let a child be born of their bond. Then- when joy seemed secure-he''d rip it all away, snatch Freya and the child, and wield them like weapons.


    Now that would be a masterpiece of despair.


    With this malicious tapestry in mind, a sense of ease washed over him.


    He had time. And he relished the idea of a long, bitter war of attrition.


    Meanwhile, Ashley remained unaware that his ns had shifted, and that a new game had quietly begun.


    After the call ended, she used her regr phone to reach Freya.


    It waste. Freya had just finished her nightly routine and was preparing to drift off when Ashley''s call blinked


    across the screen.


    Guessing the topic, she picked up. "What is it?¡±


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    000


    "He said he won''t make a move," Ashley said,pletely at a loss. Confusion and fear were tangled in her


    voice.


    What worried her most was whether she''d been found out.


    Freya frowned, her mind alert. "He won''t make a move?"


    "Yes, he told me to forget about Kristian for the time being." Ashley repeated, anxiety building in her chest like storm clouds gathering on the horizon.


    The fear of exposure gnawed at her relentlessly.


    Freya''s tone sharpened, but she remainedposed. "Did you record the video like I asked?"


    "I did."


    "Send it to me."


    "Okay."


    Ashley obeyed without resistance. She had fully surrendered herself to Freya''s lead.


    To avoid any missteps or misced words during their conversations, Freya had insisted Ashley record everything using a second device.


    Freya quickly provided an email address.


    Ashley sent the video, but the knot in her stomach didn''t loosen.


    Just as she was about to speak again, Freya asked, "Besides that, did he say anything else?"


    "He told me to stay in Alerith and make sure I answer his calls without dy," Ashley confessed,ying bare every word.


    She never thought she''de to trust someone this much-enough to expose her most vulnerable fears.


    Freya acknowledged her with a soft hum, then said she''d get back to her after reviewing the video and ended. the call.


    The video was short-just a few minutes long.


    If she''d had even a shadow of doubt about the man''s identity, hearing his voice dispelled it like sunlight breaking through mist.


    The voice, the cadence-it all matched.


    The camera had been pointed at Ashley, so only the man''s voice had been captured, not his image.


    Ten minutester, Freya reassured Ashley that she hadn''t been exposed and urged her to remain calm and get


    some rest.


    Earlier, the man had asked Ashley about Kristian pursuing her. If Freya''s instincts were right, he had simply changed tactics.


    With no clear map of his new strategy, all she could do was take each twist as it came.


    With these thoughts crowding her mind, she finally fell into a deep, restless sleep.


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    Chapter 161 He''s Not As Cold As I Thought


    The next morning, she returned to work as if nothing had changed. At Anita International, she was reviewing a few bid proposals when she caught an unusual expression crossing Melvin''s typically unreadable face.


    Freya set the documents aside and asked, "What''s going on?"


    "Do I really seem like someone who can be bought that easily?" Melvin asked, straight-faced and serious.


    Freya studied him for a moment. "Yes."


    He was too controlled, too perfectly polished.


    "Someone tried to bribe you?" she asked, intrigued.


    "Yes," he replied inly, not a trace of amusement in his tone. "And insulted me


    while he was at it."


    Now Freya was genuinely curious.


    "He offered me a million a year to be a mole beside you. To report everything back


    to him," Melvin exined, as if recounting a dull weather forecast.


    "And?" Freya asked, leaning in like she was watching a drama unfold.


    "Nothing."


    "Why not?"


    "The money was too little. I don''t have time to waste on amateurs," he said with a shrug. "If he''d offered fifty million, I might''ve humored him for a minute."


    Freya picked up the bid proposals again and said casually, "Next time he show up, raise the price-and ept." "I thought the same," Melvin replied, his voice level, as if discussing stock prices.


    Freya chuckled quietly and returned to her documents.


    Melvin had a singr loyalty-to profit. Whoever had tried to turn him clearly thought his love of money would make him easy prey.


    But no matter how high the offer-be it fifty million, a hundred million, or more-


    Freya knew one thing for certain: he''d never betray her.


    "Oh, right,¡± Freya said, suddenly remembering something, "how''s the charity foundationing along?"


    "It''spleted the final procedures," Melvin replied.


    "Good."


    She didn''t probe further.


    The 1.4 billion that Kristian had given her had been channeled into the foundation-her way of opening doors to education for children born without luck.


    Both Anita International and Briggs Group had alsounched several charity initiatives.


    After finishing her morning work at Anita International''s office, she headed over to Briggs Group''s office in the afternoon.


    58.8%


    21:23


    n, seeing her rushing between offices every day like a pendulum on overdrive, couldn''t resist poking fun. "Exactly how much are they paying you at Anita International to work this hard?"


    Freya paused for a moment.


    n didn''t know that Anita International was, in fact, her ownpany.


    "Why don''t you just work full-time at Briggs Group? I''ll throw in a raise, he joked, though his curiosity was


    real.


    Freya sidestepped the topic with a quick excuse. "I need to get back to work."


    "Hold on!" He stopped her. "Someone from Shaw Group is here. Come with me to greet them."


    He added with a curious glint in his eye, "I''ve been keeping an eye on Kristian Shaw these past few days, and I''ve realized-he''s not as cold as I thought."


    Freya exhaled inwardly. She could already see where this was going. "Weren''t you the one who said he wasn''t right for me?"

 Chapter 162

    Chapter 162 Al¨¢n Had A Thing For Kristian


    * dirt rally  him/ en ple I wore me WA TAN


    I meds was in weit handel HHR Meme weaker to


    There was a spark of test in As*


    How can you say that he''s not end # you


    when


    he is the #A ADEY **


    were id concern creeping wants quick, though beber New


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    Freys pressed her lips together as antywny, to * way


    n didn''t relent. "Sot"


    "W''s precisely because 1 ways it a try the Yewo be''s new? Sty''s 19** W* Wed esxpression calm as she met his gaze" spent the best to yours y from Keras Manced m


    n was stunned. "What did you just way!"


    "He is my ex husband. I just returned war finshow Giv***w day we sings tire stay Suter details about the cause of the divores, wing, the son wak


    n searched her expression for even a thever of two, we when they y are hear remained unchanged.


    Married? And now divorced? They''d been married and shesy you to wyw ways "Does your father know about this?" n''s bea! G D ORIGOR


    "Yes I''ve told him," Freys answered inly "You should go hand your business with them. I need to w to work"


    "Wait!" n called out after her


    Freya turned around, her expression as steady as ever, as though everything the 6 sat we thing our of the ordinary


    "You''re not messing with me?" n asked.


    "Then why did you get divorced?" in his view, Kristian didn''t seem like a bad


    person


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    ½Ö


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    Chapter 162 n Had A Thing For Kristian


    Freya fell quiet for a beat before answering, ¡°We just grew apart.¡±


    n wanted to press for more, but Freya was already out of his office.


    Still rattled, he sent a message to Ethel, hoping she might shed some light on why Freya had divorced Kristian.


    Ethel''s reply came quickly, blunt and to the point, ¡°Because Kristian''s a scumbag."


    She didn''t go into detail. If Freya hadn''t confided in n, Ethel figured it wasn''t her ce to say anything


    either.


    n stared at the message, curiosity gnawing at him. So, when he sat down for a meeting with Kristianter, he couldn''t help but let his gaze wander in the man''s direction.


    That day''s meeting was just to iron out some minor details of a previously settled partnership.


    Normally, Chaz and Richie would''ve taken care of it, but Kristian had decided toe in person-maybe hoping to run into Freya..


    "Mr. Briggs, Mr. Shaw''s speaking to you," n''s assistant, Toby Green, leaned over and gave him a discreet nudge.


    n blinked, shaken from his thoughts. "Apologies, I got caught up reviewing the coboration details and missed that."


    Gerard cleared his throat, his expression quite strange.


    Kristian frowned just slightly.


    The meeting didn''t stretch on much longer.


    Once they''d wrapped up the remaining points, Kristian began to leave-but an idea suddenly popped into n''s mind. "Mr. Shaw, if you''re free, would you like to stay for dinner?"


    "Sure," Kristian replied without hesitation. He figured that since n also had the Briggs surname, there was a decent chance he was rted to Freya. It couldn''t hurt to make a good impression on her rtives.


    Toby raised an eyebrow and whispered in n''s ear, "Are you... into Mr. Shaw?"


    n blinked in shock.


    Gerard''s heart skipped a beat.


    "You really ought to keep your feelings in check at work," Toby went on, oblivious to Gerard''s reaction, assuming he was speaking quietly enough. "Mr. Shaw''s a pretty big deal."


    If n had been confused before, now he was practically fuming. When had he ever implied he liked Kristian?


    Just as he was about to scold Toby, he noticed Gerard ncing their way with a weird look on his face.


    In that instant, everything clicked.


    "Please wait in the reception lounge for a moment," n said to Kristian without exining. The more he tried to rify, the worse it would get. "I''ll handle a few things, then we''ll head to dinner."


    Kristian''s eyes seemed to narrow, his sharp lips parting as he replied, "Alright."


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    n offered a tight smile before turning and heading back.


    The moment he returned to his office, he rounded on his assistant. "What nonsense were you spouting just now? Are you thinking straight?"


    "I didn''t expect Mr. Shaw''s assistant to have such sharp ears." Toby coughed, clearly feeling awkward.


    "That''s not the issue here," n snapped, his brow creasing in frustration How could I possibly have feelings for Kristian Shaw? I''m into women!"


    Toby stood frozen, not daring to say a word. If n''s mother hadn''t dropped by to give Toby a little heads-up, he never would''ve suspected anything.


    "Your mother was the one who told me to keep an eye on how you interact with men," Toby confessed. "I saw you staring at Mr. Shaw all through the meeting, barely even hearing what he said, so I just thought.....¡±


    Would a straight man look at another guy like that? Especially a boss like n, who was normallyser-focused in meetings and never distracted. Didn''t it make sense to suspect something?


    n''s lips twitched in frustration. He rubbed his temples, trying to calm the storm brewing in his head.


    Just because he was thirty and still single, did his mother really have to start questioning his orientation?


    Meanwhile, after n and Toby stepped out, Gerard couldn''t help himself. "Sir, do


    you think Mr. Briggs actually has a thing for you?"


    He''d definitely noticed the way n kept ncing over during the meeting


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian replied coolly, his face unreadable.


    Gerard looked intrigued. How could Kristian be so certain?


    "I''m guessing he''s Freya''s cousin," Kristian said, thinking his hunch was probably


    right. "He likely already knows about the divorce."


    Cousin?


    Gerard looked genuinely surprised.


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    She Took The House, The Cai, An

 Chapter 163

    Chapter 163 Can Anyone


    Ever Take Mina''s ce I...


    "Are we still going for dinnerter?" Gerard asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.


    In his view, Kristian, who had once deeply hurt n''s cousin, should feel the weight of this dinner invitation like a trap set by fate. It could be akin to walking into the lion''s den.


    When Kristian finally spoke, his gaze was a turbulent sea of emotions, barely veiled beneath a calm exterior. "Why not?" he replied, his voice steady.


    Despite knowing he was stepping into hostile territory, where n''s grudge simmered just below the surface, Kristian hadpelling reasons to face this ordeal.


    n wasn''t just anyone; he was a rtive of Freya, the one person Kristian couldn''t risk upsetting.


    Half an hourter, n''s secretary finalized the dinner arrangements and escorted Kristian to the restaurant.


    Freya stood quietly by the doorway, her eyes following them as they disappeared into the distance.


    As the day dwindled into evening, Freya''s ns took an unexpected turn. Just as she was preparing to leave for home, her phone rang. It was Winslow Alvarez, her maternal grandfather, inviting her to visit.


    Winslow, a man of profound influence andplex history, had always cast a long shadow over her life.


    Ever since they were kids, he had shown nothing but kindness to both her and Ethel-always patient, always attentive, like a doting grandfather you''d see in storybooks. If she hadn''t uncovered the truth-that he had once pressured her mother into a cold, loveless arranged marriage-she would have continued holding onto the image of him as a warm, gentle elder who meant no harm.


    With a brief message to Ethel informing her of the change in ns, Freya was picked up by a driver sent personally by Winslow.


    When she finally got there, the sky had already turned a deep shade of indigo-it was seven in the evening. Their evening unfolded in the familiar, intimate setting of Winslow''s dining room, where history and present mingled over a quiet meal shared between just the two of them.


    When the meal had ended, Winslow invited her for a stroll through the garden, his hands sped behind his back as he walked at an unhurried pace.


    Freya could tell he wasn''t just out for fresh air-he had something on his mind.


    As they wandered along, Winslow, well into his eighties, broke the silence, his voice gentle and infused with warmth. "I heard you''ve been away from Alerith these past two years, living in Jeucwell and getting married?" His eyes, crinkled at the corners, conveyed genuine curiosity and concern.


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    Chapter 163 Can Anyone Ever Take Mina''s ce in Your Heart


    Freya responded openly, her tone light and unguarded, "Yes, that''s right."


    "And how did he treat you?" Winslow inquired, his expression softening.


    "Not bad," Freya replied sinctly.


    "Not bad, yet you divorced him?" Winslow probed further, his eyebrows arching slightly.


    "We just weren''t a good match," Freya exined, her voice tinged with a hint of mncholy.


    The path they walked was lined with softly swaying flowers, mirroring the ebb and flow of their conversation.


    As they continued, Winslow nodded understandingly. He knew Freya well enough to understand that she never took marriage lightly. He respected her privacy and didn''t press further about her past. Instead, he shifted the conversation to a more intriguing topic.


    "An old friend of mine brought something up the other day," Winslow said as he walked beside her. "He mentioned he has a grandson who''s the right age to settle down." His voice carried a hint of amusement. "ording to him, the boy''s not only ridiculously good-looking, but alsoes from an excellent family and has a bright future ahead of him."


    At that, Freya immediately caught on. Her gaze shifted slightly as realization dawned-this was about a potential arranged marriage.


    "He wants you to meet him," Winslow remarked, turning his head to study her


    reaction. "What do you think? Are you open to it?"


    "No," Freya replied, her tone firm and unwavering.


    She had never liked the idea of being matched up by someone else-it grated against her sense of independence.


    "I suspected as much," Winslow responded with a gentle chuckle, his affection for her evident in his warm smile. "Don''t worry, I''ve already declined on your behalf."


    Freya paused, a flicker of surprise crossing her features.


    Winslow noticed the subtle change in her expression, his own demeanor growing more somber. "You know, if I were younger, I might have insisted you meet him. But over the years, I''vee to realize there are some things better left unforced."


    Freya remained silent, her thoughts drifting to a question she yearned to ask-why he had coerced her mother into an arranged marriage all those years ago. Yet, she hesitated, knowing that dredging up such memories would only serve to reopen old, painful wounds.


    "Mina," Winslow called out softly, standing by the edge of a serene pond. His voice carried a weight of age and regret. "I owe your mother an apology."


    Freya turned to him, her heart skipping a beat as she saw the genuine remorse in his eyes.


    "If I hadn''t pushed her into that marriage with your father, maybe she would still be with us," he admitted, the


    sorrow clear in his voice.


    "It was my mistake." His words hung heavily between them.


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    Chapter 163 Can Anyone Ever Take Minas Face II


    For the past two years, ever since the day Anita Alvarez-his daughter-drew her final breath, he had been haunted by a relentless ache of regret, gnawing at him every single day over the choice he had made.


    It wasn''t until the weight of age settled into his bones that he firfally understood- some things he once thought mattered, really didn''t. Nothingpared to family.


    "When Mom passed away," Freya began gently, her voiceced with honesty and hesitation, unsure if her words would bringfort or stir deeper pain. "She told She and me one thing... She said we made her happy. Just having us was enough."


    Life had a way of twisting unexpectedly, never following a straight line-each choice carving out a new path, a different ending.


    No one could ever be certain if the road they took was the right one, or just the one that hurt less.


    Freya had no way of knowing whether Anita held any resentment toward Winslow in the end.


    But when Anita left this world, she did so with a quiet peace-no bitterness, no regrets in her heart.


    Winslow exhaled deeply, his sigh echoing a release of two years'' worth of pent- up emotions, umted over the course of their conversation.


    Looking to shift the atmosphere, he turned the conversation towards a lighter topic. "The other grandpa of yours might be nning to arrange a marriage for you soon," he said, a note of caution in his voice. "If you need any help navigating that, don''t hesitate to call me."


    "Alright," Freya responded calmly.


    She wasn''t particrly concerned about the matter.


    Her paternal grandfather had no secrets or leverage against her, and the Briggs Group wasn''t in a position where a business marriage would provide any substantial benefit.


    She was firm in her resolve: no one could force her into an arranged marriage,


    and she would staunchly oppose such a situation.


    "Mina," Winslow called out, seeking her attention.


    "Yes?" she replied, turning towards him.


    "No matter what, remember that I will always stand behind you. Just be true to


    yourself," Winslow dered, his voiceden with sincerity.


    He had failed Anita once and was resolute in his determination not to let history


    repeat itself with Freya.


    Freya didn''t turn him down. "Alright," she said with a soft nod.


    That night, she ended up staying at Winslow''s ce.


    Unbeknownst to her, n and Kristian were getting drunk elsewhere-so drunk, in fact, that they somehow became fast friends over the course of the evening.


    Inside a dimly lit private room, Gerard and Toby sat rigidly, backs straight as boards, barely daring to breathe. Their eyes kept shifting toward the two men sprawled on the couch-now sitting shoulder to shoulder, arms


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    Chapter 163 Can Anyone Ever Take Mina''s ce In Your Heart


    slung around each other like old drinking buddies. Both of their hearts thudded with tension.


    "Kristian," n slurred, cheeks flushed bright red from too many drinks. "You did Mina wrong. And as her cousin, I''m seriously not okay with that." He paused, squinting at Kristian with an unsteady finger pointed in his face. "But... you''re good-looking, man. And Mina''s into guys like you.


    The room fell into awkward silence.


    "Be honest with me-do you have feelings for Mina?" n pressed, his voice thick


    and his gaze bleary. He''d initially nned to get Kristian drunk first, loosen his lips, and then grill him about Mina.


    But the tables had turned quicker than expected; n had sumbed to the spirits far sooner than Kristian.


    Despite his professional demeanor at work, n''s true, talkative nature emerged in the warmth ofpanionship, transforming him into a relentless chatterbox. Kristian''s gaze deepened into a tangled mix of emotions, and after a thoughtful pause, he murmured, "I''m not sure."


    His uncertainty wasn''t just a passing cloud; it was a storm that lingered over his feelings for Freya.


    He''d been thinking about the idea of remarrying her. The thought crossed his mind more often than he cared. to admit.


    But whenever her name came up in his head, there wasn''t a smile waiting for him.


    Instead, it stirred up a tight knot of anxiety and heavy questions he couldn''t quite


    answer.


    "You don''t even know if you like her? What''s going on in your head?" n teased as he draped an arm around Kristian''s shoulders, pulling him in close with a conspiratorial lean. "Tell me this-if she were with someone else, would you feel upset?"


    A firm yes echoed in Kristian''s mind, immediate and resolute.


    Not only would he be upset, but he''d feelpelled to intervene. The mere thought made his jaw tighten.


    "And if Mina were wronged, would you stand up for her, help her get back at them?" n probed further, his curiosity piqued.


    Yes.


    The response sprang to Kristian''s thoughts unbidden, clear and sharp.


    "All right, the real kicker," n murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper as he brought his finger to his lips. and leaned closer to Kristian''s ear. "Can anyone ever take Mina''s ce in your heart?¡±


    Kristian mulled over it, his mind a battlefield of emotion and logic.


    Ultimately, he reached a definitive conclusion-No.


    In that moment, as the realization washed over him, Gerard''s words came back


    to him, echoing in his mind. True affection often came intertwined with sexual


    desire.


    She Took The House, The Car And My Heart


    Chapter 164 Would

 Chapter 164

    Chapter 164 Would You Like To Reconsider It


    Other than Freya, no one had ever stirred any trace of desire in Kristian-not even Ashley in the past.


    With that thought quietly swirling in his mind, he took out his phone and began searching the web.


    But the moment heid eyes on the responses, his expression clouded over like a sky before a storm.


    "Is this some kind of wild daydream? Only feeling attracted to one person? Ridiculous!"


    "Sounds like impotence to me."


    "Seriously, stop justifying it. Who on earth goes through life without a hint of desire?"


    "It might actually be love. Some men are naturally disinterested in physical intimacy-until they meet the one. Then it''s not lust, but something deeper. Perfectly normal."


    His gaze lingered a moment longer on that finalment, as if the words had struck a chord.


    n leaned over, trying to sneak a look, but before he could make out anything, Kristian had already locked


    the screen.


    "If all those questions I asked earlier didn''t clear things up, there''s still onest test," n offered, his determination unwavering. He was on a mission-to pair up this brooding man with Freya.


    Kristian, ever the picture of calm, sat upright like a teacher listening to a student''s drunken ramblings. "And what''s that?"


    "When you like someone, you want to be near them," n exined with a rare note of sincerity, despite the alcohol clouding his head. "You crave their voice, their presence. You want to be part of their every moment, their every day. That''s how you know. Of course... minus the obsessive types."


    Those words found their way into Kristian''s heart like pebbles dropped into still water.


    He did want to be near Freya-to speak with her, to share his time. More than anything, he couldn''t bear the thought of being left out of her world entirely.


    The very idea of vanishing from her life filled him with a sense of quiet despair.


    "So... if that''s how I feel, does that mean I love her?" he asked, the question almost rhetorical.


    "Obviously!" n dered-then promptly slumped onto Kristian''s shoulder, sound asleep.


    Across the room, Gerard and Toby were seated far enough away to miss most of the exchange, but they''d caught enough to pique curiosity.


    Gerard leaned over to whisper, eyes full of mischief. "Do you think your boss mi-li Chapter 164 Would You Like To Reconsider it


    The two men were sitting close. Talking low. Too close.


    And-most telling of all-Kristian, known for treating personal space like sacred ground, hadn''t brushed n


    off


    Toby, in his usual tailored suit, replied without missing a beat, "I''m more worried than you are."


    That floored Gerard Had he identally unearthed some sort of hidden cret? Could Freya''s cousin possibly be into men? If that were true, wouldn''t that spell trouble for Kristian?


    what exactly do you mean by that?" Gerard asked, clearly rattled. After all, Kristian was supposed to win Freya over!


    His imagination ignited, spinning a full-blown melodrama in seconds.


    "It''s nothing." Toby said quickly, realizing his earlier words might''ve stirred up a ho''s nest.


    He coughed lightly, trying to steer things back on track. "Don''t worry. My boss likes women. There''s no way he''s interested in your boss."


    Gerard shot him a look that said inly, "Do you hear yourself? You just said the opposite a minute ago."


    "Toby Green." Kristian, having noticed that n was truly out cold, called out in his usual level tone-cool, controlled, and not open for debate.


    The man straightened like a soldier caught slouching. "May I help you?"


    "You can head back. I''ll take care of n and make sure he gets home."


    Toby immediately stepped forward, trying to intervene. "There''s really no need to trouble yourself, Mr. Shaw.


    I''ll take him home. He''s a light sleeper and prefers to wake up in familiar surroundings."


    Kristian nced at the man asleep on his shoulder, then returned his gaze to Toby-cold, unreadable.


    Toby fell silent. There was no arguing with that look.


    "n." Kristian nudged him gently and asked, "Do you want your secretary to take you home, or should I?"


    Half-asleep, n''s mind tangled in dreams, confused the voice for Freya''s.


    Without bothering to open his eyes, he pointedzily at Kristian and muttered, "You."


    Toby froze mid-step.


    Gerard''s jaw practically hit the floor. Had he just... heard that right? Had the two grown that close in such a short time?


    Sure, n was the sociable type, but Kristian? He was cold as stone, a man who kept the world at arm''s length. Why would be willing to help n?


    And yet... n had chosen Kristian over his own secretary?


    "Sir, are you sure you don''t want to reconsider?" Toby asked anxiously. "Perhaps I should still take you. Mr. Shaw, 1.


    "No need," n mumbled again, even pping a hand dismissively as if to shoo Toby away.


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    21.24


    Kristian''s eyes narrowed. His voice dropped to a tone that could chill steel. "Toby, are you still standing there because you''d like us to escort you home too?"


    "No, no, no... there''s really no need to trouble yourself," Toby stammered, brushing off the offer as fast as one


    might swat away a wasp.


    Why on earth would he want to be left alone with someone as formidable as Kristian?


    Why couldn''t Kristian have just stayed tucked away in Jeucwell''s headquarters, far from Alerith? After all, Chaz was more than capable of running things here. Wasn''t that what branch managers were for?


    Hovering awkwardly, Toby found himself in a strange limbo-reluctant to leave, yetcking any ground to challenge his boss''s choice to go with Kristian.


    And really... what could possibly happen between them?


    Surely nothing, right?


    "Gerard, escort Toby out," Kristian said, his voice quiet butced with the kind of authority that suggested he saw five moves ahead in a game no one else realized they were ying.


    "No need! I can find my own way," Toby cut in hastily. Spending another second in the lion''s den was not on his agenda. ¡°Then... I''ll leave my boss in your capable hands, Mr. Shaw."


    Kristian''s eyes darkened ever so slightly. "Alright."


    Toby took that as his cue to make a swift exit, casting one final nce over his shoulder like someone half- expecting to witness something unexinable. Once outside, he pulled out his phone, his fingers flying with urgency as he logged into a burner ount under the name Gossip Rookie. Without hesitation, he fired off a question into the group chat: "Quick question-does anyone know Kristian Shaw''s preference? Would sending him a man work?"


    No sooner had the message been sent than the chat exploded with activity.


    "Are you out of your mind? Or do you have a death wish?"


    "Thest person who tried that vanished after his men got involved. No one''s heard from him since."


    "Forget sending him a man-offering him a woman is already ying with fire." "Actually, I remember Edwin Newman once sent him a woman. And believe it or not... it worked."


    "Seriously?"


    "That can''t be true. Isn''t he famously indifferent to women?"


    The conversation quickly spiraled into chaos.


    Toby, now somewhat reassured that Kristian wasn''t into men, finally rxed-at


    least regarding his boss''s


    chances.


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    Chapter 165 A Drunk n

 Chapter 165

    Chapter 165 A Drunk n


    Recalling that Kristian had once dly epted the woman sent to him, Toby wondered whether he should tell his boss about this.


    While mulling it over, he fired off another message in the group chat. "Maybe it''s just some random gossip? Kristian doesn''t strike me as the kind of guy who''d pull something like that."


    "You can''t go by looks. Who knows what he''s really like behind closed doors?"


    "Pretty sure this one''s legit. A few execs who had dinner with him saw him take a woman straight from Edwin." "What a disappointment."


    Toby forwarded every one of thosements to himself, nning to show them to his boss the next day. Kristian,pletely unaware of the buzz surrounding him, cast a cool nce at the man who''d passed out drunk. With a calm and detached air, he stood up and let n slump onto the couch.


    Gerard, watching the whole thing, looked puzzled. "Sir, are you..."


    "Take n to my ce," Kristian said with absolute finality.


    "You sure about that?" Gerard asked, uncertain.


    He knew all too well that Kristian had a serious thing about cleanliness. If you weren''t someone he really cared about, you didn''t step foot in his home.


    And now he was letting n stay over?


    Kristian''s sharp, unreadable stare didn''t give anything away. "Yes."


    Though Gerard was clearly confused, he didn''t push.


    He lifted n into the car.


    That night, Gerard had stayed sober-unlike Kristian and n, who had definitely indulged.


    What stood out the most was how the night had actually yed out. At first, n had been the one egging everyone on to drink, but after the first ss, Kristian had taken the reins. Before long, n was drinking ss after ss without even realizing it.


    By the time the clock struck nine, Gerard had delivered n to Kristian''s ce.


    After settling him on the sofa, Gerard hesitated. "So, Mr. Briggs is staying the night?"


    "You can go," Kristian said, his tone steady.


    "You sure you''re okay handling this alone?" Gerard asked, thinking that if n pukedter, Kristian mightpletely lose it.


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    CANG HAS A Dank n


    Aristian''s eres remamed steady "Yes"


    seeing that he wasn''t going to change his mind, Gerard gave a reluctant nod and walked off, ncing back


    more than once


    Kristian gave the man on the couch a brief look, but didn''t linger. Instead, he pulled out his phone and started typing "How to pursue someone you like.¡±


    Now that he''d epted he had feelings for Freya, he figured it was time to do something about it.


    neya was constantly surrounded by good-looking, capable men-it was only a matter of time before someone better than him came along


    He stared at the search results, his gaze flickering as he read through the suggestions.


    Get their number, discover shared interests, create chances to meet, learn what they like and give them thoughtful gifts."


    He already had her number.


    But shared interests? She wouldn''t even speak to him right now.


    As for gifts, she was so low-key that even when they were together, she rarely showed interest in material things. Aside from that one time she maxed his credit card out of spite, she hadn''t ever really bought anything for herself.


    That thought alone made Kristian sigh and toss the phone onto the table, annoyed. The online advice feltpletely useless.


    Winning someone over took effort. It couldn''t be boiled down to a checklist.


    The tter of the phone hitting the table startled n awake. He sat up slowly, blinking in confusion, clearly unsure of where he was.


    Kristian stayedposed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "You''re awake?"


    "Who''re you?" n frowned, his head still spinning.


    Kristian took a slow sip of water. "Kristian Shaw."


    "Kristian Shaw?" Still drunk, n muttered the name before suddenly leaping to his feet. "I know who you are!" Kristian raised an eyebrow. This was not how he expected the president of Briggs Group to behave when drunk. He calmly set down his ss and locked eyes with the unsteady man. "What exactly do you know?" "You''re Mina''s ex-husband!" n jabbed a finger at him, his face flushed and his words slightly slurred.


    Kristian''s face darkened a shade.


    There it was again-ex-husband.


    "Tell me! Why''d you bring me to your ce?" n barked, his tone heated. "Trying to use me to get to Mina?" Kristian stared at him in silence.


    But n, caught in his own dramatic spiral, kept going. "Just so you know-I''d rather die than let you


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    Chapter 165 A Drunk n


    manipte me into hurting Mina!"


    Kristian reached for his phone, fully intending to call Gerard and have hime drag this man out of his house.


    Now he regretted it. What on earth had possessed him to bring n here on a whim in the first ce?


    "What are you doing?" n demanded, yanking the phone from him. His drunken mind was spinning with suspicion. "You better not be threatening Mina!"


    Kristian replied smoothly, without flinching, "I was going to order something for your hangover."


    "Hah."


    n let out a coldugh.


    "Hangover remedy? Don''t think I don''t know you poisoned me! You think that''s enough to take me down? I''ll get it out of my system myself!"


    With that, he plopped onto the floor cross-legged and began his bizarre version of self-detox.


    Kristian was dumbfounded.


    Taking advantage of the moment, Kristian grabbed his phone again, unlocked it, and scrolled to his contacts.


    But before he could make the call, it was snatched out of his hands once more.


    n, now oddly emboldened, held the phone high like some kind of hero in a fantasy flick. "You thought you could use the time I was purging the poison to call Mina? Dream on!"


    Then, out of nowhere, somethingpletely unexpected happened.


    n hurled the phone to the floor with shocking force.


    In an instant, Kristian''s phone shattered.


    The screen cracked into a spider web of ss, the back popped off, and who


    knew what internal damage had been done.


    Kristian''s brow twitched ever so slightly.


    The phone itself could be reced, but the data inside... some of it hadn''t been backed up yet.


    ¡°Hmph! See that? That''s my strength!" n,pletely unaware of what he''d done, wobbled on his feet and boasted with misced pride.


    Kristian was in a foul mood.


    If this man weren''t Freya''s cousin, he would''ve kicked him out hours ago.


    But now, as Kristian watched n clumsily fumble for his own phone to call Freya, every trace of irritation quietly melted away.


    Somehow, he managed to hit the right buttons and even put the call on speaker.


    Momentster, the line connected.


    Freya picked up, her voice calm as ever, even thiste at night. "Hello, n."


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    21.24


    "Mina, don''t worry! I''d rather die than give in!" n cried out, his tone thick with misguided righteousness. ¡°Kristian, you''ll never use me to get to Mina!"


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 Chapter 166

    Chapter 166 Creating A


    Scene At Kristian''s ce


    Freya went quiet for a couple of seconds, trying to figure out what exactly n was rambling about.


    Before she could get a word in, he barreled on, "He just tried to poison me, but the fool had no idea that I can purge the poison. That weak stuff can''t touch me!"


    "Are you drunk?" Freya asked tly, catching on to his over-the-top theatrics and strange tone.


    "How could I be? You forgot I don''t even drink?" His voice was so serious, Freya almost believed him-until he added, "Kristian poisoned me. I got some of it out, but a little bit''s still messing with my head."


    Freya pinched the bridge of her nose, already feeling a headacheing on.


    Years ago, after n gotpletely wasted and created a huge scene at home, his father hadid down a strict rule: no more than three drinks, period. It was the only way to keep n from turning into a disaster again.


    And now...


    Freya took a breath,posed herself, and asked in the calmest voice she could manage, "Where are you right now?"


    "I can''t say," n answered, all secretive like he was guarding state secrets. Freya was at a loss for words.


    Lowering his voice, n nced at Kristian and whispered, "Your ex-husband''s right next to me. He''s trying to use me against you. Don''t fall into his trap!"


    "Put him on the phone," Freya said, trying not to lose her patience.


    "No chance," n shot back, standing firm.


    Anyone else might''ve been at a total loss, but Freya knew him too well.


    If she wanted to get a straight answer, she had to y along. "Rx. I''m the best fighter around. Kristian couldn''ty a finger on me."


    n went quiet for a beat, unsure.


    He stared at Kristian for a long second, then muttered, "But I''ve got a hunch he''s secretly a master fighter too. Maybe he''s the mystery guy who''s on par with you."


    Freya was dumbfounded. So was Kristian.


    ¡°Mina, don''te here. I can handle this myself." After thinking it through, n added, "If you show up, he''ll


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    21:24


    Chapter 144 C&Stars Pack


    definately take you out. That way he''ll be the strongest left"


    Treys closed her eyes and pressed her fingers to her forehead,pletely speechless.


    "n" She pulled out her trump card. "If you don''t give me the address, I''m calling your mom."


    "No" he blurted out without hesitation


    Freya didn''t say another word, just waited for him to give her the addres


    It was a hard-earned lesson from thest time n got drunk and stirred up chaos-no matter what anyone did, nothing worked. The only person who could rein him in was his mother, and only when she showed up did he finally settle down.


    A full minute ticked by. The other end of the call was dead silent.


    Just as Freya began to wonder if n had passed out, his voice suddenly rang out, full of conviction. "I''ve made up my mind. Your safety matters most. I won''t let you take the risk."


    Freya sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that night.


    "He''s at my ce," Kristian said finally, his voice low with exhaustion.


    Relief washed over Freya, and her shoulders rxed, "Okay,"


    n chucked the phone aside. ¡°Kristian, how dare you lure Freya into your trap! I''ll kick your ass and make you pay!"


    Freya caught thatst line before the call ended, and the calm she''d just found evaporated in an instant.


    Knowing n''s knack for creating chaos, she didn''t dare waste another second. She hung up before he brought the whole building down.


    "Grandpa, something urgent came up with my cousin n. I need to head over," Freya exined. "I''ll visit you next time."


    "Do you want me to send someone with you?"


    "No, thanks. I can handle it. Good night."


    With that, she made her way to Kristian''s ce at full speed.


    She couldn''t figure it out. n was always so careful with his drinking, even in social settings. How had he gotten this drunk tonight?


    At Kristian''s ce, saying the scene was chaotic would''ve been putting it mildly.


    n, fully convinced he was a good fighter, decided Kristian had evil intentions and challenged him to a duel.


    Kristian, faced with a drunk who also happened to be Freya''s cousin, didn''t fight back. If he identally hit too hard and cracked a bone, Freya would hate him even more.


    Besides, in his current state, n wouldn''t feel a thing anyway.


    Amid the crashing and chaos, Kristian looked around his wrecked living room and couldn''t hold back anymore.


    "n Briggs, if you keep this up, the neighbors are going toin."


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    Chapter 166 Creating A Scene At Kristian''s ce


    Neighbors? Comin?


    n paused mid-rampage. "What''s that got to do with me? If I don''t knock you out tonight, I''m letting Mina


    down!"


    And just like that, round two began.


    Kristian had originally nned to let n blow off steam and then lock hit in a room if needed.


    But clearly, he''d underestimated him.


    Locked up or not, restrained or not, n was a force of nature.


    In what felt like the blink of an eye, over an hour had passed.


    Kristian stared at the man now bouncing on his bed, feeling a chill crawl up his spine.


    "Guess you''re not the mystery guy who can match Mina,¡± n dered, ring down at him from the mattress. "Time to teach you a lesson."


    Kristian reached for his phone to call Freya and ask where she was-only to remember, with a twitch of irritation, that n had shattered it earlier.


    n, fists clenched, charged at him with wild determination.


    He took one step-then tripped and crashed onto the bed.


    Kristian didn''t waste a second. He yanked the nket over n, wrapped him tight, and tied it off like a burrito.


    Only n''s head stuck out, eyes wide with rm. "Kristian, if youy a finger on me, my friends won''t let you off the hook!"


    "I''ll be waiting," Kristian said coolly, his voice like ice.


    For a sliver of peace, he grabbed a towel and stuffed it into n''s mouth.


    n squirmed and struggled, but he couldn''t move or speak.


    "You''re staying right here," Kristian muttered. After searching around, he finally found some rope and tied the nket securely in ce. "You''ll be free when Freya shows up.¡±


    n lookedpletely panicked.


    Kristian turned to leave, heading off to find his iPad so he could message Gerard and ask him to bring over a new phone.


    Meanwhile, n wriggled and twisted like a worm, finally managing to roll himself


    off the bed and onto the floor. Luckily, he was still too drunk to feel the impact..


    100.0%


    Exclusive Offer For You


    im Now

 Chapter 167

    Chapter 167 A Strange, Nostalgic Feeling -


    Kristian''s brow tightened just a bit, a shadow of irritation crossing his face. Why was n so full of energy after getting drunk?


    He crouched and tugged the towel from n''s mouth, his every moveced with an arctic chill. "What is it now?*


    "I have to pee!" n burst out, desperation clinging to every syble.


    Kristian cast a nce at the rope he''d painstakingly tracked down earlier, inwardly groaning at the thought of untying it.


    After silently repeating to himself that this buffoon was Freya''s cousin, he finally gave in and loosened the knots, freeing n from the nket.


    n bolted toward the bathroom like a man possessed.


    Kristian remained standing there, his expression unreadable, brows drawn tightly together. He found it nearly impossible to align this disheveled mess of a man with the usually sharp, polished president of the Briggs Group. Was n always this childish?


    As those thoughts circled in Kristian''s mind, the sound of the doorbell pierced the silence.


    The tension in Kristian''s shoulders eased ever so slightly as he headed over, assuming it must be Freya.


    But the second he opened the door, a sharp voice,ced with irritation, cut through the night. "Seriously, what''s going on in there? It''s the middle of the night-"


    The words stopped dead the moment the man caught sight of Kristian''s face and the sheer,manding force he radiated.


    That presence-"intimidating" didn''t even begin to cover it.


    "Is there a problem?" Kristian asked coolly, voice low and detached, his lips barely moving.


    d in a tailored suit and standing like he owned the world, he looked every inch theposed, no-nonsense corporate giant.


    The man and woman at the door exchanged nervous nces, visibly rattled by the intensity in front of them. The man coughed awkwardly, eyes drifting past Kristian to the absolute chaos inside the apartment. After a beat of hesitation, he muttered, "Just... maybe try to keep it down? It''s been a little loud."


    "My apologies," Kristian said smoothly, voiceced with polite civility. "We''ll be more considerate."


    "Alright then," the couple mumbled hastily before making their retreat, still shaken for reasons they couldn''t quite exin.


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    < Chapter 167 A Strange, Nostalgic Feeling


    They were technically in the right, but somehow, standing in front of Kristian had made them feel like misbehaving schoolchildren.


    Just as the elevator dinged, Freya stepped out, her strides quick and purposeful.


    The couple lingered, assuming she was there to voice herints too.


    But to their surprise, Freya walked straight to the apartment door, and Krian, without a word, stepped aside and ushered her in before quietly shutting the door.


    The onlookers stood frozen, their minds working overtime.


    They tried to spin a story out of what they''d just seen, but nothing quite fit.


    If this had been a case of a secret lover caught red-handed, things wouldn''t have


    looked so civil. Yet if it wasn''t that, what the hell was it?


    Eventually, they gave up trying to decode the mystery and headed back downstairs.


    Inside, Freya took one look at the disaster zone that was now Kristian''s apartment and instinctively pinched the bridge of her nose. Her cousin really was something else. Did he even think before turning someone else''s ce into a battlefield?


    "Where is he?" she asked, trying to keep a lid on her frustration as she turned to Kristian.


    He gestured subtly toward the bedroom. "In there."


    Freya moved to go check, but Kristian gently stopped her, his eyes locking with hers. "No rush. He''s... using the bathroom."


    "No rush. He''s using the bathroom."


    Freya froze mid-step, and nodded slightly.


    "I''m sorry about everything today," Freya said, ncing around at the mess, genuine remorse in her voice. "I''ll have a cleaning servicee by first thing tomorrow. And if anything''s broken, I''ll cover it."


    "It''s alright," Kristian replied, his voice calm and even.


    Freya hesitated.


    She knew Kristian well-he had always been a bit of a germaphobe with a serious sense of personal space.


    Under normal circumstances, he would''ve been furious over the way her cousin had wrecked the ce, listing every minor offense like a detailed report. But tonight, he was brushing it off like it didn''t even matter.


    "Did n scare you?" Freya asked, trying to figure out what had caused this unusual shift in his attitude.


    "Not exactly," Kristian answered, his tone surprisingly soft, his demeanor towards her far more gentle than usual. "He''s out now. I''ll check on him first." Kristian didn''t trust what n might get up to in his current condition. Better to go see for himself before letting Freya anywhere near him.


    "I think I heard Mina''s voice," n said as he came stumbling out, now fully dressed, though still visibly drunk.


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    21:24


    Chapter 167 A Strange, Nostalgic Feeling


    "What did you do to her?"


    Kristian turned to Freya and gave her a quiet nod, signaling that it was safe to enter.


    Freya stepped into the room, and the moment n saw her, he charged at her and pulled her into a tight hug. "Mina! Thank God you''re okay! I was terrified he''d killed you!"


    Both Freya and Kristian stood in silence, caught off guard by the bizarre disy.


    "I''ve already made peace with him," Freya said, humoring n''s drunken delusions, her voice calm and t. "Now sit down. I''ll whip up something to flush the poison out of your system."


    "Okay," n mumbled. He shuffled to the couch, slumped over, and promptly passed out.


    Freya frowned.


    Just as she was about to prepare some honey water, her eyesnded on a shattered phone lying on the floor.


    Her mind went into a spin. "Is that your phone?" she asked.


    "Yeah," Kristian said with a shrug, voice devoid of emotion.


    Freya made a silent vow to get her cousin off alcohol for good. He was nothing but a walking disaster.


    "I might need a favor from youter," Kristian said, his eyes on Freya, his voice unusually gentle.


    Still feeling guilty over everything, Freya nodded. "What is it?"


    "There were some important files on my phone-ones I didn''t back up. Now that


    it''s broken, I''ll need your help transferring them to a new one," he exined.


    "That''s the least I can do," Freya replied.


    Kristian didn''t add anything else.


    Freya took a cup from the kitchen, filled it halfway with hot water, and added a generous swirl of honey.


    As she moved through the space, she surveyed the full extent of the damage. The living room, the master bedroom, even the guest room-each looked like a war zone. Only the kitchen and the study, which was locked, had been spared. Ten minutester, she finally got n to drink the honey water. Kristian helped her in quiet, steady movements, his patience almost startling.


    Something about the way he acted stirred up a strange, nostalgic feeling in Freya, like she''d been transported back to the early days of their marriage. Back then, things had been warm and easy between them-no arguments, just quiet happiness.


    She set the cup aside and let n sleep where he was.


    "I''ll start cleaning," she said, unable to take the chaos any longer.


    Her cousin had made the mess. It only made sense for her to deal with it.


    But as she stood, Kristian gently reached out and took her wrist.


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    21.24

 Chapter 168

    Chapter 168 She Couldn''t Figure Out Kristian''s...


    Facing the gentle Kristian, Freya couldn''t bring herself to get angry or confront him outright.


    She slowly withdrew her hand and sank down beside him. "Go ahead," she murmured.


    Kristian''s lips pressed into a hard line.


    His deep, shadowed eyes stayed locked on Freya, weighing each word in his head, determined not to say anything that might push her away.


    "Didn''t you have something to say?" Freya asked, her lips parting just slightly when she noticed his silence.


    "It''s nothing." Kristian lingered in hesitation, unable to bring himself to speak. After a long pause, he finally stood up from the sofa and said, "You take care of him. I''ll clean up."


    "I''ll handle it. He''s my cousin-his mess, my responsibility," Freya replied, sensing something off about him but choosing not to press.


    This time, Kristian didn''t try to stop her.


    Together, they quietly busied themselves, putting things back in order piece by piece.


    Knowing all too well how particr Kristian was about cleanliness, Freya asked where the spare bed sheets and nket were. After he pointed them out, she reced the ones in the master bedroom that n had ruined.


    By the time Kristian had finished tidying the rest of the ce, he looked up to see Freya still moving around, her silhouette weaving gently through the room.


    He walked over and took the nket from her hands, his voiceposed and even. "The guest room''s ready. Go wash up and get some sleep."


    He hadn''t forgotten how religiously Freya stuck to her sleep schedule.


    "No..." Freya began, but before the words could fully leave her lips, Kristian was already standing beside her.


    His shoulder brushed lightly against hers, and she caught that familiar, crisp scent that clung to him.


    Just as she moved to step away, Kristian reached out and took the nket from her hands, starting to make the bed himself.


    Sensing the change in atmosphere, Freya shifted slightly to the side and let him finish.


    She wasn''t one to get swept up in sentimentality, but right then, something about Kristian''s quiet gestures


    reminded her of warmth once shared.


    When he was distant, he was impossible to approach. But when he was gentle, he was impossible to resist.


    0.0%


    ...


    With his striking features, polished manners, and athletic frame, Kristian carried himself with an air of refinement. And that scent-clean, subtle-always seemed to sneak up on her, lodging itself somewhere between memory and emotion. From afar, it was manageable. Up close, it left her heart skipping.


    It was indeed true that desire could be dangerous.


    Freya was just about to leave and break whatever moment had begun to form when Kristian called her name.


    "Freya."


    "What is it?" Her expression remained asposed as ever, untouched by the tension in the air.


    "Are you and Melvin actually together?" he asked suddenly, his voice softer, touched with something almost intimate.


    Freya couldn''t exin why, but whenever Kristian spoke to her in that quiet, gentle tone, her gaze would instinctively drift to his face, and her defenses would drop.


    Just like now.


    Without giving it much thought, she answered, "No."


    "That''s good," Kristian said, the corners of his lips lifting into the faintest smile.


    He started to lift his hand, as if to tousle her hair, but stopped midway, remembering the distance that still existed between them. After a second''s pause, he let his hand fall away.


    Freya had already prepared herself to swat him off-she wasn''t fond of casual affection from those she wasn''t close to but when he stopped, it left her momentarily thrown.


    People were strange that way.


    When something didn''t go as expected, it somehow left a deeper impression.


    It was apletely ordinary moment, and yet Freya, who''d been ready to reject his gesture, now found herself giving silent credit to Kristian for knowing when to draw the line.


    "You should go clean up and rest," Kristian said, his voice calm and clear on the boundaries. "I''ll move n to the bed."


    But Freya had no ns to stay the night. "No need. I''ll just take him home directly."


    Seeing that she was set on it, Kristian didn''t push. He understood where to stop.


    He had originally intended to escort them home himself, knowing it wasn''t safe for


    a woman to be outte. But recalling the drinks he''d had, he borrowed Freya''s phone to call Gerard.


    Freya didn''t question it, assuming he needed Gerard to bring him a recement phone.


    Not long after, Gerard arrived.


    Kristian had arranged for Gerard to live in the same building for ease of work.


    The moment Gerard stepped through the door and saw Freya, he froze. "Ms. Briggs?"


    What in the world was happening? Had Kristian patched things up with her?


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    Chapter 168 She Couldn''t Figure Out Kristian''s Behavior


    "Treya came to pick up her cousin," Kristian exined, his deep voiceced with a rare warmth. "Help me send


    them home."


    Gerard caught on quickly. "Of course."


    Freya opened her mouth to decline, but neither of them gave her the chance.


    Gerard got n settled in the back seat, and Freya climbed in beside him


    As the car pulled away, she turned to look back at Kristian, who stood silently watching them leave. Her usual sense of rity slowly crept back in.


    She turned to Gerard, her tone light. "Why was n even at Kristian''s ce?" Her cousin had more than one secretary.


    Normally, if he''d invited Kristian to dinner, he would''ve had a secretary tag along. How had things ended up like this?


    "He was already drunk by the time the dinner ended," Gerard said, honest but slightly amused at Kristian''s cunning. "My boss asked whether Mr. Briggs wanted his secretary to take him home or if he preferred my boss to do it. Mr. Briggs chose thetter."


    Freya was speechless. How drunk was n to choose that?


    "My boss didn''t know where Mr. Briggs lived, so he didn''t have much of a choice-


    he brought him back here," Gerard added, trying to defend Kristian. "Sorry to trouble you, especially thiste."


    "It''s no trouble," Freya replied, though her thoughts were a tangled mess.


    Truth be told, she couldn''t figure out Kristian''s behavior tonight.


    Thest time she''d tried to leave, he''d locked the door and refused to let her go.


    But tonight, he not only let her go-he''d even arranged for Gerard to take her


    home.


    Had he drunk too much again?


    Unable to make sense of it all, Freya decided to stop wondering.


    When Gerard dropped her off at n''s ce, he waited until they were inside before driving off.


    Freya unlocked the door with n''s fingerprint and left him slumped on the sofa without a second nce.


    Meanwhile, Kristian stayed behind in his living room, waiting for Gerard''s return.


    It was close to midnight when Gerard finally got back and told him Freya and n were home safe.


    "Good," Kristian said, then added, "Get me a new phone first thing in the morning."


    "Understood. Any preferences?" Gerard asked.


    "Just something I can use," Kristian said tly.


    Gerard paused, his eyes drifting to the shattered phone on the table.


    For a moment, he couldn''t help but picture a dramatic blowout between Freya and his boss.


    100.0%

 Chapter 169

    Chapter 169 A Panic-


    Stricken n


    Kristian didn''t need words to know what Gerard was thinking-his face said it all. With a slight curl of his lips, Kristian offered a calm exnation, saying, "The phone identally slipped from n''s hand after he''d had a few drinks."


    "That''s it?" Gerard raised an eyebrow, his disbelief painting every feature of his face. The phone wasn''t just broken-it was demolished beyond all hope of repair. No ordinary fall could''ve done that kind of damage. This was no ident. It reeked of a scuffle.


    "And I stepped on it by mistake after it fell," Kristian lied smoothly, his expression as unreadable as ever. There was a reason behind his fib. n was Freya''s cousin, and if there was one thing certain about Freya, it was her fierce loyalty. She was like a lioness when it came to protecting her own.


    She wouldn''t want the world to know her cousin turned into a one-man wrecking crew when he drank. So, Kristian instinctively chose to shield the truth.


    Gerard, however, wasn''t buying a word of it. He began to roam around the room, inspecting the damage like a detective on the verge of cracking the case.


    Kristian''s brows drew together as his usual frosty demeanor returned. "What are you doing?"


    "Your tiles seem to be a bit... fragile," Gerard said, eyeing a scuff on the floor. "The phone falls once and leaves a mark on the floor. Strange, isn''t it?"


    Kristian was silent, resisting the urge to sigh. Gerard was growing more annoying by the minute.


    After checking the mark and confirming it wasn''t going anywhere, Gerard stood, ready to confront his boss with the truth.


    But the moment his eyes met Kristian''s cold stare, his courage vanished like smoke in the wind.


    His tone shifted abruptly, and with a nervous smile, he backpedaled. "It''s gettingte. I''ll bring you a new phone tomorrow. Sleep well."


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristian replied tly, not bothering to mask his indifference.


    Gerard wisely retreated without another word.


    That night, Kristian slept more soundly than he had in days.


    Freya, on the other hand, wasn''t particr about her sleeping arrangements. A change in surroundings didn''t


    throw her off.


    She was up before n the next morning.


    0.0%


    21:25


    After rising, she freshened up, ordered breakfast, and only then returned to the bedroom to tidy up.


    By then, n had begun to stir.


    He groaned, rubbing his aching head, sitting up groggily on the sofa. His hair


    stuck out in every direction as he blinked at his surroundings.


    Realizing he was in his own apartment, he rxed and rubbed his head again, shrugging it off.


    He assumed Toby had brought him back as usual.


    Grabbing clean clothes from his room, he headed to the bathroom. Music started ying as he stepped into the hot shower, hoping to wash away the fog in his brain.


    Meanwhile, Freya noticed he was awake and sat waiting for breakfast to arrive. Her cousin''s lifestyle mirrored hers. After college, both had opted to live alone. She nced at the slightly chaotic living room and couldn''t help but think of Kristian-his ce was always neat, practically untouched.


    Whether they were together or not, she had never seen his space in disarray. Last night had been the only exception.


    While she was lost in thought, n was having a full-blown crisis in the bathroom.


    Mid-shower, he spotted a long hair clinging to the wall-a woman''s hair.


    His mind went nk.


    The bathroom floor had been damp when he walked in, which now struck him like a bolt of lightning: someone else had been there. And not just anyone-a woman.


    The implications hit him like a ton of bricks. Toby usually carried him home after a night of drinking. But this time, he had woken up on the sofa.


    Had a woman brought him home? The idea rattled him to his core.


    What had happenedst night? Why would Toby let a woman take him home? How would she even know where he lived? Or worse-had he brought her himself, in a drunken haze?


    The more he thought, the deeper he sank into panic.


    He prided himself on keeping a clean reputation, and this situation was like a stain he couldn''t scrub out.


    Outside, Freya waited patiently, though nearly half an hour had passed. Still no sign of n. Frowning, she approached the bathroom door. The water was still running, but there was no other sound. Worry crept in.


    Had he fainted? Slipped and fallen?


    "n?" she called, concern sharpening her tone.


    The moment her voice filtered through the music, n nearly jumped out of his


    skin. He screamed, startled by


    the sudden female voice.


    Freya blinked in confusion. What in the world was that about?


    31.5%


    Fearing he had cked out again, she pressed gently, "Are you okay?"


    n froze.


    That voice-it sounded like Freya''s. Could it be?


    He called out hesitantly, "Mina?¡±


    "Yes, I''m here," Freya answered clearly, choosing precision over assumption.


    n exhaled with relief, the weight lifting from his chest.


    Thank goodness. It was Freya!


    For a moment, he''d feared he had brought a stranger home and sealed his fate in drunken disgrace.


    With that crisis averted, he finished his shower with a spring in his step, the questions still lingering but no longer urgent.


    Five minutester, he emerged from the bathroom, fresh-faced and dressed in casual clothes.


    Breakfast had arrived. Freya divided the food neatly, setting a ss of milk before him. She began to eat quietly. But something weighed on her. She watched n carefully, trying to find the right moment to speak.


    Telling him what had happened at Kristian''s wasn''t going to be easy. n''s pride had a long fuse-but once lit, the explosion could be dramatic.


    Still, the truth had toe out.


    n noticed her gaze mid-sip. His hand paused, cup halfway to his lips. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?" he asked, tension creeping into his voice.


    A dreadful thought crossed his mind-had he done something embarrassing in front of her?


    Wait a second.


    His expression shifted as rity dawned. Something crucial clicked into ce. Last night, he was quite drunk.


    "You''ve figured it out," Freya said softly, relieved that he was putting two and two together.


    n lowered his ss slowly, as if time itself had slowed. "Was I... drunkst night?"


    Freya nodded. "Yes."


    "Really drunk?"


    "Yes," she confirmed again.


    n pressed both hands to his head, teetering on the edge of a breakdown. Why was the universe conspiring against him?


    "Did L... get too energetic? Likest time?" He couldn''t bring himself to say drunk disaster. "Please tell me no." Freya hesitated, then gave a small nod. "Yes."


    66.3%


    n ran a hand through his already messy hair, the weight of humiliation settling on his shoulders.


    Looking deeply apologetic, he said, "I''m sorry, Mina. I caused trouble again, didn''t


    1?"


    He didn''t even question the situation further. In his mind, the damage was done,


    and Freya had been the only witness to his wild side.


    100.0%

 Chapter 170

    Chapter 170 Utter Mortification


    "It''s not me you should be apologizing to." Freya knew the words wouldnd like a


    p, but there was no gentler way to break it.


    n had to face the weight of what he''d done.


    n jerked to attention, yanking his hand away from his hair. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    A ripple of unease crept through him. Had he made a spectacle of himself while drunk on the street?


    No, that didn''t sound right. Freya would never let him make a fool of himself like that-she knew how much his image mattered to him.


    "You were at..." Freya began.


    "I know!" n cut her off, rushing to get ahead of it. Better to say it himself than hear it from someone else. "I must''ve made a scene at Toby''s, right? And he had no choice but to call you in?"


    That had to be it! How was he supposed to give Toby proper instructions ever again? Toby probably thought he was aplete idiot now!


    Freya silently weighed the shame of messing up in front of a close colleague versus someone he barely knew. She figured it was slightly less mortifying with a stranger.


    At least n didn''t have to see Kristian every day.


    "It''s not as bad as you think," Freya said gently, hoping to soften the blow.


    Caught in a tug-of-war between panic and hope, n forced himself not to imagine anything worse.


    He''d already pictured the most humiliating scenario. Since she said it wasn''t that bad, maybe he could live with it. "So where did I humiliate myself?"


    "At Kristian''s ce," Freya said, cool andposed.


    n froze like someone had hit pause on his entire system.


    Kristian''s ce?


    Of all the godforsaken ces-Kristian''s?


    n''s face twisted in horror. "That''s what you call ''not as bad as I think''?"


    Toby''s ce would''ve been a blessing inparison.


    Kristian was Freya''s ex-husband, for god''s sakes!


    0.0%


    21:25


    This was humiliation on another level.


    "Hold on a second." He stopped torturing his hair and finally started to think. "How the hell did I end up at Kristian''s? Even drunk, Toby should''ve taken me home."


    The whole point of that gathering was to suss out Kristian, to get a read on the guy and figure out what made him let Freya down.


    It wasn''t the kind of party where Toby would''ve gotten drunk-or had any excuse not to take n home.


    "Gerard said that when Kristian asked whether you wanted him or Toby to take you, you picked Kristian," Freya ryed, still a little unsure of the details. "Since Kristian didn''t know where you lived, he brought you back to his ce."


    n fell into stunned silence. No way. She had to be pulling some borate prank. Him? Choosing Kristian?


    "Nice try, but you''re not fooling me," n said, pretending tough it off with a forced chuckle. "Didn''t think you''d turn into a prankster overnight."


    Freya said nothing, just looked at him.


    At first, he clung to the belief that she was joking.


    But as he ate the rest of his breakfast and got no further exnation, doubt started gnawing at him.


    "You''re being serious?" he asked atst.


    "You can ask Toby," Freya said, ncing at her watch. "He should be getting ready for the office right about now.¡± n scrambled for his phone, finally spotting it on the couch.


    Just as he was about to dial, it rang.


    It was Toby. "Sir, should I pick you up from Mr. Shaw''s ce, or will you be heading to the office on your own?" Toby''s words hit like a thunderp, snuffing out thest flicker of denial in n''s chest.


    "I actually left with Kristianst night?"


    "Yes, sir."


    "Why didn''t you stop him?" n was already spiraling, his mood sinking fast. "You''re my secretary-do you think it''s eptable to let the partnerpany''s boss walk off with me?"


    "It''s not eptable," Toby answered smoothly.


    n pressed, "Then why let him take me?"


    "I tried to bring you home, sir, but you refused. You picked him," Toby answered


    inly. "Both of you told me to leave, so I didn''t have a choice."


    Honestly, he was still trying to figure out why his boss would choose Kristian over him.


    Their working rtionship had only just begun to get close.


    n ended the call in one swift motion.


    29.2%


    He slumped forward, staring at Freya like a man freshly defeated. "Mina, just put


    me out of my misery. I can''t


    live with this."


    Utter mortification.


    Complete, all-consuming shame.


    "Don''t be so quick to surrender," Freya said, twisting the knife just a little deeper. "You still need to apologize to Kristian and pay for the damages."


    Damages? There were damages involved?


    Spinning in a storm of emotions, n forced himself to ask, "What exactly happened at his cest night?"


    "I don''t know the full picture. When you called me, you thought you were a master fighter,¡± Freya recalled, though her memory was patchy. "You told me not toe because Kristian was plotting to kill me and be the strongest left in the world."


    n was left speechless. What kind of nonsense had he been spouting?


    "You also said you were going to kick his ass and make him pay," Freya went on. n stayed quiet.


    Freya added, "And one more thing."


    "What now?"


    "You believed he poisoned you, so you tried to purge the toxins from your body." Freya always had a way of delivering the harshest truths with a straight face.


    n wished the floor would open and swallow him whole. He was mortified beyond belief.


    "If you''re too humiliated to apologize, I can do it for you when I go fix his phone,"


    Freya offered. ¡°I''d also make sure to cover whatever costs are needed."


    "I''ll do it myself," n said, drawing a long breath and steeling himself.


    It was just embarrassment. If he acted unfazed, then the awkwardness wouldnd


    on Kristian instead.


    When he went, he''d show up and apologize with a straight face.


    Freya lifted a brow, testing him. "You sure?"


    "Yes," n confirmed without flinching.


    "Alright then." Freya didn''t argue, only added, "Just let me know when you''re


    going so I cane along to deal with the phone."


    n nodded.


    They both got ready, left the house, and made their way to the Briggs Group


    office.


    When Toby walked up like he did every morning, n shut him down cold. "Stay


    out of my sight today. I don''t want to look at you."


    100.0%

 Chapter 171

    Chapter 171 Why Had He Chosen Kristian


    "He just asked if you wanted him or me to send you. You picked him." Toby didn''t sugarcoat it.


    Though n and Kristian had seemed a bit too familiar the night before, Toby


    didn''t bring that up-those


    weren''t Kristian''s words.


    n let out a long sigh, defeated.


    He muttered that he wanted to be left alone and waved Toby away. The eat of the day, he locked himself in the office, drowning in regret.


    Freya, meanwhile, had spent the entire day waiting for him to take action.


    But by the time the office clocks ticked toward closing, not a single word had been said about apologizing to Kristian.


    At exactly 5:30 PM, her phone buzzed with a message.


    Kristian had written to say his new phone was ready and asked if she could help transfer the data.


    She replied simply, "Okay."


    Remembering how he''d used her phone to call Gerard the night before, she hesitated a second. Just in case he caught a glimpse of what she''d previouslybeled him-"Jerk"-she quickly updated his contact name to "Kristian".


    But the more she thought about it, the more self-conscious she felt. That kind of precaution was suspicious in itself.


    So in the end, she switched it back to "Jerk", as if to remind herself not to fall too deep into that murky water. After putting her phone away, she headed to n''s office.


    Inside, he hadn''t aplished a single thing all day.


    Paperwork had piled up on his desk.


    "What''s wrong with you?" Freya asked, noting the slump in his shoulders and the haze behind his eyes. "You look half-dead. Are you sick?"


    "No."


    "Then what is it?" Her eyes scanned him like a lie detector.


    n replied in a tone as dry as dust, "Hangover."


    How he had survived the day was anyone''s guess.


    Every time someone knocked to discuss work or drop off documents, he had to snap into action, forcing a mask of energy onto his weary face. The second they left, he deted again like a balloon with a slow leak. Never in his life had he felt so awkward, so absurdly helpless.


    Freya could see it in as day-he was running from the situation. "Then go through these files. I''ll deal with Kristian."


    "No need. I''m just... gathering the courage." n turned her down. She had said she wanted to keep a


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    Chapter 171 Why Had He Chosen Kristian


    respectful distance from Kristian, and as her cousin, he couldn''t just dump the task on her.


    Freys didn''t argue. She merely said, "Take your time. I''m heading over now."


    "Wait!" n called out, blocking her exit.


    He couldn''t go by himself


    if he walked into Kristian''s ce alone, what if Kristian mocked him mercessly?


    At least with Freya there, Kristian might tone things down.


    Freya turned around, staring at him with a mix of curiosity and exasperation.


    After wrestling with his pride, n finally said, "Help me finish these documents first. Just give me onest moment to pull myself together."


    Tm leaving" She didn''t budge.


    He immediately sprang from his chair and rushed after her, stepping in front of the door like a human barricade. "Mina, please."


    "You''re the older cousin," she pointed out.


    "So what? Does being older mean I can''t beg?"


    That, surprisingly, was hard to argue with.


    Just this once, okay? I really can''t think straight today. Just once!" n pleaded, softening his tone.


    Freya gave him a long, searching look. Eventually, his persistence wore her down.


    She sent a quick message to Kristian, letting him know she''d bete, then sat down to start reviewing the documents. For every one she checked, n signed.


    As he watched her move efficiently through the stack, a strange sense of pride blossomed in him.


    They always said a man looked attractive while working. But at this moment, watching Freya''s poise and focus, be thought she put every working man to shame. She was the very picture ofposure and capability.


    "Mine"


    "You''re really charming," he said softly.


    Freya had been on the verge of scolding him, but seeing that his spirits had lifted even a little, she let it go.


    By the time thest document was signed, the clock had struck 8 PM.


    n texted Toby, asking him to pick up the files, then set off for Kristian''s ce with Freya.


    Once they arrived at the base of the building, n pulled the car into a spot and parked.


    Just as he started to breathe easy, his nerves stirred up again. "He won''t mock me, right?"


    "He won''t," Freya repled without hesitation


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    "But... what if he does?" n''s anxiety was written all over his face.


    Freya gave an internal sigh. ¡°If he does, I''ll beat him up."


    "No!" n panicked. "That''ll just make me look worse!"


    Freya was rarely treated to this side of him. She tilted her head and asked, "Then what do you want me to do?"


    "I don''t know."


    "Well, if you don''t know, then just get out of the car. We''ll figure it out upstairs."


    With that, she stepped out. n wanted to dy a bit longer, but Freya pulled him along


    Weighed down by a whirlpool of emotions, n followed her up to Kristian''s door. Freya pressed the doorbell.


    n''s heart pounded like a drum in a quiet room. His mind was a flurry of possible oues.


    Would Kristian make subtle jabs at him? Would it be a frosty, awkward conversation?


    Then-the click of the lock. The door opened. Kristian stood there, his expression


    flickering slightly when he saw Freya. Just as he was about to greet her, his eyesnded on n.


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    Chapter 172 Security


    Camera


    "Mr. Shaw" n greeted with a calm smile, the unease from earlierpletely vanished, reced by a newfound confidence as he stepped forward to greet Kristian.


    Kristian responded with a polite nod, his own demeanor reserved, "Mr. Briggs."


    After they exchanged a few cordial words, Kristian gestured for Freya and n to follow him inside.


    The door shut with a soft click behind them, and though n''s pulse quickened beneath his suit, he forced a calm facade. As both the president of Briggs Group and Freya''s cousin, he couldn''t afford to let his nerves show


    -not now.


    Kristian nced at Freya while leading the way in, his voice casual, yet warm. "Did you manage to grab dinner beforeing over?"


    Freya nodded, her response brief. "Yes, thank you for asking."


    n, trailing slightly behind, furrowed his brow in confusion. He couldn''t recall them stopping for a meal at all. Kristian caught the fleeting look of perplexity on n''s face but chose not to rify. Instead, he shifted the conversation towards the task at hand. "Freya, could you assist me with some data transfer?"


    "Of course," Freya agreed promptly.


    Had the phone been in good condition, backing up the data would''ve been a breeze.


    But with the device nearly beyond repair, Kristian handed the responsibility to Freya-not just for the data, but as a subtle excuse to spend more time with her.


    Guiding her toward the study, he watched as she unpacked a small kit and began the tedious process of recovering the data, her fingers working swiftly over the scattered tools.


    Kristian remained in the study throughout, never stepping out once, while n lingered awkwardly in the hallway, a growing sense of difort creeping over him.


    Was he really being ignored on purpose by Kristian? Did he really not see how different he was fromst night to now? Seriously, how did Kristian manage to keep his cool like that?


    As the minutes dragged on, n''s restlessness grew, prompting him to scrutinize the living room''s decor. The stark ck, white, and gray palette rendered the space cold and impersonal, like a meticulously curated furniture showroom rather than a home.


    It was hard to believe someone lived there; the space felt hollow and stripped of any soul.


    His gaze drifted across the room, scanning every corner in search of something that might spark familiarity.


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    Chapter 172 Security Camera


    But the longer he stood there, the more out of ce it felt-like he''d stepped into it for the very first time.


    After several minutes of wandering and quiet unease, n considered checking on Freya''s progress. However, as he turned to leave, his eyes caught a glimpse of something unsettling-a security camera, its lens. unblinkingly omniscient. His heart skipped a beat.


    The camera might have captured every moment from the previous night.


    Just as his nerves were starting to settle, a fresh wave of anxiety hit n-how on earth was he supposed to ask Kristian to delete the footage?


    Anxiety twisted in n''s chest, but the study remained serene, oblivious to his inner chaos.


    To him, the cameras loomed like menacing sentinels, while Kristian regarded them with indifferent ease.


    For Kristian, they were merely silent watchers-unnecessary to check unless a break-in shattered the peace. By the stroke of ten o''clock, Freya had meticulously restored all of Kristian''s data.


    The sight of his unblemished chat records washed a wave of relief over him. "Thank you," he murmured, a rare softness touching his usually stern features.


    "It''s nothing." Freya responded with a courteous nod. She hesitated, her thoughts drifting to n''s recent turmoil. "n is quite sensitive. I apologize for his behaviorst night."


    Kristian''s expression softened further, a warm smile breaking through his reserved demeanor. "It''s no big deal. Please, don''t worry about it," he assured her, his tone light.


    Freya averted her gaze, feeling the pull of his understated charm.


    It was a dangerous thing, his allure-when he wasn''t cloaked in his usual cold indifference, he became almost irresistibly maic.


    She unlocked her phone and nced up. "I''ll cover the cost of the damages. Just tell me how much are we talking about?"


    143," Kristian replied smoothly, his low, velvety voice curling around the words in a way that made her heart skip.


    Freya froze, her mind going nk as her mouth refused to form a single word.


    Her eyes flicked to his phone. "That can''t be right. The phone alone costs way more than that."


    Kristian''s lips twitched into a smirk. "Then make it 999 dors."


    "Kristian" Freya said with a sigh, clearly trying to keep her patience.


    "Hmm?" Kristian''s deep voice rumbled, his chiseled face locked in a serious expression


    Freya found herself caught off guard by his subtle flirtation.


    Distractedly, she set her phone aside and locked eyes with him. "Are you certain


    the damages are only $999?" She questioned, her eyebrows knitting together in skepticism.


    "Yes," Kristian responded, his tone even and unruffled.


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    "Fine," Freya conceded, though her mind was anything but at ease.


    Despite everything. Kristian''s presence alone catered to her intense aesthetic cravings-those deep-set voices, sculpted hands, tailored suits, crisp shirts, and elegantly long legs.


    In essence, his allure was unparalleled, eclipsing even the most famed celebrities in the spotlight.


    A memory flickered through Freya''s mind, a remnant from her days of age- watching dramas where a joke had circted-"If the viin is handsome, his misdeeds are often overlooked."


    Back then, she had scoffed, never finding the viins particrly maic. But now, as she observed Kristian-transformed into a persona that seemed almost unnatural-Freya''s instincts sharpened.


    Although his actions towards her were far less sinister than any viin''s, his striking looks and mesmerizing voice made it perilously easy to gloss over any past conflicts.


    Kristian caught the subtle shift in Freya''s demeanor from serene to wary, and though his face betrayed nothing. confusion flickered through his mind.


    He hadn''t made a single move, yet Freya seemed tensed, as if bracing for an unwee surprise.


    "n Freya''s voice cut through the tense silence, sharp andmanding.


    At his desk, n was engrossed in scrutinizing the camera footage. Her call jolted


    him from his focus, and he strode towards the study with a quick, determined


    pace.


    By the time he reached them, his expression had shifted into a cool, collected mask. "What''s up?"


    Freya didn''t miss a beat. "Mr. Shaw has calcted the damages fromst night to be 999 dors," she stated, her tone even. "Please transfer the money to him."


    n''s eyebrows twitched in a barely noticeable frown. Doubt gnawed at him. He turned to Kristian, seeking confirmation, his voice tinged with skepticism. "Mr. Shaw, are you sure it''s only 999 dors?"


    His gaze had swept over the array of high-end smart appliances earlier, and the figure seemed imusibly low. Surely, Kristian''s losses from the previous night''s chaos extended beyond a mere smartphone?


    "Yes, $999," Kristian affirmed, his expression unyielding, as unreadable as stone.


    With no visible damage to dispute the amount, n reluctantly processed the transfer, his mind still wrestling with the numbers as he sent the funds to Kristian''s ount.


    What he didn''t realize was that Kristian had spent the day industriously recing the damaged items and had even managed to seamlessly repair a slightly scuffed floor tile.


    "Done," n dered, presenting the transaction record to Freya with a flourish.


    Upon confirming that Kristian had indeed received the payment, Freya sensed it was their cue to depart, the air thick with unspoken tension. "If you think of any other damagester, don''t hesitate to reach out to n," she suggested with a polite, distant tone.


    "Alright," Kristian concurred, his voice tinged with a touch of resignation.


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    Chapter 172 Security Camera


    He couldn''t pinpoint exactly what had soured Freya''s mood again, but it was palpable that she still didn''t want


    to meet him.


    Wisely, he refrained from asking them to linger, not wanting to push his luck or make things any more. awkward than they already were.


    Freya responded with a nomittal grunt and signaled to n that it was time


    to go.


    n shot her a sideways nce, his brow furrowing slightly-his eyes practically asking, ¡°Wait, aren''t we forgetting my apology?"


    Freya''s eyes shot back a silent message. "I''ve already taken care of the apology for you." Stunned, n struggled to process her cryptic response.


    But then a cold thought struck him-What about the security footage?


    "Hey Mina, I''ll be right back-l need to hit the restroom," n announced abruptly, stalling for a moment to figure out how to convince Kristian to erase the footage.


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 Chapter 173

    Chapter 173 Dining Together


    Freya''s eyes lingered on n for a beat longer than necessary. She couldn''t shake the feeling that something was off with him today.


    Kristian had picked up on it too, though he kept his thoughts to himself and simply gestured toward the


    restroom.


    Once n disappeared inside, it was just Freya and Kristian left standing outside.


    Neither of them said a word.


    With anyone else, the silence might''ve turned awkward, stifling even. But between Freya and Kristian, there was a strange, unspoken ease-an odd sort of chemistry that needed no conversation.


    Inside the restroom, n pulled out his phone and typed out a few messages to Freya.


    "Please do me a favor and ask Kristian to deletest night''s surveince footage." "Just this once, and I swear I''ll listen to anything you say after this."


    "Please, Mina?"


    He waited patiently.


    Freya always replied as soon as she saw his messages.


    But one minute passed. Then two. Three... By the time five had crawled by, there was still nothing from her. Growing restless, he typed again, ¡°Did you see my messages?"


    Freya, meanwhile, wasn''t even ncing at her phone.


    She had a habit of switching it to silent mode in the evenings, and tonight was no exception-she hadn''t seen a single message, nor had she checked.


    Kristian, noticing how long they''d been idly standing, finally spoke. "Why don''t we sit in the living room for a bit? n might be a while."


    "Okay," Freya murmured in reply.


    They went and sat on the sofa, simply existing beside each other in silence.


    Kristian made no effort to spark conversation. He could tell Freya had no interest in small talk and only wanted to leave-he respected that and didn''t press her.


    Another five minutes dragged on


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    Chapter 173 Dining Together


    Still, no sign of n.


    Freya''s brows drew together. He was definitely taking too long in there.


    Just as she reached for her phone to check on him, the sound of the restroom door creaked open. n finally emerged, wearing an unsettled expression.


    Freya looked at him, puzzled. What in the world was going on? Spotting the two of them seated, n felt a sigh rise in his chest.


    He realized that Freya must have had her phone on silent again.


    "Sorry to interrupt, but we should get going," Freya said, getting to her feet and addressing Kristian with a polite but distant tone before walking over to n.


    Kristian also stood.


    But n didn''t budge. He stayed rooted in ce.


    He repeatedly winked at Freya in hopes she''d get the hint and check her phone.


    She blinked at him, confused. "What''s wrong?"


    n felt his tongue twist into knots. Freya was usually sharp as a whip, but somehow, she turned clueless around him. It drove him up the wall.


    "I need you to handle something for me," he muttered, pulling her aside and whispering quietly, fully aware that whispering in front of a host wasn''t exactly good manners.


    Still, after everything that had happened the night before, n saw Kristian as part of their inner circle.


    Freya remainedposed, giving him a steady look. "What is it?"


    "Ask your ex to deletest night''s surveince footage," n whispered, his voice tight with unease. "It''s way too embarrassing to leave on record. What if he uses it to ckmail me?"


    Freya blinked, taken aback.


    Then she answered with calm assurance, "He''s not that kind of man."


    "Just help me out," n pleaded, trying his best to channel all the charm of a helpless, wide-eyed puppy. "If it stays, I''ll obsess over it nonstop and won''t be able to concentrate at work."


    Freya stared at him.


    He even started acting cutesy in desperation, like a mischievous kitten trying to win sympathy.


    Freya had a soft spot for good-looking things-and people-and n, being her cousin who always treated her kindly, easily fell into that category.


    "Fine. I''ll ask him. But if he refuses, we''re not pushing it," Freya rified,ying down her boundaries.


    n nodded quickly.


    In his mind, Kristian''s behavior today had already betrayed his feelings for Freya.


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    Chapter 173 Dining Together


    If she asked, n was sure Kristian would give in.


    Freya frowned slightly, thinking through her words before turning to Kristian.


    He noticed her expression shift and asked, "Did you need something?" "Yes. I do."


    "Go ahead." Kristian''s voice was steady, but there was something in his eyes when he looked at her-just a flicker of emotion.


    Freya didn''t flinch. She held his gaze and asked inly, "Could you deletest night''s surveince footage?"


    The second the words left her lips, Kristian''s eyes flicked toward n.


    n kept his face unreadable, but internally, he was spiraling into a dramatic monologue. What did that look mean? Was Kristian nning to use this to get closer to Freya? If Kristian really wanted to threaten her, should he still say yes? The instant that thought crept into his head, n made up his mind without a flicker of hesitation. There was no way he could go along with it.


    Neither Kristian nor Freya had the slightest clue that, in the span of just a heartbeat or two, n''s imagination had already spun the entire situation into a full-blown soap opera.


    "Sure." Kristian''s voice was low, velvety,ced with something maic-but it was Freya he looked at when he added, "But I have one condition."


    n knew it. He''d seen iting a mile away.


    Freya could feel the shift in n''s mood.


    She didn''t address it, and instead turned to Kristian with coolposure. "What is


    it?"


    "Go have dinner," Kristian said, the words crisp and simple.


    He hadn''t forgotten n''s reaction earlier when he''d asked if they''d eaten.


    His original n had been to send Freya off with food via Gerard, knowing she


    wouldn''t ept if he asked directly.


    But now, the opportunity was right here, and he wasn''t letting it pass.


    Before Freya could respond, n jumped in, surprised. "Dinner?"


    "Yes."


    "Absolutely!" n agreed immediately.


    As Freya reached to drag him back, he added with a grin, "If Mr. Shaw deletes the footage, we''ll even stay the night."


    "n," Freya said sharply.


    He froze like a statue. He was stunned. Did he really just say that out loud?


    "Just kidding, Mr. Shaw. Please don''t take it seriously," he said quickly, trying to save face.


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    Kristian''s lips curled into a faint smile, a soft sound of amusement escaping as he pulled out his phone and called Gerard, telling him to bring the meal up.


    Within minutes, Gerard arrived with the food.


    Just as n was about to dig in, Kristian smoothly slid the te of pasta away from him and ced it in front of Freys. "The pasta''s too soft. I figured you wouldn''t like it, Mr. Briggs."


    n paused mid-reach, his gaze flicking to Kristian, a mixture of surprise and confusion on his face.


    Everyone knew Freya wasn''t picky when it came to food. She''d eat anything. But there was one detail only n had ever known-something not even Hugh or Ethel had figured out unless he told them. Treya liked her food soft


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    Chapter 174 Because He''s


    Your Cousin


    n found his eyes drifting toward Freya''s ex-husband.


    He couldn''t stop himself from wondering-did Kristian actually love Freya or not? If he did, then why on earth had they split up? But if he didn''t, what was he doing paying attention to such a small detail?


    n had caught it earlier. The moment Kristian spoke, Freya hesitated, clearly thrown off bnce.


    Even though she rarely let her feelings show, n liked to think of himself as a seasoned observer of human behavior.


    "Mr. Briggs, not a fan of the food?" Kristian had asked, catching sight of n holding his fork midair, the food untouched.


    "I''m not picky." n replied curtly, before finally starting to eat.


    Within five minutes, Freya had already polished off her meal, while n was still chewing at a leisurely pace.


    Then Kristian turned to Freya and said, "Come with me." Just like that, he took her away to erase the surveince footage.


    He even allowed her to watch him do it.


    That one gesture softened n''s view of him, and the irritation he''d felt when he first found out about Kristian and Freya''s divorce began to ease,


    But would that feeling stay the same if he ever learned the real reason behind their split?


    Inside the study, Kristian tracked down the footage by checking the timestamp.


    Just as he was about to hit delete, Freya suddenly said she wanted to see it first. She fast-forwarded through the video, and after watching the scene unfold in the living room, her brows pinched together slightly. Her eyes drifted to Kristian "What''s wrong?" Kristian asked, confused by the change in her expression. "Have you been going through somethingtely?" Freya had debated whether to ask. Whatever was going on with Kristian wasn''t really her concern anymore.


    But after watching the video, one thought kept circling in her head: since when did Kristian have this much


    patience?


    Back then, if something like this had happened, Kristian would''ve had n thrown out before he could cause a second of trouble. Why was he letting it slide now?


    Kristian picked up on her meaning by piecing together her question -


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    <


    Chapter 174 Because He''s Your Cousin


    your cousin."


    He meant he was letting n off the hook for Freya''s sake, even if the man was practically tearing his apartment apart.


    Freya couldn''t even exin what she was feeling. When she remembered the part where n snatched Kristian''s phone and smashed it, her head started to ache. Why was n so talented at causing chaos?


    "Can you make a copy of this for me?" Freya had made up her mind. n needed a reality check.


    Kristian paused for a moment. "You really want a copy?"


    Freya nodded. "Yes. I do."


    Kristian hardly ever turned down her requests, so he agreed to make the copy. Freya gave him a quiet thanks.


    After finishing up his meal and cleaning up, n wandered into the study-only to spot Kristian transferring the surveince footage onto a sh drive.


    He stopped dead in his tracks. What the hell was going on? Why was the footage being saved?


    Before he could even open his mouth, Kristian had already finished copying the file and wiped the footage from the system.


    Freya and n didn''t stick around long. It was already pushing eleven, and Freya looked worn out. She shut her eyes and started dozing off the second they got into the car.


    n wanted to ask about the footage, but when he looked over and saw her face, all tired and peaceful, he didn''t have the heart to wake her.


    The car rolled on quietly.


    By half past eleven, they pulled into the driveway of Freya''s private residence.


    n walked her upstairs, and just as he was about to ask something, Freya handed him the sh drive. "This is the footage I had Kristian save. Take it home and watch it carefully."


    n looked confused.


    He took the sh drive, baffled, not entirely sure what she was trying to tell him.


    Freya didn''t offer any more exnation. She gave it to him, then went off to wash up and get ready for bed. n shut her door behind him and left with the sh drive in hand. When he got home and yed the footage, the embarrassment hit him like a freight train.


    Why was that ridiculous man in the video-him?


    Suddenly, it all clicked. Freya had wanted him to see for himself.


    This time, he''d outdone even his worst behavior. And the strangest part? Despite


    all that, Kristian hadn''t


    tossed him out


    It was... surreal.


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    In the days that followed, Freya and Kristian didn''t run into each other again.


    n kept a low profile at work and even told Toby to make sure he never had more than three drinks, no


    matter what


    Toby had no idea what had happened, but he agreed anyway.


    Time zipped by


    The date was now the 14th


    Kristian had already flown back to Jeucwell.


    Freya and Hugh were booked on an afternoon flight that same day.


    In the past, Lionel''s 80th birthday would''ve been just another corporate function


    for Hugh-showing up for formality''s sake, then slipping away unnoticed.


    But this time, things were different.


    Hugh was about to meet the very family that had once been his inws.


    From the moment Hugh boarded the ne to Jeucwell, he looked visibly uneasy, ncing at Freya every now and then like he wanted to say something but couldn''t quite get the words out.


    Though things between them had improved, their bond wasn''t what it had been when Freya was still a kid.


    Freya noticed the tension and asked, "What''s wrong?"


    What am I even supposed to do when we get there?" Hugh asked, lips pressed together, clearly anxious. "Nothing, Just treat it like any other business event," Freya replied matter-of-factly. "I''m just going to see Lionel You don''t need to do anything special."


    "Really?"


    "Yes."


    Even with her reassurance, Hugh still seemed unsure.


    If this really were just another work event, he could make a brief appearance and


    duck out.


    But ever since Briggs Group and Shaw Group started working together two years ago, this was the first time Shaw Group had sent a formal invite.


    Back then, events like annual banquets had nothing to do with the Briggs family. "What if they figure out I''m your father and want to talk to me? Should I talk to them?" Hugh asked, his nerves creeping back in.


    Freya didn''t reply right away.


    She turned and looked at him.


    Hugh only grew more uneasy under her gaze. "Should I?"


    "This is a normal corporate event. As the chairman of a business partner, your job


    is to show up. That''s it,"


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    Chapter 174 Because He''s Your Cousin


    Freya said again. "Just act like yourself."


    "Just be myself? I don''t need to go around chatting like we''re all buddies?" Hugh


    pressed.


    Freya responded, "That''s unnecessary."


    "Alright." Hugh looked a little calmer, but deep down, he was still a bundle of


    nerves.


    He had no clue what the Shaw family was really like.


    Even though Freya had told him they''d treated her well and that Lionel adored


    her, as her father, Hugh couldn''t help but worry.


    Over the past two years, he''d thought about reaching out more times than he could count-but in the end, he held back, afraid of upsetting her.


    Two years.


    To an adult knee-deep in work, it shed by in the blink of an eye.


    And before anyone realized it, time had passed.


    Meanwhile, back at the Shaw estate, as everyone scrambled to get things ready for Lionel''s 20th birthday, Kristian went straight to see his grandfather.


    Still wearing the suit from his flight, his sharply defined features gave off a cool, distant charm. He stepped forward and greeted him with a crisp, "Grandpa." Lionel didn''t so much as nce his way.

 Chapter 175

    Chapter 175 Cr¨¦ating A Group Chat


    Liam leaned in and reminded Lionel, "Grandpa, Kristian''s back."


    "So what?" Lionel scoffed, a cold snort escaping him as he made no effort to hide his disdain for Kristian.


    He had spent the entire day waiting, only for Kristian to show up alone.


    Fully aware of where he stood in the Shaw family after thest fallout, Kristian had already made peace with the shift in dynamics. His talent for adapting swiftly had always been one of his strengths.


    Noticing Lionel''s disinterest, Kristian didn''t take it personally. Instead, he settled into his seat with practiced ease and took a leisurely sip of his coffee.


    The moreposed Kristian appeared, the more agitated Lionel became.


    Eventually, after making a half-hearted move on the chessboard with Liam, Lionel tossed in the towel.


    "I''m done," Lionel muttered irritably, the scowl on his face deepening. He added, not-so-subtly, "Some people just know how to crawl under my skin."


    Kristian''s lips curled faintly into a knowing smirk. "Is it really worth getting all worked up just because I didn''t bring your beloved Freya back?"


    His remark only served to further infuriate Lionel, "Then why did you even bothering back at all?"


    "Shall I leave, then?" Kristian asked coolly, his every move-right down to sipping his coffee-exuding calm sophistication.


    Lionel felt an overwhelming urge to strike him with his cane. What an insufferable brat!


    He could trust neither Kristian nor Liam-unlike Freya, who never failed him.


    "Calm down, Grandpa. She''ll be in Jeucwell tonight," Kristian said, cing down his teacup with a grace that seemed almost theatrical. "She''sing with her father."


    At that, Lionel''s expression froze, a flicker of unease darting across his features.


    He asked, almost cautiously, "I remember Freya once mentioned things weren''t great between her and her family. Did you meet them in Alerith?"


    "I did," Kristian answered, his eyes darkening slightly. "Looks like things have smoothed out between them." Lionel''s expression rxed a touch in response.


    But then, another thought intruded, and his brows knotted inplicated emotion. "And how did things go between you and them?"


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    Chapter 175 Creating A Group Chat


    "At first, everything was fine," Kristian replied, his voice measured and calm. "But halfway through the conversation, Freya threw me out. Haven''t seen them since."


    "Well done!" Lionel said without missing a beat.


    Kristian was left speechless. He didn''t even bother questioning whether he was truly Lionel''s grandson. Afte all, Lionel would only deny it.


    "Should we prepare something?" Lionel asked, clearly uneasy. "You''ve been married to Freya for two years and haven''t even met her family. Now that her father''sing, shouldn''t we make an effort?"


    Looking back on it, Lionel couldn''t help but feel a twinge of shame. Kristian had married Freya without notifying her family-ignoring even the most basic formalities. It was absolutely mortifying.


    "No need," Kristian replied. "Freya wouldn''t appreciate it."


    Lionel blinked, startled by the response. So did Liam. Both turned to Kristian as if he''d just grown a second head.


    Catching their strange looks, Kristian arched a brow. "What''s with the faces?"


    "I have reason to believe you''re not actually my brother," Liam said, as irreverent as ever.


    Lionel chimed in, "I''m inclined to agree."


    Kristian''s brow ticked up slightly, realizing they were poking fun at him. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    "You haven''t considered Freya''s feelings once in thest six months," Lionel said tly.


    He had watched how Kristian treated Freya over the past half-year, initially assuming their marriage was just going through a rough patch. Onlyter did he discover it had everything to do with Ashley.


    In the beginning, when they first tied the knot, Kristian had been good to Freya. Had he kept it up, they might''ve had children by now instead of heading for divorce.


    Kristian stiffened, just slightly.


    "I warned you. You''d regret divorcing her," Lionel said, his disappointment evident. "But you wouldn''t listen."


    Liam raised an eyebrow and teased, "Starting to feel that regret now, huh?"


    "No," Kristian replied firmly.


    "Good," Lionel shot back with a sharp re. "Some of my old friends are dying to introduce their grandsons to Freya. I''ll be sure to arrange a meeting."


    Kristian was at a loss for words. He was convinced Lionel''s only goal was to provoke him. "She won''t agree."


    "It''s just a casual meet-up. Not a marriage proposal. Just some young people getting to know each other," Lionel said, his scheming barely concealed. "Why wouldn''t she be open to that?"


    Kristian said nothing


    Disguised as a friendly gathering. Freya would likely go along with it out of respect for Lionel.


    It seemed his grandfather wouldn''t be satisfied until he stirred the pot.


    31.0%


    "If you''re not worried about pushing her away even more, go right ahead," Kristian said, emotionless, "I won''t stop you."


    Lionel paused, suddenly uncertain about Kristian''s intentions. What was going through his mind?


    "I''m going to change," Kristian said as he stood, his tall frame radiating quiet elegance. "You two can keep chatting."


    He returned to his room and changed into a fresh outfit. Once dressed, he lounged on the sofa, scrolling through his phone.


    He already had a clear idea who Lionel was talking about earlier,


    Lost in thought, he used the alternate ount, pulled up their contacts, and created a group chat.


    Whenever it involved people he wasn''t close to, he always used the alternate ount.


    The moment the group went live, messages started flooding in.


    "What''s going on?"


    "Did Kristian actually make this group?"


    "Gotta be a hack. No way Kristian started a chat. He hasn''t said a word since friending me."


    Before long, someone tagged Kristian. "Kristian, was this your doing?"


    Others chimed in too, each with their own version of confusion. Kristian watched


    the chaos unfold, his gaze steady. His long, graceful fingers typed a simple reply. "It''s me."


    Those words stood out like a beacon amid the noise, and for a moment, the group went dead silent.


    Everyone stared at their phones, trying to make sense of it. Why would Kristian start a group chat? Had they somehow offended him?


    Afraid to stir the pot in the main chat, they quickly huddled into a smaller group without Kristian to discuss things in private.


    Kristian, well aware of their side conversation, didn''t rush. He simply waited,


    knowing they''d eventuallye around


    Roughly five minutester, after confirming they hadn''t stepped on anyndmines,


    the replies trickled back in. "Do you need something, Kristian?"


    "Wait-this about your grandpa''s 80th? Are you nning a surprise?"


    "That''s gotta be it!"


    "Kristian, just tell us what you need."


    Though they hadn''t interacted much with him, their grandfathers never stopped


    singing his praises, constantly urging them to learn from him.


    To them, Kristian was the golden standard-the one they were always unfairlypared to.


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    §ã

 Chapter 176

    Chapter 176 Affection And Irritation


    Kristian''s gaze settled on the screen as he pressed his thin lips into a firm line. "You''re all at the age to think about settling down," he typed and sent.


    Everyone''s hearts instantly sounded the rm. What was happening? Was Kristian attempting to nudge them toward matrimony?


    "Sure, we''re at the right age, but we have no ns to get married right now."


    "Precisely!"


    "Kristian, are you considering marriage yourself? If you need assistance, I''d be happy to introduce someone to


    you."


    "I can help with that too!"


    Amid their flurry of responses, Kristian replied withposure, "I just spoke with my grandpa. He seems interested in introducing an eligible woman to all of you."


    At this revtion, the group suddenly recalled how their own grandfathers had been raising this very topic with them recently.


    They could typically deflect their family elders with various excuses, but if Lionel himself made the introductions, they would have no choice but to demonstrate respect, however reluctantly.


    Frustration washed over them. Why did elders persistently push them toward marriage?


    "Mr. Lionel Shaw remains as enthusiastic as ever, but I truly don''t wish to burden him with such matters." "Exactly! This is such a minor issue-it''s hardly worth troubling your grandpa, Kristian."


    "Kristian, could you possibly help us avoid this situation?"


    "We genuinely don''t want to participate in blind dates right now."


    Noting their collective resistance to the idea, Kristian recognized he had yed his strategy perfectly. "He''s not requesting that you attend blind dates-simply that you meet someone."


    Everyone understood that "meeting someone" was merely a polite euphemism for blind dating.


    Kristian borated, "As long as you don''t linger around him afterward, I can help prevent this from happening. However, if you appear before him, there''s nothing I can do."


    "Thank you, Kristian."


    "Tomorrow, after wishing him a happy birthday, I''ll make myself scarce. 1 ***_


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    Chapter 176 Affection And Irritation


    "I''ll do the same."


    Seeing the matter concluded, Kristian wrapped up with a final warning, "Don''t let Liam discover I informed you about this. You all understand how much he revels in creating chaos."


    Everyone agreed wholeheartedly.


    Though they rarely chatted with Kristian, they had spent considerable the


    conversing with Liam and were well aware that he thrived on mischief.


    Following their exchange, Kristian closed the group chat. With the issue resolved, his spirits lifted considerably.


    Meanwhile, the four young men in the group chat continued analyzing why Krist¨ªan had suddenly demonstrated such kindness by warning them.


    They eventually determined that despite his cool exterior, Kristian possessed apassionate heart and didn''t want to see them endure the matchmaking


    ordeal.


    Kristian remained oblivious to their spection.


    At home, he changed into a ck casual outfit. The loose strands of hair falling across his forehead added a touch of youthful charm to his otherwise mature appearance.


    Few people could bnce maturity with youthfulness, but Kristian''s features seemed divinely crafted for this precise effect.


    After perfecting his appearance, he strolled from his room to find Lionel.


    If he dyed any longer, Lionel would beginining about his disrespect again.


    For the remainder of the day, Kristian remained by Lionel''s side, engaging him in chess. Whenever Lionel attempted to mention Freya, Kristian deflected with remarks like, "Your turn, Grandpa," or "Grandpa, if you don''t concentrate, you''re bound to lose."


    After several rounds of this evasion, Lionel''s patience evaporated, and he snapped, "With all that smooth talking, why haven''t you brought Freya home yet?"


    "Are we continuing our game?" Kristian inquired, his sharp profile and high nose bridge conveying perfect indifference.


    Lionel couldn''t muster a single word. Kristian truly exasperated him. Once again, he recognized that Freya clearly represented the superior choice.


    "I''m finished ying," Lionel muttered, his mood thoroughly dampened by Kristian''s persistent evasiveness. "Continue with your games if you wish. When Freya eventually chooses someone else, you''ll have nothing but


    regret."


    Kristian remained silent, instead preparing a cup of coffee and offering it to his grandfather.


    His tranquil demeanor only intensified Lionel''s conflicting emotions of affection and irritation. No matter how harshly he reprimanded him, Kristian never disyed anger and invariably discovered ways to appease him.


    "What thoughts truly upy that mind of yours?" Lionel finally inquired,


    surrendering to his conflicted feelings. Kristian kept his inner reflections carefully concealed. "Nothing in particr."


    24.7%


    Lionel nearly choked on his coffee.


    He examined Kristian''sposed expression for an extended moment beforepletely abandoning his efforts. "Leave my presence. I can''t bear to look at you any longer."


    Kristian epted the dismissal without protest and departed as instructed.


    Liam remained elsewhere, so Kristian decided to verify the banquet arrangments at the hotel.


    Although his father had likely managed everythingpetently, confirming the details would prevent any unexpectedplications.


    At the hotel, Isaac was preparing to depart just as Kristian arrived.


    Upon seeing him, Isaac greeted him with a knowing smirk. "Has your grandpa banished you from his sight?" Kristian found himself speechless.


    Isaac ced a reassuring hand on his shoulder. ¡°Eventually, you''ll grow ustomed to it."


    "You faced simr disfavor in your younger days," Kristian retorted.


    Whenever they encountered one another, their exchanges bristled with yful barbs, and Kristian invariably emerged defeated. This asion proved no different.


    "I may have faced disapproval, but at least I provided him with a grandson," Isaac remarked smoothly, his tone carrying the craftiness of a seasoned fox. "What contribution have you made?"


    Kristian countered, "Without my assistance, winning Mom''s affection would have taken you considerably longer."


    "I appreciate your help, Kristian," Isaac responded with an untroubled smile.


    Kristian found himself unable to formte a response.


    The exchange felt as futile as attempting to punch a pillow.


    "During your childhood, you exhibited such endearing qualities and possessed a natural talent for persuasion," Isaac observed, appraising him thoughtfully. "If regaining Freya''s affection is your goal, perhaps revisiting those childhood tactics might prove effective."


    "Childish," Kristian responded tersely.


    The memories evoked embarrassment.


    Whenever he recalled how he once behaved adorably to persuade Lionel to cease scolding Isaac, he experienced profound difort.


    Isaac''s lips formed a subtle smile. "You''ve matured and lost your charming qualities. Had I anticipated this development, I would have provided you with a lot


    of sweets to preserve your sweetness."


    Kristian secretly rolled his eyes.


    "This venue now falls under your responsibility," Isaac stated, his smile


    deepening. "I''m departing to spend time with my wife."


    Kristian''s brow furrowed slightly. Even at his current age, Isaac couldn''t resist showcasing his romantic


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    Chapter 176 Affection And Irritation


    devotion.


    Despite finding it somewhat irritating, Kristian couldn''t deny the reassurance it provided.


    His mother had selected an appropriate partner, and Isaac had Consistently demonstrated through his actions that his love remained genuine and enduring. Setting these reflections aside, Kristian concentrated on examining the banquet arrangements.


    From a distance, Isaac and Melinda observed him working.


    Isaac encircled Melinda with his arm and spoke in hushed tones. "He''s reached adulthood now, so our constant concern has be unnecessary."


    "The responsibility rests entirely with you!" Melinda gently teased.


    Isaac raised an eyebrow in surprise. How had this situation be his responsibility?


    "Very well, I ept the me," he conceded with an amodating smile. "I''ll


    assist him in bringing Freya to Jeucwell and ensure theirsting happiness together."


    "Absolutely not," Melinda refused with firm conviction.

 Chapter 177

    Chapter 177 Kept Jabbing


    At Felipe


    Isaac kept coaxing Melinda gently, his gaze soft with affection. "Why not?"


    Melinda blurted it out without thinking. "He let Freya down. He deserves a little payback"


    Then she shot him a re and added sharply, "Starting tonight, you''re banned from sharing a bed with me for a whole month."


    ¡°I disagree!¡± Isaac protested, then smoothly shifted the subject. "Let''s figure out how we''re going to face Freya and her father when they show up. Our son went and married his daughter without even giving the man a heads-up."


    "Freya''s father ising?" Melinda asked in surprise.


    "Yes."


    "Then we really need to think this through."


    "We''ll handle it," Isaac assured her, sessfully steering her focus elsewhere.


    Freya and Hugh reached Jeucwell just after seven that evening. Once there, Hugh nced at her and asked again, "So I''m really just supposed to treat this like some run-of-the-mill business dinner?"


    "Yes," Freya replied without hesitation.


    She had brought a gift for Lionel, out of respect-he had always treated her kindly. But at the end of the day, she and Kristian were already divorced, and her father had no ties to the Shaw family. There was no reason for formalities.


    Still, Hugh frowned. "Don''t you think this feels a bit inappropriate? What if the Shaws see it as disrespectful? "They won''t," Freya said firmly, recognizing the unease behind his question. She decided to be blunt. "Kristian and I are divorced. You''re here representing the Briggs Group."


    That seemed to calm Hugh down, but deep down, a flicker of resentment still lingered.


    Kristian had married his daughter without asking for his blessing!


    That night, Freya carried herself like nothing in her life had changed


    Hugh, meanwhile,y in bed long after the lights were out, tossing and turning, His thoughts wandered to Freya-how she''d once lived in this very ce.


    She hade to Jeucwell all by herself and married in such a rush. How had to <chapter 177="" kept="" jabbing="" at="" felipe<="" p=""></chapter>


    The longer he thought about it, the more restless he became. Finally, he reached for his phone and sent Freya a message. "Did you go through a lot in Jeucwell these past two years?"


    Freya was just about to fall asleep when she saw her father''s message.


    She took a moment to choose her words carefully before replying. "No, I''ve been doing well. You should get


    some rest.


    Reading her response only deepened Hugh''s guilt.


    If he had just had a bit more courage back then, maybe her daughter would''ve found some real happiness here.


    Maybe none of those tangled affairs would''ve happened at all.


    He thought about replying with a simple "okay", but assumed Freya had already gone to sleep. He ced the phone aside and forced himself to close his eyes.


    Elsewhere, Kristian was still wide awake.


    After confirming everything with the hotel, he was about to wind down when Felipe intercepted him.


    With one hand shoved into his pocket and the other dangling a set of car keys, Felipe said, "Let''s go have a drink.¡±


    "No," Kristian answered curtly.


    But Felipe didn''t wait for his response. Clearly agitated, he dragged Kristian to the car anyway.


    Kristian opened his mouth to mention the next day''s schedule, but Felipe cut him off. "Don''t use your grandpa''s birthday as an excuse. The banquet''s in the evening. A drink now won''t throw your ns off.¡±


    Kristian kept quiet. The original n had been for a simple family gathering, but it had since escted into a hotel banquet.


    Even so, the guest list was tight-just family, a few of Lionel''s old friends, and some of Kristian''s.


    The only business guests invited were the Briggs family.


    "If you''ve got something to say, say it now. I need to head back to the family house soon," Kristian said, his voice casual, but his gaze sharp. Felipe didn''t waste time.


    He pulled over, killed the engine, and turned to look at him. "Where''s Farrah?" Kristian looked at him, confused. "You''re asking me?"


    "You said she was in Alerith," Felipe snapped, his voice taut with frustration. "I followed your lead, but she''s nowhere to be found."


    "That''s on you," Kristian said coolly.


    "If your ex-wife hadn''t shipped her off, would I be in this mess?" Felipe shot back, clearly fuming.


    Kristian rested his arm on the window and replied in a level tone, "You''re the one who lost her. Don''t pin it on


    30.0%


    Chapter 177 Kept Jabbing At Selge


    anyone else.


    Felipe''s jaw clenched, ready to argue


    Kristian didn''t wait. "Pushing her to have an abortion? That''s quite the move


    "Oh, like you''re any better? You dumped your wife to chase after your first love. That''s more impressive it? Felipe sneered, emotions spilling over.


    Kristian''s expression chilled


    Felipe refused to let up.


    "At least I know where Freya is." Kristian''s voice was ice. "Unlike someone who doesn''t even know where his wife is."


    "So what if I don''t? We''re still legally married," Felipe snapped back


    Kristian said nothing. And in that silence, regret hit him like a wave. If he hadn''t gone through with the dronce at least things would''ve been official-recognized byw.


    But now...


    "And what''s that worth?" Kristian''s eyes turned cold, his tone chipped. "You think she won''t fie for doce herself?


    Felipe had noeback.


    Kristian twisted the knife. "You pressured her to get an abortion. That alone would destroy you in cont "Kristian, don''t you think you''re going too far?" Felipe cracked, unable to keep hisposure. All I did was ask one thing, and you keep jabbing at me."


    Of course he knew he didn''t stand a chance in court. That''s what made it so maddening


    "If the baby Farrah''s carrying is yours, what will you do?" Kristian suddenly asked.


    Back when Freya had changed so suddenly, Kristian hadn''t paid much attention to Farrah


    But thinking back, Freya wasn''t the type to keep shady people around. And Farrah didn''t seem like the kind who''d betray Felipe.


    Felipe frowned. "What are you getting at?"


    "Did Farrah ever say it was your child?" Kristian asked.


    Felipe paused, then gave a dryugh and brushed it off. "She did, but you can''t believe anything she says. I was abroad at the time. How could it be mine?"


    Kristian''s dark eyes were unreadable as he said, "Might want to double-check her schedule."


    Felipe''s voice dropped. "What exactly are you implying?


    Kristian didn''t borate. "You heard me."


    Felipe looked like he was about to press for more, but Kristian shut the


    conversation down. "It''ste. Take me back to my family house."


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    Chapter 177 kept Jabbing At Felipe


    Felipe muttered, "Do I look like your chauffeur?" still, he started the car. "You


    better pay the fare."

 Chapter 178

    hapter 178 She Prefers Me Like This


    Kristian pulled a crisp hundred-dor bill from his wallet and passed it over with a casual flourish, saying coolly, "Keep the change."


    "Damn you," Felipe snapped as he slipped the bill into his pocket.


    Free money from Kristian? He wasn''t about to say no.


    The rest of the ride passed inplete silence, both men swallowed by their thoughts, burdened by whatever weighed on their minds.


    Half an hourter, Felipe dropped Kristian off at the Shaw estate.


    As Kristian stepped out of the car, the memory of what he''d witnessed at the hospital resurfaced. He paused, then said, "You might want to double-check what Farrah said about Jocelyn Watson."


    "Wait a second," Felipe frowned, catching the odd note in Kristian''s voice.


    But Kristian kept that distant, unreadable air about him and responded coolly, "Is there something else?"


    "What exactly did you mean by that?" Felipe asked.


    "Nothing major. Just a word to the wise," Kristian said, his eyes unreadable. "Not everyone deserves your trust."


    Something about that struck a nerve, and Felipe let out a sharpugh.


    Kristian arched a brow, confused by the reaction.


    "So, let me guess. Because you misjudged Freya thanks to your first love, you think I''m misjudging Farrah because of Jocelyn?" Felipe said with a mischievous smirk.


    Kristian''s frown deepened slightly, clearly irritated by the jab.


    But Felipe, hands resting easily on the steering wheel, seemed rxed now. "Your problem was personal. Mine''s professional. Whole different ball game."


    "Is it really?" Kristian challenged.


    "Of course."


    "Then why did Farrah bring up Jocelyn right outside the hospital and look at you like you didn''t have a clue?" Kristian pressed.


    That wiped the smirk off Felipe''s face.


    Kristian really couldn''t help himself-he always knew how to push just the right button.


    0.0%


    He hadn''t intended to say more, but after a brief pause, he added, "If you can trust other women but not Farrah, she won''t forgive you for it."


    "You''re not her. How would you know?" Felipe shot back, a flicker of panic surfacing before he covered it up.


    Kristian''s eyes darkened, distant, cold. "Maybe I''ve just learned from past mistakes."


    Felipe secretly rolled his eyes.


    Done with the conversation, he didn''t bother replying and drove off.


    As for Kristian, the thoughts circling in his mind made his expression harden for a moment. He tamped down the emotions stirring inside him and headed toward the house.


    He had barely made it a few steps when he spotted his parents standing nearby.


    He stopped in his tracks, whatever emotion had lingered in his eyes vanishingpletely.


    "Kristian, you''ve finallye around," Melinda said with a face full of relief, as though her son had just grown up overnight.


    Isaac''s gaze twinkled with amusement.


    Kristian''s hands hung loosely at his sides as he paused briefly before walking toward them with practiced calm. "What are you doing here?"


    "Just taking a stroll after dinner," Melinda answered cheerfully, reaching out to hold his hand. Her voice softened. "Failing once isn''t the end of the world. What matters is learning from it and not repeating the same mistake."


    For a second, Kristian couldn''t find the right words.


    Keeping hisposure, he said simply, "I was only teasing Felipe."


    "I get it," Melinda replied, clearly pleased.


    Kristian was momentarily silent again, but years of learning to keep a straight face helped him stay collected.


    Isaac gave his shoulder a firm pat. "Owning up to your past is a sign you''re growing."


    "I''ve got something to take care of. I''ll head inside," Kristian said, eager to escape


    the weight of his father''s words. "You two enjoy your walk."


    With that, he turned and made his way into the house.


    Melinda blinked, puzzled. "What could he possibly have to do thiste? Isn''t Lionel already asleep?"


    "He''s just embarrassed. We struck a nerve, and now he needs an excuse to duck out,¡± Isaac replied, serious but with a chuckle in his tone.


    Melinda nodded knowingly. "Makes sense."


    "He''s a grown man now. We should give him space."


    "True."


    Their conversation faded behind him, but Kristian, overhearing it, felt a mix of emotions rise inside


    26.5%


    A pang of regret slipped in as he thought about how he''d once helped his father win his mother back.


    Once in his room, he showered, slipped into his pajamas, andy down on the bed.


    Staying at the family home always brought him a kind of peace he never found in the city.


    Surrounded by countryside stillness, far from the noise and rush, he felt something settle in him.


    With that thought, he picked up his phone.


    His eyesnded on Freya''s avatar. More often than not, he had the impulse to text her-ask where she was, what she was doing-but every single time, he''d put the phone down again without sending a thing.


    The next day came swiftly.


    Freya told Hugh he should attend the evening banquet, then left the hotel earlier than nned.


    She was headed to the Shaw estate.


    Not wanting to waste the trip or show up unannounced, she called Lionel ahead of


    time.


    Once he confirmed he was home, she grabbed her gift and made her way over.


    Lionel lit up the moment he heard she wasing, beaming with joy. "Quick! Bring out the best dishes, and have the kitchen whip up some fresh juice!" "Yes, sir," the butler responded at once.


    At that moment, Kristian was out in the back yard, chatting with Lionel.


    Lionel''s excitement didn''t go unnoticed. Kristian already had a pretty good guess what this was about.


    After barking orders, Lionel turned to Kristian with a snort. "What are you still doing out here? Go freshen up!" Kristian blinked. Freshen up?


    "Freya doesn''t drop by often. Do you really want her to see you looking like this?" Lionel snapped, clearly unimpressed. "Go put on something decent and make yourself look a bit more respectable."


    "I''m fine," Kristian said, making no move to get up.


    He was dressed down inid-back casuals, shrugging off the stiff formality of his


    usual suits for a more rxed, breezy vibe.


    Even so, just sitting there, he was effortlessly striking.


    Lionel wasn''t amused. His tone turned sharp. "It''s my birthday today. Are you


    seriously going to tick me off?"


    Kristian''s expression shifted, tinged with helplessness. He did respect his grandfather. "She prefers me like this,


    not in a suit."


    "You sure about that?" Lionel''s eyes lit up, curious.


    Kristian nodded. "I am."


    During their time together, he had mostly worn formal clothes, but there were a


    couple of rare times he''d gone casual


    60.5%


    He remembered Freya''s reaction-she had genuinely liked it.


    "Who knew you were hiding this side under all that serious exterior," Lionel


    scoffed.


    Then he added with a teasing edge, ¡°Trying to win over my sweet Freya with your looks. How shallow can you get?"


    Kristian had no words. Should he remind the old man that he was the one who


    just told him to freshen up?


    Exclusive Offer Fo

 Chapter 179

    Chapter 179 Why The Change Of Heart


    "Don''t go thinking Freya''s gonna fall for you just ''cause you''ve got a pretty face." Lionel couldn''t go a single day without tossing a jab at Kristian. "She''s not that shallow."


    Kristian kept his tone easy. "She''s not shallow-she just happens to have a thing for handsome guys."


    "Well, that only proves she''s got good taste."


    "You''re not wrong."


    And with that, Lionel was momentarily silenced.


    Their yful back-and-forth was practically a daily ritual. Still, no matter how often Lionel poked fun, he never truly got mad at Kristian, and Kristian never took any of it to heart.


    Kristian noticed Lionel watching him and raised a brow. "What''s wrong?"


    "I''m trying to figure out the odds of Freya being drawn in by that face of yours." Lionel looked genuinely pensive, as though this was a question worthy of deep reflection. "I hear young women these days go for pretty boys. Your cousin''s like that. So are all those girls on TV."


    Kristian might''vecked confidence in a lot of areas, but not when it came to his looks. For that, he could only thank his parents-those genes matched up a little too perfectly with Freya''s preferences.


    "Why not try switching up your hair or wardrobe a bit?" Lionel had never been a fan of men putting too much effort into their appearance. To him, it felt like a hit to masculinity.


    But now, he was ready to throw all that aside just to help his grandson catch Freya''s eye.


    Kristian looked genuinely puzzled. "I thought you didn''t like Freya at first. Why the change of heart?"


    Lionel had always been old-fashioned, even hoping Kristian would marry someone of equal status.


    When Kristian first married Freya, Lionel had been openly displeased.


    Butter on, even before knowing Freya''s background, he''d started thinking Kristian might not even be good enough for her.


    It was aplete turnaround.


    "Because Treya''s a kind soul." Lionel didn''t go into his usual speech about what Freya had done for him.


    "Even though I didn''t take to her at first, she''s always treated me with respect." He looked back fondly, a soft note in his voice. "Even when you weren''t around, she was kind to me."


    Kristian stayed quiet, listening.


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    <


    Chapter 179 Why The Change Of Heart


    "She''s genuine. Kind. Got a good heart."


    "Yeah," Kristian agreed softly, but his mind was already drifting to old memories of Freya.


    "Yeah'' is all you''ve got?" Lionel scoffed, clearly unimpressed. "If you can''t win her back, then don''t bother getting married at all."


    Kristian didn''t even hesitate. "Alright."


    Lionel stared at him, narrowing his eyes like he was trying to see right through him. "You serious?"


    "Yeah," Kristian answered, calm and sure.


    He''d been married once, yet still felt clueless about what it really meant.


    But watching his parentstely, he thought maybe he was starting to get it. Just a little.


    "Alright then," Lionel said.


    They chatted a bit more, and just as Lionel was about to ask Kristian to call Freya and find out where she was, the butler walked in with her. "Ms. Briggs has arrived."


    Both Lionel and Kristian turned toward the door.


    Sure enough, Freya hade. Lionel immediately got to his feet, his face lighting up. "Freya!"


    "Happy birthday, Lionel," she greeted him.


    She was dressed in a soft-toned sweater and a beret, her look gentler than usual. Lionel beamed. "Thank you,e on in, have a seat!"


    "Sure." Freya nodded politely.


    As she settled in, the butler stepped over and handed Lionel a box. "Sir, this is the gift Ms. Briggs brought for you."


    "Your being here is more than enough. No need for presents." Still, the grin on Lionel''s face gave him away. That''s how elders were. Even if they said gifts weren''t necessary, having both you and a present show up? That was the sweet spot.


    Lionel opened the box, and the smile that spread across his face couldn''t be contained.


    Inside was a rare chess set.


    Each piece was crafted from agate, amber, and gemstones, designed through painstaking methods and hard toe by.


    Countless collectors had longed for it, yet it remained forever out of reach.


    "Freya, where''d you find this?" Lionel examined the pieces with glee. "I''ve had my


    eye on this set forever and could never track it down."


    Freya offered a warm smile. "I''m d you like it."


    "Come on!" Lionel was practically giddy. "y a game with me."


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    Chapter 170 Why The Change of Heart


    "Okay." Freya never said no to Lionel''s requests.


    Kristian stayed quiet, watching from the side as Freya settled into the game. Her right hand moved with elegant ease, slender fingers gliding each piece across the board with quiet focus.


    Just watching het was a treat.


    Halfway through the match, Lionel finally remembered his grandson''s presce. After cing a piece, he spoke. "Freya, what do you think of Kristian?"


    Freya instinctively nced his way.


    She''d noticed him the moment she stepped into the back yard.


    That light-colored casual outfit made him stand out more than usual. After one quick look, she''d looked away


    She knew herself too well.


    "What do you mean?" She pulled her gaze from his face and made her next


    move.


    Lionel picked up a chess piece and spoke at his usual rxed pace. "His looks." "He''s charming." Freya answered truthfully. Lying wasn''t her thing. Kristian was handsome-especially like this, dressed down in casuals. Without the suit, he lost that intimidating business edge and looked far more approachable. "Would you consider keeping him around just to look at?" Lionel chuckled. "Like eye candy. Something nice to have on disy."


    6. 6.


    Freya didn''t respond.


    Kristian felt the need to cut in. "Grandpa, I''m a person."


    "So what?" Lionel huffed. ¡°Doesn''t mean a person can''t be ornamental. Still, even


    if you wanted to be, that doesn''t mean she would want you around. Isn''t that right, Freya?"


    Kristian turned to her, locking eyes without hesitation.


    Freya stayed poised and cool. "Lionel, it''s your move."


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    She Took The House The Car And My Hear

 Chapter 180

    Chapter 180 Don''t You Wish To Exact Some Wel...


    "Make your move," Kristian murmured, his voice barely audible yet perfectlyposed.


    Lionel shot him a withering re. The man had absolutely no sense of timing!


    He consistently failed to recognize opportune moments-no wonder his romantic life remained barren.


    Kristian interpreted the look and wisely retreated. He noticed the butler hovering nearby, reluctant to interrupt their game, so he rose and approached him.


    Upon learning the refreshments were prepared, Kristian slipped away to the kitchen, returning momentster with an assortment of colorful juices which he distributed carefully beside each yer.


    "Juice," he announced simply.


    "Thank you, Mr. Shaw," Freya replied with deliberate formality, addressing him as though they wereplete strangers.


    Lionel positioned another chess piece on the board and, observing the palpable tension between the two, couldn''t resist admonishing Kristian. "Couldn''t you manage a few additional words?"


    Kristian stood speechless, words failing him entirely.


    "Kristian specially prepared these juices when he heard you were visiting," Lionel continued, eagerly ying matchmaker as he addressed Freya, hoping to dissolve the awkwardness between them. "Sample them and tell us which you prefer. He can prepare more for you afterward."


    Freya hesitated, her eyes drifting over the tempting array of beverages before she firmly stated, "No need for such trouble. Water will suffice."


    "How can you possibly settle for mere water? This rascal wronged you previously. Now''s your perfect opportunity to make demands of him," Lionel dered bluntly. "Don''t you wish to exact some well-deserved revenge?"


    For the first time, Freya found herself needing to concentrate intensely on her next chess move.


    She recognized Lionel''s well-intentioned meddling, and precisely because she understood his motives, she couldn''t simply acquiesce.


    "That''s not important," she responded, deliberately changing course.


    Her expression grew earnest as she added, "Today celebrates your birthday. Your happiness takes precedence over everything else."


    Hearing this, Lionel''s disapproval of Kristian deepened considerably.


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    Chapter 180 Don''t You Wish To Exact Some Well-deserved Revenge


    Previously, he''d deemed Kristian unworthy of Freya out of protective anger, but now he felt absolute certainty


    in this assessment.


    A pretty face meant nothing when paired with an inability to demonstrate the thoughtfulness that came so naturally to Freya,


    Better for Kristian to remain eternally single than burden Freya with his presence!


    Throughout the remainder of the day, Lionel abandoned his matchmaking efforts entirely.


    Freya hade to celebrate his birthday, and he refused to spoil her experience. Consequently, Kristian found himself thoroughly ignored.


    Lionel and Freya immersed themselves in conversation and chess, treating him as though he''d vanished from existence.


    When their game concluded, Lionel beamed with satisfaction.


    Rather than suggesting another round, he carefully stored the chess pieces with Freya''s help, clearly treasuring the set she had gifted him.


    He handled each piece with remarkable delicacy.


    When Kristian extended a hand to assist, Lionel swatted it away immediately, concerned he might damage Freya''s precious gift.


    "Go attend to whatever requires your attention." Lionel dismissed him with a wave. "Don''t intrude upon Freya''s and my time together."


    Kristian''s lips parted slightly as he reminded them, "I''ll need to transport you to the hotelter."


    Lionel prepared a biting retort but ultimately swallowed his words.


    Lionel inquired after securing the chess set, "Freya, has your father also traveled to Jeucwell?"


    Freya paused briefly, offering the truth without hesitation. "Yes."


    "Perhaps we could share lunch together?" Lionel suggested hopefully. "We failed to observe proper formalities when you married. Now that your father has arrived, we should at minimum demonstrate adequate hospitality."


    "He''ll join us this evening." Freya declined graciously. "He''s currently engaged with friends."


    Seeing her response, Lionel gracefully withdrew his suggestion.


    His gaze flickered toward Kristian momentarily, and a fresh idea illuminated his expression. "Then allow me to introduce you to some acquaintances. You''re all of simr age-surely you''ll find abundant topics for


    conversation."


    Under normal circumstances, Freya would have declined such an offer. She harbored little interest in expanding


    her social circle.


    However, today celebrated Lionel''s birthday, and she had already rejected several


    of his proposals. Another refusal would border on discourtesy.


    "Alright," she conceded with quiet eptance.


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    Chapter 180 Dant You Wish To Exact Some Well deserved Revenge


    "Let''s proceed!" Lionel''s demeanor instantly brightened, as though merely sharing Freya''spany could sustain his happiness indefinitely.


    It seemed Treya needed no extraordinary efforts to serve as his vellspring of joy.


    Kristian hadn''t anticipated this development. He had expected Freya to decline, given her well-known aversion to social orchestrations.


    What escaped his understanding was that she remained entirely unaware that Lionel''s "introduction to friends" constituted another matchmaking attempt.


    She had assumed Lionel''s matchmaking efforts were exclusively directed toward reuniting her with Kristian, never considering alternative possibilities. Kristian positioned himself behind the steering wheel.


    Freya intended to upy the front passenger seat, reasoning that relegating herself to the back would seem inappropriately formal under the circumstances. However, Lionel specifically summoned her to join him in the rear seating area, Thirty minutester, they arrived at their destination.


    Despite Kristian''s casual attire, the hotel''s moderate upancy proved fortunate- otherwise, his appearance would have attracted considerable attention.


    Lionel and Freya exited the vehicle together.


    With purposeful strides, Lionel guided Freya forward while Kristian followed at a respectful distance.


    Once inside the establishment, Lionel enthusiastically presented Freya to his longtime associates. Her unexpected presence immediately kindled their curiosity.


    "Lionel, who might this youngdy be?" someone inquired.


    Maintaining an impressively solemn expression, Lionel quipped, "My granddaughter, Freya."


    His announcement bewildered the assembled group.


    Kristian arched a single eyebrow in silent response.


    Freya herself started visibly, utterly unprepared for Lionel to characterize their rtionship in such terms.


    "Surely you jest? We''re well acquainted with your actual granddaughter," someone countered.


    "Precisely my point.


    "Perhaps she''s your granddaughter-inw?" They spected with growing interest.


    Lionel had conscientiously avoided publicizing Kristian and Freya''s rtionship, honoring her preference for


    discretion


    Yet in this moment, he felt a sudden impulse to proim, "Indeed, this is my granddaughter-inw!" He tried


    hard to hold back


    Instead, he dered, "My worthless grandson doesn''t merit Freya''spanionship."


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    Chapter 180 Don''t You Wish To Exact Some Well-deserved Revenge


    With this pronouncement, every gaze instinctively shifted toward Kristian.


    "Even Kristian falls short of worthiness?" eximed Elvin rkson, one of Lionel''s oldest friends.


    They recognized Kristian''s exceptional qualities.


    Despite his youth, he adeptly managed the extensive Shaw Group. Since


    assuming the role of President, he hadmitted no missteps, only expanding


    thepany''s prosperity.


    Numerous youngdies eagerly sought connection with him, yet Kristian


    consistently denied everyone such opportunity.


    "Him?" Lionel remarked with undisguised contempt. "He merits least of all. Should anyone desire him, I''ll dly relinquish him withoutpensation."


    Hearing this, the gathering immediately recognized Lionel''s familiar pattern of affectionately taunting his grandson.


    They collectively envied his fortune, wishing their own grandsons possessedparable excellence.


    "Where are your grandsons?" Lionel inquired after surveying the room and noting


    the absence of his friends


    grandsons.


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 Chapter 181

    Chapter 181 Matchmaking


    "Earlier, they were hanging around here, but the second I answered your call, those brats bolted. Said Liam invited them out to chill," Elvin said, cutting right to


    the point.


    The others nodded along, murmuring in agreement.


    In that moment, no one caught the flicker in Kristian''s eyes.


    Lionel let out a slow sigh. "I was nning to introduce Freya to them. Young people really ought to mingle


    more."


    T''ll ring my grandson back."


    TI get mine on the line too."


    "Young folks should definitely be spending more time together."


    One by one, the older gentlemen reached for their phones and began dialing.


    There was an unspoken understanding among them; when Lionel said what he did, they all caught his meaning loud and dear.


    Very few people in their circle ever received Lionel''s approval, and the fact that he stood up for the young woman said plenty about her character.


    As their calls went out, the young men wore expressions like they''d just bitten into lemons-dearly not thrilled.


    Liam had been with them at the time. He was far more sociable than Kristian and had a wide circle of friends.


    Catching sight of their gloomy faces, Liam paused mid-shot, pool cue in hand. "What''s with the long faces? Did your girlfriends dump you?"


    "Worse than that!"


    "It''s a total nightmare."


    "Exactly


    "Yeah, no joke."


    Liam raised a brow, intrigued. "That dramatic, huh?¡±


    "My grandpa wants me to go on a date," said Elvin''s grandson.


    Liam stayed rxed "Wait, you guys all got roped into blind dates too?"


    "Yep. they said in chorus.


    That gave Liam pause. All at once? Seriously?


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    Chapter 181 Matchmaking


    "Liam, your grandpa''s the one who brought the girl," said another young man, sounding torn but not bold enough to say no. "They''re saying it''s just to ''get to know her'', but we all know what that means at our age. It''s a setup."


    "Why are elders so obsessed with matchmaking?"


    "What''s the excuse this time?"


    While theyined, Liam caught the most important detail. "Wait-my grandpa brought her?"


    "Yeah, they all said together.


    "What''s her full name?" Liam asked, a flicker of curiosity lighting up his eyes.


    "No clue." They exchanged looks and shook their heads. "All we know is, they said your grandpa and Freya were there, but they didn''t give a name."


    Liam let out a sudden chuckle.


    Freya? Wasn''t that Kristian''s ex-wife?


    Setting his cue aside, Liam shed a grin. "She''s already there? You guys better head up. Let''s go."


    The group hesitated, not moving. Didn''t Kristian promise to block this whole blind date thing? Why were the calls stilling?


    "What are you waiting for?" Liam was already itching for some drama.


    And if things went as he expected, Kristian would definitely be there too.


    He couldn''t help but wonder-how would Kristian react to Freya being part of a matchmaking stunt, and one organized by his own grandfather, no less?


    "What if she ends up liking me? Since Mr. Shaw introduced her, if she actually falls for me, I can''t just shut her down too harshly."


    The others didn''t say anything, but their silence echoed the same concern.


    They were here forughs, not love-definitely not marriage.


    "Rx,¡± Liam said, brushing it off. "I''ve met Freya. She''s not into blind dates either. She probably just came ''cause it''s my grandpa''s birthday."


    "Seriously?" That got their attention.


    "Of course," Liam replied with a devilish smirk. ¡°When have I ever lied?"


    Seeing he meant it, the men visibly rxed and agreed to head back upstairs.


    They were already in the hotel anyway-just on the entertainment floor, not where Lionel and the others were.


    Upstairs, Lionel was deep in conversation with Freya and his longtime friends.


    As he shared stories, admiration for Freya only grew.


    "I wish I had a granddaughter like her."


    26.7%


    "You''re lucky, Lionel."


    "Wait, when did you meet Freya? We didn''t know you had a new granddaughter."


    The questions came one after another.


    Kristian leaned in, murmuring to Lionel, "You''ve really cooked up quite the tale. Hope you can keep it going,"


    Lionel was momentarily speechless.


    This brat always had to tickle him off.


    "I''ve known Freya for years. She''s like part of my family, like a real granddaughter


    to me." Lionel replied with


    a straight face, "Still, in my heart, Freya is my granddaughter."


    Everyone nodded thoughtfully, epting the sentiment.


    Freya sat quietly, doing her best not to draw attention.


    Soon after, Liam and the four young men walked in.


    Spotting Freya, Liam lit up and strolled over with a grin. "My dear sis-"


    He caught himself just in time. Not the right moment to mention she was once his sister-inw. So he smoothly shifted gears. "Hey, Freya."


    Kristian frowned.


    The other four young man were puzzled by Liam''s hesitation.


    "Why didn''t you tell me you wereing?" Liam asked, clearly happy to see her,


    as he plopped down beside Kristian. "I would''vee up earlier."


    "I heard you were having fun, so I didn''t want to bother you," Freya said politely.


    The young men stared, momentarily stunned. They hadn''t expected the girl their grandfathers dragged them up here to meet would be so stunning.


    "You guys only know how to mess around," Elvin scolded, putting on his best stern act. "Freya''s been waiting on you."


    "Sorry for making you wait."


    "I''m Cyril rkson."


    "I''m Eaton Duffy."


    They introduced themselves one after the other, sneaking nces at Freya as they did.


    Assuming they were just trying to behave under pressure from their grandpas, Freya didn''t think too much of it. She simply said, "Freya Briggs.


    ¡°That''s a beautiful name,¡± Cyril said, shing a charming smile. ¡°Matches you perfectly."


    Liam couldn''t hold it in and spat out his drink


    Luckily, he turned just in time and sprayed the floor instead.


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    Chapter 181 Matchmaking


    He broke into a fit of coughing and teased, "Man, you sure know how to make an


    impression."


    "I''m not joking." Cyril muttered, a little sheepish now. His earlier reluctance


    forgotten. "I really think her name''s beautiful-and she''s stunning."


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 Chapter 182

    Chapter 182 Afraid Cyril Might Steal Her Heart


    The moment Liam heard those words, his first instinct was to sneak a nce at Kristian


    He was dying to see how Kristian would react to someone taking an obvious interest in Freys


    But Kristian didn''t give him the reaction he was hoping for.


    Right then, Kristian kept his emotions locked up tight, fully aware that this wasn''t the right time of ce to say anything


    Still, the look he gave Cyril had a quiet intensity to it-sharp, but subtle.


    "Thanks. You''re quite the charmer yourself," Freya replied politely, her lips curving into a faint, practiced smile Cyril lit up like a kid on Christmas morning


    As the conversation rolled on, he didn''t hold back in expressing his admiration, peppering Freys with questions about her interests and likes. By the end of it, even Lionel and Elvin could read him like an open book.


    (Cyril firmly believed that when a woman was exceptional, she deserved to hear it out loud.


    Elvin figured it was best to give his grandson some private time with Freya. This was, after all, the first time he''d seen Cyril so genuinely taken with someone.


    "Lionel, how about a stroll?" Elvin suggested as he got to his feet, offering Cyril a knowing, supportive nod. "Let the youngsters talk. We don''t need to hover,"


    Lionel nced over at Kristian before nodding "Sure."


    Before long, all the older folks wandered off for a private chat, leaving the younger crowd behind.


    The rest of the young men quickly picked up on Cyril''s interest in Freya. Being good friends, they knew better than to hang around awkwardly, eaching up with a reason to bow out gracefully


    Eaton was thest to go. Before leaving, he looked over at Kristian and Liam, who were still lingering, and asked, cautiously, "Liam, Kristian, do you need to double- check today''s schedule?"


    Anyone with a shred ofmon sense could tell he was politely urging them to clear out


    Liam answered easily, "You go ahead. We''ll catch up in a bit."


    "Alright." Eaton didn''t stick around.


    "Kristian," Liam murmured, nudging him in the arm, his gaze flicking between Cyril and Freya before raising an eyebrow "Shouldn''t we be heading out too?"


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    Chapter 182 Afraid Cyril Might Steal Her Heart


    "Why would we do that?" Kristian replied, face cool andposed.


    Liam smirked, throwing an arm around his shoulder and leaning in to whisper. "Don''t tell me you haven''t noticed Cyril making a move on Freya. If you can''t keep her happy, maybe it''s time to let someone else take a


    shot."


    Kristian''s eyes shifted from Cyril back to Liam, filled with disdain.


    Sure, Cyril had one of those trendy pretty-boy faces, but he wasn''t Freya''s type.


    If that had been her thing, she would''ve been with Frederick long ago-no need to wait until now.


    "You really not gonna leave?" Liam asked again, poking at him.


    Kristian t-out ignored him.


    Of course, Liam-always ready to stir things up-grinned mischievously. "What''s the matter? Jealous? Afraid Cyril might steal her heart?"


    Kristian''s lips twitched into the faintest smirk as he shot back coolly, "If you''ve got this much free time, maybe focus on your own business. I''d be happy to persuade Grandpa to introduce girls to you."


    "That might''ve worked before," Liam shot back with a grin, teeth shing. "But now? Pretty sure Grandpa would tell you to get your act together beforeing after me."


    Kristian went quiet. He knew Liam had a point. Lionel would definitelye down on him first.


    "Freya, I''m gonna go over the schedule with Kristian," Liam announced suddenly, not giving Kristian a chance to protest. "We''ll be back in a bit."


    Freya caught on quickly but only replied, "Okay."


    "Let''s move." Liam tugged on Kristian''s arm.


    For the first time, Kristian had the strong urge to strangle him. How could one person be this irritating?


    Even though he didn''t want to leave, Liam had already made the decision for him, so he had no choice but to step away for now.


    As the brothers walked off, Cyril was suddenly hit with a wave of nerves.


    He couldn''t quite figure out why-he''d always been smooth with women, confident and easygoing. But now, the right words just wouldn''te.


    "Lionel mentioned earlier that your family''s from Alerith. Did I remember it right?" Cyril asked, trying to spark something.


    Freya''s tone stayed t. "Yes."


    "My family''s from Alerith too!" Cyril''s eyes lit up. "When are you heading back? Maybe we could travel together." "Tomorrow," Freya replied after a pause.


    It wasn''t that she didn''t know how to hold a conversation-this was just who she was. She''d always been reserved, even around Trent and the rest.


    31.8%


    Meanwhile, Kristian and Liam hadn''t gone to review anything.


    Instead, they''d found a quiet corner, sitting down with the schedule sheet, pretending to look it over.


    "You know," Liam began, deliberately poking the ho''s nest, "Cyril and Freya actually make a pretty decent pair. They''re close in age."


    Kristian didn''t say a word.


    Liam leaned closer, clearly enjoying himself. "Don''t you think?"


    "If you''re this idle, why not help run thepany?" Kristian''s voice turned icy, his patience running thin. "Or better yet, shut up."


    "Touchy, aren''t you? You should be d if Cyril ends up with her," Liam teased, totally unfazed. "Freya would be happy, and Mom, Dad, and Grandpa would finally get off your back. You''d get some peace for once. Doesn''t that sound good?"


    Kristian''s fingers clenched tighter around the schedule, his mood souring by the second.


    Liam leaned in again, voice yful. "Or maybe... you still have feelings for her?" "Finish this," Kristian snapped, shoving the paper into Liam''s hands before suddenly standing up. "I''m stepping


    out."


    Liam blinked, caught off guard.


    Kristian didn''t head for the door-he turned and walked straight toward Freya and Cyril.


    He knew Freya hated settings like this, ufortable making small talk with strangers.


    She''d told him that plenty of times during their two years of marriage, and he''d never left her alone in situations like this.


    Even now, even after the divorce, he couldn''t bring himself to let her struggle through it.


    Cyril was just getting into the swing of things when he noticed Kristian approaching.


    Without thinking, he asked, ¡°Kristian? Something wrong?"


    "Freya and I need to swing by my family''s house to pick something up," Kristian said, voice cold and distant, making it crystal clear he didn''t wee follow-up questions. "Wannae with us, or would you rather chatter?"


    Cyril hesitated. He was tempted to tag along, but something in Kristian''s icy tone told him not to push it.


    "We''ll catch upter," he said quickly.


    "Then we''ll be off," Kristian replied tly. He almost reached for Freya''s hand but stopped himself just in time, remembering she wasn''t his wife anymore.


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 Chapter 183

    Chapter 183 No Inclination To Revisit Former...


    Freya followed Kristian, convinced they were headed to his family''s residence.


    From a distance, Liam observed with utter bewilderment. Never had he anticipated Kristian employing such a direct tactic to interrupt the conversation between Cyril and Freya.


    Curiosity gnawed at him-what could Kristian possibly have said to make Freya willingly depart with him, abruptly ending her discussion with Cyril?


    With this question lingering in his mind, Liam sauntered over with the schedule clutched in his hand, feigning ignorance of the situation. "Why did Kristian and Freya leave?" he inquired casually.


    "He mentioned needing to take Freya back to your family home to retrieve something," Cyril responded honestly, concealing nothing.


    "Are you serious?" Liam stretched the words, cing a reassuring hand on Cyril''s shoulder. "Fetching something is hardlyplicated. You could have asked me to go instead."


    Cyril blinked in surprise. "Huh?"


    The notion hadn''t even urred to him.


    "But... Kristian''s presence is so intimidating. I couldn''t bring myself to speak up."


    While their exchange remained straightforward, the interaction between Kristian and Freya unfolded quite differently.


    After settling into the car, Freya turned to him. "What exactly are we retrieving?" Kristian ignited the engine silently, steering toward his family home.


    Several minutes passed before he finally broke the silence. "The retrieval was merely a pretext. I sensed your difort back there, so I fabricated an excuse to extract you from the situation."


    "Then you can let me out here," Freya stated, her voice devoid of emotion.


    Kristian showed no intention of stopping and continued driving directly to the Shaw estate.


    Recognizing his determination, Freya ceased pressing the issue and closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment of rest.


    Upon reaching their destination, Kristian exited the vehicle.


    Just as he moved to open her door, he discovered Freya had already stepped out independently.


    Aware of her familiarity with the ce, Kristian first treated her to lunch, then requested she wait while he


    0.0%


    14.0


    ventured inside to change attire. After all, a formal dinner demanded appropriate clothing, not casual wear.


    Freya didn''t contest this. She merely nodded in agreement and found afortable spot to rest,


    Twenty minutester, Kristian emerged transformed.


    He wore a sophisticated charcoal gray suitplemented by a crisp white shirt underneath, creating ayered effect that heightened his natural aloofness and detachment.


    Despite their divorce and her waning affection, Freya couldn''t deny that Kristian embodied that polished GQ aesthetic.


    His casual clothes always appeared sharp and rugged, while the suit rendered him more profound and mysterious.


    He was, undeniably, strikingly handsome.


    Freya rose to her feet, about to ask if they were departing, when her phone vibrated insistently in her pocket.


    She extracted it to discover her father calling and swiped to answer.


    "Will you returnter?" Hugh questioned, still contemting how to address the Shaw family at the uing


    event.


    "Yes," Freya confirmed.


    Her clothes remained at the hotel.


    Though Lionel''s birthday celebration wasn''t extravagant enough to demand formal attire, she couldn''t appear too casual either.


    "When do you expect to return? Should I arrange transportation?" Hugh asked, attentive to every detail.


    Freya declined the offer. "That won''t be necessary. I''ll return to the hotel with Kristian and make my way over independently."


    The hotel where they were staying stood just a ten-minute walk from Lionel''s birthday venue.


    The mention of Kristian''s name triggered Hugh''s paternal instincts. Why was Freya with Kristian?


    He wanted to question, but trusting in Freya''s judgment, he simply said, "Let me know when you arrive. I''ll be waiting "


    "Certainly," Freya agreed.


    After ending the call, she prepared to ask Kristian about their departure, only to discover him observing her intently.


    She met his gaze without hesitation and asked, "Are we heading back to the hotel now, or do you have other matters to attend to?"


    If he had othermitments, she''d simply proceed on her own.


    However, securing transportation from the Shaw estate presented a challenge; she would need to walk a


    considerable distance to locate a taxi.


    "Was that your father calling?" Kristian''s resonant voice broke the silence.


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    Chapter 183 No inclination to Revisit former Btionships


    Treya stared at him, wordlessly


    "Let''s go," Kristian directed, guiding her toward the vehide Once they had settled mode, he muret Which hotel are you and your father staying at? I''ll drive you there 1''d fove to me intim


    "Kristian," Freya began, feelingpelled to establish boundaries.


    Kristian turned toward her. "Yes?"


    "We''re divorced. Please maintain distance from my family. Freya valued her getary mitensely


    Kristian regarded her intently. "Have you misinterpreted something


    Treya''s brow furrowed in confusion.


    "I merely wanted to say hi to your father. 1 have no other intentions Kastan expand vah remaiposure, his expression convincingly sincere.


    Freya clenched her teeth, genuinely tempted to strike him. Did he truly believe she would buy ins wanted


    She contemted engaging in an argument but ultimately decided again in Dingenting nin would see a the most effective retaliation.


    In Kristian''s assessment, he had anticipated at least some reaction from Freya, pedags even a stay rest


    Since their encounter earlier that day, she had barely exchanged words with him.


    If this patem pestre s prospects for reconciliation would be nonexistent.


    He yearned to engage with her, whether through ordinary conversation or even heated degenen de (simply wanted to upy space in her thoughts. "Freya," he ventured.


    Freya, gazing absently through the window, responded with detachment, "When?"


    "Why did you conceal your family background when we married?" Kristian remanen gergieser by the f


    Unwilling to engage in meaningful conversation, Freya deflemed, "Because I feared you would fare meny wealth."


    Kristian found himself momentarily speechless.


    He persisted, "Then why refuse to remarry me now?"


    "You ask me why?" Freya felt irritation rising at the mere contemtion


    Did he really have no idea why?


    Kristian''s eyes darkened significantly. "If you continue to worry about my marest in your wealth, we trait arrange a prenuptial agreement. If your hesitation stems from my divorcing you for kettles, then perhaps you should remarry me and utilize my financial resources to express your anger


    "Money is thest thing Ick," Freya responded with unrestrained candoz


    Kristian fell silent for several moments


    In that fleeting interval, he genuinely wished she remained the ordinary woman she had initially appeared to be


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    Chapter 183 No Inclination To Revisit Former Rtionships


    He could have provided for her, offered assistance when needed. But the present Freyacked nothing.


    "Not everyone possesses your naivety," Freya couldn''t resist remarking "I avoid repeating past mistakes, and I have no inclination to revisit former rtionships."


    "Do you truly harbor such intense dislike for me?" Kristian disyed visible agitation at her words.


    "Yes," Freya answered without hesitation.


    "How unfortunate." Kristian''s eyes revealed an emotion previously absent from them, and his voice deepened noticeably "The more dismissively you behave, the more fascinated I b

 Chapter 184

    Chapter 184 You Don''t


    Stand A Chance


    Freya shot Kristian a sharp look.


    She really wanted to snap at him. But in the end, she mped her mouth shut and turned toward the window, shutting off everything about him like flipping a mental switch.


    The ride rolled on in a thick, weighty silence.


    Kristian pulled up and dropped her off at the hotel where she was staying.


    Freya stepped out of the car with swift resolve, not sparing him a single nce as she strode toward the


    entrance.


    Kristian stayed put for a while, watching her until she disappeared into the building before he finally drove away.


    He made his way back to Lionel''s birthday banquet.


    The moment he stepped into the hotel lobby, he spotted Cyril lounging in the same chair as before.


    Catching sight of him, Cyril stood up at once and came over, his eyes flicking behind Kristian, scanning for Freya. Not seeing her, he asked, "Kristian, where''s Freya? Didn''t shee back with you?"


    Kristian paused mid-stride, his expression darkening like a storm rolling in.


    Cyril shifted on his feet, unsettled by the weight of that stare. "Wh-what''s wrong?"


    "Do you have a crush on her?" Kristian asked, his height adding to the pressure of his presence, which felt as suffocating as it was intense.


    Cyril scratched his head awkwardly, like a kid caught with a schoolyard crush. "Well... yeah, a little. She''s beautiful, sweet, and just... has this great vibe."


    Kristian ran his fingers along the edge of his phone, tension radiating off him.


    "Do you even know who she is?" His voice dropped lower, cold and tight, frustration curling through his chest. Cyril blinked in confusion. "Huh?"


    "She''s my ex-wife." The words sliced clean through the air, his toneced with a warning-Freya wasn''t up for grabs


    But Cyril, being who he was, rarely picked up on subtle messages or heavy undertones.


    Hearing that, he replied without missing a beat, "Don''t worry, I''ll treat her well."


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    Chapter 184 You Don''t Stand A Chance


    Kristian''s gaze turned cial. Was this guy seriously this dense?


    "If you don''t trust me, I can even make a promise to my dad and the others. I''ll treat her right," Cyril added, mistaking Kristian''s intensity for concern over his past reputation. "From now on, if I even think about partying, I''ll transfer all my assets to Freya''s name."


    "She doesn''t like men who''ve been around too many women," Kristian said tly, each word carrying deliberate weight.


    "I was just fooling around!" Cyril rushed to exin, terrified of losing his shot. "I swear, I''ve only ever put an arm around a girl''s waist-nothing more!"


    He wasn''t the kind of guy who slept around; in fact, he was still a virgin.


    Kristian''s eyes locked onto him, cold and unreadable.


    Sensing disbelief, Cyril doubled down. "Seriously! If you don''t believe me, you can ask my friends."


    "She likes men who are steady and mature," Kristian added,nding another blow.


    Anyone with half a brain would''ve gotten the message loud and clear by now- Kristian wasn''t trying to discourage him.


    But Cyril was too dense.


    "Feelings can grow with time," he said cheerfully. "Maybe she likes mature guys now because she hasn''t seen how fun someone younger can be." He shed a smile, a dimple forming on his cheek. "Don''t worry, Kristian. I''m not backing down over something like this!"


    Kristian felt the irritation bubbling in his chest, demanding to be let out.


    He stared at Cyril, his tone razor-sharp. "Is that so?"


    "Yes."


    "Do you even know who your rival is?"


    Cyril''s whole body stiffened.


    He hesitated before asking, "You mean... Trent Seymour?"


    "Yes," moving


    "Oh, that''s fine then. Trent''s just like you," Cyril said, his words careless and oblivious.


    In fact, he looked a little hopeful. "If you couldn''t keep her, Trent probably won''t either. That means I''ve still got a shot!"


    Whatever hints Kristian had been dropping before, they were gone now-his coldness was no longer subtle. He stepped forward, his presence swallowing the space between them. "And what if I''m your rival?" Cyril froze, the air catching in his throat as his heart picked up speed.


    "Do you still think you''ve got a chance?" Kristian''s voice was low and steady, but the chill in his eyes didn''t


    waver.


    28.7%


    Cyril wanted to say that Freya had already divorced him-that technically meant he''d already lost.


    Fighting someone who''d already failed shouldn''t even count.


    But the words stuck. Kristian''s aura was too much.


    "Maybe I didn''t make myself clear earlier," Kristian said, his tone colder than ever. "Let me put it inly-Freya is mine."


    Cyril felt himself starting to sweat under the weight of that stare, especially with how deliberately Kristian was cornering him.


    "Even though we''re divorced now, I''ll win her back someday," Kristian said, and there was no room for debate in his voice. "You don''t stand a chance. Got it?"


    Whatever little hope Cyril had left was crumbling fast. "But... but why did Lionel..."


    "That''s something you can ask him," Kristian cut in, clearly done with the conversation. Then came the final blow. "While you''re still not too deep in, walk away. Don''t end up with nothing."


    In that moment, all of Cyril''s excitement copsed.


    He''d finally met someone who made his heart skip at just one nce. He''d already nned the dinner spots, the fun outings, the gifts he''d shower her with once they got back to Alerith. He''d even drafted his whole pursuit strategy in his head.


    Kristian, sensing his message hadnded, felt the frustration in his chest ease, though his gaze stayed frigid.


    "Wait!" Cyril called out as Kristian turned to leave.


    Kristian paused and looked back at him.


    Cyril''s palms were slick with sweat, nerves frayed and raw.


    But he had to ask the question burning inside him. "Can I ask... why did you two


    get divorced?"


    If Kristian really loved her, how did it all fall apart?


    Kristian''s expression hardened further.


    Was this guy still clinging to some kind of hope?


    "I just want to know if there''s really no chance at all," Cyril said, his voice tight as


    he stood there, braving the chill in Kristian''s eyes.


    Sometimes in life, you met someone and just knew they were the one.


    If you didn''t go after it, you''d regret it forever.


    Kristian didn''t offer a direct answer. Instead, he said, "If you really want to know, ask her yourself."


    With that, he turned and walked off, not bothering to give Cyril another second.


    Cyril opened his mouth, wanting to ask where Freya was now, why she hadn''te back with him.


    But as he watched Kristian''s distant figure disappear, cold and unreachable, the words never came. He stood frozen in ce, swallowed by a mix of emotions, as the fragile thread of hope unraveled in his h~~>


    100.0%


    ...

 Chapter 185

    Chapter 185 You''ve Got As Good A Shot As


    Shot As Anyone


    Now that Kristian hadid his feelings for Freya bare, Cyril''s own feelings for her deepened, taking root before he even realized it.


    When Liam strolled back after wrapping up his tasks, he spotted Cyril standing off to the side, looking thoroughly dejected. Clueless about what had gone down, Liam stepped closer and asked, "What''s with the face? You look like you just got hit by a truck."


    "Liam... Cyril''s heart was in knots.


    Liam quirked a brow. "What?"


    Why did Cyril look like someone who''d just gotten dumped before he even had the chance to date?


    "You knew Freya was your brother''s ex-wife. Why didn''t you say anything?" Cyril asked, his voiceced with


    unease.


    Liam stopped in his tracks. "Who told you that?¡±


    "Kristian," Cyril muttered, feeling like the fairytale romance he''d been dreaming of had shattered in an instant. Liam let out augh, low and amused, his usual aloofness tinged with something knowing.


    So Kristian had finally made his move. Typical.


    Cyril''s frown deepened. "What''s so funny about that?"


    "Does it really matter that she used to be Kristian''s wife?" Liam''s voice was unbothered, a slight arch in his brow. "Or is it just the fact that she''s married bothering you?"


    "No! Absolutely not!" Cyril quickly threw up his hands, panicked.


    He didn''t even know why, but if someone had asked him whether he could ept


    a divorcee, his answer would''ve been a firm no.


    But now, he was open to the idea.


    All he wanted was a love that felt right.


    "Kristian told me Freya likes mature and steady men. Said she''s his," Cyril admitted, sounding a little defeated. "He told me to back off now before I end up with nothing."


    "My sister-inw''s single now," Liam said without hesitation, stating it as in fact. ¡°Anyone''s free to go after her. In the end, it''s her choice. Not my brother''s."


    Those words sparked a flicker of hope in Cyril''s chest.


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    Chapter 185 You''ve Got As Good A Shot As Anyone


    But still...


    "You still call her Sister-inw?"


    "Just haven''t gotten around to changing it," Liam answered matter-of-factly.


    "If you''re serious about her, go for it," Liam added, unbothered by any potential fallout from his brother. "You''ve got as good a shot as anyone."


    At the moment, no one else had a clue about this exchange between the two of them.


    Freya hadn''t expected that brushing Kristian off in the car would drive him toy im to any potential suitors the second he got to the hotel.


    Once she returned to the hotel, she headed straight for Hugh.


    The moment Hughid eyes on her, he hesitated, clearly holding something back, unsure if he should say it or keep quiet for her sake.


    Freya walked into the room and asked casually, "Something on your mind?"


    "You and Kristian..." Hugh started but couldn''t bring himself to finish.


    "He asked me to go back to the Shaw estate with him to grab something," Freya said withpleteposure.


    "That''s it."


    Only then did Hugh finally rx.


    Freya set her phone down on the table and went to rinse her hands. Just as she disappeared into the washroom, her phone buzzed-n was calling.


    n was feeling jittery.


    He nced at the screenshots Toby had sent him and asked with a touch of exasperation, ¡°Why are you only telling me now about something this major?"


    Apparently, Edwin had sent a woman to Kristian''s way-and Kristian hadn''t turned her away.


    Wasn''t that just ssic scumbag behavior?


    Back then, Freya and Kristian were still married, weren''t they? Didn''t that count as cheating?


    "I was busy and forgot," Toby said honestly. "I only remembered when I logged into my alternate ount."


    n was stunned into silence.


    Then a thought struck him. "Wait... why were you on an alternate ount in the first ce?"


    Toby froze, his nerves kicking in.


    "You were gonna log in just to vent about me after what I said earlier, weren''t


    you?" n said tly, pinning Toby with a stare.


    Toby forced a grin, on the verge of copse. "You''re so sharp, Mr. Briggs."


    28.6%


    n was too furious to respond.


    "You better pray Mina doesn''t get upsetter," n warned, still stewing. "Or you''ll


    just give me a reason to start on you online."


    Toby''s heart sank, but he stayed quiet.


    If n really did that, Toby was pretty sure his future would be bleak and hopeless,


    "Why isn''t Mina picking up?" n grumbled, calling again after the first attempt went unanswered.


    Freya came back after rinsing her hands and spotted the missed call. Just as she was about to return it, the screen lit up again.


    She answered, ced the phone on the table, and turned on the speaker while peeling an orange.


    "Mina."


    "Yeah."


    "I just got word from Toby," n began, seated in his office with the screenshotsid out in front of him. Truth be told, he was nervous. What if she couldn''t take it and broke down?


    Freya popped a slice of orange in her mouth and said, "What is it?"


    "What kind of man do you think Kristian is?" n figured he should ease her into it-it was a heavy thing to drop out of the blue.


    He didn''t know the details of their divorce, but if it turned out Kristian had slept


    with someone else, surely Freya wouldn''t be okay with that.


    As the question hung in the air, Hugh instinctively looked at Freya.


    She replied without missing a beat, "A scumbag."


    Hugh and n couldn''t have agreed more.


    "Was the divorce because he cheated?" n asked carefully.


    Freya paused mid-peel, a flicker of something crossing her eyes. "Why are you asking me that?"


    Frederick might enjoy gossip, but he only shared it with their close circle and her father. He wouldn''t b.


    And Kristian wouldn''t admit it either.


    "Toby told me something just now," n said, still unsure how to phrase it. "It''s about Kristian."


    Freya froze, the orange halfway to her lips.


    Hugh stopped what he was doing, ncing between Freya and the phone, silently asking if he could join in.


    Freya gave him a small nod, then replied to n, "What did he say?"


    "This might sting a little," n warned, hating to be the bearer of bad news. But


    she had the right to know. "I don''t know if it''s true, though."


    59.9%


    ...


    People were saying some woman was sent to Kristian, and he didn''t turn her


    away. Whether anything actually happened-no one knew. Maybe he just felt sorry for her and sent her home.


    n wasn''t trying to defend him, but he didn''t want to see Freya get crushed


    again.


    Freya, having already started to let go, said calmly, "Say it. I''m listening."


    "Kristian might''ve slept with someone else," n said, cautiously. Then added,


    "But it''s just a maybe. Not confirmed."


    Freya went still, her eyes locked on the phone.


    Rmended for you


    TOO LATE FOR REGRET

 Chapter 186

    Chapter 186 Why Prolong Her Suffering


    Kristian slept with another woman? Freya instantly rejected the notion.


    Kristian might behave abrasively, but infidelity seemed beyond his character.


    When Ashley''s return loomed, he had confronted Freya directly and even vacated their shared bedroom-his tactlessness disyed withplete transparency.


    "This usation must be false," Freya concluded firmly.


    Hugh''s stomach tightened with anxiety, unable to dismiss his growing unease.


    n appeared equally troubled by the revtion.


    "Tell me everything," Freya urged, noticing n''s difort. "I''ll determine the truth myself."


    n wavered, caught in uncertainty.


    Freya had already dismissed the allegation as false.


    If he divulged more details, she would likely remain steadfast in her denial.


    The prolonged silence prompted Freya to ask, "Why have you gone quiet?"


    "Toby heard from insiders that Kristian..." n began clearly before his voice faded into indistinct mumbling, leaving Freya straining to catch his words.


    She increased the volume on her device. "I missed that. Speak up, please." Conflicting emotions tore at n''s resolve.


    Toby whispered urgently, "Just tell her. She deserves to know eventually. Why prolong her suffering?"


    n''s brow creased with tension as emotions swirled within him. Finally, he mustered his courage. "Toby heard from insiders that Edwin Newman once sent a woman to Kristian, and Kristian epted. Multiple people witnessed this firsthand."


    The moment those words escaped his lips, n''s heart thundered in his chest.


    He held his breath, awaiting Freya''s response.


    "What did you just say?" Hugh erupted with indignation.


    "Uncle Hugh..." n nearly wept, his heart plummeting. "I didn''t realize you were listening"


    Hugh''s chest heaved with fury, his eyes zing with righteous anger. The revtion stunned him beyond


    measure.


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    Chapter 186 Why Prolong Her Suffering


    "I confirmed Kristian had epted the woman," n continued, daring not equivocate, ¡°but what transpired. after they checked into the hotel remains unknown."


    "Could there be any alternative exnation?" Hugh''s anger intensified.


    He had previously resolved to maintain civility following Kristian''s respectful visit,


    but now? How dare Kristian betray his daughter? Infidelity crossed an unforgivable line.


    n shared this sentiment, cautiously inquiring, "Is Mina handling this okay?"


    Hugh finally turned to gauge Freya''s reaction.


    Strangely, she appeared... unmoved.


    "Mina, are you..." Hugh faltered, uncertain whether she was genuinely unaffected or simply paralyzed by shock.


    "I already knew about this incident," Freya interjected before further spection could bloom. "Back then..."


    Hugh gaped at her in astonishment.


    "You knew?" Hugh eximed, stunned by this revtion.


    Was Kristian''s affair the catalyst for their divorce?


    Freya sighed deeply. Would they allow her toplete a single thought?


    "Why did you never tell me?" Hugh demanded, speaking so rapidly that Freya couldn''t interject. ¡°Kristian dared to cheat on you. I''ll expose his actions immediately."


    "I haven''t finished exining. Please don''t interrupt," Freya said firmly.


    Hugh''s temper red, his gaze smoldering with indignation.


    How could he remain calm about such a betrayal? The situation was infuriating!


    "The woman he took was me," Freya rified, fearing their escting agitation. She cut to the heart of the


    matter.


    Hugh stared in bewilderment.


    n appeared equally perplexed.


    Both men remained speechless. What could Freya possibly mean? Neither seemed capable ofprehending her statement.


    ¡°She was injured at the time. I discovered Edwin was responsible and intended


    to confront him," Freya borated, "but I never anticipated Kristian would be present."


    At that time, they were still in the divorce waiting period.


    Their rtionship had deteriorated significantly because of Ashley, and through aplex series of events, what followed simply happened.


    "Then how did that transform into Edwin sending you to him?" n struggled to piece together the narrative.


    "I orchestrated it," Freya stated inly. "I wanted Edwin to send me to the hotel so


    I could confront him physically and provoke his retaliation."


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    Chapter 186 Why Prolong Her Suffering


    n grew increasingly confused. "Retaliation?"


    He wanted to question if Freya had lost her mind by deliberately inviting someone''s vengeance, but familial respect kept him silent. Freya undoubtedly had


    her reasons.


    "He manipted Emil into harming She. I needed to teach him a lesson," Freya exined. ¡°Once he retaliated, I could gather evidence to ensure his imprisonment."


    After hearing her exnation, Hugh and n finally grasped the situation.


    They recognized how fortunate they were to have Freya as an ally, facing her as an adversary would have proven disastrous


    "Nevertheless, Kristian''s behavior remains inexcusable," Hugh dered, his animosity toward Kristian intensifying. "His actions create the impression that Mina can be easily exploited."


    The possibility troubled him deeply-if those who had dined with Kristianter encountered Freya, they might harbor inappropriate thoughts toward her.


    This realization ignited Hugh''s indignation.


    "I''ve decided!" Hugh asserted with unprecedented seriousness. "I must publicly disclose your identity to prevent any misinterpretations."


    "I fully support making your identity known," n chimed in, reinforcing Hugh''s position.


    Freya had consistently maintained a low profile, never formally introduced to the public sphere.


    Even during Briggs Group''s annual gatherings, Ethel had always served as the family representative.


    "That won''t be necessary," Freya countered, preferring her anonymity. "The current arrangement suits me perfectly-allowing freedom of movement without excessive scrutiny."


    Once her identity became public knowledge, countless responsibilities would demand her attention.


    She harbored a distinct aversion to meaningless social engagements and frivolous gossip. Above all, she detested bing a subject of public discourse.


    If Hugh revealed her identity now, media outlets would fabricate numerous narratives based on unfounded assumptions-questioning why Ethel maintained a public presence while Freya remained hidden, or worse, specting whether Freya might be an illegitimate child concealed for decades.


    Freya wanted no part in such scenarios.


    "n, 1 need to prepare for Lionel''s birthday celebration with my dad," Freya informed n, clearly signaling the conversation''s conclusion. "I must go now." "Alright," n replied, his tone reflecting his inner conflict.


    After disconnecting the call, Freya set her phone aside and resumed eating her fruit, treating the preceding conversation as though it had been entirely unremarkable.


    Hugh observed her with a sense of guilt, wondering if he had failed to provide Freya with adequate support throughout the years.


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    Chapter 186 Why Prolong Her Suffering


    "Mina."


    "Yes?" Freya looked up at him expectantly.


    Knowing Hugh disliked oranges, she hadn''t prepared any for him.


    Seated across from her on the sofa, Hugh reflected on their history before asking thoughtfully, "If you could begin again, would you choose to make your identity public from the star


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 Chapter 187

    Chapter 187 Do You Really Not Like Younger Men


    If Freya had been publicly recognized as Hugh''s daughter from the very beginning, she and Kristian might never have had a reason to cross paths-or at the very least, things wouldn''t have ended up like this.


    Even if Kristian had wanted to make a move, he''d have had to weigh the alliance between their families and all the otherplications that came with it.


    That thought alone left a tangled mess of emotions churning in Hugh''s chest.


    "No, I wouldn''t have," Freya replied, her voice steady and resolute,


    Hugh turned his gaze toward her.


    She could see straight through him and went on, "Even if I''d been known as your daughter from the start, it wouldn''t have stopped Kristian from filing for divorce. That oue would''ve stayed the same."


    Kristian, like her, already had everything. Even if he had known who she really was, he still would''ve ended the marriage the moment he''d made up his mind.


    "Mina..." Hugh''s heart ached, haunted by the sense that he''d never truly protected her.


    "What''s done is done." Freya didn''t want him dwelling on it. "I''ve never once regretted the choices I made." Even if the marriage had been a disaster, she had no regrets.


    She''d put in the effort. She''d fought for it. But in the end, the story still didn''t have a happy ending-so she chose a different chapter.


    Life doesn''t wait. You keep walking, no matter the road. There are countless crossroads in life, and whichever turn you take, you shouldn''t look back with regret.


    "Don''t overthink it, Dad," Freya added gently, "I''m really happy right now."


    Hugh stared at her for a long moment, then said nothing more.


    In the blink of an eye, evening arrived.


    Treya changed into something more elegant and left with Hugh for the hotel where Lionel''s birthday banquet was taking ce.


    By the time they stepped into the venue, the ce was already buzzing with guests. Unlike typical business gatherings, tonight''s crowd hade solely to celebrate, not to talk shop.


    The moment Freya and Hugh entered, Kristian and his group took notice.


    Isaac and Melinda approached with warm smiles.


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    Chapter 157 bis You feally fit Like Younger Men


    Their intention was obvious. Their son had left a bad impression on the Briggs family, and they couldn''t afford to let that linger


    The two of them made polite conversation with Hugh, drifting between topics about thepany and the tangled history between Kristian and Freya.


    It was a scene Hugh hadn''t seening


    "Mr. Briggs, let''s sit over there and chat," Isaac offered with a courteous smile. "My dad''s there too. He''s been thinking about meeting you


    Almost instinctively, Hugh nced at Freya. He didn''t feel right just leaving her standing there alone.


    "Kristian and Liam will keep Freyapany," Melinda chimed in kindly. "There''s nothing to worry about."


    What Hugh wanted to say was, "I''m worried precisely because Kristian''s here." But clearly, this wasn''t the time or ce to say such a thing to Kristian''s parents.


    "Go ahead and say hello to Lionel, Freya said, understanding exactly what he was thinking, "I''lle over in a bit"


    "Alright then." With no other option, Hugh went along


    The gift from Briggs Group had already been sent earlier through a secretary.


    There was no need for another presentation.


    Once Hugh left, Freya scanned the room for a quiet spot to sit. She figured she''d wait until the crowd around Lionel thinned out before heading over to greet him.


    Right now, too many guests were offering their well-wishes, and Lionel was clearly swamped.


    But just as she turned to walk away, Kristian, who had been standing nearby, reached out and caught her arm, his eyes unreadable


    Since the moment they walked in, Freya hadn''t so much as nced in his direction.


    "What are you doing?" Freya yanked her arm back, her face cool and distant.


    "My parents asked me to take care of you," Kristian replied, his breath slightly chilly, though his eyes held an intense gaze. "I have to stay by your side tonight." Freya looked him over. "Suit yourself."


    She didn''t believe he could do anything if she chose to stay quiet.


    She settled in a less crowded corner, not expecting him to keep his gaze locked on her the entire time.


    Ten minutes passed, and Freya finally turned toward him, her voice blunt. "Can you stop staring at me like


    that?"


    "If you don''t want to be bothered by some suitor, then at least talk to me like a normal person.¡± Kristian''s eyes were dark, making it hard to read his mood.


    Freya rose to her feet, intending to find another seat.


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    Chapter 187 Do You Really Not Like Younger Men


    Kristian spoke first. "Cyril rkson has a thing for you. If you leave my side, he''ll rush over in a heartbeat."


    "Is that so?" Freya asked.


    "It is." Kristian''s voice had a low, steady weight to it.


    "Then why should I stay near you?" Her words made him pause. "Isn''t it far more pleasant to be with someone who actually likes me, instead of my ex-husband?"


    Kristian''s expression darkened instantly. "Freya!"


    "Go ahead," Treya shot back coolly, "raise your voice. Let everyone hear,


    especially your parents. Let them see exactly how well you''re taking care of me."


    She didn''t hold back on the sarcasm, stressing the phrase "taking care" like a sharp jab.


    Kristian''s anger red on the spot.


    But Freya didn''t spare him another nce.


    She walked off and found a spot far away from him.


    Cyril had been keeping an eye on Freya since she arrived. Seeing her with Kristian had stirred something unpleasant in him.


    He had initially nned to hang around his friends to take his mind off things.


    But then he noticed Kristian and Freya seated apart. And it was Freya who had moved away.


    At that moment, he sensed his chance. Without hesitation, he straightened his posture and made his way toward her, Kristian''s presence be damned.


    Kristian was still fuming, but out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Cyril walking up and sitting beside Freya.


    A sudden chill swept through him. Cyril seriously needed to be taught a lesson. "Freya!" Cyril greeted her with a cheerful smile, eyes full of eagerness. "Mind if I sit here?"


    "Go ahead" Freya hesitated briefly at his arrival but gave her consent.


    She didn''t have the habit of burying herself in her phone during free moments. Instead, she asionally nced toward Hugh to check on him.


    Cyril sat beside her, a little tense, unsure whether or not he should speak his mind.


    After a while, Freya noticed his difort.


    She couldn''t ignore a living, breathing person sitting right next to her. Seeing him hesitate again and again, she finally asked, "Something wrong?"


    "1... yeah. Kind of " Cyril stumbled over his words.


    "Say it."


    "Do you still love Kristian?" Cyril asked, summoning all his courage. Afraid she


    might not know who he meant, he quickly added, "I mean Kristian Shaw."


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    Chapter 187 Do You Really Not Like Younger Men


    Freya blinked, surprised by the question.


    Just as she was about to respond, Kristian appeared and interrupted, "Still


    refusing to give up?"


    Cyril was startled. He turned and stiffened upon seeing Kristian. What the hell was he doing here?


    "Didn''t I tell you she''s not into younger guys?" Kristian said, his voice slow and cold. "Technically, you''re a few months younger than her."


    "Do you really not like younger men?" Cyril still wanted to hear it from Freya


    herself.


    Freya hesitated. If it had been a straightforward confession, she would''ve politely declined.


    But this question caught her off guard. After a pause, she finally said, "Liking someone isn''t about age or looks. It''s about understanding."


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 Chapter 188

    Chapter 188 Stop Wasting Your Time


    Kristian''s frosty starended squarely on Freya''s face the moment those words left her lips, his expressionced with undisguised disbelief. "Really?"


    Freya, ever the aesthete, had always held a deep appreciation for good-looking people.


    And Kristian knew that better than anyone.


    "What''s there to doubt? Haven''t you heard the saying?" she asked, her voice unbothered, her eyes slowly drifting toward him.


    Kristian didn''t say a word. He simply stared at her, as though bracing himself for whatever warped reasoning she was about to throw at him.


    "Beauty is in the eye of the beholder," Freya said inly, her features softening into something sincere. "As long as I like someone, I''ll find them attractive no matter how they look."


    "Do you actually believe that?" Kristian asked, dragging the words out with quiet skepticism.


    Freya met his gaze and responded without a flicker of hesitation. "Why wouldn''t I believe my own words?" Freya


    With that single line, something shifted between them-something strange, tense, and undefined.


    A memory flitted through Kristian''s mind-Freya once asking him, "Did you not believe anything I said?"


    "Can we exchange contacts?" Cyril asked then, mustering his courage, still visibly uneasy in Kristian''s presence. "So we can keep in touch when we''re back in Alerith."


    "Sure," Freya said, already reaching into her purse for her phone.


    Kristian quietly moved between them, standing directly in front of Cyril. "Eaton is calling you. Shouldn''t you head over?"


    Cyril blinked in confusion. He turned his head on instinct, only to see no one there.


    ¡°Eaton didn''t call me..." he began, but Kristian had already whisked Freya away.


    It dawned on Cyril then-Kristian wasn''t just being protective. Kristian genuinely didn''t want him anywhere near Freya


    Kristian held Freya''s hand openly, guiding her across the hotel lobby into a quiet side corridor tucked away from the crowd


    Freya tugged against his grip, but his hold was unrelenting, his fingers mped so tightly around hers it felt like they might snap her bones. If it hadn''t been Lionel''s grand birthday celebration, she might''ve lost it right then and there.


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    Chapter 188 Stop Wasting Your Time


    What an absolute brute. It hurt like hell.


    With a heavy thud, Kristian shoved her against the corridor wall, boxing her in.


    There wasn''t a soul in sight, and the distance from the main hall meant no one would hear even if things escted.


    "What the hell is wrong with you?" Freya scowled, wincing as her back throbbed from the impact.


    "Do you really like that boyish Cyril?" Kristian snapped, irritation bubbling beneath his calm fa?ade.


    He had convinced himself that after everything, he owed Freya an apology-he should go along with her wishes, stop pushing her.


    But it was clear now-he had miscalcted. Whether he treated her right or not, she would still rather talk to some stranger like Cyril than give him the time of day.


    If this kept up, she''d never agree to remarry him.


    "What I like or dislike has nothing to do with you," Freya shot back,pletely fed up. "And in what role are you asking?"


    Kristian faltered.


    Freya pressed on, "As my ex-husband? Or someone hoping to start over?"


    "Didn''t you say you wouldn''t speak to me again?" Kristian asked, his voice dropping to a low, bitter chill.


    Freya stayed silent. He really was losing it.


    She didn''t want to waste another minute in his presence. "Step aside."


    "You haven''t answered my question," Kristian said stubbornly, his eyes fixed on hers.


    "I don''t owe you an answer," Freya said coolly, her patience nearly gone. "And if you don''t move, I won''t hold back."


    The ce was deserted, after all.


    Her outfit might not have been ideal for a fight, but that didn''t mean she wouldn''t throw down if she had to.


    "Try me," Kristian challenged, his jaw tight.


    Freya swung her arm to punch him, but he caught her hand in a sh.


    Without missing a beat, she lifted her leg to kick him, but he pivoted, dodging just in time.


    "Today''s Lionel''s birthday. I don''t want to cause a scene here," Freya warned, always one to respect her elders. "You''d better know when to quit."


    "You talk like you''re on some moral high ground, just to hide the fact that your heart''s already somewhere else," Kristian said, knowing she wasn''t that kind of woman-but that didn''t mean he wanted to let her walk away so easily.


    Even if it meant arguing. Even if it meant fighting. He needed there to be something-anything-between them. Freya looked at him like he was some kind of idiot and shot back, "Even if I have changed my heart, at least I


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    Chapter 188 Stop Wasting Your Time


    didn''t start seeing someone else before the divorce papers were signed."


    "I''m not in touch with her anymore," Kristian muttered, his voice clipped, his lips barely moving


    "That''s only because she doesn''t want you. If she''de back just for you, if the terminal illness thing was actually true," Freya retorted. "wouldn''t you already be hitched to her by now?"


    Kristian''s brows knit together, the depth of her words settling into his features. And then he asked, "Does that really matter to you?"


    Freya didn''t respond.


    She truly couldn''t bear being near someone so utterly clueless.


    She genuinely couldn''t fathom how someone like him had been raised by people


    as wise and kind as Isaac, Melinda, and Lionel.


    "There''s no use continuing this conversation," she said tly, done with the whole mess. "I have nothing left to say to you."


    If it weren''t for the man she needed to catch, she would''ve cut ties with Kristianpletely.


    Yet even now, she still hadn''t figured out why that man had chosen Kristian as a target.


    "I can make things right for what happened before," Kristian offered, clutching her arm, his tall frame radiating an intense, heavy presence. "You don''t have to carry that weight alone..."


    "Kristian," Freya interrupted him sharply.


    His eyes immediately locked on her.


    "I''ll say this onest time. What happened before is beyondpensation," she said, her voice steely, her usualposure now edged with seriousness. "No matter what you do, I''m not remarrying you.


    So stop wasting your time."


    "Does it really have to end like this?" Kristian asked, his voice dropping into a low, bitter chill.


    "You''re the one dragging it out," Freya said, shaking her head. "When we were married, you wanted a divorce. Now that we''re divorced, you want to get back together. Are you even thinking straight?"


    Kristian''s eyes darkened, and he said, "Back then, I just wanted closure."


    If Ashley had really left because she was sick, he felt like he owed her something-


    he should give her a future.


    If Freya knew what he was thinking, she might''ve decked him right there.


    "If your first love left you because of a terminal illness and didn''t want to burden you,¡± Kristian said, "and came backter after getting cured, wouldn''t you leave me for him?"


    He still remembered, crystal clear, the way Freya had reacted when Liam asked her to call her first love.


    She, who rarely touched alcohol, had silently downed three sses.


    "No, I wouldn''t," Freya said without blinking.


    Kristian didn''t believe her, not for a second. 63.0%


    Chapter 188 Stop Wasting Your Time


    But she didn''t care if he did or not. She simply said, "The past is the past. I take


    responsibility for my own life and my partner."


    Rmended for you


    TOOLAT FOR REGRET:


    THE GENIUS HEIRESS


    Who Shines


    Too Late For Regret: The Genius...


    Blinded in a crash, Cary was rejected by every socialite-except Evelina, who...


    Trending Stories No.3

 Chapter 189

    Chapter 189 Trent Made The Call


    Call For Her


    For Freya, starting a new rtionship meant she had already left the past behind. No matter what happened in that old rtionship, it was water under the bridge. There was no point digging up something that was already done and dusted.


    To her, life only moved forward. Clinging to the past only held back growth and stole her own happiness. Kristian asked, doubting how easily Freya could let go, "It''s easier said than be done. Can you really say you were over your first love when you married me?"


    Freya didn''t answer. She wished she had a true first love-but did she, really?


    Kristian took her silence as a confession. "If you''ve really moved on, why did you choose the punishment after Liam asked you to call him?"


    "Think what you want. I know where I stand," Freya said, not in the mood to exin.


    If she admitted Kristian was her first love, he''d either think she was still stuck in the past or just pretending. Either way, what was the point?


    Not wanting to waste another second, Freya used Lionel''s birthday as an excuse. "The banquet''s about to begin. If you keep standing here with me, you''ll miss your grandpa''s celebration."


    "I won''t let you get involved with Cyril," Kristian said as he walked off, still wondering if Freya had feelings for Cyril.


    Once, he''d have sworn she didn''t.


    But today, she tried to exchange numbers with Cyril-something she rarely did with strangers.


    Freya didn''t respond.


    After he left, she leaned against the wall to collect herself. She thought about how marrying Kristian had a lot to do with falling for a handsome face. She wondered if she could ever break that pattern-or if she''d always be one temptation away from a mistake.


    Still deep in thought, Freya took out her phone and hesitated before dialing. She needed help making a choice.


    Trent''s gentle voice came through. "Mina?"


    "I need help deciding something. Someone wants to use my past with Kristian to get back at him. Should I go along with it?" Freya asked, feeling more clear- headed.


    0.0%


    14:10


    Chapter 189 Trent Made The Call For Her


    Trent immediately picked up on the tension. "What''s bothering you?"


    "I don''t want to get tangled with Kristian again," Freya said honestly. She always spoke freely with Trent. "Once I''m back, I want n to cut off any new deals with Shaw Group,


    She didn''t care about the existing ones.


    Trent nced away from his papers and adjusted his sses. "Do what you think


    is best. And as for that person-you can still work with Kristian."


    "I can''t," Freya said. She wanted space, not more ties.


    "You can handle anything." Trent said reassuringly.


    If it had been anything else, he might have told her to walk away.


    But he knew how much Freya wanted to bring that man down-the one who nearly destroyed their team


    If he told her to step back now, she''d regret it.


    So Trent made the call for her, knowing she just needed someone to steady her.


    Freya felt a lot calmer. "Alright."


    "Did you two argue again?" Trent asked.


    "Yeah," Freya replied, brushing it off.


    "There''s something I''ve been meaning to tell you," Trent said as he opened a chat on hisptop.


    Freya raised


    brow at his formal tone. "What''s that?"


    ¡°Captain messaged me a few days ago. He asked me something about you,¡± Trent said, smiling faintly.


    Freya''s eyes widened, She couldn''t keep calm any longer.


    The Captain''s attention was never a good thing. "What did he want to know?"


    "He asked if the rumors about your marriage and divorce were true," Trent said. He was curious how the Captain even found out, given his limited ess to phone.


    Freya let out a breath. "That''s alright. As long as he didn''t ask whether I''ve gone backward in any way."


    Trent stared at the Captain''sst message, a flicker of thought in his eyes. But he chose not to tell her the Captain wasing back. If she knew, she wouldn''t sleep a wink


    "I have to go. We''ll talk when I return," Freya said as the noise outside grew louder.


    "Okay," Trent said gently.


    After ending the call, Freya stepped out. The banquet had officially begun.


    The birthday celebration flowed smoothly.


    Freya greeted Lionel and spent a bit of time with him before sitting down. Technically, she and Hugh were supposed to sit somewhere else.


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    Chapter 180 Trent Made The Call For Her


    But Lionel, trying to ease the tension, had them sit with Isaac and Melinda. By chance-or not-Freya ended up


    beside Kristian.


    Throughout the meal, Lionel kept throwing Kristian subtle nces, clearly nudging him to look after Freya instead of focusing only on himself.


    Even though he stayed cold, Kristian still used the serving spoon to offer her food.


    Freya tried to decline, but Lionel''s presence made it hard to refuse.


    Halfway through the meal, Freya felt the food might just turn her stomach.


    She didn''t want to eat what Kristian served, but with so many eyes watching, she had no choice. She forced herself to eat.


    "That''s enough. I''m full," she finally said.


    Kristian said nothing and added more food to her te.


    Freya was left speechless. He was clearly doing it on purpose!


    By the time the meal ended, Freya''s patience had run dry-though she didn''t let it


    show.


    After the banquet, Lionel had a quiet chat with Hugh, expressing regret over how the family had behaved in the past. Hugh stayed by his side, listening.


    Meanwhile, Freya headed to the restroom.


    Just before she got there, a tall figure blocked her path. He was slim, dressed in a


    suit, with a yful glint in his eyes.


    Freya recognized him right away-Felipe.


    She had no ns to talk to him. In her mind, there was nothing to say.


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 Chapter 190

    Chapter 190 A Setup


    However, just because Freya wasn''t in the mood to talk didn''t mean Felipe nned on keeping quiet.


    Noticing her tant disregard, he took a long, deliberate stride forward and stepped right into her path. "Can we talk?"


    "Talk about what?" Freya wasn''t exactly warm to most people.


    "Farrah." Felipe let the name fall from his lips, his voice edged with urgency.


    He had spent thest two weeks scouring the city, yet he hadn''t found so much as a whisper of where Farrah had gone.


    Now, Freya grasped the truth behind the old saying-birds of a feather flock together. Kristian was a jerk. So was Felipe.


    "I''ve searched everywhere," Felipe said with a forcedposure, though it was clear he was biting down on something bitter. "I just want to know where she is."


    "I don''t know." Freya''s reply came cold and clipped.


    Those three little words tested every ounce of Felipe''s patience. "Don''t try me."


    "What are you going to do about it?" Freya snapped, her frustration bubbling over, with no real outlet. "Hit me?" That shut him up. He stood there, thrown offpletely. Did Kristian have a thing for being emotionally steamrolled? Why else would he marry someone this formidable?


    Felipe, a fully grown man, stood there at a loss-struck dumb by Freya''s verbal onught.


    He felt absolutely humiliated.


    "I don''t believe in hitting women," he muttered, trying to w back some dignity. "I''m only here to ask where Farrah is. She''s my wife. I have the right to know."


    "And then what?" Freya countered smoothly.


    "Where is she? Where have you hidden her?" Felipe''s tone hardened. He was sure Freya had something to do with it.


    Freya had zero intention of entertaining that. "Farrah is a person, not a misced suitcase. I''m not hiding her." "Then why is she gone?" His temper started to crack.


    "You should be asking yourself that," Freya tossed it right back. "Why''d she leave Jeucwell? Have no clue at all?"


    "You pushed her."


    Felipe clung to that belief with maddening persistence.


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    Chapter 190 A Setup


    All he wanted was to know where Farrah was, to talk to her-just to make her understand how dangerous it would be to keep the baby.


    Freya was done. She turned on her heel to leave, not even bothering with the restroom anymore.


    Felipe blocked her again, his stance solid. "Today, you''re telling me where she is- or else..."


    "Or else what?" Freya didn''t flinch.


    Farrah needed peace, especially now. If she gave Felipe any information, it would rob Farrah of thatpletely.


    Any shock, any careless move from him could break Farrah again-and Freya wasn''t letting that happen.


    "You think I won''t touch you just because you''re a member of the Briggs family?" Felipe suddenly changed tracks, voice colder now, eyes glinting with something


    new.


    He had only learned of her identity that evening. It baffled him-this woman, so fierce and sharp-edged, was the soft-spoken Ethel''s sister?


    It was unbelievable.


    Freya couldn''t care less about his wounded pride. "Yes."


    And just like that, Felipe nearly boiled over.


    But she was right. There was nothing he could do.


    He couldn''t outfight her, outwit her, or outmatch her family''s clout.


    "If you really want to see her, then wait a few months," Freya said coolly,


    remembering Farrah''s mention of a divorce. "She''ll reach out."


    Normally, a man couldn''t file for divorce during pregnancy. But the woman? She could.


    And considering Felipe had tried to force Farrah into terminating the pregnancy, the court would be in her favor, no doubt.


    Divorce hadn''t even crossed Felipe''s mind. Freya''s words caught him off guard. "She wants to see me?"


    "She just needs time-to think, to breathe," Freya replied, choosing not to spell it out.


    That alone made Felipe pause. He assumed, perhaps rightly, that his behavior had been too much of a shock. Maybe she just wasn''t ready yet.


    That thought gave him the smallest piece of relief.


    If she still wanted to see him eventually, then he could wait.


    "Take care of her for now," Felipe said, his eyes locking onto Freya. "If you need anything, tell me.


    "No need," Freya replied tly, brushing past him without another nce.


    If she were being honest, her only request would have been for him to stay away from Farrah altogether.


    But she didn''t say it. She knew it would only trigger another round of arguments. One Kristian was more than enough she didn''t need a second version.


    29.7%


    14-10


    Chapter 190 A Setup


    Felipe watched her walk away. Once her figure disappeared down the corridor, he pulled out his phone, scrolling through his old messages with Farrah.


    Each one had failed to deliver. She had blocked him.


    He couldn''t even figure out how things had spiraled this far.


    It hadn''t always been like this.


    After leaving, Freya finally made her way to the second-floor restroom in the hotel. As she stood there, she made a quiet decision: unless absolutely necessary, she wouldn''t step foot in Jeucwell again. Not even for Lionel. She''d stay in touch online.


    She and Kristian were divorced. When it came to personal ties, that meant she owed nothing to his family anymore.


    With that in mind, Freya exhaled slowly, the air catching in her chest like it had been stuck there all night. She moved to the sink, tried a few of the automatic faucets-all broken. She finally turned to a manual one.


    But the moment she touched it, a violent burst of water came flying out, soaking her instantly.


    Had she not jumped back, she would''ve been drenched from head to toe.


    After examining the faucet''s excessive water pressure, she went to find hotel staff and report the issue.


    "I''m terribly sorry for the trouble, ma''am," the staff member said, apologizing


    sincerely before rushing to get someone to handle it.


    Freya waved it off. They then offered her a room to dry her hair.


    Seeing her damp clothes, they brought her something fresh to change into and


    even asked if she needed help drying her original outfit.


    Thinking she''d need it the next morning, Freya handed over her coat.


    Once the staff left, a change flickered through her eyes-calm, but calcting.


    Faucets at a hotel like this didn''t just malfunction. Not all of them. And especially not during such a high-profile birthday banquet.


    No, this wasn''t an ident. Someone had set this up.


    Just as that realization settled in her mind, a faint scent drifted through the air- subtle, fragrant. Freya sniffed twice, narrowing her eyes.


    She nced around the suite, trying to track down the source, but before she could get far, the half-open door creaked wider. And there he was. Kristian. Standing in the doorway like he owned the moment.


    Freya''s brows drew together instantly at the sight of him.


    Kristian stepped inside, calm and unreadable. "Where are you hurt?"


    Freya blinked. Hurt?


    100.0%

 Chapter 191

    Chapter 191 Kristian Was


    Drugged


    Tm hurt?" Freya asked.


    "A staff member said you fell earlier, and it looked serious." Kristian hade running the moment he got wind of it.


    Freya stiffened, then suddenly pieced it all together.


    Just as she opened her mouth to tell him, "You''ve been tricked," the door


    mmed shut with a sharp bang. A figure in ck-masked, hat pulled low-stood behind it.


    The noise snapped Kristian''s head around.


    In that fleeting instant, something clicked. "You''re okay?" he asked.


    "I''m fine," Freya replied, her voice asposed as ever.


    Hearing that, Kristian''s shoulders eased slightly, and he turned back to the door, trying to open it.


    (Freya''s gaze fixed on the door. If Kristian actually managed to open it, she''d be stunned.


    As expected, he yanked at it a few times, but it was sealed tight.


    Kristian''s brow furrowed. This room was more isted than the others. Everyone else was downstairs on the first floor. Even if he pounded on the door, no one would hear a thing.


    After a beat, he pulled out his phone to call for help-only to find he had no signal. Freya caught on too,


    "No signal," Kristian muttered, his face clouding over.


    "It''s probably that man behind Ashley making his move," Freya said steadily. At most, they''d be stuck in here for two or three hours.


    Once the banquet downstairs ended and her father noticed her absence, he''de looking.


    It was just a matter of riding out a few hours in the same space as someone she didn''t exactly care for.


    Kristian slipped his phone back into his pocket and started searching the room. Freya joined him. No signal meant something was jamming it.


    Still, if this was the handiwork of that man, the device wouldn''t be easy to find. He was too meticulous to leave anything behind.


    Even if they suspected him, finding solid proof was nearly impossible.


    0.0%


    1411


    They scoured the room in focused silence for ten minutes. Then, suddenly, a flush


    of heat surged through Kristian''s body. He instinctively shrugged off his jacket and loosened the top two buttons of his shirt.


    But the heat refused to relent.


    He paced a bit, then walked over to the air conditioner and lowered the temperature.


    Freya watched him with a faint frown. Was it really that warm?


    Five more minutes crawled by.


    Kristian wasn''t just overheating now-something deeper, wilder, more uncontroble was surging through him. It felt...


    Wait


    A sick realization hit him.


    He froze, focusing inward. His face darkened. He''d been drugged-without even realizing it.


    "Freya," he called, voice low and maic, thick with an edge he didn''t mean to have.


    Freya turned, her wide eyes ringed withshes, curious and watchful. She caught the look in his eyes and her brows creased. "What is it?"


    "Do you feel anything strange in your system?" Kristian asked, his voice raspier now, as the heat inside him threatened to overwhelm him.


    Freya blinked.


    Her body had always had a higher tolerance for drugs, so her reaction was slower.


    Other than the odd scent she''d noticed when she first stepped inside, nothing had felt off-she''d been too focused on tracking the source of the signal block.


    Seeing that she seemed fine, Kristian gave a warning. "Grab a towel, wet it, and cover your nose and mouth Try not to breathe the air directly."


    It wouldn''t fix everything, but it was something.


    Freya hesitated, noticing the flushed color in his cheeks.


    "Go," Kristian urged, his voice low, eyes growing darker by the second.


    Freya pulled a mask from her purse, went into the bathroom, dampened it, wrung it out, and slipped it on. The strange scent in the room faded almost instantly.


    Once she stepped out, Kristian moved toward her.


    Freya opened her mouth to ask what he was doing, but he stopped just in front of her. His voice was rough almost unfamiliar. "No matter what happens, don''te


    in."


    Freya frowned.


    "If you ignore me and I lose control and something happens, that''ll be on you." Without waiting for a response, Kristian turned and disappeared into the bathroom, locking the door behind him.


    30.1%


    1412


    Chapter 191 Kristian Was Drugged


    A momentter, the sound of running water echoed through the room.


    Freya instantly understood what he meant.


    But if he''d been drugged like that, a cold shower wouldn''t do much, would it? Kristian proved her right soon enough.


    The icy water only cooled his skin-his body burned hotter than ever. The desire surged stronger than it had an their wedding night. It was relentless, maddening.


    But one thing rang clear through it all. He couldn''t touch Freya. No matter how much they fought, how deep their resentment ran-she wasn''t his wife anymore. He couldn''t cross that line.


    "Kristian." Freya''s voice, calm and cool, floated through the door and sliced through the chaos in his head


    To him, her voice was both salvation and torture.


    Memories rose like a flood. He couldn''t afford to lose control-he''d regret it for the rest of his life.


    He clenched his fists, teeth gritted, and growled, "Don''t talk!"


    What a foolish woman. Didn''t she understand that silence was the only way to stay safe?


    "Open the door," Freya said, her tone unshakable.


    Kristian felt himself unraveling. Why couldn''t she just listen?


    He knew exactly what would happen. If he opened that door, if heid eyes on her-the beast would win


    Freya knocked on the door when he didn''t reply.


    She knocked again. And again. For two whole minutes. Inside, Kristian battled with himself


    Finally, when he could barely hold on, he ground out, "Are you ready to deal with the consequences if I open this door?"


    If she was going to insist, then he wouldn''t stop.


    "Just open the door. Stop wasting time," Freya said, her brows knitting together.


    At that, the bathroom door flung open. Kristian stood there in a loose bathrobe, breath ragged, eyes zing with heat.


    The second he saw Freya''s delicate, flushed face, something inside him snapped.


    He took a step forward, mind nk except for one raging impulse.


    But before he could act, Freya struck hard at the back of his head.


    There was a dull thud, and Kristian crumpled to the floor-unconscious.


    100.0%

 Chapter 192

    Chapter 192 You''ve Got


    Guts


    After dealing with the immediate danger, Freya hoisted Kristian onto the bed with a firm but careful touch.


    Right up until the moment he lost consciousness, he never once suspected that she''d lured him in just to knock him out cold and quietly eliminate him as a potential threat.


    For Freya, the top priority now was to hunt down the source of that intoxicating scent and the signal jammers nted around the room.


    If she stayed here too long without doing so, she knew full well that she''d eventually fall under the same influence.


    Letting Kristian continue his cold shower might''ve worked-assuming he kept hisposure. But if he snapped and came out mid-meltdown, she''d have to waste more energy just to knock him out again.


    It was far wiser to handle the situation early and keep herself safe.


    Over the next hour, Freyabed through the room with painstaking care.


    Her diligence paid off. She discovered four separate sources of the strange scent-hidden inside the TV, the speaker system, and other gadgets with vents or heat outlets. Once she cracked them open, it was obvious they''d been tampered with.


    As for the signal jammers, there were three in total.


    Whoever had set them up had done an impressive job hiding them. If Freya hadn''t found the cement of a few decorations suspicious, she never would''ve guessed their true nature.


    Thankfully, she found no hidden surveince devices.


    Once those concerns were handled, she used a damp towel and tissues to seal off the scent and shut down the jammers.


    She then double-checked every piece of equipment to confirm nothing was being remotely essed. Atst, she sank into the sofa for a brief moment of rest.


    With a few quiet moments to herself, she began putting the puzzle pieces together.


    The mastermind behind all this had suddenly ordered Ashley to stand down when Kristian began pursuing her. Ashley had mentioned that this person bore a personal grudge against him.


    Judging from the tactics used, the mastermind clearly got a kick out of psychological torment.


    It was entirely possible the n was to have Kristian fall for her-build a romance- only for her to be abducted


    and used as leverage to force Kristian to hand overpany secrets or sacrifice himself to save her.


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    If that was the endgame, it wouldn''t be too hard to counter.


    Kristian could fake falling in love, and she could y the role of the damsel in


    distress. With coordination from


    her friends, they could reel the bastard in.


    But what if she had it all wrong?


    The thought unsettled her. Her head began to spin slightly, and somethingelt off in her body.


    Still, she chose not to leave the room. Staying created the illusion that the n was working, possibly nudging the mastermind into revealing his next move.


    Leaving now would onlyplicate things.


    She nced at the time.


    Given Kristian''s earlier reaction, the scent''s effects were undeniably potent.


    She needed to stay here for at least thirty more minutes.


    Soon, the strange sensation within her grew stronger. She realized she hadn''t escaped the scent''s influence either.


    Even though she''d used a damp cloth to protect herself, the prolonged exposure was starting to take a toll- though not nearly as badly as it had with Kristian.


    With a frustrated sigh, she rubbed her temples.


    Calling for someone to open the door was out of the question. If they were being monitored, that would tip the mastermind off that his n had failed.


    Suddenly, she froze.


    The signal jammers were off now-she could make a call.


    No, she couldn''t summon help or say anything incriminating, but she could


    distract herself and regain control.


    That thought gave her focus.


    If there was one person on this who could snap her back to her senses with a single word, it was her captain.


    The only problem was she didn''t know whether he was currently on a mission or catching some much-needed


    rest.


    A knot ofplicated emotions tightening in her chest, she dialed his number.


    She chose his personal line-he only answered that one when he wasn''t at base.


    If he was at base, then she wouldn''t be calling him at all:


    As the phone rang, her heart thundered in her ears.


    Her captain was a terrifying force, a strict drill sergeant.


    Back in training, they''d all suffered under hismand.


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    < Chapter 192 You''ve Got Guts


    Even now, just hearing him say her name could make her snap to attention in an instant.


    But that was exactly the kind of jolt she needed right now.


    As long as he kept talking, she could stay anchored to the sound of his voice-no matter what her body was going through.


    Drawing a deep breath, she steadied herself.


    The sensation in her body hadn''t gone away, but she forced herself to ignore it.


    The call connected on the fourth ring. A deep,manding voice answered, "Freya?"


    "Hey, Captain," she replied, trying to sound nonchnt.


    "What is it?" His voice was smooth, almost too pleasant-more so than Kristian''s,


    even.


    Not that it mattered. In her mind, he was still the strict, no-nonsensemander from their training days.


    Choosing her words with care, she lied, "Nothing serious. I just suddenly thought of those intense training sessions. Realized it''s been two or three years since west talked. Figured I''d check in."


    "What mess have you gotten yourself into?" he asked, cutting straight through the lie without hesitation. Freya went silent.


    Did she really have that kind of reputation?


    Her captain, dressed casually at home with his sharp, handsome features, looked


    as refined as ever. "Did you lose a round of truth or dare with Trent and the


    others?"


    "Of course not..." she replied, her voice betraying a flicker of nerves.


    Using him as a way to ground herself-if he ever found out, there''d be hell to pay.


    He narrowed his eyes on the other end, his toneced with quiet warning. "Are


    you going toe clean, or should I stop by and ask in person?"


    Freya suddenly wished she hadn''t made the call at all.


    Even though the worst of the sensation had faded, her captain was thest person she wanted prying into this.


    Just then, Kristian stirred, murmuring her name. "Freya..."


    33


    The sound jolted her.


    She was usually collected under pressure, but this-this rattled her. Did her captain hear that? Hopefully not...


    "Freya..." Kristian muttered again, voice soft and filled with longing.


    "I''ve got something to take care of," she said quickly. "I''m hanging up now."


    "Freya, you''ve got guts," came her captain''s calm but dangerous reply. Freya felt the urge to exin herself.


    But his tone-oh, he''d definitely heard it. And he did not sound amused.


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    Chapter 193 She Didn''t


    Need His Protection


    4


    "I can exin." Freya squeezed the bridge of her nose, feeling like she was on the verge of unraveling.


    The silence on the other end of the line stretched, a heavy pause that made it clear her captain was waiting to see how she intended to spin this tale.


    "I''m locked in a room with a friend, and the entire ce reeks of something-an aphrodisiac,¡± she exined, her voice steady, knowing her captain would understand. "I thought calling you might help me calm down." Upon hearing that, the man couldn''t quite decide if he should be annoyed or entertained.


    Calling him to calm down? Only she would think of that.


    "Did it help?" he asked, dry amusementcing his words.


    "It did."


    "Are you safe now?"


    Yes," Freya answered without hesitation.


    Satisfied for the moment, the man eased slightly, though his tone still carried an edge.


    But now that the chaos had somewhat passed, there were a few things that needed rification. "Since you''re out of danger, we should talk about a few things."


    "About what?"


    "Your use of me as a calming mechanism." He stressed the word "calming" with deliberate weight.


    Freya''s heart sank. She''d been hoping this wouldn''te up. "What''s on your mind?"


    "We''ll talk in person," her captain replied, holding back the rest of what he really wanted to say.


    If he told her outright that she needed to take responsibility, she might lose it.


    Freya froze. Talk in person? Was heing back? Or was he nning something with the team?


    "Throw that man into the bathroom," the voice on the phone ordered casually. "And don''t forget to protect yourself just because you''re away from the team." Freya gave a quick nod, even though he couldn''t see it. "Got it."


    "That man-is it Kristian Shaw?"


    Freya''s breath hitched.


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    Chapter 193 She Didn''t Need His Protection


    She almost thought he had surveince on her. How could he possibly know that?


    "Your private life isn''t something I''ll interfere with too much," the man said, his voice cool but firm. "But there''s one thing I need to tell you."


    "What is it?"


    "Men are like teammates. If they betray you once, don''t trust them again.


    Freya swallowed. He already knew. "I understand."


    "Still need to calm down?" he asked.


    Freya mind was sharp now, crystal clear. "No need."


    "Call me if anything elsees up."


    "Alright."


    As the call ended, Freya felt the pressure in her chest finally lift.


    On the other end of the line, the man stared at his screen for a moment. His long, defined fingers pinched the bridge of his nose before he set the phone aside and returned to work.


    He believed she could handle her problem.


    Once she hung up, Freya called Liam. She told him she and Kristian had been locked inside a room. She also exined Kristian''s condition and asked Liam to buy a few things and act like he was just dropping by to check on them.


    Liam didn''t ask questions. He did exactly as she said.


    Roughly twenty minutester, a knock sounded on the door.


    Freya immediately knocked back in response, letting Liam know they were inside. Liam spotted something suspicious on the door and quickly handled it, unlocking the entrance.


    At critical times, Liam could be counted on.


    As the door swung open, he saw the situation unfold before him-Kristian was sprawled on the bed, hisplexion off-color.


    Freya stepped forward. "Hand me the items and wait outside for a bit."


    "Alright." Liam handed her the bag without hesitation.


    Even if someone was watching, they wouldn''t be able to see what he was doing,


    nor realize that it was Freya who had opened the door.


    Once Freya had everything, Liam stepped back and stood watch outside as instructed.


    Freya took one of the items he''d brought and administered it to Kristian. Then, she waited.


    About ten minutes passed before his body temperature gradually leveled out, and he finally started to stir.


    Freya switched the signal jammers back on, tossed a nce his way, and said with calm indiffere dressed and leave."


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    Chapter 193 She Didn''t Need His Protection


    Kristian stared at her, bewildered by how unfazed she looked.


    His first thought? Freya was downright cold.


    "What are you waiting for?" she asked when he continued lying there, still as stone. "You''ve been missing for over an hour. Your family might be worried."


    Kristian stayed silent. He got up, changed into fresh clothes, and adjusted is appearance, his gaze unreadable.


    Five minutester, he stood before her, fully dressed.


    "If you''re ready, leave," Freya said, walking toward the bed and starting to mess it


    up.


    "What are you doing?" Kristian asked, his body still slightly weak, mind slow to process.


    "Creating the illusion that something happened between us," Freya replied tly, devoid of emotion. "It''s necessary for whates next."


    She finished disheveling the bed without so much as a pause.


    Then she reced the scent sources in the room, removing towels and tissues.


    Soon, the air was thick with the same intoxicating fragrance as before. Kristian instinctively retreated to the bathroom, grabbing a towel to cover himself. Freya picked up her now-dry clothes, swept the room with a final nce to ensure nothing was missed, got dressed, and tied her hair back in a casual knot before opening the door to leave.


    Kristian looked toward the door, momentarily dazed. It could be opened now? "Wait." He called out, a sharp throb piercing the back of his neck.


    Freya had just stepped through when she heard him. She turned around, voice cool and distant. "What is it?"


    "Did you hit me?" Kristian asked, finally speaking the question that had been gnawing at him.


    He''d felt a sharp pain at the back of his neck after leaving the bathroom-then darkness.


    Freya didn''t bother sugarcoating it. "Yes."


    Kristian stared at her. She''d knocked him out-and she wasn''t even sorry about it?


    "Stick to the script," Freya reminded him before heading out. "The mastermind will probably make another move soon."


    She didn''t wait for his reply. She was already gone.


    Kristian stepped out after her, about to catch up-until he saw Liam standing


    outside the door.


    "What are you doing here?"


    "Freya called me," Liam replied,pletely straightforward.


    Kristian froze, thoughts churning.


    A call?


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    Chapter 193 She Didn''t Need His Protection


    in that moment, it struck him-Freya wasn''t like anyone else.


    She didn''t need his protection or his guidance. She had already handled everything-while he was unconscious. To her, it didn''t even matter if he was


    around.


    Liam noticed his brother''s strange expression. "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing Kristian muttered, tamping down his emotions. "Tell Mom and Bad to


    keep Freya''s father upied. Try to bring him home for a chat. I need to speak with Freya."


    "That might not be easy," Liam said.


    "Why?"


    "When I came up earlier, Mr. Briggs had already finished talking with them. Now


    he''s out looking for Freya." Kristian''s heart sank.

 Chapter 194

    Chapter 194 Can You Really


    Protect Me


    Kristian felt a dull, unbearable weight settle in his chest, the kind that sank deeper with every breath.


    He didn''t utter another word and quietly descended the stairs.


    Liam didn''t press him for answers, nor did he offer any help. If Kristian truly needed something, Liam knew he''d ask.


    "Kristian," he called out, quickening his steps to catch up with his brother.


    Kristian''s thoughts were entirely consumed by Freya. "What is it?"


    "If you keep dragging your feet, Freya''s never gonna end up being my sister-in-w again," Liam reminded him pointedly.


    Kristian nced sideways at him, unimpressed. Did Liam seriously think he needed his unsolicited advice?


    "Do you need me to help you win her back?" Liam offered, his grin betraying his amusement. "I mean, I can''t promise she''ll fall for you again, but I can at least try to keep her from hating your guts."


    Kristian was even less impressed now. Was this what Liam thought counted as help?


    He didn''t hesitate. "No, thanks."


    "You sure?" Liam pressed.


    Kristian didn''t answer. He just picked up his pace, heading for the hall downstairs.


    Not long after they left; a shadowy figure appeared in the room they''d just vacated. After scanning the area with sharp eyes, the person pulled out a phone and made a call.


    Thanks to the time difference, it was midday on the other end.


    When the call connected, the person on the line spoke casually. "How are things going?"


    "Everything''s moving along as nned."


    "Any anomalies?"


    "None."


    With that, the call ended-and the person dialed another number, this time to Ashley in Alerith.


    Ashley''s nerves were already fraying when the call came in.


    Remembering what Freya had told her earlier, she grabbed a different phone and started recording before answering. "Hello."


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    Chapter 194 Can You Really Protect Me


    The phone she was speaking into had been rigged by him. If he suspected she was recording, he''d know.


    She had to use another device.


    "Keep a close eye on Kristian and Freya''s rtionship for the time being," the man''s voice came through slowly, with unsettling precision. "Check if Freya is pregnant in a month."


    Ashley''s heart thudded wildly in her chest. "Okay."


    "Ashley," he said her name suddenly.


    Her breath caught. Even the way he said it sent a chill through her bones.


    Before she could reply, his voice returned-gentle butced with venom, a low chuckle curling at the end. "Behave yourself over there. You know exactly what''ll happen if you cross me."


    Her fingers clenched the phone so tightly her knuckles turned white, cold sweat beading in her palms. She could barely breathe.


    "You understand?" he asked.


    "Y-Yes..." Ashley forced the word out, every syble trembling


    The man seemed pleased. Before ending the call, he added, "Good girl."


    As the line went dead, Ashley slumped into her chair, drained and trembling


    In that moment, the idea of turning her back on Freya crossed her mind. If that


    man ever discovered her betrayal, she''d be done for.


    But then, Freya''s earlier words echoed in her mind, and doubt crept in.


    While she was still deep in thought, her phone buzzed twice.


    On instinct, she picked it up and stared at the message. "Remember your ce. Don''t think you can escape my control through Kristian and Freya. You know what I am capable of."


    A shiver sliced down her spine. Her face went ghostly pale. Her first thought was that he''d found her out.


    Panic set in as her mind spiraled. She wanted to call Freya-but feared the risk.


    Before she could make a decision, her other phone rang. Seeing Freya''s name on the screen, she froze.


    She hesitated, unsure whether to answer.


    The phone rang six or seven times without an answer. Freya assumed Ashley might be asleep or in the shower and was about to hang up, intending to try againter.


    But Ashley picked up at thest second. "Hello."


    Since she''d answered, Freya got right to the point. "Has he contacted you?"


    Ashley''s heart nearly stopped. What was happening? Why did it feel like everyone was watching her?


    "Why aren''t you saying anything?" Freya stood beside the pool behind the hotel, her figure merging with the night. After a pause, she spoke again.


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    "He has..." Ashley''s voice was barely above a whisper.


    Freya instantly sensed something was off. "What''s wrong?"


    Ashley stayed quiet. She wasn''t sure if she should reveal everything.


    "Can you really protect me?" she finally asked, after what felt like an eternity.


    "As long as you follow what I say, I''ll keep you safe," Freya assured her. "But you can''t keep anything from me."


    Trusting Ashley was a gamble-but one Freya was willing to take.


    Just in case, she had prepared for betrayal. Even if Ashley turned on her, Freya still had a n B.


    Hearing her words, Ashley-though still torn-chose to believe her. She recounted what had happened, including the threatening message.


    "You think he really knows we''re working together?" Ashley bit her lip hard, dreading what might happen if he did.


    Freya''s voice was steady. "No."


    "Why not?"


    "He said you were working with Kristian and me. But now, you''re only working


    with me," Freya exined coolly.


    She knew that man too well not to see through the cracks.


    Ashley felt a strange, cautious relief settle over her. "Really?"


    "It''s just his usual scare tactic," Freya replied, fully aware of the psychological game he was ying. "Think back to when you were in Jeucwell. Didn''t he say something simr?"


    Ashley wracked her memory.


    Even though their contact had been limited back then, he had warned her not to get any bright ideas. "I think


    so."


    "Alright," Freya said, calm andposed.


    She could tell Ashley wasn''t mentally strong enough to handle this kind of pressure.


    But that wasn''t a surprise.


    Ashley was just a regr person-no training, no backup. That man was vicious, and she''d betrayed him. Naturally, guilt and paranoia were eating her alive.


    It was like real life-the cheater always ended up jittery, terrified the truth was out, jumping every time the subject came up.


    "Why does he want me to find out if you''re pregnant?" Ashley''s anxiety began to


    ease.


    Freya didn''t hold anything back. "Someone locked Kristian and me in a room filled with incense that had aphrodisiac effects."


    "Did you..." Ashley began hesitantly, but her voice trailed off, unsure if it was appropriate to ask.


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    Chapter 104 Can You Really Protect Me


    Freya raised an eyebrow. "Do you care?"


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 Chapter 195

    Chapter 195 Her Indifference


    "No, no, no!" Ashley blurted, her tone flustered and anxious, desperate not to be mistaken. "This has nothing to do with me. I''m just a little worried."


    "Worried about what?" Freya''s voice cut in coolly.


    "You mentioned someone was watching us, didn''t you?" Ashley often found herself intrigued by the way Freya''s mind worked-how sharp she was. "If you start seeing Kristian again after the divorce, won''t that man make a move on you?"


    Freya wasn''t the least bit rattled by the


    suggestion.


    If that man dared make another move, she wouldn''t let it slide.


    She had chosen not to deal with it before,


    consumed with the divorce. But now, things were different.


    "It''s fine. I can take care of it," Freya answered, unfazed. "I''ve got something to do, so I''m hanging up. If that man tries to contact you, keep me posted."


    "Okay," Ashley replied without hesitation.


    Freya ended the call.


    As soon as she lowered her phone, Hugh approached her. "Are we heading out?¡±


    "Yes," Freya said simply.


    Together, they began making their way back into the hotel to find Lionel, intending to say goodbye now that the banquet was drawing to a close.


    But just as they were about to go in, they spotted Kristian lingering nearby.


    He''d clearly been standing there for some time, and the moment he saw Hugh by Freya''s side, he stayed put, not wanting to intrude.


    Hugh noticed him and, recalling the hour they''d vanished together, made a guess. "Do you need to talk to him?" "No," Freya answered coolly.


    Hugh didn''t press. It wasn''t his ce to pry into her personal matters.


    Freya brushed past Kristian like he was no more than a stranger.


    But Kristian reached out and caught her arm. "I need a word with you." "There''s nothing to discuss," Freya shot back.


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    14:12


    "There is," Kristian insisted.


    Freya lifted her gaze to meet his, bewildered by his sudden persistence. What was he trying to get at?


    "Don''t you want to talk about that person?" Kristian came right to the point.


    "No," Freya answered tly. She knew better than anyone that Kristian didn''t truly want to address the matter. "If you''ve got a new n, just text me."


    She then turned to Hugh and said, "Let''s go."


    With her father standing there, Kristian had no choice but to let her go.


    He trailed them inside.


    Hugh and Freya exchanged a few polite words with Lionel. Although Lionel was clearly reluctant to see her leave, he understood that the Shaw family no longer held any sense of home for her.


    As the father and daughter prepared to go, Lionel turned to Kristian and prodded, "Aren''t you going to send them off?"


    Kristian remained silent, but followed nheless.


    Seeing him tag along, Lionel sensed something was off about his demeanor today, but he didn''t dwell on it.


    Kristian apanied Freya and Hugh back to their hotel. Hugh had declined at first, but Kristian insisted, and he finally relented.


    Even after arriving, Kristian didn''t leave.


    Hugh knew it was because of Freya. But since Freya didn''t like Kristian, his presence would only irritate her. "You can stop here. Mina and I can head up ourselves."


    "I insist," Kristian replied evenly.


    Hugh was frustrated.


    How could Kristian be so dense? Freya simply didn''t like that gesture!


    "Dad, go on ahead," Freya said gently, knowing that if she didn''t speak with Kristian now, he would follow her straight up to her room. "I''ll be up in a bit." Hugh hesitated, uneasy. "But...¡±


    "I know what I''m doing." Freya reassured him, her toneposed.


    Hugh studied the two of them. Kristian didn''t seem out of line, so he chose to trust Freya and left them to it.


    Freya walked to the nearby garden, cutting to the chase. "What do you want?" Kristian said nothing. He didn''t know what he wanted.


    All he knew was that the thought of her going back to Alerith left a hollow ache in


    his chest. He just wanted to see her, speak to her, and be near her.


    "If you''ve got nothing to say, then stop following me," Freya snapped, not in the mood to drag it out.


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    Chapter 195 Her Indifference


    Her icy tone struck something in him. "Am I really that worthless in your eyes? Not


    even as decent as Cyril- the guy you just met?"


    She usually disliked giving her number to strangers, but she hadn''t hesitated when Cyril asked.


    She had even said she preferred Cyril''spany to his.


    "Yes," Freya replied without hesitation.


    For the first time, Kristian truly grasped the meaning of heartache. Watching her expressionless face utter that word felt like a de slicing through his ribs.


    "Just because of the past... you hate me that much?" He still cared-deeply. He still wanted a ce in her heart. Freya corrected him without a flicker of emotion. "It''s not hate. It''s simply indifference."


    That said everything.


    No matter what he did or how much he cared, she would never return those feelings. The moment they divorced, she had shut him out entirely.


    Sometimes, he thought she was too cold-cutting people off the second they made a mistake.


    He had thought of countless ways to keep her by his side, but her unwavering distance had crushed every one of those ideas.


    "I''m heading up now," Freya said, noting that he was still staring at her, unmoving.


    "If you need to talk about that man, just message me."


    Kristian gave a small nod.


    Freya sensed something turbulent in him, but she didn''t care.


    They were divorced. His emotions were no longer her concern.


    She turned and walked away.


    Kristian could only stand there, watching her silhouette retreat into the hotel and vanish from sight.


    He remained there, motionless, until a chilly breeze broke the trance. When he finally checked the time, he realized an hour had slipped by.


    Not far away, Felipe sat in his car, having watched the whole scene. He hadn''t intervened-only observed, curious how long Kristian would stand there like a


    statue.


    When Kristian finally turned to leave, he nced once more at the hotel before heading to his car.


    Just as he retrieved his keys, Felipe''s head popped up from the vehicle beside him. "I thought you were nning to camp out there all night."


    Kristian ignored him, not even bothering to ask why he was there.


    He wasn''t in the mood.


    "All this sulking just because you couldn''t win her back?" Felipe teased lightly. He


    was feeling better now, knowing Farrah would contact him soon. The tangled emotions from earlier were fading.


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    Chapter 195 Her Indifference


    He even threw in a jab. "Want me to help you win her over?"


    Kristian shot him a re so icy it could freeze fire-utterly unimpress

 Chapter 196

    Chapter 196 Everyone''s Got To Stumble Before They...


    "Why don''t you worry about your own mess first?" Kristian said coldly as he strolled toward his car.


    "My mess is all cleaned up," Felipe shot back, his usualzy smirk and gleam of mischief creeping back into ce. "Freya said Farrah''sing back to find me in a bit."


    After all, he and Farrah were still husband and wife-unlike Kristian and Freya.


    Kristian''s expression shifted, barely perceptible.


    "Are you certain that''s what Freya said?"


    "She told me back at the hotel, maybe two or three hours ago," Felipe replied inly, holding nothing back. "She may have left you hanging, but don''t worry-I''d never leave a friend high and dry."


    "Are you really that sure Farrah''s noting back just to file the divorce papers?" Kristian cut straight through the pleasantries.


    Felipe''s smile stiffened.


    Kristianid it out, sharp and cold. "After everything you put her through, if you were her, would you forgive?"


    Felipe didn''t need a second to ponder. The answer hit him before he could blink.


    All his earlier bravado and teasing spirit drained in an instant. Something about what Kristian said rang painfully true. If Farrah really wasing back, it was probably to end things for good.


    With that gnawing thought, he yanked open the car door and stepped out, intending to storm back into the hotel and demand answers from Freya.


    Kristian grabbed his arm. "What do you think you''re doing?"


    "I''m going to ask your ex-wife a few questions," Felipe said, tone turning cold and stripped of humor.


    Gone was the man who''d been poking fun at Kristian moments ago-he''d flipped into someone else entirely.


    Kristian didn''t budge, blocking his path. "It won''t do any good."


    "I''ve got to try."


    "If you run up there now, all you''ll do is walk away with nothing-and maybe a bruised ego if she kicks you out," Kristian said evenly. "Think before you act."


    But Felipe wasn''t about to back down. He needed rity, and nothing else mattered.


    Kristian leaned against the car, calm as ever, and added thoughtfully as Felipe started forward, "Ask yourself¡ª


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    Chapter 198 Everyone''s Got To Stumble Before They Grow


    what do you have over her? What advantage do you actually hold?"


    That question made Felipe pause. He couldn''t beat her physically. Her background far outshone his. When it came down to it, he had no leverage at all.


    "You can''t rein her in?" he asked, feeling just a little off bnce.


    Kristian said nothing, climbed into his car, started the engine, and drove off without another word.


    Felipe stared up at the hotel onest time, then turned and left.


    Originally, he hade to ask Freya when Farrah might return and to find out what she''d been up totely.


    But now, Kristian''s words echoed loud in his mind. Asking would be pointless.


    Freya wasn''t someone who gave in easily. And more than that-she was a force to be reckoned with.


    Back at the hotel, Liam had already sent Lionel home.


    Most of the guests had gone, but Isaac and Melinda remained, seemingly waiting for Kristian.


    Kristian paused, then made his way over with his usual poise. "Why haven''t you left yet?"


    "You walked Freya and her father back to their hotel?" Melinda asked.


    A flicker of emotion passed through Kristian''s eyes, but his voice remained gentle. "Yes."


    She watched him closely. As his mother, she understood him more than anyone else could.


    She said nothing more then-just decided to head home first.


    During the ride, with Kristian behind the wheel and Isaac and Melinda seated in the back.


    Silence hung heavy until Melinda finally spoke, her tone cautious. "Kristian."


    "Yes?"


    "Are you still nning on going to Alerith?" she asked, beating around the bush. But he understood what she really meant. "Yes."


    "But Freya..." Melinda hesitated. She wanted to talk him out of it, but the words didn''te easily.


    She had seen clearly that Freya was keeping her distance now. The warmth she once had for Kristian had cooled.


    If he kept pushing, he might just push her further away.


    "I know what I''m doing," Kristian said quietly. He understood what she was trying


    to say, but he wasn''t ready to give up just yet. Even if Freya acted like he didn''t exist, he still wanted to try.


    At the very least, he needed to uncover whoever had been pulling the strings behind all the chaos.


    And if, after that, she still wanted nothing to do with him, then he''d step away.


    Melinda and Isaac exchanged a nce but didn''t press further. This was their son''s path to walk


    That night, it was obvious something was weighing on Kristian. He still behaved the same-gently coaxing


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    Lionel to rest early.


    But anyone who paid attention could see the storm simmering beneath his calm surface.


    After finishing his usual duties and retreating to his room, Lionel, still not asleep, let out a heavy sigh. "I warned him he''d regret that divorce, but he never believed


    me."


    "Everyone''s got to stumble before they grow," Liam said, ever the optimist. "It might not be such a bad thing."


    No one''s life was without cracks.


    10


    Kristian had always stood out in school, racked up awards, and made thepany thrive under his leadership.


    He had the pedigree, the looks-falling short in love was his one w.


    "Should we let you stumble too?" Lionel huffed, still emotional over Freya, the daughter-inw he missed. "At this rate, Kristian might never remarry. If you don''t settle down soon, you''ll be stuck managing thepany!"


    Liam''s expression twisted. How had the conversation suddenly shifted to him?


    He leapt to his feet. "Oh-just remembered I''ve got a call to make. Goodnight, Grandpa!"


    Lionel let him go without exposing the obvious escape tactic. That brat only knew how to chase after fun, dodgingpany responsibilities at every turn. It was all Kristian''s fault, always indulging his younger brother.


    In the blink of an eye, morning came.


    Freya and Hugh had returned to Alerith, easing back into their routines.


    Kristian and Gerard had gone abroad for business.


    On the ne, Gerard couldn''t help but notice that Kristian hadn''t said a single word since they met-not because he was being distant, but because his mind clearly wasn''t there.


    Gerard couldn''t help but wonder what had gone down at the banquet the night before.


    Given how critical this trip was, if Kristian wasn''t in the right state of mind, it could jeopardize not just thepany''s profits-but Gerard''s bonus too.


    He hadn''t stashed away enough for retirement yet.


    He said bluntly, "Sir, did you and Ms. Briggs have another fight?"


    Freya was the only one who could shake Kristian like this.


    Finally, a flicker of expression crossed Kristian''s face as he cast Gerard a cutting


    nce.


    If Gerard couldn''t talk properly, he might as well keep quiet!


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    Chapter 197 Freya''s Grandfather


    "I know this isn''t my ce, but you and Ms. Briggs have already divor..." Gerard put himself in Freya''s shoes, and knowing Kristian well, he was blunt in his approach.


    Those words triggered a wave of irritation in Kristian. Before Gerard could finish, Kristian cut him off, saying, ¡°If you know it''s not your ce, then keep yourments to yourself."


    Gerard found himself at a loss for words.


    "If you continue like this, you''ll end up alone." He pointed out.


    "Isn''t that already the case?" Kristian responded, seemingly epting his fate. Gerard was momentarily speechless. He suspected something important must have happened; otherwise, his boss wouldn''t be acting so out of character.


    ¡°I just wanted to offer a bit of advice to help prevent any problems with our partnership down the line," Gerard quickly came up with an exnation. His face settled into his usual calm smile. "This is an important partnership, after all."


    Kristian simply stared at him.


    Gerard shifted ufortably under his intense stare. "What''s the issue..."


    "Are you truly worried about our project, or are you more concerned about your bonus?" Kristian directly exposed him.


    Gerard maintained a forced smile. "If you were even half as sharp with Ms. Briggs as you are in business, you would not be facing these problems."


    Kristian had no trouble seeing right through Gerard, yet when it came to Freya, he seemedpletely clueless.


    Kristian''s frustration boiled over. "You seem pretty confident now; is it because I didn''t cut your bonusst time?"


    "No, you got me wrong," Gerard replied, knowing it was important to maintain respect with his boss. "I just feel unfortunate about you and Ms. Briggs. You two seemed like such a great pair, and now you''re not together."


    Kristian let out a coldugh that sent a chill through the air.


    Gerard nearly winced; thatugh was unsettling.


    "Didn''t you tell me I didn''t deserve her?" Kristian said coldly.


    "Sometimes, to lift your spirits, a few white lies are necessary," Gerard replied, bold as ever.


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    He had always been well-treated by his boss.


    Though Kristian often threatened to cut his bonus, he invariably gave it over in the end. This leniency emboldened Gerard to freely speak with humor.


    Kristian let out an exasperatedugh.


    He hadn''t imagined Gerard''s knack for annoying him could rival Freya''s. "That must be hard on you."


    "Not in the slightest." Gerard countered.


    "I''m being sarcastic." Kristian nced at him.


    Gerard kept his smile, wisely choosing to remain silent.


    For the next thirty minutes, they remained quiet until something urred to Kristian, prompting him to ask, "If you were seeking a boyfriend, would you go for someone who has nothing whatsoever to offer you?"


    Gerard looked confused. A boyfriend? If they hadn''t been on a ne, Gerard would have thought his boss was talking to someone on a call.


    Pointing at himself in disbelief, Gerard cautiously asked, "Are you talking to me?¡±


    "Who else could I be talking to?" Kristian retorted.


    "I''m interested in women only," Gerard stated, trying to maintain hisposure. "I''m not the right person to answer that."


    Kristian exined, "I wanted you to look at it from a woman''s perspective." "I''m a man, though."


    What did it mean to look at it from a woman''s perspective? He wasn''t a woman, so how could he truly know what women thought? Was there a misunderstanding his boss had about him?


    Kristian ceased the conversation and shut his eyes to rest.


    Gerard, initially grumbling about Kristian in his thoughts, soon understood the key point Kristian was trying to make.


    Was Kristian hinting at something about his rtionship with Freya?


    Gerard thought about probing further but noticed Kristian had already settled in to sleep. After some thought, he chose not to bother him.


    In the days that followed, Kristian and Gerard smoothly wrapped up their negotiation on the partnership. Despite his personal distractions, Kristian maintained hisposure throughout the negotiations, handling each aspect in a calm and assured manner, and ultimately securing a sessful deal.


    For Freya, however, things weren''t as smooth.


    A few days after their return from Jeucwell, her father informed her that her grandfather wanted to see her.


    "If you''d rather not go, I can tell him you''re tied up and make up an excuse," Hugh


    offered, concerned about putting her in an ufortable position.


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    Freya declined. "He''s family; I should go see him."


    Seeing her resolve, Hugh didn''t speak further.


    Before she left, he advised, "No matter what he says, don''t take it to heart. If it bes too much, just remember I''m here for you."


    "Okay," Freya replied.


    After getting dressed, she was driven to her grandfather''s house.


    She arrived in the afternoon and saw Vivien there, evidently trying to win over her grandfather, Miguel Briggs. Freya approached and respectfully greeted him, "Hi, Grandpa."


    Miguel looked at her with a touch of annoyance. "I thought you''d forgotten you had a grandpa,¡± he said sharply. "It''s been over two years since you''ve reached out to me or returned home for the holidays. Even now, since you came back, you haven''te to see me."


    "I''ve just been really busy," Freya responded calmly.


    "Hmph!" Miguel scoffed, clearly not convinced.


    Without beating around the bush, Freya asked, "Dad said you wanted to see me. What''s the issue?"


    "Is that the only reason you''d visit-when there''s an issue?" Miguel expressed his displeasure. "Why can''t you be more like Vivien?"


    Freya was silent.


    This conversation brought back memories of her time with the Shaw family, how Lionel often said simr things to others.


    It made sense now why people had looked at her with such disdain back then. Those kind of words were naturally divisive.


    "Since your father began seeing Vivien''s mom, Vivien stops by every few days," Miguel remarked. "She visits more in one month than you and She do in an entire year."


    Freya simply listened, showing respect without reacting.


    She and Ethel had never had a close bond with Miguel.


    He was nothing like Lionel, who, despite his strict exterior, had a soft heart and


    allowed the youngsters to make their own choices.


    Miguel, on the other hand, expectedplete obedience. He was used to having his orders followed without question.


    Whenever that didn''t happen, his temper would re, as it went against his patriarchal nature.


    At times, Freya felt thankful that her father hadn''t inherited her grandfather''s rigid, old-fashioned mindset. After her mother joined the family, Hugh had always treated her with kindness and respect. Whenever Miguel tried to impose his will on her mother, Hugh stood up for her without hesitation.


    Though her father often imed that he and her mother had only built a peaceful, loving home for the sake of


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    her and her sister, Freya didn''t fully believe that.


    Could anyone really build a home so nurturing and genuine out of pure


    obligation? She doubted it. There must


    have been true love between them.


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 Chapter 198

    Chapter 198 I Won''t Marry For Business


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    Grapple doe''t be road at toys, V by mom kommt wire the power denga foomack kyt sen long ago, and she''s probably ill feeling a bit low seats were to get back on her fee


    My words instantly drew the scorecast of both gue and Freys


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    Vren Vlinked, dearly started. She hadn''t expected Freys to say something the fatti font of Miquel What does the mean by drar Miguel''s expression ¨¦xkened in an instant, a face ning not


    Freya''s response was blunt, her voice dipped. "Exactly what it sounds like


    Miguel''s frown deepered, Ires etching into his forehead "When did you get married? And to whom? Way was


    kept in the darkr


    Freya stiffted her gaze toward Vinien


    There was no way her father would''ve told Vivien about the desce


    Judging from theirst spat, Viten might''ve guessed she had been itched with Kriscan, but she coulita'': powskly know about the divorce itself


    "Why are you looking at Vivien? Miguel barked, mming his palm against the table in frustration. Tm sing


    "Two years ago, Freya said simply, offering no extra exnation. "There wasn''t a wedding so I didn''t bring in up."


    She knew it sounded ridiculous, but this was her life-and she would own it


    Besides, if she had told Miguel, it would''ve only stirred up more trouble.


    "Who did you marry? Miguel demanded, needing nothing but a name


    Freya didn''t want to say it.


    She didn''t want to even think about it.


    "It''s over. Who it was doesn''t matter anymore." Not wanting the conversation to spiral further, Freya smoothly pivoted. "If that''s all, Grandpa, I''ll head back to the office. There''s still work waiting"


    1439


    Chapter 1981 Won''t Marry For Business


    With Vivien in the room, anything she said was likely to ignite more conflict if nothing important remained,


    there was no reason to stay.


    "You think you''re grown now and can do whatever you please Miguel''s voice rose, heavy with disapproval "You think you can go toe-to-toe with me?"


    "Did you summon me just to start a fight?" Freya asked, barely containing her irritation. She knew it wasn''t tight to speak to an elder like this, but she couldn''t stomach Miguel''s attitude.


    Miguel''s fury surged, ready to unleash another tirade-when a slightly amused voice broke in. "Well, looks like we''ve got quite the crowd here today."


    Freya turned toward the sound and saw n approaching in a crisp suit, a faint smile ying on his lips.


    She exchanged a nce with him, silently questioning his presence. Shouldn''t he be at the office now?


    n returned her look with a slight gesture, indicating Hugh had sent him here to defuse the tension, knowing full well she and Miguel were shing again.


    Freya turned her eyes away.


    That wasn''t necessary.


    If the conversation couldn''t continue without chaos, she would just leave. Miguel was older, and she wouldn''t stoop to arguing-but that didn''t mean she had to stick around.


    "Aren''t you supposed to be working?" Miguel''s frown softened ever so slightly at the sight of n, though his tone remained firm.


    There was still hint of old-school gender bias in the way he treated men versus women. But Freya didn''t care, as long as her parents didn''t think the same way.


    "I was working, but there''s something going on at thepany that only Mina can handle," n replied smoothly. "I couldn''t find her there, so I came here."


    §¯§Ú


    Miguel''s expression remained stern. "And thepany can''t function without her?


    "It really can''t," n said with a good-natured smile, clearly unbothered by the old man''s tone. "You wouldn''t believe how sharp she is. She just closed a killer deal that brought in a huge profit."


    "She should focus on looking presentable," Miguel muttered, his eyes narrowing at Freya''s tailored outfit. "What''s the point of being at the office anyway?"


    n''s gaze shifted ever so slightly at that remark.


    Freya, however, remained unfazed. She let the words drift past her like a breeze. She already knew what her grandfather thought.


    To him, marriage was simply a tool-to squeeze out the highest possible value.


    "Look at the daughters of other prestigious families. Which one of them doesn''t keep themselves polished and poised?" Miguel continued his rant.


    "Mina''s stunning even without all that polish," n replied sincerely. "And everyone''s different. Some enjoy dressing up. Mina enjoys making money. There''s room for both."


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    Chapter 108 I Won''t Marry For Business


    Miguel clearly didn''t appreciate the sentiment.


    Vivien quickly tried to smooth things over. "n''s right. Freya really is beautiful.


    Even without any effort, she still turns heads."


    Both Freya and n winced slightly at her sharine tone


    Miguel cast another nce at Freya, his discontent still simmering Bein pretty isn''t enough. She stillcks


    the real talent topete."


    At that, Freya arched a brow ever so slightly but said nothing.


    Thinking Miguel had misunderstood herpletely, n was ready to speak up.


    He knew how gifted Freya was. She''d hosted her own art exhibitions, written pianopositions used inpetitions-all when she was still a teenager. Experts from multiple disciplines had praised her work.


    Years had passed since then, and she had only honed her skills further. How could she be seen ascking?


    But before he could say a word, Freya gently tugged on his sleeve.


    n looked over, confused.


    "Your father''s spoiled you, hiding you away from the world," Miguel said, still fixed


    on Freya. "Now that you''re an adult, it''s time for you to pull your weight."


    n blinked. What was this about?


    "I called you here to ask if there''s anyone you''re interested in," Miguel said, his tone all business. "If there is, I''ll arrange the marriage ordingly. But since you''ve already been married once, I''ll handle it my way."


    "I won''t marry for business," Freya said, her voice steady and firm.


    Miguel''s face was like stone. "You don''t get a say in this."


    "You want me to marry to benefit the Briggs Group, but I can add value without being anyone''s wife," Freya replied, perfectly calm, undisturbed by his domineering tone.


    People always wanted more.


    The Briggs Group was already thriving. It didn''t need a marriage to maintain its


    status.


    But her grandfather wasn''t satisfied. He still wanted to push for an arranged marriage to take thepany even further.


    "Arrogant!" Miguel snapped. He didn''t believe her for a second. "I know what you''re capable discussion-it''s a decision. If you refuse, Ethel will take your ce."


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 Chapter 199

    Chapter 199 Throwing His Flowers Away


    If the person standing across from Freya hadn''t been her grandpa, she would''ve turned on her heel and walked away without a second thought.


    But respect had been drilled into her since childhood, so even though the topic rubbed her the wrong way and


    she had no desire to engage, she was stuck.


    "Who exactly do you want me to marry?" Freya asked, cutting straight to the point.


    "In three days, there''s a gathering for you young folks. I''ve already signed you up. Just attend it then," Miguel said, his tone rigid and expression unreadable.


    "Fine," Freya replied tly, her voice devoid of emotion.


    She''d grown used to hismanding tone-one of the many reasons their rtionship had always been rocky.


    They didn''t exchange many words after that. n chimed in briefly before leading Freya away..


    Once they were in the car, n nced over and asked, puzzled, "Why didn''t you let me speak up for you back


    there?"


    Ever since their grandfather brought up the idea of a strategic marriage for business reasons, she had been subtly hinting at him to stay quiet.


    "Whether you speak or not, it won''t change anything. If you do, he''ll only get angrier and give us another lecture," Freya said, having long figured out how Miguel operated. "If you stay silent, he just gets to finish what he wants to say, and that''s that."


    "Are you seriously nning to go to that event he mentioned?" n asked, frowning.


    "Yes," Freya answered, her tone calm and unaffected. "If I don''t, he won''t drop it."


    "Maybe I should talk to him sometime," n suggested, not wanting Freya to force herself into anything unpleasant. "He''s never really cared about you, and he always thinks you''recking," he added.


    To their grandfather, Freya''s absence from the public eye was a sign of weakness-a fear that she''d humiliate the Briggs Group if people knew she was the chairman''s daughter.


    But in truth, she far outshone n in every way.


    "No need," Freya said, her voice firm, already knowing Miguel too well. "It won''t change a thing."


    If words had any weight, she would''ve brought up Anita International Group already, but she knew all her grandfather ever cared about was forging business alliances through marriage.


    That, to him, was the ultimate currency.


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    "Should we let your dad know?" n asked again.


    "No. If he finds out, he''ll definitely end up fighting with Grandpa," Freya said, not out of kindness but because she didn''t want to stir up trouble. "Grandpa''s old now. If he gets too riled up in an argument, Dad will just end up feeling guilty."


    n felt a knot of conflicting emotions twist in his chest. For a moment, he didn''t know what to say.


    He realized that even with talent and wealth, life didn''t always go the way one wanted. Disappointments were


    inevitable.


    "Sometimes, I wish you weren''t so rational," he murmured. "Being too rationales at the cost of your own


    happiness."


    "I won''t let myself be wronged," Freya answered calmly.


    Her rationality only extended so far. She refused to let herself be mistreated. If her grandfather ever pushed too hard and arranged an engagement, she''d cut ties without hesitation.


    But until then, she could deal with it.


    n gave her another look but said nothing more.


    When they reached thepany, he went off to his own work, and Freya made her way to her office.


    What she hadn''t expected was to find a bouquet of vivid, eye-catching roses on her desk. Her brow furrowed, and she looked around, asking, "Whose flowers are these?"


    "They seem to be for you," someone nearby replied. "The delivery guy asked for Freya Briggs specifically."


    Hearing that, Freya looked at the bouquet again.


    Tucked inside was a card with a handwritten message, signed by Kristian.


    Without sparing it another nce, she slid the card back into the flowers and told her assistant to throw them


    out.


    Originally, her assistant had been Melvin, but ever since Anita International got caught up in a coboration on chip development, she had the Briggs Group assign her a new assistant. Melvin had returned to his original post at Anita International.


    Her new assistant hesitated, staring at the pristine bouquet. "You really want to throw them away?".


    "Yes," Freya said, curt and unbothered.


    The assistant pursed her lips, then carried the flowers to the trash.


    Her action didn''t go unnoticed. Whispers quickly spread around the office.


    "Is Ms. Briggs really that icy?"


    "I''m suddenly dying to know who sent them. It must''ve stung watching that effort


    go straight to the bin."


    "Maybe for Ms. Briggs, men are just distractions from her career."


    "Totally agree."


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    Thesements didn''t reach Freya. Once she was focused on work, she blocked everything else our


    But word got around anyway.


    Kristian had just wrapped up a business meeting and returned to Alerth


    As the workday drew to a close, he checked the time and asked the man next to him, "Did Freya get them?


    Gerard froze. How was he supposed to tell his boss that Freya had ruthlessly tossed the bouques?


    "Are you deaf?" Kristian''s voice turned sharp, his tone cold.


    "She did get the flowers," Gerard answered, trying to soften the blow, his eyes shifting awkwardly. "But she had them thrown out almost immediately." Kristian''s expression darkened. Did she really dislike him that much?


    Gerard hesitated, unsure if he should go on. "There''s something I''m not sure I should say,"


    Kristian replied coolly, "Then don''t."


    "It''s obvious Ms. Briggs isn''t into you. If you keep pushing, she''ll just get... annoyed," Gerard said anyway.


    Kristian had ignored all advice before, which led to the divorce. If he kept it up, Freya might do more than ignore him-she might actually hit him. Kristian''s gaze turned colder. "Didn''t I just say not to speak?*


    Gerard went silent. His boss''s love life was aplete mess.


    "Keep sending the flowers," Kristian ordered, his tone clipped. "One bouquet every day. Don''t stop until I say so. Staring at his impossibly stubborn boss, Gerard had no choice but to nod. "Understood."


    The next day, Freya received another bouquet from Kristian, and the gossip in the office reached a whole new


    level.


    Freya hated being in the spotlight.


    After having the second bouquet thrown away, she messaged Kristian directly. "Stop sending me flowers."


    Her words were simple, blunt, and unmistakably her. She never bothered to hide how she felt.


    Kristian texted back quickly. "ording to the script, I''m pursuing you."


    Freya paused, and then it hit her.


    Because Ashley had gone around iming Kristian was chasing Freya, that


    mastermind hadn''t made any bold moves. But if nothing was happening between


    her and Kristian, and Ashley''s lie would be ex


    As Freya thought it through, she rubbed her temples, already feeling the tension creep in. Why was that man going after Kristian? If there hadn''t been any bad blood, she could''ve taken her time plotting with Greta and the others.


    But if that man hadn''t targeted Kristian in the first ce, she and Kristian might never have gotten divorced.


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    Chapter 199 Throwing His Flowers Away


    After all, it was that man who had nted Ashley.

 Chapter 200

    Chapter 200 Turned The


    Tide


    Kristian had picked up on the silence-Freya still hadn''t answered any of his messages. His fingers hovered uncertainly above the keyboard, drumming against the keys as a tangled mess of emotions stirred inside him Atst, he typed out another message and hit send. "Once this whole situation is handled, if you still want nothing to do with me, I''ll stop bothering you."


    The past few days had given him a reality check.


    Whether he still loved Freya or regretted the choices that had pulled them apart, if she genuinely didn''t want him around anymore, then he had no right to impose.


    Freya stared at his message for what felt like an eternity before finally typing a single "Okay" in response.


    Seeing her reply hit him with a surge of feelings he couldn''t quite name.


    Sometimes, he even questioned whether she had ever loved him at all. If she had, why had she remained so perfectlyposed since the divorce, so untouched by sorrow?


    It was as if none of it had ever mattered to her in the first ce.


    Over the following two days, Kristian kept sending flowers. And each time, Freya calmly told her assistant to


    toss them out.


    Ashley had mentioned to that man that Kristian was chasing after Freya again, but she''d left out the part where Freya might still feel something for him. Freya saw no reason to ept the flowers.


    Three days slipped by before she even noticed.


    The day of the event her grandfather had insisted she attend had finally arrived.


    She made no effort to m herself up-just wore her usual, effortless outfit. Her hair flowed freely down her back, revealing her smooth, luminous forehead.


    The gathering was set to begin at four. After wrapping up her work, Freya stepped into the car her grandfather had arranged,plete with a personal driver to ensure she wouldn''t skip out.


    When she arrived, her entrance barely registered with anyone.


    The ce was filled with music, drinks, andughter.


    She scanned the room with a quick, quiet nce-roughly a dozen guests, men and women alike, were chatting in cozy clusters, clearly enjoying themselves.


    She found the most inconspicuous spot she could and slipped into a seat, steeling herself for what promised to be a long, exhausting evening.


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    But what she hadn''t expected was Vivien to show up.


    She had barely settled in when Vivien''s overly sweet and slightly shrill voice cut through the room, instantly turning heads. "Freya! There you are! I''ve been looking everywhere for you!"


    Freya slowly opened her eyes to see Vivien standing in front of her, dressed to the nines in a sleek gown, her makeup meticulously done.


    "Come on, let''s go over there." Vivien reached for her arm, eyes gleaming with something a little too sly. "Grandpa arranged some introductions for you. They''re waiting."


    "Let go." Freya''s eyes dropped to the hand wrapped around her arm.


    Vivien froze for half a second, catching sight of the curious stares beginning to gather. Quickly, she shifted-her tone to one of innocent concern. "I just figured you might be bored all alone over here, so I thought I''d bring you over. I didn''t mean anything by it."


    "Who''s that? Don''t think I''ve seen her before."


    "Did she just show up uninvited?"


    "Vivien, do you know her?"


    The whispers in the room were getting louder.


    In the past couple of years, Vivien had used her ties to Hugh to mix and mingle


    with just about everyone in the inner circle-more so than Freya ever had.


    Besides Greta and a handful of close friends, Freya rarely associated with anyone. She didn''t care for such things and had never seen the point.


    "Yes, I know her. My grandpa invited her," Vivien said with a light shrug, her gaze flickering. "She''s not really into events like this. It''s her first time showing up at one."


    Her casual remark was enough for the others to draw their own conclusions- clearly, Freya was just some outsider desperate to marry into wealth, who had begged Vivien''s grandfather to let her attend.


    In this crowd, everyone pretty much took it for granted that Miguel was Vivien''s grandfather.


    "If she''s not into it, then whye? Why act like she''s too good for everyone?" "Just ignore her. Let''s go have fun."


    "But my grandpa told me to keep an eye on her. If I ditch her, he might get mad," Vivien added, her voice soaked in fake concern.


    The others, who had no idea who Freya really was, naturally sided with Vivien. "If Miguel gives you a hard time, we''ll back you up.¡±


    "Exactly!"


    "Come on, let''s go!"


    They tugged Vivien away, leaving Freya alone in her seat.


    Normally, she wouldn''t have cared. She''d never been one to worry about what people said behind her back.


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    But today was different. She might not have mingled with these socialites before, but she''d done her research. Every single one of them-aside from Vivien-came from an influential family and was adored by their parents


    Freya didn''t care about her own reputation, but she deeply cared about what kind of shadow it might cast on


    her sister.


    This was her first real entrance into this world. If Vivien managed to smear her image here, the rumors would spread faster than anyone could control, twisting every detail as they went.


    And when the truth eventually came out, all anyone would remember was that Ethel''s sister had a terrible


    attitude.


    Before she could say a word, another voice broke into the moment. "Freya?"


    She turned, startled. What on earth was going on today? How had she ended up bumping into two people who actually knew her at the same event?


    "It really is you!" Norah''s voice rang out with bright surprise. She walked over, radiant and rxed. "I thought I was seeing things. What are you doing here?"


    Her words immediately turned the tide of attention.


    Everyone knew Norah, a member of the Russell family.


    And seeing her greet Freya with such warmth and familiarity left the rest of the


    room frozen in confusion.


    "Norah, who''s that?"


    "You know her too?"


    Now they were all second-guessing themselves.


    Compared to Vivien, Norah was someone they actually trusted. She''d grown up in


    this circle. Her reputation


    was solid.


    Norah was a member of the Russell family, while Vivien was merely Hugh''s almost-stepdaughter. No one could say for sure whether the Briggs family would ever officially ept her.


    "I forgot to introduce myself," Freya said atst, her voice cool and steady. "I''m


    Freya Briggs, Hugh Briggs''s daughter."


    A hush fell over the room.


    She was Hugh''s daughter? But wasn''t Ethel his only daughter?


    "Are you Ethel''s elder sister?" someone asked-an adorable girl standing nearby


    with wide eyes.


    "Yes," Freya answered simply.


    The girl lit up, hurrying over with a bright grin.


    "I''m Celia Scott. I''m friends with Ethel! She''s mentioned an elder sister before, but we''d never met you!"


    Freya''s quiet deration had done its job-she was now seen for who she truly


    was.


    Celia''s words cemented it.


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    Chapter 200 Turned The Tide


    Suddenly, the same people who had been whispering behind her back were stumbling over themteclung to introduce themselves.


    That was how this world worked. Without power, you were invible. But with 17 Even if you stood in silence, people still came flocking.


    Freya had flipped the entire room with a single sentence.


    Vivien stood stiffly to the side, watching the very people who had rallied behind


    her now buzzing around Freys like moths to a me. Her fists curled at her sides.


    Freya couldn''t be bothered with the scene, but she didn''t hold back either. She turned to Vivien, her tone cool and unmistakably pointed. ¡°Miss Garza,¡± she said smoothly, "I suggest you be more careful about twisting my grandfather''s words in public. It might lead to misunderstandings." She didn''t miss the deliberate weight


    she


    put on "my".

 Chapter 201

    Chapter 201 A Summit Of


    The Elite


    Freya''s statement made Vivien''s face burn with shame.


    With that single revtion, everyone realized her earlier ims were nothing but a house of cards-crumbling fast and exposing her deceit. Shame tangled with fury in her chest.


    She had, in truth, set out to ruin Freya.


    "But Grandpa did tell me to keep an eye on you," she snapped, unable to bottle up her anger any longer, "and to make sure you pick someone suitable to marry. After all, getting married a second time isn''t exactly a walk in the park."


    The moment those words left her lips, the room fell still-all eyes turned to Freya.


    Could it be true? Had Ethel''s sister, hidden from the spotlight for so long, actually been married... and divorced?


    "Miss Garza, you certainly have a ir for the dramatic," came an easygoing voice.


    Trent strolled over, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, his schrly charm on full disy. "No matter how many times Mina marries, there''s no shortage of people waiting in line to win her heart."


    Freya blinked, caughtpletely off guard. "What are you doing here?"


    Vivien''s presence was understandable-she thrived on gatherings like this. And Norah''s attendance made sense, given the nature of the event, which was designed to bring single men and women together.


    But Trent? He was not the kind to attend such functions, no matter how much his family pestered him about


    marriage.


    "I heard you wereing," Trent said, adjusting his sses with casual grace. "So I made a point of requesting an invitation."


    Gasps rippled through the crowd.


    "Mr. Seymour?"


    "This event has certainly drawn a lively crowd today."


    "Mr. Seymour seems rather familiar with Ms. Briggs, doesn''t he? Do they have a close rtion "He even said he came specifically because she would be here. What do you make of that?"


    The atmosphere buzzed with spection.


    Though many present came from esteemed families, few could match Trent''s pedigree.


    in private?"


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    He was a name whispered with admiration, the kind of man many dreamed of marrying but he had never shown the slightest interest in anyone. Until now.


    Treya, who had been bearing the weight of unwanted attention, suddenly felt the pressure lift. With Trent by her side, she no longer had to navigate this crowd alone.


    True to form, Trent guided her to a quiet corner where she could finally breathe.


    Anyone who dared approach to start a conversation was gently, yet firmly, turned away.


    To Vivien, this sight was a dagger to the heart.


    Why was Freya always the one who drew all the light? Why was even Trent, the ever-elusive gentleman, kind to


    her?


    Those who had once gathered around Vivien now flocked to Freya, leaving her standing on the outside, watching the warmth she craved slip further away.


    Jealousy took root and spread through her, choking reason like ivy on stone.


    Her mind spiraled-Freya had taken everything: her job, her stepfather''s favor, her connections.


    But Freya, blissfully unaware of Vivien''s escting thoughts, remained calm.


    If Vivien had been an ordinary woman-honest and without scheming-Freya might''ve extended a hand in goodwill.


    But from the first moment they met, something about Vivien had rubbed her the wrong way.


    "Kristian will be here too," Trent said suddenly.


    Freya frowned, puzzled. It wasn''t panic in her eyes-just pure bewilderment.


    "Damon is bringing him," Trent exined, his tone still even. "They should arrive any minute now."


    Outside, in a sleek ck car, Kristian sat quietly, his expression unreadable as he nced at Damon.


    "I''ll stay here," he said curtly. "Just let me know when it''s over.".


    "You''reing in with me,¡± Damon said, unwavering as he tugged at Kristian''s


    arm.


    "I''m not going," Kristian said, firm as iron.


    If someone snapped a photo and posted it online, what would Freya think? His presence here could spark rumors he had no desire to fan.


    "If you stay behind, how will I clear my name once I''m inside?" Damon countered,


    still tuping at him with stubborn determination. "For the sake of my reputation, I need you with me-from start to 1.


    "If you don''t want to go, just say so. It''s not rocket science," Kristian replied, unable to understand his friend''s


    insistence.


    "Not everyone has the luxury of choosing who they love," Damon muttered, letting


    go of him and leaning back in his seat, frustration written across his face. "My


    parents don''t support me being with Patti. If I skip this


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    Chapter 201 A Summit Of The Elite


    event, Patti pays the price."


    He couldn''t be by Patti Smith''s side every moment, and he knew too well the


    games his parents yed.


    Sometimes, surface-levelpromise was the only option.


    Once he gained full control of the Russell Group, he''d draw a line in the sand-and


    his parents'' opinions would carry no weight.


    But for now, he had to bite the bullet. For Patti.


    Kristian sighed, brows drawn tight, but finally stepped out of the car with him.


    The moment he walked in, the air changed. All eyes turned toward him.


    If Freya and Ethel were prized matches for the city''s eligible men, Kristian was their mirror image-an ideal- husband in the eyes of every ambitious woman.


    With hismanding presence and distinguished background, he stood in a league of his own-even Trent seemed to dim beside him.


    "What kind of day is this turning out to be? The elusive daughter of the Briggs family has made an appearance. Mr. Seymour from the Seymour Group is here, and now Kristian Shaw of the Shaw Group has just walked in!" "Isn''t this supposed to be just a casual singles gathering? Why does it suddenly feel like a summit of the elite?" "The real question is-what brings Mr. Shaw and Mr. Seymour here of all ces?"


    "Who knows."


    Whispers swirled through the crowd like wind through trees, each guest eager to approach Kristian, yet held back by the frosty aura he exuded.


    Kristian caught fragments of their hushed conversations and strode toward the woman who had just spoken.


    The youngdy''s breath caught in her throat; nerves danced in her chest.


    Kristian Shaw was standing right in front of her!


    "You said the daughter of Hugh Briggs is here?" Kristian asked, his gaze turning sharp and unreadable, his voice calm but steady. "Is her name Freya?" "Y-Yes," she stammered, nodding so hard it was a wonder her head stayed on. "It''s Freya Briggs."


    Kristian gave a small nod and walked off with Damon in that direction.


    As they moved, Damon nced sideways and ventured a bold guess. "Is Freya your ex-wife?"


    Kristian didn''t answer.


    "No wonder you had me look into whether Ethel had a sister,¡± Damon remarked, now eyeing with piqued interest. "Wait-you actually married her without knowing who her family was?"


    Kristian shot him a look that was part re, part weary tolerance.


    "You''re something else," Damon said with a half-smile, his tone walking a fine line between jest and sincerity. "If I were Freya''s kin, I''d have given you a hard time for making such a rash decision."


    14:39


    "If you keep running your mouth, I''ll turn around and walk out," Kristian warned, clearly not in the mood for


    Damon''smentary.


    He had asked Freya about her family once they''d married, and he''d even suggested they pay them a visit. But Freya had declined, brushing the idea aside.


    She''d told him, inly and firmly, that she had married him for her own reasons and that she preferred to keep her family far removed from it all.


    Rmended for you


    His Unwanted

 Chapter 202

    Chapter 202 Set Up A Meeting With Miguel Brig...


    Damon noticed Kristian was genuinely upset, as he decided not to rub alt in the wound.


    They walked down the hallway. As they turned the corner toward the


    entertainment area, they spotted Fores and Trent sitting together in the lounge, chatting casually


    Kristian came to a stop. His eyes locked on Freya. She looked calm and rxed, facing Trent


    "What are you staring at?" Damon followed his gaze, then smirked. "Didn''t think Trent was the type to shore up at a singles mixer."


    "How did you manage to win over Patti?" Kristian asked out of nowhere.


    Damon had a feeling Kristian was just trying to push his buttons.


    Kristian said suddenly, "Oh right. You''re still hung up on her. My bad. Haven''t actually won her over yet."


    Damon clenched his fists. He felt like punching him.


    Just as he was about to fire back that Kristian was also still single, he saw him heading straight toward Trent Damon frowned, unsure what Kristian was up to, but he followed anyway.


    Freya and Trent were still talking about nothing important when Freya sensed someone approaching She turned slightly and saw Kristian standing right beside her.


    Her brows drew together the moment she saw him.


    Before she could speak, Kristian took her hand and started walking toward thewn.


    "What are you doing?" she asked, startled.


    Trent started to rise, but Damon caught Kristian''s subtle signal and quickly pulled Trent into conversation.


    Kristian didn''t say a word. He just held Freya''s hand tightly and led her through the room like the crowd didn''t


    exist.


    People turned to look. Whispers followed.


    Everyone knew who he was-even if they hadn''t met him, they had seen his photos.


    He had the reputation of being aloof and distant. Seeing him at a singles event, holding a woman''s hand and walking out? That shocked everyone.


    Freya thought about shaking him off. But with all those eyes on her, she didn''t want to make a scene.


    Kristian knew her well enough to count on that. That''s why he led her outside, where no one was watching.


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    Chapter 202 Set Up A Meeting With Miguel Briggs


    Once they reached thewn, just as Freya moved to pull away, Kristian let go


    "Are you on a date with Trent?" he asked, his voice low and a little downcast


    Freya didn''t want to talk. "That''s none of your business."


    "You can''t be with him right now. If you are, that man won''te after you! Kostas sad qudy, the wests


    rushing out.


    He knew the real target was him. But based on how Freya reacted before, she deadly had a score to sette wr


    that man too.


    Freya''s mind clouded over.


    "So you think I have no choice but to team up with you to catch him?" she asked


    "No."


    "Then what are you trying to say?"


    Kristian had no answer.


    He didn''t know how to close the distance between them or even how to look her


    in the eye


    But he didn''t want to let her go.


    Seeing her sitting with Trent made him jealous. He wished he could sit beside her again, like before, and asc what they were talking about.


    But he didn''t have that right anymore.


    The only thread left between them was the man behind Ashley.


    "Why are you here?" Kristian asked instead of replying.


    Freya didn''t answer. She looked calm, but her silence was cold and distant.


    Kristian felt suffocated.


    Still, even now, he didn''t want to walk away.


    Something about being near her made his heart settle, even if it hurt. It was better than nothing


    They stood there in silence.


    After what felt like ages, Freya turned and started to leave without a word.


    Kristian grabbed her arm.


    "What do you even want from me?" she asked, confused and tired.


    Kristian didn''t let go. His eyes stayed locked on hers. "You still haven''t answered my question."


    "Dating," Freya said bluntly.


    "With Trent?"


    "I don''t owe you an exnation."


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    Chapter 202 Set Up A Meeting With Miguel Briggs


    "If you don''t tell me, I''ll show up at your ce every day to propose. You can shut


    the door, but eventually, all of Alerith will know," Kristian blurted.


    Treya turned to face him fully. She couldn''t believe she hadn''t seen just how shameless he could be


    Seeing the rejection in her eyes made something twist in his chest, but he still didn''t let go.


    "Not with Trent," Freya said, tired of the back-and-forth. "My grandpa ask me toe here."


    Kristian''s brows drew together.


    Before he could say anything else, she calmly pulled his hand off with her other hand.


    She wasn''t angry. Her voice was steady. "I don''t know what game you''re ying.


    If this is just to fool that man, there''s no need. I''ll have Ashley lie to him."


    Ashley was his spy. If she spoke, that man would believe her-for now, at least.


    "I have to go," Freya said firmly, after which she walked away.


    This time, Kristian didn''t stop her.


    He stood there watching her disappear inside. He stayed frozen until Damon came up and snapped him out of


    1. it.


    "What''s with you?" Damon asked, noticing something was off.


    Kristian didn''t answer. Instead, he asked, "Do you know much about Miguel Briggs?"


    "Ethel''s grandpa?"


    "Yeah."


    "Not really. People say he''s strict and old-school. Likes to control what his kids


    and grandkids do. Why do you


    ask?"


    0


    "No reason. I''m heading back," Kristian replied, already decided.


    "What about me?" Damon asked.


    "You''ll figure it out."


    Damon was annoyed. They were supposed to stick together. Now Kristian was ditching him mid-event? Some


    friend!


    But Kristian didn''t care. He left the car for Damon and walked off, pulling out his phone to call Gerard toe pick him up.


    Immediately Gerard arrived, Kristian said, "Set up a meeting with Miguel Briggs."


    Gerard hesitated.


    Wasn''t that Freya''s grandfather?

 Chapter 203

    Chapter 203 Acting Out Of


    Character


    "Got any specific time in mind?" Gerard asked, treating the whole thing like it was just another business


    meeting


    "Whenever works," Kristian replied coolly.


    "Alright then."


    As always, Gerard was the picture of efficiency.


    By the next day, the meeting had been set. When Miguel got wind that Kristian wanted to see him, he extended an invitation to his estate without hesitation.


    Freya was still at the office when the news hit her.


    "Are you sure you didn''t mishear that?" she asked, clutching her phone with a furrowed brow. The words from the other end had caught herpletely off guard.


    "Positive. By now, he''s probably already there," n answered, ever the reliable informant when it came to things happening at the family estate. "But what''s he doing there?"


    Freya''s calmposure unraveled in an instant.


    Mulling over Kristian''s recent antics, she muttered under her breath, "He''s causing me trouble again."


    Without another word, she handed over her work to Melvin and drove straight to her grandfather''s ce.


    Miguel was known for cutting conversations short-ten minutes tops if he wasn''t fond of someone. But if he liked you? That chat could stretch for hours.


    With Kristian''s polished image and impressive family background, it wasn''t hard to imagine Miguel being


    charmed.


    He might even start fantasizing about a marriage alliance.


    That thought alone made Freya m the gas pedal harder. She could only pray that Kristian wouldn''t mention anything about marriage. If he did, her grandfather would no doubttch onto the idea.


    And once that happened, an official engagement announcement would be inevitable. Then, this would spiralpletely out of control.


    Meanwhile, Kristian was already seated, engaged in a pleasant chat with Miguel.


    Gerard stood a short distance behind him, ying the role of silent assistant, quietly observing the conversation unfold.


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    *******p to that much to the Briggs Groop? Miguel asked, eyes glinting with satisfaction as


    Bad in and out that earned his alreadymanding presence, Kristian replied evenly. "As long as you won the taped ow, Pil falliver everything in promised" Mga thoor Realcation


    **dien took the agreement Gerard had prepared and handed it over. In that case, I''d appreciate your


    Miguel evimed through the contract, his gras widening with every page. He didn''t hesitate-just picked up a


    ***


    Watching the whole thing Gerard found himself at a loss. His emotions twisted into a knot, leaving him


    "Since you''re here, stay for lunch, Miguel offered, clearly in high spirits. "It''s always nice to havepany."


    "I''d love to, Kristian repled


    Momentster, the signed agreements were split between the two parties.


    Miguel instructed one of his staff to store the document safely, while Kristian handed his copy to Gerard to hold onto. Other than the three of them, no one else knew the details of the deal.


    Freya arrived just as lunch was about to be served.


    Both Miguel and Kristian looked geminely surprised to see her, neither had expected her to show up.


    "What brings you here?" Miguel asked.


    Freya nced briefly at Kristian, then came up with a nonchnt excuse. "Just


    came to pick up a few things." Since she had her own room at the estate, it didn''t sound out of ce.


    Miguel didn''t react much to her response.


    "Well, since you''re here, join us for lunch," he said after a short pause, brow


    furrowed slightly before extending the invite. ¡°I happen to have a guest."


    "Alright," Freya replied, seizing the moment to figure out why Kristian had shown


    up.


    Noticing the subtle tension between the two, Miguel tactfully came up with an excuse to step out.


    Freya found it suspicious-her grandfather never acted like that.


    "Sir, I''ll head back to the office and deal with a few things, Gerard said, sensing


    that his presence wasn''t required anymore. "Just call me when you''re ready, and I''ll send someone to pick you up."


    Kristian''s tone remained as aloof as ever. "Alright."


    Soon, only Freya and Kristian remained.


    Freya looked at him with narrowed eyes, suspicion dancing in her gaze. Her voice carried a trace of annoyance. "What are you doing here?"


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    Kristian''s eyes locked onto her, her reflection caught in his stare.


    He wanted to throw her own words back at her-"It''s none of your business."


    But he knew saying that would only push her farther away, leave them more estranged than they already were.


    Freya raised an eyebrow, waiting. Why wasn''t he saying anything?


    ¡°Just discussing a few things with your grandpa," Kristian finally answered, voice steady.


    "What kind of things?"


    "Business." The reply was curt and clipped.


    Freya shot him a skeptical look.


    Her grandfather had stepped away from business matters ever since her father took over the reins. There was no reason for him to suddenly get involved again.


    "If you don''t believe me, feel free to ask him," Kristian said as he stood up. His suit hugged his frame perfectly, making him look maddeningly attractive. Freya wasn''t about to ask. She knew her grandfather wouldn''t spill a word. Worse, he might flip the script and ask her about yesterday''s gathering. After returning from it the day before, she''d spent the rest of her time with Trent, steering clear of everyone else. If Vivien had snitched to Miguel, another gathering might already be in the works.


    Unless absolutely necessary, Freya preferred to avoid facing Miguel altogether.


    She stared at Kristian for a beat before asking again, "What kind of business matters?"


    "Since it''s business, there are confidentiality uses," Kristian replied as he stepped closer.


    His presence loomed over her like a shadow. "I can''t disclose anything to outsiders."


    Freya couldn''t poke any holes in his exnation, so she let it drop-for now.


    She figured if he hade to propose marriage, her grandfather would definitely bring it up during lunch.


    If he didn''t, then it was none of her business. And if it didn''t concern her, she had


    no reason to meddle.


    Ten minutester, the butler called them in for lunch.


    The meal was unusually quiet-nobody said a word.


    Freya thought the silence was downright eerie. Her grandfather was never this subdued. On previous visits, he always had something to critique-whether it was someone''s love life, job, or grades, he never held back.


    From n to Ethel, no one was safe.


    But today? Even after everyone had finished eating, he hadn''t uttered a single


    word.


    After spending a little time with Miguel post-meal, Freya decided to head out. Since there was no mention of marriage, she had no reason to linger.


    14:40


    She informed Miguel she was leaving, but before she could make her exit, Kristian spoke up. I''ve got things to take care of at my office, so I''ll head out too."


    "Alright," Miguel said, clearly pleased with Kristian, though somethingplicated flickered in his gaze. "Come by more often when you''ve got the time."


    "Of course," Kristian answered politely.

 Chapter 204

    Chapter 204 You''re Free To


    Choose Who You Want...


    "Freya." Miguel''s voice stopped Freya in her tracks.


    She turned around, brows lifting slightly in question.


    Before she could say a word, he continued, "Why don''t you give Kristian a ride? You''re headed that way


    anyway."


    "I..." Freya opened her mouth to protest.


    "No need to trouble her," Kristian cut in smoothly, his tone calm and even. "I''ll just call my assistant."


    "It''s no trouble!"


    Miguel cut him off firmly. "She''s going that way. Let her take you."


    Freya stood there, caught off guard. She really didn''t want to give Kristian a ride.


    Scrambling for an excuse, she quickly said, "I''ve got a few errands to run before I head to the office. Someone else can take him."


    "I''m telling you to give him a ride. Since when did you get this stubborn?"


    Miguel''s frown deepened, his displeasure showing. "Just make sure he gets to the office safely today."


    Freya felt her energy drain. With no choice left, she muttered, "Got it."


    She shot Kristian a sideways nce and said curtly, "Let''s go," before walking off. Kristian exchanged a few polite words with Miguel, then followed her out.


    Hearing the warm tone between them, Freya couldn''t help but wonder what they had been talking about. It wasn''t like her grandfather to warm up to someone that fast. Something felt off.


    Outside, Freya climbed into the driver''s seat and started the car.


    Kristian leaned in through the passenger-side window. "You''re seriously giving me a ride?"


    "Get in."


    Her answer was curt, not bothering to borate.


    Kristian opened the door, slid into the seat, and buckled up without needing another word from her.


    Freya didn''t drive off right away. She stared straight ahead, then asked without turning, "What exactly did you talk about with my grandpa? And don''t give me that ''business matters'' excuse-you two weren''t talking shop."


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    "Curious, are you?" Kristian turned his head to look at her.


    Freya didn''t reply, but her expression spoke volumes.


    Kristian said, "It was about you,"


    "A marriage alliance?" she asked bluntly.


    She wasn''t worried about sounding full of herself. After all, he''d brought up the idea more than once.


    Kristian studied her face.


    He knew that if he admitted it, her calm front would shatter. She''d snap at him, and the way she looked at him would shift into something colder. And just like that, the gap between them would only widen.


    Freya couldn''t read what he was thinking. She didn''t push, just waited for him to answer.


    "In your eyes, am I just someone who always forces you to do things you hate?" Kristian shot back with a question of his own, sidestepping hers entirely. Freya didn''t hesitate. "Isn''t that what you are?"


    He''d made her apologize, med her for things she didn''t do, and kept showing up in her life even after they broke up.


    Now, she didn''t trust him.


    Her voice was steady, but the words hit him hard, leaving him feeling suffocated.


    Freya didn''t wait for a response. She started the engine and drove toward the Shaw Group office.


    The ride was silent, and the mood was tense.


    Freya kept her eyes on the road, while Kristian looked out the window, his thoughts adrift.


    But the silence didn''t bother him. In fact, it gave him a strange sense of peace.


    Because she was right there next to him. She might not care about him anymore, but for now, that was enough.


    More than an hourter, Freya pulled up outside the branch office of Shaw Group.


    "We''re here," she said, keeping it brief.


    Kristian didn''t move right away. Instead, he turned toward her, his eyes unreadable.


    Once he got out, he probably wouldn''t see her again.


    Freya didn''t hear him budge and assumed he''d dozed off. She turned to nudge him-only to meet his gaze. His eyes-deep, conflicted, and tinged with something that looked like loneliness.


    She didn''t love him anymore. She felt nothing for him. But still, something in his gaze stun


    She said, turning her face away. "You can get out now."


    Kristian gave a quiet nod, then unbuckled, opened the door, and stepped out.


    Freya was about to pull away when she noticed him standing there, one hand on the car door, hesitating to


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    Chapter 204 Youis Free To Choose Who You Want To Marry


    "Miguel won''t force you into any more arranged marriages or blind dates,"


    Kristian said before she could say anything. His voice was calm, but carried a hint of sadness. "You''re free to


    choose who you want to marry."


    Freya blinked, unsure what he meant. She was about to ask, but he''d already closed the door and walked off, disappearing into the building with long, steady strides. All he left behind was the sight of his retreating figure.


    Freya stared after him for a second, then finally drove away.


    Meanwhile, Kristian returned to his office and sank into his chair, weighed down by thoughts.


    Gerard noticed hime in and walked over with the agreement Kristian had signed with Miguel. He harded


    it over.


    "Just leave it there," Kristian said.


    Gerard did as told.


    Kristian had nned to rest for a while, but noticed Gerard lingering nearby,


    clearly holding something back.


    "Anything else?" he asked.


    "Does Ms. Briggs know what you and her grandpa talked about?"


    Gerard asked carefully. He had seen Freya drop Kristian off, which made it seem


    like maybe, things between


    them weren''t as tense anymore.


    "she doesn''t,"


    Kristian replied tly, then added a warning. "If she asks you, don''t say a word."


    "What if she figures it out on her own?" Gerard asked.


    "She won''t," Kristian said with certainty.


    She didn''t trust him. There was no way she''d ever guess the truth.


    Gerard saw how sure Kristian was and gave a small nod before leaving, gently closing the door behind him.


    Over the past few days, Gerard had picked up on the subtle changes in Kristian. He still worked hard, still handled everything wlessly, but something about him seemed off.


    It worried him.


    But honestly, he must say this was all a mess Kristian had created himself.


    If Kristian had only listened to him back then-gone all in with Freya instead of pulling back-they might''ve had a kid by now.


    The thought made Gerard sigh.


    Back at his desk, his phone rang. He looked at the screen and froze. It was Freya!


    He hesitated, casting a nce toward the office door, unsure if he should answer.


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    After a pause, he finally picked up.


    "This is Freya. Is Kristian with you?"


    Freya quickly introduced herself before Gerard had the chance to say a word,


    clearly suspecting that Kristian might be within earshot. As his assistant, Gerard


    was practically glued to Kristian''s side-except for the hours


    they spent asleep.


    Remembering the warning Kristian had given earlier, Gerard replied, "No. He''s


    resting in the next room."


    Rmended for you


    COMPLETED


    Concha Of


    The Adored


    HEIRESS


    Comeback Of The Adored H

 Chapter 205

    Chapter 205 Can You Get Something Out Of Gerard


    "What did Kristian and my grandpa talk about today?" Freya asked bluntly.


    Gerard adjusted his sses, pausing. "Maybe you could ask that in a roundabout way."


    She was always so direct. And honestly, it made things hard for him.


    Freya blinked, confused. Wasn''t that already vague enough?


    "What can you tell me then?" she asked again, rephrasing.


    "Mr. Shaw told me not to say anything if you brought it up," Gerard replied.


    His words betrayed Kristian, but his stance was clear. "If you really want to know, ask him yourself."


    "Does it have anything to do with me?" she pressed.


    "I don''t know," he said calmly.


    "Is it a coboration?"


    "Can''t say."


    "An arranged marriage?"


    "You should ask Mr. Shaw."


    She threw one question after another, but Gerard stayed vague and unbothered.


    Eventually, Freya realized she was wasting her breath. With a shortment to end things, she hung up.


    At Anita International Group, Melvin had just gotten back from a meeting when he noticed Freya''s distant expression. He walked over. "Something wrong?"


    "Are you close to Gerard?" she asked, an idea sparking in her mind. "Yes."


    "Can you get something out of him?"


    "Yes, I can."


    "So confident?"


    "He trusts me and I''ll get him drunk," Melvin said casually.


    Freya was momentarily speechless.


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    Chapter 205 Can You Get Something Out Of Gerard


    Knowing het too well, Melvin cut to the point. "What do you want to know?"


    "What Kristian discussed with my grandpa today."


    Even if it wasn''t about marriage, Kristian''s words earlier still lingered in her mind


    "I''ll find out and get back to you tomorrow," Melvin promised


    Freya nodded. She felt oddly reassured


    She trusted Melvinpletely. He always handled the messy work before it ever reached her desk


    "Ms. Briggs," Melvin said suddenly.


    Freya looked up in an instant.


    He handed her a nk check pulled from between the pages of a book.


    She took it, puzzled. "What''s this?"


    "Someone tried to bribe me again. They said I could name my price."


    "The same offer as before?" she asked, handing the check back.


    "No, it''s not."


    "Then what?"


    Melvin didn''t speak right away. His ears turned red.


    He stood frozen, clearly ufortable.


    Freya stared at him. He looked nothing like his usual calm self. "Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    "It''s hard to exin."


    His voice was cool.


    Freya was puzzled. Wasn''t it just a bribe?


    She studied him-his flushed ears, his awkward posture-and suddenly, it hit her.


    "Did they ask you to force me into something?"


    "Yes," Melvin said with a nod.


    She couldn''t help but smile a little. "What did you tell them?"


    Melvin looked serious. "I didn''t say anything.


    This time, they offered more. After giving me the check, they said I should think it


    over. im offers like this -money and sex-don''te often."


    "Did they give a deadline?"


    "One week."


    Whatever Freya asked, Melvin answered honestly.


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    She twirled her pen, then gave her verdict. "In a few days, fill out the check.


    Pretend to agree and see what they''re nning."


    Melvin frowned. "No."


    "Why not?" Freya looked confused.


    "A woman''s name is not something to gamble with."


    His eyes locked onto hers. "You shouldn''t take risks like that."


    Freya set the pen down. "I know what I''m doing. Just handle it."


    Seeing she wouldn''t back down, Melvin nodded.


    As he turned to leave, he looked back seriously. "Be careful who you trust. Especially men."


    Freya chuckled, told him she got the message, and waved him off.


    The rest of the day flew by in a blur of meetings and paperwork.


    Anita International hadn''t expanded in years, but since Freya''s return, Melvin had secured multiple new deals.


    The workload exploded.


    That evening, while Freya stayedte, Melvin came by her office to inform her that


    he had arranged for a meeting with Gerard.


    Freya simply nodded.


    Later at a nightclub, Gerard and Melvin arrived, both sharply dressed, attracting nces the moment they


    walked in.


    Gerard seemed confused. After they sat, he nced around and frowned. "This is weird. Back then, when you were down, you always dragged me to the gym or for


    a run. Why the bar this time?"


    He knew Melvin hated drinking.


    Melvin looked away and muttered, "It''s different this time."


    "How so?"


    "I had a breakup."


    Gerard was stunned.


    Disbelief was written all over his face.


    A breakup? Melvin? That didn''t add up!


    "When did you even start dating? Why didn''t I know?


    And who is she?" Gerard asked, clearly shaken.


    Melvin kept a straight face. "I don''t want to talk about it."


    Gerard was at a loss for words. But curiosity ate at him.


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    "Come on. Let''s drink," Melvin offered, handing over a ss. His usual cool gaze was clouded, like he was


    holding something in.


    That look hit Gerard in the gut. He suddenly felt bad. Melvin didn''t open up easily. And he had few friends.


    So, Gerard made up his mind. "Fine. Tonight, I''ll drink with you till we drop!"


    Melvin clinked his ss. "Okay."


    A few roundster, Gerard still held strong.


    He''d been drinking with Kristian for years-his tolerance was sky-high.


    The nightclub pulsed with lights and loud music, drowning out the world.


    Gerard raised his ss again. Noticing Melvin looking tipsy, he leaned in. "Tell me about her. Talking helps, you


    know."


    He''d been waiting for this moment. Some real info.


    He couldn''t believe Melvin had a girl before he did. That was unfair.


    "I don''t want to say."


    Melvin frowned, ying drunk.


    Gerard had no clue he was being set up. Melvin''s act was wless, and with his


    usual quietness, everything felt


    real.

 Chapter 206

    Chapter 206 I''ll Pay You


    "If you don''t feel like talking, then don''t." Cend, y the yoga, urth seves out of Melvin with a bit of persistence "Let''s just yang dowling"


    Gerard prided himself on his impressive alcohol tolerance


    But there was one critical truth Gerard hadpletely overload. The sharpest ons die wore the m weakness to bait their prey


    From the very start, Melvin hadid out a careful trap, danging past the right topje to wet Ceret''s convey -his entire setup was designed to lure him in.


    And regrettably, Gerard-usually sharp and perceptive as Kristian''s right-hand man-don''t we wy of iting


    As he watched Melvin seem to slide deeper into drunkenness, Gerard thought maybe just one more drink as Melvin would spill.


    One more ss.


    Then another.


    And another still...


    They knocked back drink after drink in relentless session.


    Eventually, the alcohol began to take a toll on Gerard too. When he saw Melvin''s cheeks flush and his eyes ze over, he figured the moment had arrived.


    He slung an arm around Melvin''s shoulder and leaned in, trying for a heart-to- heart, "Sometimes it''s better to let it out than drown in booze. Come on-what happened between you two?"


    "She''s got feelings for someone else," Melvin mumbled, his voice low and muffled. His tone had shifted subtly, and he still clutched his ss in hand.


    Even if Freya were sitting right there, she''d never have guessed he was putting on an act.


    His expression, his pauses, even his bodynguage-every movement was executed with such precision it looked entirely genuine.


    Gerard blinked, his mind slightly fogged.


    Seizing the sliver of rity he still had, he pressed further, "So how long were you two actually together?"


    Melvin hesitated, then gave a small shake of his head.


    Even pretending to be drunk, he wasn''t one for talking much.


    But Gerard misread the silence entirely, assuming it came from heartbreak so deep it left Melvin speechless.


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    Otherwise, why would his friend have dragged him out for an impromptu night of heavy drinking?


    "Wait a sec." Gerard said suddenly, his thoughts churning "Weren''t you pretending to be Ms. Briggs''s boyfriend before? Could it be your actual girlfriend misunderstood and duped you because of that?


    "She doesn''t even know I like her." Melvin said, irritation bleeding into his voice. He couldn''t believe Gerard


    was this thick.


    But to keep him drinking, Melvin let his emotions show-lips set in a bitter line, and he tossed out a carefully


    measured clue.


    Gerard mulled it over.


    So... it was a secret crush?


    The realization struck him, and he looked at Melvin with newfound curiosity. He hadn''t expected the cool and aloof Melvin to be harboring quiet affection for someone. But who was this woman? Why had he never heard a word? Melvin had never once mentioned her.


    "Who is she?" Gerard asked, thinking he was finally getting somewhere.


    Melvin nced at him, the look in his eyes clearing like a fog lifting. It was as though Gerard''s question had sobered him. Shaking his head, Melvin said quietly, "I can''t tell you."


    "You can''t... tell me?"


    Gerard''s curiosity now bordered on obsession. He looked at the bottles between them and topped off their sses. "Alright, then. One more drink. Maybe it''ll drown your sadness."


    "Sure," Melvin replied, his voice cool andposed.


    Gerard doubled down, pushing drink after drink on Melvin, determined to wear him down.


    He figured if Melvin just drank enough, he''d cave.


    His n was simple: let Melvin get wasted while he yed along and stayed rtively sober.


    But what Gerard hadn''t ounted for was Melvin''s stubbornness-even under the influence. Every time Melvin took a shot, he insisted Gerard match him.


    Ten minutester, Gerard''s head was spinning like a top, and the room felt like it was tilting.


    Seeing him like that, Melvin knew the moment hade.


    Before he could speak, Gerard threw his arm over Melvin''s shoulder again and slurred, "I''ve drunk more with you tonight than I ever do at Mr. Shaw''s business dinners. Can''t you at least tell me who you''ve got a thing for?"


    "I''ll tell you-if you answer one question first." Melvin set his ss down, his drunken haze vanishing in an instant. In its ce was the calm, razor-sharp gaze of a manpletely in control.


    Just like that, he was back to his usual self-cool, measured, untouchable.


    Gerard squinted at him. "Huh?"


    "What did you and Kristian talk about with Freya''s grandfather today?" Melvin asked, his tone deceptively casual, though his eyes stayed locked on Gerard''s face.


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    Gerard immediately recoiled, pulling his arm back and eyeing him warily. "Wait are you trying to trap me?"


    Melvin was momentarily stunned. How was Gerard not drunk yet? That didn''t make sense. Gerard should''ve


    been t out by now.


    "I''m not telling you anything!" Gerard grumbled, shaking his head like a defiant child. "Mr. Shaw said this stays


    between us. It''s top secret!"


    "I''m not Freya. You can tell me."


    Melvin''s voice was calm, reassuringced with just enough sincerity to sound believable.


    Gerard''s cloudy mind struggled to keep up. "Really?"


    "Yes."


    "Okay... but not a word to anyone," Gerard said, letting his guard droppletely. "Especially not Ms. Briggs."


    "My lips are sealed," Melvin promised, sounding perfectly convincing


    ¡°My boss made a deal with Mr. Miguel Briggs,¡± Gerard revealed, his tongue loose and unfiltered. ¡°He gave him exactly what he wanted in exchange for a promise- to stop forcing Ms. Briggs into arranged dates or marriage." Melvin froze, his usuallyposed eyes darkening with a flicker of surprise.


    "He didn''t know what he had until he lost it," Gerard went on, slumping over the table as he mumbled. "Honestly, I''m still in disbelief over everything he did." Melvin stayed quiet, thoughts racing behind a still expression. Should he tell Freya about this? And if he did, how would she react?


    "You seriously can''t tell a soul." Gerard sat up suddenly, his flushed face scrunched with drunken solemnity. "I''m trusting you because you''re my buddy. But


    if you spill the beans, I''m screwed."


    "I''ll pay you," Melvin said without blinking.


    Even though Gerard was just an assistant, he held a modest share in Shaw


    Group and earned a substantial sry with hefty bonuses.


    But Melvin, managing Anita International Group, owned ten percent of the


    Though newer than the Shaw and Briggs Goups, Anita International was a titan in Al and chip tech, dominating both domestic and global markets.


    Countless corporations had lined up with offers to acquire their patents-but Freya turned them all down.


    If she ever decided to sell, she''d be the richest figure in the entire sector.


    Not that she ever cared about wealth.


    "Swear you won''t say a word," Gerard murmured, finally slumping forward and passing out cold.


    Melvin cast him a nce, then paid the bill and called for a cab.


    He hauled Gerard to a nearby hotel, booked a room, and dumped him on the bed without ceremony. Standing in the elegantly furnished suite, Melvin looked down


    at his flushed, unconscious face, his expression


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    unreadable.


    Just as he was weighing whether to tell Freya the truth, Gerard''s phone started to


    ring


    Exclusive Offer For You

 Chapter 207

    Chapter 207 Name Your


    Price


    Melvin nced at the phone, recognizing Kristian''s name on the screen.


    At first, he had no intention of picking it up-after all, despite Gerard being his friend, he didn''t feel it was his responsibility to answer the call for him.


    But when the phone rang again, his resolve wavered.


    Gerard had mentioned that Kristian never called twice; if he did, it usually meant something urgent.


    Hesitating for a brief moment, Melvin finally decided to pick up. After all, Gerard did value his work, and he knew that.


    "Hello?" he said, his voice as cool andposed as ever, betraying none of the alcohol still lingering in his system.


    Kristian''s brows furrowed in confusion.


    "Melvin?"


    "It''s me," Melvin replied, his tone as icy as it always was.


    Kristian''s unease deepened.


    He had known that Gerard was supposed to meet Melvin after work. At first, it hadn''t seemed like much-he hadn''t thought much of it but now it was starting to click. Melvin hadn''t arranged to meet Gerard since Gerard''s arrival in Alerith. It seemed too coincidental for them to meet now.


    He was starting to suspect that Melvin might have been gathering information from Gerard. That was why Kristian had called to warn Gerard.


    But it seemed that warning hade toote.


    "Where''s Gerard?" Kristian asked, his voice tight with apprehension.


    "Drunk."


    The line fell silent.


    Both men were ustomed to few words.


    Typically, a conversation between them would end swiftly. Yet neither hung up.


    Both knew that this conversation wasn''t quite finished.


    After a few momente Kristian''s min


    Chapter 207 Name Your Price


    Gerard to get information from him?¡±


    "Yes." Melvin''s response was direct, no attempt to hide the truth.


    "Did he tell you anything?"


    "He did."


    Kristian rubbed his temples in frustration.


    Gerard had always been dependable. If Kristian hadn''t trusted him, he never would have kept him as his


    assistant.


    Gerard had been loyal all these years, and this had never been a concern.


    Until now.


    Kristian''s heart grew heavy. He knew that even drunk, Gerard wouldn''t have revealed anything easily. The only reason he would have done so was because of his trust in Melvin.


    "Let''s discuss terms. Name your price." After a brief pause, Kristian finally spoke, though there was clear reluctance in his voice. "Forget everything Gerard told you."


    "A billion."


    "Okay."


    "Ten billion."


    "I don''t have that much liquid cash. I can offer you investment products like stocks


    and funds," Kristian said without hesitation.


    He didn''t want Freya to know-he feared it would upset her.


    If she found out, she would think he was meddling and tear up the agreement.


    He wasn''t trying to prove anything, just to do something small for her. She had everything-love, care, and money. This was all he could offer.


    Melvin paused, surprised by how readily Kristian had agreed. "Do you think this will make Freya change her


    mind?"


    "No," Kristian replied, matter-of-factly.


    From the divorce to Lionel''s birthday banquet, he had tried everything. He knew Freya wouldn''t change her mind once she made a decision.


    "What terms did you discuss with her grandpa?" Melvin''s tone was colder than usual.


    Kristian narrowed his eyes. Was this supposed suitor of Freya''s meddling too much?


    "It''s none of your business," he snapped, his voice turning steely. "Let''s stick to the terms. What do you want?"


    "Nothing," Melvin answered firmly.


    Kristian''s demeanor shifted, his voice turning icy as he applied pressure through the phone. "I suggest you reconsider."


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    "I said, nothing." Melvin repeated, his voice resolute "I won''t tell Freya what you did


    Kristian''s eyes darkened. He didn''t believe that an ordinary employee like Vekta cold turn dones sen billios Surely, he wasn''t making that much at Briggs Group After all, 1 billion would see him for life


    th


    "I need to take care of Gerard, so I''ll end this here, Melvin said, ganding over at Gerad, who was formung in his sleep, clearly ufortable from drinking too


    much


    Kristian was at a loss for words. He found Melvin hard to read


    "By the way." Melvin spoke again, breaking the silence.


    Kristian''s lips parted, "What?"


    "Gerard is taking a leave tomorrow." Melvin''s voice was as cold as ever. He''s too drunk to go to work"


    Kristian didn''t respond, just hung up the phone decisively. What kind of person was this Melvin?


    Melvin gently set Gerard''s phone down on the bedside table, his eyes catching the frown on Gerard''s face. With quiet care, he lifted him and carried him to the bathroom.


    As a friend, Melvin disyed a remarkable level of consideration, his actions reflecting a deep, unwavering sense of loyalty.


    He bought Gerard a fresh set of clothes, carefully cleaned him up, and tucked him into bed before taking care


    of himself.


    Once finished, he settled into his own bed, ensuring that they both had their


    space.


    The next morning, when Gerard woke up, a dull ache throbbed in his head.


    He rubbed his temples and sat up, noticing the unfamiliar hotel bathrobe he was wearing He paused for a moment, confused.


    "I got you a leave," Melvin said, already dressed, having patiently waited to


    inform Gerard. "You don''t have to go to work today. I gotta go now."


    "My boss didn''t say anything?" Gerard asked, his concern shifting to his boss.


    As for being bathed and changed, Gerard didn''t mind.


    They''d known each other for so long that personal boundaries weren''t something they worried about.


    "No," Melvin replied, thinking back for a moment. Kristian hadn''t said a word about Gerard''s leave, just hung


    1. up.


    Gerard sighed in relief.


    Just as Melvin was about to turn and leave, Gerard recalled something from the previous night. "Wait."


    Melvin looked back, his expression puzzled.


    "You didn''t answer my questionst night. Who''s the girl you have a crush on? What''s her name?"


    Gerard asked, his eyes filled with curiosity.


    Melvin went silent. He was unsure of how to respond.


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    Gerard had been drunk the entire night, yet somehow, he still remembered the


    events from the previous evening?


    "No one," Melvin replied finally, offering a vague answer, his ton impassive. Seeing Melvin''s reaction, Gerard knew he wouldn''t get any more information. If he couldn''t drag it out of him while Melvin was drunk, he certainly wasn''t going to now. So, he decided not to press further.


    "How did we get back?" Gerard asked, his gaze scanning the room. He looked at


    the new clothesid out on the bedside table, still trying to piece together the events of the night.


    He had been drunk the night before. But Melvin had been just as drunk. So how


    did they get back here?


    "The nightclub staff woke me up around 2 AM. Then I sobered up,¡±


    Melvin lied effortlessly, his expression unwavering, maintaining his usual


    Rmended for you


    COMPLETED


    Conchard Of

 Chapter 208

    Chapter 208 Don''t Bottle Everything Up


    "Is that so?" Gerard asked, his eyebrows arching in surprise. Without his usual sses, his features softened, giving him a more congenial appearance.


    Melvin maintained his usualposed demeanor. "Indeed."


    "Fine," Gerard conceded with a slight nod. He added, his voice tinged with concern, "If you find yourself in a


    bad moodter,e and talk to me. It''s important not to bottle everything up." "Understood," Melvin responded sinctly, his words as sparse as ever.


    He didn''t stay much longer, swiftly grabbing his phone and exiting the hotel.


    Gerard watched the door close behind Melvin, a knowing smile ying at the corners of his mouth.


    Was Melvin under the impression he didn''t catch on to his little interrogation?


    Choosing not to rise, Gerard massaged his temples, still clouded with sleepiness, and drew the nket up to


    his chin, deciding to get some more rest. After all, Melvin had already taken care of his leave arrangements.


    As he settled back against his pillows, his mind reyed the events of the previous night.


    Though intoxicated, he wasn''t oblivious.


    He distinctly remembered Melvin''s attempts to coax information from him. Normally, he would have mped up, divulging nothing.


    But this was Melvin, a friend from his younger days.


    Moreover, Gerard felt it wasn''t right to keep silent about Kristian and Freya''s issue. If Melvin inquired, he would share the details. Whether Melvin chose to inform Freya, however, was another matter entirely.


    Kristian would have his objections, and if it came to that, Gerard was ready to face them head-on. With these worries brushed aside, he surrendered to a profound slumber.


    By the time Melvin reached his office, the clock had struck eleven.


    Freya had just finished her work when her eyesnded on him. "Weren''t you supposed to be off today?"


    Her earlier morning had involved approving Melvin''s request for leave.


    "It''s resolved now," Melvin said, his gaze locking with Freya''s,den with unspoken thoughts.


    He wrestled with the thought of telling her the truth.


    He might''ve made a drunken promise to Kristian not to tell Freya, but looking into her eyes now, the guilt


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    made lying feel impossible.


    "You seem off," Freya remarked, catching the shift in his demeanor. "If you''re still feeling the effects ofst night, perhaps you should head home and rest. You can always return tomorrow."


    Melvin remained silent for a moment before addressing her formally. "Ms. Briggs." "Yes?" she responded, puzzled.


    "Do you truly want to know what was discussed between Kristian and your grandpa?" Melvin asked, his expression unreadable.


    "I am just curious." Freya confessed, her honesty unguarded. "Were you unable to learn anything from Gerard?"


    Melvin remained tight-lipped.


    Unfazed, Freya shrugged slightly. "You didn''t have to go through the trouble. I''ve been thinking, and it doesn''t


    seem right to coax secrets out of Gerard just for my own curiosity."


    Gerard had always shown her kindness and respect. If he''d let something slip while drunk, the me would fall squarely on him, and she couldn''t bear the thought of him suffering for something tied to her.


    Melvin finally broke the silence, his voice low and conflicted. "I did get it out of him." There was no attempt to sugarcoat it-he couldn''t bring himself to lie to her face.


    Freya blinked, brows lifting in mild shock. "You did?"


    Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied his face. "You seem... off. Is something bothering you?"


    She couldn''t help but be curious.


    Melvin, typically a paragon of efficiency and emotional control, seemed uncharacteristically hesitant now.


    "After much thought, I know what Kristian discussed with your grandpa," Melvin finally said, his words. measured. "But I''ve decided not to tell you."


    Normally, such a revtion might have irked Freya.


    Why bring it up if he wasn''t going to share?


    But this was Melvin, a steadfastpanion since the early days of Anita International Group, who had dedicated himself wholeheartedly to both thepany and her.


    His sincerity was undeniable; if he chose to keep it from her, he likely had apelling reason.


    "No need to, then." Freya''s voice was even, betraying no sign of agitation. "Share


    it with me when you''re ready. However, if their discussion brings anyplications, I''m counting on you to help me navigate them."


    "You aren''t upset with me?" Melvin''s voice wavered slightly, a rare break in his usuallyposed facade.


    This marked a shift from his years of unwaveringpliance to her directives. He had braced himself for any fallout.


    "Why would I be upset? You clearly have your reasons," Freya responded, her tone soothing. "And now that you''re in the know, should the need arise for me to be informed, you''ll tell me, right?"


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    "Absolutely," Melvin affirmed with a nod.


    He had resolved not to disclose anything until she expressed a genuine need to


    know.


    After all, Kristian''s actions were inconsequential, and sharing them would only burden her with needless worry


    "That settles it then," Freya dered, her trust in Melvin palpable. "Take a short break before you dive back into


    work."


    "Will do," Melvin replied, though he had no real intention of resting


    Once Freya turned her attention elsewhere, Melvin set about tackling a series of other, albeit minor, critical


    tasks.


    Just past midday, Melvin delivered the lunch he''d ordered for Freya.


    As she was about to dig in, her phone rang. It was Gerard. She caught Melvin''s eye before she answered.


    "Ms. Briggs."


    "It''s me."


    "Is Melvin back at the office?"


    "Yes, he''s here."


    A heavy silence followed her response.


    Remembering that Melvin had deliberately gotten Gerard drunk to pry secrets


    from him, she queried, "Is there something you need from him?"


    As Melvin poured the water, his hand paused-surprise flickering across his face.


    So it was Gerard on the line? "Kind of, yeah," Gerard finally replied after a moment''s hesitation.


    As memories of the previous night slowly came together, Gerard suspected that Melvin had orchestrated the whole scenario to coax secrets out of him.


    Yet, given Melvin''s sincere anguish over a supposed unrequited love, Gerard


    found it hard to believe he had been acting.


    The Melvin he knew was no skilled deceiver.


    Freya observed Melvin''s sharp profile. "I''ll hand him the phone," she said, even as


    a nagging thought crossed her mind about why Gerard hadn''t called Melvin directly. Could something have gone wrong between themst


    night?


    "No, no, it''s not him I''m searching for-it''s you, Ms. Briggs," Gerard hastily rified, chalking up his awkward blunder to the remnants ofst night''s alcohol.


    Freya furrowed her brow, puzzled.


    Before she could probe further, Gerard pressed on, "Might you consider easing Melvin''s workload for a bit? He''s been rather out of sortstely."


    Freya''s confusion deepened. Her usual detachment wavered as she began to piece together the events of the


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    previous evening What could have possibly transpired between Gerard and Melvin? Why was Gerard insinuating that Melvin was out of sorts? Could it be.....


    A fleeting suspicion darted through her mind, but she shook it off just as fast. It seemed far-fetched that anything untoward could have urred between the two men over a few drinks.


    "What exactly happened?" she inquired, unable to mask her concern.


    "Well... he''s dealing with some love problems," Gerard admitted, struggling to


    articte the precise nature of Melvin''s troubles. "If it''s possible, please lighten his workload. Should this affect his sry, I''m prepared to cover the shortfall myself. Just ensure he remains unaware of this arrangement, Gerard added, his tone


    earnest.


    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart

 Chapter 209

    Chapter 209 Melvin Had A Thing For Freya


    Gerard had one in thought spinning in his mind.


    No matter how much heartbreak Melvin might be carrying from a breakup, he''d never let it tip onto his face


    Working with a heart that''s not in the right ce is no easy feat, and even the tiniest hup can push someste


    over the edge.


    Back when his grandfather passed, Gerard couldn''t keep it together at work. When Kristian found out, be stretched Gerard''s three-day bereavement leave into a full month without question


    That was the reason Gerard had always stayed loyal to Kristian.


    Besides being a little clueless when it came to love, Kristian was sharp and reliable in every other way-or ar least that''s how Gerard saw him.


    At first, Freya hadn''t given the matter much thought.


    But Gerard''s words had been far too pointed to brush aside.


    "Ms. Briggs, are you still there?" Gerard asked, his voice gently prodding after a long silence-


    "Are you sure what you said is true?" Freya asked, her brows knitting together just slightly.


    "Yes. I''m sure."


    "Did you cause it?"


    Gerard was too stunned to form a single word. His face was a picture of confusion. What exactly did she think


    he caused?


    His silence read like guilt to Freya. She pinched the bridge of her nose and, in a tone muddled with emotions, murmured, "I see."


    "Thank you, Ms. Briggs." Gerard didn''t give the conversation much more thought after her reply. "If you need to make adjustments to the sry, just let me know."


    "That''s not necessary." Freya wasn''t even sure how she felt at that moment.


    After hanging up, she sat there, mulling over how to bring the matter up with Melvin


    She had been curious-but she never imagined Melvin would pay such a steep price.


    More than anything, Gerard just didn''t strike her as that kind of person


    Melvin had noticed that since Freya ended the call, she''d barely touched her food, fork in hand,pletely lost


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    Beading the conversation, vegantly ced a gass of water in front of her. "Was that Gerard on the phone


    44 he bay?"


    Freys passed mid bite, and her calm eyes flickered with a tangle of emotions.


    to wonder Melvin had been so reluctant to talk about it earlier. If she were in his shoes, she wouldn''t have


    wanted to talk about it either


    "Nothing much she knew Melvin got embarrassed easily. He came off cold and aloof, but when it came to romance, he was honestly pretty clueless. ¡°He just asked if you''de back to work"


    "Me Briggs


    "Do 1 seem naive to you?"


    "Not at all." Freya gave him a genuinepliment. "You''re smart."


    "Then why did you lie to me?" Melvin''s voice suddenly shifted-low, edged with hurt. "You two were on the phone for ages, that couldn''t have been just a simple chat."


    What bothered him most was that he hadn''t heard what Gerard said, but he had seen Freya''s expression


    change.


    Freya was at a loss for words. How was she supposed to respond to that?


    Melvin waspletely in the dark. What on earth had Gerard told Freya? Why did she look like that afterward?


    "He said you hit a rough patch in your rtionship," Freya gave him a half-truth. "And asked me to lighten your workload a bit."


    She left out the part about Gerard''s offer to cover his sry. After all, she didn''t need him to pay for it.


    Melvin thought back to the he he had fed Gerard the night before. He figured Gerard was still as gullible as ever, unable to tell a fib from the truth.


    "Don''t worry about him. I''m fine." Melvin decided it was time he had a talk with Gerard himself. "You go and eat. I''ll talk to him."


    ahead


    "Alright." Freya nodded softly.


    Melvin walked toward the door.


    Freya hesitated for a beat before calling out, "Melvin."


    He turned, his expression open.


    "In the future, you don''t have to go to such lengths. Your well-being means more than any news report." Freya had been wrestling with how to say it without adding


    to his burden. "If you ever need a break, just say the word,"


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    Chapter 209 Melvin Fred A Thang Forfreys


    Melvin paused, barely hearing anything after, "Your well being means more than any news''


    He didn''t linger on it. "Okay," he said simply


    Then he stepped out, ready to set things straight with Gerard


    Freya suddenly had no appetite at all. She never imagined something like this conds until wont for Jo


    alone involve her own assistant.


    The more she thought about it, the more unreal it all felt.


    Meanwhile, Melvin called Gerard.


    As soon as the call connected, even before Gerard could speak, Melvin''s dear, even voice came through led to youst night. I didn''t actually go through a breakup."


    Gerard blinked, baffled.


    "I made it up so you''d tell me what Kristian Shaw and my boss''s grandpa about."


    Melvin was blunt, even offering a quick apology. "Sorry about that.¡±


    "Hold up." Gerard caught the important part right away.


    Melvin didn''t say a word.


    Gerard was fully alert now, adjusting his sses. "Did you just say ''my boss'' grandpa? Isn''t Ms. Briggs your director supervisor?"


    Sure, Freya was likely sessor to the Briggs Group, but she hadn''t officially taken over yet, so technically, she was a higher-up-not the actual boss. Melvin was at a loss for words, realizing he had slipped.


    "I remember you telling me your boss took a two-year break and just came back


    to work. Gerard''s instincts were sharp. "Was the boss you talked about all this time actually Freya Briggs?"


    All he knew was that Melvin worked for some top-tierpany, but the name had nevere up-not once.


    And he was pretty sure it wasn''t Briggs Group.


    "No." Melvin was as smooth as ever. "My former boss went on another leave. Now


    I''m working part-time as Freya''s assistant. She''s my current supervisor. I only report to her-not thepany itself."


    Gerard''s eyes narrowed. Something wasn''t adding up.


    Melvin had called her "my boss" too naturally just now. The tone matched the way he always talked about her.


    And more importantly, when Gerard had said Freya was some elite hacker, Melvin had said the sa own boss. When Gerard praised her fighting skills, Melvin said his boss could take on ten of him. that be a coincidence? It was starting to sound like Melvin had been talking about Freya all along.


    bout his #could


    "Then why don''t you just take time off like before?" Gerard asked.


    "There are still some loose ends at the office. I need to wrap things up before stepping away." Melvin''s words


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    were airtight.


    "How did you meet Ms. Briggs?"


    Melvin didn''t answer. He wasn''t nning to. Was Gerard ever going to let it go?


    Gerard was nearly certain. "Ms. Briggs is your boss all along, isn''t she?


    "You''ve got it wrong."


    "That''s impossible!"


    "I''ve got things to do. Gotta go now. You''ll never guess who my boss really is.


    Melvin out the call night then, giving Gerard no time to dig further.


    If they kept talking, Freya''s identity would be out in the open.


    Gerard stared at his phone, dumbfounded.


    He had been seventy percent sure it was Freya. But the way Melvin handled the call-so calm and sudden- made him question everything again.


    Now he was only twenty percent sure. Had he gotten it all wrong? Then why was Melvin working part-time for her? Didn''t his job pay well enough already? And all of a sudden, a light bulb went off in Gerard''s head, eyes widening in


    disbelief. Could it be... Melvin had a thing for Freya?


    Once that idea nted itself, it took overpletely.

 Chapter 210

    Chapter 210 I Can''t Say No


    To Money


    If Melvin really had a thing for Freya, then suddenly, everything clicked into ce.


    Like-Melvin, of all people? That emotionally unavable guy had faked his own breakup just to weasel info.out of Gerard? And on top of that, even with his cushy sry, he''d still picked up a side hustle working with Freya?


    All those thoughts tangled in Gerard''s head, stirring up aplicated mess of emotions.


    He''d always figured Melvin was clueless when it came to rtionships-never in a million years did he expect the guy to fall for someone before he did.


    Pushing his sses up the bridge of his nose, Gerard gathered himself and decided to go to work. Melvin might''ve taken a leave of absence on his behalf, but Gerard figured the best way to clear his mind was to keep


    busy.


    While heading to the office, it hit him-his reaction to Melvin''s confession had been way too calm.


    After mulling it over, Gerard pulled out his phone and fired off a voice message, chewing Melvin out for getting him drunk just to dig for secrets.


    At that exact moment, Melvin happened to be wondering the same thing-was Gerard too chill about the whole thing? Seeing the message pop up, he felt a bit of relief wash over him and went right back to eating his lunch.


    Melvin spent the rest of the afternoon tied up in office matters.


    Meanwhile, once Gerard made it to the office, he got summoned straight to Kristian''s office.


    Kristian nced up from his desk and, in that usual deep baritone of his, asked, "Sobered up?"


    "Yes."


    "How''s it feel, being duped?"


    Caught off guard, Gerard''s head snapped up. How did Kristian know?


    "Why didn''t I realize before that you''re this easy to crack?" Kristian sounded unimpressed, like Gerard''s defenses were paper-thin.


    "It was... an ident."


    Gerard didn''t even try to defend himself. Deep down, he knew he''d kinda let it happen. "How''d you find out?"


    "Melvin," Kristian said, in and direct.


    "He told you?" Gerard was stunned. What was Melvin thinking? Why would hee clean to Kristian right after getting what he wanted?


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    Kristian didn''t respond right away. His gaze drifted, recallingst night''s phone call. "Do you really know him?"


    "Who?" Gerard blinked, then guessed based on the conversation, "Melvin?" Kristian nodded,


    "We''ve known each other a long time."


    Gerard didn''t see a reason to lie. "Same high school, same college. I actually wanted him to join Shaw Group at first, but he turned me down. Said he had other ns. He''s not big on talking, kind of stiff, but honestly? He''s


    a good guy."


    What stood out most to Gerard was something from their school days-how Melvin once stepped in to defend


    him.


    Back in high school, Gerard had been the quiet type-good-looking, soft-spoken- not like now, with his polished smile and easy confidence.


    Because of that soft image, he was picked on. Before Gerard could even react, Melvin had jumped in, kicked the bullies aside, and stood in front of him like a wall.


    In that moment, Gerard thought Melvin was being reckless-he was only making himself the next target.


    And yeah, Melvin did end up getting targeted. But he didn''t care. One by one-or even all at once-he took them on and knocked them down.


    After that, they became close friends. And they''d been tight ever since.


    "What else?" Kristian pressed.


    "What exactly are you trying to find out?" Gerard asked, sensing Kristian wasn''t just asking for fun.


    Kristian didn''t answer. He just stared, his silence loaded with pressure.


    Gerard shifted ufortably. What was happening here? Why was Kristian giving him that look?


    "If Freya offered you a billion to spill what I said to her grandfather, would you take


    it?".


    Kristian asked, straight as an arrow.


    Gerard''s eyes lit up, a grin tugging at his lips. "A billion?"


    "Yes."


    "Not a million-an entire billion?"


    "Yes."


    "You''re my boss. Your secrets are safe with me," Gerard answered, putting on his


    best loyal-employee face. "Not for a billion. Not even two."


    "Be honest." Kristian''s voice dropped, colder than before.


    "I can''t say no to money!" Gerard said quickly. Since his boss wanted the truth,


    he''d give it. This was not the


    time to hesitate.


    Kristian''s eyes narrowed.


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    You did say it was Ms. Brige who was buying-nct sorteste do Corus exter, worded that the s icy tone was aimed at him if it were wyze ise, I wouldn''t say a word, no matter what they sect


    "Melvin didn''t agree,"


    Kristian said it calmly, but his wordsnded with weight


    Gerard might sell Kristian''s secrets to Freys, bot Melvia.


    Gerard blinked, thoroughly lost now. "What are you getting at?


    "Last night, I called you. He picked up," Kristan and i like he wasying down cards Iker be go something out of you, so I asked him to name a price to keep it from Forga"


    Gerard listened intently.


    "He asked for a billion," Kristian said, eyes locked on Gerard.


    Gerard nearly choked, Melvin? A whole billion? What kind of guts did that guy have?


    "I agreed. Then he asked for ten billion," Kristian added


    Gerard''s mouth twitched.


    Ten billion? That was beyond greedy. That was delusional


    Melvin had the nerve to ask, and Kristian had the nerve to y along


    "So... did you agree? Cerard asked, half joking, unable to hide his noey tone. (yes," Kristian replied, voice low.


    Gerard was stunned speechless. Was Kristian really that rich? so rich he could toss around ten billion so easily? "Mr. Shaw," Gerard started, suddenly feeling bad for all the cash flying out the window "If you''re that worried about him bbing, you could just give me one billion and I''ll keep him quiet."


    It just felt too wild to be real.


    "But he turned it down." Kristian was now convinced something wasn''t adding up with Melvin


    "Honestly, that''s smart. Ten billion''s no joke. Who knows if you''d actually pay or try to trap him? Being cautious makes sense, Cerard said confidently "Besides, he''s not the kind of guy who''d go against his conscience for money"


    Wait. Melvin said no. That meant... Freya might already know? But when Gerard called her earlier, she hadn''t acted weird at all


    "He refused my money, but said he wouldn''t tell Freya," Kristian said, suspicion thick in his voice "That checks out. If he told her, he''d only be making things worse for himself, Gerard said, u the version of Melvin from that night. "He probably just doesn''t want you and Ms. Briggs to get be Kristian''s gaze darkened a shade. "What do you mean by that?"


    "He has feelings for Gerard froze, panic flooding him.


    back to


    gether"


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    What did he just say? Had he really just let that slip?


    The temperature in the office seemed to drop with Kristian''s stare. "He has


    feelings for Freya?"


    Exclusive Offer For You


    im Now

 Chapter 211

    She Took The House. The Car, And My Hesit


    Chapter 211 Running Into Kristian


    "I''m not entirely sure," Gerard said, masking the faint unease that stirred beneath hisposed exterior.


    Kristian''s gaze remained fixed on him, his presencemanding the room with an intensity that seemed to swell with every passing second. Gerard, adjusting his sses, couldn''t shake the feeling of nervousness that clung to him.


    "If you want to know, I''ll try to figure it out,"


    Gerard added, his voice steady but offering little assurance.


    Kristian remained silent, his eyes still unwavering


    From Gerard''s hesitant response, Kristian had already pieced together that Melvin harbored feelings for Freya. While he had made up his mind not to interfere, choosing instead to quietly support her from the shadows, the knowledge that someone else desired her unsettled him deeply.


    Gerard fell into an uneasy silence, his thoughts racing. He knew better than to provoke Kristian, especially when the man''s mood seemed to teeter on the edge of something dangerous.


    "What''s Melvin''s background?"


    Kristian asked, his voice t, as if he were simply making an observation.


    "I''m not sure."


    Gerard was honest. "He never mentioned it."


    Despite their long acquaintance, Melvin was a man of few words, and their conversations rarely ventured into anything personal. Gerard had never seen a reason to inquire.


    Kristian lost in thought.


    After a brief silence, he dismissed Gerard, allowing him to return to work, while he stayed behind, deep in


    thought.


    Two days slipped by in a sh.


    During those two days, Freya had been tied up withpany business. Since there was nothing urgent happening at Briggs Group, she poured all her energy into her ownpany.


    One afternoon, Melvin stopped by the office to see her and said, "I''ve already quoted them a price."


    "How much?"


    "I filled in the maximum amount possible on the check,"


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    Melvin replied inly.


    Freya paused what she was doing and looked at him with those striking eyes. "What did they say?


    "They agreed and handed me these two items."


    Melvin pulled out a hotel key card and a bottle of pills. "They want me to find a


    chance to drug you with this and take you to that hotel."


    Freya took the items and studied them.


    The pills were clearly something meant to knock a person out.


    "Let''s go."


    Freya twirled the card between her fingers before handing the pills back to Melvin.


    But Melvin didn''t move, his icy gaze fixed on her.


    Freya lifted her eyes to him. "Why aren''t you walking?"


    "Did you already forget what I told youst time?" Melvin''s tone was serious,


    Freya blinked. "What?"


    "Don''t be too quick to trust men." He ced the pills back into her hand. "If you ever cross paths with someone who really means you harm, giving them this would only put you in danger."


    "You''re not someone who means harm."


    Freya knew exactly who she could rely on and who she couldn''t. "Find out where these pills came from and report it to the police."


    This kind of drug was usually used against women, and whoever was distributing it needed to be dealt with.


    Melvin nodded. "Alright."


    "If you can''t figure it out, ask Frederick for help," Freya added. "He''s got free timetely."


    "Okay." Melvin always followed through with what Freya asked.


    The two left the office to grab a meal outside.


    Freya was determined to uncover whoever was targeting her. She had let things slide before the divorce, but now, she wasn''t going to turn a blind eye. Coincidentally, they happened to run into Kristian.


    Just as Freya and Melvin stepped into their private dining room, Kristian appeared from around the corner with


    a group of people. When he spotted the two of them together, his steps came to a halt instinctively.


    "Mr. Shaw? Is something wrong? Did we say something out of line?" Someone beside him asked.


    Everyone else held their breath, not daring to speak, afraid to offend Kristian.


    Kristian didn''t respond to the murmurs around him, his eyes locked on Freya and Melvin as they disappeared into the private room. He didn''t look away until the door clicked shut.


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    Last time, Freya had confessed that she and Melvin were just pretending


    But this time, it looked like Melvin might actually be chasing after her.


    Gerard spotted them too and was the first to recover, nudging Kristian lightly. "Sir, we should go in."


    Kristian radiated a cold intensity. He threw onest nce at the closed door before entering the room to conduct business, though his thoughts were elsewhere entirely.


    Throughout the meal, Kristian barely said a word, which made the air in the room feel suffocating. The people hoping to strike deals with him didn''t even dare to breathe too loudly, scared they''d worsen the already grim


    atmosphere.


    Gerard did most of the talking for Kristian, responding to all the questions andments.


    Kristian''s mind was clearly elsewhere during the entire dinner.


    Over in Freya''s private room, the mood was far more rxed. After sitting down, they began eating. After all the work, they were definitely hungry.


    "We should head out early,"


    Freya told Melvin, offering an exnation. ¡°Just in case Kristian decides to show


    up and cause trouble."


    She wasn''t sure if he''de looking for her afterward.


    It was safer to leave first.


    "Alright," Melvin agreed without hesitation.


    Half an hourter, Melvin nced at the time and told Freya it was time to make a


    move.


    The hotel key card was for a room in this very building. All they needed to do was


    exit the private dining room


    and head up by elevator.


    Just as they were about to leave, Kristian''s phone rang.


    His eyes narrowed when he saw the caller ID. He answered with a swipe, "Talk."


    As soon as his voice rang out, everyone at the table fell silent, stilling their breath and freezing in ce.


    "Mr. Shaw, I just got an update," a man''s voice came through the line. "It''s about Melvin Swain and Freya


    Briggs."


    "Go on." Kristian kept it short, as always.


    "Melvin was bribed with close to one billion dors."


    The man continued, his voice crisp and urgent. "He''s nning to drug Ms. Briggs tonight and take her to a hotel room where four dangerous men are waiting."


    The frost in Kristian''s tone turned cial. His gaze sharpened like a de. "Give me the address and room


    number."


    "It''s the hotel where you''re dining tonight, Room 2309," The man replied quickly. Kristian was about to hang up and storm out when the voice added, "We don''t know if there are any cameras


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    in the room"


    "Understood"


    Kristian''s voice was like ice. He ended the call and stood abruptly, walking away


    without a word to anyone,


    No one dared to make a sound in his wake


    Even if someone had aint, they swallowed it. In this world, Kristian word


    wasw, and no one wanted


    to cross him


    Gerard, watching Kristian leave without so much as a nce back, forced a bitter


    smile. He had no choice but to follow, telling the rest that Kristian had an urgent matter to attend to and the meeting would be rescheduled.


    No one objected and nodded along in agreement, one after another.


    Exclusive Offer For You

 Chapter 212

    Chapter 212 I''ll Show Him What Despair Feels Like


    Stepping out of the private room, Gerard trailed close behind Kristian, talking as he went. "Mr. Shaw, next time you''ve got an emergency and have to disappear, could you at least give me a little warning first? You''re making things really hard for me here."


    "Am I?" Kristian''s voice was ice-cold, his expression unreadable.


    Gerard blinked, thrown off. Why did it feel like Kristian was quite furious today?


    Still, he didn''t linger on it, chalking it up to one of Kristian''s famously unpredictable moods. Trying to stay ahead of the storm, he asked, "Was there something urgent you had to take care of?"


    Kristian didn''t reply. Instead, he strode directly toward the door of the private room Freya and Melvin had gone into earlier. Without a hint of hesitation, he raised his foot, clearly about to kick it open.


    Gerard caught him just in time.


    "You can''t do that!" he blurted, paning his voice. He''d jumped to


    conclusions-assuming Kristian was gacting out of jealousy over Freya dining with Melvin. "If you barge in like this, Ms. Briggs is going to hate you


    even more than she already does!"


    "As if she''s ever liked me." Kristian''s voice was t, edged with bitterness.


    Gerard stood there, momentarily stunned. Well... at least Kristian had some self-


    awareness.


    Still gripping Kristian''s arm, Gerard did his best to reason with him. "Let me knock first. Just wait here, alright?"


    Kristian''s brows drew into a tight frown, but he didn''t object.


    Gerard sighed and knocked on the door, feeling all sorts of tangled emotions swirl in his chest.


    Nothing


    He knocked again. Still nothing.


    "Ms. Briggs? Melvin?" he called out on the third knock, adding politely, "Would it be alright if we came in?"


    Kristian shoved the door open


    with force


    Gerard, who had his ear pressed against it, stumbled forward and nearlynded t on his face.


    Just as he opened his mouth to speak, he caught sight of the empty room. No one inside. Before he could even voice his confusion, he saw Kristian''s face darken, his expression colder than before.


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    without saying another word, Kristian spun on his heel and stalked off, tossing a singlemand over his shoulder. "Call Melvin. If he so much as touches Freya, I''ll show him what despair really feels like."


    "Melvin?" Gerard echoed, even more lost now.


    Kristian didn''t answer. He was already making a beeline for the reception desk.


    Gerard stood frozen for a moment,pletely at sea, but if Kristian wathis serious, then something must definitely be off


    After a quick pause, he fished out his phone and called Melvin.


    Whatever this mess was, it needed clearing up. Surely it was just some kind of misunderstanding-Melvin


    wouldn''t dare hurt Freya


    But after a few rings, Melvin declined the call.


    Gerard stopped in his tracks, stunned.


    Kristian turned, noticing, "Did you get through?"


    "I did..." Gerard replied, his stomach dropping. "But he hung up."


    Kristian''s expression turned cial.


    With worry creeping in fast, he didn''t care anymore about whether Freya might resent him for interfering. He kept walking as he dialed her number.


    Just like Melvin''s call, hers ended abruptly after a few rings.


    He tried again. This time, her phone was switched off.


    Watching Kristian''s face grow colder by the second, Gerard scrambled to send Melvin a message. "Why''d you hang up? Mr. Shaw is looking for you. Where are you?"


    Melvin replied, "I''m busy with Ms. Briggs. Tell your boss not to disturb us."


    Still not reassured, Gerard texted again, "Just pick up the phone."


    Melvin''s reply came quickly, "I''ll call youter."


    Seeing that Melvin sounded calm, Gerard felt just a little bit of relief and followed Kristian toward the front


    desk.


    The hotel staff greeted them with perfect politeness.


    Kristian didn''t waste words. "I need a room on the 23rd floor. Any type will do." Inside, he was clearly on edge, but his voice remained cool and collected.


    The receptionist checked the system and responded, "All rooms on the 23rd floor are currently booked."


    "Not even one left?"


    "That''s correct, sir."


    Kristian''s gaze turned stormy.


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    Gerard, still not understanding what was going on, asked, "Sir, why do you need a room?"


    "Then unlock the elevator to the 23rd floor. I''m heading up to find my friend," Kristian said, brushing the question off.


    "I''m sorry, sir, but you''ll need to provide your friend''s name and room number." the receptionist said politely.


    "Melvin Swain. Room 2309," Kristian replied tly.


    Gerard''s confusion only deepened. Melvin?


    "I''m sorry, sir, but we don''t have any guest under that name staying in that room. If you can call your friend


    and confirm it, we''ll unlock the elevator right away," the receptionist said again.


    Kristian, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit, gave off an intimidating air.


    It hit him-the room must''ve been booked under someone else''s name.


    And the hotel''s policies weren''t going to bend for anyone, not even him.


    "Keep trying to get ahold of Melvin. I''ve got a call to make," Kristian said curtly, turning away and pulling out his phone as he stepped aside.


    "Alright," Gerard agreed, still totally baffled.


    Kristian rubbed the bridge of his nose, pulled out his phone, and dialed another number.


    The call picked up instantly. "Kristian! Do you have something against me?" Damon''s voice was thick with


    irritation.


    Patti had just picked up his video call, only for it to be interrupted by Kristian''s.


    "Call your staff at the hotel yourpany owns and tell them to unlock the elevator to the 23rd floor," Kristian snapped, not in the mood to exin.


    Damon was caught off guard.


    "What hotel?"


    Kristian gave him the address.


    Though clearly annoyed, Damon still made the call. He knew Kristian wouldn''t ask unless it was something


    serious.


    Three minutester, the receptionist received the updated instruction.


    Meanwhile, up on the 23rd floor, Melvin and Freya were standing in the hallway


    after receiving Gerard''s


    message.


    Freya was pretending to be unconscious, a little trick to fool the security cameras and anyone else watching.


    Melvin frowned and whispered, "Gerard and Kristian are looking for us. What should we do?"


    "Ignore them," Freya said softly.


    From her experience, she figured Kristian was just throwing a fit over her having dinner with Melvin. Frankly, she didn''t see why that should matter to her.


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    Seeing her unbothered attitude, Melvin let his worries go too.


    He figured he''d just return Gerard''s call once they were done.


    But just as he started guiding Freya toward Room 2309, the elevator dinged behind them.


    Melvin stayed cool on the outside, though something tightened in his chest.


    Freya leaned into him, still pretending to be out cold. If anyone spotted them like this, it could look real bad- and mess up everything they''d nned.


    He kept walking, steady and calm, but had barely taken a few steps when a voice rang out behind them.


    "Melvin?!" It was Gerard-his tone full of surprise as he rushed over. "It really is you."


    Melvin froze.


    Freya stiffened too, caughtpletely off guard.

 Chapter 213

    Chapter 213 Kristian


    Attacked Melvin


    "Why are you here?" Gerard asked, his voice tight. He could feel the chill radiating from Kristian, a wave of unease creeping up his spine. "Is that... Ms. Briggs?"


    Gerard blinked in disbelief. What in the world'' was Melvin doing here with Freya? And Freya... she looked


    "Hand her over to me." Kristian closed the distance with long, deliberate strides, eyes sharp and presence intimidating, every inch of him radiating authority.


    "No chance," Melvin shot back. "I''ve got business with my boss."


    "What kind of business brings you to a hotel?" Kristian''s tone was biting, a flicker of relief crossing his features


    as he realized he''d arrived just in time. "You think I don''t know what you''re up to?"


    Kristian knew exactly how much trust Freya ced in her assistant. And yet, Melvin had tossed it away-for


    cash.


    Melvin''s confusion was written all over his face.


    Gerard, sensing the tension twist even tighter, stepped in. "Hold on, Mr. Shaw. Maybe this is just a mix-up?"


    "Either walk away now, or I''ll have you hauled off to the police station to sort it out," Kristian threatened, his


    re as cold and sharp as a de.


    Melvin stood frozen, caught in the headlights.


    If he exined, the cameras would betray him.


    If he stayed quiet, he was headed straight for trouble with his boss, no less.


    "Call the police, Gerard."


    "Mr. Shaw..."


    "Call the police!"


    "There has to be a mistake," Gerard said, reading the atmosphere and trying to keep the peace. "Melvin''s not that kind of guy."


    Kristian turned that cutting re onto Gerard, making him break into a nervous sweat.


    All Gerard could do was tug at Melvin''s sleeve. "Come on, say something." Kristian kicked Melvin square in the side, not holding back in the slightest.


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    Caught off guard, Melvin stumbled back, and Freya slipped from his arms straight into Kristian''s waiting hold.


    Just as Melvin opened his mouth, Freya, nestled against Kristian''s chest, whispered something under her breath.


    She hated being held like that. But she''de too far to drop the act now.


    "Take me away. Don''t make this harder for Melvin," Freya murmured so only he could hear. "We''re using this to trap whoever''s behind all this."


    Kristian froze for a second.


    Gerard, catching the sudden shift in the air, panicked even more. "Mr. Shaw..."


    "Since you''re Gerard''s friend, I''ll let this go-for now," Kristian said coolly, keeping the performance going. "But you''d better watch yourself."


    And with that, he scooped Freya up and walked out of the hotel.


    Freya was speechless. Was he doing this just to mess with her?


    "Mr. Shaw." Gerard made onest attempt to defend Melvin. He was convinced Melvin wouldn''t do something


    like this.


    Kristian ignored him, tossing back a simple, "Let''s go."


    Gerard hesitated, torn, but followed. As he passed Melvin, he whispered, "Just exin everything tomorrow. I''m sure this is all a misunderstanding."


    Melvin didn''t say a word. If it came to blows, he could hold his own.


    But he''d seen Freya whisper something to Kristian, and right after, Kristian decided to let him go.


    It felt like Freya had changed the n and wanted them to split up for now.


    Five minutester, Kristian and Gerard exited the hotel with Freya, keeping up appearances the entire way.


    Just as Melvin turned to leave, a man emerged from a room on the 23rd floor. The same man who''d handed him


    a check earlier.


    "Mr. Swain, hold on a moment." The man''s tone was soft, almost pleasant.


    Melvin frowned, turning to face him. "What are you doing here?"


    "I came to see if you followed through on our arrangement."


    "Freya''s with Kristian Shaw now."


    "I''m aware," the man said with a slight smirk. "But that''s no issue. Freya doesn''t


    get along with him. She trusts you far more."


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Melvin yed dumb.


    "Even though Kristian Shaw took her tonight, you just act like nothing happened tomorrow," the man exined. "If she asks, say you passed out too. When she tells you to investigate, we''ll supply a food poisoning report. Then, whatever Kristian Shaw says will look like a lie-and she''ll believe in you even more." Melvin''s expression remained unreadable.


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    He realized that the man clearly knew too much about the tension between Freya and Kristian


    "Of course, not everyone can afford to cross Kristian Shaw," the man added when Melvin stayed sex of you''re not up for it, walk away-but that check bes worthles


    "Got it," Melvin replied, turning to leave without another word.


    Once he was gone, the man made a call, quietly reporting everything that tad just unfolded.


    Meanwhile, Freya sat in the car with Kristian.


    Gerard, behind the wheel, was still unsettled. He didn''t want Kristian to carry the wrong impression of Melvin "Sir, I really think you''ve got this wrong, Melvin doesn''t care about status or money. He wouldn''t do something


    like this."


    "You trust him that much?" Kristian turned his gaze to Freya, the tension easing


    slightly.


    "Yes," Gerard said without hesitation. "I''d stake my future on it."


    That got Freya''s attention. She opened her eyes.


    Inside the car, safely away from any surveince, she didn''t have to pretend


    anymore.


    She shifted''in her seat, looking toward Gerard. "Last time you offered to cover the shortfall, and now you stake your entire future? What exactly happened that night you two got drunk?"


    Gerard blinked in surprise, then caught on fast. "Ms. Briggs?"


    "Yes."


    "You''re... you''re okay?" Gerard asked, visibly puzzled by how normal she looked.


    "I''m fine," Freya answered. She wasn''t trying to dig too deep, but Melvin was her assistant. "So, what really happened that night?¡±


    Gerard instinctively nced at Kristian.


    He suddenly realized he''d been yed. What else could he say?


    "Not much," he replied, figuring Melvin hadn''t filled her in. "We just drank, got


    rooms, and crashed. Next day,


    back to work."


    "One bed?" Freya asked.


    "Of course not," Gerard responded quickly. "We each had our own."


    But Freya''s cool expression flickered with doubt. If that were true, how did his earlier reaction make any sense? "Please don''t look at me like that. Seriously, nothing is going on between me and Melvin!" Gerard tried to exin, realizing how his earlier words might''ve sounded. "We''re just good buddies, that''s all."


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    Chapter 214 You Care About Him That Much


    Freya''s gaze shifted ever so slightly, a subtle flicker that spoke volumes.


    "Just good buddies?"


    Gerard caught the silent message in her eyes, and his grin wavered. "You don''t believe that?"


    "If it really was just friendship, then why did you tell me he hit a rough patch in his rtionship?" Freya asked, her confidence finally beginning to crack. "And why did you tell me to lighten his workload... even suggested you''llpensate him?"


    Most telling of all-when she had asked if he was the reason behind Melvin''s problem, Gerard had fallenpletely silent.


    "Because..." Gerard nced in Kristian''s direction.


    Admitting Melvin had feelings for Freya now felt like stabbing Kristian in the back, didn''t it?


    Besides, Melvin had called it a secret crush. If Gerard blurted the truth in front of Freya, Melvin would absolutely hold it against himter.


    Freya followed the direction of his gaze, her brows knitting together. "Why are you looking at him?"


    "I gave Melvin my word I''d keep it private," Gerard replied quickly, scrambling for a way out. "I can''t tell you." Even though Melvin had confessed that the story was fabricated to dig for information, Gerard couldn''t shake the feeling that something didn''t sit right.


    Melvin wasn''t the type to dangle his emotions like bait-not even to fish for


    answers.


    Freya''s stare turned sharper, narrowing slightly as she studied Gerard.


    Trying to rescue his own name, Gerard made one more attempt. "Look, all you need to know is that Melvin and I are just good friends-nothing more."


    Freya responded with a nomittal, "Hmm."


    Kristian, who had been silently observing the entire exchange, locked eyes with Freya. That face-he had seen it in his dreams countless times. And now, here she was, right in front of him. "What happened tonight?"


    "Why were you even there?" Freya shot back instead of answering.


    Given how that mastermind usually operated with surgical precision, such a blunder seemedpletely out of


    character.


    If she were in his ce, she would''ve ensured no chance for her to slip away-no loophole to call for help. The


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    23rd floor should''ve been locked down airtight.


    Kristian pressed his lips into a thin, tight line.


    He couldn''t possibly confess he''d been investigating Melvin and had gone there out of fear Melvin might hurt


    her.


    If he admitted that, Freya would definitely demand to know why he was digging into Melvin''s life. No matter


    how he exined it, it would look like he was meddling. And she''d despise him even more for it.


    "Yeah, Mr. Shaw, why were you there?" Gerard added, his curiosity lighting up his face. "And how did you know


    Melvin was in Room 2309?"


    The second he said it, Freya''s entire demeanor shifted-her guard shot right up.


    Kristian, for the first time tonight, felt a strong urge to ship Gerard off to the furthest edge of the. The


    man talked too much.


    Sensing the frost in Kristian''s aura, Gerard swallowed hard and forced a grin, pretending he wasn''t rattled.


    After all, Freya was his idol and his good friend''s leader. If things went south with Kristian, maybe he couldnd a job with her instead.


    "Did you follow me?" Freya asked outright.


    Kristian answered swiftly, "No."


    "Then how did you know?" Her suspicion only deepened. She studied his expression closely, not letting a single twitch slip past her. "Other than Melvin and me, only the person who booked the room would know that it was


    Room 2309."


    Kristian''s chest tightened. "You think I orchestrated this?"


    "I''m not stupid," Freya retorted coldly. "I don''t jump to conclusions without evidence."


    Her sharp remark tugged at something inside him-memories he''d buried.


    Back then, he had linked scattered clues and half-baked theories and pinned the me for Ashley''s ident and the online chaos on'' Freya.


    Had Ashley''s miscarriage been tied to Trent, or if he hadn''t ced such unwavering faith in Liam, perhaps he would have questioned Freya back then as well.


    Lost in that haze of regret, Kristian spoke-his voice rough and barely audible. "I''m sorry."


    Freya blinked in surprise.


    Gerard, too, looked baffled.


    Both wore identical expressions of confusion.


    Gerard, emboldened by the silence, asked, "Are you alright?"


    Why did he apologize now?


    "You''re not upset about earning a fat paycheck, are you?" Kristian thought Gerard


    had really been pushing his lucktely.


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    Gerard promptly shut his mouth, stering on a tight smile and choosing silence.


    But Freya was still waiting-still expecting an exnation


    "I was looking into past incidents and just happened to follow the trail here,"


    Kristian lied smoothly. "So I went


    upstairs."


    Freya didn''t budge. She stared at him, unwavering,


    "You don''t believe me?" Kristian asked.


    "No," Freya answered without hesitation.


    Her t response left a bitter aftertaste in his mouth.


    But what truly bothered him was the knowledge that this tiny he was already cracking her trust. If this small deception felt this heavy, how must she have felt when he''d wronged her before?


    No wonder she didn''t want anything to do with him now.


    If their roles were reversed, he''d probably hate himself too.


    "I''m telling the truth," Kristian insisted, still determined to keep his investigation on Melvin under wraps. He tried pivotifig, "Let me take you home. We can talk at my ce."


    "If you had really followed the trail, you wouldn''t have said those things to Melvin-


    or told Gerard to call the police," Freya countered, not letting him steer the conversation away. "You investigated Melvin, didn''t you?"


    If Kristian had truly uncovered something, his usual method would''ve been to detain Melvin on the spot and Esqueeze out whoever was pulling the strings.


    But he''d acted hostile from the very beginning


    His tone, his choices-none of it added up.


    "Why would we investigate Melvin?" Gerard cut in, visibly confused.


    Freya took note of his reaction. So Gerard was out of the loop?


    "I''m not investigating him," Kristian replied. "If you don''t believe me, check it out yourself. With your skills, it won''t be hard."


    "Normally, it wouldn''t be," Freya said, her voice tinged with doubt. "But if you''re using your hidden resources, I might not be able to find anything."


    She had always known that Kristian had ess to power and connections far beyond the public eye. Some trails simply couldn''t be followed through ordinary channels.


    Kristian''s expression darkened. "Am I really that untrustworthy in your eyes?"


    "Trust?" Freya scoffed. "From a man who lies without blinking? What gives you the nerve to even ask?"


    Even though Kristian knew he was lying, hearing her say it so inly made his chest ache.


    "I don''t care why you''re investigating Melvin. Just stay out of my business with him," Freya said, her tone leaving no room for argument. She didn''t want her ns derailed again. And she sure as hell didn''t want more


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    Chapter 214 You Care About Him That Much


    ties to Eristian


    She wasn''t concerned about Kristian targeting Melvin either.


    If push came to shove, Melvin had the full weight of Anita International behind


    him.


    Kristian''s temper red Hearing Freya speak up for another man with such conviction, something inside him snapped. "You care about him that much?"


    "Yes, I do."


    "Do you love him?" The words tumbled out of Kristian''s mouth before he could stop them.


    Freya stared at him, incredulous. "That''s none of your business."


    Rmended for your

 ft Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 215

    Chapter 215 Not Wanting To Stay With Him-


    Noticing that Kristian was teetering on the edge of saying something wildly inappropriate again, Gerard jumped


    in with a well-timed distraction. "Anyway, Ms. Briggs-why was Melvin with you there?"


    Freya replied coolly, "Putting on a show."


    With just those few words, Gerard put the pieces together.


    Earlier, Freya had only exined things to Kristian in a hushed tone, so Gerard had been left entirely out of the


    loop.


    Now that he''d caught on, he didn''t press any further. "So, whose ce are we headed to now?"


    "My ce.""


    "My ce."


    Kristian and Freya spoke in unison.


    Gerard pressed his lips together, unsure who to obey.


    "ording to your script, you''re currently unconscious," Kristian pointed out,


    clearly angling to take her home. "Since I brought you out, I''ll take you to my ce to keep an eye on you."


    "You should take me to my ce," Freya countered tly.


    "I don''t have ess to your home."


    Freya had noeback for that.


    She furrowed her brows, that usual calm in her eyes giving way to something more unsettled.


    She didn''t want to go to Kristian''s ce, but if she got out now and was seen on surveince, the person orchestrating this would know she and Melvin were faking it.


    And without herptop, there was no way to hack the system.


    "Then I''ll head to Mr. Shaw''s ce," Gerard said, directing thement to Freya. When she gave a small nod, Gerard started the car and drove off.


    Kristian kept his gaze locked on the back of Gerard''s head, silently deciding that they were due for a serious talk about who exactly signed Gerard''s paycheck.


    They hadn''t gone far when Freya''s phone buzzed. It was Melvin.


    Without missing a beat, she swiped to answer. "Hello, Mel."


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    Kristian''s expression went cial


    "Mr. Briggs, who really knows the details of your rtionship with Kristian?" Melvin asked, Bluetooth crackling softly as he drove


    Freya hesitated. "Why do you ask?"


    *Right after you left, a man stepped out of the room on the 23rd floor and said a few things to me," Melvin


    exined, voice sharp and clear. "Sounded like he knew a lot about you and Kristian."


    "What exactly did he say?"


    "He told me toe find you tomorrow. And if you asked about tonight, I should say you fainted from food poisoning They even said they''d forge a report to back it up," Melvin said. "They were convinced you''d believe


    me over Kristian."


    Freya''s eyes flicked toward Kristian. Of course, she would believe Melvin over him. Whoever was behind this dearly understood her well enough to exploit that bias.


    "What''s our next move?" Melvin asked.


    "Stick to their story," Freya answered, already thinking several steps ahead.


    "Alright," Melvin said without hesitation. "Where are you now? Should Ie pick you up?"


    "No," Freya sighed, a dull throb building behind her temples. "Your showing up might make things messier. Just pick me up from Kristian''s ce in the morning."


    At that, Kristian visibly rxed.


    He''d genuinely been worried she might hurl herself out of the car mid-drive.


    Melvin, on the other hand, wentpletely silent.


    "Hello?" Freya prompted.


    "Ms. Briggs," Melvin said, all seriousness now.


    "Yes?"


    "Do you know what kind of rtionship is the most dangerous?" Melvin asked seriously.


    Freya blinked, "What?"


    "Exes," Melvin said without a shred of irony. "If you go home with him, what if he takes advantage of you?"


    Freya paused but responded coolly, "He can''t touch me."


    Kristian was skilled, sure, but if it came down to a fight, she''d hold her own.


    She wouldn''t lose.


    "Men are unpredictable-more than you can guard against," Melvin warned,pletely forgetting just how dangerous Freya herself could be. "Especially one like Kristian."


    For a moment, Freya was at a loss for words.


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    After a beat of silence, she replied, "I''ll have Frederick pick me upter. You go on home."


    "Okay," Melvin agreed at once.


    The moment she hung up, Kristian''s brow furrowed, and an icy tension settled


    around him. She was leaving?


    "You want to leave?"


    "Yes," Freya said calmly.


    She pulled up Frederick''s contact and gave him instructions along with an address before ending the call.


    Watching her sort things out so efficiently, Kristian felt something press heavily against his chest, making it hard to breathe. Did she truly not want to stay with him, not even for a single night?


    "After the third traffic light, drop me somewhere without cameras," Freya instructed Gerard.


    Gerard followed themand instinctively. "Okay."


    Kristian''s expression turned frigid.


    Gerard felt a chill run straight down his spine, but said nothing, continuing to drive


    at a steady pace.


    "If¡¤ you get out now, what if it ruins the cover tomorrow?" Kristian tried reasoning


    onest time.


    "It won''t," Freya replied without pause. "As long as you don''t say anything, no one will know."


    She''d already briefed Frederick on how to handle any loose ends.


    She could leave safely.


    "You changing your mind because of Melvin?" It was the only exnation Kristian could think of.


    "No," Freya replied with her usual bluntness, voice cold. "I just don''t want to spend the night with you."


    Kristian''s breathing turned heavy, and the tension in the car thickened like a storm cloud.


    Gerard didn''t even dare to exhale too loudly, terrified that one misced breath would set his boss off.


    The rest of the drive passed in absolute silence. When they reached the third traffic light, Gerard pulled over, and Freya stepped out without hesitation. This time, Kristian didn''t stop her. He wasn''t one to beg, and he knew that no matter what he said, Freya wouldn''t budge. Once she made up her mind, no one could sway her.


    "You guys go on ahead," Freya said when she noticed Gerard still hadn''t moved. "Frederick''sing soon."


    "It''s fine. We''ll wait till you''re in the car," Gerard offered.


    "Go," Kristian said curtly.


    Gerard hesitated. "You sure?"


    Kristian didn''t respond, but one icy look from him said everything.


    Gerard shivered under the weight of it and, not daring to argue, told Freya to call if


    anything came up before driving off.


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    Halfway through the drive, the tension snapped. Kristian turned on Gerard with a re. "If you like Freya so damn much, why don''t you go work for her?" "Don''t you like her?" Gerard shot back, skillfully dodging the actual question. "Have I been too soft on youtely? Made you think I''m some pushover you can joke around with?¡± Kristian''s head was spinning with the image of Freya''s rxed expression while talking to Melvin. How much trust did


    she have in that man to look that at ease?

 Chapter 216

    Chapter 216 Haven''t You Already Figured That Out


    Gerard flicked a nce at Kristian through the rearview mirror before speaking, his tone light but pointed. "If you''re this hesitant to let Ms. Briggs go, why don''t you just ask her to stay?"


    Kristian shot back with a cool retort, "Do you think I need your advice?"


    If simply asking her to stay could''ve solved anything, he would''ve done it ages ago.


    Gerard scratched the bridge of his nose and kept driving, choosing not to push further.


    "Didn''t you mention Melvin was working as an assistant somewhere else?" Kristian finally had the mind to dig into the situation. "How did he end up hovering around Freya?"


    "I don''t know the specifics," Gerard admitted without hesitation. "He said his boss went on vacation, so now


    he''s helping Ms. Briggs out part-time."


    "Would you really take a part-time gig if you were in his position?" Kristian''s gaze sharpened, and his voice


    dropped slightly.


    Gerard caught the chill in his expression and answered inly, "No."


    If his boss was off on vacation, he''d be taking it easy too.


    The paycheck would stillnd in his ount regardless, and besides, Melvin wasn''t strapped for cash-he''d


    been squirreling money away for years, so he wasn''t hurting financially.


    "Then why would Melvin be working part-time for Freya?" Kristian''s suspicion deepened.


    Gerard hesitated. How the hell was he supposed to answer that? He couldn''t just blurt out that Melvin had a thing for Freya and was hoping to win her over by working close to her, could he?


    Kristian waited and waited. But when no answer came, a line appeared between his brows. "Speak."


    "What else could it be, if not because he''s in love with her?" Gerard finally said, his heart beating a little faster.


    "Haven''t you already figured that out?"


    "It''s not that." Kristian wasn''t reacting emotionally-his head was clear.


    If it was really just about having a crush on her, there were better ways to get


    close to her. Being her assistant


    would barely give him any face time beyond delivering tasks.


    Gerard blinked, thrown off. "Then what is it?"


    "Could Freya actually be his boss?" Kristian voiced the thought that had been bothering him.


    Gerard looked mildly surprised. "I considered that before, but it doesn''t add up."


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    "Why not?"


    "Melvin said his boss went on vacation again, but Ms. Briggs has been working this whole time."


    "Again?" Kristian caught on instantly.


    "Yeah. His boss took a two-year vacation before, and Melvin got two years off with full pay. He just got back to


    work recently," Gerard exined the situation.


    After a pause, he added, "If you went on a two-year break, would you let me do the same with pay?"


    "You must be dreaming." Kristian replied tly.


    Gerard fell silent. He figured as much. Bosses like Melvin''s didn''te around often.


    "Find out where Melvin used to work," Kristian instructed, more convinced now that Freya might be involved.


    Gerard wasn''t thrilled but had no choice. "Alright."


    The car kept rolling.


    Eventually, Gerard dropped Kristian off at home.


    At the same time, Freya got into Frederick''s car.


    The moment she sat down, Frederick started running his mouth. "Freya, didn''t you already divorce Kristian? Why are you still tangled up with him? Oh, and is what Trent said true? About that man showing up? Freya, why aren''t you saying anything?" He''d gone on for a bit without a peep from her, so he finally paused to ask.


    "You''ve fired off so many questions-how am I supposed to know which one to answer first?" Freya said, her tone rxed. She felt at ease around him.


    Frederick kept one hand on the wheel and looked a bit sheepish.


    He let the earlier topic drop and pivoted. "By the way, have you heard about the Captain?"


    "What happened to him?" Freya immediately perked up at the mention.


    Her mind instinctively jumped to thest time she called the Captain-back then, it had been a way to cool


    down.


    Frederick gave her a look. "You really don''t know?"


    Freya raised a brow. "Know what?"


    "Never mind." Frederick swallowed whatever he was about to say. "Forget I said anything."


    "A supercar," shemented.


    "Freya, this isn''t about the car."


    "Two limited edition supercars."


    Frederick hesitated. "Trent said not to tell you yet."


    "Three."


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    "The Captain ising back."


    Freya snapped to attention, sitting upright. "Where did you hear that?"


    "From Trent," Frederick replied, then gave her the full scoop. "He didn''t tell you? I thought he was messing


    with me."


    Freya''s stomach tightened.


    The Captain was returning? Could it be to settle the score with her?


    "What''s wrong?" Frederick asked as he drove into hisplex and pulled into the


    parking lot.


    Freya rubbed her temples, a faint trace of worry in her eyes. "Nothing."


    She got out of the car with him.


    After they went upstairs, she calmed herself with a ss of water. Standing by the


    bar, she looked over at Frederick lounging on the sofa. "Did Trent say when the Captain''sing back?"


    "Nope." Frederick shook his head.


    Freya set down her ss, lost in thought. "Text him and ask."


    Frederick, sharp enough to catch on, said, "Freya."


    "Yes?"


    "Did you do something wrong?" His tone was serious now.


    "No." Freya took another sip, feigningposure. "Just curious."


    "Really?"


    "You don''t believe me?"


    "I do," he said without hesitation.


    Freya gave a nod and signaled for him to message Trent.


    She figured that if Frederick called, Trent might catch on and say something he shouldn''t-especially since he could easily be swayed.


    Following her lead, Frederick pulled out his phone and typed out a message.


    "When exactly is the Captaining back?"


    Trent responded with a question. "Why the sudden interest?"


    Frederick replied quickly, "Thinking of throwing a wee party for him."


    But after sending the message, the screen stayed silent.


    Frederick''s heart pounded, and he instinctively looked over at Freya. "Why isn''t he


    replying?"


    Freya shook her head. She didn''t know either.


    Not long after, Trent called.


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    Frederick nearly jumped, nerves spiking "It''s... it''s Trent."


    "Pick up," Freya said calmly. "Keep your cool. Don''t let anything slip"


    Frederick inhaled a few times to steady himself, then answered and put the call on speaker. "Hey, Trent."


    "That question just now-did Mina put you up to it?" Trent''s voice came through, low and direct. It sounded like a question, but it wasn''t really one. Frederick nced at Freya instinctively. Had Trent already figured it out?


    Freya took the phone from Frederick, her voice cool and even. "It''s really hard to


    get secrets out of someone


    who knows me too well."


    It was said that the one who knew you best wasn''t yourself-it was your enemy.


    But for Freya, the people who understood her most were Trent and the Captain.


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 Chapter 217

    Chapter 217 I Came To


    Take You Home


    "Do you know when the Captain''sing back?" Freya asked, her voice cool and


    even.


    Trent let out a soft chuckle. "Not a clue."


    "Seriously? You have no idea?" Freya pressed, her tone edged with disbelief.


    "Really no idea," Trent said truthfully. "He just said he''d be back sometime, didn''t give a proper time frame."


    Freya went quiet.


    No wonder, during theirst phone call, the Captain insisted they''d talk face-to- face.


    Trent started to specte aloud. "Did you do something wrong?"


    Freya was stunned into silence. Why did everyone react like this?


    "No." She stood by her answer. "If he tells you when he''sing back, give me a heads-up so I can be ready."


    "Ready to bolt?" Trent''s deep voice rumbled through the phone.


    Freya said nothing.


    She was seen through again.


    "If you did tick him off, I''d say just deal with it head-on," Trent teased. "If you try to run and he catches you, it


    won''t end well."


    "I didn''t upset him," Freya stated firmly.


    "Mm-hmm."


    "I really didn''t," she repeated, more firmly this time.


    "I believe you."


    Freya went silent again. Was that teasing tone actually meant to sound sincere?


    "Anyway, if you hear anything about his return, let me know beforehand," Freya reminded him again, worried


    he might forget.


    "Got it," Trent agreed.


    After hanging up, Freya returned the phone to Frederick, her thoughts still spinning on how she''d exin things if the Captain brought up theirst conversation.


    Frederick, noticing the troubled look on her face, couldn''t help but ask, "Freya, what did you do to upset the


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    Captain


    "I didn''t."


    "You into him or something? Want to sleep with the guy?"


    Freya was speechless. Did she reallye across that way?


    Frederick rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "Have you ever had feelings for hi "Would you dare?" Freya snapped.


    Their captain was merciless during training-who''d even dare catch feelings?


    She still remembered the brutal drills and punishments like they''d just happened.


    "I''m going to bed," Freya said, standing up, not wanting to drag the topic out any longer.


    She had bought the apartment upstairs but never actually lived in. This trip gave her a reason to finally use it.


    Back in her apartment, Freya shook off the lingering thoughts, took a shower, and copsed into bed.


    She figured she should tackle the current issues first-only then could she deal with whoever was manipting


    Ashley.


    As for the Captain, she''d deal with him when he came back.


    Morning arrived in the blink of an eye.


    By seven, Melvin had already shown up at Freya''s home with breakfast in hand.


    After Freya finished eating, Melvin drove her to thepany. Once everything was in order there, he headed to the hotel to collect the poisoning report.


    While he was out, Freya stayed busy handling work. Once that was done, she started piecing together the clues.


    Halfway through, her phone rang. It was a call from a bodyguard stationed at Farrah''s ce.


    "Mr. Yates stormed in with a group, trying to take Ms. Welch," the bodyguard reported, wasting no time.


    Freya''s brow furrowed. "Stop them. I''ming."


    "Understood!"


    She ended the call, shot Melvin a message saying something urgent hade up, and drove straight to


    Farrah''s location.


    Meanwhile, Farrah had just finished breakfast and gone for a stroll when she spotted a group of people heading


    her way.


    From afar, she figured it was probably just a few bodyguards getting in their morning run-typical for a high-end vi neighborhood like this one in Alerith.


    Ten minutester, just as she was wrapping up her walk and heading back inside


    to listen to some piano, she saw them getting closer.


    That''s when she realized who was leading them.


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    Chapter 2171 Came To Take You Home


    Felipe had brought people and was clearly nning to barge in, but the


    bodyguards Freya had assigned to her


    quickly blocked their way.


    The lead bodyguard immediately rang Freya.


    "Move," Felipe ordered coldly, his presence sharp and unyielding


    The bodyguard didn''t budge. "Ms. Briggs said you''re not allowed in."


    "My wife''s in there. Why the hell not?" Felipe snapped. "Should I call the police?"


    Still, the bodyguard held his ground.


    "Call the cops!" Felipe barked.


    "Wait!" Farrah stepped forward.


    She knew that if the police showed up, they''d chalk it up as a domestic spat.


    Things would get messy.


    Wearing loose clothes that concealed her pregnancy, she stood at the door and asked, "What do you want?"


    "I came to take you home," Felipe said inly.


    "Oh, really?"


    "Come back with me," he said again.


    "Come back for what? So you can force me into abortion?" Farrah''s tone was icy,


    her eyes void of warmth.


    Felipe stiffened at her words. He didn''t step inside, but from the doorway, his


    voice carried a tangle of emotions. "I know everything now."


    Farrah''s brows knitted, not quite grasping what he meant.


    "I know the child''s mine," Felipe confessed, feeling like a ton of bricks had hit him


    when he uncovered the truth.


    "And I know... Jocelyn lied to me."


    "And then?" Farrah asked softly, her nose tingling as emotion crept in.


    "Come home with me. I''ll make it right," Felipe pleaded, seeing the red in her eyes


    and feeling a deep wave of regret. "I swear, I won''t ever hurt you again."


    He knew he''d messed up-badly. He understood how he had let her down.


    But he couldn''t bear life without her. Her absence had drained the joy from his world.


    "Felipe, what do you take me for?" Farrah''s chest ached. "You think I still care about your so-called apology?"


    Their entire rtionship had been built on one ridiculous misunderstanding


    She had once cared for him. But that had all shattered under the weight of his


    harsh words.


    "You think I don''t mind the fact that you were unfaithful while we were married?" Even now, the thought of it made her chest tighten.


    She wasn''t like Freya; she couldn''t just let go.


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    She hated him... but she couldn''t deny his words still struck a chord.


    "I never cheated," Felipe said. "Besides you, I''ve never touched anyone else."


    Farrah let out a bitterugh.


    How many nights had she smelled other women''s perfume on him? Seen lipstick


    smeared on his cor? Did he really think she was that blind?


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 Chapter 218

    Chapter 218 Not Going Back


    "Don''t you trust me?" Felipe asked, the hurt clear in his voice, as if Farrah''s coldness had pierced right through


    him.


    "Does it even matter?" Farrah kept him talking on purpose, buying time, her voice steady even as tendon brewed beneath it. Only Freya''s arrival could truly fix this. "You tried to force me into an abortion, didn''t you


    Felipe''s mouth went dry. He said nothing, the weight of his mistake tightening around his chest like a fee


    Still, he tried to justify it. ¡°Jocelyn told me your health wasn''t fit for a pregnancy, I didn''t see another way!


    "And someone else''s words get to decide if my baby lives or dies?" Farrah never tiptoed around the truth. Her tone was razor-sharp. "Don''t you find that absurd?"


    "Farrah..."


    "I''m not going back with you. Just go."


    His patience had run thin. With her resistance growing, Felipe''s tone darkened. "You should know exactly what happens when I''m pushed too far.¡±


    A strange calm settled over Farrah then. She smiled faintly, eyes meeting his without fear. "If you''re still like this, why would I ever go back to you?"


    Felipe faltered, struck dumb by her rity.


    "You want to drag me back just to make me suffer, right?" Her words came likeshes. "Every time I don''t agree with you, you''ll threaten me with the consequences of pushing your limits? Felipe, I''m not interested in living a life of torment. I won''t bow to your obsessive control."


    "So you''re really staying here?" Felipe''s temper was fraying, his voice barely stable.


    "Yes." Farrah''s tone was like ice-calm,posed, unshakeable.


    Felipe''s fists curled tight at his sides. His eyes glinted with a chill so sharp, it nearly felt like frost in the air. He barked at his bodyguards, "Take her away!"


    "Yes, sir." The bodyguards moved fast, storming into the vi without a moment''s hesitation.


    "Miss Welch, head inside. We''ll handle this," one of Freya''s bodyguards said quickly. "Make sure all the doors


    are locked."


    Farrah gave a quick nod and retreated, knowing she''d only get in the way now.


    Felipe tried to charge in after her, but the guards barred his path.


    Farrah''s side only had three men, and one had gone out that morning to buy groceries.


    The two groups collided. Though Freya''s men could hold their own, Felipe hade prepared-eight strong


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    That gave him the edge he needed to break through and charge the vi, kicking at the door with relentless fury.


    But ten minutester, the door remained shut-stubborn, solid, unyielding


    His face flushed with frustration. What kind of ridiculous door was this? Why wouldn''t it budge? Was it built


    like a damn vault?


    Watching his futile struggle, Freya''s bodyguards paused, then one of therh snickered. "Mr. Yates, stop wasting your breath. Ms. Briggs said that door''s top- tier. Without a key or code, you''re not getting through."


    Truth be told, he hadn''t believed it. But after watching them kick, shove, and even attempt to tamper with the lock-all to no avail-he had to admit it: Freya had taste.


    "You think I won''t call the cops?" Felipe shouted, sweat dripping down his temples.


    One of the guards raised a brow. "Go for it."


    Earlier, they might''ve worried about police interference.


    But now? Felipe and his men tried to storm a private residence. He''d be the one


    in the wrong. And Freya was


    on her way.


    Once she arrived, everything would fall into ce.


    Felipe was fuming, blood boiling. Kristian''s ex-wife was a menace-an absolute nightmare.


    "Farrah, ''you think hiding up there changes anything?" His voice cut through the air, loud and direct. "We''re still married, legally. You''re still my wife.¡±


    "Ms. Briggs said she''ll help Miss Welch file for divorce in a month," a guard chimed in.


    Felipe turned toward him sharply, eyes like des. Why the hell did this guy talk so much? Didn''t he know when to shut up?


    "You think just because Freya''s Hugh Briggs''s daughter, she gets to interfere in my personal life?" His irritation was reaching a peak.


    The guard shot back without missing a beat, "It''s called doing what''s right."


    "Do you want to lose your job?" Felipe snapped.


    "Mr. Yates, I work for the Briggs family, not you."


    Felipe was seeing red. There wasn''t a decent soul among Freya and her crew.


    "Felipe, just go,¡± Farrah''s voice rang out from an upstairs window. "I''ll return to Jeucwell and get the divorce


    sorted soon."


    Her words felt like a de straight to his heart, twisted slowly. Was he truly making her life that miserable? "If you want me to keep quiet about this with your parents, then go ahead and divorce me," Felipe threatened, lowering himself to his ugliest tactic.


    He knew exactly what her parents were like-leeches through and through.


    But he hadn''t minded. He had money. As long as they didn''t get in his way, he could send them a fat check


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    Chapter 218 fint Going Back


    every month.


    But if they found out she wanted a divorce? Chaos. They''d flip the entire world upside down.


    Farrah''s reputation would take a hit, her career crumbling under the weight. And once she had nothing left, she''d have no choice but to return to him. Farrah''s face went pale in an instant. He''d struck her one true weak spot. "Tarrah, you''re smart. You know what''s best for you," Felipe said, trying to soften the blow. His chest ached seeing the color drain from her cheeks, but he pressed on. "Stay with me, and I''ll shield you from them. I''ll let you act, give you whatever you want."


    Farrah''s hands curled into fists at her sides.


    Before marrying him, her parents hadn''t caused much trouble as long as she sent money.


    But after the wedding, Felipe had pampered them far too much.


    "I swear I''ll treat you right. I won''t ever let you down again. I won''t doubt you just because someone else says something," Felipe promised.


    Farrah''s lips curled, bitter and tight.


    A dull ache settled in her chest, heavy and inescapable.


    Right now, she felt helpless. She had no status, no connections, no money.


    In Felipe''s world, she was just something to possess. When he was in a good mood or full of guilt, he''d coax


    her sweetly.


    But when he was suspicious or upset, he''d turn cold and cruel.


    Felipe saw it too, the shift in her expression. A sharp panic stabbed through him.


    "I''m not going back,¡± Farrah said, her voice clear and resolute. "And I won''t be with you again."


    "You really mean that?" His voice wavered slightly, panic growing by the second.


    "What''s there to be unsure about?" A smooth, confident voice cut in suddenly. Freya had arrived. Dressed sharply in her tailored suit, car keys in hand, she strode forward without hesitation. "Anyone with a shred of sense would want to stay as far away from you as possible."


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 Chapter 219

    Chapter 219 Agreeing To


    The Divorce


    The moment Freya stepped into view, all eyes instinctively shifted to her.


    By the window, Farrah stood still, a breath of relief catching in her chest and softening the weight that had anchored her heart. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears. "Freya!"


    Two bodyguards greeted Freya in unison.


    Freya casually tossed them her car keys.


    Then, turning her gaze to Felipe, she asked coolly, "Are you leaving on your own, or will I have to make you?"


    She put a deliberate edge on the word "make", making sure he caught the warning behind it.


    Felipe understood-this wasn''t a suggestion. It was a threat.


    For a brief moment, he toyed with the idea of pushing back, but deep down, he knew that if things escted, Freya wouldn''t waste time with his guards. She''de straight for him. And he didn''t stand a chance!


    Right then, he bitterly regretted turning down Kristian''s offer to train him in hand- to-handbat. If only he had-maybe he''d have a shot against her!


    "Do you always have to be this much of a headache?" He was clearly annoyed with her interference. "This is between me and Farrah. Do you really have to butt in?"


    "She''s my friend," Freya said sharply, no exnation needed.


    She wasn''t the type to stick her nose in other people''s drama. But Farrah mattered to her, and she wasn''t about to just sit back while Felipe pulled his usual stunts. It was only natural-women stood up for each other.


    "If I were you, I''d go find the best damnwyer money can buy." Freya''s tone dripped with mockery. "Might help you lose a little less embarrassingly in court."


    Felipe seethed, jaw tight, but had no outlet for his frustration.


    He couldn''t rival her fighting skill, her status, or the way shemanded the


    room.


    "I just wanted to talk things over with Farrah." He tried to sound reasonable. "I know I messed up before, and


    I came to make it right."


    "Make it right?" Freya repeated with a hint of a scoff.


    He missed the sarcasm entirely. "Yes."


    "You think making it right means digging at her wounds?" she shot back without a flicker of mercy.


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    Felipe couldn''t answer. What could he even say? Farrah had refused to return to him, so this was the only tactic left to try and force her hand.


    "I used to think you and Kristian were equally awful." Freya truly hadn''t expected Felipe to fall this far. "But now? I think you''re even worse."


    At least Kristian never stooped to these tactics. He''d only treated her like a fool.


    "You go on about making amends and giving her the life she deserves, but all I see is your threats and cruelty" Her words cut right into Felipe''s chest. His temper cracked, "What gives you the right to judge me?"


    "What do you even know about love?" Her question struck deeper than he cared to admit.


    Felipe opened his mouth but found no words.


    For once, he was truly shaken.


    "So what-keeping Farrah chained to your side is your way of loving her? Spoiling her, shielding her, giving her some illusion of happiness?" Freya''s eyes never wavered. "And you call that love?"


    "Isn''t it?" he shot back.


    "No." Freya''s answer was steady. "You never once asked her what she wanted."


    Felipe fell silent, stunned. He had arguments ready, but he knew-whatever he said, Freya would tear it down and leave him looking worse than before.


    "I want to speak with Farrah." After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke again.


    "Fine," Freya replied.


    Ten minutester, Felipe walked into the living room and sat across from Farrah. Freya remained close by her


    side.


    Freya had nned to give them space, thinking it best to step away. But Farrah had quietly asked her to stay.


    "I''ve already said everything I needed to," Farrah said firmly, her confidence bolstered by Freya''s presence. "If you''ve got something to say, then say it."


    "You''re not giving me even a sliver of a chance?" Felipe asked.


    Farrah didn''t flinch. "No."


    "You really don''t want to be with me?"


    "I don''t."


    "Why?" Felipe''s voice carried genuine confusion. "I never meant to hurt you. I''m not going to let others sway my decisions anymore. You''ll alwayse first."


    "I''m tired." Farrah''s tone was calm but resolute. She never liked the extravagant life tied to Felipe''s world.


    He was handsome, intelligent, and exceptional at managing thepany. But ever since their marriage, she''d endured snide remarks and venomous res from women who saw her as just another actress wing her way into high society.


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    Chapter 219 Agreeing To The Divorce


    She''d never spoken of it-not to Felipe, not to anyone. But through it all, she had been deeply unhappy. The world outside was cruel, and inside their home, Felipe''s indifference only made things worse. It had worn her


    down.


    Just a few days ago, when she found out that freya was a member of the powerful Briggs family, it felt like a


    boulder had been lifted off her shoulders.


    Until then, she''d lived with the fear that relipe might go after Freya-and he''d even braced herself to sacrifice


    everything if he did.


    She couldn''t let Freya pay the price. But fate had surprised her.


    "Let''s give it another month." Felipe was still holding on. "If you still want a divorce


    then, I won''t stop you."


    "No." Farrah''s answer was clear and final.


    Her resolve made him realize she meant every word.


    He stared at her for a long moment, then finally rose from his seat.


    As she watched him walk away, she felt a sharp ache twist inside her chest.


    It hurt because she had once loved him-truly. But now, she knew what she had to


    do.


    "One more thing," Felipe said suddenly, stopping at the door.


    Farrah turned her head slightly, her expression guarded. "What is it?"


    "You don''t need to go all the way to Jeucwell to file the divorce." His voice was tight, heavy with emotion "Tomorrow, I''ll have the papers drawn up and sent to you. If you have any conditions, let Freya know. I''T


    include them."


    He didn''t want this divorce. But he understood now-dragging it into a legal battle would only leave a bitter aftertaste. It was better to walk away now, while there was still a shred of decency between them.


    At least she wouldn''t leave hating him entirely.


    Farrah was momentarily stunned by his words. "Alright."


    "I''ll speak to your parents myself." Felipe was surrendering everything, knowing


    he couldn''t go up against Freya and win. "You don''t have to worry."


    "Okay," Farrah said again, quieter this time.


    Felipe nced at her onest time, parted his lips as if to say something more-


    but said nothing.


    They locked eyes across the room, their gazes tangled in unspoken thoughts.


    "Let me be clear." Felipe turned to Freya, his tone edged with warning. "If anything happens to Farrah while she''s under your roof, I won''t let it slide."


    Freya didn''t dignify him with a response. She figured he just wanted to gain Farrah''s attention.


    Felipe swallowed the bitter sting in his chest, took a long step forward, and left-


    like a man whose pride and fire had just been snuffed out.

 Chapter 220

    Chapter 220 Being A Single Mom Isn''t Easy


    The heaviness that had clung to Farrah''s heart finally drifted away, but in its ce lingered a quiet, hollow ache


    that refused to budge.


    Her chest tightened as she reached for Freya, her voice barely above a whisper. "Freya, can you give me a hug?"


    Freya pulled her into a warm, reassuring embrace, wrapping her arms around her with silentfort.


    Farrah clung to her, unwilling to let go, so Freya simply kept holding her.


    Time blurred, and after a long, indistinct stretch, Farrah spoke, her voice still raspy from emotion. "Freya."


    "Hm?"


    "Do you think there''s something wrong with me?" Farrah rested her chin on Freya''s shoulder, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "He treated me so terribly, and yet... hearing him agree to the divorce still hurts


    a little.".


    "Everyone''s heart has its own twisted maze," Freya murmured, offering her a soft constion. "You''ve done incredibly well."


    Love and hatred often walked hand in hand. There was no need to feel ashamed of that. After all, emotions were never obedient-they came and went as they pleased.


    "I wish I could be as lighthearted as you," Farrah confessed, clearly worn down. "But I just can''t seem to."


    Freya said nothing more. She held her friend, steady as a rock, letting the silence cradle them both.


    Time, after all, had its way of mending things that felt unfixable.


    She had once loved Kristian deeply. Back then, he''d been so gentle, patient, and tuned into her emotions that she''d fallen for him quickly andpletely.


    At least before he received Ashley''s call, he''d genuinely been good to her.


    In the six months that followed that phone call, they''d lived apart, and on the outside, she seemed fine. But only she knew what those days had really been like. Alone in the house, she''d often stare at nothing until hours slipped by unnoticed.


    Or she''d run for miles, or box until she couldn''t lift her arms-just to let something out.


    She never cried in front of Kristian, never begged him to stay.


    Those days were suffocating and brutal, but she knew if she could endure them, she''de out stronger.


    Time dulled everything eventually-made even the biggest wounds feel smaller.


    0033


    And that''s how she became who she was now.


    "Farrah,¡± Freya suddenly said.


    Farrah answered, "Yeah?"


    "Have you made a decision about the baby?" Freya''s tone was serious. "Once you give birth, it''s all on you. From the first cry, you''ll have to do it all yourself."


    She didn''t mention that Felipe''s family might want toy im to the child if they ever found out.


    If that happened, she''d step in. But even so, raising a kid wasn''t something money could magically fix.


    "I''ve already decided," Farrah said, settling back into the couch. "It''s going to be tough, but I''ve saved enough. I''ll manage."


    "Being a single mom isn''t easy."


    "I''m not scared," Farrah said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She''d already made peace with her choice.


    Freya felt a wave of relief. Since Farrah had truly thought it through, she had no issue pitching in to help raise


    the child.


    She liked kids anyway.


    With that settled, she moved on to something else.


    She looked straight at Farrah. "Does anyone know you''re staying here?"


    Farrah shook her head.


    She hadn''t told a soul-didn''t want Felipe catching wind of her whereabouts.


    Even on social media, she was careful. No location tags. No identifiable photos. Just vague captions and the


    asional stock image.


    "Take care of yourself while you''re pregnant. Don''t stress about Felipe," Freya said, hoping to ease her worries. "If you need fresh air, let the bodyguards escort you. No need to worry about being spotted."


    Farrah might not have been an A-list star, but she was recognizable.


    Still, the ces Farrah and the bodyguards would visit were private clubs and exclusive venues. Even if someone did recognize Farrah, they likely wouldn''t react. After all, most guests were big shots in their fields.


    Farrah nodded. "Okay."


    Freya lingered for a bit longer.


    As she was preparing to leave, Farrah suddenly called out, "Freya."


    "Hmm?"


    "Do you think I''m your little secret?" she asked, grinning yfully.


    "No," Freya said.


    "Why not?"


    00:22


    Chapter 220 Being A Single Mom Isn''t Easy


    "Because you''re my... treasure."


    "Pff" Farrah couldn''t help it. She burst intoughter.


    Freya looked at her, confused. "Did I say something weird?"


    "No, not weird," Farrah said, poking Freya''s cheek with a teasing smile. "Just


    didn''t expect something that cheesy from you. It''s too cute,"


    Freya gave her a light flick on the forehead. "You really need to work on yourpliments."


    Farrah just giggled.


    Freya didn''t linger any longer after that.


    She gave some final instructions to both Farrah and the bodyguards before heading out.


    By the time she arrived back at herpany, it was already noon.


    Melvin had wrapped up his tasks and ordered lunch.


    As they ate together, Melvin looked like he had something on his mind. He kept


    pausing, starting to speak and then stopping.


    Freya caught on quickly. "You''ve got something to say, don''t you?"


    "Gerard''s been digging into me," Melvin said, face serious. "Actually, it''s Kristian doing the digging."


    Freya set her utensils down. "I know."


    Thest time Kristian had shown up like that, it was clearly after checking into Melvin''s background. But she


    couldn''t quite figure out what Kristian was really looking for.


    "No, you don''t," Melvin corrected her. "He''s not snooping around my personal life. He''s investigating which


    Freya''s eyes narrowed slightly. Then, without hesitation, she made a decision.


    "Let him dig if he wants to."


    "No confidentiality concerns?"


    "None. Just let him find what he''s looking for."


    Kristian probably wanted to know where Melvin had worked in order to see if


    she''d been his boss.


    But at this point, whether he found out or not didn''t matter to her.


    Since Freya hadn''t taken any steps to block it, Gerard''s investigation went off without a hitch.


    Within a few days, he had all the information on Melvin.


    When Kristian learned that Melvin had worked for Anita International Group, he instantly made a bold conclusion: Freya owned thepany.


    Gerard was a bit thrown off by how quickly he jumped to that. "What made you so sure Ms. Briggs owns Anita


    International?"


    Kristian answered without missing a beat. "Freya''s mom''s name is Anita."


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    00:33


    < Chapter 220 Being A Single Mom Isn''t Easy


    If Melvin were just some part-timer, he wouldn''t have that kind of understanding


    with Freya.


    The clincher was Gerard''s mention of Melvin''s boss being on a two-year sabbatical, which lined up perfectly with the two years Freya had been married to


    Kristian.


    "So what now?" Gerard asked, cutting straight to the point.


    Kristian''s gaze was ice cold. "What do you mean, ''what now?"


    "Now that we know Melvin works at Anita International and Ms. Briggs is the


    owner," Gerard said earnestly,


    "what''s your n?"


    Rmended for you


    COMPLETED

 Chapter 221

    Chapter 221 All Norah''s


    Handiwork


    The simple question hit Kistian like a punch to the gut, leaving him utterly speechless.


    He had stared daging was Mehin purely out of curiosity, just to figure out who Melvin and Freya really were


    Ant tow to be tod those exowers, everything felt even murkier than before.


    Fox cx2, Ched stood there without a word, his usual banter nowhere to be found.


    Wen eroully said, "Nothing specific-just trying to clear up the doubts gnawing at


    me.


    Sometimes, people did things just to find a little peace in their own heads. After a beat, Gerard asked, "When are you heading back to Jeurwell?"


    ''T''ll decide itter," Kristian muttered vaguely.


    Gerard picked up on his boss''s half-hearted tone and could tell the regret over the divorce from Freya was creeping in stronger by the day.


    (But what was done, was done. Some mistakes couldn''t be undone. There was nothing Kristian could do now to


    rewrite the past.


    in the days that followed, Freya went on with her life, while Kristian, aside from sending her flowers daily, would drop by the Briggs Group now and then to catch a glimpse of her.


    He knew she didn''t want to be bothered, but he also knew he had to make it look like he was still pursuing her -for the sake of that mysterious mastermind.


    He''d already failed her once as a husband, he couldn''t afford to blow it again. Soon enough, September rolled toward its end.


    It had been five days since Melvin received the first mysterious contact.


    Then on September 29th, someone reached out to Melvin again, instructing him to initiate the second phase of the n during thepany''s end-of-month retreat.


    The objective was simple to make Freya''s rtionship with Melvin public within the Briggs Group.


    Melvin ryed the update to Freya.


    That afternoon, they were both at the Briggs Group headquarters.


    Afterying out the details, Melvin asked, "How do you want to handle this? Looks like quite a few people are involved in the retreat."


    00:33


    Even if Freya gave the green light, he''d never go through with it-even if it was all just for show.


    Reputation meant something. And he couldn''t let her go off the rails.


    "You don''t need to worry," Freya told him, her voice firm. "I already know who''s behind this." "I''ll meet with herter."


    Before the incident with Farrah, she hadn''t been certain, but now she was


    Now that she was sure, it was time to confront the truth.


    Melvin didn''t push for more answers. "Want me to go with you?¡±


    "No, I''ll go alone," Freya declined.


    Later that afternoon, in a quaint caf¨¦ humming with warmth and soft chatter, Freya sat across from a polished young woman. It was Norah, the same woman who had called her when Farrah was dragged to the hospital for


    an abortion.


    As the barista set down their drinks, Norah blinked at her in surprise and said, "Honestly, didn''t expect you to ask me out for coffee. You need something from me?"


    "Actually, I wanted to invite you somewhere else, more than just for coffee." Freya stirred her cup, 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 knit together. "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, voice steady.


    "I seriously don''t know anything," Norah replied, her face the picture of innocence.


    30.5%


    00:33


    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 anst 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.


    Atst, Norah gave in. She sank back into her seat, letting her purse fall onto the table with a sharp thud, her frustration thinly veiled. "Spit it out already. After this, I''m erasing you from my life."


    "You missed your calling," Freya remarked, unfazed. "You''d have made one hell of an actress."


    If Ashley had been half as clever, things back then could''ve turned out a lot worse. Freya rarely let her guard down-but even she had almost been fooled by Norah. "Cut the sarcasm and get to the point," Norah snapped, visibly irritated. Her reaction was wless-exactly how someone wrongly used would behave.


    "Ashley''s car crash, the photo leak, the attack on me, the setup at the hotel with Trent, and the bribe to Melvin -all your handiwork, right?" Freya''s voice was calm,posed, with an edge of finality.


    Norah stared at her like she''d lost her mind. "Why the hell would I do any of that?"

 Chapter 222

    Chapter 222 Dig Into Freya Briggs


    "From the moment you realized Kristian would divorce me for Ashley, you began spinning your web," Freya said, her tone calm but sharp enough to cut ss. "In your mind, if Ashley and I shed, Kristian would wash


    his hands of both of us."


    Norah''s face was still a mask of confusion, as though Freya were speaking in riddles.


    "But when your n unraveled after the car crash, you didn''t hesitate-you arranged for someone to rape Ashley," Freya continued, each word delivered with icy precision. "Yet Kristian turned a blind eye, and so, once again, you reworked your scheme."


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Norah cut in, and Freya paused, nodding slightly to let her speak.


    "Are you sure this isn''t the plot of some dramatic TV series?" Norah said dismissively, a smirk tugging at her


    lips.


    "I don''t have the luxury to entertain jokes," Freya replied, her voiceced with frost.


    "I truly have no idea what you''re talking about," Norah said, visibly eager to end the conversation. "And if anything you''ve said holds water, then go to the police. They''re quick to act."


    Freya''s eyes narrowed, reading Norah like an open book-every reaction too perfect, every word too polished. Had Kristian been here, he might have used her of framing Norah.


    "For thest time, I don''t have feelings for Kristian," Norah said, rising from her seat with a huff of impatience.


    "If that''s true, then why do you still keep that stuffed toy he gave you in high school?" Freya asked, her gaze unflinching. "And why is it still sitting in your bedroom after all these years?"


    Norah''s brows creased slightly.


    Freya didn''t stop. "With your family''s wealth, you could have filled a room with toys. Why hold on to something from someone who supposedly means nothing to you?"


    "How do you even know about that?" Norah''s voice dipped in temperature, her posture tightening.


    Freya leaned in slightly. "So, are you ready to talk?"


    If she hadn''t uncovered that detail, breaking through Norah''s defenses would''ve been impossible. The woman was a virtuoso at ying innocent.


    "It''s just a toy. It doesn''t mean anything." Norah shrugged. "Can''t a girl hold on to a keepsake from the first


    man who once felt like a hero?"


    But as the words left her lips, her mind wandered.


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    00.34


    She had been waiting for her brother outside school when trouble found her. Kristian had appeared like a scene from a movie-driven by instinct, scaring off the bullies. Then, he''d bought her that toy, a smallfort for her


    tears.


    She knew Kristian only saw her as his friend''s younger sister-nothing more.


    But for a young girl, admiration easily blossomed into infatuation when a man was both righteous and striking


    Before she knew it, Kristian had taken root in her heart.


    "If it was just a keepsake, then why did your grandpa approach Lionel with a marriage proposal once you came


    of age?" Freya''s tone was smooth, but cool as ice.


    Norah''s brows twitched ever so slightly. Was Freya out of her mind, dredging up something from that far back?


    "What exactly are you trying to say?" Norah asked, cutting to the chase.


    "I dug deep and followed the threads," Freya said. "And what I found was chilling. Every incident was carried out by men infatuated with you. But let''s be real-would they have moved without your nod?"


    People who pulled strings from behind the curtain always made sure the puppets fell when the show ended.


    Norah quickly collected herself. "You''re not making any sense."


    "Do you truly believe that walking away without evidence makes you untouchable?" Freya asked, unflinching.


    Every carefully staged moment, including arranging Melvin''s betrayal, had Norah''s fingerprints all over it-just hidden beneath a pair of gloves.


    If Freya hadn''t yed detective,bing through events with a fine-toothedb, she might never have guessed Norah was the spider behind the web. After all, Norah''s facade was that of a woman with a heart wrapped in silk.


    Norah let out a soft chuckle. "I''ve always followed thew. Whatever usations you''re tossing around, I won''t


    wear a criminal''s crown."


    "And what do you think Damon will do if he hears about all this?" Freya asked bluntly.


    Some people skate through the cracks of justice, immune to legal punishment forck of proof-but they''re not safe from judgment by conscience or loved ones.


    Norah and Damon had once been close, but time and distance had worn away their bond.


    "Go ahead. I''ve nothing to hide from something I didn''t do," Norah said, her eyes locked on Freya''s. "Besides, Damon has enough fires to put out. He won''t waste time on baseless theories."


    "Let''s see if you still say that when the storm hits," Freya replied.


    Norah shot her onest look, then picked up her purse and walked out.


    "Wait," Freya called after her.


    "What now?"


    "Stay out of my way. Kristian and I are divorced," Freya said firmly. "If you keep stirring the pot, next time


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    Chapter 222 Dig Into Freya Briggs


    won''t be as civil as this casual chat."


    If Freya decided to retaliate, Norah might find herself in over her head.


    Norah didn''t respond. She left the caf¨¦, cool on the outside, stormy within.


    Once in her car, the mask fell. Worry etched itself across her face. She locked the doors, rolled up the windows,


    and ced a call.


    "Miss Russell, awaiting your instructions," a male voice responded.


    "Cut off all contact with Melvin. He''s pretending to switch sides and betray Freya," Norah said, rubbing her temples, surprised by how sideways things had gone. "Cancel tomorrow''s ns too."


    There was a moment of stunned silence, but then came the reply: "Understood."


    "Dig into Freya Briggs," Norah added, a flicker of panic rising beneath her words. "I want every bit of


    information on her. Fast."


    "Got it."


    Once the call ended, Norah rolled down the window and reclined her seat.


    Shey there, lost in thought, trying to trace where the dominoes had started falling. Everything had once been tightly stitched, and now it was unraveling thread by thread.


    She had painted herself as harmless, even letting Kristian be with Freya and Ethel during that chance mall encounter-yet none of it had curbed Freya''s suspicion. Even during their conversation, Norah had believed Freya was fishing for a confession-until she brought up the


    past.


    Still, Norah hadn''t cracked.


    Freya might have had a recorder tucked away, and if she admitted to anything, it would''ve been her own.


    undoing.


    After leaving the caf¨¦, Freya didn''t head back to the office right away. She called Farrah instead, eager to share


    what had unfolded.


    Farrah had long wanted to thank Norah for a favor from the past but had never found the moment.


    Of course, Freya didn''ty everything bare-just touched on Ashley''s car ident and the bribe involving


    Melvin.


    00:34

 Chapter 223

    Chapter 223 Whether You Show Up Or Not Is Up To...


    Upon hearing everything, Farrah was utterly stunned. "Wait-her? That doesn''t make any sense, I always thought she was genuinely kind, especially since she was the one who helped me make that call back then."


    It was baffling. Truly beyond belief.


    "I was a little taken aback myself," Freya admitted honestly.


    ¡°I just don''t get it.¡± Farrah''s mind couldn''t grasp it. ¡°If she was trying to mess with you, why would she go out


    of her way to help me?"


    "There are two possible reasons." Freya had already given this plenty of thought.


    Farrah asked, "What are they?"


    "The first is that she only shows her cruel side to the women involved with Kristian, but aside from that, she''s still got a decent heart," Freya exined slowly, choosing her words with care.


    If she had a choice, she would rather believe Norah had simply helped Farrah out of kindness.


    Farrah clutched her phone tightly and continued, "What''s the second possibility?"


    "She did it on purpose-she wanted me to have a good impression of her, so that even if anyone ever figured out she was behind it, I''d refuse to believe it," Freya replied, her voice steady. "She really did seem like a good


    person when we first met."


    Farrah didn''t say a word.


    "You said before that if it weren''t for that call, you would''ve done anything to protect your baby. No matter what, you''ll keep the baby." Freya didn''t want to believe the worst in people. "She probably saw thating and decided to make you feel indebted to her."


    After all, it happened at a hospital. No one really intended for things to go too far.


    If things hade to a head, the medical staff would''ve had no choice but to contact Felipe, and at that point,


    things would''ve taken a very different turn.


    A cold shiver ran down Farrah''s back. "Why would she pull something like that? Shees from a wealthy family. She''s got everything."


    Farrah had always assumed the entertainment industry was full of scheming.


    Only now did she realize it wasn''t just showbiz-this kind of darkness existed everywhere. Human nature was


    fickle and full of shadows.


    "I don''t know." Freya didn''t want to dwell on it. It wasn''t something worth her time.


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    III


    Chapter 223 Whether You Show Up Or Not Is Up To You


    "So what are you going to do now?" Farrah was visibly worried for her. Thankfully, Freya had been sharp enough; if she hadn''t, things might''ve taken a terrible turn. "There''s basically no way to catch her in the act."


    Freya went quiet for a moment, then said, "I''ll talk to her grandpa, Josiah."


    She had told Farrah earlier that she''d go to Damon, but that had just been a red herring.


    Matters like this weren''t usually resolved between peers. Even though Joah doted on his grandchildren, he


    was a just and level-headed man.


    And, of course, the real reason she chose him-Freya had a certain connection with him. If she brought it up with him, Norah wouldn''t get off easy.


    "I''ve heard Josiah holds quite a high position," Farrah said, clearly uneasy. "Can you even get a meeting with him?"


    There were plenty of rumors about the Russell family in their circle.


    Josiah had two sons-one was in the army, the other in business.


    Some executive from apany had tried to meet him once but was politely rejected. Word had it Josiah


    wasn''t fond of businessmen.


    Farrah knew Freya was from the Briggs family, but even so, she wasn''t sure if Freya could get ess to him.


    "I can set it up," Freya assured her without hesitation. "I''ve got the right contacts." "That''s a relief." Farrah finally rxed a little.


    Before they ended the call, Freya reminded her again to take good care of herself. Farrah quickly agreed, "Yeah, yeah, don''t worry."


    "You... don''t have even the slightest doubt in me?" Freya looked a little surprised.


    "You''re my friend-why would I ever doubt you?" Farrah said it inly and with conviction. "I know exactly the kind of person you are."


    "Thank you." Freya''s heart felt lighter.


    She had often heard from older people that the friends made at school were the most genuine. And once you left school, the ones you met were usually shallow and fleeting.


    But Farrah was truly one of a kind. Even before Farrah knew who she really was, she had looked out for her,


    treated her with warmth and care.


    Now that Farrah knew Freya was part of the Briggs family, nothing had changed. "What are you thanking me for?" Farrah teased, as she often did. "Silly girl." Freya let out a quietugh.


    After ending the call with Farrah, Freya dialed Josiah.


    When he answered, his voice was full of warmth. He chatted with her about everything under the sun. When Freya brought up that she wanted to visit him, his joy was unmistakable.


    "I''ll be waiting for you," Josiah said with his usualmanding tone, softened by his affection for her. "No


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    00:34


    Chapter 999 Whether You Show Up Or Notts Up to You


    matter when, I''ll make time."


    Hearing that, Freys subconsciously touched the tip of her nose, suddenly feeling a


    little guilty about bringing bad news to someone who was weing her so


    warmly.


    "Let''s get it for the sixth of next month." Freya confirmed the date.


    "Perfect!" Josiah responded with enthusiasm.


    Among all the elders Freya knew-Lionel, Winslow, Josiah they all adored her. Only Miguel remained


    indifferent


    Once he hung up, Josiah, still smiling ear to ear, picked up his phone and dialed another number.


    The man who answered had a rich, maic voice.


    "Ellis, just so you''re aware, Freya''sing to see me on the sixth next month,¡± Josiah said, his tone still serious, but with an oddly gossipy undertone. "Whether you show up or not is up to you."


    "She''sing to see you? That''s rare." Ellis Lambert''s voice lifted slightly-he was none other than Freya''s


    captain.


    Josiah instantly snapped into his stern tone. "Don''t go stirring things up, you little rascal."


    "Got it." Ellis chuckled, his voice smooth as ever. "I''ve got some gifts for you anyway-I''ll bring them then."


    "Now that''s more like it."


    "Just don''t tell her I''ming" Ellis made sure to remind him.


    Josiah gave a brief reply and ended the call. There was none of the warm chatting


    he had shared with Freya.


    It was clear he was just passing along a message.


    Ellis stared at his phone screen, a small smile tugging at his handsome lips.


    Meanwhile, on Kristian''s end. Just as he finished signing the documents, he was about to have Gerard deliver them when he rushed in, his expression a tangle of hesitation and urgency.


    "What is it?"


    "I''ve found out what you asked me to look into," Gerard said, holding a stack of files, looking troubled.


    Kristian shot him a look, signaling him to speak.


    "The one really behind everything-it''s Norah Russell." Gerard knew all too well


    how close his boss was with Damon. "She gave out subtle hints or slipped


    information to push others into doing it for her."


    Kristian''s brow furrowed slightly, as though he didn''t quite understand.


    Gerard pressed his lips together and handed over the documents. "Take a look for


    yourself."


    Kristian epted them, flipping through one page at a time. Gerard asked quietly, "What do you n to do


    about this?"


    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 224 Do You Re

 Chapter 224

    Chapter 224 Do You Regret Divorcing Freya


    Kristian''s brows creased ever so slightly as he stared down at the pile of documents spread before him-just enough to betray the quiet storm of disbelief brewing inside him. He hadn''t expected Norah to be so cunning and calcting.


    In that instant, everything snapped into focus. He realized, painfully, that he had misjudged Freya all along


    "Set up a meeting with Norah Russell," Kristian blurted, his voice sharp with urgency.


    Gerard gave a quick nod. "Alright."


    As Gerard exited the room, Kristian''s gaze stayed locked on the thick stack of paperwork in his hands.


    The weight of the revtions hit harder than anything he''d ever faced.


    He couldn''t wrap his head around how Norah had managed to keep such a perfect mask in ce.


    Norah was Damon''s little sister. She was thest person Kristian ever thought capable of something like this. He never imagined she would go to such great lengths to set Freya up.


    The two women had no visible connection at all.


    His thoughts spun in chaos as he lifted a hand to his forehead, the regret seeping out of him like a slow bleed.


    Scenes from the past came rushing back-every doubt he''d thrown at Freya, the harsh words, the way he''d dismissed her pleas. She had tried to exin. And how had he treated her? He''d never trusted her.


    The more he thought about it, the tighter his chest became, until it felt like he couldn''t draw in a full breath.


    He realized Freya had been right. All along. It was he who had changed, not her. She had remained constant- true to herself from beginning to end.


    The heaviness in his chest sank lower, dulling into a lingering ache.


    When Gerard returned to give his report, he found Kristian seated with his head bowed low, eyes still fixed on the stack of damning papers. The air in the room felt suffocating, thick with unspoken regret-like a child quietlymenting a mistake that couldn''t be undone.


    Gerard exhaled softly and slipped out without saying a word, gently shutting the door behind him, leaving Kristian alone with the consequences.


    Life has a way of bncing itself. Gains and losses, cause and effect. Every decision carries its cost. Sooner orter, everyone pays.


    Kristian and Freya-two souls meant to cross paths, but never meant to walk the same road.


    00:34


    For the next hour, Kristian didn''t move from his office chair. He sat steeped in silence, buried in thought.


    Gerard kept watch outside, intercepting those looking for signatures or direction, scribbling down their questions and bundling up the paperwork forter.


    Freya''s heartbreak had likely happened six months ago. But for Kristian, it started today.


    Thankfully, he didn''t drown in the misery for long. By six o''clock, he had finished reviewing the documents and


    called Gerard back in.


    "How''s the contact going?" Kristian asked, his voice steady but rougher than usual, the rasp unmistakable.


    "Miss Russell hasn''t picked up," Gerard responded.


    Kristian didn''t flinch. His tone stayed even as he gave his next order. "Get in touch


    with Josiah Russell. Tell him I need to speak with Norah."


    Norah''s father was abroad-not that he''d be of much help anyway.


    As for Damon, he had his own mess to sort through.


    "Understood," Gerard replied, making a quick note of the instruction. He then offered a stack of files and a list. "Here are the documents needing your signature, along with the questions from the senior execs."


    Kristian epted the files wordlessly, skimmed through them, and signed without hesitation.


    He answered the questions in short, clipped sentences.


    By the time he was done, it was already past seven.


    "You don''t need to wait up for me. Head home," Kristian said, his tone t and detached.


    Gerard lingered for a second. "You sure?"


    "Yeah."


    "Alright."


    "Mhm."


    Their exchange was brief-devoid of their usual rhythm. Kristian wasn''t in the mood for small talk today.


    Gerard couldn''t help but feel a flicker of sympathy. Still, he knew better. Kristian had brought this on himself. Even so, Gerard gave him a silent three seconds of


    pity.


    Before heading out, he paused. "Should we loop in Ms. Briggs? She''s been digging into this as well."


    "Not yet," Kristian answered firmly. "Once I''ve taken care of everything, you can


    tell her. Think of it as... my way of making things right."


    He knew Freya was more than capable of uncovering the truth on her own.


    But this time, he wanted to take responsibility.


    It was Norah''s meddling that had sparked so many of their misunderstandings.


    "Understood," Gerard replied, then took his leave.


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    Chapter 224 Do You Regret Chorcing freya


    That evening, Kristian made ns to meet up with Zander, who was in Alerith for


    a shoot, and the two caught up over drinks.


    in the dim, private room of a nightclub, Kristian downed ss after ss, finishing off an entire bottle with practiced ease


    When he reached for another, Zander gently ced a hand over his. "You know drinking won''t fix anything What''s going on?"


    Kristian didn''t respond. His gaze was unreadable, distant.


    He opened the second bottle anyway and poured himself another drink.


    Zander didn''t try to stop him again. He simply toyed with the rim of his ss and mused aloud, "You''ve never failed at work. And even if you had, you wouldn''t let it get to you. Your family''s fine, everyone''s healthy. So it''s


    not that."


    Kristian emptied his ss but didn''t refill it this time.


    "So it''s either Freya or Ashley," Zander guessed.


    He''d been too busy filming to keep up with Kristian''s personal life. He had no idea


    how things had ultimately


    turned out.


    "What kind of person do you think Freya is?" Kristian asked suddenly.


    "I don''t know her well," Zander replied. He never formed opinions without reason.


    "But from what little I''ve seen, she seems like a good soul."


    Kristian let out a dry, bitterugh.


    Even someone who barely knew her seemed to understand her better than he had.


    "We''re divorced," he said after a pause, his voice raspy and worn.


    "Then you should focus on your future with Ashley," Zander said without judgment. "We all have to live with the choices we make. No use dwelling on the past."


    Kristian''s fingers tightened around his ss. "We never got back together." Zander turned to him, a look of quiet confusion spreading across his face.


    "She came back to me under false pretenses," Kristian muttered, voice rough. ¡°If I hadn''t been so stubborn-so obsessed with holding on to my first love-and had chosen to value Freya instead... would things have ended


    differently?"


    He pictured a life where he and Freya built a quiet,forting home together-a ce untouched by chaos or


    doubt.


    She would be free to chase her dreams, unburdened, while he took on the weight of providing for their shared


    life.


    There would be no fights, no distance between them-only the gentle rhythm of a family in perfect harmony. "If you were so smitten with your first love, you


    should''ve never gotten involved with Freya in the first ce,"


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    Chapter 224 Do You Regret Divorcing Freya


    Zander said, his tone frank.


    Kristian didn''t reply. He couldn''t find the words to capture the mess inside his


    chest. All he felt was an overwhelming sense of misery.


    "Do you regret divorcing Freya?" Zander asked quietly.


    "I hurt her more than I can even exin," Kristian confessed, voice thick with


    remorse. "And today... I finally saw the truth. From the very beginning, I''ve been wrong. Sopletely wrong."


    < She Took The House, The Car,

 Chapter 225

    Chapter 225 Do You Hate


    Me


    "Go and apologize to Freya-sincerely." Zander always came at things with a calm, logical approach "Just try making amends."


    Kristian gave a t response. "She won''t ept it. She doesn''t care about my apologies anyway."


    "Whether she epts it or not is up to her. But if you believe you were wrong, you should still say sorry," Zander said gently.


    Kristian didn''t say anything. He looked like he was deep in thought.


    "Or is this about trying to win her back?" Zander asked.


    "She''s not going to give me that chance."


    Zander''s expression shifted, his gaze softening with emotion at the sound of his words. What in the world had happened between Kristian and Freya? He was curious.


    Kristian ced his ss down and leaned back into the sofa, his eyes locked on the dim ceiling light above.


    His emotions looked like they were about to spill over, desperate for a release.


    "Kristian." Zander had never seen him like this-so breakable, like ss that might shatter if touched.


    Kristian closed his eyes, as if to hide everything he was feeling.


    Once he had his emotions under control, he murmured in a hoarse voice, "I''m fine."


    "Do you regret divorcing Freya?" Zander finally asked the question Kristian had avoided earlier, his eyes never leaving him.


    Kristian kept staring at the ceiling.


    Just when Zander thought he wasn''t going to answer, Kristian finally said, "Yes."


    Not only did he regret it, he also wished he could turn back time-go back six months, to when everything was still intact.


    He would''ve ignored Ashley''s calls, stayed by Freya''s side, cherished her, loved her, and made her happy.


    "Then don''t forget this feeling." Zander, the kind of friend who didn''t sugarcoat the truth, made sure his words hit where they needed to. "So you won''t make the same mistake again."


    He had warned Kristian before. But some lessons can''t be taught with words. People only really learn once they''re forced to deal with the consequences. 0.0%


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    Chapter 225 Do You Hate Me


    Kristian didn''t argue. He took every word without flinching, epting it all.


    By the time they left, it was already midnight.


    Although Gerard had gone home earlier that evening, he was still worried about Kristian. So when Zander called,


    Gerard didn''t hesitate toe pick them up.


    Kristian and Zander took the back seat. From the moment they got in Kristian seemed drunk, though he wasn''t he just didn''t feel like talking and didn''t want to open his eyes.


    Gerard didn''t know what was going on. It was the first time he''d ever seen Kristian so out of it.


    While driving, he nced in the mirror and asked Zander, "Mr. Loftus, how much did Mr. Shaw drink tonight?"


    "Not much."


    "Not much? And he''s like this?" Gerard looked genuinely surprised.


    Zander gave Kristian a quick nce, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It''s not the alcohol-it''s the emotions."


    Gerard got it instantly. Kristian wasn''t drunk. He was just drowning in feelings. "Were you guys here on business?" Zander asked.


    "Not exactly. Mr. Shaw''s been chasing his ex-wife," Gerard answered sincerely. "He''s even relocated the office


    to the branch in Alerith."


    Zander raised an eyebrow, a little taken aback. "Do you know what happened between him and Freya?"


    Gerard didn''t answer right away. He checked the rearview mirror, and seeing no objection from Kristian, he went ahead and told the truth.


    "He thought she would always love him no matter what. But she doesn''t believe in getting back with exes," he said clearly, with a vivid sort of honesty.


    Zander chuckled under his breath.


    Kristian was left speechless. The heavy mood he''d been in took a hit from Gerard''s blunt honesty.


    He couldn''t believe the guy never ran out of ways to provoke him.


    Half an hourter, Gerard dropped them off at home.


    While Zander headed for a shower, Kristian, still slumped on the sofa and clearly


    not in great spirits, called Gerard over.


    Gerard looked at him with his usual straightforwardness. "What is it, Mr. Shaw?" "What did you mean by what you said in the car?"


    "Exactly what it sounded like."


    "Who told you that''s what I was thinking?"


    "Aren''t you just banking on your good looks and assuming Ms. Briggs would never walk away from you?" Gerard asked inly, striking the nerve without hesitation.


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    Chapter 225 Do You Hate Me


    Kristian didn''t argue. He took every word without flinching, epting it all.


    By the time they left, it was already midnight.


    Although Gerard had gone home earlier that evening, he was still worried about Kristian. So when Zander called, Gerard didn''t hesitate toe pick them up.


    Kristian and Zander took the back seat. From the moment they got in Kristian seemed drunk, though he wasn''t he just didn''t feel like talking and didn''t want to open his eyes.


    Gerard didn''t know what was going on. It was the first time he''d ever seen Kristian so out of it.


    While driving, he nced in the mirror and asked Zander, "Mr. Loftus, how much did Mr. Shaw drink tonight?"


    "Not much."


    "Not much? And he''s like this?" Gerard looked genuinely surprised.


    Zander gave Kristian a quick nce, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "It''s not the alcohol-it''s the emotions."


    Gerard got it instantly. Kristian wasn''t drunk. He was just drowning in feelings. "Were you guys here on business?" Zander asked.


    "Not exactly. Mr. Shaw''s been chasing his ex-wife," Gerard answered sincerely. "He''s even relocated the office


    to the branch in Alerith."


    Zander raised an eyebrow, a little taken aback. "Do you know what happened between him and Freya?"


    Gerard didn''t answer right away. He checked the rearview mirror, and seeing no


    objection from Kristian, he


    went ahead and told the truth.


    "He thought she would always love him no matter what. But she doesn''t believe in getting back with exes," he


    said clearly, with a vivid sort of honesty.


    Zander chuckled under his breath.


    Kristian was left speechless. The heavy mood he''d been in took a hit from


    Gerard''s blunt honesty.


    He couldn''t believe the guy never ran out of ways to provoke him.


    Half an hourter, Gerard dropped them off at home.


    While Zander headed for a shower, Kristian, still slumped on the sofa and clearly


    not in great spirits, called


    Gerard over.


    Gerard looked at him with his usual straightforwardness. "What is it, Mr. Shaw?"


    "What did you mean by what you said in the car?"


    "Exactly what it sounded like."


    "Who told you that''s what I was thinking?"


    "Aren''t you just banking on your good looks and assuming Ms. Briggs would


    never walk away from you?" Gerard asked inly, striking the nerve without


    hesitation.


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    < Chapter 225 Do You Hate Me


    Kristian had nothing to say to that.


    He didn''t want to see Gerard''s face anymore. "Get out and close the door bnd


    you don''t ware to see you


    right now."


    "Okay." Gerard turned and left.


    Kristian watched the door shut, a storm of emotions swelling in his chest


    Maybe it was the liquid courage, or maybe something else, but he pulled out his


    phone and found free''s


    contact. He typed, "I''m sorry,"


    His thumb hovered over the send button, caught in hesitation.


    Eventually, he erased it and typed something simpler. "Are you sleeping?"


    He waited. A few minutes passed, feeling like centuries.


    When Freya didn''t respond, he found her number and dialed.


    This time, he didn''t hang up.


    Freya had been replying to n''s message when she saw Kristian''s name light


    up her screen.


    Without a second thought, she declined the call.


    But Kristian wasn''t giving up tonight.


    She declined once-he called again. She declined again-he called a third time.


    On the third try, Freya was about to decline again, but paused. Maybe it was better to answer than let him keep


    calling.


    She didn''t scold him like she usually would. Her tone was calm, measured. "What


    do you want?"


    Silence greeted her on the other end.


    After a couple of seconds, just when she was about to hang up, Kristian finally


    asked, "Do you hate me?"


    Freya blinked. She had no idea why he was dragging their past up again. "If you''ve got something to say, say n


    I''m busy."


    She considered blocking him. But she didn''t want to give him a reason to keep


    pestering her.


    "If Ashley hadn''te between us, would we still be happy?" Kristian''s voice was quieter than usual


    Freya didn''t respond. What was the point of such what-ifs?


    She answered inly, "I don''t have time for pointless chatter. If you called to talk


    about nonsense, I''m hanging


    up."


    Kristian didn''t reply. So Freya hung up. This time, he didn''t call again.


    He stared at the ended call, watching thest shred of hope slip away.


    The call had been a test. Now he knew the answer.


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    As for Freya, after the call ended, she felt surprisingly calm. Kristian hadn''t


    shaken her.


    n, perhaps frustrated by her slow replies, rang her up directly to get to the


    point. "Have you decided whether you''reing to thepany''s team-building


    retreat?''


    "No, I''m not," Freya answered tly.


    She wasn''t into big group events.


    Besides, she was only a part-time investment advisor for Briggs Group-not a full-


    time staff member.


    < She Took The House The Car And My Heart


    Chapter 226 I Want

 Chapter 226

    Chapter 226 I Want Custody Of The Child


    "Next year, you''re stepping into the big shoes at Briggs Group-ready or not." n dropped the bomb like it was just another casual remark. "If you skip the corporate retreat and don''t meet the team, how will you even know who''s running what?"


    Freya blinked, genuinely thrown off. "Who even said I''m taking over thepany?"


    "Uncle Hugh," n replied with the breezy ease of someone delivering weather updates. "He''s already made up


    his mind-you''re it."


    Freya''s brows tightened in disbelief. Hadn''t she already made it clear that thepany wasn''t in her ns?


    "Aren''t you, managing it just fine?"


    "Everyone deserves to live life how they want." n''s voice carried an edge of sincerity. "Think about it-how long have I been steering this ship for you? Don''t I deserve a shot at a normal life? To date someone? Maybe even get married?"


    Freya replied, her tone firm, ¡°It''s not like there''s much to manage anyway."


    "If you show up to tomorrow''s team-building retreat, I might stick around for another year."


    Freya said nothing.


    "Come if you feel like it."


    "Understood."


    She ended the call, realizing she was left with no real choice but to go to the retreat this time.


    What she didn''t know was that, moments after the call, n turned to the people with him.


    He was sitting with Ethel and Hugh.


    "Mina said she''ll join the corporate retreat tomorrow." He let out a slow breath, a flicker of relief passing through him.


    Ethel lit up with a smile. "n, you''re amazing!"


    Hugh asked, "She didn''t sound upset, did she?"


    "Not really," n replied, sounding a bit uncertain. "She seemed calm. But she might corner youter to ask


    about this wholepany handover."


    "That''s fine," Hugh didn''t seem bothered in the least.


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    ine frost care for big groups. Ethel noted "Tomorrow, don''t pair her with anyone outside her usual circle."


    "Don''t worry I''ve got in handled n assured smoothly


    Freys, of course, knew nothing about their little nning session Once the call ended, she went straight to bed,


    The next morning. Freye headed imo the office


    It was the end of September, and she and Melvin made their way to Briggs Group.


    On the way to thepany. Freya nced at Webin She''d given him time off, but he''d insisted on tagging


    along She didn''t argue


    At boggs Group, they only worked until midday before getting ready for the team- building retreat.


    Each department handled its own events, since thepany was so big. Outside of the annual party, team- building was typically a department-by-department affair meant to boost morale and connections.


    So, after lunch, n came looking for her.


    Freys received the retreat location from him and told him to head over first-she had a few things left to wrap up. p didn''t protest. He simply nodded and left.


    by the time Freya finished her tasks, it was already 1 P.M.


    After lunch with Melvin, the two strolled out together, not expecting to bump into Norah on their way out of the building,


    (freys cast her a brief nce and moved on


    Bet Norah froze internally. She''d tried digging into Freya''s background the day before, but she got nothing


    about her past


    There was no mention of being Kristian''s ex-wife or the daughter to Hugh Briggs.


    It made Norah suspicious-what other identities might Freya be hiding? Why was her information sealed so


    tight?


    Freya, oblivious to Norah''s spiraling thoughts, wouldn''t have cared even if she''d known.


    They left for the resort n had mentioned.


    They arrived just past three in the afternoon.


    While Melvin parked the car, someone called out, "Freya?"


    Freya turned, mildly surprised.


    Felipe had just stepped out of his vehicle.


    Before she could react, he popped his car door open again, grabbed something,


    and walked up to her. "Good timing, I''ve been meaning to talk to you about something."


    "Go on," Freya said coolly, just as she always did.


    ¡°It''s about Farrah. I want to go over something in detail," Felipe exined, holding


    up a divorce agreement.


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    Freya nodded. "Alright."


    Felipe led her away.


    When Melvin followed, Felipe''s brows knit slightly, his expression unreadable.


    "And this is..."


    "He''s my assistant," Freya replied tly, offering no extra context.


    Felipe eyed the two of them, realizing it might not go over well if he asked Melvin to leave. So, he let him tag


    along.


    Soon enough, Felipe brought them to a private room in the resort.


    He handed the divorce papers to Freya. "Take a look. If it all checks out, please


    pass it along to Farrah."


    Freya took the documents.


    As she flipped through them, Felipe hesitated, unsure how to start the real conversation.


    "Fifty million?" Freya noted the figure aloud.


    Felipe confirmed, "Yeah."


    Freya didn''t react much, idly flipping through more pages. She didn''t seem all that invested in the document.


    Felipe noticed her disinterest and asked directly, "Do you think it''s not enough?"


    "Legally speaking, marital assets are shared equally. In divorce, that means fifty- fifty," Freya said inly. "Wouldn''t you agree?"


    Felipe didn''t flinch. "Half is doable-but I have one condition."


    "And what''s that?"


    "I want custody of the child."


    "You must be joking," Freya shot back without pause.


    "The kid won''t have a stable life with Farrah," Felipe said bluntly, his tone firm.


    "She''s juggling a job and raising


    a child. Her parents aren''t going to help."


    Freya didn''t respond, waiting to hear what else he''d say.


    "But if the child''s with me, I can give them a stable home and top-tier education,"


    Felipe continued. "They''ll


    never have to worry about money."


    "Sure. No money worries," Freya agreed. "But raising a kid well? That''s another story entirely."


    "What''s that supposed to mean?" Felipe frowned.


    Freya didn''t sugarcoat it. "I''m just not convinced your household is the best environment for a child-especially considering they raised you, and let''s just say your personality''s got some... rough edges."


    "Freya!" Felipe snapped, clearly offended.


    "I can help Farrah with those so-called issues you mentioned," Freya replied confidently. "I''ll support her while she bnces motherhood and her career."


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    "You say that, but do you even believe it?" Felipe sounded like he thought she


    was putting on an act. "Won''t you eventually feel like Farrah''s only hanging around you for the money?"

 Chapter 227

    Chapter 227 Just Stop Clinging To Her


    Freya gave Felipe nothing more than a calm, "She''s my friend."


    Felipe scoffed, unconvinced. "So what if she''s your friend?"


    "Do you really think Kristian and Zander stick around because of money?" Freya shot back with a pointed look. "If they lost everything tomorrow, would you cut ties with them?"


    "I''m not that shallow," Felipe replied, his tone defensive.


    Freya didn''t say anything more. Her gaze stayed locked on his, steady and unreadable.


    She''d pushed herself for years-learning new skills, stacking up money-not for status or show, but so if her friends ever needed her, she would offer her help


    without relying on her family.


    And she had achieved that.


    To her, Farrah was someone worth going to the ends of the earth for.


    "Friendships that aren''t based on personal gain tend tost longer," Felipe remarked. ¡°But you and Farrahe frompletely different worlds. That kind of difference always leads to problems."


    "The problems you''re so worried about will never exist between us," Freya said sharply. "You just need to divorce her and stop clinging to her."


    Farrah was everything he wasn''t-ambitious, kind-hearted, full of dreams. Felipe didn''t deserve her.


    "Forget about the baby," Freya added coolly, tossing the divorce papers back at him. "And sort out the asset


    division on your own."


    If it ever came down to a fifty-fifty split, Farrah would turn it down without hesitation.


    She wasn''t the type to want her hands in anyone''s money, especially not Felipe''s. "Wait," Felipe called just as Freya turned to leave.


    She paused, turning her head slightly, her expression unreadable.


    "It''s not me who wants the baby," Felipe exined, voice low. "It''s my parents. They found out."


    "And?"


    "They want the baby. If they don''t get what they want, they''ll destroy Farrah''s career." He wasn''t even sure how they found out, but the fact was, he couldn''t shield Farrah from them.


    Even the idea of dividing the assets equally was his own desperate attempt to soften the blow. If his parents


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    found out, they''d lose their minds. They''d always had it out for Farrah''s career.


    "What did she ever do to your family?" freys asked, voice tight. "Why treat her like this?"


    "The baby stays with me. I''ll raise them well," Felipe said suddenly, his voice softening "She can visit whenever


    she wants I won''t stop her"


    "Fuck off," Freys spet


    Both Felipe and Melvin stiffened.


    Melvin deared his throat and stepped forward. "Maybe it''s time you met with your father. I''ll take care of things here"


    "No need," Freys replied tly, her voice as sharp as ever. "If they want to ruin Farrah''s career, let them try. Do


    they seriously think Farrah is someone they can push around?"


    She didn''t believe in using power to crush others. But if the Yates family dared smear Farrah''s name, she''d burn everything they stood for to the ground. In the end, they''d be the ones humiliated.


    "Melvin, let''s go," she said, already turning away.


    Melvin nodded with his usualposed calm. "Alright."


    them


    Watching them walk out, Felipe seethed, his frustration boiling over. He mmed


    his fist onto the table in a blind rage.


    He didn''t believe Freya could truly protect Farrah.


    Outside, Melvin noticed a heaviness in Freya''s steps. Quietly, he pulled a candy from his pocket and held it out


    to her. "Have a sweet. Might help lift your mood."


    Freya hesitated for just a beat.


    She nced at the hand extended toward her, and her expression softened slightly.


    She took the sweet without a second thought. "Thanks."


    "You don''t have to carry the weight of Farrah and the Yates alone," Melvin said gently. "I''ll handle it. That''s what I''m here for." It was his job to smooth out the bumps in her path, to handle the mess so she wouldn''t


    have to lift a finger.


    "That''s not it," Freya murmured. "I''m not worried. I just think... it''s all so unfair to Farrah."


    She deserved better than someone like Felipe.


    Melvin''s gaze lingered on her, and for once, his typically emotionless eyes showed something more. "It''s unfair


    for you."


    "Hmm?"


    "I said, it''s unfair for you, too," Melvin said, his tone sincere.


    In his eyes, she deserved nothing short of the very best this world had to offer.


    Freya was caught off guard. Then a faint smile tugged at her lips, warming her heart.


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    "Ms. Briggs," Melvin said, slipping back into his usual tone of quiet reverence.


    "What is it?" she asked.


    "I know I''ve said this before, but I want to say it again," Melvin said. "If you ever decide to get married, please think it through thoroughly. Let me help you weigh your options."


    "Alright," Freya agreed.


    The moment she said it, something shifted in Melvin''s expression, almost imperceptibly. But within seconds, his calm mask returned.


    Without lingering any longer, they headed toward the ce n had arranged.


    It turned out to be aid-back, scenic resort.


    When Freya and Melvin arrived, they found only n, Ethel, Hugh, Trent, and Frederick there.


    Freya was genuinely surprised.


    "Why are you all here?¡± she asked, eyes narrowing at n. This was supposed to be a simplepany retreat. So why were Trent and Frederick here too? Trent and Frederick exchanged a nce, and Trent spoke first. "n invited us.". Freya turned to n, waiting for an exnation.


    "Thepany retreat was just a cover,¡± n admitted, dressed casually and looking annoyingly handsome. "She and Uncle Hugh noticed you haven''t been yourselftely. They figured this would cheer you up."


    They all knew her too well. If they''d told her directly to take a break, she would''ve brushed it off with a stoic "I''m fine."


    But no one came out of a divorce untouched.


    They hadn''t brought it up earlier because the timing wasn''t right. She wouldn''t


    have been in the mood anyway.


    Now felt like the right time.


    "Mina, since you''re here, might as well enjoy yourself today," Ethel chimed in.


    "Mina, you really need to loosen up," Hugh added.


    "Freya, your sister rarely gets this sentimental about you. Don''t let her down," Frederick teased.


    Ethel shot back, "Frederick, what''s that supposed to mean?"


    "Exactly what it sounds like!" Frederick grinned.


    Soon, the two were at it, throwing yful jabs andughing as they bickered like


    old friends.


    Hugh and n exchanged knowing looks and quietly stepped aside. "I''ll check on


    She. You guys carry on.


    "Okay," the rest replied.


    Hugh left without a fuss.


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    He''d considered taking Freya''s assistant with him but decided against it.


    She clearly had a close bond with him.


    "Let''s go. There''s a flower field nearby," Trent suggested. "The view''s nice, and


    there''s a gazebo where we can


    rest."


    Everyone agreed and followed along.


    At first, Trent and n chatted with Freya, cracking a few jokes and sharing


    mundane stories.


    Little by little, she let herself rx.


    Eventually, the attention shifted to Melvin, who hadn''t uttered a single word since


    they arrived.

 Chapter 228

    Chapter 228 Fireworks


    "By the way," Trent remarked, adjusting his sses in that habitual, absentminded way that gave him an almost professorial charm, "Melvin, what made you decide to be Mina''s assistant back then?"


    Melvin hesitated, the cool sharpness in his eyes flickering with a rare hint of uncertainty, as though the question had genuinely caught him off guard.


    "The opportunity came up, and I couldn''t pass it up," he replied swiftly, his tone effortlessly smooth, the answer polished to perfection.


    Trent''s gaze lifted slightly, a knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth, though he chose not to borate.


    Freya caught his reaction, confused by whatever unspoken meaning lingered there, but unable to grasp it fully. She let it go without pressing, continuing to chat with her friends in an easy, offhand way.


    n noticed the sky slowly shifting into dusk. After checking the time, he said, "You guys keep chatting, I need to get a few things ready."


    This was the moment they''d been building toward all evening, and he couldn''t afford a single misstep.


    Freya didn''t think much of it and waved him off without question.


    Once he disappeared, Freya finally asked the question she''d been biting back ever since n arrived, "Has the Captain mentioned when he''sing back?"


    "Why so curious?" Trent asked, eyebrows raised with genuine interest. "Did you do something to tick him off?"


    "No." Freya''s denial came quick and firm.


    Trent adjusted his sses again, the skepticism in his expression hard to miss.


    Mina''s behaviortely had been far too unlike herself.


    Freya knew better than to run her mouth. "Just tell me if he''s gotten in touch with you."


    "He has," Trent admitted without hesitation.


    Freya''s eyes widened, caught off guard. "Seriously? What''d he say?"


    "He''s nning a surprise return on the 7th," Trent answered, pulling out his phone


    to show her the chat. "He mentioned he wants a gathering."


    Freya scanned the screen.


    It was there, in as day: the 7th, with strict instructions not to let her know.


    She had ns to meet Josiah on the 6th. If all went smoothly, she could wrap things up and catch a flight


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    immediately after.


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    Once the Captain was gone again, or too preupied, she''d make her return without giving him time to dredge up the past, keeping herself in the clear


    "What''s with the look?" Trent asked, watching her expression shift.


    Freya fibbed with practiced ease. "Nothing. Just wondering what we''ll even talk about when the Captain''s back. Without those four around, the vibe might get a little... quiet."


    She was calm by nature. So was Trent. And the Captain? Even quieter.


    Frederick was the only one who could talk a mile a minute.


    But in their captain''s presence, even Frederick would tone it down-for a bit, at least.


    "We don''t need chatter," Trent replied, fully aware of the dynamic.


    He and Frederick were just supporting characters. Their captain''s eyes were only ever on Freya.


    But Freya still hadn''t figured that out.


    She didn''t think too deeply. "Really?"


    "He''ll probably make us do a fitness check," Trent said with a teasing glint, half- joking "That alone will bring


    the energy back up."


    "I see...",


    The conversation never really left Melvin out. He was in the know-at least a little- but rarely said anything


    unless necessary.


    "Just messing with you, don''t take it too seriously," Trent said with a chuckle, noticing her slight frown. "It''s


    "Alright," Freya agreed.


    The three of them stood and left the gazebo, making their way across the vast, openwn.


    As Freya approached, she spotted n in the distance, seemingly deep in conversation with Ethel and Frederick,


    surrounded by strange, square-shaped objects.


    It was dark, and they were a good thirty meters away-too far to make anything out clearly.


    Just as she was about to step closer, Trent gently held her back. "Here''s good." Freya blinked at him, confused.


    The next second, the meaning behind his words revealed itself in spectacr fashion.


    Each of them held something sparking with me, walking steadily toward the boxes.


    Then came a thunderous crack, and vibrant fireworks exploded into the night, bathing the sky in color and light.


    More bursts followed in rapid session.


    The fireworks painted the heavens like a masterpiece.


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    Freya stood rooted, her eyes gleaming with awe, the colors mirrored in their


    depths.


    While she watched the sky, Melvin was watching her.


    Another firework went off with a resounding bang, this one enormous, blooming


    into a glowing message. "Mina, we love you!"


    The words lingered for a long moment before shattering into a cascade of


    immering lights, like shooting stars tearing across the dark.


    "Mina! I love you!"


    "Freya, I love you!"


    "Mina, we love you!"


    Ethel, Frederick, n, and Hugh stood by theunchers, shouting derations of


    love without the slightest bit


    of shame.


    Freya''s chest tightened, her throat prickling with emotion.


    She wasn''t one to cry easily, but seeing them run toward her, her eyes turned


    ssy.


    Trent reached out and gently ruffled her hair, his touch affectionate and warm. "Mina, wee back."


    "Wee back." Melvin''s normally stoic face softened, his voice quiet but heartfelt.


    Freya tufned away, eyes welling up with tears.


    Ethel sprinted over and flung herself into Freya''s arms. "Mina!"


    Freya caught her in a tight hug.


    n, Frederick, and Hugh followed close behind.


    "When did you guys n all this?" Freya asked once she''d managed to collect


    herself.


    "Ever since you came back, we''ve been trying to figure out how to help you unwind," Ethel said, stepping back


    with a glowing smile. "Then I remembered you said you liked fireworks, so... we


    did this."


    The ce was stunning, secluded from the city, a perfect little haven for peace


    and quiet.


    Freya felt her heart bloom with gratitude. "Thank you, all of you."


    "Mina," Ethel said, producing a petite bouquet of daisies and offering it with both hands, her eyes filled with nothing but admiration. "This is for you. I''ll always love


    you."


    Then, one by one, the rest handed Freya their own small daisy bouquets, even Melvin.


    Freya epted each with care, feeling all the weight she''d been carrying melt


    away.


    "These may not be the prettiest flowers, Freya," Frederick said, beaming with both fondness and admiration, ¡°but they say everything we feel. We''ll always love you." Ethel''s grin deepened, her eyes curved like half-moons. "I''ll always love you,


    Mina!"


    Daisies-eternal love made tangible.


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    Freya embraced them all "Thank you"


    "The surprises aren''t done yet," Ethel said brightly, tugging Freya along "We''ve


    got dinner set up over there. And I made the cutest cake just for you"


    24

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    Chapter 229 Farrah''s


    Decision


    "Are you seriously calling that cute? Looks more like nightmare fuel to me."


    "You want a smack or something?"


    "Freya, look at Ethel-I''m not even allowed to tell the truth anymore."


    "Mina, Frederick''s being mean to me again!"


    Watching the two mischief-makers go at it, Freya reached out and affectionately tousled Ethel''s hair, a gentle smile curving on her lips. "She''s creation is the most adorable thing I''ve ever seen."


    "Did you catch that, you bumpkin?" Ethel and Frederick were always squabbling like that.


    Frederick let out a loud snort in response.


    In the cheerfulmotion, the group made their way to the dinner venue.


    It was a charming outdoor setup, with avish dinner already arranged on the table. In the very center sat a


    cake.


    the up. replice


    To be exact, it was a perfect miniature replica of Freya''s beloved stuffed pillow, Charlie.


    That night, Freya had a genuinely good time.


    After the meal, the group gathered and chatted around the table.


    Looking at the six familiar faces around her, Freya felt such an overwhelming sense of warmth that she blurted out, "Tell me your wishes-I''ll see what I can do."


    "We wish for your happiness," they all chimed in at once.


    Freya''s smile grew even brighter, her eyes glinting with delight. That evening, she smiled more than she had in


    an entire month.


    "I''m already happy," Freya insisted, her voice light. "Now tell me your own wishes."


    "I wish I could stay far away from anything that has to do withpany management," Ethel said quickly.


    Freya looked at her fondly. "Granted."


    Then n added, "I wish I wouldn''t have to deal with thepany after this year either."


    Freya shot him down without hesitation. "Denied."


    The whole table erupted intoughter.


    00:36


    Chapter 229 Farrah''s Decision


    Freya''s gaze turned to Melvin, the quietest one of the bunch, and she asked, "Melvin, what about you?"


    "To always stay by your side as your assistant," Melvin said evenly, his tone steady. To handle all your problems and worries."


    "I meant your own wish," Freya said with a small shake of her head.


    "That is my own wish," he replied simply.


    His quiet deration stirred up a wave of curiosity around the table,


    Frederick, being the nosiest of them all, went straight to the point. "You''re not secretly crushing on Freya or


    anything, right?"


    "She''s generous, offers excellent benefits, and she''s a remarkable person," Melvin replied earnestly. "If I let this job slip away, I won''t find another like it."


    Frederick stared hard at him, but Melvin''s expression didn''t budge an inch.


    No matter how much Frederick probed, Melvin''s calm stayed intact. "Granted," Freya said with a smile, then turned to Hugh. "Dad, what about you?¡± She already knew what she''d do.


    If Hugh said he wanted to marry Cheryl, she''d say yes.


    Even if Cheryl had any bad intentions, once she revealed her true face, Freya would help her father handle it


    Hugh had spent his life under his father''s thumb or worrying about his daughters. Now it was his turn to live


    a life of his own.


    "I just want you and She to be happy and safe," Hugh said softly. He understood what Freya was hinting at


    But this was what truly mattered to him. As long as Freya and Ethel were alright, that was all he needed.


    Freya caught the meaning in his eyes and smiled. "Okay."


    No one left that night. The resort had enough rooms for everyone, and Freya shared one with Ethel


    After that night, everyone noticed Freya seemed lighter, more cheerful than usual.


    The following day, after they all returned home, Freya moved back into Hugh''s ce.


    With several days off, Freya didn''t need to work, and Ethel was free from school. The family enjoyed rare, peaceful moments together.


    Before they knew it, three days had slipped by.


    On the third afternoon, Freya was lounging on a swing in the backyard, soaking up the sun, when her phone


    rang.


    Eyes closed, face tilted toward the warmth, she answered, "Hello, Farrah."


    "Freya, I''ve made up my mind."


    "What decision?"


    00:36


    "I''m not going to keep this baby." Farrah''s words hit Freya like a jolt.


    She sat up immediately, eyes wide open. "Why?"


    Farrah had been so deeply attached to her child-that much was clear from everything she''d done before. Why


    the sudden shift?


    "Jocelyn called and yed a recording for me," Farrah exined. "It was of her telling Felipe''s parents I was


    pregnant."


    Freya froze, her mind shing back to what Felipe had said that day.


    "Then Felipe''s mother called me too," Farrah added. She didn''t share the exact words, but she revealed her heart. "I don''t want my baby to be caught in some tug-of-war after they''re born. I don''t want them growing up in a world full of scheming and conflict."


    She understood thew-children under two stayed with their mothers. And the father wouldn''t be able to


    take them away once they grew up.


    But she didn''t trust the Yates family one bit.


    Too many unknowns, too much danger. She was terrified the child would one day


    hate her for bringing them


    into this mess.


    "Do you love this child?" Freya asked quietly.


    Farrah stayed silent. Of course she did. How could she not love her first baby?


    "I can help you deal with the Yates family," Freya said sincerely, hoping she''d reconsider. "But you have to think everything through for yourself. No matter what you decide, I''ll stand by you."


    As a woman, the thought of ending a pregnancy twisted Freya''s heart. It was a


    life, after all.


    But from a practical standpoint, giving birth to this baby meant Farrah would forever be tied to Felipe.


    He was, after all, the biological father.


    Still, whatever Farrah chose, Freya would support her.


    "Take a few days to think," Freya said gently. "Don''t let that one phone call cloud


    your judgment. You''re too


    emotional right now."


    "Freya..."


    "Don''t be scared. Forget the outside noise. Just listen to your heart, Farrah."


    Farrah didn''t know what to do.


    Part of her wanted to keep the child. But the fear that they might resent her in the future gnawed at her.


    The words Felipe''s parents had said still echoed in her mind. Would the child feel bitter knowing they could have been a wealthy heir but ended up with an ordinary life instead?


    "I''m scared they''ll me me for bringing them into this world," Farrah finally confessed.


    Pregnancy came with too many thoughts, too many anxieties.


    00:36


    Chapter 775 arrats Decis


    She was gervinely strad


    "The moment they ended up in your belly, it be the chesice to say? Freys said fenty. " they really didn''t want toe to you, they had race whole months to let Those words hit something inside Farrah like a light ficking on in a dark room


    "You really think so?¡± she asked cortionaly


    "Absolutely," Freys said with certainty, then aided something else to ease Farred''s Contes. "Calidren are shaped as they grow. If you raise them well, they''ll turn out


    fice*


    Kids were purer than adults. Freys truly believed Farrah could raise a wonderbed could


    Rmended for you


    COMPLETED

 Chapter 230

    Chapter 230 Freya''s Unexpected Agreement


    Farrah fell quiet for a beat, but in the end, she chose to take Freya''s advice to heart. "Alright."


    "Just take it easy and take good care of yourself," Freya said gently, her voice reassuring. "Forget all the Yates family nonsense. Just think about whether you truly want this child and if you''re ready to step into motherhood."


    "Freya..." Farrah''s voice wavered, heavy with emotion.


    Freya had always had a soft spot for her female friends, always offering warmth and support. "Yes?"


    "Thank you."


    "Don''t mention it," Freya replied with a soft smile. Then she added, "Once you divorce Felipe, I''ll help you find a new ce and a different agency. That way, you can finally put some distance between you and the Yates


    family."


    "Okay. Thanks again," Farrah murmured.


    Freya offered a few more words offort before hanging up the call.


    She knew better than most that pregnant women needed to be surrounded by love-and if Felipe couldn''t give that, she certainly would.


    Life could be rich and full with family, true friends, and a little self-love. Romance wasn''t the only path to


    happiness.


    Once the call ended, Freya went back to soaking up the sun.


    It wasn''t until dusk that she finally made her way to the study to organize the pile


    of dirt she had gathered on Norah, ensuring it would be neat and easy for Josiah to go through.


    By the time she wrapped everything up, it was already past nine.


    After wishing Ethel and Hugh a good night, she took a rxing bath and headed off to bed.


    Her days usually ran on a well-kept routine.


    The next morning, as Freya shared breakfast with Hugh and Ethel, Hugh''s phone rang. It was Vivien.


    The gist of the call? She wanted to meet with Hugh and his family.


    He put the phone on speaker, and after hearing her request, he instinctively nced at both Freya and Ethel. "Not today, I''ve got a few things to take care of."


    "But today''s Mom''s birthday," Vivien''s voice came through the speaker, sounding just a touch pitiful. "Are you really noting?"


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    < Chapter 230 Freya''s Unexpected Agreement


    Hugh hesitated, caught in the middle.


    If he went, he''d be breaking his promise to spend quality time with his daughters.


    But if he didn''t go... well, it was Cheryl''s birthday.


    "Mom went out early this morning to buy tons of groceries, all to cook something special for you and the girls," Vivien added, her voiceced with disappointment. "If you don''te, it''ll just go to waste."


    Just as Hugh was about to turn her down, Freya spoke up. "We''ll head overter." Hugh was stunned.


    So was Ethel.


    Vivien, too, was caught off guard by Freya''s unexpected agreement.


    She was well aware of how much Freya resented her, and yet... Freya had said yes.


    "Mina?" Hugh asked, his tone uncertain.


    "We don''t have much going on today, and it won''t take long," Freya exined calmly. Her outlook had shifted.


    Once upon a time, she had selfishly believed their father belonged only to her, Ethel, and their mother.


    But after uncovering the truth about her parents'' past, her heart had softened. She had learned to let go.


    As long as Cheryl and Vivien didn''te after the Briggs Group or mess with her family, she could live with


    the rest.


    The Briggs Group was built from the ground up by her parents'' partnership, and Freya wasn''t about to let anyoney a finger on it.


    Ethel''s eyes gleamed with surprise. "Are we really going?"


    "Yes."


    "For real?" Hugh echoed.


    Freya nodded firmly. "Yeah. For real."


    Seeing that she meant it, Hugh gave Vivien his answer. "We''ll be thereter."


    "Great! Mom and I will be waiting," Vivien responded quickly.


    Once she hung up, she passed the news along to Cheryl.


    Cheryl was just as taken aback. Her tone turned light. "Did Freya really agree to this?"


    "Yes," Vivien replied truthfully. "After she said yes, Mr. Briggs and Ethel agreed too."


    Cheryl didn''t respond right away.


    Vivien stood quietly, knowing better than to speak out of turn with her mother.


    "From now on, you need to get along with Freya and Ethel," Cheryl said seriously. "But don''t overdo it." "As long as Freya doesn''t object, I can marry Hugh."


    2028,


    00:36


    ¡°But..... I''ve already upset her before," Vivien said nervously.


    "Everyone makes mistakes. Just behave properly from now on," Cheryl told her firmly, "This time, don''t mess things up."


    Vivien fidgeted, gripping her sleeves. "Okay."


    Cheryl nced at her, as if she had more to say, but ended up releasing ang, weary sigh.


    She didn''t linger, and got to work preparing lunch for five-something that would take a while.


    Back at the breakfast table, Freya was still sipping her drink. Ethel, unable to contain her curiosity, asked softly,


    "Mina, didn''t you really dislike them before? Why go now?"


    Hugh turned toward Freya too, clearly wondering the same thing.


    "Ms. Newman is Dad''s current partner,¡± Freya replied inly. ¡°It''s only right for


    him to be with her on her


    birthday."


    Ethel''s gaze softened, a flicker of understanding in her eyes, while Hugh felt a quiet ache in his chest. If only


    Freya didn''t always have to be the mature one.


    "I won''t stay long," Freya added. "I''ll leave right after lunch."


    Normally, she wouldn''t have bothered going. But this time, she intended to have a


    word with Cheryl.


    She knew things couldn''t drag on like this. Eventually, people would start whispering about Cheryl being Hugh''s kept woman, and that kind of gossip wouldn''t do any favors for his name.


    "If you don''t want to go, you really don''t have to. Don''t force yourself," Hugh told her after a moment of


    thought.


    "I''m not forcing anything," Freya said, finishing thest of her milk. Then she looked at Hugh and gave him a heads-up. ¡°I''m mostly going to talk to her about your situation. She needs to make a decision-either stay or go.


    Hugh nodded. He trusted Freya not to act rashly. "Alright."


    He understood exactly what she meant.


    Some conversations were better had by Freya than by him.


    Ethel, seeing how serious things had gotten, chose to stay quiet about what she''d wanted to say.


    She''d find another time to bring it up. Now wasn''t it-especially not with both her father and Freya likely to


    disagree.


    After breakfast, Hugh made a quick call to have Cheryl''s birthday gift delivered ahead of them.


    Around ten o''clock, a driver came to take them to Cheryl''s house.


    When they arrived, Vivien came running out like an eager child, her face lit up with excitement. "Mr. Briggs, Freya, Ethel-you''re here! Please,e in."


    Freya''s brows knit together slightly, still uneasy with Vivien''s enthusiasm.


    "Alright," Ethel said brightly, her smile innocent as ever. "Calm down a little."


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    "I see." Vivien replied.


    Freya quirked a brow, caught off guard by Ethel''s directness.


    Othel sneaked a nce Freya''s way, eyes sparkling with mischief, as if to say,


    "Don''t you think I''m being


    considerate"


    Freya let out a soft chuckle and ruffled Ethel''s hair with affection.


    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart

 Chapter 231

    Chapter 231 Freya Saw Through Cheryl Effortles...


    The three young women strolled in through the main gate.


    It was a quaint little vi, standing all on its own-the very one Hugh had gifted to Cheryl and her daughter.


    When it came tofort and convenience, Hugh had never cut corners with them; he made sure they had


    everything they could possibly need, even going as far as hiring a housekeeper to ease their daily load.


    As Hugh stepped inside alongside the Briggs sisters, the rich, savory aroma of freshly prepared food floated through the air.


    Before long, Cheryl appeared, carrying a pot of steaming soup in her hands.


    "There you are, Hugh," she said as she set the pot down on the table, her eyes shining with affection and cheer. "Come, sit. The food''s ready-we can start eating."


    Vivien gestured for them to take their seats, adding, "Everything on the table is homemade-my mom''s signature dishes."


    "Didn''t you have a housekeeper?" Hugh asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.


    He''d hired one specifically so they wouldn''t have to worry about cooking, making sure they had bnced meals and a lighter routine.


    "I gave her the day off," Cheryl replied softly. "I wanted to cook for you myself- something special, since you


    rarelye by."


    Her simple words struck a chord in Hugh''s chest, bringing with them a flicker of guilt.


    It was true-he hadn''t visited much these days.


    "Come on now, let''s eat," Cheryl urged gently.


    The meal stretched on for over half an hour, the table crowded with dishes Cheryl had lovingly prepared.


    Throughout the lunch, Vivien fluttered between pouring fresh juice and pointing out her mom''s best dishes to Freya and Ethel.


    Even Ethel, normally poised andposed, found Vivien''s energy to be a bit much.


    Cheryl, on the other hand, while making sure Freya and Ethel were cared for, spent most of her time serving Hugh.


    Once the meal had ended, Cheryl headed off to slice some fruit.


    Hugh sat there, quietly grappling with emotions he didn''t quite know how to name. He hadn''t realized Cheryl


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    had dismissed the housekeeper or how much effort she had poured into preparing such a feast.


    They sat for a while, snacking on fruit and exchanging idle chatter, letting the minutes drift by for over twenty


    Freya nced at the clock, sending it was time to steer things toward the real matter at hand. "Ms. Newman, I''d like to talk to you in private, if that''s alright?"


    Cheryl blinked, momentarily surprised, then looked toward Hugh before replying. "Of course."


    "Pleasee with me."


    *Alright"


    Cheryl''s demeanor remained warm and approachable.


    As she rose to follow Freya, she called out, "Vivien, please entertain Hugh and Ethel."


    "I will," Vivien replied smoothly, keeping her tone polite andposed.


    But for Hugh, things were different now. He no longer trusted her.


    Every time he looked at her, memories of her past lies and wild assumptions about him and Freya resurfaced.


    Despite his growing dislike for her, as her future stepfather, he kept his feelings carefully hidden.


    "Mr. Briggs."


    "What is it?"


    want to apologize sincerely for what I''ve done before," Vivien said, her gaze steady and full of remorse. "I''m going to find a job and work hard. I hope you won''t think less of my mom because of me."


    Hugh hesitated, caught off guard by her words.


    Vivien continued, "My mom really cares about you."


    "I know," Hugh replied, his expression shadowed with uncertainty.


    Vivien didn''t press the matter, only saying, "Thank you."


    Hugh studied her quietly, emotion stirring under the surface, unsure of what to say.


    Meanwhile, Ethel, having kept her distance from Vivien ever since the earlier incidents, treated her coldly.


    She nced outside toward the yard, wondering how much longer her sister and Cheryl''s conversation would


    go on.


    Since everything that had happened, she had shifted from calling Cheryl by her first name to "Ms. Newman?¡ª


    a subtle but firm disy of detachment.


    Out in the yard, Freya and Cheryl sat across from each other on patio chairs, a small round table between them.


    Cheryl seemed a little cautious, her tone carefully neutral. "What would you like to talk about?"


    She had thought about calling her Mina, but sensing Freya''s cool demeanor, she decided it was best to stick to the point.


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    "It''s not a big issue, and since it''s just the two of us, I''ll be blunt," Freya said, her


    voice calm and even. "Why did you choose to be with my dad?"


    "Uh..." Cheryl was visibly caught off guard.


    To her, Freya had always seemed aloof and indifferent-certainly not someone


    who would pry, even if she knew


    something.


    Yet now, face-to-face with that question, Cheryl found herself at a loss.


    Freya asked, "Is the question too hard?"


    "Not exactly," Cheryl replied, opting to take a more measured route. "It''s just that


    my rtionship with your


    father isplicated. It''s not as simple as what you saw back then."


    "Byplicated, do you mean you and my dad were in love once?" Freya asked


    without hesitation.


    Cheryl froze,pletely thrown by how much Freya already knew.


    Freya exined, "I know about it. My dad told me everything."


    "If you already know, then you should understand why I''m with him..." Cheryl tried to hold onto her


    but her heart was anything but steady.


    Freya gave her a look-subtle, but piercing enough to make Cheryl''s pulse skip.


    Cheryl couldn''t quite understand how a woman so young could exude such calm authority.


    She hurried to wrap things up, "Is there anything else you want to ask?"


    "You''ve been apart from my dad for over two decades, and you had a daughter


    with another man," Freya said,


    clearly unconvinced. "Do you honestly expect me to believe that your feelings


    from back then are what brought


    you back to him?"


    Cheryl asked, "You don''t believe me?"


    "Ms. Newman, I''m asking you to be honest with me," Freya said, holding her


    gaze.


    "Believe it or not, I''m with your father because I care about him," Cheryl said, keeping her toneposed.


    "Seeing him again stirred feelings I never truly got over."


    When Freya heard this, she knew Cheryl had no intention of dropping the act. To convince others, one must


    first convince oneself.


    Freya didn''t give her the chance to continue. "Is it really about old feelings, or are you drawn to his position as


    chairman of Briggs Group? You should know better than anyone."


    "What... are you implying?" Cheryl''s heart began to pound, though she kept her face unreadable.


    "I know what you''re after," Freya said, piecing everything together from Cheryl''s expression and behavior. "You want to join the Briggs family by marrying my dad. If that happens, Vivien bes family too. As his stepdaughter, finding a well- matched marriage prospect wouldn''t be hard."


    As Freya spoke, Cheryl''s hands curled into fists in herp. She had never imagined that Freya-someone she


    had barely met twice-would see through her so effortlessly.

 Chapter 232

    Chapter 232 Let''s Just Call


    It Off


    "Am I right?" Freya said coolly.


    "I know you don''t like me, but that doesn''t mean you have to go around making nasty assumptions about me and Vivien." Cheryl looked furious, but she held herself back-likely out of fear for Freya''s status "I''m simply ini a rtionship with your father, nothing shady about it."


    "Is that so?" Freya replied, her tone unreadable.


    "Yes," Cheryl answered with conviction.


    "In that case, I won''t stand in the way of your marriage to my dad," Freya said without batting an eye. "You''re free to pick a date for the wedding."


    Cheryl blinked, clearly thrown off. She looked stunned. She hadn''t expected Freya to switch gears so fast. Hadn''t she just been interrogating her a moment ago?


    How had a couple of sentences turned into a green light for marriage? Freya didn''t strike her as someone who trusted easily.


    "Why are you looking at me like that?" Freya asked lightly, noticing the reaction she''d anticipated.


    Cheryl realized she''d slipped but quickly rposed herself-she''d always been good at ying calm. "You really approve of me marrying Hugh?"


    They hadn''t gotten married yet because Hugh had wanted to wait until his daughters were on board.


    "I do."


    "Why?"


    "Because, as you said, your rtionship is pure-no hidden agenda," Freya replied, finally steering the conversation to the point. "But before you register the marriage, there''s something I need to say upfront."


    "What is it?" By now, Cheryl was entirely under Freya''s lead.


    Freya spoke clearly. "After you marry my dad, Vivien won''t be inheriting anything." Cheryl froze.


    "The Briggs Group shares have already been passed on to me and She," Freya continued, fully aware of what Cheryl was after. "And every other investment he owns has been legally documented to go to us too."


    Every word out of her mouth was fact.


    After their mother died, Hugh had quietly arranged it all with hiswyer.


    Freya had only found out by chance not long ago.


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    Chapter 232 Let''s Just Call It Off


    "What?" Cheryl couldn''t hide her shock anymore.


    Freya watched her closely.


    Sensing Freya''s gaze, Cheryl pulled herself together, adjusting her emotions with practiced ease.


    Her gentle act faded noticeably. "That''s fine. As long as you''re okay with me being with your father, the rest can


    be discussed."


    "Okay," Freya responded tly.


    Cheryl looked a little off bnce.


    Freya didn''t want her father spending his remaining years with someone who only cared about his fortune, so she added a final warning. "And don''t even think about using Vivien for some strategic marriage. This isn''t a fairy tale. In this kind of social circle, if she''s got no real backing, she''ll suffer even if she marries rich." Hugh still had a ton of assets.


    His savings and properties were enough for Cheryl and Vivien to livefortably, as long as they didn''t get


    greedy.


    "Freya," Cheryl suddenly called out.


    Freya had just turned to leave, her voice even as she answered, "What?"


    "Could you give Vivien some shares of Briggs Group?" Cheryl couldn''t hold it back anymore. If there was nothing in it for her, why had she been sticking around Hugh? "I want her to marry into a decent family."


    With shares from Briggs Group, Vivien could secure a strong match, and no one would dare to look down on


    her.


    Freya looked at her, half-amused that she''d dare to say such a thing.


    "If you agree, I''ll walk away from everything else and just grow old peacefully with Hugh," Cheryl rushed to add.


    She didn''t mind a modest life; Hugh had always treated her well.


    But she had to think about Vivien''s future.


    Freya''s tone chilled. "No. I can''t do that."


    Briggs Group was her parents'' legacy-why should it go to someone outside the family?


    "She will be your sister, after all." Cheryl''sposure finally cracked after hearing Freya''s blunt words. "Can''t you spare a little?"


    "You can ask my dad," Freya said. "See if he''s willing."


    Cheryl''s spirit seemed to falter.


    Before leaving, Freya made onest thing clear. "Also, I only have one sister- She."


    With that, she walked away. She couldn''t bring herself to feel sympathy or affection toward Cheryl and Vivien. She couldn''t help but wonder how her father would feel if he found out Cheryl was chasing after hispany''s


    shares.


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    Chapter 232 Let''s Just Call It Off


    With those thoughts circling her mind, Freya returned to the living room.


    When Ethel saw her, she looked visibly relieved. Finally, the conversation had ended!


    "Where''s my mom?" Vivien asked, puzzled after waiting so long.


    Freya remained indifferent. "Outside."


    Vivien stood up and left the room.


    Now only the Briggs family remained. Hugh asked, "How did the talk go?"


    "You should go talk to her. She probably has something to say," Freya replied, not


    quite sure how to exin. "She and I will wait for you in the car."


    Hugh hesitated, then nodded. "Alright."


    They headed outside.


    Before Hugh could find Cheryl, she and Vivien appeared on their own.


    Vivien looked lost, unaware of what had just gone down, while Cheryl looked noticeably worn out.


    "What happened?" Hugh asked. He wasn''t used to seeing her like this.


    ¡°Hugh..... let''s just call it off," Cheryl said softly, her voice tight with emotion.


    "Freya''s right. The difference between us is too much. If you really marry me, people will talk. They''ll mock you behind your back."


    Ethel''s jaw dropped. She leaned toward Freya and whispered, "What''s going on?"


    Freya didn''t answer. She just gently squeezed Ethel''s hand.


    Ethel stayed quiet, nning to ask more once they were in the car.


    "Mom, what are you saying?" Vivien was confused, not understanding why her


    mother was backing out now. Hadn''t she just told her to behave today? Why wasn''t she marrying Hugh?


    Cheryl didn''t reply. Her eyes stayed fixed on Hugh, red and full of conflict and hesitation.


    "Tomorrow, Vivien and I will pack up and move out," Cheryl said, her eyes lowered, her tone heavy with emotion. She bowed her head slightly. "Thank you


    for everything you''ve done for us."


    Her expression made it seem like she had no other choice.


    Hugh''s gut told him there had been a misunderstanding somewhere.


    "Wait," he said, stopping her. "Did something happen between you and Mina?"


    Cheryl nced at Freya, her eyes red, but said nothing, as if determined to milk every drop of pity from the


    moment.


    Watching her, both Ethel and Hugh instinctively assumed Cheryl had misunderstood Freya-when in reality. she was simply putting on a show.

 Chapter 233

    Chapter 233 Visiting Josiah


    Cheryl had always treated him and his daughters with genuine warmth at least, that''s how Hugh feit


    Freya stood to the side, quietly watching it all unfold, choosing not to step in. She turned to Hugh and said lightly, ¡°She and I are heading back first. Take your time and talk things through"


    "Alright,¡± Hugh replied, his voice calm and firm, not a hint of hesitation in his tone.


    This wasn''t something to be brushed off. It needed a proper, honest conversation.


    It was one thing if he had been misunderstood-but for Freya, someone so sincerely kind, to be wrongly


    used? That just didn''t sit right with him.


    Once Freya and Ethel were in the car and driving away, Ethel immediately turned, curiosity brimming. "What


    were you two talking about? And why did Ms. Newman react like that?"


    Freya didn''t hold back. She gave her a brief rundown of what she and Cheryl had discussed.


    Five minutes was all it took for Ethel to piece the puzzle together in her mind.


    "So, she was faking it in front of Dad just now?" Ethel was stunned. She never would''ve imagined Cheryl being that kind of person. "Why would she pretend like that? She wasn''t always like this."


    "When people''s interests are threatened, their true selves tend toe out," Freya said inly. "After what 1 told her, she probably realized all the illusions she built hade crashing down."


    ¡°But she didn''t have to pin all the me on you,¡± Ethel said, her temper ring


    She used to really believe in Cheryl. If Freya hadn''t returned, she might''ve fallen right into that mother-daughter duo''s trap-and even ended up feeling bad for Vivien, maybe even giving her shares in thepany.


    Seeing Ethel pout, frustrated and upset, Freya reached out and gave her cheek a yful poke. ¡°What''s going on in that little head of yours?"


    "I just feel so stupid for not seeing them for who they really are," Ethel murmured, leaning in closer. "If you hadn''te back, I''d probably still think they were good people."


    Freya gently patted her on the head. "They were real smooth with the act. You had no reason to suspect them -it''s nothing to me yourself for."


    It was pure coincidence that Freya had bumped into Vivien at the office and started to connect the dots.


    Ethel, still young and full of trust, wasn''t the type to suspect anyone easily.


    "I''m still so mad!" Ethel huffed, puffing out her cheeks once more.


    Freya couldn''t help but ruffle her hair. She told her not to stress over it too much.


    When they got home, Ethel headed straight for her room, her phone pressed to her ear, chatting away with her


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    boyfriend.


    Freya saw herpletely swept up in her little bubble of romance and let her be.


    At that age, a sweet, innocent love like that was something to be cherished.


    Evening rolled in before they knew it.


    While they were getting ready for dinner, Hugh called to say he wouldn''t being home tonight.


    Once the call ended, Freya and Ethel sat down to eat together.


    All throughout dinner, Ethel kept sneaking nces at Freya, her lips parting now and then like she wanted to say something, but always holding back at thest second.


    Freya noticed. "Go on, what''s been eating at you all day?"


    Ethel''s eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know?"


    "You kept staring at me over breakfast-and again while we were watching TV this morning," Freya said, familiar with her every little quirk. ¡°So, what''s going on?"


    "It''s not that big of a deal. I just..." Ethel fumbled for words, her cheeks turning pink.


    Freya gave her a look and made a wild guess. "Is it about your boyfriend?"


    Ethel blinked like she''d just seen a ghost.


    How did Freya always know?


    "Yeah... it''s about him," she admitted atst, deciding to just say it. "He wants to meet you."


    Freya lifted an eyebrow. "Meet me? What for?"


    "He''s still too nervous to face Dad," Ethel confessed, sheepish. "He figured it''d be


    better to meet you first-then


    talk to Dad after graduation."


    "When?" Freya asked without missing a beat.


    "You''ll meet him?" Ethel''s whole face lit up with joy.


    "Yes."


    "Thank you!" Ethel beamed.


    If Freya agreed, talking Hugh into it would be a thousand times easier.


    She was sharp, that one.


    "Don''t thank me just yet," Freya said, lifting a hand. "If it''s on the sixth, I might not


    be able to make it. I''ve got something to take care of."


    "It''s not the sixth," Ethel said quickly, grinning. "It''s on the seventh."


    Freya''s chopsticks froze halfway to her mouth.


    The seventh?


    Wasn''t that the day her captain was supposed toe back?


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    Ethel caught the shift in her expression. "What''s wrong?"


    "Nothing." Freya said smoothly. She didn''t want to ruin Ethel''s excitement. "Just let me know where it''ll be once you''ve decided."


    She was already nning it all out-on the evening of the sixth, she''d tell Trent she had to take a business trip, meet up with Ethel and her boyfriend on the seventh, and then go straight to the airport afterward.


    Alerith was a massive ce. The odds of running into her captain were slim to


    none.


    With the n set, Freya felt more at ease.


    By noon the next day, Hugh was back. Neither of them brought up Cheryl-not even in passing. They just slipped back into their routine like nothing had happened.


    Time didn''t wait for anyone. Before long, the sixth had arrived.


    Freya was up early, packing up some documents and a gift she''d prepared for Josiah.


    This time, she didn''t bother calling the driver-she decided to drive herself.


    She texted Josiah with her license te number and took the familiar route toward his house.


    The guards, already informed, waved her in without a hitch.


    She arrived shortly after nine.


    Josiah met her with a bright grin. "You finally made it. Do you even remember how


    long it''s been since youst dropped by?"


    "My bad," Freya said, handing him the gift. "I''m here to make up for it."


    "No need to bring gifts when you''re visiting!" Josiah scolded yfully, though his


    eyes twinkled. "Come on, y


    a few rounds of chess with me. I''m sick of those same old geezers."


    "Sure," Freya agreed with a soft chuckle.


    A soldier brought over the chessboard and pieces..


    Normally, Josiah hated any kind of distraction while ying.


    If someone talked too much, he''d bark at them without batting an eye-even his


    oldest friends weren''t spared.


    But today, he broke his own rule.


    After a few moves, his mind drifting, he nudged his knight forward and said casually, "Freya."


    "Yes?" Freya answered, moving her rook across the board.


    "Do you have a crush on someone?" he asked, sliding a pawn and sneaking a nce at her face.


    Freya kept her focus on the board, assuming it was just the usual nosy concern from an elder. "No." "How about I introduce someone to you?" Josiah offered, thinking of Ellis, who''d just arrived but left again to visit other old-timers. Freya paused mid-move.


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    Chapter 233 Visting Josiah


    Josiah wasn''t letting it go. "I promise he''s dependable."


    "I was married before-and I just got divorced not long ago, freya said, her voice steady. "I''m not looking to get into another rtionship anytime soon."


    Josiah''s face fell. He blinked, clearly taken aback. His brows knit together. "What?


    When did that happen?"


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 Chapter 234

    Chapter 234 Does Your Captain Know About This


    "Why is everyone hiding this from me?" Josiah''s tone brimmed with genuine


    concern.


    He''d finally taken a liking to a junior-someone who truly stood out to him-only to find out that something as monumental as her marriage had beenpletely swept under the rug.


    Freya halted her move on the chessboard, trying her best to ease the old man''s surprise. "It wasn''t just you. My


    whole family didn''t know about my marriage either."


    Josiah''s confusion only deepened. What kind of man would have the audacity to marry Freya and not inform her family? It was, frankly, unthinkable.


    "Who is this man?" Josiah''s indignation red. His voice sharpened with frustration. "I need to give that fellow a piece of my mind!"


    "It''s all in the past now. I''ve already cut ties with him."


    "No, absolutely not! You have to tell me who he is."


    Freya kept quiet, uncertain how to exin.


    She knew that Josiah and Kristian had crossed paths more than once, shared a certain familiarity. Bringing it up just didn''t feel right.


    "Don''t you see me as family?" Josiah''s voice softened with sincerity. He wanted nothing more than to protect her. She was a gem-how could anyone not treasure her?


    Freya turned the chess piece in her hand, then finally said, "Kristian Shaw."


    "What?"


    Kristian Shaw?


    "Kristian Shaw," Freya repeated with quietposure.


    Josiah was reeling. He couldn''t wrap his mind around it. Wasn''t Kristian the courteous, upstanding young man he''d always known? "You mean the current president of Shaw Group in Jeucwell? That Kristian Shaw?"


    "Yes." Freya nodded.


    "That can''t be! Every time I''ve met him, he''s been nothing but polite and well- mannered. How on earth..." Josiah shook his head in disbelief.


    In Josiah''s eyes, Kristian had always seemed above reproach. He treated elders


    with respect, employees with generosity. Even when he yfully threatened Gerard''s bonuses, he never actually docked them.


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    Chapter 234 Does Your Captain Know About This


    But a man like that, failing to value Freya? Josiah couldn''t make sense of it.


    Still, he trusted Treya''s word. She wouldn''t lie.


    "I didn''t tell him about my family back then," Freya exined quietly. "He wanted to meet my father, but I


    refused."


    Josiah looked even more perplexed, "Well..."


    "Josiah, it''s your turn." Freya shifted the conversation, hoping to bring him back to the game.


    But Josiah couldn''t focus. His thoughts were tangled in Freya''s revtions.


    It made sense now, why Kristian had mentioned to him the other day that Norah had been cruel to Freya. Josiah had thought it was just out of business-rted concern. He''d never imagined they had once been a couple.


    Freya, noticing his daze, gently called his name, "Josiah?"


    "Would it be alright if I asked why you divorced?"


    "We weren''tpatible."


    Those simple words spoke volumes.


    Clearly, much had unfolded between her and Kristian. Otherwise, how could two such capable individuals end


    up apart?


    Josiah let out a soft sigh.


    For the next twenty minutes, he yed in a haze, too distracted to truly engage in the match.


    He kept thinking about setting Freya up with Ellis. But would Ellis mind her past? Josiah didn''t care-Freya was exceptional-but Ellis''s opinion was a mystery.


    The more he dwelled on it, the heavier his mind became.


    "Josiah," Freya called out, pointing at his nearly checkmated pieces. "You need to concentrate."


    Josiah nced up and made his move.


    After a few more turns, another question bubbled up. "Does your captain know about this?"


    Freya blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She wasn''t sure why her captain came up now.


    Still, she replied, "Yes, he knows."


    After Frederick had found out, the gossip had spread among their group. Naturally, their captain had heard as


    well.


    Given recent events, he was aware of everything.


    "For real?" Josiah''s eyes lit up with a flicker of hope.


    Freya nodded. "Yes."


    Chapter 234 Does Your Captain Know About This


    That one word seemed to lift a weight from Josiah''s shoulders, and he finally settled into the game.


    Although he didn''t have many pieces left, hested several dozen moves before Freya imed victory.


    "Let''s go another round," Josiah said with a newfound cheeriness.


    Freya smiled and agreed without hesitation.


    In the past, ying with Josiah demanded her full attention.


    But thatst game had been an easy win, given how distracted he''d been.


    Thankfully, in the second round, they both brought their focus, and over an hour passed before Josiah emerged


    as the victor.


    ying chess with elders was never about winning. Whether with Lionel or Josiah, Freya always aimed for an


    engaging match, sometimes even letting them win.


    When the game ended, Josiah nced at the clock. It was nearing eleven.


    He frowned slightly, wondering what had be of Ellis. It was almost noon, yet


    he still hadn''t shown up. Had


    those old coots roped him into another game of chess?


    The thought made Josiah want to go have a firm word with his friends.


    Today was too important for them to be this clueless.


    "Josiah, do you have other ns today?" Freya asked, catching him checking the


    time repeatedly and worrying


    she was holding him up.


    "Not at all. I''m quite free," Josiah replied, masking his thoughts. He added, half- truthfully, "Someone was supposed to visit today, but it''s gettingte. Maybe they won''t show."


    "Would you like me to call and check for you?" Freya offered kindly, having no suspicion.


    She couldn''t have guessed Ellis might be nearby. She believed their meeting was scheduled for the following


    day.


    "No, no need." Josiah waved it off and smoothly switched topics. "Let''s talk about you. Did youe here today for something else?"


    He''d noticed the bag she brought.


    Usually, when Freya visited just to y chess and keep himpany, she came empty-handed.


    So, something was definitely on her mind.


    Freya knew Josiah was sharp. Still, she hesitated.


    Bringing up her reason foring might dampen his good mood.


    "Just tell me what''s on your mind. There''s no need to hold back with me," Josiah


    said, his voice warm with


    affection.


    Freya wavered. If it were Norah''s father, she''d have just handed over the documents and gotten straight to business. But with Josiah...


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    Chapter 234 Does Your Captain Know About This


    Seeing her pause, Josiah guessed, "Do you need a favor from me?"


    "Kind of."


    "Are you rmending someone for the military?"


    "No."

 Chapter 235

    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 235 How Did You


    Find Out


    Josiah just couldn''t figure it out-he kept watching Freya in silence, waiting for her to say something


    The more he tried to guess, the more ridiculous his thoughts became,


    "Let''s talk after lunch," Freya murmured, trying not to ruin his appetite. "It''s nothing urgent."


    "If you don''t tell me, I''ll just keep overthinking," Josiah said with a sigh, putting on


    a dramatic ir. "When something''s on my mind, I lose my appetite. Might not even want lunch."


    Freya was suddenly at a loss for words. Quite the performer.


    She chose not to drag it out any longer and spoke inly. "It''s about Norah."


    "Norah?" Josiah''s whole demeanor shifted in a heartbeat.


    He instantly recalled the conversation he''d had with Kristian a few days ago. Could they possibly be talking


    about the same thing?


    Freya nodded. "Right."


    She got up and pulled some documents from her bag, handing them to Josiah after steadying herself. "She''s made quite a few mistakes. Just... please don''t be upset when you read through them."


    Josiah took the documents and began to read, his expression calm and unreadable the whole time.


    He didn''t even say a word, just silently flipped through every page.


    The more quiet he became, the more anxious Freya felt, fearing he was bottling everything up inside.


    "I found out about this a few days ago," Josiah said, his voice steady, not angry- just heavy with a quiet seriousness. "It''s my fault and my son''s, for not raising her properly. It''s brought you far too much trouble."


    Freya blinked, caught off guard.


    She quickly gathered herself and asked, "How did you find out?"


    Until now, only she and Melvin had known. And Melvin would never have gone to Josiah with it.


    Josiah looked at her, emotions flickering in his eyes, before he finally said, "Kristian came to see me a few days ago and brought it up."


    "Kristian?"


    "Yeah."


    Freya''s thoughts scattered slightly. How had Kristian learned the truth?


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    "When he left, he asked me not to confront you about it and apologized. Said he''d make sure Norah paid for what she did."


    Josiah still couldn''t wrap his head around why the two of them ad divorced.


    Wasn''t Kristian thoughtful when it came to Freya?


    Freya''s eyes widened.


    Josiah went on, "I nned to discipline Norah, but she vanished without a word- took a flight abroad on the


    night of the third. Nobody''s been able to reach her since."


    Upon hearing that, Freya remembered seeing Norah outside the Briggs Group building not too long ago. Was she afraid of facing her? And she ran off in advance?


    "Freya," Josiah said, sounding remorseful.


    Freya answered softly, "Yes?"


    "I''m sorry for all the chaos my family has caused. If I''d known sooner about her reckless behavior, I would''ve corrected it." Josiah wasn''t one to make empty promises. "I''ve already told Brady about it. Once she''s back,


    we''ll definitely take action."


    "You don''t need to apologize. The me''s hers-not yours," Freya reassured him, seeing that his mood was


    holding steady.


    Josiah genuinely meant every word. Freya believed him.


    In truth, Josiah felt deeply disappointed-he never imagined his granddaughter would turn out like this. Norah


    must have been far too coddled.


    "Josiah," Freya said, bringing up another issue.


    Josiah had always treated her with kindness. "Go ahead, say what''s on your mind."


    "If Norah ever tries toe after me again, and I''m certain it''s her... I might retaliate directly," Freya warned him,ying her intentions bare.


    Norah was too calcted in her moves, always covering her tracks.


    Because of that, Freya felt she had no other choice but to handle things herself.


    "Do whatever you have to," Josiah said firmly. "You''ve got my full support."


    If his son tried to defend Norah, he would step in himself.


    If only Norah''s father had raised his child with the same discipline Brady had, she wouldn''t be like this.


    Mack might be yful, but he understood boundaries and wouldn''t cross the line into anything uwful.


    "If it''s something minor, go to Mack. Brady''s been going easier on him since thatst training." Josiah added.


    He left out the most important part.


    Now that Ellis had retired, if Freya were ever mistreated, he''d be the first one to step in.


    Freya replied, "Alright."


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    With that matter settled, she felt a small sense of relief


    Noticing they hadn''t started lunch yet, Josiah invited Freys to a game of chess.


    Before they began, he sent a message to Ellis. "If you don''t show up soon, freya mirane


    Ellis, busy ying chess with a circle of retired old-timers, nced at his phone. "Hold her there. I''lle after this round," he texted back


    "Ellis, it''s your turn-why are you staring at your phone?"


    "Come on, move already."


    "I''m next, don''t even think about skipping me."


    "Has Ellis actually improved all these years?"


    "What''s the point? No one''s ever pushed him hard enough.¡±


    "This one''s a genius."


    The group of older men chatted animatedly.


    Draped in a long ck coat, Ellis gave a faint smile. "Once we finish this round,


    you old fogies better head back for lunch. Don''t keep your wives waiting"


    "It''s nearly noon already!"


    "Time flies. We''ve only yed two rounds."


    "I don''t care-I''m first after lunch."


    "Nope. It''s my turn."


    The group bickered lightheartedly.


    Ellis''s eyes were deep and intense. His elegant fingers danced across the chessboard with precision and grace.


    He sped up his pace, curious to see how Freya would react when she saw him. Back at Josiah''s ce, Freya focused fully on the chessboard, aware that when he yed seriously, he was no


    easy opponent.


    Twenty minutes ticked by. Their game reached a tense, pivotal moment, just as Ellis finished his own match.


    Freya and Josiah were so locked into their game, they didn''t notice the tall, striking man in a ck coat andbat boots walking quietly along the garden


    path.


    Freya leaned in, checking Josiah''s piece.


    Right then, Ellis came to a stop behind her.


    His mesmerizing gaze swept over the back of her head, then dropped to the chessboard, a faint smile curling on his lips.


    Freya sensed someone standing behind her but thought nothing of it, assuming it was someone from the


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    Bussell family of scorous neighbor


    focish, equally absorbed, didn''t gence up


    Another twenty minutes passed.


    The game finally ended.


    Josiah exhaled, thoroughly impressed. He felt a growing fondness for Freyrouid


    out one dever bhome steer another, nearly


    But before he could admit she''d almost besten him, his eyesnded on Ellis-and


    he passed


    That rescal! When did he sneak in?


    Treya rately saw Josiah make such a face and instinctively turned to follow his


    line of sight.


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    Chapter 236 Call Me By My


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    When Freya caught sight of the person standing behind her, she froze up for a beat, her expressionced with


    confusion and surprise.


    Her captain?


    "You little rascal." Josiah''s voice snapped her out of it. "I thought you weren''t showing up."


    "When have I ever broken a promise to you?" Ellis''s voice was low and rich, pleasing to the ear. He was tall,


    striking, and undeniably attractive.


    "Alright," Josiah said with a grin, not wanting to y third wheel. "Save the pleasantries. I''ll go check if the food''s ready. You two catch up.¡±


    Ellis gave a slight nod, carrying himself with effortless grace. "Alright."


    The moment Josiah left, silence settled over them like a nket.


    Freya wasn''t the type to get flustered-she''d kept herposure even when meeting Kristian''s parents.


    But right now, she was genuinely rattled.


    "Am I really making you that nervous?" Ellis teased, catching her slightly stunned look.


    Freya didn''t respond. How could she not be nervous?


    Ellis stepped forward and sat down where Josiah had just been. "Sit."


    Freya sat down without protest. She still couldn''t wrap her head around it-wasn''t he supposed toe back on the seventh? But today was only the sixth.


    "Feel like sweating it out with a hardcore workout?" Ellis handed her a ss of water, his tone light and easy. "Might help you loosen up."


    Freya stayed quiet. She didn''t need it!


    "Freya," Ellis called out to her.


    She instinctively answered, "Huh?"


    "Let''s y a game."


    "But we''re about to eat."


    "Josiah didn''t say it was ready," he pointed out.


    Normally, Freya could handle situations with ease, but her mind was racing. She couldn''t stop worrying that


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    Chapter 236 Call Me By My Name


    Ellis might bring up herst phone call.


    It felt like there was a de hanging over her neck, and she was just waiting for it to fall.


    Ellis started setting up the chessboard, his eyes sharp as he noticed how distracted she was. "So, do you want to talk about how you used me to calm yourself downst time, or would you rather y chess?"


    "Chess," Freya replied instantly.


    Ellis looked at her, his eyes unreadable. "Did getting married make you lose your nerve?"


    "Huh?"


    "You used to be pretty bold," he said with a sly grin.


    "Anyone would feel intimidated in front of you," Freya muttered, then quickly shifted gears. "Didn''t Trent say


    you''d be back on the seventh? Why are you here now?"


    Ellis pressed his lips together. With his short-cropped hair and tall frame, he looked rugged and polished all at once. The crisp white shirt added a schrly charm to his usual quiet intensity.


    Freya blinked, a sudden thought crossing her mind-Ellis wasn''t bad-looking at all.


    If Frederick and n ever heard her say that, they''d definitely roast her.


    Not bad-looking? He was clearly drop-dead hot!


    "Just a little trick," Ellis said coolly.


    Freya frowned. "What?"


    "To stop you from slipping away," Ellis replied, eyes gleaming with insight. "If I''m


    not mistaken, your original n was to talk to Josiah, then hightail it out of Alerith, right?"


    Freya rubbed her temples.


    Of course-Ellis always saw through everything.


    "Are you embarrassed?" His voice was easy, but she knew he was fishing.


    "No," Freya said honestly. She never figured Ellis, with his stern and aloof nature, would be the romantic type.


    "I just didn''t want to get roped into another brutal workout session."


    Ellis''s eyes twinkled with understanding. Seemed like he''d need to take it slow.


    Freya sensed danger in the direction this was heading, so she switchednes. "Why are you back? On leave?"


    "Retired," Ellis said tly.


    Freya''s hands froze mid-motion. "Retired?"


    "Yeah."


    "Why?"


    Ellis had always been one of the top operatives, leading elite teams, pulling off impossible missions, racking up medals like they were nothing.


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    More than that, his future had looked bright. So why walk away?


    "A year ago, I got seriously injured on a mission. Doctor said I shouldn''t be doing high-intensity training every day." Ellis didn''t sugarcoat it. "My recement''s been prepped, So I called it quits."


    Freya''s chest tightened. She wanted to ask why he''d kept it quiet, but remembered some missions were ssified. Maybe he hadn''t had a choice.


    So she just asked, "How''s the injury now?"


    "All healed, just can''t push it too hard every day," Ellis said, sensing her concern.


    Freya let out a small breath of relief and asked another question. "Did the organization agree to let you go?"


    Ellis was nothing short of exceptional. Even if he couldn''t push himself with grueling daily training anymore, staying on would''ve been a breeze.


    The organization would''ve bent over backward to hold onto him-unless, of course, Ellis had made up his mind


    to walk away.


    Ellis smiled then, his tone casual as ever. "I told them I''d transfer to their division, and they all freaked out."


    Freya wisely held her tongue. Of course they did. They were scared of being toyed with.


    Ellis was friendly off the field, but he had a talent for setting traps like it was second nature.


    Even Trent had picked up a few of his tricks and turned into a real handful.


    "So now you''re..." Freya started.


    "Between jobs," he said.


    Freya stared at him.


    If he wanted to, the world was practically throwing job offers at his feet.


    Yet here he was, saying he was between jobs.


    "Yourpany hiring?" Ellis''s mind always ran a little deeper than she could follow. "What if I became your bodyguard? Or maybe your secretary?"


    Freya nearly choked on her water.


    Ellis''s retirement perks were probably outrageous, and she had a feeling his family wasn''t hurting for cash


    either.


    She didn''t know the full scope of his family business, but Josiah had hinted before that they were far from


    broke.


    "Scared I won''t be able to protect you?" Ellis''s voice stayed cool, his thoughts impossible to read.


    Freya didn''t know how much longer she could keep it together.


    She needed to get serious. "Captain."


    "I''m not a captain anymore. Call me by my name," he said.


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    "Huh?"


    "Call me Ellis."


    Freya took a sip of coffee.


    Right now, she desperately wished someone else was around to bail her out.


    She was almost certain Ellis hadn''t forgotten what she''d done thest time- using him to calm down.


    "If you won''t agree, I might just show up at Anita International on the eighth and submit an application," Ellis said as he casually picked up a chess piece, his every move full of poise. "With my skillset, I shouldnd the job


    easily."


    Freya went quiet.


    Not only would he get the job-HR would probably promote him to head of security


    on the spot.


    He could crush both Melvin and her in one go.


    "Are you seriously job hunting?" She had no idea what his family was involved in-


    and she wasn''t about to start digging.

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    Chapter 237 When Are You Coming Back To Take Ov...


    "Yeah." There was a stillness in Ellis''s gaze, the kind that made it impossible to tell


    if he was dead serious or just messing around. "I''m turning thirty next month. If someone asks what I do for a living on a date, I can''t exactly say I''m unemployed."


    The simplicity of the remark somehow struck a chord in Freya, sparking an unexpected worry.


    Without thinking, she blurted, ¡°That''s true. You''re not getting any younger."


    Ellis let out a soft, exasperatedugh. Was she seriously calling him old?


    "I don''t have the youthful stamina you do," Ellis said evenly, unbothered.


    Freya scrambled to rify, "That''s not what I meant."


    "You''re saying I''m not old?"


    Freya opened her mouth, but no words came out.


    Ellis chuckled under his breath.


    Compliments were never Freya''s strong suit, but she gave it a try anyway. "Thirty


    is when life really begins. You''re still young."


    "And how does it feel to say something you don''t actually believe?"


    "Captain..."


    Why did he always have to call her out like that?


    Ellis moved his piece with finality. "Freya, you''ve lost."


    Freya snapped back to the present.


    One nce at the chaos on the chessboard, and she knew-her captain was a sly one. He''d pulled out every trick in the book: distracting her, throwing her off bnce, all just to win a game of chess.


    "You really need to work on bncing offense and defense," Ellis rose to his full height, those long legs of his impossible to ignore. "Have you all been cking off for the past two years?"


    Freya was at a loss for words. She had known this was a trap!


    "Let''s eat," Ellis said simply.


    This time, Freya didn''t protest.


    She understood-mental resilience was everything, no matter where you were. With a strong mind, she could


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    push forward or hold the line, survive anything thrown her way.


    When her heart was in pieces, that same resilience had carried her through.


    She knew her captain meant well. But did he have toe down on her so hard the very first time they met again? She felt slightly overwhelmed.


    Over lunch, Josiah and Ellis chatted like old friends.


    As they talked, Josiah caught the odd look on Freya''s face and asked, ¡°Freya, what''s wrong?"


    "Nothing."


    "Did Ellis make things hard for you?"


    Freya instinctively nced at her captain and shook her head. "No."


    "He''s not your captain anymore. You don''t have to be scared of him," Josiah said knowingly. "If he gives you trouble, just say the word and I''ll help you knock him down a peg."


    "Okay." Freya allowed herself a small smile.


    Ellis stayed quiet, letting the two of them have their fun at his expense.


    After lunch, Josiah kept them around for a bit longer.


    If Ellis hadn''t shown up, Freya would''ve made an excuse to leave early-she had


    to get back early to pack up her things for her departure tomorrow.


    But now that she''d seen Ellis, the urgency had faded.


    They ended up spending the whole afternoon with Josiah, passing time over chess.


    At first, Ellis went up against Josiah, but when the older man got tired, he handed the board over and watched. as Freya took his c


    Before they realized it, it was already past five in the afternoon.


    Freya nced at the time, ready to head out, but wasn''t sure how to bring it up.


    Ellis noticed the movement and, still ying with Josiah, said, "Josiah, Freya and I have a few things to take care of. After this round, we''ll have to head out. We''lle back to visit soon."


    "Dragging poor Freya into your business, huh?" Josiah huffed. "That girl always ends up as the scapegoat."


    Ellis didn''t respond, just smiled quietly, eyes on the board.


    Freya felt a small wave of relief.


    It was always tough for her to turn down an elder''s invitation.


    And if they didn''t leave soon, she worried Josiah might invite them to stay the night after dinner-and worse, that Ellis might bring up that awkward phone call again.


    He had only mentioned it briefly before, never expanding on it. Freya was still uneasy.


    Not long after, they wrapped up the game.


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    Ellis smoothly packed wway the chessboard and ces himself, bidding kh farewell with polished grace.


    Freya offered her goodbyes as well.


    Though Josish was reluctant, he knew better than to hold the younger ones back.


    "Captain, how are you getting back?" Freya asked,


    "I''ll walk out and catch a cab?


    Josiah looked surprised. His gaze flicked over to the nearby SUV, dearly wondering how Ellis could lie with such


    a straight face,


    Still, he didn''t call him out-just watched the little performance unfold. He was curious to see what Ellis had up


    his sleeve.


    "It''s a pretty long walk, and you won''t find a cab nearby," Freya said, holding up


    the car keys. "Where are you headed? If it''s not too far, I''ll drive you."


    Ellis had always looked out for his team members. Freya couldn''t just let him wander off on foot.


    His expression stayed calm, voice warm and light. "Would it be too much trouble?"


    "Not at all," Freya said. "Let''s go."


    "Alright."


    Ellis followed her with a secret smirk.


    Josiah''s lips twitched. What a crafty young man.


    Freya led Ellis to her car, started the engine without hesitation, and drove out of the residential area.


    She didn''t suspect a thing-after all, when she arrived, there had only been three cars in the garage, and Ellis had walked in. It never crossed her mind that he might''ve shown up earlier.


    Josiah didn''t give anything away, either.


    Sitting in the passenger seat, Ellis sent a message to Josiah, letting him know someone woulde by tomorrow to pick up his car.


    "Freya," he said, turning his head once the message was sent.


    Freya kept her eyes on the road. "Hmm?"


    ¡°That job I mentioned earlier. Have you thought about it?" Ellis absentmindedly toyed with his phone, posture rxed, voice casual, almostzy, as he turned to look at her.


    Freya paused. ¡°You weren''t joking?"


    "No."


    "You really want a job?"


    "Yes."


    "What kind?"


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    "Anything that puts me in the same office as you, or something connected to your work." His voice was quiet, eyes flicking back to his phone as a message popped


    up.


    It was from his father, Caldwell Lambert.


    Caldwell asked, "Did you really retire from the army?"


    Ellis quickly replied, "Yes."


    Freya still couldn''t wrap her head around it. She didn''t get why he wanted a job.


    "Why?"


    "I''ve never worked outside the military." Ellis answered sincerely, every word smooth and unshaken. "It''s always been training, missions, or teaching others."


    Freya gave it some thought. That checked out.


    Life in the military was nothing like life outside of it.


    Even though Ellis had plenty of skills, adjusting to civilian life wasn''t instant. Everyone needed a buffer at the


    start.


    "Come to my office the day after tomorrow. I''ll get you a contract," said Freya.


    Ellis''s lips tugged upward in the faintest smile. He nced over at her. "You''re serious?"


    "Yes."


    "Alright then," Ellis agreed.


    Just then, his phone lit up with another message from his father.


    Caldwell asked "When are youing back to take over the family business?


    Your mom and I want to travel."

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    Chapter 238 You Can Stay At My Apartment


    Ellis responded, "I''ve got no ns toe back anytime soon."


    Caldwell was stunned. "You little rascal Your mother and I barely catch a glimpse of you once in a blue moon, and now that you''re retired, you''re telling me you''re not evening home? I swear, if you don''t show up. your mom and I are having another kid!*


    Ellis stared at the message, then replied without skipping a beat, "If you''re not concerned about Mom''s health, go for it.*


    That single line sent Caldwell into a fury, and he blocked Ellis on the spot. He''d see if Ellis had the nerve to stay away forever.


    Ellis added, "I''m busy trying to win over my future wife."


    He hit send-only to realize it hadn''t gone through. Caldwell had already blocked him.


    Ellis paused and thought his father was still so childish.


    "Captain, we''ve arrived at your destination," Freya announced, pulling up beside a sprawling mall that blended shopping and dining in one sleekplex.


    Ellis gave it a nce. "Let''s head to the parking lot."


    Freya blinked, confused.


    "Let''s grab a meal together," Ellis said, his tone light, his chiseled features rxed. "It''s the perfect opportunity to make a good impression on my future boss."


    Freya hesitated. "Captain..." She felt like he was teasing her.


    Still, she turned the car toward the lot.


    To keep his phone from blowing upter, Ellis sent a friend request to his dad, then texted his mother, Kendra


    Lambert.


    Kendra responded almost immediately, "Alright, just focus on your business. Don''t worry about us."


    With that settled, Ellis felt at ease.


    The meal passed without much fuss.


    Freya had nned to cover the bill, but Ellis beat her to it without a word.


    Afterward, Freya considered giving him a lift home, but he shook his head. "My ce isn''t in this district, and I''m not nning on heading back yet. I need to find somewhere to stay first."


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    "You need a new ce?"


    "I''ll be working at the office soon, so I need an apartment nearby,"


    Ellis wasn''t making it up.


    His home was far from Anita international, andmuting meant battling gridlock every day.


    "You can stay at my apartment," Freya offered, her concern for him clear: "The apartment next door is mine too, and it''s close to the office."


    Ellis didn''t know how to respond. He reached out and gently tapped her forehead. She looked up at him. "Hmm?"


    "Don''t go trusting men too easily." A cocktail of emotions stirred within Ellis. She was a little too trusting for her own good.


    It worked in his favor, sure, but he didn''t want her to get hurt someday.


    "I know," Freya replied. "But you''re different. You''re our captain."


    Whether it was her, Trent, or Frederick, they''d always rally behind their captain whenever he needed them- just as he had stood by them in the past. To them, he wasn''t just a leader. He was family.


    Because of that bond, there was never the slightest trace of romantic tension between her and Trent-and as for Ellis, Freya had never once believed their captain harbored any feelings for her beyond camaraderie.


    Ellis took in her words, his gaze deepening. Should he be grateful for her unshakable trust... or disappointed that she didn''t see him as a possible partner?


    "Get in the car." Freya caught the flicker in his expression, but didn''t think much of


    it.


    It never came to her mind that he had a crush on her.


    Ellis stood with one hand tucked in his pocket, tall andposed.


    After a pause, he got into the car.


    Freya drove him to her apartmentplex. She handed him the key to the unit


    next door and helped him set up the fingerprint lock.


    "There are fresh towels and toiletries in the guest room," she said, always


    prepared. "Bring your clothes tomorrow and move in properly."


    Ellis''s lips quirked into a faint smile. "Alright."


    Seeing everything in ce, Freya turned to leave.


    She stepped out, just reaching for her door when her phone buzzed.


    A bank notification lit up the screen.


    She had just received one hundred thousand dors.


    Frowning, she checked the sender-Ellis.


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    She turned back and knocked on his door.


    He opened it almost instantly, now in just a white shirt-refined and effortless.


    "What''s up?"


    "This." Freya held out her phone.


    Ellis nced at it, then said coolly, "Rent."


    "No need," she replied.


    "Just take it."


    "I''m not short on cash or apartments," she said, her tone sincere.


    Ellis had money, that much was clear. But that didn''t mean he should be throwing


    it around like that.


    He smiled slightly.


    Without another word, Freya pulled up her banking app and sent the money right back. "Don''t try that again.


    It''s a waste leaving the ce empty anyway. You bring life to it."


    "Does that make me a kept man?" Ellis asked lightly.


    Freya froze.


    "Just take it," he added. "If you really don''t want to, then call it six months'' rent."


    The apartment was in one of Alerith''s better neighborhoods, a short walk from Freya''spany.


    A spacious four-bedroom, two-bath unit with a balcony like that easily went for tens of thousands per month.


    "I''m your teammate. Supporting you is something I can afford to do," Freya said withposure. "You''re not a kept man-it''s mutual support."


    "Wanna do some jumping jacks?" Ellis offered, still with that same easygoing tone.


    Freya didn''t respond.


    "Or weighted runs?"


    "I''m going to bed." With that, Freya walked away, leaving the money untouched.


    She''d just bump up his sry


    Back in her room, she stared at the hundred-thousand-dor transfer, deep in


    thought.


    Then she picked up her phone and called Trent.


    When the line connected, she got straight to the point. "Do you know what the


    Captain''s family does?"


    "Not really. I never asked," Trent said evenly. "Why the sudden interest?"


    "It''s nothing..." Freya murmured. "He''s back."


    "You saw him?"


    "Yeah."


    "You sound distracted," Trent noted.


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    "I''m thinking about what position to assign him," she said, hoping Trent might offer


    some insight. "He''s starting at Anita International on Monday."


    Trent raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Was Ellis really


    that bold when it came to


    pursuing Freya?


    "Any suggestions?" she asked.


    "He''s not too familiar with office work. Keep him close to you for now. Let him get


    a feel for thepany and see where his strengths lie," Trent advised. "Once you know what he''s good at, you can figure out the right role


    for him."

 Chapter 239

    Chapter 239 Like A Completely Different...


    Freya listened to Trent''s words, and found them reasonable enough. "Alright."


    Once the call ended, she made her way to the study to draft up the special employment contract for Ellis, while Trent picked up his phone and started dialing.


    It was hard to say who Freya would end up with in the end-Kristian or Ellis.


    Even though she trusted Ellispletely and never had her guard up around him, there wasn''t a shred of


    romance between them.


    As for Kristian-Trent, for one, sincerely hoped she wouldn''t get entangled with


    him again.


    Whatever affection or trust she''d once had for Kristian had been shattered by his actions.


    Once her heart had been broken, it was nearly impossible to piece it back together.


    Just as these thoughts crossed Trent''s mind, the call connected, and Ellis''s voice came through, low and steady.


    "Hello, Trent."


    "You really don''t waste time."


    "Last time, I held back for too many reasons and let her slip through my fingers. I''m not making that mistake again." When Ellis spoke with Trent, his tone was rxed, his deep voice smooth andposed.


    Trent asked, "So, you''ve made up your


    mind?"


    "I have," Ellis replied, calm as ever.


    "If you need anything, just say the word." Trent adjusted his sses, his voice steady. "Frederick and I are ready to back you up whenever."


    That was exactly the kind of assurance Ellis needed. "If she ever asks about my job, make it sound awful. The worse, the better. I''d rather not be sent elsewhere."


    Knowing Freya, if Ellis spent even a month working by her side, she''d figure out his true capabilities.


    If she kept him close, that''d be fine-but if she reassigned him, all of it would''ve been pointless.


    "Got it," Trent replied, sharp as always.


    The call ended.


    Ellis headed off for a shower and changed into his pajamas.


    Trent, phone still in hand, fell into a thoughtful silence, letting out a quiet sigh over Ellis''s bumpy road to love.


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    When Ellis had first heard from Frederick about Freys''s marriage andter divorce, he''d called Trand and said, "If I hadn''t overthought everything back then, would she have been happier?


    In that moment, Trent knew Ellis regretted holding back because of his position


    What caught Trent off guard was realizing Ellis had feelings for Freya at all.


    Even he hadn''t noticed.


    Ellis had always treated everyone with the same measured distance during training-no favoritism, no hints.


    With those thoughts, only one quiet hope settled in Trent''s heart: Freya would truly find happiness


    Freya had no idea the two people she trusted most were quietly pulling strings behind the scenes. After preparing and printing the employment contract, she grabbed thepany seal and added her signature.


    Once Ellis signed it, it would be official.


    By the time everything was done, it was already past ten. She cleaned up, washed up, and went to bed, sticking


    to her usual routine.


    The next morning, she received the address from Ethel


    Just as she was about to head out, she opened the door and saw Ellis standing


    there with breakfast in hand. For a second, her brain froze.


    After sleeping on everything, it all still felt a bit unreal.


    Ellis handed her the breakfast, his long fingers looking oddly graceful. "Breakfast."


    "I..." Freya wasn''t sure how to describe what she was feeling


    Ellis, who had once been so distant, was now bringing her food and asking her out to meals. It made her


    uneasy.


    Ellis caught the shift in her expression and said simply, "You don''t want to eat?"


    "You should go back to how you used to be,"


    Freya replied. "There''s no need to be overly kind. I''m your employer now, but I''m also still your teammate and


    friend."


    Ellis withdrew his hand and gave her a helpless smile. ¡°Freya.¡±


    "Yes?"


    "Do you really think I''m trying to suck up to you?"


    It wasn''t about sucking up-but it definitely felt off.


    "Just take it and eat." Ellis pushed the breakfast into her hands without hesitation.


    "I seriously don''t know what''s going on in that head of yours!"


    Freya was speechless, inwardly grumbling. Clearly, he was the one acting out of character.


    Back in training, if she showed upte, Ellis wouldn''t let her eat at all. And if she didn''t meet her goals? No food and extra penalties. But now? He was hand- delivering breakfast. How could she not overthink this?


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    Maybe he was still holding a grudge fromst time, and this was all part of some long game-pretend kindness


    followed by revenge.


    The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became


    She blurted out, "Captain, just get to the point and stop dragging out my


    suffering."


    She truly believed-this was Ellis''s way of getting back at her. Because ofhat happened before, he was using this to apply mental pressure. And it was working.


    Ellis clenched his jaw, sorely tempted to knock some sense into Freya. Could she not twist his good intentions?


    "What are you even talking about?" he asked.


    Freya looked up at him, lips pressed together, and finally forced out two words. "You know it in your heart." "Go eat," Ellis said, one hand tucked in his pocket, still looking ridiculously good. "Stop with the wild guesses." Freya took a few steps back, stood there at the doorway for a few seconds, and then raised her hand to close


    the door.


    Ellis was left standing there, caught somewhere between amusement and frustration. He must say Freya was really a piece of work.


    Freya''s thoughts were a tangled mess.


    For her, overthinking came naturally. The Captain she remembered was apletely different person from the one in front of her now.


    The Ellis she remembered was the one who used toy traps for her. The man


    who had just handed her breakfast? That felt like someone else entirely.


    Lost in her thoughts, she looked down at the breakfast he''d practically shoved into her hands and took out her phone to make a call.


    Frederick answered, voice groggy and soft, clearly not awake yet. "Freya? What''s


    up so early?"


    "What would you think if our captain brought you breakfast?" she asked.


    Frederick''s eyes snapped open. "Who?"


    "Our captain."


    "I... I''ve been behaving myselftely," Frederick stammered, suddenly wide awake, a wave of panic washing over him. "I haven''t done anything wrong!" Could it be that the guys had snitched on him forining Ellis was too strict? Oh god. A bunch of traitors. Was there still time to book a flight and run? "Where is he now?" Frederick asked urgently, already halfway dressed, ready to flee. "Is heing to deliver it to me today?"


    "No."


    "Good." Frederick felt slightly more at ease-but still packed his bag in a hurry.


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    Then Freya finished her sentence. "He already delivered it. To me."


    A loud thud came from the other end of the call


    Frederick froze, ignoring the fallen photo frame, and suddenly grew serious. He


    said to Freya, "You might wanna grab a ticket and get outta town. Don''t go to the gathering tonight."


    "Is it that bad?" Freya frowned, thinking he was overreacting.


    "I''ll drop a message in the group chat. You''ll see how bad it is when you read their replies." Frederick suddenly felt a wave of sympathy for Freya. How on earth had she managed to offend Captain?


    She Tour The House, The Cer. And year

 Chapter 240

    Chapter 240 Ethel''s Boyfriend


    Freys was still a little out of it. She''d expected fills to act weird, sure, but she hadn''t braced herself for Frederick''s over-the-top reaction


    Frederick typed in their group chat, "lis is back and even brought breakfast for Freya."


    Greta, Riley, Cade, and Moss-yes, even the two who rarely bothered to chime in- all responded with a flurry of question marks.


    Greta immediately followed up with, "Freya, listen to me-run. Get out of town, noad"


    Cade backed her up, "I still have nightmares about when Ellis brought me food. That was the beginning of the end. Trust me get out while you can.*


    Moss added his piece, "I drank a bottle of water Ellis handed me once and ended up doing a ten-kilometer run -with weights."


    Freya was at a loss for words,


    (Trent


    Trent scrolled through the messages and finally dropped a reply. "Is it really that bad?"


    And just like that, Cade kicked off a group call.


    The call connected.


    Seven faces lit up the screen.


    The moment Freya joined, Cade jumped in. "Freya, no joke-Ellis suddenly acting nice is a red g the size of a house. Last time he ''felt sorry for me and gave me food, I ended up with triple the training. Know what he told me? He said if I still had the strength to eat, then clearly, I hadn''t been punished enough! Is that even human? Absolutely not!"


    Cadeunched into his rant without mercy,


    Freya vaguely recalled that episode. Cade had faked a stomachache to get out of training and got hit with an even worse punishment.


    If just one lie led to that kind of wrath, what kind of hell would she face if Ellis thought she once tried to use


    him?


    "Don''t scare Mina," Trent cut in, clearly trying to smooth things over. He didn''t want them ruining Ellis''s chance of wooing Freya. "Ellis is retired now. And Freya hasn''t done anything to provoke him. Maybe he''s just... being nice?"


    "Impossible!"


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    Chapter 240 Ethel''s Boyfriend


    "Trent, say that with your hand on your heart"


    "There''s not an ounce of humanity in Ellis!"


    Three voices fired back instantly.


    Since Ellis''s retirement had alreadye up inst night''s eight-person group chat, everyone was in the loop


    The more Freya listened, the more her stomach twisted. "Actually.. I did offend Ellis once


    Silence fell. Even Trent went quiet for a second.


    ¡°Mina, juste stay with me." Greta finally broke the silence, her voiceced with concern After all, Sey were best friends. "Your life is more important." Riley added simply, "Agreed."


    Freya didn''t respond right away. After a pause, she said, "Let me handle this first. Elis probably doesn''t even have a ce to train me anymore."


    After reassuring them, she ended the call.


    Back in the chat interface, she noticed a bunch of new messages from Greta and Riley in their three-persoo group chat. They were already grilling her about how she''d offended Ellis.


    These two had known her since they were kids. Between the three of them, secrets were practically


    nonexistent.


    Freya had intended to keep this one to herself, but honestly, she knew she couldn''t take on Ellis solo. So ste


    told them.


    Greta responded, "One word: run."


    Riley said, "Two words: run fast."


    Greta added, "A call with Ellis might cool things down at first, but after that, you''re doomed."


    Riley sighed. "My poor Mina."


    Freya pressed a hand to her forehead. Yeah, there was no way this would be simple.


    Greta wasn''t done. "Don''t even try to outsmart him. When he''s in the room, nobody''s brain is sharp enough"


    Riley echoed her, "No one can survive his mind games."


    Freya promised she got the message. Then she turned her gaze to the breakfast sitting on the table in front of her and zoned out.


    Half an hour passed. She finally shook off the cloud of thoughts and told herself to take things one step at a


    time.


    She couldn''t ignore the situation with Ashley''s mysterious backer. That person wasn''t just connected to Kristian-there were others involved too.


    With that in mind, she headed out to meet Ethel and her boyfriend.


    Ellis, meanwhile, had been lounging in the living room the whole time.


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    He knew Freya had left, but this time, he stayed in, casually chatting with Trent


    At eleven on the dot, Freya arrived at the private room in the restaurant they''d reserved.


    "Mina!" Ethel''s face lit up the moment she saw her. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. "You''re finally hered


    Freya had already gathered herself. "Yeah."


    "This is my boyfriend, Jarrett Warren." Ethel''s nerves showed a little, but she tried


    to keep the mood upbeat


    "Jarrett, this is my sister-Freya."


    "Hello." Jarrett greeted her, visibly nervous.


    Freya was calm as ever. "Hello."


    She nced at the two of them. One looked adorable, the other cheerful and


    bright-they actually looked like a good match.


    Ethel nudged Jarrett with her elbow.


    He quickly passed the menu to Freya, visibly anxious. "Take a look. Order whatever you like-it''s my treat!"


    Freya epted the menu and picked a few dishes that Ethel liked. She never really fussed over food herself.


    Throughout the meal, she ate with quietposure, as if it were just another ordinary lunch. But Ethel and Jarrett? They barely touched their food.


    They were too busy watching Freya''s expression, worried that something might go wrong.


    Ethel knew how much Freya loved her. Growing up, Freya always gave her whatever she wanted.


    But when it came to boyfriends? That was a different story. What if Freya thought Jarrett wasn''t good enough?


    "Freya, how do you like the ce?"


    "It''s fine."


    "And the food?"


    "Tastes okay."


    "What do you think of my boyfriend?" Ethel tried to slip thatst one in with the


    same casual tone as the others, hoping Freya wouldn''t catch on.


    But Freya never brushed off Ethel''s questions or concerns. As soon as she heard


    it, she paused mid-sip and set her eyes on them.


    Jarrett kept a smile stered on his face, but internally, he was scrambling. Why


    did Ethel''s sister have such a powerful aura? He mused silently to himself.


    "You want the truth?" Freya''s eyes locked on Jarrett, unreadable.


    Ethel''s heart stuttered. Did that mean her sister didn''t approve?


    Jarrett tensed, but he managed to keep hisposure. "Yes-if something''s wrong, just tell me and I''ll work on


    it!"


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    Chapter 240 Ethel''s Boyfriend


    "Mina..." Ethel tried to act cute.


    Freya looked at their nervous faces and let out a faint smile. "Why are you both acting like I''m about to tear you apart? I never said I disapproved."


    "Wait-you agree?!"


    "Based on appearances alone, you two look well-matched."


    Ethel blinked. So... was she implying they weren''tpatible in other ways?


    "Jarrett, right?" Freya wanted to make sure she had the name right.


    Jarrett''s hands were mmy, but he nodded quickly. ¡°Yes, yes!"


    "Take good care of my sister. She''s the star of our family." Freya didn''t want to


    make them feel pressured.


    13.27

 Chapter 241

    Chapter 241 Determined To y Matchmaker


    When Freya was done talking, Jarrett and Ethel both stared at her, as if genuinely stunned she''d say something


    like that.


    Ethel hesitated for a second. "Mina, you..."


    "Mmm?" Freya drew out the sound, lifting a brow.


    "Thank you for your blessing!" Jarrett suddenly shot up, offering a deep, earnest bow in her direction. "Please trust me I''ll take care of her with everything I''ve got. I won''t let her go through anything unfair!"


    "Good." Freya''s expression eased a touch, softening around the edges.


    Ethel instantly broke into a grin. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Freya, murmuring with a tiny sniffle, "I love you so much."


    Freya cared deeply for her. There was simply no way Freya could oppose her rtionship. Ethel, all of a sudden, felt a sting of guilt for having doubted Freya earlier.


    "I love you too." Freya''s heart settled a little more.


    From the second she walked in, she''d been sizing up Ethel''s boyfriend, and she had to admit he really did seem to love her sister.


    He knew her preferences, her aversions, and all the small, thoughtful things he did showed that his feelings weren''t just for show.


    After dinner, Freya decided to give them some space. They were at that age where dating was only natural.


    "Jarrett, I''m gonna pass on hanging out this afternoon." Ethel had some things she needed to go over with her


    sister.


    Jarrett understood right away. "Alright."


    As they were heading out, Freya made her way to the front to settle the bill.


    With her around, there was no way she''d let Ethel or Jarrett pay a cent.


    Once they''d parted ways with Jarrett, Ethel slid into the passenger seat of Freya''s car. On the drive home, she nced over and asked again, "Mina, you really don''t mind me being with Jarrett?"


    "If I were against it, would that actually stop you two from being together?" Freya rarely joked around, but her tone was yful.


    "Yes, it would!" Ethel nodded confidently.


    13:27


    She trusted her sister wholeheartedly. If Freya didn''t approve of someone, it would definitely be for a reason.


    "Now I''m kinda starting to feel bad for your boyfriend," Freya teased, smirking Ethel puffed out her cheeks. "Mina!"


    "That kind of thinking isn''t healthy. Whether it''s me or Dad, even if we disagree, you should still form your own opinions," Freya told her calmly. "We''re not always right, and we ''t possibly understand everything that goes on between the two of you."


    Ethel blinked. "So should I listen to you and Dad or not?"


    "If there''s a difference in opinion, we just need to sit down and talk things through," Freya replied. "Understand each other, weigh things out properly, then decide."


    "What do you think of my boyfriend?" Ethel genuinely valued her sister''s judgment.


    "He''s fine. He treats you well. But he''s a little on the timid side," Freya answered bluntly. "As for the rest, I


    can''t say yet."


    Ethel twirled her fingers in herp. "He''s not really timid."


    "Oh, really?"


    "He just got nervous meeting the family."


    Freya didn''t say anything. Even if Jarrett got nervous meeting his girlfriend''s family, shouldn''t that only apply to the parents? Why was he jumpy around her, Ethel''s sister?


    Ethel had no idea what was going through Freya''s head, so she added her own theory, "I think meeting Dad did." wouldn''t even make him as nervous as meeting you


    "Am I that scary?"


    "Not scary. Just that you''re, like, a strong, capable woman-you''ve got that vibe, you know?"


    Freya remained quiet.


    Ethel feltpletely reassured now. "With you backing me, Dad''s approval is pretty much in the bag. My rtionship is basically safe."


    "Dad hasn''t even met him yet."


    "Dad listens to you!" Ethel said with conviction.


    At that, something finally clicked for Freya. She nced at her sister, her eyes warm with affection, before driving her back to her own apartment.


    At 1:30 in the afternoon, Freya and Ethel pulled into the apartmentplex.


    Just as they stepped out of the car and started walking toward the elevator, they spotted a tall, striking man stepping out of another vehicle, dressed in a sleek ck coat and carrying two suitcases.


    "Oh my god!" Ethel''s eyes went wide. "Freya, there are guys that good-looking in this building?"


    He was right up there with Kristian!


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    13:27


    Freya had just locked up the car and didn''t look too closely. "Don''t forget, you have a boyfriend."


    "I''m scouting for you, not me," Ethel said cheekily. "Look at that guy-tall, great posture, and that whole presence? He''s totally your type!"


    Freya turned her head, curious who''d managed to earn such glowing praise from Ethel


    Freya had a thing for good looks, and so did Ethel. If someone didn''t look unning, Ethel wouldn''t be handing outpliments like that.


    "Mina!" Ethel grabbed Freya''s arm, her voice lowered in a dramatic whisper. "I think he''s looking over here! Do you know him? Is he checking you out?"


    Could it be love at first sight?


    That would be sweet!


    Just as she said it, Freya caught sight of the man Ethel was talking about.


    Her body tensed slightly, and all she could do was mentally curse her bad luck. Why did it have to be Ellis?


    "The elevator''s closing. Youing or not?" Ellis, spotting Freya frozen in ce, gave her a casual reminder.


    Freya was about to say she''d wait for the next one, but Ethel tugged her forward. "Let''s go, hurry!"


    Freya didn''t have a choice, but she made sure not to look like she was dodging him.


    If Ellis picked up on it, he''d definitely think she was trying to run away.


    "Thanks, sir,¡± Ethel said sweetly once they were inside, stars practically shining in her eyes.


    "No worries." Ellis''s gaze flicked over to Freya, who''d been calm and collected from the second she stepped in. "I''m your sister''s friend. Just call me Ellis."


    He''d heard Ethel''s voice when he got out of the car.


    The resemnce to Freya,bined with their familiarity, made it clear.


    Ethel''s eyes practically gleamed with gossip.


    Friend! That meant there was a chance-some real romantic tension between him


    and Freya!


    "Alright, Ellis!" Ethel beamed at him.


    Ellis gave a polite nod.


    Ethel was more determined than ever to y matchmaker!


    Compared to Kristian, Ellis seemed way more easygoing. He hadn''t said much,


    but he already gave off an approachable vibe.


    Ethel was ready to make it happen!


    "Ellis, do you know how to cook?" she asked brightly, striking up


    Freya raised her brows at that.


    casual chat.


    1327


    Before she could interject, Ellis answered, "Yeah."


    "My sister''s not exactly a whiz in the kitchen." Ethel nced at the elevator disy and realized it was stopping on the same floor as Freya''s. "If you''re cooking sometime, would you invite her over? I''ll even cover the cost of ingredients!"


    Freya didn''t even know what to say-she tapped Ethel lightly on the forehead. "Quit it. Don''t go bothering others."


    "Ellis isn''t any random man," Ethel whispered slyly, not missing the way Ellis looked at her sister the moment they got inside. She didn''t believe they were just friends.


    Freya shot her a look, clearly thinking Ethel was being way too bold today. "Ethel Briggs."


    "Alright, alright, I get it." Ethel stuck out her tongue and offered a quick apology.


    ??? ?? ??¡Á ??y ?????

 Chapter 242

    Chapter 242 Encountering Kristian


    "It''s just a few meals. No need to make a fuss about them." Ellis broke the silence with a voice as smooth as ever. "Or do you think I''m so strapped for cash I can''t even spring for dinner?"


    "Captain..." Freya once again found herself contemting an immediate getaway.


    And in that moment, she finally understood why her friends had insisted she leave town. Ellis had a knack for putting her under relentless mental strain.


    The elevator chimed.


    Freya felt the air shift subtly as she stepped out, with Ethel closely on her heels.


    Ellis, suitcase in hand, followed behind, his eyes trailing her retreating figure with the faintest flicker of amusement-gone as quickly as it had appeared.


    Once inside, Ethel picked up on something in the atmosphere. "Mina, do you not get along with Ellis? Or did he


    offend you?"


    "No."


    "Then why do you seem to steer clear of him?"


    - Freya paused mid-step as she changed into her slippers. "Do I?"


    "You do!"


    "Maybe my usual coolness is throwing you off."


    "No, it''s not that." Ethel, ever observant, pressed on. "You''re different around him. With others, you''re reserved butposed. With him, you seem to keep your distance, like you''re avoiding too much interaction."


    Freya moved further into the room, her thoughts unsettled by Ethel''s sharp observations.


    Ellis knew her well. If even Ethel had caught on, surely he had too.


    Hopefully, he wouldn''t read too much into it.


    "Are you two actually at odds?" Ethel suddenly grew uneasy, guilt creeping in as she realized she might have made things worse.


    If there was friction between Freya and Ellis, her earlier remarks could''ve just made everything moreplicated.


    She silently berated herself.


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    Chapter 242 Encountering Kristian


    "There''s no conflict. We get along fine and trust each other," Freya replied, filling a ss of water for She while catching Ethel''s guilt-ridden expression. "It''s just it''s been a while since west saw each other, and I''m not exactly sure how to deal with him right now


    "Really?


    "Yes."


    Relief washed over Ethel''s face.


    She leaned in with a glint of curiosity in her eyes. "Is there a chance...*


    "What?"


    "That you have a crush on him." Ethel was clearly fishing. "When you secretly have a thing for someone, that''s exactly how it shows-you suddenly don''t know how to act around them."


    Freya was caught off guard. She handed over the ss, shooting Ethel a sidelong nce.


    She''d rather choose Trent over Ellis. Unless she wanted to get scolded, she''d have a thing for Ellis.


    Ethel took the ss in both hands, still brimming with questions. Freya didn''t have


    a thing for Ellis? Then why was her behavior so out of the ordinary?


    "I''m heading out tonight. Are you staying for dinner or heading back?" Freya thought about the evening''s gathering, her chest tightening a little.


    "I''ll go home."


    Ethel was only there for a brief visit.


    After hearing her response, Freya called the family driver toe get herter.


    . With that settled, the sisters passed the time watching TV together. Freya sat in front of the screen, but her thoughts were miles away. She was seriously considering skipping tonight''s event. After all, it was just to wee Ellis-and they''d already crossed paths, Her absence wouldn''t change a thing. She could just meet up with her friends afterward.


    And so, Freya made up her mind.


    But ns rarely hold against reality.


    Just as Freya was thinking up excuses, Ellis knocked on her door, already urging her to leave.


    He stood there in a sleek, mid-length ck coat, exuding an effortless charm.


    Ethel couldn''t help sneaking in a few more nces.


    "Trent and Fred just called," Ellis said in that calm, low voice of his. "They''re asking us to head over now."


    Freya remainedposed. "I still have a bit..."


    "Freya," Ellis cut her off, seeing through her fib in a heartbeat.


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    13.28


    Freya instantly felt exposed.


    After all, Ellis was her captain, and thest person who tried lying to him-Cade


    ke-had ended up with


    extra drills.


    "I''ll go change," Freya muttered.


    "Alright."


    She returned shortly after, dressed far more casually.


    She''d picked the outfit strategically-if Ellis did make her do jumping jacks or any


    other punishment, this


    would be easier to move in.


    Ellis''s eyes paused on her, seemingly surprised by the shift in her look.


    But he said nothing. As long as she wasfortable, that was enough.


    Before heading out, Freya gave Ethel a few parting instructions.


    Seated in the passenger seat of Ellis''s car, Freya, for the first time, felt the space was far too small. The silence was so thick she could hear them breathing.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    Time ticked on, and the engine remained still.


    Freya nced at him, her expression steady, and asked casually, "Captain, why


    haven''t we moved yet?"


    "I''m thinking."


    "About what?"


    "About why some people keep dodging me."


    Freya went quiet. Outwardly, she stayed calm, but her thoughts were racing. Why had she asked that? Ellis always set traps like this.


    "If you need more time to think, maybe we should switch seats," she suggested, trying to shift the mood. "I''ll drive, and you can focus. Frederick and Trent won''t be kept waiting."


    Ellis gave her a look-elegant, amused-then allowed a slight curve to touch his lips before finally starting the


    engine.


    The entire ride, Freya stayed on edge. She swore it was the most nerve-wracking drive of her life.


    Thankfully, once Ellis started the car, he kept his thoughts to himself and didn''t set any more traps.


    When they arrived, Trent and Frederick were already there. The venue was a leisureplex, offering everything from entertainment to rxation and sports- tennis courts, golf courses, and more.


    Freya, along with Ellis, followed the staff''s guidance to the tennis court where the others waited.


    13:28


    Unexpectedly, they crossed paths with Kristian.


    Near the court, Trent and Frederick had been about to greet Ellis when they saw


    Freya run into him.


    Their eyes met.


    One pair calm and unreadable, the other filled with conflicted emotion.


    Ellis stood close beside her, and noticing the unspoken tension between them,


    broke the silence with a smooth,


    measured tone. "You two know each other?"


    "My ex-husband," Freya said with a steadyposure she''d finally mastered.


    Kristian had never felt such a powerful sense of threat.


    His gaze flickered from Freya to Ellis-and at the sight of that impable face, his heart clenched.


    Nearby, Gerard couldn''t help sneaking a few looks at Ellis.


    That face, that vibe. This man could absolutely rival Kristian.


    "Good day, Ms. Briggs," Gerard greeted with curiosity. "And who''s this?"


    "A friend of mine," Freya replied coolly.


    She deliberately avoided mentioning that Ellis was her captain. No need to invite


    assumptions or unnecessary


    chatter.

 Chapter 243

    Chapter 243 That Man Called Again


    Still, Freya had no idea just how deeply those words had struck Kristian.


    A friend of hers? Was he Freya''s boyfriend? Wasn''t she the one who always imed she couldn''t stand getting too close to any man? So why hadn''t she pulled away from this man who stood beside her like he belonged there? Did she actually have feelings for him?


    Kristian''s thoughts spun like a hurricane inside his head.


    Had logic not kept his emotions in check, he might''ve stormed up to her and dragged her away on impulse, demanding to know what was going on between them-just like he had before.


    But now, he wasposed, painfully aware of his ce.


    To her, he was nothing more than an ex-husband. He had no right to bother her anymore.


    ¡°Let''s go.¡± Ellis cut through the tension. ¡°Trent and Frederick are still waiting over there."


    "Okay," Freya replied.


    She didn''t spare Kristian a second nce, brushing past him like he was just another stranger on the street.


    The space between them stretched wide, until it felt like they no longer existed in the same world.


    Kristian stayed rooted in ce, unable to move, lost in thought.


    The image of Freya''s cold, distant face as she passed him kept reying in his mind, like a slow, haunting reel.


    "Mr. Shaw? Mr. Shaw? Mr. Shaw!" Gerard called out several times. Finally, he raised his voice.


    Kristian didn''t so much as flinch. "I can hear you."


    "Should we go now?" Gerard asked gently. He knew Kristian was hurting, but some things couldn''t be soothed with sympathy.


    Kristian said nothing.


    Gerard didn''t dare say another word.


    Moments passed. Then, without warning, Kristian turned and started walking in the direction Freya had gone.


    Gerard blinked in surprise and hurried after him, lowering his voice.


    "You''re divorced. Even if she has someone new, you''ve got no right to interfere."


    Kristian stopped cold in his tracks, the air around him instantly chill.


    Gerard''s heart skipped a beat.


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    Damn it. He''d hit a nerve.


    "You think that''s someone she likes?" Kristian''s voice was eerily calm, detached-


    but his eyes betrayed him, brimming with turmoil.


    "I can''t say for sure," Gerard admitted, "but they seem close,"


    Kristian didn''t respond. He just kept walking,


    When the group returned dressed in their sports gear, they spotted someone already sitting on a bench nearby.


    It was Kristian. His gaze never wavered from Freya,


    "Freya..." Frederick asked nosily, "is your ex-husband seriously here just to see you?"


    "It has nothing to do with me," she said coolly, her voice t.


    Frederick was ready to keep poking for more gossip, but got dragged off to y the opening match.


    Ellis stayed behind with Freya, the two of them chatting casually, nothing too personal.


    And yet, even that sight was enough to stir a twinge of jealousy in Kristian''s chest.


    He couldn''t hear what they were talking about, but watching her speak so patiently made his heart grow


    unbearably heavy.


    "Mr. Shaw, out of sight, out of mind," Gerard muttered, unable to handle the gloomy atmosphere. ¡°If it hurts to see her with someone else, maybe we should leave."


    Kristian didn''t answer.


    Right now, at least he could still look at her.


    If he left, he wouldn''t even have that.


    Time passed. Frederick eventually wore himself out, and Ellis stepped in to rece him.


    As Kristian watched the game intensify, he realized it was time. He told Gerard to stay put and then got up. making his way toward Freya.


    Frederick, noticing him approach, leaned over and whispered nervously, "Freya, your ex''s walking over."


    "You don''t have to keep pointing it out," Freya said calmly. "We''re basically strangers now."


    Her thoughts were elsewhere.


    Could Trent hang on just a little longer? She really didn''t want to go up against Ellis.


    Just as that crossed her mind, Kristian arrived at her side. Ellis noticed the change instantly. His focus sharpened, and he began ying with more vigor.


    Trent, catching the ball, paused in confusion. What was going on? He followed Freya''s gaze and suddenly, everything made sense.


    "Freya," Kristian said.


    She nced over at him, her expression neutral. "What is it?"


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    Chapter 243 That Man Called Again


    "Well..." The usual frost in Kristian''s voice was gone. His eyes brimmed with conflicting emotions. "I want to talk to you about whoever''s behind Ashley."


    Her focus shifted, eyes narrowing slightly.


    That look, thatplete attention-just on him-was something he hadn''t seen in ages.


    "Did he contact you?" she asked.


    Kristian faltered. The answer was no.


    But he was desperate to be alone with her. So he gave her another reason. "No. I just think we should discuss it more thoroughly, and be ready for anything."


    "There''s no need right now," Freya replied coolly. "We''ll talk about it if Ashley hears from him."


    Right then, her phone rang. Ashley''s name lit up the screen.


    She nced at the court, then answered. "Hello?"


    "He called me." Ashley''s voice trembled, thick with fear.


    "What did he say?" Freya asked, tone sharp.


    "He asked about your rtionship progress. I said exactly what you told me to."


    Her voice dropped lower. "But


    44


    "But what?"


    "He sounded... suspicious."


    Freya''s brow furrowed.


    "Send me the recording of the call," she said, voice clear and urgent.


    "I can''t..." Ashley was almost in tears.


    Freya frowned.


    Before she could press further, Ashley exined, "My phone died right after I recorded it. I couldn''t turn it back on. I just got a new one and called you."


    Freya''s heart dropped. Something wasn''t right. "Where are you now?"


    "On the road, heading home."


    "Turn off your phone. Don''t do anything else. Wait for me there."


    Ashley could sense the seriousness in her voice and panicked. "Okay."


    Then she hung up and powered down her phone without dy.


    She wasn''t about to take any chances.


    "What''s going on?" Kristian asked. He''d never seen her like this.


    "Can I use Gerard''sptop?" For the first time, Freya was visibly tense, nerves


    stretched taut.


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    Chapter 243 That Man Called Again


    "Follow me," Kristian said at once.


    Freya gave a quick look toward Ellis and Trent, informed Frederick she''d be gone


    for a while, and went to


    change clothes, grabbing Gerard''sptop before leaving.


    She got into Kristian''s car, and Gerard drove them straight to Ashley''s ce.


    Inside the vehicle, Freya''s fingers flew across the keyboard.


    She essed the phone she had set up for Ashley and spotted clear signs of a


    breach.


    The system had been attacked, then deliberately destroyed.


    Kristian watched as she swiftly shut down every page. "What happened?" he asked.


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 Chapter 244

    Chapter 244 Why Are You Scheming Behind My Back


    "That man must really believe Ashley''s turned her back on him." Freya''s chest felt unbearably tight, like a


    weight she couldn''t shake off.


    She''d always figured that if she helped Ashley set up her phone right-hid their chats and calls-it would be enough. But she hadn''t thought the man might do some digging of his own.


    There was nothing for him to find-no calls, no messages between her and Ashley,


    Still, Freya had gone all out, securing Ashley''s phone with top-level encryption. And let''s be honest, no regr phone had that kind of hacker-grade protection.


    Kristian tried to steady her. "It''s fine. Just breathe."


    But Freya didn''t say a word.


    She didn''t want Ellis tangled up in this.


    If he stepped in now, the fallout would be endless. She wanted him far away from this chaos-safe, untouched.


    There was one small thing that gave her a sliver offort.


    Back when she set up Ashley''s phone, she''d thought ahead-disguised her number, just in case Ashley ever swapped devices.


    So as long as Ashley was out in public, her phone''s IP address was virtual, not traceable.


    That mastermind wouldn''t be able to track their previous meetups.


    "Drop me off a little further up," Freya said, voice calm despite everything. "You and Gerard need to stay back."


    "Why?"


    "Because your phones aren''t cloaked. If you show up near Ashley''s ce now, it''ll look like she''s been secretly meeting you." Freya was precise, her logic wless.


    Since Ashley''s old phone couldn''t work now, it meant the mastermind had been keeping tabs on her ever since.


    What a pain.


    Kristian flung his phone onto the seat beside him, making his decision clear. "Then I''m going with you, phone-


    free."


    "It''s easier if I go alone," Freya said inly. She''d only gotten into Kristian''s car to tell him all of this. "If youe with me, it''ll justplicate things even more."


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    Chapter 244 Why Are You Scheming Behind My Back


    Kristian didn''t have aeback.


    Gerard piped up, "Sir, best listen to her."


    Kristian wanted to argue but held back. Thest thing he wanted was to make Freya upset.


    Freya hopped out of the car, bought aptop on the way, then hailed a cab to Ashley''s apartment.


    About thirty minutester, Freya arrived, skillfully dodging all the nearby cameras.


    Ashley opened the door, her eyes red and puffy like overripe plums. "Freya! What do I do now? Did he find out


    I betrayed him?"


    "Don''t freak out," Freya told her gently. She nced around the room, making sure Ashley''s phone andptop were powered down before she rxed. "Tell me everything you said to him today."


    Ashley spilled everything, not holding anything back.


    "So you''re saying he started getting suspicious after you mentioned me and Kristian?" Freya rified.


    Ashley nodded quickly. "Yeah."


    "Rx. It''s not the end of the world." Freya felt better once she pieced the situation together.


    She''d been terrified of being exposed. If that happened, getting that man brought to justice would be a thousand times harder.


    "Check the phone you used to talk to him. He probably called." Freya''s mind wasser sharp now.


    Ashley''s report wasn''t the problem. Her panic, her fear-it all felt understandable. The only odd part was the sudden shutdown of her new phone.


    With that in mind, Freya powered up her newptop and dove into the work.


    After confirming that their call hadn''t been picked up by any surveince, she edited the audio, tweaking it to sound like Ashley had been chatting with a telemarketer.


    "He... he called me three times," Ashley stammered, hands shaking. "What do I do now?"


    Freya stayed calm. "Call him back. If he asks why you didn''t pick up, say your main phone suddenly shut down and you had to go buy another one."


    "You think he''ll buy that?" Ashley asked, clearly doubtful.


    "He will," Freya assured her. "If he asks who you called after getting the new phone, say it was a telemarketer. If he asks why it was off, say the battery died."


    As she talked, Freya hooked Ashley''s phone to theptop with a data cable, draining the battery fast.


    She waited until it hit five percent, then started charging it again.


    Every little detail mattered.


    Ashley''s new phone wasn''t online, so they couldn''t monitor it. Fortunately, Freya had the foresight to bring a newptop and a data cable. Otherwise, they''d be in trouble.


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    Chapter 244 Why Are You Scheming Behind My Back


    "He won''t find any record of our call," Freys exined carefully, walking Ashley through every step. "And don''t forget-you''ve lost your phone for a day when you came back from abroad."


    Ashley looked confused, caught off guard but didn''t press for answers.


    Heart pounding, she dialed that man''s number, dread rising with every ring


    "Why did it take you so long to answer?" The man''s voice was cold, t.


    "My main phone cked out," Ashley replied, sticking to the n. "I went out to get a new one and forgot to


    bring the old one along"


    "Oh really?"


    "Why was the new one off?" the man asked sharply, "Who called you before it shut down?"


    Ever since he attacked herst phone, he''d been tracking her usual number. When a signal finally popped up, he sent someone to investigate. But there was no connection-nothing useful.


    So he called the number again, only to find it was busy,


    That little detail-making a call right after getting a new phone-made him


    suspicious.


    Ashley''s heart nearly stopped.


    She looked at Freya in disbelief.


    How did he know?


    "Ashley, you know what happens to those who betray me," the man said, voice


    disturbingly calm and smooth, like poison in honey.


    "I didn''t betray you..." Ashley''s voice cracked with fear, "The battery died. I turned


    it off. The call was from a


    telemarketer."


    "Power on your new phone and get it online. Now.".


    "Okay," Ashley obeyed without hesitation.


    Once it was on, she quickly reported, "It''s online now."


    The man didn''t answer.


    In front of him sat a phone on speaker. He listened closely, then looked at the


    woman across from him.


    At his signal, she began typing rapidly on her keyboard.


    Momentster, Ashley''s call logs appeared on the screen.


    The woman listened carefully,paring the content, then gave him a nod


    That single nod made his eyes narrow with suspicion.


    "I''m telling the truth," Ashley said anxiously, her voice shaking in the silence. It sounded like she truly feared being misunderstood.


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    The man''s gaze darkened, and something in him shifted. He no longer looked at


    her the same way. "Why are you scheming behind my back with other people?"

 Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 245

    Chapter 245 Who is K


    "What?" Ashley''s voice faltered, her mind drawing aplete nk.


    She couldn''t tell whether she''d been caught red-handed, or if-as Freya had warned-he was just fishing.


    bluffing his way through.


    The man''s voice slithered through the speaker, low and threatening. "You should know-I''m not exactly the


    patient type."


    "I honestly have no idea what you''re talking about..." Ashley managed to say, struggling to keep her voice


    steady.


    "You don''t understand? Then, care to exin why there''s a system fortified by ''K'' embedded in your phone?" There was a heavy malice in his presence-something cold and suffocating. "Since you''re staying quiet, maybe your little brother and grandmother can help convince you to talk."


    "I really don''t know anything!" Ashley''s voice cracked, trembling near tears. "Please, don''t hurt them!"


    His tone turned icy, like steel about to snap. "This is your final shot. Aside from you, who else has touched your phone? Tell me, and I''ll reward you. Don''t, and you''ll find out what happens."


    Thosest words slithered into her like venom, sending a shiver down her spine. Her limbs went rigid, and even breathing felt like a task too great.


    "Still refusing to speak?" The man''s voice came again, dark and coiled like a devil in the shadows.


    Ashley jerked instinctively, her body reacting with a deep, involuntary fear.


    Freya caught that and gently reached for Ashley''s free hand, her grip warm, her gaze calm.


    In that instant, Ashley''s panic began to ease, if only slightly.


    Her eyes, swollen with emotion, turned toward Freya. Her lips were pale, as if one more word might make her


    cry.


    "I haven''t given it to anyone, I swear. It''s always been with me-except..." Ashley trailed off, her eyes unfocused


    like she was sifting through memories.


    The man immediatelytched onto it.


    "Except what?" he pressed.


    "I... I lost it once, not long after I got back from overseas," Ashley said slowly, her words soaked in hesitation. "But other than that, it''s always been in my hands."


    "How''d you lose it?"


    "I don''t know... I went out for a bit, and when I got back, it was just gone. After I told Kristian, he managed to


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    retrieve it for me."


    After that, the line went dead quiet.


    Freya gave her a sidelong nce, taken aback by how quick Ashley had been to think on her feet.


    Ashley caught Freya''s look and waved frantically, like she''d been misunderstood. Freya looked confused.


    "Every word I''ve said is the truth, I swear. Just-please don''t hurt my grandma and brother," Ashley pleaded, her voice growing desperate.


    The man simply responded, "Whether they stay safe depends on whether you''re lying."


    And with that, the call ended before Ashley could even utter a word.


    He sat there, slowly rolling his phone between his fingers, his narrow eyes unreadable.


    He turned to the woman still typing in front of theptop and asked in a smooth tone, "Check the surveince near Ashley''s ce. I want to know if anyone''s been snooping around."


    She nodded, got to work, and soon reported back, "Nothing. No one unusual." "Are you certain that her phone was rigged with K''s system?" the man questioned. "Absolutely," the woman replied, her long hair cascading over one shoulder, her beauty sharp andmanding. "She taught me herself. I know her style inside and out."


    The man fell silent, deep in thought.


    Atst, he said, "Keep tabs on Ashley''s phone. Wherever she goes, whoever she meets-I want to know immediately."


    "Got it." The woman gave a brisk nod.


    Meanwhile, back on Freya''s end, she made a quick gesture, signaling Ashley to move their conversation to the living room-likely to avoid any hackers listening in through the phone.


    Ashley didn''t question it and followed her lead.


    Once there, before Freya could say a word, Ashley blurted, "I brought up Kristian because he''d have the skills to back up the story. That way it''d sound more convincing. Don''t take it the wrong way."


    "I know," Freya replied coolly, a knowing look shing in her eyes.


    Ashley exhaled, relieved, then recalled something from the call. "Oh, right." "What is it?"


    "He mentioned someone."


    "Who?"


    "K."


    Freya paused, her expression unreadable.


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    Ashley exined, "He asked why my phone had a fortified system installed by K."


    "Hand me your phone," Freya said.


    "Sure. Here you go."


    Ashley obediently fetched her new device.


    Freya plugged it into herptop with a data cable, ran a program, and after everything was set up, handed it back to Ashley, motioning for her to stash it away.


    "What was that about?" Ashley asked as she returned.


    "From now on, only use that app to reach me," Freya said. "No calls, no texts."


    Ashley nodded. "Alright."


    Freya responded with a simple grunt.


    The app was her own creation, cloaked underyers of encrypted code.


    Even if someone tried to hack into the phone, they''d never find it.


    "Freya."


    "Yeah?"


    "How... how does he even know about my situation? And how did he know I was on a call just now?"


    "Probably just dumb luck," Freya guessed. "He might''ve called the moment we started talking."


    Ashley hesitated, then checked her screen.


    Once she calmed down, she noticed a missed call notification shing.


    Earlier, in her flustered state, she''d dismissed it as another system pop-up on her


    new phone.


    "What about the screen going ck?" Ashley asked.


    "That was his hacker." Freya didn''t sugarcoat it. "Given the way he operates, he probably just reviewed the cameras near your ce, too."


    Ashley blinked, startled. "A hacker?"


    She''d only ever seen that stuff in movies.


    Her thoughts snapped back to something from the call. "And the ''K'' he brought


    up?"


    "Another hacker." Freya didn''t say more.


    But Ashley''s eyes said it all-she''d put two and two together. She knew the "K" he meant was Freya.


    Freya offered no confirmation. "Just carry on like normal. Pretend you don''t know


    a thing."


    "Okay..." Ashley mumbled, still in a daze.


    Freya stood, getting ready to leave.


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    Chapter 245 Who is K


    Ashley, remembering what mattered most, asked, "Will he hurt my grandma and


    brother?"


    "Whether he ns to or not, it''s not something you need to worry about now," Freya assured her. "I''ve already made arrangements to keep them safe. They''ll be


    alright."


    "Thanks, Freya."


    "Don''t mention it."


    After a brief exchange, Freya gave her a few more precautionary tips before heading out.


    Just like when she arrived, she avoided all surveince and caught a cab.


    Inside the car, she pulled out her phone, nning to message Trent to check if


    they''d left yet. If not, she''d go straight there. But then she noticed several new messages.


    Kristian had texted, "Let me know when you''re done. I''ll drive you home."


    Ellis had asked, "What''s the rush?


    Noting back?


    Frederick had written, "Get back here! I swear, Ellis is acting so weird. He was like


    a beast when we "- ying-I didn''tnd a single shot!"


    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 246 Frey

 Chapter 246

    Chapter 246 Freya Specifically Told Me Not...


    Scrolling through the messages, Freya replied to each one, even Kristian''s.


    e had barely hit send on thest reply when Kristian''s call came through. "Where are you?" he asked.


    In the car," she answered coolly, then added, "If anyone asks if you ever helped Ashley find her phone, just


    say you did."


    She always made sure everything was w less.


    Maybe no one would dig that deep-but she wasn''t taking chances.


    Kristian wanted to ask more, but knowing Freya, he figured she had her reasons. "Alright," he said.


    Freya blinked, mildly surprised.


    With his personality, wasn''t this the part where he started questioning everything?


    "Did Ashley really get exposed?" Kristian''s concern was obvious.


    "No, just some suspicion," Freya said, her eyes dimming slightly. "As always, act clueless and go on with life


    like normal."


    "Okay,¡± Kristian replied.


    "That''s all," Freya said, wrapping it up. "I''m hanging up."


    "Wait," Kristian stopped her.


    It had been ages since he had had a proper talk with Freya, and this calm little exchange somehow eased something in his chest.


    Freya''s voice was t. "Anything else?"


    "Yes."


    "What is it?"


    "I want to see you. Let''s have a meal together," he said.


    "I''m busy. I gotta go."


    This time, she ended the call without a shred of hesitation.


    Kristian stared at the dark screen, the usual chill in his eyes reced by a faint trace of loneliness.


    From the driver''s seat, Gerard couldn''t help chiming in, "That''s not how you ask someone out..."


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    Kristian nced up at him.


    "You should book a nice restaurant ahead of time, maybe throw in some flowers," Gerard said with a straight face. "Thene up with an excuse to get her there. Wouldn''t that work better?"


    "She wouldn''t like it," Kristian replied without missing a beat.


    She didn''t want to see him now, didn''t even like him.


    Doing all that would just make her pull away more.


    Gerard offered casually, "She wouldn''t dislike it unless she didn''t like the one asking."


    istian went quiet.


    guy really had a death wish.


    You want me to tell Melvin you gave me advice on chasing after Freya?" Kristian''s


    icy stare fixed on the back of Gerard''s head, irritation sharp in his gaze.


    Gerard froze.


    Crap!


    He''d forgotten all about Melvin''s interest in Freya.


    "I was just messing around to lift your mood," Gerard said quickly, shing his usual grin. "Don''t take it


    seriously."


    Kristian knew Gerard''s usual antics and finally said, voice frosty, "Drive."


    "Yes, sir."


    Gerard fell in line and started the car.


    On the drive back, he kept sneaking nces at the rearview mirror, catching sight of his boss sitting in stony silence, eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. A flicker of sympathy stirred in his chest.


    Ever since Kristian learned Norah was the one pulling the strings, it was like something had shifted in him. He looked at things from a whole new angle.


    After hanging up on Kristian, Freya wasted no time and called Frederick.


    When he saw her name pop up, Frederick lit up so much his voice jumped an octave. "Freya!"


    Freya didn''t say anything.


    He barreled on, "Freya, where are you now? Are you back already?"


    "In the car," Freya replied bluntly. "You still there?"


    "Yes!"


    "Alright, I''m heading over now."


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    "Okay," Frederick ended the call with a beaming grin.


    Wiping the sweat from his face, he rushed to tell Trent and Ellis, "Freya''s wrapped things up and is on her way


    back."


    Trent nced between him and Ellis, adjusted his sses, and kept quiet.


    Ellis had beenzily watching Frederick ever since he answered that call like an excited puppy.


    Frederick was confused.


    What''s with this weird vibe?


    hy weren''t they saying anything?


    y do you both look so weird?" Frederick asked,pletely lost, as he made his


    way over.


    just as he grabbed a water bottle, Ellis casually asked, "You close with Freya?"


    "Of course!" Frederick answered proudly, missing the trap entirely. "I was the first


    to know about her marriage


    and divorce-way before Trent and Riley."


    Trent coughed softly, hand to his mouth.


    Frederick paused mid-sip, concern flickering across his face. "Trent, you feeling sick?"


    "No," Trent replied.


    Now Frederick was truly stumped.


    What the hell was going on today? Why was Trent acting so strange?


    "Let''s y a few more rounds," Ellis said as he stood up, grabbing a racket. "By


    the time we''re done, Freya


    should be here."


    "Trent, your turn," Frederick said.


    "He probably wants you to y," Trent replied smoothly.


    "I just yed with him." Frederick looked baffled. "You go."


    "Trent''s in better shape than you, so it''s you who needs more exercise," Ellis cut


    in. "With those skinny arms and legs of yours, you could use the exercise."


    Frederick felt a chill crawl down his spine.


    Why did it feel like he was walking into a trap?


    No way.


    He hadn''t done anything to tick Ellis off.


    "Fine."


    As they started the match, Frederick was already feeling the burn.


    He could return every shot, but each one was like a full-body workout, and after


    just a few rounds, he was


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    already gasping for air


    Sweat drenched his face so he bent over, hands on the years I care two web


    "It''s only been, what, two of three years since Ist saw yol, wet goire deasby this wear this booked genuinely surprised


    Frederick had storage tanked at the bottom physically, have he hadert been this bob Now, a sommands bad tim


    dead on his feet.


    Frederick''s face fell


    This was 1.


    me train at my base for a bit, sugated, genely warah kot ke condition


    erick and Trent both turned at once, cont, "Wear


    A training base I got approved," the exined quietly. "Some weak tren members


    train fare too


    Frederick looked like he might cry


    Looked like more hellish workouts were in his future.


    "What did Freya say before she left?" tilis asked.


    "Huh?"


    "What was she going to do?"


    I don''t know..." Frederick stammered, eyes darting around at the sudden question


    "Way not ask her yourself when she gets back?"


    Freys had told him not to breathe a word to Ellis


    He had to keep quiet!


    Ellis''s sharp gaze pinned him in ce. ¡°You really don''t know?"


    "Really... I don''t..."


    "Hmm?"


    "Captain, please! Freya specifically told me not to tell you" Cracking under


    pressure, Frederick finally gas in "If you want to know that badly, ask her! I can''t


    say


    In front of others, he''d never spill Freya''s secrets.


    But under Ellis''s stare, he folded instantly.


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    Chapter 246 Freya Specifically Told Me Not...


    Scrolling through the messages, Freya replied to each one, even Kristian''s.


    e had barely hit send on thest reply when Kristian''s call came through. "Where


    are you?" he asked.


    In the car," she answered coolly, then added, "If anyone asks if you ever helped


    Ashley find her phone, just


    say you did."


    She always made sure everything was w less.


    Maybe no one would dig that deep-but she wasn''t taking chances.


    Kristian wanted to ask more, but knowing Freya, he figured she had her reasons. "Alright," he said.


    Freya blinked, mildly surprised.


    With his personality, wasn''t this the part where he started questioning everything?


    "Did Ashley really get exposed?" Kristian''s concern was obvious.


    "No, just some suspicion," Freya said, her eyes dimming slightly. "As always, act


    clueless and go on with life


    like normal."


    "Okay," Kristian replied.


    "That''s all," Freya said, wrapping it up. "I''m hanging up."


    "Wait," Kristian stopped her.


    It had been ages since he had had a proper talk with Freya, and this calm little


    exchange somehow eased something in his chest.


    Freya''s voice was t. "Anything else?"


    "Yes."


    "What is it?"


    "I want to see you. Let''s have a meal together," he said.


    "I''m busy. I gotta go."


    This time, she ended the call without a shred of hesitation.


    Kristian stared at the dark screen, the usual chill in his eyes reced by a faint


    trace of loneliness.


    From the driver''s seat, Gerard couldn''t help chiming in, "That''s not how you ask someone out..."


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    Kristian nced up at him.


    "You should book a nice restaurant ahead of time, maybe throw in some flowers,"


    Gerard said with a straight face. "Thene up with an excuse to get her there. Wouldn''t that work better?"


    "She wouldn''t like it," Kristian replied without missing a beat.


    She didn''t want to see him now, didn''t even like him.


    Doing all that would just make her pull away more.


    Gerard offered casually, "She wouldn''t dislike it unless she didn''t like the one


    asking."


    istian went quiet.


    guy really had a death wish.


    You want me to tell Melvin you gave me advice on chasing after Freya?" Kristian''s


    icy stare fixed on the back of Gerard''s head, irritation sharp in his gaze.


    Gerard froze.


    Crap!


    He''d forgotten all about Melvin''s interest in Freya.


    "I was just messing around to lift your mood," Gerard said quickly, shing his


    usual grin. "Don''t take it


    seriously."


    Kristian knew Gerard''s usual antics and finally said, voice frosty, "Drive." "Yes, sir."


    Gerard fell in line and started the car.


    On the drive back, he kept sneaking nces at the rearview mirror, catching sight


    of his boss sitting in stony silence, eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside the


    window. A flicker of sympathy stirred in his chest.


    Ever since Kristian learned Norah was the one pulling the strings, it was like


    something had shifted in him. He looked at things from a whole new angle. After hanging up on Kristian, Freya wasted no time and called Frederick.


    When he saw her name pop up, Frederick lit up so much his voice jumped an octave. "Freya!"


    Freya didn''t say anything.


    He barreled on, "Freya, where are you now? Are you back already?"


    "In the car," Freya replied bluntly. "You still there?"


    "Yes!"


    "Alright, I''m heading over now."


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    "Okay," Frederick ended the call with a beaming grin.


    Wiping the sweat from his face, he rushed to tell Trent and Ellis, "Freya''s wrapped


    things up and is on her way


    back."


    Trent nced between him and Ellis, adjusted his sses, and kept quiet.


    Ellis had beenzily watching Frederick ever since he answered that call like an excited puppy.


    Frederick was confused.


    What''s with this weird vibe?


    hy weren''t they saying anything?


    y do you both look so weird?" Frederick asked,pletely lost, as he made his


    way over.


    just as he grabbed a water bottle, Ellis casually asked, "You close with Freya?"


    "Of course!" Frederick answered proudly, missing the trap entirely. "I was the first


    to know about her marriage


    and divorce-way before Trent and Riley."


    Trent coughed softly, hand to his mouth.


    Frederick paused mid-sip, concern flickering across his face. "Trent, you feeling


    sick?"


    "No," Trent replied.


    Now Frederick was truly stumped.


    What the hell was going on today? Why was Trent acting so strange?


    "Let''s y a few more rounds," Ellis said as he stood up, grabbing a racket. "By


    the time we''re done, Freya


    should be here."


    "Trent, your turn," Frederick said.


    "He probably wants you to y," Trent replied smoothly.


    "I just yed with him." Frederick looked baffled. "You go."


    "Trent''s in better shape than you, so it''s you who needs more exercise," Ellis cut


    in. "With those skinny arms and legs of yours, you could use the exercise."


    Frederick felt a chill crawl down his spine.


    Why did it feel like he was walking into a trap?


    No way.


    He hadn''t done anything to tick Ellis off.


    "Fine."


    As they started the match, Frederick was already feeling the burn.


    He could return every shot, but each one was like a full-body workout, and after


    just a few rounds, he was


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    already gasping for air


    Sweat drenched his face so he bent over, hands on the years I care two web


    "It''s only been, what, two of three years since Ist saw yol, wet goire deasby this


    wear this booked genuinely surprised Frederick had storage tanked at the bottom physically, have he hadert been this


    bob Now, a sommands bad tim


    dead on his feet.


    Frederick''s face fell


    This was 1.


    me train at my base for a bit, sugated, genely warah kot ke condition


    erick and Trent both turned at once, cont, "Wear


    A training base I got approved," the exined quietly. "Some weak tren members


    train fare too


    Frederick looked like he might cry


    Looked like more hellish workouts were in his future.


    "What did Freya say before she left?" tilis asked.


    "Huh?"


    "What was she going to do?"


    I don''t know..." Frederick stammered, eyes darting around at the sudden question


    "Way not ask her yourself when she gets back?"


    Freys had told him not to breathe a word to Ellis


    He had to keep quiet!


    Ellis''s sharp gaze pinned him in ce. "You really don''t know?"


    "Really... I don''t..."


    "Hmm?"


    "Captain, please! Freya specifically told me not to tell you" Cracking under


    pressure, Frederick finally gas in "If you want to know that badly, ask her! I can''t


    say


    In front of others, he''d never spill Freya''s secrets.


    But under Ellis''s stare, he folded instantly.


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 Chapter 247

    Chapter 247 If There''s


    Danger, I Don''t Want Yo...


    "Trent." Ellis flicked his gaze sideways.


    ent didn''t flinch, keeping thatposed, gentlemanly air about him. "I''m not sure. Mina only mentioned it to Frederick."


    rederick''s head snapped toward him, eyes wide with disbelief. How shameless!


    "You know it too!" he barked.


    Trent tilted his head, faceced with confusion. "About what?"


    "You know Freya left because-"


    Frederick suddenly mped his mouth shut.


    In that split second, realization crashed over him like a wave. He spun toward Trent, furycing his words. "Trent, how could you throw me under the bus like this?"


    Trent, aware he couldn''t let Ellis catch wind of the truth, yed dumb to the end. It was unbelievable.


    "What?" Trent asked again, still donning that bewildered look.


    "Nothing!" Frederick snapped, his chest heaving. "I''m the only one who knows the reason!"


    Trent''s expression didn''t budge, barely reacting at all.


    That made Ellis take a moment to think.


    What none of them realized this was the first time Trent had dared lie to Ellis-and


    his heart was practically jackhammering in his chest. He just had to make it believable.


    A few momentster, Freya appeared.


    The second Frederick spotted her, he bolted like she was hisst hope, practically whining, "Freya, Trent was really awful to me!"


    Freya blinked, confused, holding aptop in her arms.


    She nced briefly at Trent, then asked, "What exactly did he do to you?"


    "Our captain asked why you left. I told him to ask Trent, but Trent said you only told me, not him." Frederick dumped the whole mess in a breathless rush. "Back me up here, will you?"


    Freya didn''t give it much thought. "I didn''t tell him."


    "Freya!" Frederick looked scandalized. "You''re really gonna lie like that?"


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    Freya''s face scrunched slightly. What was this about?


    "You told all of us, remember?" He suddenly leaned in, voice dropping low "How


    can you say YIKIP Grey''s know?"


    Now Freya was truly thrown off


    She replied, her voice even, "When I left, I only told you. No one else,"


    "I''m talking about that man," Frederick rified under his breath.


    And now Freya got it.


    e shot him a look, a mix of sympathy and resignation. Now it made sense why he was always che so


    3ses. He really didn''t know how easy it was to twist his words.


    All done?" Ellis strolled over, voice casual and easy,


    Freya nodded softly. "Yeah."


    "Go have a seat and wait a bit. We''re just going to rinse off and change." Ellis wiped some sweet from ke brow


    as he spoke.


    "Alright."


    He and the others headed off for a quick shower, changing back into their dean clothes


    Ten minutester, they were ready and made their way to the parking lot with Freya in tow.


    "I''ll ride with Trent," Freya said firmly, just as Trent started the engine. "I need to talk to him "


    "Sure." Ellis didn''t argue.


    Trent pressed his lips together, a faint trace of helplessness in his expression.


    Once they were inside the car, Trent nced at Freya in the passenger seat. "Why are you avoiding 1?"


    "Was it that obvious?" Freya hadn''t realized Trent had taken Ellis''s side, so she didn''t hold back


    "As obvious as the nose on your face." His tone was light, almost teasing "To a stranger, it might look like you


    have beef with him."


    Freya was caught off guard. Her mind shed to what Ethel had told her. Ellis hadn''t said much cater-Ad te think she have beef with him?


    "Did you do something to upset him?" Trent asked.


    "You could say that."


    Freya sighed, already feeling a headacheing on. What she feared most were illis''s unpredictable traps


    Trent''s eyes flickered with thought. "He isn''t as strict as you think. Sometimes, he''s genuinely concrmed serying traps.¡±


    "You might think so." Freya gave him a pointed look. "But for the rest of us? It''s like a minefel


    Trent didn''t say anything after that. Suddenly, he wasn''t so sure Ellis''s pursuit of Freya would go as smoothly


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    Chapter 247 If There''s Danger, I Don''t Want You Hiding It From Me


    as he''d hoped.


    Meanwhile, Frederick''s nerves were shot-mostly because of Ellis''s sharp question.


    "Tell me what are you lot scheming behind my back?" Ellis followed behind Trent''s car, his voice breaking the


    silence from the driver''s seat.


    Though his tone was light and easygoing, Frederick couldn''t help but feel a chill crawl down his spine.


    He sat frozen, gaze shifting restlessly. "Nothing! Seriously!"


    "Nothing?"


    Captain, aren''t you overthinking this?" Frederick tried to y it off.


    here''s nothing going on, then why did Freya ask Kristian for aptop before she left?" Ellis, ever the hawk,


    11ed nothing.


    "She probably needed it to wrap up some light work," Frederick offered weakly.


    "In that case, why would she buy a new one?" Ellis shot back without missing a


    beat.


    He knew how particr Freya was with electronics-and the one she brought back screamedst-minute grab.


    Frederick had nothing.


    Ellis kept casting sidelong nces at him, never saying much-but the silent pressure was excruciating.


    Eventually, Frederick couldn''t take it.


    He dialed Freya, using the first excuse that popped into his head. "Freya, can we switch cars? I''m really not used to our captain''s driving. I''m getting carsick."


    Both Freya and Ellis fell into a speechless silence.


    "We''re almost there. Just hang in there." Freya clearly had no interest in


    switching.


    "I can''t take it anymore, ugh!" Frederick groaned dramatically, adding a few fake


    gags for effect. "Freya... please


    ... I''m begging you..."


    "Fine."


    The moment Freya said the word, Frederick finally exhaled.


    Ellis looked at him sideways. "You coward."


    Frederick kept quiet. Cowardice didn''t matter. Escaping the car-and the interrogation¡ªthat''s what mattered. After tonight, he needed to vanish for a while


    and stay off Ellis''s radar.


    As those thoughts swirled, Trent''s car blinked its turn signal and pulled over.


    Frederick made his move.


    Just as he reached the front passenger door, Freya rolled down the window. "Sit


    in the back."


    "You''re not going with Ellis?" he asked.


    She really didn''t want to. But if she stayed in Trent''s car, Ellis might overthink


    things.


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    Chapter 247 If There''s Danger, I Don''t Want You Hiding It From Me


    "Next time, even if you feel like throwing up-no switching cars." She got out, bracing herself mentally. "Hold it


    in."


    Frederick stared at her, wide-eyed. Wasn''t that a bit much?


    Freya didn''t even nce back. She walked toward the car behind them, calm and


    As for theptop, she left it in Trent''s back seat.


    She opened the door, slid in, and clicked her seatbelt into ce when Ellis''s


    voice, low and deliberate, reached


    her. "Freya.


    Yes?"


    on''t meddle in your affairs." Ellis turned to look at her, his eyes steadier than


    usual. ¡°But if there''s danger, ai''t want you hiding it from me."


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 Chapter 248

    Chapter 248 Are You Trying To Rece Me


    "I won''t," Freya said smoothly, her voice calm as ever.


    Ellis shot her a few sidelong nces, clearly suspicious, before finally starting the car and pulling out behind her. He wasn''t fooled-he knew damn well Freya was hiding something from him.


    The rest of the day passed uneventfully. The four of them had dinner, lounged around for a bit, and then went their separate ways.


    Normally, an evening like that would''ve involved a few drinks, but Ellis abstained.


    He knew Freya was a lightweight when it came to alcohol, and if she ended up drunk, he wouldn''t be able to stop himself from poking around for answers.


    That wasn''t the way he wanted to find out about her secrets.


    After nine that night, Freya and Ellis returned together. Before leaving, she grabbed herptop..


    When they arrived, Freya was just about to unlock her front door when she remembered to bring up the contract with Ellis. "Captain, when you wake up tomorrow, just go straight to Anita International. I''ll have


    Melvin handle it all for you."


    "Alright," Ellis said with a nod.


    Freya grunted her acknowledgment, opened her door, and stepped inside.


    But instead of heading straight to bed, she went to her study, still restless from the day''s chaos.


    She flipped open her personalptop and quickly typed up a summary of what had happened at Ashley''s ce, circling a bold letter K on the screen.


    The fact that someone had instantly recognized Ashley''s phone had been tampered with by her meant only one thing-they knew her style.


    Not even Frederick would have figured that out. Only her apprentice could''ve guessed.


    Once Freya had gathered her thoughts, her fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard, pulling up an encrypted


    chat window.


    She typed, "It''s you, right, Natasha?"


    Halfway across the world, a stunning woman with long flowing hair raised one perfectly arched brow at the message. She picked up herptop and strolled outside, calling over to the man reclining on the sofa with a wine ss in hand. "She messaged me."


    "Who?" he asked without moving.


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    Chapter 248 Are You Trying To Rece Me


    "My mentor. ''K''," Natasha Sugden replied.


    That made him pause.


    Natasha passed him theptop and exined, "This is how wemunicate. Our own way."


    "Message her back," he said with a sly little smirk. "Get her talking. Try to figure out where she is."


    "I''ll give it a shot," Natasha replied crisply.


    She set theptop on the table and typed out her response, "I really can''t hide anything from you. Why''d you mess with Ashley Bradley''s phone?"


    Freya read the message and decided there was no point dancing around it. "You


    should know better than anyone else why I did it."


    Natasha frowned. "What''s that supposed to mean?"


    Freya replied, "I''m going after the person you''re helping."


    Natasha stopped typing and repeated the message to the man beside her.


    He didn''t seem the least bit rattled. His expression stayed unreadable. "If she could catch me, she''d have done


    it years ago."


    Natasha sent his words back in her reply.


    Freya''s response came swift and sharp. "Back off before yound yourself in


    deep trouble. When I catch him, I''lle for you too."


    Natasha typed, "You''re in Yham, aren''t you?"


    Freya saw that and immediately pulled up a satellite map in her browser, captured their precise location, and sent it straight back.


    Then she added, "Looks like you''ve still got a long way to go. Can''t even tell the difference between a virtual IP


    and a real one."


    That made Natasha''s face tighten. It was hard to believe.


    "She... she knows we''re here," Natasha said quietly, her tone suddenly serious.


    The man didn''t even blink. "She''s ''K''. Of course she knows. Doesn''t matter. Even if she does, she can''te


    here."


    Natasha felt a twinge of defeat.


    She''d spent three long years grinding, studying like hell to catch up-and she still couldn''t measure up.


    Even so, she couldn''t help but admire her mentor.


    "K" really was something else.


    Natasha typed again, "How''d you break through my virtual IP and find the real one?"


    Freya''s reply was brutally blunt. "Did you forget who trained you?"


    14.45


    Natasha had nothing to say to that. The sting of humiliation hit hard.


    She tapped out onest message, "Honestly, if he hadn''t told me K was a woman,


    I''d still think you were some scruffy male hacker."


    Freya''s eyes darkened at that. She knew exactly who Natasha meant.


    Even though she''d disguised herself for that mission, it should''ve been obus she


    was a woman.


    Back then, she went by the codename "K".


    Freya didn''t reply after that. She ended the chat and casually dropped a virus into Natasha''sptop and server.


    Once that was done, she shut down herptop, washed up, and went to bed. The virus would buy her some time-at least Ashley''s side would stay quiet for now.


    As for Natasha, when she realized what had happened, she leaned her head on


    one hand. "My mentor doesn''t even spare myptop."


    "What happened?" the man asked.


    ¡°Virus attack. The other room''s server got hit too,¡± Natasha said, sounding


    surprisingly calm. "The entire database is gone."


    The man stared at her,pletely thrown.


    "You''re kidding, right?"


    "Would I joke about this?"


    "I thought you said it was locked down."


    "Yeah, well... that was before I pissed her off."


    The man was speechless.


    "Give me half a month. I''ll try to crack it and recover what I can," Natasha said.


    The next morning arrived in the blink of an eye.


    Freya, fresh off her vacation, got up early and headed straight to work.


    By the time she arrived at the office, Melvin already had her task list waiting and


    all the necessary documents


    lined up neatly for her signature.


    After flipping through the files, she handed over the contract prepared for Ellis. "Someone new will be joiningter. Take him to HR department to finish the onboarding."


    "Understood," Melvin replied, casually skimming through the paperwork like he always did when vetting her


    hires.


    He was just about to move on, but then his eyes stopped cold at the sry and position section.


    Freya had just opened another file, pen in hand, when she noticed Melvin''s usual poker face break into a deep frown, like he''d just been handed a loaded problem.


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    Chapter 248 Are You Trying To Rece As


    "What''s wrong?" she asked.


    Melvin tapped the document. "You''re hiring him as your assistant?"


    "Yes"


    "Ms. Briggs."


    "Hmm?"


    "I can handle everything on my own. There''s no need to waste money bringing someone else in."


    "I know." Freya acknowledged hispetence without hesitation. "But you''re overloaded. Bringing him in will help lighten the load."


    Melvin didn''t say a word.


    Freya had never seen him like this.


    She set down her pen and looked up at him with those bright, striking eyes of


    hers.


    Just as she was about to offer some reassurance, Melvin finally spoke. "Are you trying to rece me?"


    "No," Freya answered inly, her tone honest and direct.


    Melvin stood there, looking aloof, but the defiance in his eyes reminded her of a


    kid terrified of losing his


    favorite toy.


    Freya found herself a little thrown off.


    By all logic, Melvin had no reason to be insecure.


    He owned so many shares in thepany that he could quit tomorrow and never


    worry about money again.


    Why was he reacting like this over an assistant?


    "Actually... he''s a friend," Freya admitted quietly. "He''s switching careers and


    doesn''t really know what he wants yet. I figured I''d let him try working with me.


    After a month, I''ll help him find a role that suits him


    better."

 Chapter 249

    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 249 Kristian, I Forgive You


    "Seriously?" A glint shed in Melvin''s eyes.


    Freya gave a gentle nod. "Yes."


    "Alright then." Melvin snapped right back to his usual self, lifting the contract as he addressed her, "I went through all the paperwork during the break. Everything''s in order-ready for your signature."


    "Thanks for handling that."


    "Don''t mention it. I am your special assistant, after all."


    Freya smiled softly, a quiet warmth blooming inside her chest.


    Only then did it dawn on her why Melvin had been so prickly about her bringing on a new assistant.


    To him, it probably felt like an interloper had crashed a well-oiled duo. She found


    it natural, of course-she knew Ellis well. But Melvin didn''t, so his instinct was to put up his guard.


    At ten sharp, Ellis arrived at thepany.


    Freya had already given the


    hitch.


    receptionist a heads-up, so he was sent straight upstairs to her office without a


    He''d been expecting to see Freya-but was met with Melvin instead.


    Inside the lounge, Melvin eyed Ellis''s striking features and silently thought Ellie really looked like someone Freya would be into. His brow creased slightly, remembering Gerard''s message from yesterday. ¡°I saw Ms. Briggs with a ridiculously handsome guy. Is that yourpetition?"


    Melvin had already told Gerard the whole heartbreak story was made up, but the guy was still convinced-and


    Melvin liked was none other than Freya.


    had cooked up the idea that the person


    "Hi, I''m Melvin Swain, Ms. Briggs''s assistant," he said, shoving the thought aside


    and keeping his tone crisp.


    "Are you Ellis Lambert?"


    "Yes," Ellis responded with ease.


    "Great. Sign here and I''ll walk you through the onboarding," Melvin said in his usual brisk, professional manner. "After that, I''ll take you to Ms. Briggs."


    "Sounds good," Ellis replied calmly.


    Melvin walked him through the whole process, which didn''t take more than ten minutes, and then they headed off to find Freya.


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    Chapter 249 Kristian, I Forgive You


    She had just wrapped up hertest task and was flipping to her next schedule item when a knock echoed from


    the door. "Come in "


    "Ms. Briggs, your friend''s here," Melvin announced as he entered, Ellis a step behind him.


    Freya froze for a moment, surprised, but quickly regained herposure and gave instructions. "Show him around and introduce him to the rest of the secretarial team."


    "Sure," Melvin replied without hesitation.


    "And you handle his assignments," Freya continued, her tone precise. "He doesn''t have much background in our field, so start him off with the basics."


    Melvin gave a nod. "Understood."


    "You can go now."


    "Alright."


    Melvin turned and led Ellis out.


    As they exited, Ellis threw Freya a look loaded with meaning, but shepletely missed it.


    Thankfully, the day zipped by, and Freya, neck-deep in tasks, managed to keep her emotions shelved for the


    time being.


    Time moved on again, and before long, Friday arrived.


    After giving Melvin the day''s assignments, Freya made her way to Briggs Group for work.


    She wasn''t expecting to run into Kristian that day.


    But since the Briggs Group was coborating with Shaw Group, Kristian had free rein toe and go-just like n could now walk into Shaw Group''s office without a fuss.


    Out in the parking lot, Freya slid into her car with Kristian taking the passenger seat beside her.


    She didn''t start the engine. Instead, she turned to him and asked calmly, "What brings you here?*


    "It''s been a month."


    "What?"


    "It''s been almost a month since Grandpa''s birthday," Kristian said, his eyes softer than usual. ¡°You should be on your period by now, but you''re not. So... you should pretend to be pregnant."


    His words jerked Freya''s mind back to the present.


    The man who had told Ashley to keep an eye on Freya''s signs of pregnancy clearly had an agenda behind it.


    Freya''s brows pinched slightly before she replied, "I''ll tell Ashley."


    "Freya," Kristian''s Adam''s apple bobbed as he swallowed down a tangle of unspoken words.


    He felt a weight pressing down on him, dreading that Freya might see him as just another stranger.


    Even if sheshed out, he''d rather that than this cold, indifferent distance.


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    Freya met his eyes. The loneliness and confusion behind them hit her with a jolt, stopping her heart for a beat


    She pushed past the sensation and asked lightly. "What is it that you want to say?


    "I''m sorry... Kristian''s voice was rough, his hair tousled and casting shadows across his eyes, making him lookpletely wrecked


    He finally admitted what he had never wanted to face-that he regretted erything Regretted the choices he made, regretted letting Freya go, regretted not treasuring her when he had the chance.


    Freya hesitated, her gaze drifting unfocused for a second.


    She didn''t know what she was feeling, Kristian had said those words before, but they had never carried the


    same gravity.


    Before the divorce, all she''d wanted was to prove him wrong-to force him to see his mistake and regret it.


    But now, watching him crumble beneath the weight of his apology, she didn''t feel the triumph she once craved.


    Instead, she felt eerily calm. Maybe even a bit sympathetic.


    It was tragic, really, that someone as gifted as Kristian had been so utterly lost in matters of the heart. He was


    meant to be wless.


    "I''m sorry..." Kristian murmured again, his head hanging low.


    Freya nced at him. If she still loved him, this sight might have shattered her. She might''ve wrapped her arms around him, told him she''d always be there. But now, aside from that trace of pity, all she felt was detachment. Remembering the affection shown to her by Melinda, Isaac, and Lionel, Freya finally spoke, her voice light with


    release. "It''s okay, Kristian,"


    He stirred slightly at the sound.


    But before he could reply, Freya continued, "I forgive you. I forgive you for not


    believing me, for choosing to


    divorce me because of Ashley."


    What she didn''t say was that she no longer loved him.


    Maybe her heart was still too soft, afraid he might truly break. Afraid Lionel, now fragile with age, and the rest


    of the Shaw family, who had shown her nothing but kindness, would be burdened.


    Kristian sat frozen, fingers pausing mid-motion, pain twisting in his chest like a tight knot.


    He wanted to look up and speak, but the sheer weight of those words-"I forgive you"-crushed him. He couldn''t breathe through it.


    His nose stung, and before he realized it, his vision blurred.


    They sat in silence inside the car, a thick stillness wrapping around them like fog.


    Kristian''s phone buzzed again and again, but he didn''t move. He rested his head against the window, as if he


    couldn''t even hear it.


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    Chapter 249 Kristian. 1fore You


    When it rang for the fifth time, Freya reminded him gently, "Kristian, someone''s calling you


    Kristian straightened up, his eyes still lowered, carefully hiding whatever was left of his pride


    He took out his phone and answered it.


    "Where''ve you been? Took you long enough to pick up Liam''s carefree voice rang


    through Did you forger what day it is today?"


    Rmended for you

 Chapter 250

    Chapter 250 Happy Birthday


    Kristian''s voice was scratchy,ced with a hollow kind of sorrow. "What day is it today?" he muttered.


    "What''s going on with you?" Liam asked, picking up on the shift in his demeanor. "You sick or something?" "No," Kristian replied tly.


    Still, Liam couldn''t shake the sense that something wasn''t quite right. "You sure you''re okay?"


    "I''m fine." Kristian looked worn thin-his voice steady, but devoid of strength. "Let''s talk business."


    "You do realize today''s your birthday, right?" Liam blurted it out, his voice tinged with earnestness. "Happy 28th-you''re creeping up on thirty,"


    Kristian froze. Freya, having overheard, paused too. Her eyes shimmered with an unreadable blend of emotion.


    Was it really the 14th already?


    "I figured you''d forget," Liam continued. "For the past few years, with your wife around, I didn''t have to worry. But now that she''s divorced you, someone''s gotta step up."


    Thatnded like a sucker punch, mming into Kristian''s already bruised heart and leaving it cold and numb.


    "You still at the office?"


    "Yeah."


    "Hurry back. Mom and Dad are outside your home. We''ve got a cake and everything."


    The emotions Kristian had fought so hard to lock away began to rise again, pressing against his throat.


    He forced out a muffled, "Okay."


    After ending the call, he silenced his phone and sent Liam the door code. It was the date of his wedding to


    Freya.


    Once he managed to pull himself together, he looked over at Freya.


    The moment their eyes met, it was like something inside him cracked wide open. Emotion surged and tangled


    in his chest.


    He parted his lips, trying to speak, but no words seemed fitting. Nothing would do justice to the storm in his


    heart.


    If not for sheer willpower, tears might have welled in his eyes and blurred the world again.


    "Happy birthday," Freya said, her voice soft,yered withplicated feelings. His expression clearly took her


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    by surprise.


    Her words sent a flicker of warmth through the chill in his chest. He looked at her intently, as though he was trying to memorize every detail of her face.


    After a long, weighted pause, he murmured, voice rough and low, "Thank you.


    Their eyes stayed locked, the world around them momentarily dissolving into silence.


    Eventually, Kristian stepped out of the car.


    The soft thud of the door closing felt like the end of something. Like a curtain falling


    Freya drove forward.


    As she pulled out of the parking lot, she rolled down the window. The rush of cold


    air grounded her, helped her gather herself.


    So this was what it felt like-when someone who once meant everything finally said sorry.


    But when the worst had already passed, apologies started to lose their power. Life pushed forward. As for the past, Freya had already made her peace with it.


    From this moment on, she let it gopletely.


    Freya might have let go, but Kristian couldn''t.


    He sat quietly in the back seat, eyes closed, mind reying every moment that had just unfolded.


    She had said "I forgive you." and "Happy birthday."


    And her eyes-eyes that once held warmth-now only held a calm, final kind of goodbye.


    Gerard had no idea what had happened. All he knew was that Kristian was in a dark ce. He wasn''t joking like usual, nor did he say anything cutting.


    The silencested about half an hour before Gerard''s phone rang.


    He nced at the screen. Liam was calling.


    He picked up. "Hello."


    "Is my brother still at work?" Liam asked.


    Gerard nced at Kristian in the back seat and answered in his usual tone,


    "There''s ast-minute issue- something urgent came up. He might need another hour."


    "Alright," Liam replied. "Tell him to hurry up. We''re all waiting."


    "Okay."


    "By the way."


    "Yes?"


    "Is something going on with him?" Liam''s voice held a rare note of concern. No matter the teasing, Kristian was


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    Chapter 250 Happy Birthday


    still his older brother. "When I called earlier, he didn''t sound like himself."


    "He''s probably just worn out," Gerard covered for his boss without blinking. "He''s been swamped since morning and hasn''t eaten a thing"


    "Then I won''t keep you. Let him finish up and get home," Liam said.


    He knew Gerard well-always the one reminding Kristian to eat, to rest, to take


    care of himself. So what could be tying him up like this?


    After hanging up, Gerard silenced his phone.


    He nced at Kristian, who looked as though he were silently bleeding inside,


    and said, "Mr. Shaw, you''ve only got one more hour."


    "Drive," Kristian rasped.


    If it were just Liam, he might''ve kept him waiting. But his parents were waiting. He couldn''t keep them all waiting for him.


    Gerard pressed his lips together and started the engine, weighed down by a heaviness in his chest.


    A pang of guilt surfaced.


    Why hadn''t he pushed harder back then-insisted they sit down and talk things


    through?


    Kristian never even liked Ashley. And yet he still divorced Freya for her. Wasn''t that utterly senseless?


    Lost in thought, Gerard pulled into the parking lot.


    When Kristian stepped out of the car, Gerard called out and handed him something. "Mr. Shaw."


    Kristian paused. Even in his suit, looking every bit the man of prestige, his mood gave him away. He looked less aloof and more like someone burdened by quiet


    sorrow.


    "Happy birthday." Gerard offered the item with a faint smile. "Hope this year brings you everything you''ve been hoping for."


    Kristian epted the gift box, his voice low and hoarse. "Thank you."


    "Go on up." Gerard tried to lift the mood with a bit of warmth. "Your family is


    waiting for you."


    "Come with me."


    "No, thank you."


    "Come on. Juste." Kristian''s eyes wereyered with something unreadable, something aching. For thest two years, it had always been Freya and Gerard who nned his birthday surprises.


    Freya wasn''t here this time. But Gerard should be.


    After a pause, Gerard nodded. "Alright."


    His reason was simple.


    Kristian was in no state to hide how he felt, and his forced smiles might give him


    away. Gerard could help soften the edges.


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    But he underestimated Kristian. From the time he was young, unless it was love,


    Kristian never let his family see him fall apart.


    By the time they reached the door, he''d pulled himself together,


    All the emotions were buried deep beneath the surface. He looked like a man


    him down.


    Watching him, Gerard felt something twist inside.


    So even someone like Kristian masked his pain to keep from worrying his parents.


    Maybe that''s just what


    adults do.


    Kristian stared at the door, hesitated for a breath, then lifted his hand and opened


    it, stepping inside as if it were just another ordinary night.

 Chapter 251

    Chapter 251 Kristian Fell Ill


    "You''re back so quickly?" Liam blinked in surprise. "Didn''t Gerard say there was somest-minute issue and


    you''d be dyed by an hour?"


    Kristian replied with a chill in his voice. "I let others handle it."


    Liam didn''t ask anything else. He grabbed both Kristian and Gerard and pulled them along. After a bit of buzzing around, it was finally time for the main event- blowing out the candles.


    The lights went off. Two candles shaped like the number 28 flickered on the cake.


    Liam began singing the birthday song with a grin. Kristian, who usually rushed through this part without much


    care, found himself strangely at ease tonight.


    He closed his eyes and made a wish. He hoped Freya would stay happy and healthy, free from all worries.


    He didn''t wish for her toe back to him. All he wanted was her happiness, even if it cost him everything.


    Then he opened his eyes and blew out the candles.


    It was the most honest wish he''d ever made. And the one he wanted toe true more than anything else.


    Cake was cut, gifts were opened. By the time the celebration ended, it was past nine. Liam joked as he helped tidy up. Gerard lent a hand before heading out.


    Isaac called Kristian to the rooftop terrace.


    The autumn air was crisp and sharp.


    Kristian gazed at the busy traffic and glowing city lights below. He shifted his eyes and asked calmly, "Why did you call me up here?"


    Isaac raised a brow. "Have you been crying?"


    Kristian looked stunned..


    He turned away, eyes wandering over the streets. "I don''t know what you''re talking about."


    Isaac asked with a smirk. "Is it because Freya didn''t celebrate your birthday with you?"


    Kristian remembered her forgiveness.


    For some, being forgiven brought peace. But to him, it felt like a tighter chain around his heart.


    Forgiveness hurt more than punishment.


    After a pause, he spoke. "You''re overthinking. She wished me a happy birthday."


    Isaac narrowed his eyes. "So you''re upset because she''s really moved on?" Isaac saw through him instantly, always getting to the heart of the matter in the shortest time.


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    Chapter 251 Kristian Fell Ill


    Kristian stayed quiet.


    For the first time, he wanted to shove cake into Isaac''s mouth just to shut him up. Isaac''s tone softened. "I know you regret it." He patted Kristian''s shoulder. "But she doesn''t have a ce for you in her heart anymore."


    Kristian didn''t respond. He knew that better than anyone.


    Isaac spoke with a sigh. "You reap what you sow."


    Kristian muttered, "Are you sure I''m not adopted?"


    Isaac chuckled. "Let''s make sure Liam learns from your mess. He needs to know that it''s smart to listen to his elders instead of charging in blind."


    Kristian stayed silent.


    Isaac turned a little serious. "Can I ask you something, as your father? Does it hurt to face your mistakes?"


    Kristian couldn''t tell. Each time he remembered his past, he wanted to turn back time and stop himself.


    Freya''s cold, distant eyes felt like needles in his chest.


    Isaac watched his face and understood without another word. He patted his shoulder. "Your mom''s been worried. Since the day you came back, she could tell you weren''t really happy."


    A mother always knew. No matter how much you hid, they could see through it all.


    Kristian said with a faint look in his eyes. "I''m fine."


    Isaac asked softly, "Aren''t you in pain?"


    Kristian looked out at the night sky. "This pain is nothingpared to what Freya went through." The city lights sparkled, but no light could match the sun.


    Just like that, only Freya could ease the storm in his heart.


    Isaac saw the weight behind his words and said nothing more.


    Children grow up. Some storms, they have to face alone.


    That night, under the glow of city lights, Kristiany in bed feeling hollow.


    He tried to sleep. He couldn''t.


    For three nights, the same feeling haunted him. On the third day, he copsed from exhaustion and fever.


    If Gerard hadn''t noticed in time, things could''ve taken a dark turn.


    Gerard rushed around the hospital, paying bills, getting medication, talking to doctors.


    By dusk, after a day of IV drips, Kristian finally opened his eyes. Gerard let out a heavy sigh.


    "Sir, you''re finally awake. You scared me half to death."


    Kristian looked up at the ceiling, then around the room. His eyesnded on the IV. He frowned. "What


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    happened?


    G**wd''s voice was tight. "You had a kogo fever for over four hours. The doctor sad


    it could caused beard


    It had nearly reached the point of organ failure.


    Gerard had been on edge the whole time.


    Kristian looked indifferent "You didn''t will my parents, did you?"


    Gerard nodded. "No I figured you''d say that. But you really can''t treat your body like this anymore. Your family will worTY"


    Kristian sighed in rehat. He had sent his family off at the airport the morning after his birthday. If they knew. they''d be worried


    Gerard spoke up suddenly, "By the way..."


    Kristian''s face was still pale, his lips dry. The fever wasn''t fully gone. "What is it?"


    Gerard hesitated.


    Kristian''s voice was low, "Just say it."


    "I got a call from Ms. Brizzs this afternoon. Your phone rang when I came back


    with the meds," Gerard said cautiously,


    Kristian''s eyes flickered with light.


    "Give me my phone," he said in a hoarse voice.


    Gerard shook his head. "You need rest."


    Kristian insisted. "Give it to me."


    Gerard had no choice. He handed it over.


    Kristian unlocked it with one hand and quickly called the number Freya had used.


    He adjusted his voice, just in


    case.


    After a few rings, she picked up.


    Kristian spoke calmly, "You called this afternoon. What was it about? I was in a meeting and didn''t hear it."


    Freya replied without pause. "Ashley informed me that the man is making his


    move. If nothing changes, someone wille for me tonight."


    Kristian shot upright. The IV needle tugged painfully, drawing blood.


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    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart

 Chapter 252

    Chapter 252 A Will


    Gerard was stunned, frozen in ce by the sheer weight of what he''d just heard.


    He wanted to speak up, to say something, but the fear of Freya overhearing held him back. Instead, he quietly repositioned Kristian''s hand.


    "Wait for me-I''m heading over now," Kristian muttered anxiously.


    "Just listen first," Freya urged over the phone, her voice calm but firm. "Don''t rush into anything."


    Kristian''s heart thundered in his chest, breathing quicker. "Go on."


    "I won''t be in danger if I''m taken. The one they''re after is you," she exined,ying things out clearly. "Once I''m taken, he''ll definitely reach out and demand that youe save me."


    She hadn''t expected things to spiral this fast.


    She couldn''t begin to guess what that man was nning.


    "You can''t be taken away," Kristian said, his voiceced with dread.


    "I have to. It''s the only way to make our n work." Freya detailed her strategy to


    Kristian in full. "But there''s one thing I need you to remember."


    "What is it?"


    "Trust me," she said softly.


    Kristian fell silent, his thoughts spinning.


    Freya stared down at the ns marked A, B, and C, the weight of it all sinking in.


    "I know it''s hard for you, but whatever happens, I need you to follow my lead and always trust me."


    "Will you be in danger?" That was all Kristian could bring himself to ask.


    "No," Freya answered tly. "But that man might try to scare you with fake information. I need you to promise you won''t give in."


    Kristian''s head was already in chaos.


    The fever he hadn''t quite shaken off made everything feel heavier, and now this-it was too much.


    It wasn''t that he didn''t trust Freya. He just couldn''t bring himself to leave Freya with that mysterious man.


    "Kristian, are you listening?"


    "I am."


    "Will you trust me?" she asked again.


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    Chapter 252 A Will


    "I will."


    "All you need to do is confront him and buy me two days. I''ll take care of the rest.


    My friends are backing me Freya tried her best to make it all crystal clear.


    Kristian could barely form the words. "Okay."


    "Just trust me," Freya repeated.


    "I will."


    He didn''t even know how the call had ended.


    Freya was about to walk into danger, and he was powerless to stop it.


    He wanted to intervene, but doing so would d¨¦stroy her n. But if he didn''t... what if something went wrong?


    His head swam with thoughts.


    After wrestling with himself for what felt like forever, he picked up his phone, found


    a number, hesitated, then hit call.


    After a few rings, the voice on the other end answered with a yful edge. "Mr. Shaw? What''s got you calling


    me out of the blue?"


    "Does your offer still stand?" Kristian asked, straight to the point.


    "Of course."


    "If you help me with one thing, I''ll ept your terms." Kristian''s face was all business, his tone colder than ever. "But if you screw up, the deal''s off."


    "No problem. Just tell me what needs to be done."


    Kristian offered a silent apology to Freya, thenid out his request and what he needed in exact terms.


    The person on the other end of the phone agreed instantly.


    The call ended.


    Kristian set the phone down.


    It felt hot-whether from the call or his feverish skin, he wasn''t sure.


    "Sir..." Gerard was watching him closely, sensing something was off.


    "Get Colson White here," Kristian ordered, his gaze dark as night. "Tell him toe now."


    Gerard had no idea what Kristian was nning, but he didn''t question it and went to contact Colson, thewyer.


    Half an hourter, Colson walked into the hospital room.


    Seeing Kristian hooked up to an IV, his brows rose. "You''re actually sick?"


    "Let''s get straight to it," Kristian cut in, wasting no time.


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    Chapter 252 A Will


    Colson sat down, cing his briefcase beside him.


    Gerard, realizing a serious conversation was about to unfold, quickly grabbed water for them.


    But when he returned and saw what Colson had pulled out, his eyes went wide.


    Was that a will?


    Gerard''s mind reeled. "Why are you drafting a will all of a sudden?"


    "It''s nothing serious," Kristian replied, voice faint and lips barely moving. "It''s something that needs to be done eventually so why not now?"


    Gerard waspletely shocked. Kristian didn''t even have kids, and he was already thinking about a will?


    Even though it baffled him, Gerard knew better than to pry too much.


    What shocked him most was seeing that Kristian had divided his assets-half for Freya, and the rest for Isaac


    and Melinda.


    An hourter, Kristian signed the documents.


    Everything was finalized.


    Once Colson left, Gerard couldn''t hold it in any longer. "Did something happen?"


    Was it tied to that call from earlier?


    "You didn''t make a life-for life deal with that person, did you?" The very idea


    made Gerard shocked to the core.


    If that was the case, he needed to stop him.


    "Use your brain," Kristian


    said tly, clearly unimpressed. "If it were a life-for-life deal, I would''ve just made


    it with the one kidnapping Freya. Why go through all this extra trouble?"


    "Then why..."


    "It''s just future nning," Kristian answered simply.


    Gerard''s lips twitched. Since when did a will be part of future nning?


    Kristian paid no attention to his expression. The IV was finished, but he stayed seated on the bed.


    His phone was fully charged, just in case that person tried to reach him once Freya was taken.


    He had made a deal-to give Freya an extrayer of protection.


    Whether her n had holes or not, this way, she''d be safe.


    Gerard suddenly recalled something important, panic creeping into his voice. "Did


    you say someone kidnapped Ms. Briggs?"


    "No."


    "But you did."


    It was just a what-if situation," Kristian muttered, barely moving his lips. The


    conversation was over "From now


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    Chapter 252 A Will


    on, forget everything you heard and saw."


    ¡°But L.......¡± Gerard was genuinely worried.


    He deeply admired Freya. If anything happened to her, it would be a disaster.


    Kristian didn''t budge. "Leave. I need rest."


    Gerard had no choice but to quietly leave and sit outside in the hallway.


    He thought about calling Melvin, but he didn''t want to mess up Kristian''s n.


    He kept wavering-unsure if Freya was truly in danger or not.


    Meanwhile, Freya had already arrived at Anita International to meet with Trent and Frederick.


    Right after finishing her call with Kristian, she brought them to the most secure


    meeting room, locked the door behind them, and then called her four friends


    overseas.


    Once the group video call connected, Freya beganying out the details of her


    n.

 Chapter 253

    Chapter 253 Ellis Discovered Their n


    "Is there anything else we need to add?" Freya asked her friends, her tone steady.


    Everyone fell quiet, mulling it over. "No," came the collective reply, resolute and assured.


    "You''ve practically covered every angle in that n of yours-and you''ve got not one, but two backup ns lined up," Greta said, her voice tinged with admiration. She''d never once questioned the razor-sharp precision of Freya''s mind. "There won''t be any surprises we haven''t ounted for."


    "But there''s still one thing I haven''t thought through," Freya confessed, her words slipping out in a low


    murmur.


    They hade face-to-face with that man before. They knew the way he moved, the way he thought.


    But knowing someone''s patterns didn''t mean you knew their depths.


    Trent leaned forward, curiosity sparking in his eyes. "What is it?¡±


    "The chance that he might try to drag us down with him," Freya said after a small pause, her voice hushed but


    unwavering.


    "Impossible," someone blurted out.


    "He values his own life more than anyone else ever could."


    "Whether that''s possible or not, it doesn''t change a thing now," Cade said seriously, his tone heavy with warning. "If he really breaks and spirals, not even the bestid ns will hold up."


    That man''s intelligence matched theirs blow for blow. He was nothing short of brilliant.


    Freya gave a slight nod, acknowledging the truth in Cade''s words.


    "There''s something else I don''t understand," someone said.


    "Go ahead."


    "How could Kristian-just a businessman-end up on his bad side?" It was a question that still baffled Freya. "Why would he target Kristian specifically?"


    ording to Ashley, the man''s first n was to destroy the Shaw Group, make Kristian''s empire crumble from


    the inside out.


    And when that failed, he went straight for the jugr-Kristian''s life.


    What kind of hatred ran that deep?


    < Chapter 253 Ellis Discovered Their Man


    "Only Kristian would know," Riley murmured, resting her chin in her hand, her expression thoughtful and


    unsure


    Freyn was just about to remind them that their own lives took precedence that rashness wouldn''t serve them


    when a knock came at the door.


    Then another. And another. Someone was knocking repeatedly now.


    Freya and everyone on the video call froze, silent as stone


    Just as she opened her mouth to ask who it was, a voice rang out from the other side. "Freya."


    The group stiffened. Oh no! It was their captain


    Panic surged. No one knew what to do.


    Freya acted fast-cut the video call, switched off the iPad, and swept the documents out of sight before rising to


    open the door.


    When she saw Ellis standing there, her heart jumped. "Captain? I thought you left?"


    She''d only called Frederick and Trent over after watching him walk out the door. So why was he back now?


    "I forgot something." Ellis said simply, his gaze sweeping across her face and then shifting past her shoulder.


    Freya quietly stepped out and shut the door behind her.


    She looked him square in the eye. "Is there something you need from me?"


    "What were you discussing with Frederick and Trent?" Ellis asked without skipping


    a beat, catching her


    "What?"


    "Trent''s car is in the lot."


    Freya silently cursed herself for the oversight.


    She thought about bluffing, but Ellis wasn''t the type to fall for a smooth lie. No matter how airtight it sounded,


    he''d see right through it.


    "Nothing serious," she replied coolly, keeping herposure intact.


    Ellis, with one hand stuffed in his pocket, didn''t look like his usualid-back self anymore. The easygoing air was gone. What remained was the sharp-edged authority of the man he used to be.


    His stare locked onto her. "Nothing serious? And yet Cade and the others are here too?"


    Freya''s chest tightened.


    He''d heard that as well?


    "Captain..."


    "Captain."


    Frederick and Trent stepped out then, standing still.


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    Chapter 253 Ellis Discovered Their n


    Ellis walked inside, his eyes scanning the room like a hawk. He zeroed in on one


    spot, strode over, and pulled out a stack of documents.


    Freya, Trent, and Frederick shut their eyes for a moment, all thinking the same thing. They were doomed.


    They didn''t need to say it out loud. In such a tight space, with so few hiding spots, they would''ve chosen the


    same ce.


    The best hiding spot-it was one of the hard lessons they''d learned in training


    "What is this?" Ellis mmed the documents down on the table, tapping them with long, sharp fingers. "Do you


    even understand who Brendan Hoffman is? You think it''s wise to go up against him with no weapons, no gear?


    Are you out of your minds?"


    He was livid. He never imagined they''d keep this from him.


    "It''s not a reckless attack," Freya rified, trying to soothe the rising tension. She knew Ellis well enough to tread carefully. "It''s a calcted move."


    "Didn''t thest time teach you anything?" Ellis''s voice turned ice-cold, and the air around them seemed to drop ten degrees. "I''m not letting you do this." "Captain!" Freya''s voice cracked slightly as it rose.


    Ellis looked ready to lecture them into the ground-but then his eyesnded on Freya''s face, and something


    stopped him.


    He averted his gaze, forcing down the fury wing its way up. "That''s enough.¡±


    "But-"


    "If you''re so determined to go, wait until I get the damn report approved."


    The room fell silent. They hadn''t expected that.


    "Even though I''ve stepped down as captain, because of my past position, I''m not allowed to leave the country for a few more years," Ellis exined, his voice quieter now. He didn''t want to say it, but he couldn''t keep it in. "If I want to go abroad, I have to submit a report and get clearance first."


    "But we don''t have time," Freya said, frustration heavy in her voice.


    Ellis red up again. "Freya."


    "Yes?"


    "Can''t you just listen to me for once?"


    "It''s really toote," Freya replied, softer now. She knew exactly why she hadn''t wanted him to find out in the first ce. "Why don''t you look over the n before you say no?"


    Ellis gave her a cial look but picked up the documents and began to read through them with precision.


    As he read, his face darkened with each page.


    Then he looked up, asking the question Freya herself had once asked. "How did


    Kristian get mixed up with Brendan?"


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    < Chapter 253 Es Discovered Their Pan


    "I don''t know," Freys answered truthfully. "But this is our best shot. Brendan doesn''t know who I really am. To him, I''m just a face in the crowd. He won''t be watching me closely."


    That was what gave her the edge-what gave her the nerve to go through with it.


    As for "K", neither Brendan nor Natasha had the faintest idea who she really was. Only Ellis and Frederick knew


    Ellis read on, his expression unreadable, his thoughts spinning as he tried fit the puzzle pieces together.


    "Do you really have to do this?" he finally asked, his tone calmer now.


    Freya, Trent, and Frederick looked at one another and gave a firm nod. "We have


    to."


    "I''ll make a call," Ellis said, walking over to the window with the documents in hand. He dialed up an old


    contact.


    If he hadn''t stepped down, he could''ve filed the report himself. But now, he had to depend on someone else.


    Unfortunately, the call didn''t go through. The number was off.


    Which meant his contact was likely out on a mission.


    Ellis''s chest sank. He''d have to dig around and try someone else.


    "Here, take this." He handed Freya a small, discreet device. "Hide it in the safest


    spot on your body. No matter


    contact.


    If he hadn''t stepped down, he could''ve filed the report himself. But now, he had to depend on someone else.


    Unfortunately, the call didn''t go through. The number was off.


    Which meant his contact was likely out on a mission.


    Ellis''s chest sank. He''d have to dig around and try someone else.


    ¡°Here, take this.¡± He handed Freya a small, discreet device. "Hide it in the safest


    spot on your body. No matter what kind of jamming equipment they''re using, this signal won''t cut out. I''ll be able to track you at all times."

 Chapter 254

    Chapter 254 Meeting Brendan


    "Alright." Freya paused, just for a beat, wondering if Ellis would object-but she epted it anyway. "Thank you."


    Ellis didn''t respond. His eyes, dark and unreadable as a starless night sky, remained fixed on her, weighed down with thoughts he didn''t speak aloud.


    He wanted nothing more than to shield her from harm. But he understood that Brendan remained their shared


    objective.


    After a long, tense silence, Ellis finally said, "Freya."


    "Yes?"


    "Stay safe," he told her, his tall frame looming gently over her, his voiceced with something almost unspoken.


    "I will," Freya replied without hesitation.


    Ellis turned his gaze toward Frederick and Trent, giving each a firm pat on the shoulder.


    Afterward, Freya gave Frederick a few precautionary instructions, telling him to contact Kristian if anything unexpected happened. Once that was done, they left the meeting room.


    Ellis took the three of them out to dinner, only parting ways after the meal.


    As Freya unlocked the door to head inside, Ellis spoke once more. "When you return, I''ll promise you one thing -whatever you want."


    "Alright," she said softly.


    She hoped that maybe, just maybe, Ellis would finally let go of what had happened before.


    Lately, she had been walking on eggshells.


    The second she shut the door behind her, an unsettling chill crept up her spine. Someone had been inside-she was almost sure of it. Brendan must have sent them.


    As for how they got in, it had to be Natasha-she must have cracked the passcode and let them in.


    Freya had barely paid attention when installing the lock. Security hadn''t been her priority.


    Pretending not to notice anything out of the ordinary, she stepped into the living room without changing her shoes, dropped her phone onto the end table, and sank into the couch, looking drained.


    She''d left her shoes on, deliberately. If someone jumped herter, she didn''t want to be stumbling around in slippers.


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    Chapter 254 Meeting Brendan


    Those things would only slow her down.


    she didn''t linger on the sofa long After a quick breather, she got up and headed to her bedrooms


    three


    The moment she crossed the threshold, she sensed them three people lying in walt. She picked up on their positions but didn''t let it show. Instead, she casually strolled in and even gave them the perfect opening


    She didn''t know where Brendan was taking her. It could''ve been within the country. Or somewhere far away.


    So she stepped into the trap alone, inching closer to him by using his hatred for Kristian


    Suddenly, a wooden stick sliced through the air behind her, fast and hard.


    Her instincts screamed to grab it and strike back-but she crushed that impulse


    After all, she was just an ordinary girl now.


    The blownded on the back of her head.


    Her brows twitched in pain, but she slumped forward, ying unconscious as she hit the floor.


    It hurt like hell. But she didn''t cry out. She didn''t flinch.


    Deep down, she swore she''d repay them for that hit.


    "Is she out?"


    "Yeah, she''s out."


    Two male voices drifted through the room.


    There was the sound of rustling, then her body was dragged. Her arms and legs were tied, and tape was pped across her mouth.


    "She''s already out cold. Why tie her up?" Ashley''s voice rang out suddenly. "What if her limbs go numb?"


    "That''s not your concern," one of the men replied tly. "You just need toe with us."


    Ashley bit her bottom lip, saying nothing, a deep, instinctive resistance ring in her chest.


    She didn''t want to go back to that awful ce, but she had no choice.


    A little over ten minutes passed before one of the men received a phone call.


    It was Natasha.


    ¡°Surveince is handled. The left elevator leads straight to the underground garage," she said briskly. "No one wille through for the next ten minutes. Move now."


    "Got it."


    As soon as the call ended, they carried Freya away.


    Meanwhile, Ellis sat in his study, discussing Brendan''s situationpletely unaware of the chaos erupting on Freya''s side.


    The study was separated from the living room. There was no way he could''ve heard a thing.


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    Chapter 254 Meeting Prendan


    All through the night, Freya kept her eyes shut, staying limp as they moved her from car, to boat, to private


    jet


    By the time the jet was ready tond, the sky above Alerith was beginning to lighten. Yet the ce where they touched down was still cloaked in 10 PM. darkness.


    There was an eight-to-nine-hour time difference.


    Sitting in the aircraft, Freya figured it was finally time to "wake up" after faking it for so long. She cracked her


    eyes open slowly, blinking like she was justing to.


    Once the tape was removed from her mouth, she yed the part, asking a string


    of questions.


    Where was she?


    Who were they?


    How did she end up here?


    What did they want?


    Their answers were rehearsed. "Our boss will tell you everything when you see him."


    Freya acted outraged, struggling and demanding answers. She even argued with Ashley, who caught on


    instantly and yed her part.


    And just like that, the "wake-up" act passed.


    After disembarking, the rope on Freya''s ankles was cut, and both she and Ashley were escorted to a sleek car. Freya''s eyes were blindfolded-Ashley''s weren''t.


    But the blindfold didn''t matter. A tracker stitched into Freya''s clothes broadcasted her exact location to Ellis and the rest of the team, documenting every twist and turn.


    Still, it was useless-they wouldn''t be able to catch Brendan here.


    About thirty minutester, the vehicle pulled up to an estate. Freya and Ashley were led inside.


    As they stepped in, Freya clearly noticed the fear in Ashley''s eyes.


    "Boss," one of the men said, "we brought the two you asked for."


    "Lock Freya Briggs in the basement," Brendanmanded, holding a wine ss


    and dressed impably. "Ashley stays here."


    "Yes, sir."


    The men moved at once.


    Ashley''s face went pale.


    Before she could speak, Freya stepped forward and cut Brendan off, her tone icy.


    "Who are you? Why did you bring me here?"


    "She''s an honored guest of mine. How can you treat her like this?" Brendan let out a slow, wicked grin. "Take off her blindfold."


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    Chapter 254 Meeting Brendan


    Immediately, the men removed it.


    As the world came back into view, the lights were too bright. Freya instinctively narrowed her eyes.


    Once she adjusted, her gaze locked on Brendan, unimpressed and unyielding. She demanded an answer with a


    silent fury.


    And in that moment, she confirmed what she had suspected all along-heas indeed her target.


    "Don''t worry. As long as you behave, no harm wille to you," Brendan said, gently swirling his wine ss. His lips curled into a smile that was both beautiful and cruel.


    He was undeniably handsome-sharp brows, eyes like stars, carrying an air of effortless elegance.


    But even so, Ashley trembled in his presence, terrified, desperate to flee.


    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart


    Chapter 255 Ho

 Chapter 255

    Chapter 255 How Can You Be So Sure My Mentor W...


    Freya was naturallyposed, so she neither screamed nor flinched. "I want to


    know why."


    "You''re that curious?" Brendan arch


    a brow, mildly amused.


    "Yes," Freya said without hesitation.


    "Thene here. Give me a kiss-or find


    d some other way to entertain me," he murmured. His smile was nothing short of enchanting, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. "Maybe then I''ll feel generous enough to


    tell you."


    "Is it money you''re after?" Freya dismissed his nonsense with a cool voice.


    Brendan didn''t harbor genuine affection for women. This current flirtatious persona-just one of his most practiced masks.


    "Who doesn''t want money?" Brendan casually set his wine ss aside, his legs still crossed in effortless elegance. "But right now, it''s the least of my priorities. Compared to that, I''d much rather have..."


    He purposely trailed off.


    Freya''s brow twitched faintly. "What?"


    "You." His grin was so dangerously captivating, it seemed to draw the whole world into silence.


    Freya said nothing. She didn''t press him further.


    She already knew what he was after; the questioning was simply a performance, ayer of civility to avoid


    arousing suspicion.


    Brendan was every bit as wary as Ellis-if not worse.


    Seeing her indifferent expression, Brendan asked, "You don''t believe me?"


    "If you had any real feelings for me," Freya replied evenly, "you should have gone


    to Alerith to confess, rather than abducting me here just to unt your indulgence."


    Brendan rose with unhurried grace, his eyes brimming with amusement and interest as they settled on her.


    Freya held his gaze, utterly unshaken.


    "No wonder Kristian still hasn''t gotten over you after the divorce." He inched closer, his scent fresh and alluring. ¡°With a temperament like yours, even I''m starting to feel tempted."


    "Is that so?"


    Chapter 255 How Can You Be So Sure My Mentor Will Come


    "Absolutely."


    "Then why haven''t you untied my hands yet?" Her tone remained steady, clearly unimpressed by his charm.


    Brendan''s lips curled into a wickedly attractive smirk. "If I untie you, what if you make a run for it?"


    "Then just tie me up again," Freya shot back.


    "Ms. Briggs, you really are something else." Brendan picked up the wine ss beside him, gave it a gentle swirl,


    then held it out to her. "How about this? Drink it, and I''ll undo the ropes. Sound fair?"


    Freya cast a nce at the ss, but didn''t budge.


    If his words held even a grain of truth, then pigs might as well sprout wings and soar across the sky.


    "Since you''re not interested, I suppose you''ll have to get some rest, Ms. Briggs." Brendan''s gentlemanly manner returned as he spoke. "We can chat again tomorrow."


    And with that, one of the men escorted Freya down to the basement.


    When they arrived, Freya wrinkled her nose at the sight-chains, dried blood, and


    a number of snakes.


    chest.


    A chill spread through her chest. Suddenly, fragments of old memories came rushing back. Could this have been where Ashley was held?


    In that instant, it felt as though she could see Ashley''s tear-streaked face, the girl


    trembling, pleading, and receiving only silence in return.


    Freya inhaled deeply and shut her eyes.


    She would get Ashley out of this horror.


    "What are you standing there for, Ms. Briggs?" Brendan had followed, his lips still


    curled into that disarming arc. "Not resting?"


    "Is this what you call a resting ce?" Freya snapped.


    "Of course. Ashley stayed here quite a while."


    Freya''s hands curled into fists. She hadn''t expected his cruelty to run so deep.


    Brendan''s smile didn''t waver. "Don''t worry. The snakes have had their fangs removed. Completely harmless."


    Freya remained rooted to the spot.


    Brendan didn''t linger.


    After one final nce at her, he turned and left with the man, the basement door swinging shut behind them.


    The sound echoed, heavy and jarring.


    Not long after, Ashley burst in, her face written with rm. "Why did you lock Freya in the basement?"


    "You feeling sorry for her?" Brendan lifted her chin with cold amusement. Ashley froze.


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    Chapter 255 How Can You Be So Sure My Mentor Will Come


    She remembered-she and Freya weren''t supposed to be on friendly terms. In


    front of Brendan, any concern would be dangerous.


    "If you''re so worried she''s frightened, I could send you in to keep herpany."


    His voice was soft, but it sent a shiver up her spine. "Do you want that?"


    Yes.


    The answer screamed in Ashley''s mind.


    But she couldn''t say it out loud.


    Freya had warned her-don''t give anything away and treat her like before.


    "N-no... that''s not necessary," Ashley stammered, trembling.


    "You did well this time." Brendan reached past her for a clean ss, poured some wine, and handed it to her.


    "Drink. Get some rest. There''s more work waiting for you tomorrow."


    Ashley epted the ss with icy fingers and obediently took a sip.


    Brendan patted her head with an approving air.


    But Ashley shuddered beneath his touch.


    He was gentle, yes, but there was no warmth in his eyes. "Go on up."


    Ashley hesitated. She looked back a few times, but eventually climbed the stairs to the spare room she


    sometimes stayed in.


    Not long after she left, a striking woman strode in from outside, still wearing a motorcycle jacket-clearly just


    arrived from somewhere.


    Brendan reclined on the couch, every move dripping with ease and refinement. Upon seeing her, he set his wine ss aside. ¡°Did K follow?"


    "I have no idea." Natasha dropped herself onto the couch without ceremony.


    Brendan raised an eyebrow. "You don''t know?"


    "Her whereabouts aren''t something I can track." She poured herself a ss of water. "I still haven''t cracked the virus she buried in myputer and serverst time."


    A shadow passed through Brendan''s expression, his brows drawing in faintly. Natasha tilted her head, curious. "How can you be so sure my mentor wille?"


    "If she tampered with Ashley''s phone, she might already know I''m using Freya to threaten Kristian," Brendan mused aloud. "And knowing her, she won''t pass up a chance like this."


    "What kind of grudge do you have with my mentor, anyway?" Natasha genuinely wanted to know.


    "I tricked her once. Nearly got them all killed." A faint smirk yed on Brendan''s lips. "But she managed to escape."


    Natasha was at a loss.


    1403


    Then she added, "Well, you''re screwed. She never lets go of grudges."


    "Whether she can get revenge is another story." Brendan''s tone wasyered with


    implication.


    Natasha clicked her tongue.


    She took another sip of water before ncing his way. "Where''s Freya?"


    "In the basement."


    "You threw a woman into your dungeon?" Natasha looked incredulous, then shot


    him a look that said you''re on your own. "If Kristian finds out, you''re toast," she said with augh.


    Brendan said nothing. The moment Kristian''s name was mentioned, his gaze darkened slightly.


    Natasha didn''t press. She told him she was going to check on Freya and left the room, heading toward the basement.


    Brendan didn''t stop her. That in itself said a lot.


    She Took The House, The Car, And My Heart

 Chapter 256

    Chapter 256 You Can Lean


    On Me If You Want


    Though Natasha often lent Brendan a hand with affairs elsewhere, she knew theyout of his house like the


    back of her hand.


    She arrived at the basement door, punched in the password, and stepped inside without hesitation.


    Her purpose was simple: to help Freya deal with those snakes. After all, Freya wasn''t just Kristian''s ex-wife- Natasha''s mentor would be visiting soon, and if fate yed its cards right, perhaps a small act of kindness


    would earn her some favor.


    But the moment she stepped in and took in the sight before her, she froze. Her jaw nearly hit the floor as she


    stared at the basement.


    One step at a time, she descended the stairs, her eyes widening at the heap of lifeless snakes. "You did all this?"


    Freya cast her a nce but kept her silence.


    "Why aren''t you saying anything?" Natasha asked, clearly puzzled.


    "Is there anyone else in this basement besides me?" Freya replied coolly. She didn''t know who this woman was, and in a ce like this, words were more dangerous than silence.


    Loose lips sink ships-especially in murky waters.


    Who was to say this woman wasn''t one of Brendan''s subordinates?


    "There''s no need to be so bristly with me," Natasha said, lowering herself onto the stairs. Her long hair framed her delicate face, making it appear even smaller. "I''m nothing like the man you met today."


    Freya gave her another look, the same thought crossing her mind for the


    umpteenth time-did this woman really take her for a fool?


    This woman walked in freely, used a password to get inside, and then had the gall to im she wasn''t with


    that man.


    "He helped me once," Natasha added, her gaze thoughtful. "Now I''m just repaying


    a debt." Natasha found Freya striking-so much so that she had the sudden urge to pinch her cheek.


    And before she could think better of it, she stood, walked over, eyes twinkling with mischief, and gently pinched Freya''s cheek.


    Freya blinked, stunned.


    She opened her mouth to speak, but Natasha cut in with a grin. "Your skin is so soft."


    Freya tried to swat her hand away but quickly realized her wrists were still bound. She could have untied


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    herself-but doing so would reveal too much.


    Natasha chuckled. "You''re adorable."


    She''d never met Freya before, but somehow, she felt an odd sense of fondness for her.


    "Let go," Freya said coldly.


    "Don''t be upset; it was just a pinch,¡± Natasha said, withdrawing her ha and sitting on the floor opposite


    Freya. "I came down to tell you not to worry. Brendan won''t harm you. His target is Kristian Shaw.*


    Freya didn''t flinch. She waited for her to go on.


    "He''s only keeping you here to lure Kristian out," Natasha added. "Once he shows up, you''ll be set free."


    Freya didn''t believe a word of it.


    Knowing Brendan, cruelty came as naturally to him as breathing. He wouldn''t let her go just because Kristian showed up,


    "I''ve already divorced Kristian. Even if you tell him, he won''te," Freya said slowly, every word deliberate.


    "Whether he does or not isn''t my concern-that''s Brendan''s headache." Natasha kept her eyes on Freya, still


    puzzled by how someone could be both so cold and so breathtaking.


    Part of her wanted to take Freya home and never let go.


    Freya could feel Natasha''s gaze burning too brightly.


    Just as she was about to tell her to leave if she had nothing else to say, Natasha smiled and introduced herself.


    "Let''s make this official-I''m Natasha Sugden."


    Freya''s eyes flickered.


    Natasha Sugden? That name rang more than a few bells. Wasn''t this her own disciple?


    Despite the jolt of recognition, Freya kept a poker face. "Freya Briggs," Freya replied calmly.


    "I know," Natasha said, inexplicably eager to continue the conversation. "Are you scared being alone down here? I''ll grab a couple of nkets and keep youpany."


    "That''s not necessary."


    "You''ll need them."


    Not giving Freya a chance to argue, Natasha rose to her feet and walked out.


    When she asked Brendan for two nkets, it finally snapped him out of his thoughts. He stared at her, bewildered. "What are you doing with those?"


    "It''s freezing in the basement. I''m going to stay there with Freya," Natasha replied, matter-of-factly, her face expressionless-nothing like the warm grin she wore in Freya''s presence.


    Brendan''s brow creased.


    He arched an eyebrow. "Do I need to remind you why Freya is down there tied


    up?"


    "You just want a video of her looking terrified, right? I''ll put together a fake one for youter," Natasha said,


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    Chapter 256 You Can Lean On Me If You Want


    already knowing his game.


    Brendan seemed on the verge of arguing but held back.


    Kristian hadn''t shown up yet, so Freya was still useful.


    But once Kristian came, Brendan had every intention of making him watch her


    die-so Kristian could savor the


    taste of the unbearable ache of losing someone dear.


    Back in the basement, Natasha spread one nket across the cold floor and used


    the other as a cover. She also


    brought two pillows,


    She knew full well that Brendan wouldn''t let Freya leave this space-so she brought the necessities in.


    "Lie down and rest. I''ve got something to take care of and I''ll be back," Natasha said, untying the ropes around Freya''s wrists.


    Freya said nothing. What was Natasha up to?


    After leaving, Natasha headed to Brendan''s study. She grabbed aptop, edited footage of Freya being led into the basement, and sent the clip to Brendan.


    "This is your idea of panic?" Brendan asked, suspicious. He knew Natasha had a weakness for beautiful women.


    And now, of all times, she chose to act like this?


    "Kristian''s spent time with Freya. He knows her nature," Natasha exined, her tone thoughtful. "Instead of forcing a scene with snakes, why not start with this and test how he reacts?"


    Brendan rewatched the clip.


    The final shot showed Freya alone in the basement. From an outsider''s perspective, it wasn''t hard to imagine her being frightened or on the verge of breaking.


    "When he responds, I''ll prepare the next clip," Natasha said, her voice slow and deliberate.


    Brendan''s eyes narrowed, danger gleaming in their depths. He clearly didn''t appreciate Natasha calling the


    shots.


    "Freya is key to my n," he warned. "Don''t mess it up. No matter how much you


    like that face, keep it together this time."


    "Understood," Natasha said, brushing him off.


    Brendan pinched the bridge of his nose, irritation rising.


    He''d considered recing her before. But apart from K, Natasha was the most capable operative he had. And in their line of work, trust was worth more than gold.


    Back in the basement, Freya hadn''t expected Natasha to return. The moment she saw her, her brow furrowed instinctively.


    Natasha still didn''t know her true identity-but if they stayed together much longer, the risk of discovery would


    grow.


    With that in mind, Freya''s demeanor turned frosty. "What are you doing back here?"


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    14.04


    "Keeping youpany, of course," Natasha said, settling beside her like they


    were old friends. "I guess you''re probably never stayed somewhere this bleak before. You don''t have to put on a brave face with me if you feel like crying, let it


    out."


    She even patted her own shoulder. "You can lean on me if you want."

 Chapter 257

    Chapter 257 Your Mentor Did The Right Thing


    Freya found herself utterly speechless.


    She had always known Natasha was easy-going, but she had never imagined the woman could be this incessantly talkative in person. Was she always this annoyingly forward with people?


    "What''s wrong? You look like I''ve frightened you or something," Natasha asked, narrowing her eyes when she


    noticed Freya wasn''t saying a word.


    "I don''t needpanionship, and I certainly don''t need a shoulder to cry on," Freya replied coolly, her gaze drifting away with pointed disinterest. "If there''s nothing else, I''d like you to leave."


    Natasha leaned in, closing the distance with a sigh. "Freya, don''t be so cold to me."


    Freya felt a migraine pulsing behind her eyes.


    If she hadn''t done such a good job hiding herself all this time, she would''ve suspected Natasha had already figured her out.


    Are you scared Kristian won''t show up and you''ll end up in danger?" Natasha asked, as if they were old friends with years of history.


    Freya stayed silent.


    Natasha carried on without missing a beat, "Don''t worry. He''lle. We brought you here today for a reason -we''re sure he cares. Come on. Give me a smile, will you?"


    Freya didn''t respond.


    "Even if you won''t think of yourself, at least think about the little one you''re carrying. Stress isn''t good for her." Freya''s brows furrowed as she turned sharply to her. "How do you know I''m pregnant?"


    Despite the confrontation, all she could think was how badly she wanted Natasha


    to just leave. Pretending all the time was downright exhausting.


    "I know everything about you. Just hand me aputer, and I can dig up


    whatever you want," Natasha said, full of smug pride. Seeing Freya finally speak, she lit up with renewed energy.


    "Is that so?" Freya said evenly, beginning to bait the trap.


    "Of course. If you don''t believe me, ask me anything. I guarantee I can find the answer," Natasha dered, brimming with confidence.


    Freya''s expression didn''t change. "How long are you going to live?" she asked.


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    Chapter 257 Your Mentor Did The Right Thing


    Natasha blinked, speechless.


    "How many hairs are on your head?"


    Still no answer.


    "Where is the edge of the universe?"


    Natasha couldn''t reply.


    "How many cells make up your body?" Freya rattled off, one question after another.


    Natasha mmed uppletely.


    She stared at Freya and blurted, "You know, your weird questions remind me of someone."


    Freya arched a brow, confused.


    "My mentor," Natasha said absentmindedly.


    "When she used to teach me, I''d chat her ear off about real-life stuff," Natasha recalled. ¡°She didn''t like talking either. She''d just throw sarcasm at me and move on."


    Freya didn''t respond, her expression steady and unreadable.


    Natasha poked her cheek. "Why are you quiet again?"


    "Your mentor did the right thing," Freya said, calmly praising herself.


    "What? I really don''t understand people who hate talking," Natasha muttered, resting her chin on her hand with a pout. "Not talking, no interaction... Don''t you find that painfully boring and-"


    Before she could finish, she noticed Freya had already curled up on the nket and drifted off, ignoring her


    Natasha was left with a whirlwind of questions tumbling through her mind. She hadn''t even gotten to finish


    what she was saying.


    She''d originally nned to drag Freya into a heart-to-heart about life, but remembering the baby, she bit her


    tongue.


    That night, Natasha stayed in the basement.


    Freya considered kicking her out, but since Natasha wasn''t actively doing anything, she decided to let it slide


    for now.


    Meanwhile, Kristian had been anxiously waiting for Brendan''s call, from dusk to the break of dawn.


    He hadn''t dared to let his guard down for even a second. Just when he started suspecting that something was wrong with his phone, Gerard arrived with Frederick in tow.


    The moment Kristian saw him, he knew it had been arranged by Freya.


    He didn''t object and let Frederick in.


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    "Mr. Shaw, that man will likely be reaching out to you soon," Frederick said, carrying aptop with him. Despite his youthful looks, his demeanor was steady. "No matter what you receive, please remain calm and rational."


    "Is Freya in danger?" Kristian asked, picking up on the implications.


    Sticking to Freya''s earlier instructions, Frederick answered evenly, "No."


    Kristian didn''t buy it. If she wasn''t in danger, why would she send Freder to babysit him?


    As the conversation lingered in the air, Kristian''s phone lit up. He assumed it was some junk notification and almost dismissed it, but realized it was an email.


    A sudden wave of dread hit him like a punch to the gut. He opened it and clicked on the video attachment.


    The second the footage loaded, his chest tightened-Freya was in a basement, hands bound.


    Forcing down his panic, he passed the phone to Frederick. "This is what you call not being in danger?"


    "Freya''s not afraid of snakes," Frederick replied evenly. "Chances are, the video cuts off because she''s already killed every one of them."


    Kristian''s jaw clenched. He said nothing.


    Just as he was about to ask where Freya was being held, a call came through-


    an unknown number.


    He nced at Frederick, then picked it up and put it on speaker.


    "Kristian, did you enjoy the video I sent?" The voice on the other end was distorted-unrecognizable, run


    through a voice changer.


    Kristian''s eyes darkened. "Who are you?"


    "Who I am isn''t important. What matters is that if you want Freya and her baby safe, you''ll do exactly as I say," Brendan drawled, his toneced with something that urged deeper reflection. "Otherwise, your child will be the


    first to go."


    "What child?" Kristian kept his cool when it mattered most.


    Hearing the question, Frederick exhaled in relief.


    They hadn''t been exposed.


    "You should be thanking me." Brendan felt a wave of reassurance wash over him


    the moment he confirmed that Kristian was genuinely unaware of Freya''s pregnancy. "If I hadn''t nned something on your grandfather''s birthday, you wouldn''t even have a child on the way."


    Kristian said nothing.


    The well-timed silence made the caller believe he was processing the truth.


    "If you don''t believe me, check your email. There''s a pregnancy report attached. After that, you can decide if you want to follow my instructions."


    And with that, the call ended.


    If Freya hadn''tid the groundwork beforehand, Kristian might have been sent


    into a full-blown panic.


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    < Chapter 257 Your Mentor Did The Right Thing


    Even knowing it was all part of the n, he still couldn''t shake his worry for her.


    "Don''t worry. Freya''s safe," Frederick assured him again.


    Kristian remained silent. He opened the new email and clicked on the attached image.


    He had to admit-Freya had truly thought of everything. She''d even prepared the report in advance.


    After viewing the photo, he noticed a message beneath it.


    It read, "If you don''t want Freya to be harmed, go sit on the beach overnight before 6 PM today. You may only wear a shirt on your upper body. If you refuse, I''ll throw her into ice water for the night. And if you call the police, she dies."


    Krist¨ªan read the message in full, then took his phone and headed out.


    Frederick stopped him. "Where are you going?"


    "To the beach," Kristian replied without hesitation.

 Chapter 258

    Chapter 258 I Just Want


    Her To Be Safe


    "You''re not going." Frederick grabbed Kristian firmly, his face etched with urgency. "He''s just using scare tactics.


    Freya can handle herself. You''ve got to trust her."


    "But what if something goes wrong?" Kristian''s presence was cold and


    amplifying the intensity of his aura.


    He couldn''t afford to take that kind of risk.


    Soaking in icy water was dangerous-especially for a woman-and he couldn''t stand by and let that happen.


    "Freya knows what she''s doing. You''ve got to believe in her," Frederick insisted again.


    "How exactly is she supposed to handle it?" Kristian lowered his eyes, his voice calm but razor-sharp. His


    question struck Frederick dumb. "She''s not going in there as your teammate- she''s going as my ex-wife. What


    do you expect her to do in a ce she doesn''t know, surrounded by strangers? You think she''s going to blow


    her cover?"


    Frederick stood frozen under the barrage of questions, words caught somewhere in his throat.


    If Freya didn''t want to expose her identity, then she wouldn''t use her skills. That much made sense.


    Because if she did, Brendan would know she was K.


    But...


    "You''ll get sick sitting out there all night in just a shirt," Frederick tried again, switching tactics. "That ce he told you to go? It''s two, maybe three degrees Celsius at dawn."


    Even bundled in a heavy coat, it''d be bone-chilling. And Kristian wasn''t even dressed for it.


    Kristian paused, considering, then muttered, "It doesn''t matter what happens to me. I just want her to be safe."


    "Didn''t Freya ask you to trust her?" Frederick threw out hisst card. "If you go now, you''re telling her you don''t. Aren''t you afraid she''ll walk away for good?"


    Was he? Kristian asked himself that very thing. He was afraid. Terrified.


    But deep down, he knew-Freya had already walked away. The fact that she''d forgiven him proved it.


    "She''s already moved on." Something in his tone shifted, like he''d finally epted it. "No matter what I do,


    she''s noting back, is she?"


    Frederick''s voice caught in his throat.


    His lips parted, but no words came out.


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    Kristian turned without another word and drove straight to the location Brendan had given him. He didn''t understand why Brendan was going against him.


    He didn''t think about it. All he cared about was Freya.


    He regretted agreeing to her n.


    Even if she had a personal vendetta against Brendan, he never should''ve leher


    go through with it. It should''ve been him from the beginning.


    Frederick couldn''t stop Kristian, so he called Trent right away.


    After taking in everything Frederick ryed, Trent merely advised him to stayposed and keep tracking Freya''s whereabouts.


    As for Kristian...


    There was no controlling him.


    He was the kind of man who did what he wanted, no matter what anyone said.


    It was a little after nine in the morning in Alerith, but one in the morning where Brendan was.


    After hisst call with Kristian, Brendan went to bed. He got upter, had breakfast, went about his day-and by the time everything was done, it was ten in the morning.


    Back in Alerith, it was six in the evening.


    Brendan checked the time, then had Freya brought up from the basement. This


    time, he treated her more like a guest than a hostage.


    He didn''t tie her up and even offered her a seat politely.


    Freya eyed him warily. "How long do you n on keeping me here?"


    "Not much longer. I''ll be taking you away soon," Brendan replied with a charming


    smile. "But before we leave, there''s something I want you to see."


    Freya didn''t reply.


    He handed her an iPad without exnation.


    She took it, hesitant, but curious enough to look.


    A live feed popped up-someone in a white shirt was sitting quietly on a beach.


    The camera didn''t capture his face clearly, but Freya knew that silhouette. "Why are you showing me this?" she asked, voice t.


    "It seems your ex still has some lingering feelings," Brendan said, arching a brow.


    "I gave him two options- either sit by the sea all night or let you soak in ice water all night. He chose the first."


    Freya frowned. So Frederick hadn''t been able to stop Kristian.


    Brendan wasn''t hurting her far from Kristian-he wanted to do it close, where it would sting more for Kristian.


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    When he said she''d soak all night, she figured it''d probably be no more than an hour.


    She could handle that.


    "You don''t love him anymore, do you?" Brendan asked when she stayed quiet. "Doesn''t this feel a little like revenge?"


    "What''s your grudge against him?" Freya asked, straight to the point.


    Brendan''s face soured. He didn''t like the question and quickly lost interest. "That''s none of your business."


    "Natasha."


    "What?" Natasha looked up.


    "Pack up. We''re heading to Dora Isle in three hours," Brendan ordered.


    Natasha nced at Freya. "What about them?"


    "Take them with us."


    "Got it."


    With that, Brendan headed upstairs.


    Freya, still confused, asked Natasha, who was packing up aputer, "Where''s Dora Isle?"


    "Used to be Butterfly Ind," Natasha exined casually. "Brendan bought it and renamed it Dora Isle."


    Butterfly Ind? Freya immediately recalled the location. It was within the country.


    She finally felt some relief.


    ording to the n, if Brendan had wanted to move Kristian overseas, she


    would''ve needed to redirect him


    somewhere domestic.


    Luckily, it was all working out.


    "Why is he taking me there?" she asked again, to avoid suspicion.


    "Probably to meet Kristian," Natasha answered as she continued to pack. "I''m not


    totally sure. He just told me


    to bring you and Ashley."


    Freya thought hard while she waited.


    Three hourster, Brendan came down, pulling a pink suitcase behind him.


    He gave Natasha and the others a few quick instructions, then climbed into a car.


    Natasha loaded Freya and


    Ashley into another and followed.


    After a series of transfers, Freya was taken onto a ship.


    Brendan nestled the pink suitcase into a carefully chosen corner, his movements


    meticulous, almost reverent -like the slightest jolt might shatter something delicate


    inside.


    Once it was safely in ce, his expression shifted back to its usual indifference.


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    "Curious where I''m taking you?" He lounged in a seat nearby, legs crossed as if


    they were on a yacht trip


    "Are you going to tell me?" Freya asked.


    "Why not?" Brendan casually slipped an arm around Ashley, his smile so dazzling


    it could light up the room. "You''re someone I rather enjoy,"


    Freya said nothing


    "In six hours, you''ll see your ex-husband," Brendan said slowly. "Excited?"

 Chapter 259

    Chapter 259 She''s K


    "You should let me go now. Once the police arrive, there won''t be a way out," Freya said, following the typical script of a kidnapping victim. "I''ve been missing for twenty-four hours. My family''s bound to report it."


    Natasha cleared her throat gently.


    Freya turned her head.


    Natasha''s gaze flicked around nervously as she scratched her cheek. "Your family probably isn''t looking for you."


    "What do you mean?" Freya yed along, keeping her tone innocent.


    "I''ve messaged your dad and sister. I told them you were off on a short trip," Natasha said, her voice carrying a thread of unease.


    She wasn''t sure if Freya would see her as the enemy. Because truthfully, she really liked Freya.


    "Give me my phone." Freya demanded, sounding just frustrated enough.


    "I didn''t take it. I essed it remotely," Natasha replied quickly.


    Freya let her anger show-believable, but measured. She already knew Natasha could tap into her phone because she''d given her that ess herself.


    If she hadn''t, Natasha''s sharp instincts would''ve sniffed out the truth that Freya was K.


    Ashley stood off to the side, quietly stunned by Freya''s performance.


    Despite her skills, she waspletely convincing as someone vulnerable.


    "Ashley." Brendan''s voice cut through the tension.


    Ashley flinched, still scared of him. "What?"


    "Your grandma and your brother are in my hands. Tell me where K is, and I''ll


    release them. Refuse, and they die," Brendan said coolly.


    Ashley''s first instinct was to look at Freya, but she stopped herself. If she so much


    as nced at her, Brendan would know something was off.


    Freya also tensed up, though her expression stayed calm and detached.


    She was ready to act the second it became necessary.


    Thankfully, Ashley held firm.


    "I don''t know anything about this K person," Ashley said, eyes wide with panic.


    "Still lying?"


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    "I''m not!"


    Brendan leaned in, his hand gently cupping her cheek, the touch so soft it made


    her tremble. ¡°You haven''t changed in two years. Still stubborn as ever."


    Ashley''s chest tightened.


    Right in front of her, Brendan made a call. "Kill the old woman."


    "No!" Ashley lunged for his phone, her voice cracking.


    4


    But he''d already hung up. His cold eyes cut into her like ice. "Disobedient pets are easily dealt with. Got it?"


    Tears welled up in Ashley''s eyes. She wanted to rip him apart, but she couldn''t risk it-not when her brother''s life was still at stake.


    "If you don''t talk, your brother will be next," Brendan said softly, his calm tone only making the threat more terrifying.


    Ashley broke. Tears streamed down her face. "I really don''t know!"


    Then a notification dinged.


    Brendan''s phone lit up.


    Ashley''s heart stopped.


    And then she saw it-a photo that made her blood run cold.


    Her eyes locked on the image: an elderly woman, shot in the heart. She froze, mind nk.


    Grandma...


    "What did you do to her?!" Ashley screamed, grabbing his phone, wing at his cor. "What did you do!"


    Brendan said nothing. He simply stared at her, eyes devoid of warmth, gaze sharp enough to chill her to the bone.


    Ashley trembled. She didn''t know what to do.


    Freya had promised she could be trusted-but now her grandma was dead. What was she supposed to do now?


    Freya had also seen the photo.


    It looked real, but not real enough. A gunshot wound wouldn''t look like that. The scene was staged. She was sure of it-Ashley''s grandma and brother were safe.


    Before Freya was captured, she''d warned Ellis about this exact possibility. Anyone Ellis protected was beyond Brendan''s reach.


    No way Ellis''s people could get in that ce, let alone carry weapons.


    But she couldn''t let Ashley know that-not even a nce could be spared. Brendan was watching everything.


    "You''re out of time." Brendan calmly pulled her hand from his clothes. "Your brother''s life is in your hands. One minute."


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    Ashley felt like she''d been tossed back into the dark basement-frozen, hopeless,


    trapped in that same nightmare.


    She was now even with Freya,


    Fresh streams of tears slipped down her cheeks.


    She bit her lip, staring up at Brendan, wondering how someone could be cold- blooded.


    "If I tell you, will you let my brother go?" she asked, voice small and fragile. Brendan looked up at her. "That''s right."


    He believed K would surely act this time. But ever since Freya had been taken,


    there''d been no movement. Nothing from K. That silence was strange.


    Even with Brendan''s lockdowns, someone like K should''ve found a way in or at least left a trace.


    Unless... Unless something had gone wrong.


    That idea made Brendan uneasy. He hated variables.


    On the sidelines, Natasha and Freya remained still.


    Natasha watched like she was observing a drama. Freya''s fingers quietly


    wrapped around a custom poker card in her right palm.


    She watched Ashley closely.


    If Ashley betrayed her, she wouldn''t me her.


    Brendan was a master maniptor. Ashley had no way of knowing what a real gunshot wound looked like. She


    had every reason to believe her grandmother was dead.


    If Ashley broke-and Brendan came for her-Freya would act instantly. She''d injure


    him and take him hostage


    if needed.


    But there''d be


    no


    Not on this ship, not surrounded by Brendan''s elite guards.


    "How do I know you''ll keep your promise?" Ashley''s voice shook as she tried to


    hold on.


    She wanted to save her brother. But not at the cost of Freya''s life.


    She had no idea what to do.


    "You have no choice." Brendan checked his watch. "Three seconds. After that, say


    goodbye to your


    "Three... Two..."


    Ashley''s mind spun. Her heart pounded. She didn''t know what to do.


    Then Brendan gave the final blow. "One. Toote. He''s dead."


    "It''s her." Ashley suddenly pointed at Freya, her voice trembling. "She''s K."


    brother."


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 Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 260

    Chapter 260 Completely Unhinged


    Both Brendan and Natasha turned to Freya at the exact same time.


    Freya''s face didn''t shift in the slightest; she wasn''t about to give anything away- not until the final moment arrived.


    "Or maybe she''s K," Ashley snapped, pointing her finger at Natasha with a shrug that said she had nothing left to lose. "If you''re still not convinced, you can say I''m K."


    Brendan let out a quiet chuckle. "Are you really that eager to get your brother killed?"


    "I''ve already told you," Ashley said sharply. "You''re the one who refuses to believe me."


    Brendan studied her.


    Ashley met his gaze head-on, and for once, the fear that had been gnawing at her seemed to recede. "You want me to name someone I''ve never seen or heard of? How the hell am I supposed to do that? Go on, kill me. Maybe K will swoop in and rescue me."


    "You''ve got a death wish, don''t you?" Brendan murmured, idly lifting her chin between his fingers.


    Ashley''s heart thudded in her chest. "It''s you who wants me dead!"


    "If you don''t know, just admit it. Why get all worked up?" He let go of her chin and casually drew her into hisp, "How could I ever not trust you?"


    Ashley didn''t flinch.


    She knew his moods too well. One second he was cold and cruel, the next he was ying the tender lover. He waspletely unhinged.


    "If you listen to me, your brother stays alive." Brendan gently tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear.


    Ashley''s body quivered ever so slightly, a chill running down her spine as sweat soaked the back of her blouse.


    Freya, watching it all unfold, wasn''t fooled for a second. That so-called tender touch? It wasn''t affection-it was a calcted check for any hidden earpiece.


    His mind worked in twisted, meticulous ways.


    "Ashley," Brendan said sweetly, his voice coated with charm, like he was in unusually high spirits.


    The sound sent ice straight through her veins. Any warmth she had left was gone.


    Brendan grabbed her chin again, forcing her to look at him. "Are you mad at me?"


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    "I dare not."


    "How about I let you bite me to vent your anger?" He coaxed her, his tone as patient and gentle as a lover''s.


    To someone watching, he might''ve passed for a doting boyfriend.


    But Ashley only felt dread.


    She''d seen firsthand just how fast he could flip.


    "I''m only trying to protect you," Brendan said, his long fingers pinching her waist with a smile that looked more like a threat. "K is bad news. If you tangle with her, you''ll end up in a world of pain."


    "More like the pain wille from you!" Ashley didn''t say it out loud, but she thought it anyway.


    Brendan started counting her fingers. "Your grandma''s in pain, old and frail. I''m doing this for her sake. Can''t you see I mean well?"


    Her heart gave a sharp twist, and that awful scene she''d just seen sprang back into her mind.


    Someday, she''d make him pay-everyst drop of blood he owed-for what he did to her grandmother.


    "Do you understand?" he asked again, noticing the flicker in her eyes. He pinched her harder this time.


    A wave of dread surged through her. Forcing the words out, she muttered the thing she most didn''t want to say, "I understand."


    "Good girl," Brendan purred, clearly pleased.


    Natasha, having watched enough, shot Brendan a re. "What''s wrong with you, scaring a woman like that?"


    "I enjoy it. What''s it to you?" Brendan repliedzily. "You just focus on finding K."


    "I can''t find her," Natasha snapped, one of the few who dared talk back to him. Then she turned to Ashley.


    "Your grandma''s fine. He was lying."


    "What..." Ashley froze.


    "That photo? It was edited. He paid someone to make it look real,¡± Natasha exined, and Brendan didn''t bother stopping her. "Your grandma''s alive and perfectly safe."


    Panic gripped Ashley.


    Brendan was beyond terrifying.


    The picture had looked so real, not a single w. If she had turned on Freya back there, she would''ve betrayed


    her all over again.


    She nced at Natasha, though her eyes briefly flicked toward Freya. Freya had kept her promise after all.


    "Is it true?" Ashley asked, eyes darting back to Brendan. "She''s not dead?"


    "In your heart, do you really think I''m the type to kill for no reason?" Brendan poured himself a ss of wine with that infuriating air of sophistication that never quite matched the madness in his eyes.


    She did think that.


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    But she''d never say it aloud. So she just muttered, "No."


    Brendan smiled, but it was empty. His gentleness never warmed the air around him-he was a gentleman in appearance, a lunatic underneath. She knew better than to provoke him.


    The memories were carved into her bones, and she was afraid.


    He didn''t call her bluff, sipping his wine slowly.


    Fear kept herpliant.


    Fear would keep her from trying to escape and ensure she stayed leashed at his


    side.


    A whileter, Brendan pulled out an iPad.


    When he saw Kristian sitting alone on the beach in nothing but a shirt, something strange stirred in his chest.


    Kristian owed him. And he would pay for it-every bit.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs,¡± Brendan said, handing the iPad to Freya. ¡°Take a look at your ex- husband. Doesn''t he look


    pathetic?"


    Freya looked.


    In that bleak setting, Kristian sat on the sand, the sea wind cutting into him like knives. Even from a screen,


    cold seeped through.


    He was stubborn to the end, refusing to believe in her. He didn''t have to be suffering like this.


    "What exactly do you have against him?" Freya asked for the second time.


    "He stole you, the person I loved most. And then he treated you like nothing," Brendan said smoothly.


    Freya didn''t buy a word of it. "If you hadn''t sent Ashley to him, would this even have happened?"


    the


    "I only told her to test him. How was I supposed to know he''d actually divorce you


    for her?" Brendan spoke as though narrating a fairytale. "A man like that-should he be dumped in the ocean, or should I cut out his heart?"


    "Whatever happens to him isn''t my concern," Freya said, her voice steady. "I just want to know when you''ll let


    me go."


    "I''ll let you go when he''s dead," Brendan said without hesitation.


    Freya''s brows drew together.


    Roughly half an hour passed before Freya confirmed the ship''s course was set


    toward Butterfly Ind.


    While Natasha and Brendan were distracted, she covertly activated the small device she''d hidden in advance.


    It had three buttons-one for international, one for domestic, and one for unknown


    locations.


    She pressed the second.


    Butterfly Ind was domestic territory.


    Once the signal was sent, she remained seated, staring at the scenery drifting


    past outside the ship.


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    The message with the domestic coordinates was on its way, but the ind was so


    far off the beaten path that


    no one ever went there casually


    If Freya''s friends followed the tracker, Brendan''s people might notice right away.


    She had to find a way to warn


    them about the exact location-before it was toote.


    Chapter 261 Barging

 Left Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 261

    Chapter 261 Barging In The


    Bathroom


    Lost in thought, Freya came up with an idea-though she wasn''t entirely sure it would work.


    She rose to her feet, but before she could take a single step, Brendan''s eyesnded squarely on her. "Ms. Briggs, where do you think you''re going?"


    "To the restroom," Freya answered crisply.


    Brendan turned to Natasha and said, "Go with her."


    "Is that really necessary?" Natasha asked,zily sipping her juice through a straw. "It''s not like she can jump ship."


    ¡°She can''t run, true, but hiding''s a different story on a vessel this size," Brendan replied, casting a pointed nce at Freya. "Besides, she doesn''t know her way around. What if she gets lost?"


    Setting down her juice, Natasha stood and followed Freya toward the restroom.


    Along the way, she kept up a friendly chatter,ced with concern. "Any preference for dinner? I can talk to the chef for you."


    "I''m not picky."


    "You remind me of my mentor," Natasha said, ncing sideways at her.


    To deflect suspicion, Freya asked casually, "Is that why you''re being so nice- because I remind you of her?"


    "Of course not," Natasha retorted with a softugh. "I just think the two of you would''ve hit it off. Quiet types, not fussy about food."


    "You''re reading too much into it," Freya said with a shrug, her tone breezy.


    When they reached the restroom, Freya went through the motions and stepped out wearing a hesitant expression.


    Natasha noticed immediately and asked bluntly, "What''s wrong?"


    "I want to take a shower," Freya admitted. "I didn''t get tost night, and I''m feeling ufortable.".


    "Go ahead,¡± Natasha said, not nearly as strict about such things as Brendan. "I¡¯II take you."


    Freya followed along, thinking to herself that having a former apprentice who had switched allegiances could


    actually be quite handy.


    Natasha led her to the room, gave a few brief instructions, then locked the door and returned to Brendan.


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    Freya casually scanned the room to check for cameras. Finding none, she slipped on a few fingerstalls and opened Natasha''sptop.


    She knew it was wrong to use someone else''s things without asking, but given the situation, she had no choice.


    The moment the device powered on, Natasha received a notification.


    Freya spotted it but stayedposed, her fingers flying across the keyboats


    In no time at all, she sent a message about their destination-Butterfly Ind-to Greta and the rest, including Ellis.


    She thought about messaging Kristian too, but knew he''d act on his own terms regardless. In the end, she just typed, "Don''t worry, I''m safe."


    Once the messages were sent, she essed Frederick''s system and nted a virus into Natasha''s machine.


    Just as she finished, a chat box popped up on the screen. "Is that you?" Frederick was clearly excited, but didn''t dare call her Freya in case it wasn''t really her on the other end.


    Freya knew her time was limited, and that Natasha would likelye check after receiving the notification.


    She quickly typed back, "Yes. Open the program I sent to yourputer and hit Enter every ten minutes. I just uploaded a virus to Natasha''sptop. Pressing Enter will upgrade it."


    Frederick, ever dependable, replied, "No problem."


    Freya closed the chat, wiped all traces, and powered theptop down.


    Making sure there were no fingerprints, she stepped into the bathroom, turned on the water, and began to undress.


    When Natasha returned, the first thing she did was check herptop. Seeing it off, she frowned slightly. What was this? How could there be a power-on alert when the device was shut down?


    Her first instinct was to suspect Freya, but then again, if Freya had turned it on and then off, there should''ve been a shutdown notification too.


    Puzzled, she switched on theptop. And what she saw left her utterly stunned!


    She couldn''t think about anything else, dragging over a chair and diving into the code to crack the virus.


    Just when she was on the verge of breaking it, the virus upgraded.


    At first, Natasha suspected Freya-if she were K, she might know how to turn theptop off without triggering any alerts.


    But after the upgrade, her doubts faded.


    Something felt off.


    Natasha froze at the keyboard.


    What if Freya was only pretending to shower while attacking her system from inside?


    With that chilling thought, she ignored the virus.


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    It was just code-it might fry herptop, maybe even reveal her location.


    Nothing she couldn''t handle.


    Tiptoeing to the bathroom door, she listened to the water, bit her lip in determination, then pushed the door open and barged in.


    Startled by the noise, Freya immediately grabbed a towel, her eyes sharp and wary.


    She''d figured Natasha might hover by the door, trying to catch the sound of running water and confirm she was actually showering-but barging in like that? That hadn''t even crossed her mind.


    "What are you doing?" Freya asked, brows furrowing.


    "N-Nothing," Natasha stammered, her face turning beet red. "I just... wanted to make sure things were safe in


    here."


    Freya shot her a look and said simply, "Out."


    "We''re both women. No need to be shy," Natasha replied, though her gaze flicked


    to Freya''s flushed skin, and her own cheeks darkened. "I''ll just... leave. Take your time..."


    She shut the door awkwardly behind her and covered her face with her hands.


    What was wrong with her? Why had she even thought Freya was faking a shower?


    Freya must think she was some kind of creep now!


    Her mentor always said to take responsibility for one''s actions-but how was she,


    a woman, supposed to take responsibility for walking in on another woman? What now? That virus had truly messed her up.


    Meanwhile, Freya had no idea her apprentice was spiraling outside the door.


    Still uneasy, she rinsed off quickly. Before she could leave, Natasha was already there, waiting with a bag in hand, saying she''d brought some clothes.


    Freya epted, changing into them while drying her own garments.


    After getting dressed, she discreetly hid the miniature tracker Ellis had given her


    in the most secure ce she could manage, then strapped the poker and another device to her body.


    Once she was set, she stepped out.


    And right there, Natasha was waiting, ncing back with an awkward look on her


    face.


    "Freya... wait for me," Natasha said. "Once everything''s over, I promise I''ll make


    amends."


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 Left Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 262

    O <


    Chapter 262 Can I Take Freya With Me


    Freya found herself utterly tongue-tied. She instinctively dismissed Natasha''s words without giving them a second thought.


    After ncing at Natasha-still hunched over theptop, diligently trying to crack the virus-Freya stepped away to dry her clothes.


    The outfit Natasha had handed her resembled a pair of soft, loose pajamas. While it was decent enough to wear indoors, it certainly wasn''t ideal forbat or any sort of rigorous activity.


    Thankfully, Freya''s own clothes dried quickly, and she slipped back into them while Natasha remained absorbed in her work. Everything else had been neatly restored to its original ce.


    When Natasha finally finished, she looked up and noticed Freya had already changed. "Freya, don''t you like the clothes I gave you?"


    "They''re not suitable for going out."


    "You could just stay here and sleep in this room. I''ll speak to Brendan."


    "He won''t agree,"


    "Then I''ve got other clothes. You can pick whatever you like."


    "No, thanks," Freya declined calmly. "I''m heading out now. Thank you."


    Seeing Freya act so distant made Natasha feel a pang of difort. She couldn''t shake the feeling that Freya''s coldness stemmed from viewing her as some sort


    of creep.


    Luckily, the virus had been dealt with, so Natasha simply followed along.


    Brendan, noticing the two women had taken longer than expected, furrowed his brows slightly. "What took you so long?".


    "It was my fault," Natasha confessed. "My mentor nted a virus in myptop and just now tracked my location. She probably knows exactly where we are."


    "K?"


    "Yes."


    Brendan instinctively turned his gaze toward Freya.


    Right after Natasha had stepped away from theptop, it hade under attack. Could that really be a


    coincidence?


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    "Myptop got backed while she was besh me wake expliced fury, Conning sex to da mate her"


    If sheid everything bare, they all definitely think the wee boy chay daha tended to hold CA details


    in


    Ashley, overbearing bits of their exchange, word ons eied by how freys had managed to pull it off


    Freya had never openly admitted she was 7, but we an awrything that had haysened, Ashley and certain "Did you find her location?" Brendan wah


    "I couldn''t find her," Natasha said it with confiction. "Didn''t I tell you? I can beat anyone else, bor if it''s my


    but mentor, I absolutely lose."


    K was on another level.


    Brendan''s eyes remained unreadable, but he didn''t say anything more


    No one could surpass K in the world ofputing-but without aputer, she was just a regr person With that thought in mind, Brendan discreetly sent out a message from his phone.


    While things on Brendan''s end had be rtively calmer, elsewhere the mood was entirely different.


    After receiving Freya''s message about Butterfly Ind, Greta and her friends immediately set off Trent and Frederick began making their own preparations.


    Ellis had started contacting his connections.


    As for Kristian, he received a text from an unlisted number. It was clearly a virtual line, but he immediately knew it was Freya who had sent it.


    Just seeing that she was safe made him breathe easier.


    The sea breeze was sharp at this hour, and with only a thin shirt on, Kristian shivered but didn''t move.


    After reading Freya''s message, he made a call. When the other line picked up, he asked, "Have you pinpointed Freya''s location?"


    "Yes," came the quick reply. "She''s on Brendan''s ship. Based on their current trajectory, there are three possible destinations-Butterfly Ind, Cloud Ind, and Graham. It''s unclear where they''re ultimately headed."


    "No matter which ce it ends up being, I just want her safe," Kristian stressed.


    The person on the other end of the phone replied, "No problem."


    After ending the call, Kristian felt a small wave of relief settle over him.


    Brendan''s men were monitoring his every move, so the moment he ended that call, it was reported.


    Brendan turned to Natasha and ordered her to check who Kristian had contacted.


    But they came up empty.


    "Didn''t you say no one could beat you except K?" Brendan''s tone hinted at skepticism, as though he thought


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    Natasha was ying games.


    "The person Kristian called is either my mentor or someone''s phone she created encryption for," Natasha stated firmly. Based on the interception I encountered,


    the phone owner is likely someone who utilized her top -tier secure phone system."


    Brendan was stunned.


    Meanwhile, Freya remained pensive.


    She had once sold a highly secure phone system to five individuals. Could Kristian be connected to one of them?


    "Are you certain the person he contacted isn''t K?" Brendan pressed. "Positive,¡± Natasha replied without hesitation. "If it were my mentor, she''d likelymunicate through text."


    "Look into everyone she sold that system to. Find out who they are," Brendan ordered at once. "When you''ve got names, give them to me."


    Natasha was speechless.


    Brendan arched a brow. "Why aren''t you searching?"


    "I can''t dig up anything about my mentor," Natasha answered candidly. "No one


    can trace her transactions."


    Brendan regarded her silently, swirling the wine in his ss.


    After a while, he seemed to ept it.


    "If we can''t find her, then so be it. Once we get to Sweet Ind, whether she


    shows up or not won''t change


    anything."


    By then, his attention would be focused on executing his n.


    Even if K did appear, she wouldn''t be able to stop him.


    "Natasha." Brendan set down his ss. "Come with me for a moment."


    Natasha stood and followed him out to the deck. She leaned on the railing, letting the wind clear her mind, and asked, "Why did you bring me here?" "When we get to Sweet Ind, take a yacht and leave," Brendan said, eyes fixed


    on the open sea. No one could guess what he was truly thinking. "I''ve already arranged everything. Whatever happens next won''t concern you."


    "Can I take Freya with me?"


    "No, you


    can''t."


    "Alright." Natasha didn''t argue or press him further. That was exactly why Brendan


    had kept her around all


    this time.


    Ashley stood at a distance, watching them near the edge of the ship, biting her


    lower lip. Finally, she managed to get Freya alone for a moment. "Freya... I''m


    sorry..."


    "You did well," Freya murmured, just loud enough for her to hear.


    Even in that kind of situation, Ashley had still thought of her. That was rare.


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    Ashley''s eyes went red instantly. She was afraid Brendan might set his sights on Freya and eventually uncover who she really was.


    "If things get dangerous, don''t worry about me. Just go," Freya instructed quietly.


    She didn''t know what she was walking into, but she wouldn''t let Ashley get caught


    in it.


    "What about you?" Ashley asked.


    "I''ve got someone who''ll help," Freya assured her.


    Ashley still felt uneasy but knew better than to argue.


    Freya had already thought about taking Brendan down right here on the ship and


    forcing his crew to reroute toward her friends. It would be clean and efficient.


    But then she thought of Brendan''s nature.


    He''d sooner blow up the ship than let anyone foil his ns.

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    Chapter 263 Destroying Her Tracker


    Time dragged its feet and flew all at once, thick with a tension that chung like fog-an uneasy anticipation that


    refused to lift.


    While they were still at sea, Brendan made a call to Kristian, instructing him to head somewhere discreet


    where someone would guide him to Freya


    Freya, of course, had no clue this call had even taken ce.


    She stayed aboard the ship, and when she tried to wander and explore, Brendan swiftly shut her down


    Over an hour passed before they were just five minutes out from Butterfly Ind, and that was when Brendan had someone blindfold both Freya and Ashley.


    The vessel crept slowly toward the ind, its hull slicing through the water like a whisper.


    Had Freya been able to see, she would have caught sight of massive towers cutting off all signals and armed men in ck standing guard across the ind, sealing it off like a fortress.


    But she didn''t. She was blind to it all.


    She had no inkling that whaty ahead was far worse than anything she could have imagined-nor that Brendan had finally lost all grasp on reality.


    When the ship finally docked at Butterfly Ind, Freya and Ashley were led away, while the rest of the passengers gradually began to disembark.


    In the end, only Natasha and Brendan remained on board.


    Brendan stood on the deck, eyes fixed on a distant yacht, and said to Natasha, "Whatever happens here, don''t


    Natasha stared at him. She''d never seen him like this before. "What are you nning to do?"


    "To settle things with Kristian once and for all. His lips curled into a strange smile. "For your own safety, stay away. I might not be able to hold back this time."


    Natasha''s brow furrowed in quiet concern.


    Brendan motioned toward the yacht, silently urging her to go.


    She didn''t argue. She grabbed herptop and paused at the edge of the ship. "And if Kristian doesn''t love Freya anymore, then what?"


    "I''ll kidnap his entire family," Brendan answered coolly, his tone detached though his expression remained eerily calm. "One by one, I''ll make him watch them die right in front of him."


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    He regretted not thinking bigger.


    Just taking Freya had been too tame too dull. He should''ve taken the whole lot


    when the divorce papers were


    signed.


    That would''ve been truly satisfying


    "You''re insane," Natasha said tly.


    Brendan let out a lowugh. "Aren''t you, too?"


    "I''m leaving." She didn''t bother responding to that. With her back turned to him,


    she waved a hand and


    climbed onto the yacht.


    He wasn''t wrong. They were both out of their minds.


    But she wasn''t like him. Her wild streak had been softened when she met K. Now, she was more carefree.


    She could walk away from anything, anyone, without looking back.


    Just like now. She knew the risk Freya faced on Butterfly Ind, and still, she left her behind.


    It was 9:30 AM in Alerith. The time on Butterfly Ind was exactly the same.


    From the moment Freya stepped off the ship, blindfolded, she''d beenmitting every detail around her to


    memory.


    Now, with the wind brushing her cheeks and the waves crashing violently below, she guessed they were close


    to a cliff.


    She was right. The guards led both Freya and Ashley to the ind''s highest


    point-a sheer cliff-before removing their blindfolds.


    As her vision cleared, Freya''s eyes darted across the scene.


    Armed guards stood stationed nearby, and she quickly scanned her surroundings.


    Only then did it hit her.


    The entire ind was crawling with Brendan''s guards in ck.


    A chilling thought seized her.


    Her friends must note.


    Brendan had deployed so many men across the ind that even if her friends showed up, it wouldn''t make a damn bit of difference.


    A small handful of them couldn''t possibly take on hundreds of armed guards without being noticed. And knowing Brendan-how he snapped at the slightest loss-if he so much as saw one man go down, he''d strike back without hesitation. Freya couldn''t risk that. The fallout would be far too great.


    Thinking fast, she slipped out the tiny micro-tracker Ellis had once given her. Without hesitation, she popped it into her mouth, bit down, and swallowed it whole.


    There was no crushing it by hand, no smashing it on the rocks-it was too delicate. Any attempt to destroy it


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    openly would only alert Brendan.


    This was the only safe way.


    Meanwhile, on Ellis''s end, he was in a car beside a friend-one d in a military uniform.


    They were in the middle of reviewing precautions when Ellis suddenly noticed something off.


    The red dot on his watch-the one marking Freya''s tracker-had vanished ¡ú ¡ú Immediately, Greta called. ¡°Captain... why is Mina''s signal gone?¡±


    They understood what it meant. Everyone else''s signals had vanished when they entered a zone with jammers, but Mina''s was supposed to be advanced. It wasn''t supposed to be blocked by anything.


    "Return to Alerith," Ellis ordered without a hint of doubt.


    He was their former captain, and staying calm was second nature.


    Still, the team hesitated. "Why?" they asked in unison.


    "There''s trouble on Butterfly Ind. Without equipment, it''s too risky. Wait in Alerith." Ellis'' voice was calm, but hisst words carried weight. "I''ll bring Freya back."


    Freya wasn''t reckless.


    She wouldn''t have destroyed the tracker unless she believed the danger was far worse than anyone imagined.


    That foolish girl. Without the signal, how could he even find her?


    "What''s wrong?" the man beside him asked, picking up on the tension in his voice.


    "Brendan must''ve yed his final card," Ellis muttered. They had to capture him. "This won''t be easy."


    "When has it ever been?" the man beside him chuckled. "Don''t worry. The higher- ups already gave the order- Brendanes back with us."


    "Let''s go."


    Ellis''s palms were slick with sweat.


    They were still thirty minutes out from Butterfly Ind.


    Thirty long minutes.


    He shut his eyes, trying topose himself, running through every possible oue if Brendan had truly yed his trump card. The worst-case scenario? The ind locked down entirely-Brendan''s men everywhere.


    No way in or out.


    If that happened, Freya would be in real danger.


    From the moment she destroyed the tracker, Ellis knew she hadn''t nned on


    making it out.


    If she were alone, she''d have already wounded Brendan and hurled herself off


    that cliff.


    But Ashley was there now. And Kristian was on his way.


    She couldn''t be reckless. They were innocent. And she needed Brendan alive. He


    had answers her organization


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    couldn''t afford to lose


    Freya''s mind raced with possibilities. But with so many armed men and Brendan''s


    vtile temperament, there wasn''t a single path that felt safe.


    Not one

 Left Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 264

    Chapter 264 Kristian Appeared


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, are you pleased with your new surroundings?¡± Brendan stood tall, dressed in a sleek, camel coat, one hand casually gripping a pink suitcase.


    Freya''s eyes drifted to the suitcase,


    Something told her the grudge Brendan held against Kristian had everything to do with whoever that prok suitcase once belonged to.


    Keeping her voice even, she met his gaze and replied, ¡°Illegal weapons, a private army-you do know there charges alone could lock you away for a long, long time, don''t you?"


    "I''m aware," Brendan replied, utterly unfazed, "but what of it?"


    Freya''s brow tensed just slightly. This was going to be difficult.


    "Sir, he''s arrived," a guard announced, approaching briskly.


    Brendan''s lips curled, a subtle smirk tugging at the corners. "Bring him in.*


    And just like that, Kristian was led forward.


    He wore nothing but a white shirt, pale from the cold, yet he carried himself with the kind ofmanding presence that made the entire space feel like it belonged to him.


    Freya''s eyes locked onto his. Kristian looked back.


    No words passed between them.


    After confirming Freya was unharmed, Kristian turned to Brendan and cut to the chase.


    Even though he was the one taken hostage, he carried himself with the quietmand of a man still in control, as if the entire room answered to him. "I''m here now. Care to exin what this is all about?"


    "dly," Brendan answered, smiling.


    But just as Kristian opened his mouth again, he caught sight of a gun being raised-aimed directly at Freya''s


    head.


    His eyes darkened, voice cutting through the tension like ice. "Let her go."


    "I will," Brendan said smoothly, twirling a dagger in his other hand before offering it


    to him. "Take this and ot your left wrist. The blood needs to cover that stone over there. Only then will she be released."


    He pointed at a spot outlined in red.


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    Kristian''s eyes followed the motion. "And if I do it, she walks free?"


    "That''s the deal." Brendan nodded.


    Without hesitation, Kristian reached for the dagger.


    Freya suddenly understood something and tried to stop him. "Kristian, don''t do it!"


    The pink suitcase. The wrist-cutting. Dora Isle.


    It all came together.


    This wasn''t about power or politics-Brendan was after revenge. For a girl.


    "Brendan, I know what this is really about," Freya said sharply. "And honestly, don''t you think this is all just a


    little childish?"


    "Calling it childish just proves you''ve misunderstood." Brendan clearly didn''t buy it. His gaze shifted to Kristian, whose hand hovered uncertainly in mid-air, and he said with a cold edge, "I''ll count to three. If that de doesn''t slice, Freya''s the one who''ll pay the price."


    Kristian looked at Freya again.


    She saw Natasha returning from the sea, and in that split second, a bold, dangerous idea shed in her mind.


    She met Kristian''s eyes.


    That look-it made him second-guess his instincts. Could he really be reading her right?


    "Three!" Brendan began the count.


    Freya kept signaling with her eyes.


    At that moment, Kristian understood her meaning. He reached for the dagger in Brendan''s hand.


    Then, in one fluid motion, flipped it around and drove the de right up to Brendan''s throat.


    "Mr. Hoffman!" the guards cried, panicked.


    Brendan lifted his hand to halt them, that sly smile of his twisting into something a little more unhinged-wild, almost manic.


    He ran his fingers along the handle of the pink suitcase with unsettling ease, his voice low and mocking as he drawled, "You really think this little stunt can shake me? Kristian Shaw, you''re far too naive."


    Brendan spoke each word with slow, deliberate rity.


    He didn''t even flinch at the dagger pressed against his throat-his voice cold andmanding as he barked, "Break Freya''s legs!"


    "If anyone touches her," Kristian said through gritted teeth, "I''ll kill him on the


    spot." Kristian shoved the de even closer.


    But his threat didn''t shake the bodyguards in the slightest.


    Like lifeless machines, they raised their guns and aimed straight at Freya''s legs.


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    In a sh, Freya sprang into action-snatching the gun from the man beside her


    and knocking him to the ground with a swift kick.


    Seizing the chaos, she shoved Ashley toward the cliff and shouted down to Natasha, "Get her safely back to


    Alerith!"


    "What about you?" Natasha cried out, startled.


    That was when it hit her-Freya was K.


    The moment Natasha had stepped outside the signal-blocked zone on the yacht, she''d opened herptop to track her mentor-only to stumble across a letter that left her stunned.


    That''s when the truth dawned on her: Freya was K, the mentor she''d been searching for.


    Haunted by Brendan''s words, Natasha had rushed back to save Freya.


    But now, Freya had shoved Ashley down toward her, yet hadn''t followed.


    Natasha called her name again, but all she got in return was the fading outline of her figure.


    Natasha dragged Ashley out of the water. The yacht kept drifting away as she stared up at the figures on the cliff, finally yelling, "K!"


    Freya didn''t look back.


    She knew escape wasn''t an option.


    If either she or Kristian tried to leave, Brendan would give the order and everyone would be shot.


    But Ashley had no part in this, and Natasha had once helped Brendan. That favor might be enough for him to


    let them go.


    And in truth, Brendan was thinking the same.


    He had briefly considered dragging Ashley down with him, but now that she was out of reach, he let it go.


    "I should''ve guessed you were K," Brendan said with a broader, almost gleeful smile. "You ought to be d you didn''t try escaping earlier, or you''d be riddled with bullets by now."


    ¡°Brendan Hoffman, if you call off your men, you might still get a lighter sentence," Freya said, voice firm and every syble sharp. "Dragging everyone down with you is pointless."


    Brendan looked down, a gravellyugh rumbling from his chest.


    He actually looked amused.


    "Sentence?" he echoed. "No one has the power to sentence me."


    Freya''s brow knit with unease.


    Brendan didn''t resist as Kristian held the de steady at his throat. "You''d better


    be real careful with that dagger," he warned. "If you slip and kill me, the entire ind''s going up in mes."


    "What did you do?" Freya asked, a cold wave of dread rushing through her.


    "Oh, nothing too dramatic," Brendan said with a casual shrug, "just had a bunch of


    explosives rigged all over


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    this ind. If my vital signs t line, they''ll trigger the st."


    Freya genuinely thought he was out of his mind.


    Brendan kept talking, disturbingly calm. "Kristian, do you know why I had you wait


    by the sea all righ


    "Because of Dorothy," For the first time, emotion flickered across Brendan''s face. "The night they sentenced her boyfriend to death, she sat by the sea in a thin white dress... and never moyed, not even once."


    Kristian couldn''t make sense of it. What did that have to do with him?


    He was only trying to buy time-buy time for his reinforcements to arrive.


    "It all started with you," Brendan said, voice low and venomous. He flicked his


    eyes to Kristian, the dagger now slicing a fine thread of blood along his neck-he didn''t even seem to notice.


    "You went to the police. You gave them the clues." Brendan''s voice was sharp as a de. "You got her boyfriend killed. And you got her killed too."

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    Chapter 265 Live On


    If Reece Wright hadn''t gotten caught and sentenced to death, Dorothy Sampson wouldn''t have been so


    heartbroken-and she definitely wouldn''t have ended her own life.


    If that hadn''t happened, Brendan wouldn''t have lost the only sister he had left in the world.


    And it all came back to Kristian.


    Brendan''s thoughts spiraled into something darker, something far more twisted, though he still wore that same unsettling smile. "If she hadn''t spent that night by the sea, she wouldn''t have caught a fever. And she never


    would''ve told me she wanted toe here to clear her head."


    Freya''s thoughts were spinning, scanning everything she knew, trying to piece it together.


    Dorothy?


    Her boyfriend who''d been sentenced to death?


    And Brendan Hoffman.


    She kept digging through memories until the pieces snapped together.


    *Uncertain, but needing to know, she asked, "Your sister... is she Dorothy Sampson?"


    "You''re quick, K," Brendan replied, giving a roundabout confirmation.


    He''d taken his father''sst name, but his sister had used their mother''s.


    After their parents died, Dorothy was all he had left. But Kristian had ruined even that.


    "Her boyfriend got caught because of what he did. Kristian helping the police wasn''t wrong," Freya said inly. "If you want to point fingers, start with yourself. You knew what her boyfriend was involved in."


    "I should me myself?" Brendan shot back.


    Freya still hadn''t looked at Kristian.


    "Right. I should me myself," Brendan repeated, his tone suddenly soft. "That''s why I brought her enemy here to die with me. A fitting tribute to her memory." Brendan turned his eyes on Freya, still speaking with that maddeningly calm tone. "Today, it''s you, me, and Kristian. We''re all going to die here... and join Dorothy on the other side."


    That was why he''d said no one could ever sentence him.


    Freya nced down at the sea, then at the setup around them.


    Jumping meant almost certain death. Staying meant a hundred percent chance of getting blown up. It was, quite literally, a dead end.


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    Kristian''s eyes met hers. He said, "I''m not going to let anything happen to you."


    "How romantic," Brendan sneered. "But have you heard the phrase "Too little, toote? You think any of this


    still matters?"


    "Name your terms and let her go," Kristian said firmly.


    He''d been there long enough to understand exactly what Brendan was thaking. Now that the man had aired


    every dark thought in his twisted head, it was only a matter of time before he destroyed the entire ind.


    If that happened... what would happen to Freya?


    Kristian had to stall-had to give the others more time. And the best way to do that was to make Brendan fixate on him. That way, the man wouldn''t suspect a thing, and Kristian might just pull this off.


    "You really want to save her, huh?" Brendan asked.


    Kristian said, "Yes."


    "Then stab yourself in the heart," Brendan replied smoothly. "If you can hang on for ten minutes, maybe I''ll


    think about letting her go."


    "I want her released. Not your maybe," Kristian said tly.


    Brendan gave azyugh, then turned to Freya. "Freya, your ex-husband''s quite the character. Running a fever and still daring to stand up to me. Where does he get the nerve?"


    Freya''s gaze instinctively shifted to Kristian, and at the same moment, he looked at her.


    That split-second was all Brendan needed. He suddenly snatched Kristian''s hand and drove an elbow into his


    chest.


    With Brendan''s strength, if that blownded, Kristian''s ribs would''ve snapped like twigs.


    But Kristian blocked it just in time.


    Brendan seized the opportunity and darted away from Kristian, slipping from his grasp in a blink.


    The space between them stretched in an instant.


    In the next second, Freya raised the gun she''d taken earlier and aimed it directly


    at Brendan. "Try moving again,


    and I swear I''ll shoot."


    Her words lit a fire under everyone nearby. They raised their weapons, aiming straight at her and Kristian.


    Brendan was dangerous, skilled, unpredictable. She''d always known that. If he hadn''t been, her team wouldn''t have suffered so badly before.


    "You think that scares me?" Brendan asked, not the least bit rattled. "If you shoot me, they''ll shoot you. Simple."


    Freya held her stance, yanking Kristian behind her.


    The moment her hand touched him, she found he was burning up.


    "I might get shot," Freya said, her tone steady. But she knew how to mess with Brendan''s head. "You, on the other hand, will definitely die first. And when you see Dorothy in the afterlife, she''s going to ask if Kristian''s


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    dead. What will you tell her?"


    That jabnded. Brendan faltered.


    Freya pushed further. "Want to bet? Let''s see what happens first-your ind


    going up in mes, or Kristian getting rescued by my team."


    "You don''t even love him, do you?" Brendan was thrown.


    "I don''t," Freya said coolly. "But that doesn''t mean I won''t save him. And it doesn''t


    mean I won''t take you


    down."


    If she could, she would''ve put a bullet in him right then and there,


    But if he died, her team would lose crucial information, and worse-the whole


    ind would go up.


    "I''ll let you go," Brendan suddenly offered, like he''d given it genuine thought. "Just


    hand Kristian over."


    Neither Freya nor Kristian said a word.


    Brendan raised an eyebrow. "What? Don''t trust me?"


    "I don''t," Freya replied without hesitation.


    "Then I''ll be your hostage. Tie me up. Drag me to the ship." Brendan kept throwing out ideas. "Once you''re far enough away, you can give him back. Deal?"


    "You rigged the ship, didn''t you?" Freya''s suspicion was instant.


    "Yeah," Brendan said with a chuckle, stepping closer. "I loaded it with explosives. Once you''re on board, boom."


    Freya immediately backed up. "Don''te any closer!"


    "Alright, alright. I won''t," Brendan said smoothly, his tone casual as ever. "But here''s my advice-don''t bother struggling. The moment you stepped foot on this ind, you were already dead."


    Freya felt strangely calm. Thank God she hadn''t made a move on that ship. If she had, Natasha, Ashley, and the crew might''ve died with her.


    She stared Brendan down, mind racing for a way out.


    Behind him, Kristian was thinking too, taking in every detail.


    As frustration built inside him over how useless their backup seemed, he spotted


    someone waving at him from


    below the cliff.


    In that instant, hope red.


    "Freya..." Kristian said her name.


    She stayed focused on Brendan, not daring to let her guard down. "Speak," she


    replied.


    "Live on," Kristian said simply.


    Before she could respond, he yanked her forward-and pushed her off the cliff.

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    Chapter 266 From This Point On, He''s In My Care


    Freya had backup waiting down below, so she''d be alright.


    As for what was unfolding atop the cliff, Kristian would deal with Brendan and his


    crew.


    He had sworn to her she''d be safe.


    The instant Freya spotted the yacht gliding beneath them, realization struck like lightning. As her body plunged downward, she instinctivelytched onto Kristian with the hand still gripping the gun, yanking him along with


    her.


    At that very moment, her other hand emerged with a fanned-out deck of ying cards, which she whipped through the air toward Brendan and his men with expert precision.


    The entire sequence unraveled in barely a heartbeat-far too fast for anyone to respond.


    Brendan hadn''t seen iting. As Freya and Kristian plummeted, one of the razor-edged cards sliced across


    his cheek, leaving a thin, stinging line of blood.


    Several of his armed men weren''t so lucky, taking sharp hits from the whirling cards.


    A thunderous ssh echoed below as Kristian and Freya crashed into the sea in dramatic unison.


    The people aboard the yacht wasted no time pulling them out.


    Just as Kristian mbered onto the deck and reached down to hoist Freya up, his eyes locked on Brendan at


    the cliff''s edge, gun drawn.


    More precisely, it was aimed straight at Freya.


    A single shot rang out.


    The bullet screamed through the air with blistering speed.


    Kristian didn''t have the luxury of thought; instinct kicked in as he leaned forward, shielding Freya with his own body. The bullet mmed into his back, and his crisp white shirt bloomed red with blood.


    Despite the burning pain tearing through him, he forced his expression to remain calm, lifting Freya onto the


    yacht without flinching.


    Brendan was readying another shot when Freya raised her gun, leveling it directly at him.


    But before she could fire, a sudden force knocked the weapon from Brendan''s grip.


    A team of soldiers in uniform emerged from the trees behind him, encircling himpletely. At the head of


    the group stood Ellis.


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    The moment Freyaid eyes on Ellis, a wave of relief surged through her.


    She didn''t bother instructing the yacht to stop. There was no point. The towering cliffs left no way to climb back up. More urgently, Kristian was burning up with fever; he had to get to a hospital.


    As for Brendan, Ellis could deal with him.


    Brendan clicked his tongue as Ellis stepped forward. "Captain Lambert. Be a while."


    Ellis spared him the briefest nce before turning to his men. "Take him into custody," he ordered. "Seal off the ind. No onees near it until the explosives are disabled."


    "Understood."


    "I''m heading out." Ellis didn''t linger.


    He wasn''t sure if Freya was hurt, but judging from the scene he''d just walked into, Kristian had taken a bullet. The blood-soaked fabric clinging to his back made that crystal clear-and it could very well be fatal if left


    untreated.


    He thought about calling Freya but remembered she had noms on her.


    So, he set off to find them himself.


    Meanwhile, on the yacht, Freya''s attention had shifted entirely to Kristian once Brendan and his men were apprehended. "Brendan fired earlier. Did you get hit?" she asked, concerned.


    "No," Kristian replied, though his lips were drained of color. "The yacht was rocking. He missed."


    Freya let out a breath she hadn''t realized she was holding.


    She was just about to examine him herself when Kristian cut in, turning to the


    man steering the vessel. "Give me a jacket. It''s getting chilly."


    The man immediately peeled off his ck windbreaker and handed it over.


    Kristian, who normally wouldn''t touch something that wasn''t spotless, slipped it on without hesitation, hiding.


    the crimson-streaked back of his white shirt.


    He had only asked for the jacket to keep Freya from seeing his wound.


    Freya didn''t dwell on it. Her eyes shifted to the man at the helm, her brows


    drawing together in faint recognition. "Lawrence?"


    "You know me?" Lawrence Hayes had a clean-cut look, with a smile like spring sunlight-warm and deceptively


    charming.


    Freya''s frown deepened.


    Lawrence came from influence and wealth, known for being both noble and unnervingly unpredictable. He


    rarely helped anyone for free.


    What kind of arrangement had Kristian made with him?


    "Did you strike some kind of deal with him?" Freya asked, her gaze now firmly on


    Kristian.


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    But before he could answer, Lawrence chimed in, voice breezy, "Actually, I should


    be the one thanking you. If it


    weren''t for-"


    Kristian swiftly cut him off. "Just steer the yacht."


    Lawrence mimed zipping his lips.


    The interaction only stirred Freya''s suspicions further. "Did you make a dewith


    him?"


    Lawrence had a strange obsession with studying human psychology, often dabbling in theology.


    His favorite phrase? "Science leads to spiritual rity."


    "No, I didn''t," Kristian lied, his gaze softening with warmth. "He owed me a favor


    and came to repay it. Feels like he got the raw end of it, so he asked me to return er. Nothing major."


    "You''re not lying to me, are you?" Freya asked, something still not sitting right.


    Kristian gave a faint smile. "I''m not."


    That answer seemed to satisfy her.


    There were boundaries between them, and certain truths were better left


    untouched.


    "Thanks for helping me back there," Freya said after a moment. "I owe you one. If


    you ever need help investigating something or breaking into a system, let me


    know."


    "You don''t owe me anything. Brendan was after me from the beginning." Kristian''s breathing had grown slow


    andbored.


    Freya parted her lips to speak, but before she could get a word out, Kristian softly called her name. "Freya."


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Her tone gentled, warmth blooming behind the single syble.


    Kristian didn''t follow up.


    He simply gazed at her-her flushed cheeks, the curve of her lips, the tenderness


    in her eyes that, at that moment, saw only him.


    If this was how he died, it wouldn''t be the worst way to go.


    That thought brought a faint smile to his lips, and the pain in his back dulled ever


    so slightly. "What is it?" Freya asked when his silence lingered.


    "Nothing. I just felt like saying your name." Kristian''s voice was as soft as silk, his


    eyes never leaving hers. "After everything I''ve done to you, we haven''t had a single quiet moment like this."


    Freya pressed her lips together, unsure how to respond. Words weren''t her strong


    suit.


    Kristian could feel the strength leaving his limbs, his eyelids growing heavier by


    the second. But he wouldn''t let them close-not yet. He was afraid if he did, he might never see her again.


    Freya noticed the color draining from his face. "You should rest. We''ll talk after your fever breaks."


    "Alright," Kristian murmured, his voice raspy.


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    Time crept by


    Roughly ten minutester, Lawrence brought the yacht to a gentle stop


    Standing onshore, he addressed Freya with practiced ease. "Ms. Briggs, your


    ride''s ready. You can head back to


    Alerith now."


    "Thank you," Freya replied.


    She turned to help Kristian toward the car, intending to get him to a hospital


    immediately.


    But the second she touched him, Lawrence blocked her with a raised hand. "From


    this point on, he''s in my care.


    You don''t need to worry about him."


    "He''s running a high fever," Freya shot back,


    "I''ll bring in the best doctors avable," Lawrence assured her.


    Freya met his gaze, unyielding. She didn''t want to walk away,


    Kristian pushed himself upright, silently grateful for the fever. If not for it, his pale


    face might''ve given him


    awaypletely.


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    Chapter 267 Insulting Lawrence To His Face


    Kristian waved Lawrence off with a dismissive gesture, silently telling him to move aside, then turned to Freya.


    "You should go on ahead. I have a few things I need to settle with him."


    "He''s nothing but trouble," Freya warned, her eyes narrowing.


    Lawrence gave a dry chuckle, slipping one hand into his pocket. "Ms. Briggs, isn''t


    it a tad impolite to badmouth someone right to their face?"


    Freya met his smirk with a cool stare. "And isn''t it worse to kick someone when they''re already down?"


    Lawrence quirked a brow, genuinely intrigued by Freya, who seemed to speak as though she knew him.


    "Have we met before?"


    "No. We haven''t." She had no intention of engaging with him any further.


    There was no need to reveal her true identity as K.


    "Then why the hostility?" His voice lingered in the air. "Didn''t I just save your life?¡±


    Freya didn''t respond.


    As much as she loathed the idea, he wasn''t wrong.


    "You think you saved her life?" Kristian suddenly cut in.


    Lawrence kept up his easy smile, though he rolled his eyes at Kristian inwardly.


    "I was wrong. It was he who saved her."


    "You should head back, Freya," Kristian said. A sudden wave of dizziness overtook him, his vision beginning to blur, a sharp ringing rising in his ears. "I''ll reach out once I''m better. He still needs a favor from me-he won''t just leave me to die."


    He nudged Lawrence with his elbow.


    Though uncertain of Kristian''s angle, Lawrence still yed along. "He''s telling the truth."


    "You''re really noting with me?¡±


    "I''ve got other things to handle." In that moment, Freya caught the distance in Kristian''s gaze.


    She wanted to drag him into the car herself, take him to the hospital, but given everything between !! she


    knew she couldn''t force it.


    He was adamant, and she couldn''t push further.


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    Ellis felt a bit of tension ease from his chest.


    He knew Lawrence. If he said he''d handle it, it meant Kristian was in capable hands


    "Good." Ellis gave a nod, his posture rxing. "Get in the car."


    "Okay."


    Once inside, Freya asked if Ellis had been injured. After he assured her he hadn''t, she let out a soft breath of relief.


    The car headed towards Alerith.


    It would take five to six hours to get there by road from Butterfly Ind. With no


    nearby airport or high-speed rail, the highway was the fastest option.


    Almost as soon as she sat down, an unshakable sense of unease crept in, intensifying as the miles passed


    Ellis caught the shift in her expression. "Something wrong?"


    "No," Freya said, inhaling deeply and forcing herself to refocus.


    "The situation on Butterfly Ind has been handled. Brendan and his men have been captured," Ellis said, thinking she might be worried about that. "The bombs on the ind and on the ship-those switches were destroyed. They''ll find all of them."


    "Good," she said, though her tone remained quiet.


    She didn''t ask how he knew about the bombs.


    Their organization had state-of-the-art drones capable of micro-terrain scanning. It would''ve taken mere


    minutes to uncover any hidden explosives.


    "Freya."


    "Yeah?"


    "Were you scared?" Ellis nced at her while keeping his eyes on the road.


    Given her past, fear didn''t seem like something that would touch her easily. But something was clearly off.


    Freya realized she wasn''t acting like herself and shook her head. "Not scared. Just wondering what kind of deal Kristian struck with Lawrence. A guy like that doesn''t offer help without getting something big in return."


    She remembered that the reinforcements Lawrence brought were nearly equal in number to Ellis''s.


    Without both sides, things wouldn''t have ended so cleanly.


    "We''ll look into it once we''re back," Ellis replied, worried about her state. "You


    should try to get some rest. I''ll


    wake you when we''re close."


    She wanted to refuse, but after two sleepless days, her body was giving in. The tension began to fade, and


    exhaustion took over.


    "Alright," she murmured, finally closing her eyes.


    Throughout the five to six-hour drive, Ellis focused on the road.


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    Chapter 267 testing Lerence for Fre


    At some point dining the drive, he received call from Predare confuming that reps


    take and of Her


    way back The call was bied


    By the time they reached Alerth, it was part fere in the


    Freya hadn''t slept long the woke mund two-wa@kafed


    She and Ellis took the elevator up in sterck Mat we the weight warphing they''d been through or maybe their minds were just too full. Either way, wether sche

 Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 268

    Chapter 268 Ashley Was


    The Least Likely To Betra...


    As the elevator doors slid open, Freya stepped out-only to be wrapped in a sudden embrace. "Freya!"


    "Mina!"


    One after another, the rest of the group gathered around her, encircling her in a collective hug that radiated


    warmth.


    Freya paused, eyes scanning the familiar faces. "Greta, Riley?"


    "Freya! Don''t forget about us!" Frederick interjected, clearly miffed that her greeting had stopped short. "Aren''t


    you worried Cade and Moss might start getting jealous?"


    All seven of the group chat Seven Little Warriors had assembled.


    Freya frowned, puzzled. "Why are you all here?"


    "When your signal vanished, the Captain told us to return to Alerith and wait," Greta, as graceful as ever and


    always kind to Freya, exined gently. "He gave his word-he''d bring you back."


    "You nearly gave us a heart attack!" someone chimed in.


    "No kidding."


    "Why did you cut off the signal like that?"


    "There were too many hostiles. Butterfly Ind was crawling with enemies," Freya answered calmly. "If you had


    followed me, I would''ve been too worried..."


    She didn''tplete the thought, but the silence that followed said it all.


    "It''s behind us now. The important thing is you''re safe."


    "Exactly!"


    Ellis, standing just behind them, scanned the group. He could tell Freya still had matters weighing on her mind.


    "Alright, that''s enough for today," he advised. "Freya needs proper rest. You can all catch up tomorrow."


    "Alright." Greta nodded, setting the tone. "We''lle find you first thing."


    "But no sneaking into the office."


    "Promise you''ll spend time with us."


    "Don''t forget that!"


    Each voice joined the chorus, firm yet affectionate.


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    Freya smiled faintly, recognizing their concern. "I promise."


    With that assurance, they finally let her be. Knowing she was safe was enough for


    now.


    Freya offered to walk them out, but they waved her off.


    After they left, Ellis remained-tall, broad-shouldered, and watching her with quiet intensity. He had a thousand thoughts, but they all condensed into a few simple words. "Go some rest. It''s all over now."


    Freya gave a small nod. "You should get some sleep too."


    "I will," Ellis replied, his voice low.


    Freya turned, opened her door, and stepped inside. Just before closing it, she nced back at him onest time -then shut it gently.


    Brendan was in custody. Peace, one would think, should follow.


    And yet, since parting ways with Kristian, uncase had taken root in her chest-


    quiet but relentless, growing by the hour.


    Pinching the bridge of her nose, she sighed, bone-tired, her mind already circling around Kristian and Lawrence.


    As she moved deeper into the apartment, something felt off.


    Had someone been here?


    She approached the sofa, where her phone had rested untouched for two days. Unlocking it, she opened an app and activated the lights every corner of the house with one tap.


    In an instant, her home shone like midday.


    She didn''t move deeper in. Instead, she sat calmly on the couch and spoke into the open air. "Will youe out on your own, or shall I call security to drag you out?"


    "Don''t be so harsh." A voice floated out from the bedroom. It was Natasha. "I was only hiding to surprise you."


    Freya froze for a beat.


    Natasha?


    She stared, taken aback. "Why are you here?"


    "Didn''t you ask me to get Ashley back to Alerith safely?" Natasha plopped down opposite her. ¡°I dropped her off and figured you might be returning, so I came to wait."


    Freya eyed her with suspicion.


    When Natasha had left with Ashley, Freya and Kristian were still in a precarious situation. How could Natasha


    have known she would make it back?


    "Don''t look at me like that," Natasha sighed. "When I left with Ashley, I saw someone rounding up Brendan men. That''s why I stayed. I had a feeling you''d return."


    Freya''s tone was soft, but edged. "And if I hadn''te back?"


    At that final, desperate moment-without Kristian''s intervention-she might not


    have.


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    Natasha didn''t flinch. "No way you wouldn''te back. You''re my invincible mentor, remember?


    Freya said nothing


    She got up, filled two sses with water, and handed one to Natasha before sitting down with hers.


    "Well... uh..." Natasha faltered.


    Freya arched a brow. "Spit it out."


    "Have you given any thought to... you know, the baby?" Natasha scratched her head, hesitant. Ever since discovering her mentor was a prettydy, she couldn''t help but care more. "You''ve divorced Kristian. If you have the baby, what if he tries to take it from you?"


    Freya blinked. "What baby?"


    Natasha pointed-casually, as if it were obvious-at Freya''s belly. "That one." Freya was at a loss for words. There was no need to lie. And no use hiding Natasha mistook her silence for contemtion. "So... do you want to keep it?"


    "I''m not pregnant," Freya said tly. With Brendan out of the picture, she no longer needed the ruse.


    "No way!" Natasha protested, eyes wide. "Ashley told me herself-and I even checked!"


    If that had been false, Brendan wouldn''t have taken the bait.


    "What you found out was exactly what I wanted you to find," Freya replied, a lessonced in every word. "As


    for Ashley-after Brendan sent her to kill Kristian, she began working with me." Natasha stared at her, utterly stunned.


    Everything she''d believed suddenly turned on its head. "But Brendan always said Ashley was the least likely to betray him..."


    That was why he flew into such a rage when he discovered her phone system had been fortified by K. He


    couldn''t stomach her betrayal.


    "He was wrong." Freya said coolly. "Ashley was the most likely. But without the


    strength to fight back and under constant threat, she stayed put.¡±


    "What happened between them?" Natasha asked, curiosity piqued.


    She didn''t usually poke around in Brendan''s private affairs. Unless assigned, she


    kept her nose out.


    Freya didn''t borate. "I don''t know."


    "That doesn''t make sense. Knowing Brendan, if he realized Ashley turned on him,


    he wouldn''t have let her walk free." Natasha''s eyes widened with realization. "When you asked me to take Ashley away, didn''t that raise


    a red g?"


    "He couldn''t see it," Freya said.


    "Why not?"


    Freya didn''t answer.


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    > O III


    Snapisi AUG Romey Was The Least Lively To Betray itim


    To Brendan, Freya was still K, operating under Ellis''s orders


    And in their line of work, duty reigned above all else¡ªobedience, protection, and protocol Sagicon had no ce when the rules were clear.


    "Thanks for helping with Ashley," Freya added, still mentally wading through thoughts of Kristian and Lawrence. "Given that you didn''t cross any major lines- and even saved someone in the end-1 won''t turn you in. But next time you go rogue, don''t expect mercy,"


    "How can you be so cruel to me?"


    Freya didn''t answer,


    "I''m still your apprentice, aren''t I?"


    Silence again.


    "I''m clearly attractive-don''t I even get a second nce?" Natasha kept prattling


    Anyone who knew her would be stunned to see this side of her.


    Freya stood and walked toward her study. But just before diving into her work, she


    turned and said, "Beauty,


    Natasha, can be a dangerous thing."


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    Chapter 269 Kristian Might


    Be In Serious Danger


    "I''ve got something to do. You should head back first," Freya said calmly.


    But Natasha didn''t move. She stayed rooted in ce, clinging to Freya like a shadow.


    Freya didn''t have time for this. She turned her focus to the deal between Lawrence and Kristian. But the deeper she looked, the more she ran into a wall- one she built herself.


    She had once sold the phone system involved, and with it, she''d locked herself out.


    It was only fair. Buyers wouldn''t want her snooping around, just like no one wants phone developers digging into their private lives.


    She could''ve broken in with ease. But her principles held her back.


    Lost in thought, she picked up her phone.


    If anyone knew something, it would be Kristian''s assistant-Gerard.


    "Ms. Briggs?" Gerard sounded surprised to hear from her.


    "It''s me. I want to ask something about Kristian. If it''s a bad time, just say so," Freya said, keeping it brief.


    "Go on."


    "In the past few days, has he met with anyone strange or struck any deal outside work?"


    "He has..." Gerard admitted.


    Freya''s chest tightened. "Who was it? What did they talk about?"


    Gerard answered, recalling that day, "I''m not sure who it was. Right after Mr. Shaw spoke with you, he made a


    call. He asked if their old agreement still stood."


    "What do you mean?" Freya asked, feeling a sense of dread.


    "I don''t know. But after that, he asked the person for a favor. He promised to


    agree to their earlier request if


    they helped," Gerard replied, still uneasy.


    Freya''s thoughts shed back to Lawrence. His words had been cut off that day-"I


    should thank you; if it weren''t for you..."


    A thought struck her. "Did Kristian ask that person to save me?"


    Gerard froze. "How did you know?"


    Only Kristian and Gerard had been there. Colson cameter.


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    Wait-


    Awyer and a will.


    Panic stirred in Gerard''s chest. He asked quickly, "Ms. Briggs, is Mr. Shaw in danger?"


    "He has a bad fever. After we got off the yacht, Lawrence Haynes took him. But don''t worry-Lawrence has the best medical resources. Kristian will be fine."


    "That''s a relief." Gerard let out a breath.


    Freya hesitated. She wanted Gerard to call Kristian and check on him. But something told her not to interfere.


    Kristian had asked her to leave, after all.


    "By the way, I think Mr. Shaw might be in serious danger," Gerard suddenly said.


    "Why do you think so?" Freya''s voice sharpened.


    Gerard spoke honestly. "After that call, he asked awyer toe over to draft a will. He arranged all his assets."


    He didn''t say who the will was for. If he did, Kristian might never forgive him.


    "A will?" Freya was stunned.


    "Yes," Gerard confirmed.


    Her heart dropped.


    Kristian wouldn''t write a will for no reason. He must''ve felt something wasing.


    And if he wrote it right after the call, it had to do with Lawrence.


    "Don''t tell anyone, including Kristian''s family. Just keep an eye on thepany. I''ll handle the rest," Freya said.


    If Kristian had made a deal with Lawrence just to protect her... It was reckless.


    Freya knew Lawrence well. He never moved unless there was something big in it for him.


    Kristian was such a fool.


    "Alright," Gerard agreed.


    After the call, Freya stood still, trying to settle her emotions.


    Natasha saw her walk in from the balcony, looking worried. "What''s the matter?" she asked.


    "Nothing. I need to go out for a bit. Find something to keep you busy, and don''t wander into people''s homes


    without permission."


    "I''ll go with you!" Natasha said quickly.


    Freya didn''t respond. She only looked at her.


    That was enough. Natasha backed down right away. "Then you have toe find


    me when you get back. I still want to learn from you."


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    "Alright," Freya said, after which she went to make arrangements. Seeing that


    Freya was truly busy, Natasha left unwillingly.


    Ashley was free now, so there was no need to worry about her.


    As for her ownpany, Melvin was still there.


    With that thought, Freya called him and gave him a rough rundown. Shed him


    she''d be tied up for a while and asked him to watch over things.


    Melvin''s first words were, "Are you getting married?"


    Freya sighed. "No... Just handling something personal. Make thepany decisions as needed. As for Ellis, observe him and assign tasks that suit him."


    "Got it," Melvin replied.


    "Perfect," Freya said. She felt more at ease.


    Just as she was about to hang up, Melvin stopped her. "Ms. Briggs."


    "What is it?"


    "Nothing. Juste back soon. It''s going to get colder. Dress warm when you go


    out. And if you need anything, tell me. I''ll prepare it.¡±


    "Alright," Freya said softly, feeling a warmth inside.


    She was truly grateful for Melvin. Whenever trouble came up, he held the fort withoutint.


    After the call, she couldn''t help but notice the time. It was already 8 PM.


    She thought of grabbing something to eat when a knock came at the door.


    Assuming Natasha had forgotten something, she opened it-only to find Ellis there, the smell of food drifting in.


    "Captain?¡± she blinked in surprise. She wondered what he was doing there by that time.


    Ellis didn''t step inside. "Come over for dinner," he said.


    "What?"


    "No ''what.'' I don''t care how busy you are, skipping meals is not an option," Ellis


    said firmly.


    Before she could say anything, Ellis had already turned to lead the way.


    At the table, with two tes already set, she realized something.


    Even if she had refused, he would''ve brought her here anyway.


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    Chapter 270 Jacob Prescott


    "What are you waiting for? Dig in," Ellis remarked casually, catching sight of Freya standing motionless beside the table.


    For the first time, Freya found the simple act of eating to be an arduous task.


    Her thoughts weighed so heavily on her that each bite felt dyed, her appetite dulled beneath the burden.


    Ellis nced over at the dishes-ones he considered rather decent-and asked, "Not quite your taste?" "They''re fine," Freya answered, her voice quiet.


    Basic etiquette dictated that a guest shouldn''t nitpick their host''s food. Besides, she had never been particrly fussy to begin with.


    "Ethel was only teasing earlier," she said after a slight pause. "You really don''t need to factor me in when you cook next time. Just make whatever you feel like."


    Ellis raised an eyebrow in response. He set his utensils down and turned his gaze toward her.


    Freya braced herself and met his eyes, feeling a ripple of difort stir within her under his silent scrutiny- even though she was no longer under training.


    "Freya," Ellis said her name with an unhurried lilt.


    Freya blinked, puzzled. "Hmm?"


    "Less overthinking. More eating," he said, half exasperated, half amused.


    Freya stared at him, confused.


    What exactly was he implying?


    She considered asking, but one nce at his expression-apathetic and clearly unwilling to borate-made her hold her tongue.


    "Captain," Freya began, her mind already calcting theplications that might ariseter. If she had to remain on guard for Ellis''s tricks on top of everything else, she wasn''t sure her brain could handle the load.


    Ellis looked at her calmly.


    Freya clutched her utensils, unmoving, and asked, "Do you still mean what you said before?"


    "What did I say?"


    "You promised me something when I came back."


    Ellis paused, clearly caught off guard by the sudden shift. "I stand by it."


    "Can you really let go of the fact that I called you to help me calm down?" Freya kept her expression neutral,


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    though her heart thudded faster beneath the surface.


    Ellis arched a brow. "When did I ever throw a fit about that?"


    "So you''re okay with it?"


    "Yes."


    A quiet breath of relief escaped Freya.


    With that weight lifted, her shoulders felt lighter, and her pace quickened ever so slightly as she resumed eating.


    Ellis had been about to ask her something, but seeing how heartily she ate now, he reconsidered.


    After the meal, Freya offered to do the dishes, but Ellis stepped in and took over. He hadn''t invited her just to make her work.


    "Did you find out anything about Kristian and Lawrence?" Ellis asked after clearing up, handing her a ss of water as he sat down beside her on the sofa.


    "Nothing," Freya replied, her tone suddenly more serious. "I n to go and speak with Lawrence myself."


    A flicker of shadow passed through Ellis''s gaze.


    Freya, still in work mode, decided she should let him know ahead of time. "I''ve asked Melvin to handle your assignments. You can reach out to him for anything- he actually knows more about Anita International than I


    do."


    "Alright," Ellis agreed after a thoughtful pause.


    There were still matters he needed to settle here. And though Lawrence could be slippery, he wasn''t a malicious man. Freya would manage.


    They sat together a while longer before Freya stood to leave. But instead of diving headfirst into locating


    Lawrence, she sent him an email requesting a meeting.


    Once it was sent, she decided to freshen up.


    As for Lawrence, he had been waiting outside the operating room ever since sending Kristian in for emergency


    treatment.


    Hours had trickled by without any definitive word, and he was growing more and more agitated-he even began contemting the possibility of transferring Kristian back to Freya.


    "Mr. Hayes, why the long face?" his assistant asked.


    "That''s the president of Shaw Group in there," Lawrence replied airily, though the concern in his voice betrayed him. "If he dies on my watch, both his family and Freya Briggs will rip me apart."


    More than anything, securing a deal with Kristian had taken tremendous effort. Lawrence had done.


    But now the man teetered on the edge of death.


    art.


    Lawrence felt like he''d been dealt a raw hand.


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    Chapter 270 Jacob Prescott


    Soon, a doctor emerged from behind the doors, a thin sheen of sweat on his


    brow.


    "How is he?" Lawrence asked immediately.


    "His condition is critical," the doctor said inly. "His body temperature won''t stabilize, and he''s lost a significant amount of blood. The bullet is lodged dangerously close to his heart. Extraction would be extremely risky."


    "So you''re saying there''s no hope?" Lawrence asked bluntly.


    "Not necessarily," the doctor hesitated. "If you can get in touch with Dr. Jacob Prescott, then there might be a


    way."


    "Jacob Prescott?" Lawrence stilled.


    "Yes."


    A deep frown settled on Lawrence''s face. He suddenly had the sinking feeling that


    he had made a truly poor


    trade.


    Everyone knew Jacob had a vtile temperament.


    Lawrence was the type to lend a hand if the returns were worthwhile. But Jacob?


    He acted solely on whims. His ability to snatch lives from death''s grip was beyond dispute, but whether he chose to act was another matter


    entirely.


    The real problem? Lawrence and Jacob didn''t exactly get along.


    "If you can''t reach Dr. Prescott within twelve hours, even a miracle won''t save Kristian Shaw," the doctor


    warned.


    ¡°Understood.¡± Lawrence felt the sting of regret all over again. ¡°Just keep him stable-I''ll handle the contact."


    With that, he stepped out, phone in hand, pacing the corridor several times before making the call.


    It rang twice. Then was abruptly declined.


    He called again. Hung up on again.


    He kept calling. On the twelfth attempt, the line finally connected, and a cold voice


    snapped, "Speak."


    "I need you to save someone," Lawrence said tly, though his tone softened. "Name your price."


    "Not interested." The call cut off like a p.


    Lawrence exhaled slowly, gazing down at the number for a few moments before calling yet again.


    Had he been cursed to owe Kristian some karmic debt? This deal had been more costly than he''d imagined.


    No matter how many times he tried, Jacob refused to pick up. At some point,


    Lawrence started to wonder why the man hadn''t simply blocked his number already.


    After more than a dozen ignored calls, Lawrence started firing off messages-but


    none received a rep.,


    Half an hourter, he was close to despair.


    Without Jacob, Kristian was as good as gone.


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    Just then, a new email notification lit up on his phone.


    Lawrence frowned, ready to dismiss it as junk-until he spotted the sender: K.


    K?


    All the tension in his face melted away, reced with relief. How could he have forgotten?


    Jacob and K shared a bond unlike any other. Lawrence didn''t need to convince Jacob-he only had to persuade K. And Jacob would always listen to K.


    With that realization, Lawrence''s frustration finally began to ebb. Using the link in the email, he dialed the number. It was the only way to reach K-a virtual line, their


    sole channel of contact.


    Rmended for you

 Left Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 271

    Chapter 271 That''s Daylight Robbery!


    Freya had just shut down herptop and was about to freshen up when her phone buzzed to life.


    She nced at the screen-Lawrence. With a sigh, she answered, ¡°Hello.¡±


    Her voice caught Lawrence off guard for a beat.


    To him, the voice sounded somewhat familiar.


    "K?" he asked, as he always did.


    "It''s me," Freya replied tly.


    "I got the email you sent." Lawrence didn''t bother with pleasantries. He cut straight to the chase. "Meeting''s fine. You pick the time and ce. But I need a favor first-hope it''s not too much trouble."


    From what Lawrence knew of K, she was never the type to sugarcoat things.


    She didn''t y games, didn''t lure anyone into traps, which was why he didn''t hold back.


    In the past, Freya would''ve agreed without a second thought.


    But knowing Kristian had a deal with Lawrence, she simply said, "Go ahead."


    "There''s a guy here-he''s got a bullet lodged near his heart and a raging fever. Doctors are hesitant to operate,* Lawrence said briskly. "Can you reach out to the doctor Jacob Prescott and ask for his help? Of course, you can


    name your price." Lawrence tacked on.


    Freya froze. A gunshot? A fever?


    At once, Kristian''s face shed through her mind.


    Her thoughts flew back-leaping off the cliff, their rushed parting, Brendan''s gun raised and firing.


    She''d been boarding the yacht, and when the shot rang out, Kristian had seemed to stumble toward her. She hadn''t thought much of it then-just assumed the yacht had rocked beneath them.


    Looking back now, that must have been him reacting to the bullet Brendan fired. The memory looped relentlessly in her mind.


    When she''d asked if he was alright, he had casually steered the conversation away-and borrowed a coat from


    Lawrence.


    Kristian, of all people, borrowing a coat? He was too particr for that. Unless- he''d wanted to hide something.


    And suddenly, all those overlooked moments surged back with rity.


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    Freya felt a sharp pang twist in her chest. No wonder she''d thought he looked paler on the yacht than he had on the cliff. She''d brushed it off as a trick of lighting against Lawrence''s ck coat.


    Lawrence waited a beat, heard only silence, and tried again, "K? You still there?"


    "You owe me," Freya said evenly. "When I ask for something, you''ll have to agree. No questions."


    Lawrence hesitated. What was this now? Was K ying games too?


    Freya didn''t push. She wanted Kristian safe more than Lawrence did-but she


    needed that guarantee first. Without it, even if Kristian recovered, Lawrence might still drag him into trouble.


    "Alright," Lawrence said after a pause. "As long as you get Jacob to treat him, I''ll agree to anything."


    He believed K wouldn''t trick him.


    "Address."


    "I''ve emailed it to you. You''ve got twelve hours to get there, or it''s toote." "Okay."


    Freya ended the call.


    Once she saw that the address was in Alerith, she grabbed her keys and headed out, calling Jacob as she drove.


    When he saw her name, Jacob picked up with azy, half-asleep drawl, "Mina.¡± "Where are you?"


    "Alerith."


    "Help me save someone."


    "Alright."


    That was all.


    After hanging up, Freya sent him the address and sped off to pick him up.


    She kept the windows down during the drive.


    The biting wind snapped at her skin, keeping her focused, reminding her how easilyposure could slip in a


    crisis.


    Normally, if Kristian had a fever, she''d have known something was wrong- especially if he''d been shot.


    But this time, she''d missed itpletely.


    No wonder he''d kept pushing her to leave, insisting he had things to do.


    Freya couldn''t quite untangle her feelings-guilt, remorse, worry-all tangled in her chest.


    She understood why he''d done it, why he''d hidden it from her. But to her, none of it had been worth his me


    She''d already forgiven him.


    With that storm of emotions tightening in her chest, she pressed harder on the gas, picked Jacob up, and drove


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    toward the location Lawrence had given.


    Jacob was striking in his own way-or more precisely, he was a lethargic-looking heartthrob.


    With messy hair and a sideways nce, he asked, "Who got hur?"


    "Kristian Shaw." Freya didn''t bother hiding it.


    Jacob blinked, momentarily thrown off.


    Kristian Shaw?


    He searched his memory until the name clicked. "Your ex-husband?"


    "Yes."


    "Standard fee-he pays."


    "Lawrence Haynes pays," Freya replied smoothly.


    Jacob, remembering the deluge of calls earlier, connected the dots and nodded.


    "Fine."


    He grabbed a piece of paper and a pen from the sidepartment and, after asking for a few details, jotted everything down. Besides the favor Lawrence owed Freya, Jacob demanded a billion dors.


    They pulled up outside Lawrence''s private hospital.


    Jacob, holding the paper loosely between his fingers, handed it over. "Take a look. See if anything''s missing."


    "A billion dors?" Freya raised a brow. "Did you forget Lawrence is notoriously


    stingy?"


    "He''ll pay," Jacob said with a yawn, his tone indifferent. "We''ve been rivals for years, and he''s never called me once. This time, he called nonstop."


    "I''ve got nothing else to add." Freya handed it back. "Have him sign it first. I''ll get out of the car once he does."


    She couldn''t show her face until Lawrence agreed.


    If he saw her, he''d dump Kristian on her without a second thought. If Kristian died, she''d bear the me. If he lived, Lawrence could still wring out the original deal. Jacob gave azy nod, taking the paper and pen as he stepped out.


    He was dressed in a loose-knit sweater, looking every bit as unbothered as ever. Lawrence had been pacing in the corridor since the call, unsure when K or Jacob would appear.


    He waited. And waited.


    Then finally, footsteps echoed.


    As he turned to see who it was, a papernded before him, and a voice followed-


    dry and devoid of emotion, "Sign, and I save him. Refuse, and I walk away. You''ve got one minute."


    Lawrence frowned in confusion.


    He took the paper and saw Jacob standing in front of him, still looking infuriatingly


    casual.


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    "You''ve got fifty seconds," Jacob reminded him.


    "I''ll sign," Lawrence said, grabbing the pen-then froze at the figure on the page.


    He pointed at it, stunned. "A billion?"


    "Yes."


    "That''s daylight robbery!" Lawrence gaped, incredulous at how bold the man was.


    Mother''s Day Limited-Time Offer


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    Chapter 272 His Central Nervous System Took A...


    When Jacob finally addressed Lawrence, his voice carried a biting chill. "You can refuse. No one''s twisting your arm."


    Lawrence clenched his jaw, a wave of frustration crashing over him, but he kept it under control


    He had half a mind to hurl the paper and pen right at Jacob''s smug face and shout, "I refuse."


    But deep down, he knew that giving in to that impulse would spell disaster for Kristian, and everything he''d done to lock his deal with him in would unravel in seconds.


    He couldn''t let that happen.


    "Can we bring it down a bit?" Lawrence asked, trying to sound more agreeable than he felt. ¡°Say... half a billion?* Without hesitation, Jacob yanked the paper from his grasp and strolledzily toward the door, his posture dripping with dismissal.


    "I''ll sign," Lawrence muttered atst, feeling utterly backed into a corner.


    "Ten seconds left," Jacob said, handing the paper back to him, his tone clipped and disinterested, eyes barely awake. "Or it''s off the table."


    Lawrence choked down his irritation.


    Someday, he swore to himself, he''d make sure this smug bastard paid for everyst thing he''d taken.


    With resentment simmering under the surface, Lawrence gripped the paper tightly, his gaze fixed on it for what felt like an eternity.


    "Can''t we shave off a little more?" he asked again, though the hope in his voice was fading.


    "Three seconds," Jacob replied coolly.


    Lawrence had no words. He hadn''t felt this tangled up in conflicting emotions in a long time.


    With heavy reluctance, he signed his name, his mind already set on reiming every cent from Kristian.


    He handed the paper over and said, "Don''t worry. I''ll stick to my end of the deal." Jacob gave the page a quick nce and replied with a cutting, "I don''t trust you."


    Lawrence was left speechless once more.


    Damn it. They really couldn''t see eye to eye.


    "The person you need to save is inside," Lawrence said, regaining his focus. "The situation''s urgent. Follow me."


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    ¡°Hold on," Jacob replied, his tone utterly unbothered.


    Lawrence frowned.


    Now what?


    Without offering an exnation, Jacob waved the document toward the exit.


    Lawrence followed his line of sight, curious to see who could possibly warrant that kind of attention, and spotted Freya stepping out from the driver''s seat, her expression unreadable.


    "Freya?" Lawrence turned to Jacob, eyebrows raised. "Why''d you bring her?"


    Jacob didn''t so much as blink, his silenceden with indifference.


    Freya gave the paper in his hand a quick nce, then looked at Lawrence''s now- controlled expression. "He signed it?"


    "Yes," Jacob replied, passing her the document. "Keep it safe."


    Freya epted it, gave it a cursory inspection, then tucked it away.


    The whole exchange left Lawrence scratching his head. He looked back at Jacob


    and asked, "Are you two a thing now?"


    Jacob didn''t answer.


    He simply walked inside, cutting to the point. "Where is the patient?"


    "Are you and Freya in love?" Lawrence asked again.


    Jacob''s tone remained detached, his demeanor businesslike. "Am I treating the person or not?"


    That shut Lawrence up.


    He swallowed hard, ncing between Jacob and Freya before finally saying, "This way."


    Jacob disinfected his hands and changed into surgical gear.


    Lawrence led him into the operating room.


    The door slid shut behind them, sealing them offpletely.


    Freya tucked the contract away and sat quietly in the corridor, waiting.


    She didn''t bother asking Lawrence how Kristian was doing. If things weren''t dire,


    he wouldn''t have forked over


    that kind of money just to bring Jacob here.


    Only someone on the brink would warrant Jacob''s involvement.


    While she waited, Lawrence came over and sat beside her.


    Neither of them said a word.


    After a long silence, he finally turned and asked, "What''s your rtionship with Jacob?"


    "We''re friends," Freya answered calmly.


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    "Is he your boyfriend?"


    "No."


    through


    "Then why''d he bring you here?" Lawrence''s chest tightened, though he kept his


    face neutral, as if they were chatting about the weather


    At this hour, a man and woman alone who would buy the just friends


    Especially when that man was Jacob, known for keeping everyone at arm''s


    length. If she weren''t important to him, there''s no way they''d be together thiste.


    That could only mean that when K reached out to Jacob, he had already been with Freya


    Freya looked puzzled by the sudden interrogation.


    Lawrence, however, misread her silence. A faint smile curved his lips, and he kept his tone gentle "Ms. Briggs.


    you sure move on fast. Barely two months since the divorce, and you''ve already found someone you fancy?"


    "What do you mean, someone I fancy?" Freya asked, her mind still anchored to the operating room


    Lawrence didn''t push further, though something flickered in his eyes.


    If it weren''t for the voice of reason-and a few painful lessons-he might''ve said something he''d regret.


    Time dragged on.


    An hour passed. Then two. Still, the operating room door stayed shut.


    Freya started to worry that Kristian''s condition was worse than she''d thought.


    Again, neither of them spoke. Each lost in their own thoughts.


    At four in the morning, the door finally opened, and Jacob stepped out. Freya sprang to her feet, while Lawrence merely cast a nce in his direction. "How is he?" Freya asked.


    "Not good. The bullet''s out, and the bleeding''s stopped," Jacob answered inly. "But his central nervous system took a serious hit. Whether he wakes up in the next forty-eight hours will tell us a lot."


    "How could it get this bad?" Freya''s heart sank.


    "He probably had a previous high fever before this one," Jacob exined without softening the blow. "The first fever never fully subsided. Add that to severe blood loss and a gunshot wound-it''s a miracle he''s alive at all."


    If that bullet hadnded even slightly off, Kristian might''ve died on the spot.


    Freya stood frozen.


    Jacob went on, "Even if he wakes up, he could have trouble speaking, sensory


    damage, or partial paralysis. His nervous system took a hit.¡±


    The words felt like lead in Freya''s chest.


    She didn''t know what she''d do if those possibilities became reality.


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    "We''ll monitor him for now," Jacob said calmly. "Maybe he''ll get lucky."


    Kristian was moved to the ICU.


    To give him the best shot at recovery, Jacob advised against any visits.


    Freya stood outside his room, staring through the observation window at the machines surrounding him, her chest tight with unspoken emotion.


    He had taken that bullet for her, hadn''t he?


    The more she thought about it, the heavier her limbs felt, her legs weighted down


    as if they no longer belonged


    to her.


    "It''s better if you don''t look," Jacob said, now in clean clothes. "The hospital staff


    will keep an eye on him. You need to rest. If anything goes wrong, you''ll be the one who has to notify his family."

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    Chapter 273 Freya Went To Jeucwell


    "What''s the likelihood of him pulling through without anyplications?" Freya asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Jacob didn''t sugarcoat the truth. "Less than one in a thousand."


    That single remark sent Freya spiraling into despair.


    Less than one in a thousand... It meant Kristian might never wake again-or worse, survive with irreversible damage to his central nervous system.


    The very thought was a bitter pill to swallow, even for her-let alone for his family.


    They might lecture him often, but deep down, she knew they all held a genuine affection for him.


    "You don''t have to be so anxious. Lawrence is one of the best in the field," Jacob added, his tone more conversational than usual when speaking to her. "With his prior research, there''s a chance Kristian might actually make it."


    Freya said nothing. Lawrence had certainly made notable strides in both psychiatry and neurology.


    But Kristian''s condition... she couldn''t help but worry.


    Lawrence, who had been standing a short distance away, listened in silence. After letting out a heavy breath, he stepped forward. "Thanks for your help today. You two can head back now. I''ll take it from here."


    "Are you confident you can save him?" Freya asked.


    "No." His response was curt, almost cryptic. "But at the moment, you don''t really have any other option but to


    leave him in my hands."


    Freya remained silent.


    He wasn''t wrong.


    Now was the time for Lawrence to prove his worth-and frankly, no one else came close.


    Noticing the apprehension clouding her expression, Jacob spoke up on her behalf. "Be honest, Lawrence. How confident are you?"


    Lawrence didn''t want to reply.


    "If you tell the truth, the one billion we discussed could be halved," Jacob remarked coldly, as though addressing a stranger.


    Lawrence wanted to snap back, but given the amount was still significant, he answered, "Fifty percent. Though


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    ng the treatment will take."


    "Truly fifty percent?" Freya asked, seeking reassurance.


    Lawrence gave a firm nod. "Yes."


    "As long as you can cure him, name your price," Freya said earnestly, hoping more than anything that Kristian would recover. "Let me know if you need anything"


    "One billion dors," Lawrence said with a nce at Jacob, a touch of sarcasm in his voice.


    Freya agreed without a second thought. "Okay."


    Lawrence was taken aback.


    He chose to hold his tongue, suddenly feeling like he''d been pegged as someone obsessed with money.


    "Kristian still owes me a deal," Lawrence said, refusing her offer. He didn''t want Kristianughing at him when he eventually regained consciousness. "So for that reason, I''ll see to it he recovers. Just leave it to me.*


    "But," Freya hesitated before continuing, "I can''t make that call.¡±


    Something so significant couldn''t be handled without Kristian''s family''s knowledge.


    If the treatment only took a few days or even a couple of months, that would be one thing-but if it stretched on for half a year or longer, they had to be told.


    "If he makes it through the next forty-eight hours, I''ll speak with his family," Freya dered, "and ask for their opinion."


    Lawrence didn''t respond.


    He pulled out a family consent form and handed it to her. "Once you''ve spoken with them, have someone sign this."


    "All right,¡± Freya said, taking it from him.


    For the next two days, Freya remained at the hospital.


    As the forty-eight-hour mark drew near, her nerves frayed; her palms were slick with cold sweat.


    The waiting was brutal-each minute dragging out like an eternity.


    When Lawrence came to brief her, he saw the dread written all over her face. "If you''re this concerned, then why''d you divorce him back then?"


    His voice snapped her out of her thoughts.


    Freya turned to him. "How is he?"


    umber of


    "The critical window has passed. The good news is, he won''t be a vegetable," Lawrence said, his tone far more serious than before. "The bad news is, damage to the central nervous system might bring aboutplications-including, but not limited to, what Jacob mentioned earlier."


    Freya felt as if a hammer had struck her chest; her heart clenched with unease. "When will he wake up?"


    "In a day or two," Lawrence answered. "In the meantime, get that family consent form signed. Once he''s


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    "Okay." Freya nodded,


    U my own facility. The equipment there is better suited for his treatment."


    Seeing her still standing there, Lawrence raised an eyebrow. "If you don''t leave


    soon, it could dy the best timing for his care."


    "I want to see him," Freya said quietly.


    Lawrence granted her permission.


    Freya stepped into the hospital room.


    Kristiany still, his eyes closed, his face pale and drained of its usual stoic pride. That spark of vitality he always carried-gone. Now, he just looked... lifeless.


    The sight of him like this made her chest tighten.


    She lingered by his bedside for a while, then quietly turned and exited the room.


    After collecting Kristian''s medical files from Lawrence, she booked a flight to Jeucwell.


    Things had gotten far moreplicated than she''d imagined.


    Originally, she thought they''d part ways peacefully after the divorce.


    If not for Brendan¨Cif she hadn''t proposed working with Kristian-would all of this have even happened?


    The more she dwelled on it, the more her thoughts unraveled. Her usualposure splintered.


    In that fog of turmoil, she boarded the ne to Jeucwell. Staring out at the vast blue sky and drifting clouds, memories of her and Kristian washed over her. She remembered the tenderness and patience that defined the early days of their marriage-the respect, the quiet understanding. Then came the doubts, the cracks in trust, the harsh words-and now, his sacrifice to protect


    her.


    It all reyed in her mind like a vivid reel of yesterday.


    Only, now did she truly grasp that, in the grand scheme of things, nothing mattered more than life and death.


    At three in the afternoon, the nended.


    Freya exited the airport, intending to go straight to the Shaw estate. But the thought of Lionel''s age and Melinda''s gentle nature made her pause.


    Breaking the news bluntly might be too much for them to bear.


    With that in mind, she hailed a taxi away from the airport first.


    Once inside the cab, she messaged Isaac-worried that if she called, Melinda


    might overhear.


    Freya wrote, "Are you free now?"


    Isaac replied, "Yes."


    Onunl


    continued, "There''s something I''d like to speak to you about privately."


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    Chapter 273 Freya Went To Jeucwell


    Isaac hesitated, casting a nce at Melinda, who sat watching TV beside Lionel


    "Why are you looking at us like that?" Lionel barked impatiently. "Can''t you find something better to do than gawking at your wife all day?"


    Isaac sighed.


    Maybe it was time for Kristian to return-so he could stop getting scold all the time, even as a grown man


    with a child.


    "You''re right."


    "Well, since you know I''m right, go out and make more money," Lionel snapped,


    not missing a beat. "You just sit around reading the paper all day, doing absolutely nothing!"


    Rmended for you


    The Masked fleiress:

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    Isaac was utterly speechless.


    His mind kept looping back to how Kristian always reacted whenever he was reprimanded.


    Every time, without fail, Kristian would change the subject, sidestep the


    confrontation with the subtlety of a seasoned diplomat.


    Then, wordlessly, Isaac set the newspaper on the side table, rose from his seat, and said, "Let me get you some fruit."


    "Get out of here," Lionel said dismissively.


    Without protest, Isaac turned and walked off, phone in hand.


    He stepped into the backyard and dialed Freya''s number. His voice, as ever, was calm andposed,ced with quiet authority. "Hello, Freya."


    "Hello, Isaac."


    "I''m alone right now. Melinda''s not with me." Isaac had always treated Freya with kindness.


    She had so much bottled inside her, aching to be spoken aloud, but at that moment, the words simply wouldn''te.


    Isaac and Melinda were genuinely kind people. If she were to bring them such grim news, wouldn''t that be too cruel?


    "What''s wrong?" Isaac''s voice filtered through again, steady and gentle.


    "Could I meet with you?" Her voice trembled with hesitation. ¡°This isn''t something I can exin over the phone."


    Isaac was a perceptive man. The tone of her voice, the phrasing-he pieced it together quickly. "Did something happen to Kristian?"


    At those words, a knot rose in Freya''s throat.


    She couldn''t even understand why that one sentence hit her so hard.


    Struggling to keep herposure, she managed a faint, "Yes."


    "Where are you?"


    "In Jeucwell."


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    Chapter 274 He Protected Someone He Cares About


    "Send me the address. I''lle over "


    "Okay."


    Once the call ended, Freya sent him the address.


    Isaac lingered in the backyard for a beat, then turned and went back inside. In the kitchen, he sliced up a te of fruit with methodical precision and carried it out with his usual quiet


    Lionel remained unimpressed, grumbling. "Get out of here. Don''t get in our way."


    "I''ve got something to take care of. I''m heading out," Isaac said, picking up a piece of fruit and offering it to Melinda. "Coming with me? Or would you rather stay and watch TV with Dad?"


    "Just go ahead," Melinda replied, unbothered as always by his ns.


    Isaac paid Lionel no mind. As was his habit, he gave Melinda a light kiss on the cheek and headed out.


    She epted it withoutment, her eyes glued to the television drama.


    Lionel shot Isaac a disdainful nce, then turned his attention back to the screen. Neither of them noticed anything out of the ordinary.


    Isaac walked to the garage, got into his car, and drove himself to the address Freya had sent.


    They had arranged to meet at a quiet caf¨¦.


    Freya arrived first. She stared at the item in her hand, heart pounding. Though her face remainedposed,


    ther insides were in knots.


    After twenty minutes, Isaac arrived.


    He entered wearing a sleek ck overcoat, his short hair and tall frame exudingposed authority.


    The moment he stepped in, his eyesnded on Freya, seated quietly in a corner. She looked the same as ever, only a little more worn around the edges.


    Seeing her like that, Isaac had a sinking feeling that things were worse than he''d feared.


    When Freya looked up, she saw Isaac walking toward her.


    She rose, meaning to greet him, but the words caught in her throat.


    "Sit," Isaac said, already easing into the seat across from her.


    Freya pressed her lips together, and as she sat down, finally managed to greet him.


    "Don''t be so nervous." Isaac''s voice was soft, reassuring. "What happened to Kristian?"


    Freya opened her mouth to exin, but instead handed over the medical file she''d received from Lawrence. "Please look at this first. Kristian just had surgery and hasn''t woken up yet. His condition... isn''t good."


    Isaac''s heart gave a subtle jolt, but his hand remained steady as he took the file. Hisposure was unshaken throughout.


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    "So, when he wakes up. There''s a chance he might be paralyze o flickered as he


    read, but he recovered swiftly, the voice throat resting


    Treys didn''t often the truth "Yes"


    tesac kept flipping through the file


    With every page, the weight in fils cheat grey


    Be a mora patapfad jabar''s gaze


    But outwardly, he was sill business methodical, detached, like he was sewing a


    stack of reports


    When he reached the final page, treys spoke op ''I''m sorry"


    "For what?


    "Kristian ended up like this because he took a bullet for me she didn''t sugarcoat it.


    "He was hurt protecting me. I feel responsible"


    Isaac paused, and for a moment, a flicker of real emotion passed through him. "A bullet?"


    Freya recounted everything-Brendan''s trap, how Kristian had shielded her and taken the shot,ying ont all the crucial facts.


    Lawrence had shown her the wound. Given its location, its timing-if Kristian hadn''t stepped in, there was a ny percent chance she would have been hit. Looking back now, it was clear: Brendan had aimed for her.


    He wanted Kristian to suffer just as he had.


    Isaac listened in silence. When Freya finished, he gave her a small, reassuring smile, just like always. "Don''t take all the me. He made his choice-to protect someone he cares about. That''s something to be proud of"


    "I..." Her guilt was etched all over her.


    "You need my signature, right?" Isaac had already spotted the consent form she was holding


    Caught slightly off guard, Freya handed it over. "Yes."


    Isaac opened it, gave it a quick once-over, borrowed a pen from the caf¨¦ owner, and signed with practiced ease.


    He handed the form back without the slightest change in tone. "Focus on his recovery. I''ll hide it from Melinda


    and my


    dad."


    "Okay." Freya felt the guilt settle even deeper.


    "Freya." Isaac spoke her name gently.


    She looked up, her eyes shadowed with guilt and a storm of unspoken thoughts.


    His smile was calm and kind. "Don''t carry this alone. It''s not your burden to bear.


    If you''re alright, he''ll be alright too."


    "I..." She had so much to say, but the words wouldn''te.


    "You should head back." Isaac ced the consent form in her hand. "Don''t waste any more time."


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    Freya nodded


    She left the cafe with hirn


    As Isaac was about to get into his car, Freya finally gathered the nerve to say


    what had been weighing on her.


    Her voice wavered with regret. "I''m sorry"


    "There''s nothing to apologize for tease looked every bit thepassionhelder. "Your happiness has always been Kristian''s priority. I should be the one thanking you for helping me keep this from Melinda and my dad."


    Melinda and Lionel were fiercely protective of Kristian. If they found out what had happened, who knew how they''d react.


    "Oh, and don''t tell Liam about this either," Isaac added before stepping into his


    car.

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    Chapter 275 Kristian Was Transferred


    Given Liam''s nature, there was always the chance he''d slip up and blurt everything out without meaning to.


    As long as there was still a flicker of hope for Kristian''s recovery, Isaac knew he had to keep this under wraps -for now, his family couldn''t be allowed to find out.


    Freya agreed, her voice quiet but steady. "Alright."


    She slipped into the car and set off toward the airport.


    Whatever became of Kristian from here on out would hinge entirely on luck-and Lawrence''s skill.


    Freya''s chest ached with worry, and Isaac was just as torn up. After watching her leave, he slumped back in his seat, fingers kneading his temples, weighed down by a storm of unease.


    The news of his son''s ident had hit him like a gut punch.


    Aside from his messy rtionships, Kristian had never once caused trouble growing up. He was the kind of son other parents could only dream of.


    But now, with damage to his central nervous system that severe, there was no telling what might follow.


    Isaac was truly afraid.


    If his mind suffered, at least they could care for him at home.


    But if he lost the ability to walk, or speak, or even see or hear-Isaac feared Kristian himself wouldn''t be able to


    take it.


    Kristian had always carried himself with pride. Isaac was terrified this would crush himpletely.


    As for Freya-Isaac had never, not once, med her.


    After all, she was the very person his son had risked everything to protect. He couldn''t find it in himself to hold


    her responsible.


    All he wanted was for Freya to be able to live with herself. Kristian had made his own decisions; none of this was her doing. He couldn''t bear to see her drown in guilt for the rest of her life.


    With that thought, he unlocked his phone and typed out a message. "Don''t carry this burden-you''ve already


    done more than enough."


    After sending it, he quietly deleted part of their message history.


    Melinda wasn''t one to snoop, but still-if she ever stumbled across those chats and started asking questions, he didn''t know if he could lie his way out of it. 0.0%


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    Once everything was taken care of, he turned the car toward home.


    When he got there, he lingered a moment, collecting himself before stepping out. By the time he crossed the threshold, he was once again the man everyone knew ped, impossibly polished, and verbindly sme


    assured..


    When he came inside, Lionel and Melinda were no longer in front of the television They were chatting quietly.


    "All done?" Melinda asked, her voice gentle as she looked up at him.


    Isaac draped a shawl over her shoulders, worried she might be cold. "Yes." "What was it about?"


    "Kristian."


    At that, Melinda''s gaze sharpened slightly. Even though she''d just celebrated Kristian''s birthday with him days ago, she couldn''t help but worry.


    Even Lionel looked over.


    y cup


    Isaac strolled over and poured himself a cup of coffee, his manner casual. "Since Kristian went to Alerth, he hasn''t been handling any of the head office''s business. The secretary''s office just asked me to fill in for a bit."


    "Then you should help him more," Melinda replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world "Kristian''s been working himself half to death. He''s earned a break."


    "So you care about your son, but not your husband?" Isaac raised an eyebrow, amused.


    cut in, "What''s wrong with her caring about Kristian? If it weren''t for him, won Melinda''s heart back in the day?"


    Before Melinda could respond, Lione/


    do you honestly think you''d have


    Isaac stayed unbothered.


    "Kristian asking you to help run thepany just proves he trusts your abilities," Lionel went on, praising his grandson while taking a jab at his son. ¡°At your age, you should be grateful he still wants you involved."


    "Didn''t you used toin about him constantly?" Isaac''s voice remained calm, his expression unchanged.


    "That depends who you''reparing him to. Next to Freya, of course he falls short," Lionel snorted, entirely serious. "Butpared to you, he''s miles better."


    Isaac''s gaze flicked upward.


    Just as expected. If only Kristian had been here.


    After brushing the conversation aside, Isaac began fretting about how he''d


    exin everything to the rest of the family at Christmas.


    Ever since Kristian had taken the reins of thepany, he''d been managing a slew of partnerships, both at home and abroad, constantly running himself into the ground.


    And yet,. he always made it home for the holidays.


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    If things were truly as bad as Freya had said, there was no way Kristian would make it home on Christmoon, and Isaac had no idea what kind of excuse would be believable enough


    While Isaac wrestled with his thoughts, Freya had already made it to the airport


    As she waited for her flight, her phone rang-it was Lawrence. He''d give her his number before the left so they could stay in touch. "Has the family consent form been signed?"


    "It''s done. I''m at the airport now, waiting for my flight back."


    "Alright."


    "Has Kristian woken up?" Freya asked, her hand tightening slightly around her phone without her realizing


    Lawrence''s voice was calm. "He regained consciousness briefly-maybe half an hour. But then he slipped back into aa. His condition''s still unstable."


    "What about symptoms?"


    "It''s too early to tell. We won''t be able to run a full assessment until his external injuries have healed." He didn''t sugarcoat it.


    Freya told him she''d be there as soon as she could, then ended the call.


    By the time shended, it was already past nine.


    She headed straight to the hospital where Kristian was being treated, hoping Lawrence could get him transferred to his own facility right away.


    But when she got there, Kristian''s room was empty. Her stomach dropped. She


    checked every room in the ward, but found no trace of him.


    Panic rising, she pulled out her phone and called Lawrence.


    She heard the ringtone echoing faintly down the corridor.


    As she followed the sound, Lawrence appeared at the end of the hallway, casually dressed, a faint smile on his lips. "Ms. Briggs, over here."


    "Where''s Kristian?" Freya asked sharply.


    "He''s already been transferred. He should be arriving at my facility shortly," Lawrence said, unbothered.


    Freya''s brows drew together. She didn''t buy it. "Then why are you still here?"


    He smiled. "Had to wait on the family consent form. And-" He paused, his eyes shifting, a shadow of something else flickering behind them.


    Freya didn''t budge. "And what?"


    "I''ve got a message for you. From Kristian," Lawrence said slowly.


    Freya didn''t respond, but she didn''t look away either.


    Something told her this wouldn''t be easy to hear.


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    Or worse, that she wouldn''t be able to ept it.


    "He wanted me to tell you-it''s all settled between the two of you," Lawrence said, hands shoved in his pockets. "All the misunderstandings, the broken trust, whatever debt he owed you-he''s repaid it with his life."


    "That''s not possible. He''d never say that," Freya answered instantly.


    Kristian might''ve hurt her, but she knew his pride. A man like him would say


    something like that. If he did,


    he wouldn''t be Kristian.


    "He said it. Why is that so hard to believe?" Lawrence replied lightly, almost


    mocking.


    Freya''s expression didn''t falter. "Let me see him. I want to hear it from him


    myself."


    She had every reason to believe Lawrence was just trying to keep her out of the


    picture for his own benefit. She couldn''t afford to risk Kristian waking up only to be manipted by him again.


    But Lawrence just kept ying his part. "He doesn''t want to see you. How else would you hear it?"


    "And how exactly do you know he doesn''t want to see me?" Freya shot back.


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    Chapter 276 Kristian Suddenly Cut Her Off


    "The way he''s shut you outpletely? That alone should tell you-he doesn''t want to see you." Lawrence shifted his tone, more matter-of-fact now. "When he finally came to this afternoon, he told me to pass along that message. From here on out, you two should be like strangers-no contact, no interference."


    Freya couldn''t quite wrap her head around it.


    Still, she unlocked her phone and typed out a message to Kristian, only to discover she was already blocked.


    A flicker of disbelief crossed her face. What was happening?


    Perplexed, she tried to call him, but the line wouldn''t connect-blocked there, too.


    She stood frozen, her phone clutched in her hand, thoughts spinning in a fog. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn''t make sense of it-why would Kristian suddenly cut her off like this? Was he trying to spare her pain?


    "Ms. Briggs, I know this probably isn''t what you want to hear," Lawrence said carefully, his voice edged with a hint of caution. "But Kristian is the president of Shaw Group-admired, envied, chased after by more people than I can count. He chased you for months and you never gave him the time of day. That kind of rejection-it stings."


    He added, "I''m not totally in the dark about your situation. He left you for someone else, and things between you turned ugly after that. But believe it or not, there was never a mistress. And he''s already risked his life trying to make things right. Or do you expect him to spend the rest of his life making amends?"


    "No," Freya murmured softly.


    "Then why won''t you let him go?" Lawrence snapped. "He''s already made amends. He tried to fix your rtionship, and you turned him away. Now, just like you said you wanted, you''re strangers. But you still insist on seeing him-don''t you think that''s crossing a line?"


    He was right.


    Freya answered him in her mind.


    But still, something in her gut told her it wasn''t as cut-and-dry as Lawrence made it seem.


    "If you really need to hear it from him to finally let go, then fine," Lawrence said, recognizing her unwillingness to back down. He pulled out his phone.


    Freya''s eyes shifted toward it.


    Her palms had gone slick with sweat, and she gripped her phone like it might anchor her, her body taut with


    tension.


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    "Good thing I came prepared," Lawrence said, tapping the screen. "Here''s your proof."


    As soon as he said it, a recording began to y.


    "Please tell Freya that I''ve already repaid what I owed her. From now on, we''re like strangers-no more contact, no more interference." Kristian''s voice was faint, but every syble was razor-sharp. "I don''t want any more ties to her. I don''t need her to do anything for me, and I don''t want to owe her anything else. I''m tired. Our rtionship ends here."


    When the recording ended and Freya didn''t respond, Lawrence hit y again.


    She stood there, still as stone, listening. Every word seemed to carve into her, cutting deeper with each pass,


    leaving her reeling.


    After the second yback, Lawrence reached for his phone once more.


    "That''s enough," Freya said, her voice steady but low. "I heard him."


    "Not curious to hear it a few more times?" Lawrence asked with a shrug. "What if I faked it?"


    But by the second listen, she already knew-it was real.


    That was Kristian''s voice. Unfiltered, unchanged.


    He had said those words.


    The two of them stood in silence, tension humming between them like a live wire. Freya couldn''t find the words.


    Kristian''s message-his insistence on cutting ties, his refusal to be indebted-was clear: he didn''t want her involved anymore.


    But there was still a deal between him and Lawrence, and she was the reason for it. Should she step back? Or


    step in?


    "Ms. Briggs, if there''s nothing else, I''ll need that medical consent form," Lawrence said. "You can go after that


    -I need to return to my patient."


    Freya dropped her gaze, pulling herself together. When she lifted her eyes again, they were calm.


    She handed over the form, voice even. "Let me know when his condition stabilizes."


    "He said he doesn''t want you involved," Lawrence answered, tone professional.


    Freya met his gaze head-on. "One update, ten million."


    "I''m not that kind of guy."


    "A hundred million."


    "Deal." Lawrence gave a cool smile. "Since you''re just asking about my patient''s condition, and not trying to


    interfere... ask away."


    Freya nodded and turned to leave.


    Lawrence called after her, "If you''ve got questions, just ask. I''ll give you the full


    picture."


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    For the right price, he would do anything.


    Freya climbed into her car and drove off without looking back.


    By the time she got home, midnight had crept in. She didn''t head straight to bed. Instead, she pulled up Kristian''s phone records. Even after hearing his voice, a part of her still wondered-had Lawrence manipted something?


    She checked the exact time she''d been blocked. Just after six in the evening. Lawrence had contacted her close


    to seven.


    That meant... he was telling the truth. Kristian had done it himself,


    A pressure settled in her chest.


    The words from Kristian echoed in her mind like a haunting refrain.


    Logically, she should''ve felt relieved. Kristian had said his piece. They were done.


    But instead of relief, she felt heavy-burdened by emotions too tangled to name.


    Freya sank onto the sofa, rubbing her brow.


    Lost in the whirlwind of it all, she made up her mind.


    She wouldn''t walk away until Kristian was truly out of danger. She had to help him settle things with Lawrence.


    Only then-only when all debts were cleared-could she step away in peace.


    With her thoughts set, she rose to get ready for bed. Until Kristian recovered fully, he was safe in Lawrence''s


    hands. Even if something unexpected came up, Lawrence would manage it.


    Her role now was to steady thepany. In Jeucwell, Isaac was holding things down. But in Alerith, Gerard was struggling to maintain control.


    She saw this as small repayment-for the life Kristian had once risked to save


    her.


    While Freya was sorting through her thoughts, Lawrence was having a rougher night.


    With the consent form in hand, he headed straight for his private facility, irritation simmering the whole drive.


    Kristian always knew how to stir up a mess. If he couldn''t milk some profit off Freya because of this, he''d have dly dragged Kristian out and smacked some sense into him.


    "Mr. Hayes, what do we do about Kristian?" his assistant asked, hands on the


    wheel.


    "What else? Let him recover first," Lawrence grumbled, clearly sour about the


    whole arrangement. "And keep


    this under wraps. No leaks."


    ¡°Understood,¡± the assistant replied.


    Lawrence owned medical facilities both domestically and overseas.


    Given Kristian''s fragile state and the time needed for healing, he''d only brought


    him to the local facility.


    Looking in at Kristian, still reliant on supplemental oxygen, Lawrence sighed- probably for the hundredth time that night.


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    There was no real improvement.


    He had lied to Freya, Kristian wasn''t out of the critical window yet.


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    Chapter 277 The Codes


    If Freya had been a little calmer back then-sharper, more attentive-she might''ve picked up on the gaps, the odd bits that didn''t quite add up.


    But people weren''t machines. Even the smartest, most logical minds could miss things, and sometimes, life didn''t hand you a second chance to double-check.


    Over the next two days, Freya got things in order at Anita International before meeting up with Jacob.


    Kristian''s bullet had already been taken out, and technically, Jacob''s role was done. Still, she wanted to see things for herself.


    She and Jacob had always been tight, and he answered all her questions without holding back. He also agreed to the favor she asked before he left.


    Lawrence spent every waking hour glued to Kristian''s case-tracking his vitals, digging through his medical records.


    Then one day, he finally caught a lead. Just as he did, his assistant burst in, clearly rattled. "Mr. Hayes,


    someone''s here to see you."


    "Just send them away. No need to lose your head," Lawrence said.


    "This one''s... different," the assistant muttered, his expression uneasy. "You''ll wanna see him."


    That caught Lawrence''s attention. "Who is it?"


    "Dr. Prescott," the assistant replied, eyes cast down.


    Lawrence went quiet.


    Jacob had never liked him. Every time they crossed paths, Jacob was sarcastic. Why was he suddenly here now?


    "Mr. Hayes?"


    "I heard you."


    Lawrence set down what he was working on, straightened his white coat, and stepped out.


    His face was nothing like the casual one he wore around Kristian, or the easygoing version he showed Freya. He looked like a man walking into a room to face someone he''d rather not see.


    When Lawrence stepped out, he found Jacob lounging in the waiting room-a space as polished and high-tech as the rest of the facility, all clean lines and quiet hums of machinery.


    As Lawrence drew near, the ss doors parted with a soft hiss, revealing Jacob slouched on the couch, wearing the same half-drowsy look he always did, like he''d just rolled out of bed. "What brings you here?"


    Jacob didn''t reply. He was in a pale gray knit sweater, every inch of him giving offzy indifference.


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    "You wanted to see me?" Lawrence asked again when the silence dragged.


    "Why did you lie to Freya?" Jacob''s eyes were deep and emotionless. Lawrence froze, caught off guard for half a second


    But his mind snapped back fast. After a beat, he pulled on a mask of confusion. "Lie about what?"


    "Kristian," Jacob answered tly.


    "She told you I lied?" Lawrence let out a short, dryugh, though something in him twisted. "Believe it or not,


    I told her everything I didn''t leave anything out.¡±


    And if there was something missing, well, that was on Kristian-not him.


    Jacob''s lips tightened into a thin line.


    Lawrence''s smile was faint and a little sad. "Jacob, in your eyes, does nothing I say ever weigh as much as one


    word from her?"


    "Yes." He didn''t miss a beat.


    That one wordnded like a blow. Lawrence just stared at him, looking into those deep, steady eyes.


    Jacob didn''t blink. Didn''t look away.


    Lawrence''s gaze flickered with emotion-anger, sadness, resignation. But Jacob''s stayed ice cold.


    In the end, it was Lawrence who looked away first. He dropped his eyes and gave


    a bitter smile. When he looked up again, his expression was back to neutral. "I''m sorry, but I can''t give you the answer you''re looking


    for. Whatever Freya chooses to believe, I''ve told her the truth about Kristian."


    "I want to see him," Jacob said.


    Lawrence''s voice turned razor-sharp. "No visitors."


    "What are you hiding?" Jacob cut straight through him.


    "I''m not hiding anything." Lawrence met his eyes squarely. "Kristian is my patient.


    It''s my job to make sure he


    recovers quietly, without disruptions."


    "And what if I don''t back down?" Jacob''s calm finally cracked.


    Lawrence gave a cool smile. "You still won''t get in. There are three locked doors between here and Kristian''s


    room. Each needs its own password."


    Jacob rose slowly, hair still a mess, his movements unhurried. He nced at Lawrence once, then walked out of


    the lounge.


    Lawrence thought he was finally leaving-that he was done with this ce, like he always wanted. But Jacob walked straight toward the first security door.


    Facial recognition, iris scan, fingerprint, password-just one needed to work.


    Jacob''s pale gaze rested on the panel. After a moment''s pause, he typed something in.


    First attempt-denied.


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    Second attempt-denied.


    Lawrence listened to the cold voice reporting failed entries, a strange mix of relief


    and weariness curling in his


    chest. Jacob couldn''t get in.


    Then the voice spoke again.


    "Password epted. Please enter."


    The door slid open.


    Jacob stepped through, untouched by emotion, moving like he belonged there.


    Lawrence stood frozen. Password epted?


    His eyes widened as the realization mmed into him-Jacob remembered everything.


    He remembered!


    Forgetting all else, Lawrence darted after him. By the time he caught up, Jacob


    had already opened the second door and was heading toward the third.


    "Jacob!" Lawrence called.


    Jacob didn''t slow down.


    Lawrence lunged forward, blocking his path, his expression still clouded with


    emotion. "You remembered the password. Does that mean-"


    "No," Jacob cut him off coldly.


    Lawrence wanted to say more.


    But Jacob cut deeper. "I remember it because I was stupid enough back then, so I


    made sure I''d never forget


    the lesson."


    "Jacob, back then-" Lawrence started.


    But the look Jacob gave him was colder than anything. Colder than a stranger''s


    re. Lawrence couldn''t speak.


    Jacob had never cared for his exnations.


    To him, they were just excuses.


    Brushing past, Jacob walked up to the third door and entered the same code.


    This time, password incorrect.


    Lawrence didn''t move. Didn''t stop him. Didn''t speak. He just stood there, strangely hollow.


    Every time they met, things only got worse. If Kristian hadn''t been in such a dangerous state, he never would''ve contacted K, and he definitely wouldn''t have asked her to bring Jacob into it.


    That thought lingered as he watched Jacob keep trying codes.


    "Don''t waste your time." Lawrence leaned against the wall. "You''ll never guess


    that one. Not in a lifetime."


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    Jacob looked at him.


    Lawrence didn''t budge.


    "Go back and tell Freya-Kristian still owes me. I''ll fix him up, whether she asks


    me to or not." He said every word slowly, clearly, and thest part he delivered while looking Jacob dead in the eye. "But if she sends you again, I''ll make sure Kristian forgets herpletely."


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    Chapter 278 You Really Know How To Keep Secr...


    Jacob lifted his gaze, his expressionposed and untouched by emotion as his eyes settled on Lawrence.


    There was something almost amused in his look, as though he found Lawrence''s immaturity ratherughable.


    Lawrence turned away, refusing to meet his gaze. "Just go."


    "If you dare wipe her from Kristian''s memory, she''ll make your life a nightmare you''ll never wake up from." Jacob offered the warning gently, though his face remained as still as stone.


    "Her? You''ve got to be joking."


    "I''m not." Jacob replied tly.


    "I know she''s Hugh Briggs'' daughter, and yeah, she''s got strings to pull." Lawrence''s tone was flippant. "But iming she could ruin my life-don''t you think you''re giving her too much credit?"


    If she were still married to Kristian, maybe Lawrence might have believed it, if only a little.


    To Lawrence, she was just another pampered socialite.


    Jacob didn''t waste his time punching in the password again. He simply turned around and walked out.


    Without knowing why, Lawrence followed him. He was well aware that Jacob didn''t like him, but he couldn''t seem to hold himself back.


    "If, as Hugh Briggs''s daughter, she doesn''t cut it, then how about K?" Jacob threw the line out with casual ease as he neared the base''s entrance, ncing over his shoulder.


    Lawrence froze mid-step.


    K?


    A sharp unease tightened in his chest. He asked, carefully, "You mean Freya is K?"


    Jacob didn''t answer, but the look in his eyes gave him away.


    Lawrence''s thoughts spun out of control.


    Was this some kind of absurd joke?


    "K is practically elusive-how could Freya possibly be her?" Lawrence felt his entire sense of reality shift. "Isn''t


    K supposed to be a total shut-in? Always holed up indoors, glued to a screen?"


    With that kind of money behind her, why on earth would Freya ever need to hack anything?


    A girl born into that kind of wealth would''ve spent her childhood drowning in etiquette sses and piano


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    "You''re not serious?" Lawrence asked again, wanting to be sure.


    Jacob didn''t dignify the question with a response. He walked away with long, determined strides, making it clear he had no interest in conversation.


    Lawrence rushed after him. He couldn''t let Jacob disappear before he had


    answers.


    Just as Jacob slid into the driver''s seat and reached to close the door, Lawrence swung open the passenger side and slipped in.


    "Get out." Jacob shot him a look that could''ve frozen steel.


    Lawrence felt the chill in his bones but shamelessly stayed where he was. "Just a couple of questions. Once I


    understand, I''ll leave. I swear, I won''t bother you again."


    Jacob''s demeanor stayed icy, a wall that warned people to keep their distance.


    "So, that night... it was Freya who took you to the hospital." Lawrence had meant to ask something else- something more direct about Freya''s identity-but that''s what ended up slipping out.


    Jacob said nothing.


    In that moment, all of Lawrence''s swirling emotions quieted. Everything became painfully clear.


    He had misunderstood. Jacob was still single.


    "How did you find out Freya''s K?" Lawrence tried again.


    "That''s none of your concern," Jacob said.


    Lawrence fell into silence.


    Jacob was still as distant and imprable as ever.


    "She asked me to pass along a message-if you''re hiding anything from her and she finds out, you can forget about getting any of those custom devices you''ve been begging for." For once, Jacob said more than expected. "And she''ll cklist you, too."


    "That''s pretty cold, don''t you think?" Lawrence''s coolposure finally cracked. He could afford to offend a rich girl with a famousst name. He didn''t need her world.


    But K...


    K wasn''t just some hacker. She had clout and resources that blew theirs out of the water.


    If he got on her bad side, he''d be finished.


    Jacob noticed the shift in him and cast a suspicious nce his way.


    Lawrence''s mind worked fast. When he caught Jacob''s look, he realized something had slipped. "Tell her never keep anything from her. Whatever she wants to know, I''ll hand over everything. I just hope she sticks to her promise."


    "What promise?" Jacob''s attention snapped to Freya.


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    To Jacob, Freya wasn''t just K. She was a friend-someone he genuinely cared


    about.


    Even knowing her real identity, he still saw her as an ordinary girl-kind, generous, sincere.


    "Nothing." Lawrence stepped out of the car on his own. "Drive safe.¡±


    Jacob kept his eyes trained on him.


    Lawrence had always been slightly wary of Jacob. But now that he knew Freya was K, that anxiety doubled. "Seriously, it''s nothing!"


    Jacob kept staring.


    "Kristian wants nothing to do with her anymore, but she still wants updates on him. So I told her, every time I give her a new piece of information, she gives me a hundred million dors." Lawrence finally broke, hoping it would win back some goodwill.


    "When was this?"


    "A few days ago, at the hospital. She brought over the family consent form, and we talked in the hallway."


    "Alright."


    With that, Jacob pulled the door shut and drove away.


    Lawrence waspletely thrown.


    What did that "alright" even mean?


    He gave up trying to decipher it and instead focused on the bigger shock-Freya


    was K.


    He stared at her number on his screen, hesitated outside the base, then finally


    dialed.


    Freya was at Shaw Group''s office when the call came through.


    She gave Gerard a nod and stepped aside to answer it.


    "Good morning, Ms. Briggs.''


    "What is it?"


    "You really know how to keep secrets, don''t you?" Lawrence slipped back into his


    usual sly, polished tone, his voice tinged with a smile. "If you''d just told me you were K from the beginning, I would''ve handed over everything you wanted. No payment necessary."


    Freya sounded even colder than usual. "Alright."


    Lawrence paused.


    "That''s right, I''m K," Freya said, introducing herself.


    Lawrence was speechless. Wasn''t K supposed to scoff at money? With her old temperament, she''d insisted on keeping things strictly transactional, never owing anyone anything.


    Was Jacob lying to him after all?


    Hearing nothing from the other end, Freya asked, "Is there anything else? If not, I''m hanging up."


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    "Wait." Lawrence wanted onest confirmation. "That ten million you mentioned in


    yourst email-when will


    it hit my ount?"


    "With your memory and vision, I''m not sure you''re even fit to handle Kristian''s treatment." Freya saw right through his little test.


    "Just kidding.¡± Lawrence groaned internally. "You get back to work. I''ll go check in


    on Kristian."


    He ended the call quickly, already regretting ying the hero earlier.


    Why did he have to act like money didn''t matter? He''d just lost the best deal of his life-a hundred million bucks for one piece of news-gone.


    Freya nced at her phone after the call ended, just about to speak to Gerard again when Jacob called.


    He never wasted time. "Lawrence is keeping something from you. I didn''t get to


    see Kristian."


    Rmended for you


    COMPLETED


    The Unwanted Wife''s


    UNEXPECTED Comeback


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    11:21

 Left Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 279

    Chapter 279 Keeping The


    Boss Happy Is Part Of My.....


    "I figured as much." Freya''s tone was heavy,


    She had spent thest couple of days painstakingly sifting through every detail, but something still didn''t sit right.


    She couldn''t quite put her finger on what it was, so she had roped Jacob in to help her test the waters.


    "If you really want to know, help me break the third door''s code tonight, and I''ll show you," Jacob offered.


    "No need." Freya was never one to push. "As long as Lawrence can save Kristian, whatever secrets he''s hiding don''t matter."


    "Alright."


    "Thanks for helping."


    "It''s nothing."


    The call disconnected.


    Only then did Freya turn back to her conversation with Gerard.


    Under normal circumstances, if Gerard had discovered she was K, he would''ve been practically buzzing, probably shoving a notebook in her face for an autograph.


    But right now, aside from that brief flicker of emotion when the truth came out, his mind was still tangled up in thoughts of his boss.


    "Is Mr. Shaw really doing that badly?" He nced at Freya, who was seated just ahead and to his right, his expression clouded with concern.


    "Yes." Freya didn''t borate. She swiftly signed the documentid out before her. "If anything worries you during this time, juste to me."


    She signed a confidentiality agreement on Gerard''s behalf.


    Given her dual identity as the head of Anita International and an investment advisor for Briggs Group, she wanted to spare Gerard from any unnecessary burden.


    "You really don''t have to do this," Gerard said, sincerity in his voice. "I trust you."


    "I know." Freya had always known Gerard was a decent man. "That''s exactly why I should give this to you."


    Gerard felt a tangle of emotions he couldn''t quite name.


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    Chapter 279 Keeping The Boss Happy Is Part Of My Assistant Duties


    Freya really did have a good heart.


    If not for what happened back then, she and Kristian would''ve been the kind of couple people envied.


    Freya paused for a second before continuing. "There''s something I''d like you to do for me."


    "Go ahead," Gerard said.


    "When Kristianes back, don''t tell him I had anything to do with Shaw Group''s affairs. Don''t mention a


    thing." Freya didn''t want to get into another argument with Kristian. "Just say it was all you."


    Gerard looked puzzled. "Why?"


    Shouldn''t Kristian know who helped him?


    "He doesn''t want anything to do with me. He doesn''t want to owe me." Freya didn''t sugarcoat it, even if she knew Gerard wouldn''t get it. "If he finds out after he recovers, it''ll only cause more conflict."


    She was done fighting. She just wanted Kristian to get better, and when that day came, they''d go back to being strangers-just the way he wanted.


    Gerard pressed his lips into a thin line, wanting to speak but holding it back. All he managed was, "Alright."


    "If you need anything, call me," Freya said, handing him the signed agreement. "Anytime."


    "Okay." Gerard epted it.


    Once Freya left, Gerard finally made his way to Kristian''s office.


    Lately, he had taken over most of the responsibilities in the office himself. There was no way he could pass the reins back to the branch leader-one wrong move and everything could unravel.


    With Kristian still undergoing treatment, Gerard had to stay sharp and keep a tight grip on everything.


    More than anything, he couldn''t let word get out about Kristian''s condition. Isaac had been crystal clear-no leaks, not even a whisper.


    Truthfully, Gerard didn''t need to stress so much. The moment it became apparent that Kristian wouldn''t recover anytime soon, Freya had already put online safeguards in ce. Anything concerning Kristian was blocked before it even had a chance to surface.


    She''d done all of it to keep Melinda and Lionel in the dark, to spare them the worry.


    After leaving the office, Freya returned to her car. She dropped into the driver''s seat, leaned back, and let her thoughts drift aimlessly.


    It was only today, through Gerard, that she pieced together what Jacob meant about Kristian''s earlier fever


    before thest one.


    She hadn''t known that her forgiveness had hit him so hard, or that on the day she told him she was being taken away, he was still lying in a hospital bed, burning with fever and attached to an IV.


    He''d been running a dangerously high fever for days, and before it broke, he had sat on the beach, enduring the cold sea breeze all night, only making things


    worse.


    If not for that, maybe the gunshot alone wouldn''t have caused such damage.


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    Chapter 279 Keeping The Boss Happy Is Part Of My Assistant Duties


    The thought left a knot in Freya''s chest.


    She didn''t know how it had all unraveled like this. If she had known, from the moment she signed those divorce papers, she should''ve vanished somewhere quiet-noptop, no phone, nothing.


    Maybe then things wouldn''t have spiraled this far.


    A soft tap on the window pulled her from her thoughts.


    Freya opened her eyes to find Ellis standing outside, a shadow of concern


    flickering in his gaze.


    She straightened and rolled the window down.


    "Get out first. I want to take you somewhere," Ellis said, one hand tucked in his pocket, his voice easygoing and


    warm.


    Freya wasn''t exactly in the mood to go anywhere, so she steeled herself and said, "It''s work hours. If you skip


    docked." out without a reason, I''ll have your pay


    "Keeping the boss happy is part of my assistant duties," Ellis replied with a deadpan expression, though his teasing tone betrayed him.


    Freya was speechless.


    Still, she stepped out of the car.


    She knew Ellis well enough to know-he wouldn''t ask if it wasn''t important.


    Ellis shut and locked her car, then led her to his.


    Once inside, Freya nced around the vehicle, her brows drawing together in faint confusion.


    Ellis caught it. "Something wrong?"


    "Nothing." Freya had too much on her mind to dwell on it. "This car just looks familiar, like I''ve seen it somewhere before."


    Ellis''s eyes shifted slightly, but his voice stayed even. "It''s not a rare model. You''ve probably seen it around." Freya gave a nomittal hum and let the thought drop.


    The car only cost a few million-not exactly exclusive. Plenty of people in Alerith drove one, and many had them customized. But something about it tugged at her memory.


    Still, she didn''t think much of it. She just sat there, quiet.


    It wasn''t even that she was actively thinking-her mind simply kept reying everything on its own.


    Ellis could tell she wasn''t in the best headspace, so he didn''t try to chat. He just drove, calm and steady.


    The ride stretched on for over an hour. Freya''s thoughts wandered the entire way. Eventually, they reached a wide, t mountaintop. All around them was lush green forest, and just past the edge, clouds driftedzily through the mountain peaks like something out of a dream.


    "Why''d you bring me here?" Freya asked.


    Was he about to make her shout her troubles into the wind?


    11:22


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    The idea crossed her mind, but she dismissed it right away.


    Ellis preferred his team to sweat out their emotions during training-not something


    like this. Once people were exhausted, they didn''t have the strength left to dwell


    on anything.


    Rmended for you


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    Read

 Left Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 280

    Chapter 280 Paragliding


    Ellis took out his phone, tapped out a quick message, then slipped it back into his pocket before finally responding to Freya''s question with a yful glint in his eyes. "Didn''t you always say you wanted to try paragliding?"


    Freya''s mind drifted, sifting through memories of their earlier conversations.


    She had mentioned it once, years ago. She told him how she craved the feeling of flight, of being alone with the wind, suspended in the sky with nothing holding her back. No noise, no chaos. Just freedom.


    But it had been four long years since she''dst soared.


    Ellis went on, his eyes alight with enthusiasm as he gestured expansively, "This ce is a premier paragliding destination globally. And the weather couldn''t be better. Clear skies, steady breeze. It''s perfect. We''ve got the whole ce to ourselves-you''re free to fly, or not. Totally up to you."


    Freya hesitated.


    "Go on, get suited up," Ellis interrupted, his voice firm yet encouraging as he epted the paragliding gear from a young instructor who approached them. "Just have fun. Don''t overthink it."


    Freya nced out at the breathtaking view-rolling hills, sunlight catching the waves in the distance-and nodded slowly. "Okay."


    The instructor stepped forward and handed her the rest of the gear.


    While Freya disappeared behind the changing area, he strolled up to Ellis and gave his arm a yful nudge. "Trying to impress her, huh?"


    "Don''t get any ideas," Ellis replied evenly, sidestepping the bait before it could turn into a full-blown rumor


    mill.


    "Really now?" The instructor arched an eyebrow, his grin teasing and knowing. "Then what''s the special asion for bringing her here? Didn''t you once say, ''no outsiders allowed''? Looks like someone''s breaking their


    own rules."


    Ellis shot him a sharp sideways nce and yanked the equipment out of his hands.


    Unfazed, the instructor trotted after him, still poking around for answers. "Whoa, hold up-what''s the rush? Seriously, spill. What''s going on between you two?"


    "You should consider giving TED talks; you have so much to say!" Ellis retorted, his voiceced with dismissive edge.


    This left the instructor momentarily speechless, taken aback by the abrupt rebuff.


    He inhaled deeply, his resolve firming as he decided to drop the matter, valuing their longstanding friendship over his curiosity. "Fine," he conceded with a reluctant sigh. "I promise, my lips are sealed."


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    Ellis paused, his back still turned, weighing his words. "I''m working for her," he finally admitted, though his answer danced around the truth. "She needed a break, so I figured this ce might help her clear her head."


    Under normal circumstances, Ellis wouldn''t bother with evasiong


    But the instructor''s notorious nosiness was a variable he couldn''t ignore.


    Admitting the full scope of his intentions would only lead to Freya facina barrage of unwee inquiries.


    He''d brought her here to find peace, not to endure an inquisition.


    The instructor gave him a squint, clearly not buying it.


    He ced a firm hand on Ellis''s shoulder, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. "You sure you want to stick with that story?"


    Ellis turned slightly, meeting the instructor''s gaze with a steely resolve. "What''s wrong with it?" he demanded.


    "Come on, man. Don''t y dumb. You know what your family does, right?" The instructor''s face twisted into a yful sneer. "So, you''re working for her now? If you''re not trying to win her over, I''ll eat my hat right here.¡±


    Ellis shot back with a grin, "I''d rather not witness that."


    The remark caught the instructor off-guard, hisughter sputtering into a cough.


    Unbelievable! Was Ellis actually tossing barbs his way with such sly wit?


    Already fully suited up, Ellis stood confidently beside Freya, who was simrly decked out in her pilot''s garb-flight suit, gloves, and goggles, ready for the skies.


    As the wind picked up and the ridge buzzed with the thrill of flight, the instructor called out to Ellis, his tone more serious now, "You sure you don''t want me to take her up?"


    "I''ve got it," Ellis said curtly, tightening thest strap on his vest.


    The instructor raised an eyebrow. "You sure about that?"


    Ellis didn''t even nce at him. ¡°She''s just as skilled as any instructor here. Probably more. She doesn''t need you." He knew Freya''s limits-and more importantly, he knew how much she hated being hovered over. She wanted freedom, not someone clutching the controls. "Go focus on your own ride."


    Though skeptical, the instructor shot a questioning nce towards Freya, who echoed Ellis''s sentiment with a decisive shake of her head.


    Convinced by their resolve, the instructor reluctantly geared up, deciding to join them in the air rather than linger on the ground. The engines roared to life, promising an exhrating ascent.


    Reluctantly, he had to give Ellis credit-he wasn''t reckless, just stubborn. If Ellis vouched for her, she was probably more than capable.


    The moment they soared into the air, Freya peered down at the craggy mountains enveloped in a silvery mist, the world unfurling beneath her like a vast, mysterious tapestry. The persistent tension that had knotted her muscles began to dissolve, her burdened heart gradually shedding its heaviness for a newfound lightness


    freedom.


    During their flight, Freya was utterly captivated by the experience.


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    Ellis remained attentively by her side, observing as the stress melted from her features.


    A subtle smile tugged at his lips, and a warmth flickered in his eyes-a silent reassurance only she could feel.


    The weather was impable that day, enhancing the serenity of the flight. Freya remained airborne for a blissful two hours, and by the time she touched the ground again, the swarm of worries that had clouded her mind had dispersed. Shended feeling serene,pletely at peace with the world.


    "That was insane!" the instructor eximed, his charm not dimming in the slightest as he shed his flight gear. Seizing the opportunity, he drifted closer to Ellis, eager to chat. "How did you get to know her? She''s stunning, and she flies like she was born to it. Tell me she''s got a sister. Hook me up, man.¡±


    Ellis responded with a cool detachment, "Even if she did, it has nothing to do with you."


    "Oh, don''t be like that," the instructor whined, yfully throwing an arm around Ellis'' shoulders. "We''ve been through so much together. You''re really okay with me being miserable and single forever?"


    Just as Ellis caught Freya approaching them, he quippedzily, ¡°Her younger sister isn''t keen on older men."


    The instructor''s jaw dropped. Older?


    He retorted with a mock scowl, "Coming from you? That''s rich."


    The jab hit Ellis hard, casting his thoughts back to a moment when Freya had


    poked fun at his age, injecting a wry humor into the memory.


    His irritation with the instructor swelled, coloring his perception with a shade of annoyance.


    "Compared to you, I am practically young," Ellis retorted with his characteristic nonchnce, his voiceced with mock superiority.


    A hint of amusement flickered across the instructor''s face, his lips barely concealing a smirk.


    They were barely days apart, yet Ellis spoke like the instructor was years ahead. Not even a hint of shame.


    Just then, Freya strolled up, catching the tail end of their yful jabs. Before she could get a word in, Ellis turned to her and announced, ¡°Let''s go. We''re heading back."


    "Already?" Freya raised an eyebrow, her tone light but curious. It was obvious Freya knew Ellis and the instructor were friends. ¡°You two looked like you were having a nostalgic moment."


    "Nostalgic?" Ellis arched a brow, feigning ignorance. "I''ve only known the guy a few days longer than you." He delivered the lie with such a straight face it was almost convincing.


    Freya cast a quick nce around, suspicion flickering in her eyes. Was that so? It didn''t feel like that at all.


    "They''ve been asking in the group chat when we''re all meeting up again," Ellis added smoothly as he started walking toward the car, neatly steering the conversation away. "Apparently, you''re the hot topic in the chat."


    Freya blinked, caught off guard.


    Thest time they''d tried to meet, the n was scrapped entirely-everything


    turned upside do


    moment news broke that Kristian had been shot.


    She''d missed her catch-up with Greta and Riley too-one more thing swept away


    in the chaos.


    -he


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    Chapter 280 Paragliding


    "If you''re not feeling up to it, I can cover for you," Ellis offered, ncing at her with


    a faint softness in his voice


    "I''ll handle the excuses."


    "It''s okay," Treya assured him, her voice lighter now, as if a weight had finally


    been lifted. "I''ll talk to them once


    we''re back."


    Ellis gave a small nod, satisfied. "Alright then."


    They slipped into the car, falling into easy small talk as the engine purred to life.


    On the sidelines, the instructor remained where he stood, utterly bbergasted by their apparent disregard for


    him.


    With a scowl, he whipped out his phone and dialed Ellis''s number. He was done holding back. That heartless, woman-chasing traitor was about to get an earful. After all, he had lent them the whole damn ce, and all Ellis had promised in return was a meal.


    And yet... where was that promised meal?


    Ellis hadn''t even bothered with a goodbye-just sped off with Freya like the world owed him nothing. What an absolute jerk!


    Inside the car, Ellis turned the key in the ignition, ready to leave. However, just as he was about to pull away, his phone vibrated against his thigh.


    With a quick nce at the caller ID, a flicker of annoyance crossed his dark eyes. Without a second thought, he declined the call and quickly sent a dismissive text. "Do us all a favor and quit being the third wheel." Rmended for you

 Left Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 281

    Chapter 281 Ellis''s Phone Got A Virus


    After shooting off the message, Ellis powered down his phone and tucked it away, resolute in his mission to avoid any unnecessary distractions.


    He''d finally coaxed Freya out for a breath of fresh air. No way was he about to let anyone mess that up.


    The instructor stared nkly at the message lighting up his screen,pletely at a loss.


    Without wasting a second, he hit the call button and tried Ellis. But all he got was Ellis''s voicemail


    He was left speechless. He narrowed his eyes at the car that had just driven off, jaw tight with irritation. "Fine. Let''s see how long youst without turning your phone back on."


    Ellis, on the other hand, couldn''t care less about ruffling his friend''s feathers. They''d been pulling tricks on each other since childhood.


    To be fair, they only ever reached out when it suited them.


    By the time they rolled into the city, the clock had already ticked past four in the afternoon.


    Ellis drove Freya straight home.


    There was no use heading to the office at this hour. Besides, he and Melvin had already squared away everything that mattered. Freya had nothing left to stress about.


    Once they arrived, Freya unlocked the door.


    "Thank you for today," she said, ncing back with a rare flicker of sincerity in her eyes. "I''ll give you a raise next month."


    Ellis replied in his usual nonchnt drawl, "Much appreciated, my dear boss." Freya was momentarily struck dumb. She still wasn''t used to being called that. "Go on in and rest up. I''ll holler when dinner''s ready," Ellis said in that familiar, protective tone, one that bordered on brotherly. "Especially after that raise you promised me."


    "I..." Freya started, instinctively ready to decline.


    But the look in Ellis''s eyes stopped her short.


    She swallowed her protest and changed her answer. "Alright."


    After they parted ways, Freya reached out to Trent.


    Compared to her, Trent probably knew Ellis even better. The two of them were like peas in a pod-sharp,


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    cunning, and full of tricks


    Once the video call connected, Freys made small talk for a bit before cutting to the dhe do you fore


    down Ellis''s dinner invitations


    "Dinner invitations? Trent asked, dating his sses


    "He keeps inviting me ever to eat," Freya admitted, a tle uneasily Even though Ellis had said he didn''t hold


    grudges, she couldn''t shake the worry. "With the way he''s always opers, when he''s nice to you, it usually means you''re in trouble"


    Aside from that one embarrassing phone call, the couldn''t think of any reason she''d gotten on his bad side


    But hadn''t they already moved past that?


    Trent smiled faintly, quietly marveling at how rocky Ellis''s journey to win her heart had be


    Freya caught the look. "What''s so funny?"


    "Have you ever considered the fact that Ellis''s retired?" Trent tried to shift the narrative.


    Freya looked confused. Hadn''t Ellis already said that?


    Trent went on, "Since he''s no longer that ''devil captain'', maybe it''s time to stop seeing him through the same


    lens."


    "Huh?" Freya was puzzled.


    "Maybe he''s just trying to be nice," Trent exined, gently setting the stage. "Or maybe Irving in your ce and collecting that generous paycheck makes him feel like he owes you something"


    "Would he really think like that?" Freya always felt unguarded around her teammates.


    "He used to be our captain-always one step ahead of the rest of us," Trent continued, nudging her a little more. "But now that we''re all out in the real world, he''s probably noticed that,pared to the rest of us, some folks-like youe from pretty privileged backgrounds. That might make him feel a little.... out of ce."


    Freya frowned.


    A bit out of ce? That just didn''t sound like Ellis.


    "Look, Mina. Men have their pride. Especially Ellis," Trent said, his tone turning sincere as he wove the tale on Ellis''s behalf. "If he invites you to dinner, just go. It might ease that pride a little."


    "Are you serious?" Freya still found it hard to believe.


    Ellis didn''t seem like that kind of person. But Trent''s words held a strange sort of logic.


    Trent nudged her onest time. "If you don''t believe me, ask other guys. Just don''t say it''s about Ellis."


    Freya nodded thoughtfully. After a bit more casual chatter, they ended the call.


    She sat still, sifting through her thoughts, and came to one conclusion. Ellis really did have a whole lot of


    But she didn''t dwell on it.


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    Remembering what Ellis had said about the group chat, she opened it-the one with all eight of them, Ellis included-and typed, "I''m free these days. Any time works for a get-together."


    Freya had already handled what Gerard couldn''t in the Shaw Group. As far as thepany went, everything


    was set. She really was free now.


    Greta chimed in, "How about tomorrow night?"


    Riley added, "No objections."


    Trent echoed, "Me too."


    Frederick and the rest threw in their affirmatives as well. The only one who stayed quiet was Ellis.


    Greta and Riley kept tagging him in the group, but he didn''t respond.


    Just then, there was a knock at Freya''s door.


    She opened it to find Ellis standing there, phone in hand, looking like he''d just


    been the butt of some grand cosmic joke. "Can you help me out?"


    "Hmm?"


    "My phone''s got a virus."


    Freya stepped aside and let him in, suddenly remembering-he''d gotten that phone after retiring, and she''d never secured it for him.


    "Don''t turn it on," Ellis said quickly as he saw her hand move toward the power button.


    But he was a second toote.


    The moment she pressed it, the phone started vibrating like mad, ring a painfully cheerful tune.


    "I''m Ellis Lambert, dancing like a chicken."


    "I''m Ellis Lambert, dancing like a chicken."


    "I''m Ellis Lambert, dancing like a chicken."


    The line kept ying on repeat, the words dancing across the screen.


    Even Freya was left momentarily dumbfounded.


    Ellis, with his clean-cut hair and sharp, striking features, stood tall and unbothered. Not a flicker of embarrassment on his face. Raising a brow slightly,


    he asked, "Can you fix it?"


    "I can," Freya replied.


    She took the phone into her study.


    This was child''s y for her. She wiped out the virus with ease and even


    reinforced the phone''s security system.


    When she was done, she handed it back and asked, "Did you piss someone off?"


    "Yeah."


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    < Chapter 281 Ellis''s Phone Got A Virus


    "Want me to help?"


    Ellis paused, then a faint smirk yed at his lips. "Then I''ll trouble you to help me


    out. nt a message in Ethan Pearson''s phone so that every time he turns it on


    or off, it ys ''Mom,e and give me a good punch."


    Freya was speechless. Was Ellis always this childish?


    "Can''t you do it?" Ellis''s tone was teasing, almost boyish.


    Freya hesitated a beat, then nodded. "I can do it."


    "I''ll call him first. Wait half an hour before you nt it," Ellis instructed. When Ellis


    decided to prank someone, no one ever escaped.

 Left Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 282

    Chapter 282 Could You Be My Girlfriend


    Freya couldn''t help but feel a twinge of guilt for Ellis''s friend.


    Out of all the reckless things he could''ve done, he just had to go and pick a fight with Ellis. What on earth was he thinking?


    Ellis didn''t bother dodging Freya. Right there in the study, he pulled up his contacts and dialed that paragliding instructor without a second thought.


    The call connected, and Ethan''s unhingedughter came ring through the speaker, along with his smug, self-satisfied voice. "Yo! How about that little tune I left you? Catchy, huh?"


    Ellis switched the call to speaker mode. "Feeling proud of yourself?"


    "You tell me! Take me out for a fancy meal and say you''re sorry. Admit you


    messed up, and maybe I''ll have


    someone fix your phone for you. Otherwise, that thing''s toast."


    Ellis didn''t say a word. He simply waited, letting Ethan finish strutting around like a peacock.


    He knew some people only learnt when they were teetering on the edge of disaster.


    "Oh, and FYI? Resetting or shing the phone won''t do squat. Virus is here to stay." He just kept bragging.


    In that deluded head of his, Ellis had probably yanked out the SIM card and was calling using another phone.


    It never even crossed Ethan''s mind that Ellis had someone on his side who could solve his problem.


    Ellis asked, "Where are you right now?"


    "North Avenue. Why,ing to beat me up?" Ethan sounded positively giddy.


    "Too bad for you-I''m heading


    out soon. No way you''re catching me."


    "Mm." Ellis ended the call.


    He did a quick calction, then told Freya, "Set it to trigger at six. And besides what he just said, add another


    line: ''Too bad. You can''t catch me. Hahaha.""


    "That''s the paragliding instructor from earlier, right?" Freya thought the voice rang a bell.


    Ellis nodded. "Yeah."


    "You told me you''d only met him a few days before I did." Freya shot him a look, calling him out without


    hesitation.


    Ellis answered smoothly, "Let''s just say I never wanted to meet him at all."


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    Freya was at a loss for words.


    From their earlier exchange, it was pretty clear. They weren''t just old friends. They were childhood buddies, practically joined at the hip.


    "So the message is, ''Mom,e and give me a good punch. Too bad. You can''t catch me. Hahaha,'' right?" Freya confirmed while prepping the update.


    "Yeah." Ellis added, "And make it sound just as irritating as he does." Freya''s fingers flitted over the keyboard like a pianist in concert.


    In no time, she''d embedded the virus into Ethan''s phone, set tounch right at six.


    Once done, Ellis messaged the group chat to confirm that he was free tomorrow night.


    That evening at six sharp, Ethan was seated at the dinner table with his folks. Just as he lifted his fork, his phone began to buzz.


    Thinking it was a regr call, he pulled it out-Only for an obnoxiously smug voice to screech from the speaker.


    "Mom,e and give me a good punch. Too bad. You can''t catch me. Hahaha...¡± The second the voice echoed through the room, the middle-aged couple across from him snapped their heads toward him, eyes glinting with ice.


    Ethan''s blood ran cold. He knew he was in deep trouble. "Mom, I can exin..." But before he could finish, the phone piped up again. ¡°Mom,e and give me a good punch. Too bad. You can''t catch me. Hahaha...¡±


    "I''ll show you whether I can catch you or not." Ethan''s mother, seized a stick and came charging toward him.


    Ethan fumbled to shut off the phone, but it wouldn''t respond.


    "Mom! Let me exin!"


    "Too bad. You can''t catch me. Hahaha!" the phone kept heckling him.


    Panic set in. Damn it all!


    "What''s there to exin? You''re not getting any younger, still no girlfriend, and all you do is loaf around the house!" His mother chased him in circles, clearly fed up. "And now you''ve got the nerve to rile me up?"


    "I''m trying to rile you up, Mom!" Ethan dodged around the furniture like a man possessed.


    "Hahaha!¡± The phone cackled in perfect imitation of his voice, driving him to the brink.


    He knew, beyond a doubt, that Ellis had orchestrated this prank.


    To stop things from getting worse, he hurled the phone to the floor, shattering it. Blessedly, th voice cut off.


    Ethan exhaled in relief, grateful he hadn''t stored anything important on that phone.


    "Mom, I¡ª"


    The stick came down hard.


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    Ethan shot up like a puppet on strings, looking utterly ridiculous.


    "Ouch!" His bangs flopped into his eyes as his face scrunched in agony. "Take it easy, pleaser


    "You dare smash things in front of me? Who do you think taught you that?" His mothershed him again.


    Ethan knew better than to talk back. His mother''s temper was nothing to mess with. "I''m sorry, Mom"


    "Can I catch you or not?"


    "You can!"


    "Try something like this again, and I''ll beat you till even your father won''t recognize you."


    "You''re absolutely right."


    With that quick surrender, the storm finally passed. Ethan wolfed down his dinner


    and bolted upstairs, clutching his SIM card.


    Thank goodness for backup phones-at least now he could still curse Ellis out.


    Meanwhile, Ellis and Freya were having dinner.


    Freya honestly enjoyed Ellis''s cooking. She wasn''t picky, but she knew good food when she tasted it.


    "Captain."


    "Yes?"


    "What does your family do?" Freya couldn''t help but ask it directly.


    "They run a shop," Ellis said inly. "Why do you ask?"


    Freya wasn''t sure if he was being honest. She''d heard whispers about his wealthy background, but nothing


    solid.


    She wasn''t about to pry, though. It wasn''t worth the trouble.


    "It''s nothing," Freya replied between bites. Then added, "If you ever need to visit


    your parents, just say so. No need to apply for leave."


    Since retiring, Ellis hadn''t been home even once.


    "They told me not toe back until I found a girlfriend. ssic parent move, right?" Ellis was clearly baiting


    her.


    And Freya walked straight into the trap. "So you''re not allowed home unless you''ve got one?"


    "Mm." Ellis''s voice turned yful. "Could you be my girlfriend so I can finally go home?"


    "Ask Riley." Freyapletely missed the underlying meaning. She sincerely offered, "She''s bubbly and cute, and everyone likes her. She''d make a great fake


    girlfriend."


    Ellis pressed his lips together in a subtle smile, his gaze dropping with a touch of helplessness.


    Oh, Freya. She could be so clueless sometimes.


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    He suddenly wondered how Kristian had ever managed to marry her


    "Freya."


    "Yeah?"


    "How did you and Kristian meet?" Ellis feltpelled to know more. "Youe off


    as pretty reserved"


    At that, Freya paused.


    A flicker of memory crossed her eyes-Their first meeting.


    It had been two years ago, yet the image still burned bright in her mind.

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    "We first crossed paths at Nyx Club in jeucwell." Freya didn''t bother to conceal the truth-it was never much of a secret to begin with. "At the time, my mom had just passed away. I needed to clear my head and breathe


    for a while, so I went to Jeucwell. That''s where I met him."


    A shadow of sorrow flitted through Ellis''s eyes-fleeting, subtle, invisible to anyone who wasn''t looking for it. He forged ahead. "And after that?"


    "We had a few drinks and got to talking." Freya could still recall their conversation with absolute rity. "Afterward, I realized he was astonishingly well-read, and we shared the same principles, the same way of


    seeing the world. And he was undeniably good-looking. So when he proposed, I said yes."


    Back then, Kristian had seemed like the dream. He was attractive, athletically built, educated, and aligned with


    her values. Even after they married, he was endlessly patient-tender in every way.


    Though Kristian was frequently away on business or workingte into the night, he never broke his word. No matter how swamped he was, if he made a promise, he kept it-and Freya was never left disappointed.


    With a man like that, she had fallen for him before she even knew what was happening.


    It wasn''t until Ashley''s call tore through those quiet, golden days that she finally understood one truth: no


    matter how much they had inmon, if their hearts weren''t in sync, they would never truly belong together.


    "A whirlwind marriage?" Ellis asked.


    Freya gave a small nod. "Pretty much."


    "How did he treat you after the wedding?" Ellis hadn''t meant to ask-it slipped out- but he couldn''t stop


    himself.


    At the very least, he wanted to learn from what she''d been through.


    If fate ever gave him the chance to be with her, he wanted to know how to treat her right.


    "Everything was fine-until the past six months." Freya could say it now without flinching, though a faint trace of regret still lingered in her voice.


    Ellis kept his tone light. "Next time you''re thinking of getting married,e to me first. I don''t think I look too bad myself."


    Freya blinked, caughtpletely off guard.


    For the first time, she looked at him carefully.


    He had that easygoing charm, an effortless coolness in the way he carried


    himself, with bold brows and striking


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    eyes His features were almost too perfect to be read


    For a split second, an image red in her mind-stunning and unfamiliar. But when she tried to grab hold of it,


    all she could see was Ellis''s strict, serious face during training


    "You want to get married?" Treya assumed he was just caving to family pressure


    "I do."


    In his heart, he added silently, "I want to marry you." But that part, he kept tucked away.


    "How about 1 organize a masquerade for this year''spany party?" Freya figured Ellis was simply eager to find someone, and as his team member, she wanted to help. "We could invite all the single men and women at Anita International who are looking for a partner. What do you think?*


    "Sounds good." Ellis gave her a few lingering nces before finally agreeing Freya thought it was a pretty decent idea, too.


    Both Melvin and Ellis were single. Maybe it''d be their chance to meet someone.


    When the conversation ended, they returned to their meal.


    Ellis had barely picked up his fork when his phone began buzzing relentlessly.


    He nced at the screen, and to avoid the caller throwing a tantrum, he swiped to answer. "Did you get yourself beaten up?"


    "Damn it!" Ethan''s irritated voice exploded through the line. "Ellis, you''re such a jerk!"


    *Watch your mouth," Ellis replied, soundingpletely unfazed.


    "A real man never lets a grudge go," Ethan dered dramatically, clearly out for vengeance. ¡°Just wait till you get married. I''ll install a virus on your phone that ys ''I do miss you, my love'' every time you''re alone with your wife."


    Ellis was at a loss for words.


    "I''ll even use a voice changer to call you in the middle of the night and tell you I''m pregnant with your child." Ethan''s threats grew increasingly absurd.


    "Haven''t learned your lesson yet?" Ellis answered casually, but his tone sent a chill straight down Ethan''s spine. Ethan stiffened, a cold dread creeping up like a de to the throat.


    But he wasn''t about to give in. He still had things he needed to know. "Enough with the nonsense! Who cleared the virus off your phone? And what the hell happened to mine?"


    "Call it karma,¡± Ellis said coolly, offering no further exnation.


    "Do you really have to be this petty?" Ethan growled, not quite ready to drop it.


    "Believe it or not? Next time i see that girl, I''ll tell her you-"


    Ellis hung up and switched his phone to silent.


    Freya remainedpletely unaware.


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    If Ethan identally let something slip, who knew how she''d react-how far she''d


    pull away afterward.


    Freya saw him end the call and assumed the conversation was over. She didn''t give it a second thought.


    Ellis was relieved the call hadn''t been on speaker. If Freya had overheard, she might''ve started to suspect


    something.


    After dinner, Freya went home.


    Ellis stayed behind on the sofa, running through every possibility in his head, searching for some way-any way -to win her over. At this rate, he could spend a lifetime trying and still never break through.


    Freya was just too oblivious when it came to feelings.


    She hadn''t thought twice about it. Once she got home, she went straight to bed. She had considered calling Lawrence to ask about Kristian, but since she''d already asked Jacob to look into it, she decided to leave it be.


    The next day, Freya got a call from Ashley. Ashley invited her out, and they met up at a restaurant.


    Once they''d finished cing the order, Ashley got right to the point. "All this time, I never properly thanked you, Freya."


    "Please don''t mention it," Freya replied. Her emotions had dulled considerably from what they used to be. She used to crack jokes here and there, but now, nothing seemed to catch her interest.


    Maybe nothing could truly stir her heart anymore.


    "Freya."


    "Yeah?"


    "I''m sorry," Ashley said, voice earnest. "I''m sorry for everything I did wrong in the


    past."


    She had owed Freya too much.


    Even if she hadn''t had a choice back then, what she''d done still caused Freya pain. And yet Freya had met her mistakes withpassion. On Butterfly Ind, Freya had even protected her


    "It''s all in the past now." Once Freya learned that Brenda had forced Ashley''s hand, all the resentment inside her faded away.


    Ashley bit her lower lip, clearly torn, but eventually asked, "Did... did something happen to Kristian?"


    "No," Freya said simply, choosing not to reveal the truth.


    Ashley had wanted to ask more, but worried that Freya might take it the wrong


    way, she kept her thoughts to herself and quietly finished the meal.


    After dinner, Ashley left Alerith.


    Freya didn''t see her off.


    Where Ashley went, whether she kept modeling or did something else-Freya


    didn''t ask.


    To her, Ashley was just someone passing through her life.


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    After the meal, Freya returned to her office. There wasn''t much that required her attention, so after reviewing


    her schedule for the day, she called Melvin into her office.


    Ellis had already been at the office for nearly a month. It was about time to check


    in-evaluate how things were going and hopefully steer him toward the path where he shined.


    Melvin stepped into the office, his sharply defined featuresposed. "What can I do for you?"

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    Chapter 284 Did Mina Do Something To Tick You Off


    Freya let out a soft hum, not bothering with pleasantries. ¡°How''s Ellis been doing at the office?"


    "Pretty well," Melvin answered without embellishment.


    Freya raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised. It was rare to get even that much out of Melvin.


    "What would you say he''s best at?"


    At the question, Melvin shot Freya a couple of nces, as if weighing his words, clearly hesitant to speak his


    mind.


    Freya remained poised, picking up on his silence. "What is it?"


    "He''s got real potential for leadership," Melvin finally said, after a beat of thought. "Everything I''ve handed him, he''s nailed. The guy''s sharp, has an eye for strategy, and consistently turns in wless work."


    "I see," Freya murmured.


    So Ellis really was capable. He''d even adjusted to society with surprising ease.


    Melvin waited patiently, giving her time, never one to rush.


    "Let him take charge of a few subsidiarypanies'' business on his own," Freya instructed. "If he does a good job, we''ll consider offering him a formal post in management at one of them."


    "Alright," Melvin replied.


    Freya kept things straightforward. She figured Ellis would prefer something closer to home-make life a little


    smoother for him.


    Once a suitable position came up nearby, she''d arrange the transfer. That way, whatever ns he had would be


    easier to manage.


    With that settled, she returned to her own work.


    The day went by in a blur.


    Remembering her promise to her friends, Freya didn''t stayte. When the time came, she left the office with


    Ellis.


    As fate would have it, Melvin caught the scene. He stood there, watching as Ellis got into Freya''s car, the two of them driving off together.


    Thinking it over, he pulled out his phone and fired off a message to Freya. "I think your friend might be up to something with you."


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    Freya was behind the wheel, en route to meet her friends, so she didn''t notice the message.


    They''d made a reservation at an exclusive members-only club-favored by the city''s elite and celebrities- revered for its privacy and tight security.


    By the time Freya and Ellis arrived, their friends were already there.


    Just as they reached the private room, Ellis got a call and told Freya to hearin first.


    "Come on over, Mina!"


    "Freya, we''re right here!"


    Greta and Frederick greeted her warmly.


    Freya made her way over and sat with Greta and Riley. A nce toward Cade and Moss stirred a memory of something Trent had once told her.


    She thought of bringing it up, maybe testing the waters, but this wasn''t the time or ce.


    "Freya, you should sit over here," Frederick insisted, offering his reason, "those three are already taken. We single folks ought to stick together."


    "Don''t lump me in," Greta interjected first. "I''m single now too." "You broke up?"


    "Yeah."


    "Why?"


    "Oh, please! Greta probably scared him off. She''s way too fierce for most guys."


    "Most guys wouldn''tst a minute if she actually got mad."


    The group dissolved into lighthearted gossip.


    Freya was curious too. "So how''d it end?"


    "He said we came from different worlds," Greta said casually, not seeming too bothered. "Said it was stressful being with me. His friends imed he was mooching off me. He didn''t like being the lesser one in the rtionship, so he ended it."


    Riley and Freya exchanged baffled looks. Wasn''t love just about being together if the feelings were mutual?


    "He was a real idiot. He should''ve told his friends they''d be lucky to have someone willing to support them," Moss blurted out, entirely unfazed.


    "Not always that simple. Some guys have too much pride," Cade added. "If their girlfriend''s family is way out of their league, it can mess with their ego."


    At that, Freya paused.


    She couldn''t help thinking of what Trent had said about Ellis.


    Seizing the moment, she asked, "Would you guys feel that way?"


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    "I would," Cade admitted without hesitation. "If the gap wasn''t too big, I''d work hard to catch up. But if she waspletely out of my league, I''d probably just walk away."


    "Why?" Riley looked genuinely puzzled, her soft features giving her an even more innocent air. "Isn''t love about two people loving each other?"


    "That''s true when you''re young," Cade said seriously. "But we have to be more realistic. If she''s got way better


    options, why should I be the one holding her back? And if our families are worlds apart, her parents are bound


    to worry."


    "You''re lucky you''ve got a solid background. Otherwise, the girls crushing on you would be out of luck,"


    Frederick chimed in, jumping into the mix.


    Freya pressed her lips together, unsure how to respond. Fortunately, the topic didn''t drag on. After another round of chatter, Ellis finally walked in, as calm andposed as ever-looking devastatingly handsome. The get-together had been nned for him, after all. With his arrival, the group rxedpletely-eating, drinking, and enjoying the night.


    By the end of the evening, empty bottles were stacked across the table. Most of Freya''s friends were impressive drinkers. Even after several rounds, they held their own effortlessly.


    Freya wasn''t so lucky. A few drinks in, and she was already feeling lightheaded.


    Recalling what had happened thest time she''d gone overboard, she did her best to stay sharp. But by the "night''s end, the alcohol had taken its toll. Her head spun, her mind foggy.


    She wasn''t making a fuss-just resting quietly, her head leaning against Greta''s shoulder.


    "Captain, are you taking Mina hometer?" Greta asked after assessing the situation.


    Everyone there trusted each other, so letting Ellis take Freya home wasn''t a concern. If it had been anyone else -or if trust hadn''t run deep-no one would''ve allowed themselves to drink so freely.


    Just likest time, at the gathering Liam had arranged, Freya only let her guard down because Trent had been


    there.


    Ellis nced at the dazed Mina and answered, ¡°Yeah."


    "Captain,¡± Riley piped up, feigning innocence, "did Mina do something to tick you


    off?"


    She hadn''t forgotten what was said in the group chatst time.


    Ellis had brought Freya breakfast. Who would believe he was just being nice? There had to be a trap for Freya Ellis looked confused. His gaze swept the curious faces beforending on Riley. "What are you talking about?"


    "Oh, please. We all know you brought Mina breakfastst time," Riley said boldly. "If she hadn''t gotten on your nerves, would you really have done that?"


    Greta and Riley knew the real story but kept up the act. They just wanted Ellis to drop any idea of giving Freya a hard time.


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    Chapter 284 Did Mina Do Something To Tick You Off


    "What''s wrong with bringing her breakfast?" Ellis repliedzily, his tone as smooth


    as ever. "Who says an employee can''t bring their boss breakfast?"


    The group stared at him in silence. Ellis was a master of deflection. What a way to dodge the question.

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    Chapter 285 He'' Actually Has Feelings For Mina


    "It''s understandable for staff to bring their boss breakfast," Moss remarked, tossing in his two cents. "But Captain, be honest with yourself-were you really just being thoughtful when you brought breakfast for Mina? Or have you conveniently forgotten that time you handed me a bottle of water and then made me run ten kilometers strapped with extra weight?"


    "And the time you gave me food, only to triple my training session right after?" Cade chimed in, not missing


    his moment to add fuel to the fire.


    Ellis leaned back in his chair, his tone light andced with mischief as he raised a brow. "So what I''m hearing is... you two have a bone to pick with me?"


    Moss froze mid-breath.


    Cade went stiff as a board.


    Uh-oh!


    A chill tiptoed down their spines, and their hearts thudded like warning drums. They''d walked right into it- hook, line, and sinker.


    "So you are nning to put Mina through the wringer?" Greta concluded, narrowing her eyes.


    Before Ellis could respond, Freya-half-asleep and only catching fragments of the chatter-sat up abruptly. Her gaze was bleary, her voice soft and adorably indignant. "Captain, didn''t you say you''d let it go? Why are you going back on your word?"


    Maybe it was the lingering buzz from the alcohol, but her sleepy defiance was so cute and earnest that both Greta and Riley couldn''t resist the temptation to pinch her cheeks.


    In fact, they promptly did.


    "All right, everyone. Let''s wrap it up for tonight," Ellis said, rising from his seat. His long frame seemed even moremanding as he stood tall. "Head home safely. I''ll take Freya back myself."


    As he spoke, he made his way toward her.


    Just as he reached out, Freya turned to him and asked, "Why aren''t you saying anything?"


    "I''ll exinter," Ellis murmured, gently taking her hand from Greta''s side. His voice softened to a tender whisper. "Do you want me to carry you or give you a piggyback ride?"


    Freya shook her head, her voice drowsy but stubborn. "I can walk on my own." "All right." Ellis nodded, indulging her without a fuss.


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    Once satisfied she could manage, he turned to the others, offering some words of caution, his toneced with genuine care. "Don''t drive. You''ve been drinking. Call a designated driver, and text in the group when you get


    home."


    "Oh, okay..." The others were still a bit dazed.


    Without another word, Ellis led Freya out.


    As soon as they disappeared through the door, those left behind exchanged nces like they''d just witnessed something ghostly-Greta and Riley in particr.


    "Why do I feel like the Captain''s acting a bit... odd with Mina?" Greta was first to voice what everyone else was


    thinking.


    Riley gave a slow nod. "Since I''ve known him, I''ve never seen him act so... soft."


    "Does that mean Freya''s going to get it even worse than we did?" Frederick asked, his wide-eyed concern for Freya shining through. "Worse than what Cade and Moss had to deal with?"


    Greta and Riley exchanged a nce. Something about that didn''t sit right. "Wait a second..." Moss hesitated, scanning everyone''s expressions. "Is it possible our all-business, stone-faced captain... actually has feelings for Mina?¡± Cade thought back to what they''d just witnessed. "It''s more than possible."


    If any of them had gotten drunk, Ellis would''ve thrown them over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and dumped them at their doorstep. No way would he have softly offered a choice between being carried or *piggybacked.


    That kind of gentleness? Yeah, something was definitely up.


    "What do you think, Trent?" Moss tossed the question to him.


    Ellis and Trent were two peas in a pod when it came to being sharp. If anyone knew the truth, it''d be Trent. Trent just smiled, a knowing gleam in his eye. "Didn''t


    I tell you guys he was just being nice to Mina?"


    And just like that, the whole room clicked into understanding.


    "You knew all along?" Cade asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    "Don''t breathe a word of this to Mina," Trent cautioned, his tone as calm and steady as ever. "No ying matchmaker-and no throwing wrenches in the works, either."


    He turned to Greta and Riley, a pointed look apanying his gentle reminder. "Especially you two."


    Everyone knew how inseparable the three were-Greta, Riley, and Freya were thick as thieves, joined at the hip and heart.


    Had he not said anything, the two would''ve likely raced to Freya without a second thought, spilling everything in their rush. And considering how Freya felt about Ellis at the moment, she might''ve gone cold and distant, perhaps even kept him at arm''s length.


    "He''s really good at keeping his feelings under wraps," Greta murmured, finally feeling reassured. "But he


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    didn''t start liking Mina only after retiring, right? When did it even begin?"


    "No clue," Trent replied honestly


    No one could pinpoint when Ellis''s feelings had first taken root what they did know was that he never let his emotions cloud his judgment. Even though he was into Freya, he never let up on her during training. Not once


    But looking back, it all made sense now.


    Push het hard now, so she''d be safer when it mattered.


    "Honestly, that''s probably for the best." Riley sighed,forted by the thought "if Freya ends up with Ellis, nobody in their right mind would dare mess with her."


    On that note, the group exchanged a silent pact. Just as Trent had said, no meddling


    Out of all of them, only Freya remained blissfully unaware of the truth.


    After leaving the club, Ellis took a slow stroll with Freya through the quiet streets. She tried to walk on her own at first, but after every few steps, she''d pause for ten seconds, swaying gently like a leaf caught in a breeze. Eventually, Ellis scooped her up in a piggyback without a word.


    "Captain," Freya murmured against his back, her eyes closed, her voice small but persistent. "You still haven''t


    answered me."


    "When did I ever say I held a grudge over the past?" Ellis replied, his voice smooth as flowing water-easy. steady, andced with warmth. Surrounded by the sound of his voice, Freya felt as though she were being wrapped in a nket of warmth, like a soft wind brushing against her skin. For a moment, everything else faded.


    She didn''t think-she just spoke from the heart. "Then why do you keep bringing me breakfast? Why do you invite me for meals?"


    "You could say..." Ellis''s voice tailed off.


    In his heart, he whispered, "I have my reasons-none of them pure." Though the alcohol dulled her edges, Freya wasn''t so far gone that she wouldn''t understand the implication. If he revealed the truth now, she might run the next day, iming work as a shield.


    Still, Freya waited. "What?"


    "I''m just looking out for a team member going through a divorce," Ellis said, slipping on a mask of nonchnce. "Or maybe I''m being kind to my boss-it mighte in handy for my future."


    "I don''t think so," Freya replied firmly, even in her haze, conviction anchoring her words.


    Ellis raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"


    "You''re not that kind of person," she insisted, confident in his character


    Ellis gave a quiet smile and kept walking.


    Freya''s thoughts spiraled. Her mind was a tangled mess-Kristian''s injury, Ellis''s


    strange behavior-all knotted like a ball of string wed by a curious cat.


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    Chapter 285 He Actually Has Feelings For Mine


    When they finally got home, Ellis made her a ss of honey water, worried she''d


    wake up with a pounding headache. It wouldn''t erase the hangover, but it would take the edge off


    After making sure everything was in order, he messaged in the group chat to let their trends know they were


    back safely.


    Greta suggested, "Make sure Mina drinks some honey water, so she won''t have a


    headache tomorrow."


    Ellis replied, "Already done."


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    Chapter 286 What If


    Kristian Never Recovers


    Greta paused halfway through her typing, fingers hovering above the keys, then decided it wasn''t worth the worry anymore.


    Since Ellis was so naturally good at looking after Freya, they might as well stop worrying too much


    Once she finished her honey water, Freya settled onto the spotless carpet. Her eyes shimmered with silent unease, her face shaded with quiet sorrow.


    Night was never ideal for making serious decisions-or for drinking too much.


    Even someone asposed and level-headed as Freya found her thoughts spinning under the weight of alcohol.


    She didn''t know why, but visions of Kristian''s injuries, with his nervous system in serious jeopardy, kept reying in her mind, growingrger until they were impossible to ignore.


    "Captain.¡± Her voice was barely a whisper, uncertain and small, like a child who''d lost her bearings.


    To her, Ellis could do anything.


    No matter the problem, whether practical or emotional, he always managed to talk them through it, guiding them forward, earning their trust without them even realizing it.


    Ellis eased down beside her, casting her a sideways nce. "What''s wrong?"


    "What if Kristian never recovers?" Freya wrapped her arms around her knees, resting her chin on top. "How am I supposed to face his family?"


    Kristian was the sessor to Shaw Group, Lionel''s most treasured grandson, and the cherished son of Melinda and Isaac.


    If Lawrence were to dere that Kristian would never recover, Freya truly didn''t know what she would do.


    "Lawrence hasn''t reached any conclusions yet. Don''t work yourself up." Ellis said evenly, recognizing that emotion was clouding her thoughts. "With his expertise, it''s unlikely the oue will be too severe."


    Freya lifted her gaze to him, her usually serene eyes now muddled with doubt. "Really?" she asked.


    "When have I ever lied to you?" Ellis shot back.


    Freya paused, thinking it through, then gave a small shake of her head.


    He had never lied to her.


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    "Go take a shower and get some sleep "Ellis gave her hair a gentle tousle, his broad hand was warm and steady, offering a quiet kind of reassurance "Tomorrow morning. I''ll go with you to see Lawrence and ask about Kristian''s condition." "Okay." Freya nodded.


    "Can you stand on your own?"


    "Yeah."


    As she made her way toward the bedroom, Ellis couldn''t help but think she was perhaps a bit too trusting for


    her own good.


    He called out to her. "Treya."


    ¡°Hmm?¡± She turned around, still looking a little out of it.


    Ellis pressed his lips together, swallowing the words that nearly came out. "Never mind. Go showrer-and wear something warm before youe back out."


    After all, he was retired now. He could protect her. There was no need for her to carry so much on her


    shoulders.


    "Alright." Freya turned and stepped into the bedroom.


    She closed the door quietly behind her, gathered her clothes, and went to shower, needing a moment alone to


    collect herself.


    The hot water was sobering. As the steam curled around her, her skin took on a soft flush, droplets clung to her long, curledshes, and herplexion glowed with delicate rity.


    Ellis waited just outside the whole time.


    Roughly twenty minutester, Freya stepped out of the bathroom.


    She wore soft cotton pajamas, her damp hair wrapped up, the curve of her neck especially pale and graceful under the dim light.


    Most of the alcohol had faded from her system. She let her hair fall loose and gently patted it dry with a towel before stepping out the door.


    When Ellis saw her hair still wet, he frowned slightly. What was she thinking, wandering around like that on a


    chilly night?


    "Captain, I''m fine now." Freya stood in the doorway, trying to lookposed. "You should get some rest.


    "Come here," Ellis said, his tone low and quiet.


    Freya blinked, confused. She hesitated, then walked over.


    Before she could figure out what was happening, Ellis picked up a hair dryer and started drying her hair. Freya stiffened, caught off guard, wondering if he even realized just how intimate this gesture was.


    "Captain..."


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    Chapter 256 What it tiener ener


    "What is it?" 19 seked, his hand moving gently through the red, though mide he


    felt triply nervous fi was his first time doing anything like this, whd be aren''t ears if he tugged hey hate of if the dryer


    was too hot


    Treys took the hab dryer from him and ewitched off


    The room fell inte en immediate huch


    "I can do it mysell, really," she murmured, a trace of difort in her destow "You


    should get some steep it''s been a long day for you, too


    "Alright. 1lis didn''t push it. "Call me if anythinges up"


    Treya nodded "Okay"


    He gave her onest nce to make sure she was alright before getting up to leave Freza walked him to the door, murmuring her thanks as he stepped into his own apartment.


    Once they were both back in their rooms, Freya shut the door behind her and quietly finished drying her hair


    alone.


    She had always thought that drying someone''s hair was something reserved for loved ones-parents, siblings.


    or a partner


    Having Ellis do it just felt... strange.


    Once her hair was dry, Freyay down in bed.


    Before sleeping, she checked her phone for missed messages and saw one from


    Melvin.


    Her friend might be up to something with her?


    Who?


    She typed back without much thought, "Who do you mean?"


    At that moment, Melvin was still at home, waiting for a response from Freya.


    Ever since Ellis joined the office, Freya hadn''t needed Melvin to drive her around anymore. Many of the things


    he used to do for her had quietly been taken over by Ellis.


    That shift left Melvin feeling a little uneasy about his role.


    So when he saw her message pop up, he quickly typed, "Ellis Lambert."


    But right before hitting send, he hesitated. Freya seemed to treat Ellis awfully well.


    What if she liked him? Wouldn''t he be handing over a confession on a silver


    tter?


    For a moment, Melvin wavered, uncertain if he should go through with it.


    Freya waited a while but got no reply. Figuring he''d fallen asleep, she set her phone down on the nightstand


    and drifted off.


    In the end, Melvin didn''t send the message. He decided to wait until the next day-


    he''d find up at work.


    way to bring it


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    Chapter 286 What If Kristian Never Recovers


    What he didn''t expect was that neither Freya nor Ellis showed up at the office the


    next morning


    Later that morning, Freya sent Melvin a message saying she wouldn''t be in, then made a call to Lawrence, letting him know she was heading to the base. Lawrence wasn''t thrilled. He''d promised Kristian that Freya wouldn''t get involved in any of this again. Letting her visit now would mean breaking that promise. He knew Kristian well. There was no telling what kind of mess that would stir up.


    But Freya wasn''t just anyone. She was K, someone with a reputation Lawrence couldn''t afford to antagonize.


    A migraine started to bloom behind his temples.


    After weighing his options, he gave her an alternative. "How about this? I can show you Kristian''s medical reports, but I can''t let you visit him."


    "I don''t need to," Freya replied coolly, phone in hand. She didn''t want to make


    things difficult for him. "Ellis Lambert will see him."


    Lawrence froze. Could it really be the Ellis Lambert he knew?

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    Chapter 287 The Gossip Mill Has Been Churning...


    Lawrence didn''t say a word on the other end of the line, so Freya asked again, "Is Kristian awake now?"


    ¡°He woke up for a little while this morning, but he''s out cold again." Lawrence was fabricating the story as he spoke. There was no chance he''d tell her what was really going on. "I''ll give you an update once his condition


    evens out. Maybe you can swing by then?"


    "You''re hiding something from me." Her voice was steady, unshakably certain.


    Lawrence kept the easy smile on his face as he held the phone to his ear.


    He knew better than anyone-K was no ordinary person.


    "How could I be?" His tone stayed calm, not a hint of tension in it. "If my word''s not good enough for you, you''re wee to dig into it yourself. Someone with your talents wouldn''t have any trouble finding the truth."


    Freya didn''t say anything.


    Lawrence''s palm was damp with sweat where it gripped the phone.


    He was ying a risky game, banking on the chance that Freya wouldn''t resort to hacking that easily.


    The K he knew wouldn''t pull those tricks unless the situation was truly dire. But if she did, she''d unravel everything in seconds.


    "How''s he healing from the injuries?" she asked instead, dropping the earlier subject.


    "The stitchese out tomorrow. He''s doing fine." Lawrence didn''t bother hiding this part from her. "No need to worry. I''ll make sure he''s looked after.¡±


    "I''lle over," Freya said.


    "What?" That caught Lawrence off guard.


    Why was she stilling?


    "I''m just going as a representative of his family to check up on him," Freya exined. "Kristian''s father needs regr updates on his condition."


    "Alright," Lawrence agreed, trying to sound casual.


    After the call ended, Freya and Ellis made their way straight to Lawrence''s medical facility.


    Lawrence, meanwhile, got busy making a few swift arrangements.


    By the time Freya and Ellis pulled in, it was already eleven.


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    Lawrence weed them with a pleasant smile, wearing a crisp white doctor''s coat. He looked every bit the professional-warm, polished-but no one could ever read what was going on behind that smooth facade.


    When his gazended on Ellis standing beside Freya, that old feeling crept in again-like fate had dealt him the losing hand.


    Back on Butterfly Ind, he''d assumed Ellis was just some guy on a mission. But clearly, there was more


    beneath the surface.


    "Mr. Lambert, you..." Lawrence let the words trail off intentionally.


    Ellis, already familiar with Lawrence''s reputation, didn''t flinch. "We''re here to see Kristian Shaw. Is now a good


    time?"


    "Of course. But Kristian''s still in a fragile state, so you''ll have to observe him through the ss. No entering the room," Lawrence said, his voice calm and matter-of-fact.


    "Alright," Ellis responded.


    A few momentster, Lawrence led the pair down a corridor that looked like something straight out of a


    science fiction flick. They passed the twoyers of security doors before reaching Kristian''s room. Lawrence


    tapped a switch on the wall, and a wide panel of the wall slid aside to reveal arge window.


    Kristian looked more or less the same.


    Hisplexion wasn''t as ghostly as before, but it stillcked any real color. His eyes were shut tight, sunken slightly into his face, as if locked in a heavy sleep.


    Ms. Briggs," Lawrence said, noting they hadn''t picked up on anything strange. "Since Kristian seems to want a bit of distance now, it might be better if you contacted me directly for updates. I''ll call if there''s any news. Sound good?" Freya pressed her lips together but didn''t answer.


    Even now, something about that day didn''t sit right with her.


    "Ms. Briggs?" Lawrence prompted again.


    "Alright," she finally said.


    A quiet relief swept through Lawrence.


    After lingering a bit longer, Freya asked him for Kristian''s medical data. Lawrence


    handed it over without a second thought.


    Through it all, neither she nor Ellis noticed anything amiss.


    As they were about to head out, Freya, her mind still on Kristian, said to


    Lawrence, "If there''s anything you need help with during his treatment, just say the word. I''ll handle it."


    "What about the expenses?" Lawrence asked.


    "I''ll take care of it," Freya replied.


    "Perfect." Lawrence was clearly satisfied. "I admire generous people."


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    Chapter 287 The Gossip Mill Has Been Churning Non-Stop


    "Don''t tell Kristian about this," she instructed firmly.


    Since Kristian didn''t want any more ties to her, there was no reason for him to know. Once he was back on his feet, they could walk their separate paths without a backward nce.


    Lawrence was already rubbing his hands together in his mind at the thought of the cash rolling in. "Of course."


    "And one more thing"


    "Yes, Ms. Briggs?


    "Don''t even think about squeezing more money out of Kristian once he''s better." She saw right through him.


    Lawrence was momentarily at a loss for words. Had he been that transparent? Her sharp gaze told him she''d hit the bull''s eye.


    Despite his impressive pedigree and sharp mind-he was unmatched in his field- his appetite for money really was something else.


    Sometimes, she genuinely wondered why he didn''t just go home and enjoy the riches waiting for him instead of scheming for more wherever he went.


    But that was his business, and Freya had no intention of wasting thought on it. Once they left the base, Freya and Ellis went for lunch before heading over to Anita International headquarters.


    In the elevator on the way up, Ellis tried to put her at ease. "From the way Lawrence was talking, he seems pretty confident about Kristian''s treatment. You really don''t need to stress."


    "I know," Freya replied softly.


    When the elevator doors slid open, they stepped out together.


    Freya made her way to her office, while Ellis veered off to his own as the special assistant.


    The sight didn''t go unnoticed by the secretarial staff-or by Melvin, who happened to be coordinating with them


    at the time.


    Ever since Ellis had joined thepany, the gossip mill had been churning non-


    stop. Now, seeing Freya and the new assistant often together only added fuel to the fire.


    "Melvin, is Ms. Briggs dating that new assistant, Ellis?"


    "I''ve noticed they''re always together. And they seem pretty tight."


    "They look good together. You''ve got the powerful CEO and her adorable assistant."


    "Adorable? Are you serious? He''s so hot!"


    And so, the chatter continued.


    Melvin couldn''t quite put his feelings into words.


    But he couldn''t shake the sense of being pushed aside.


    "Melvin?" someone from the secretarial department called out. "You''re awfully


    quiet."


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    "Don''t spread rumors that haven''t been officially confirmed," Melvin answered, professional as ever, his tone cool. "Finish the work I assigned and take it to Ms. Briggs for her signature as soon as possible."


    "Yes, sir," they chorused.


    The second Melvin walked away, the gossip picked up again-this time, with him and Freya as the subject.


    Melvin tuned it out. When he saw Freya return, he headed straight over, as full of documents and contract

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    Chapter 288 Your Sister''s


    On Her Way To Take Yo...


    When it came to his job, Melvin never cut corners.


    To him, Anita International Group wasn''t just apany-it held a deeper meaning. He poured himself into every detail, driven by a quiet hope that his dedication would usher insting sess for both the business and its owner.


    In just thirty minutes, he''d delivered a clean,prehensive report that left nothing out.


    As he wrapped things up, he was just about to make his exit when Freya called out, "Mel, hold on a second."


    He stopped mid-step.


    "You messaged me yesterday. What exactly did you mean by that?" Freya had decided not to beat around the bush.


    Melvin faltered, caught off guard and seemingly unsure how to put it into words. But Freya didn''t push.


    "There''s chatter going around about you and Ellis," he said instead, steering the conversation slightly in another


    direction.


    His words threw her off for a moment.


    Melvin asked, a flicker of curiosity breaking through hisposed expression, "Are you seeing Ellis? Lately, you''ve been out on business trips with him a lot, and you haven''t asked me toe along."


    What bothered him most was how things used to be. He was always the one to drive her back and forth-now,


    she drove herself.


    Given her role, it was hardly typical. At theirpany, the CEO being her own driver was practically unheard


    1. of.


    "Are you afraid that by giving Ellis more responsibility, I''ll stop valuing your contributions?" Freya asked, her tone calm but perceptive, catching the flicker of feeling in his otherwise unreadable face.


    Melvin didn''t respond, but the look on his face spoke volumes.


    Freya had always treated him differently. She rose from her chair, poured him a coffee, and said gently, "Don''t worry. As long as you want to stay by my side, you''ll always be my assistant. I''ve only been taking Ellis along to help him get his bearings in the industry and understand the market."


    There were still things she preferred to exin to Ellis herself.


    Melvin was more than capable, but he didn''t know much about Ellis''s background. And with the kind of man


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    Chapter 288 Your Sister''s On Her Way To Take You Home


    Ellis was, there were simply things he wouldn''t open up to Melvin about.


    So, it made sense for her to guide him personally for a while.


    Once he caught up, she wouldn''t need to be so hands-on.


    "As for all the gossip floating around-it''splete nonsense," Freya added,


    clearing the air. ¡°Ellis and I are just friends, nothing more."


    Melvin heard her clearly-and so did Ellis, who had just arrived to go over a few business matters.


    Standing outside the door, he didn''t so much as blink.


    He knew her well enough. After what Kristian had put her through, she kept her guard up. Maybe she had simply lost interest in rtionships altogether.


    Ellis wasn''t in a rush. There was time. He''d already made up his mind. When the moment was right, he''d be more than willing to marry her.


    With that thought in mind, he raised his hand and knocked on the office door.


    Melvin opened it. The moment he saw Ellis, he hesitated briefly.


    Ellis gave a polite nod, then walked over to Freya with the documents she needed to sign. The entire interaction felt seamless, untouched by what he''d just overheard.


    Watching him, Melvin couldn''t help but wonder if maybe he''d been reading too much into things.


    Once the papers were signed, Ellis left.


    And with his dutiesplete, Melvin quietly excused himself too.


    With work out of the way, Freya sank into her chair, her thoughts drifting back to Melvin.


    With his skill set and connections, starting his ownpany would''ve been effortless. She''d encouraged him before, but he''d always turned her down, insisting he had no desire to be in charge.


    He had the talent, the resources, and thework-yet he didn''t want the title.


    In the finance world, that kind of modesty was practically a myth. He was the only one she''d ever seen like


    that.


    Time slipped away without warning.


    Caught in the whirlwind of her schedule, more than two months passed in the blink of an eye.


    Kristian''s injuries had fully healed during that time, and he had regained consciousness.


    Freya kept in contact with Lawrence about Kristian''s condition, but each time she asked, the response was the same. Things weren''t stable. He''d let her know when they were.


    One evening, just as Freya arrived home from work, her phone rang. Isaac was on the other end, and as always, the conversation revolved around Kristian. "How''s Kristian doing?" Isaac''s voice was light, careful not to burden her.


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    Freya answered truthfully, "Lawrence says he''s still not stable. He''ll let me know when things look up."


    "Just now, my father asked me when Kristian would be home for Christmas," Isaac said casually. "If he''s not better by then, I might need your help pretending everything''s normal-for the family''s sake."


    "Of course," Freya agreed without hesitation.


    After a little more polite conversation, Isaac ended the call.


    Freya stayed seated on the couch, phone still in her hand, a heavy mix of emotions washing over her.


    After thinking it over, she decided to call Lawrence herself.


    When he answered, he was in the middle of speaking with Kristian. Seeing her name on the screen, aplicated look flickered across his face. He stepped to the window and answered, "Hello, Ms. Briggs."


    "How''s Kristian?" Freya asked.


    "Still unstable."


    "I need to know what that means, exactly."


    Lawrence cast a nce


    Ward Kristian, who was sitting silently nearby, and felt the onset of a headache.


    "Honestly, it''s better if you don''t know."


    "What''s wrong with him?" Freya could sense there was more.


    Lawrence said nothing.


    He couldn''t tell whether Kristian''s situation was improving or getting worse.


    But one thing was clear-keeping him in his facility any longer would do more


    harm than good, both for Kristian and for the facility itself.


    Freya''s heart dropped at his silence. Dread crept in. "Lawrence?"


    "Come see for yourself," he said, then ended the call.


    Freya didn''t waste a second. She grabbed her phone and car keys and rushed


    out the door.


    Meanwhile, Lawrence slipped his phone back into his pocket and turned toward Kristian, shing a cheerful


    excited?" smile. "Your big sister''s on her way to take you home. Are you


    "With that look on your face, I can''t help but think you''re plotting something,"


    Kristian replied, his eyes fixed on Lawrence. The aloofness was gone, reced by


    a pure, almost childlike innocence.


    "How could I be?" Lawrence''s smile held. "Do I really look like the scheming


    type?"


    "You do," Kristian said bluntly.


    Lawrence was speechless.


    He honestly couldn''t bring himself to like Kristian.


    Even before the ident, he had been difficult. And now, with his memory fractured and mind reverted to that of a five-year-old, Kristian was still just as good at getting under his skin.


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    The two of them were just destined not to get along.


    At exactly nine o''clock that night, Freya arrived at the facility,


    Lawrence was already outside waiting. When he saw her, he offered a courteous


    smile. "Ms. Briggs, you''re here."


    "Where''s Kristian?"


    "He''s inside."


    "What''s wrong with him?"


    "Nothing serious," Lawrence replied, pulling out a folder and handing it to her. "But


    if you want to see him, you''ll have to sign this first."


    Freya took the file and quickly skimmed through the short two-page document.


    Two things stood out.


    First, once she saw Kristian, she would be required to take him home.


    Second, she would be held responsible for all the damages caused by Kristian


    and the promise he failed to keep.


    Rm.

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    Chapter 289 Kristian''s Condition


    Freya could read every word on the document, yet together, they felt strange-like something was off


    She frowned and pointed to the first line. "Did something happen to Kristian?"


    "It''s nothing serious. He''spletely fine," Lawrence said quickly, dodging the question. "He''s eating well and drinking normally. There''s just a small issue I haven''t figured out yet."


    Freya eased a little at that.


    She didn''t overthink it. She figured Kristian had simply found out Lawrence had been contacting her in secret.


    It didn''t seem like a big deal. As long as Kristian was okay, she''d call his father toe pick him up. The losses Lawrence mentioned? Those were not a problem.


    ¡°All right,¡± she said and reached for the pen to sign.


    But just before the ink touched the page, she hesitated.


    *Lawrence grew tense. He feared she might change her mind. Still, he kept his voice steady. "What''s wrong?"


    "Are you hiding something from me?" Freya looked up, her eyes fixed on him.


    She remembered Kristian had made a deal with Lawrence to rescue her. And knowing Lawrence, there was no way he''d let Kristian leave before getting what he wanted.


    Something didn''t sit right.


    Lawrence feigned confusion. "What are you talking about?"


    Freya didn''t answer. She just stared.


    He looked calm, but sweat clung to his palms. Inside, he was anything butposed.


    "Oh-right,¡± he said quickly, switching topics. ¡°Kristian is doing much better now. He''ll just need a check-up every month."


    "Alright," Freya said quietly.


    Since Lawrence hadn''t shown any clear signs of guilt, she signed the papers.


    Maybe Kristian still wasn''t fully stable. Maybe Lawrence simply couldn''t fix him. That would exin why he was so eager for her to take him.


    There were two copies of the contract.


    After handing Freya her copy, Lawrence looked like he had just dropped a heavy load off his back. The burden


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    of caring for Kristian was finally lifted.


    "Please follow me," he said with a sudden burst of cheer.


    Freya walked with him, but this time, they didn''t head toward the medical ward. They went the other way.


    They passed through four secured doors. When thest door opened, Lawrence stepped in, speaking in the soft tone one uses with children. "Kristian, your elder sister''s here to take you home.*


    Freya blinked, confused.


    Kristian''s elder sister?


    She stepped into the room, unsure of what to expect.


    Inside, Kristian was sitting in a chair, reading. He wore a patient''s gown, but his skin was clear and full of color.


    He looked up when she entered.


    Their eyes met.


    Freya''s brows drew together.


    Something about his gaze-his expression-felt wrong.


    "My elder sister?" Kristian repeated, his voice uncertain, eyes filled with wonder.


    He didn''t know why, but even though he usually disliked people-including the doctor-when he saw "his sister", he felt a strange warmth. Like they''d known each other forever.


    *Freya froze.


    In that moment, she understood everything. Kristian had lost his memory.


    "That''s right. She''s your elder sister. You can go home with her now," Lawrence said, stepping closer with a


    smile.


    Kristian looked at Freya, eyes locked on her face.


    Then, slowly, he stood.


    He took two unsure steps forward, his voice trembling between hope and doubt. "Are you really my elder sister?"


    "I..." Freya tried to speak.


    "She is," Lawrence cut in. "Go pack your things. I need to talk to your sister for a bit."


    He gestured for Freya to follow him outside.


    In the hallway, her thoughts were spinning.


    She''d considered every symptom Jacob had mentioned, but this? This hadn''t crossed her mind.


    "What happened?" she asked quietly.


    "He''s lost all his memories. His mind is like that of a five-year-old." Then Lawrence went over some precautions. "It''s not ideal, but it could''ve been worse."


    Chapter 280 Krishan''s Condition


    Thankfully, even with a childlike mind, Kristian was still unusually smart


    That was exactly why Lawrence wanted him gone. If Kristian stayed, he might


    start pulling apart hisb piece


    by piece


    "You should be grateful he didn''t lose everything." Lawrence added


    Freya''s chest tightened. "Will he get better?"


    "He will. But I can''t say when. For now, just keep things peaceful at home. Don''t


    let anything upset him,"


    Lawrence said, ncing toward the room.


    "Shouldn''t I take him to familiar ces? Help him remember?"


    "Not yet. His mind''s too fragile. If he gets overwhelmed, it might make things


    worse. Calm andfort are the


    best medicine right now."


    "Alright," Freya said softly.


    Lawrence paused, pressing his lips together.


    Then he said something out of ce, something he hadn''t nned. "I know what happened between you two. But please, set it aside. Take good care of him. When he''s back to normal, you can both go your separate ways."


    Freya''s eyes turned distant. She remembered everything.


    Lawrence looked uneasy. "What is it?"


    "Didn''t he say he wanted nothing to do with me? That we should live separate lives? If that''s true, isn''t me being around just making things harder for him?"


    "That''s a long story," Lawrence said with a sigh. Freya had already signed the papers, and most of the loose ends were tied. "But trust me. If I''m letting you take him, it''s for his good," he said calmly.


    Freya wasn''t buying it. "Enlighten me."


    "It won''t affect you. You want your life back, right? Once he recovers, he''ll stick to


    his promise. And the rest? Knowing too much will only drag you down."


    "I''ll decide what''s necessary," Freya said, her voice cold.


    It was just how she was. She couldn''t ignore a loose thread once she noticed it. If things made sense, she wouldn''t question them.


    But Kristian''s messages through Lawrence had been strange. They kept tugging at her mind. Small, but persistent.


    Lawrence finally gave in. "Okay. But if he asks about this after he recovers, you''ll have to back me up."

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    Freya gave a nod. "Alright."


    With that single word, Lawrence finally let himself breathe. He trusted K would keep her promise.


    "The things I told you at the hospital-he asked me to pass them along in advance," Lawrence exined,ying it all bare. "On the way to the hospital, he came to for just a moment. As soon as he opened his eyes, he told me to make sure you heard those words if things took turn for the worse."


    Freya''s brows drew together in a faint furrow.


    Lawrence continued, "He didn''t want you to carry guilt or me yourself. In his mind, he was just doing what he had to."


    "So... he never really woke up in the hospital?" Freya put the pieces together herself.


    "Not only did he not wake up," Lawrence admitted, now that there was no reason to hold back, "but his condition was critical. If I hadn''t been the one treating himter, he''d be buried by now."


    Freya fell silent, unable to put the rush of emotion into words.


    "I don''t know what exactly went down between you two," Lawrence said, taking a step back from the situation, "but judging by the way Kristian acted after he got hurt-he loves you, Freya. More than anything."


    He couldn''t help but respect Kristian. Even in that condition, Kristian had wed his way back to consciousness just to give out final instructions. It was downright miraculous.


    "And what about blocking my contact?" Freya''s thoughts circled back to that moment.


    "He didn''t want you to catch on. So he gave me his phone password," Lawrence said inly. "He told me exactly when to delete you-and when to tell you the rest."


    Freya nced at the closed door ahead, her heart a tangle of feelings, too messy to sort out.


    Lawrence added, "You don''t have to worry about him clinging on. From what he told me, if you don''t want anything from him, he won''t bother you again."


    Sometimes, Kristian really was a walking contradiction. In business, he was razor-sharp, a man who never second-guessed himself. But when it came to love, he swung from one extreme to the other. He''d either follow his own impulses or put someone else''s feelings above all else. And strangely enough, with Freya, both


    extremes had manifested.


    "Got it," Freya murmured.


    "So you''re taking him with you by choice?" Lawrence asked, still a little wary.


    He didn''t want Freya to think this had been some kind of setup.


    Better to y it safe-never know when he might need a favor, and holding a grudge was something K did well.


    Freya gave a soft hum in reply.


    She followed Lawrence to finish signing the discharge papers, then finally took Kristian away from Lawrence''s medical facility.


    During the ride back, Kristian sat in the passenger seat in absolute silence. Every so often, though, he''d steal a nce at her.


    His eyes flickered with tension, unease, and a touch of confusion. He acted just like a little kid.


    "You are my sister, right?" he said quietly.


    Freya nced his way, keeping her focus on the road. "Yes. What''s in your mind?"


    Kristian fidgeted with his hands, then asked in a soft, uncertain voice, "Do you not like me?"


    Freya''s heart gave a sharp little jolt. She shoved aside the tangle of thoughts crowding her mind and asked,


    "Why do you say that?"


    "Just a feeling," Kristian said in a low voice, the innocence in his tone almost childlike.


    "Don''t overthink it," Freya said, unsure how to respond. "When we get home, take a shower and get some rest.


    I''ll call your dad tomorrow toe pick you up."


    Kristian said nothing. He simply lowered his head, quiet and withdrawn.


    One thought looped through his mind-his sister didn''t like him.


    Freya didn''t know how to handle Kristian anymore. After all, he''d gotten hurt saving her. The least she could do was take care of him until he got better.


    But then came questions like that one. And she didn''t know how to answer. If she treated him like a child and tried tofort him, what if he recovered and took it as a sign she still had feelings? But if she stayed distant,


    he was so sensitive now. At that age, kids picked up on the tiniest things.


    Lost in thought, Freya drove them into the residentialplex.


    When she got out of the car, Kristian followed closely behind, carrying his belongings, silent as a shadow.


    They entered the elevator and rode it up to her apartment.


    As fate would have it, just as they stepped out, they ran into Ellis, who was seeing Frederick out at his door.


    Frederick''s eyes widened in sheer disbelief. "Freya, you..."


    What was going on? Why was Freya suddenly back with Kristian?


    "I brought him back so he can recover," Freya said simply.


    Ellis''s eyes swept over Kristian, observing his posture and expression. "Lawrence couldn''t fix him?"


    "No," Freya answered, keeping her words clipped. "Now we just wait and hope he gets better on his own."


    Frederick looked like he''d missed a chapter-or ten.


    Freya nced at Kristian, who stood there silent, and decided to wrap things up. Tm taking him in to rest.


    "Alright." Ellis replied in his low, even voice. "Let me know if you need anything Freya nodded and led Kristian into her apartment.


    As the door shut behind them, Frederick turned to Ellis with a look that could only be described as gleefully


    nosy. "Captain, you''re seriously not even a little worried?"


    "Worried about what?" Ellis asked, cool andposed, his eyes unreadable.


    "Oh,e on!" Frederick said, giving him a knowing look. "We all know you have


    a crush on Freya."


    Ellis didn''t flinch. "And?"


    Frederick was momentarily speechless.


    And?


    Freya just brought her ex-husband home. Shouldn''t Ellis at least act mildly concerned?


    "The guy who just walked in with her-that''s her ex. They were married for two years," Frederick spelled it out. "He even saved her life once."


    Ellis''s voice stayedpletely calm. "I know."


    From what he''d just seen, Kristian clearly wasn''t in his right mind. His gaze, his behavior-it was nothing like


    the man he had met before.


    Frederick almost wanted to apud him.


    Only Ellis could stay this zen with all that going on.


    "Just saying-keep your eyes open," Frederick said, not wanting to watch Freya


    fall back into old traps. "If Kristian starts trying to win her back, you might find yourself on the sidelines."


    "Drive safe," Ellis said.


    "Got it."


    Frederick cast onest nce toward the apartment door as he walked to the elevator.


    He made a mental note to fill his friends in. If Kristian even thought about trying something with Freya again, they''d all need to jump in and stop it.


    At that moment, Freya hadn''t checked her phone. She had no idea that the group


    chat was already blowing up with gossip-everyone was buzzing about her bringing Kristian home.

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    Chapter 291 To Make Her Like Him A Little More


    Freya had straightened up the guest room, and only once everything was in perfect order did she finally turn to Kristian and say, "You''ll sleep here tonight. There are fresh toiletries in the bathroom. If you need anything or have questions, don''t hesitate to ask me."


    "Okay." Kristian stood there, nodding meekly in agreement.


    Freya told him, "Go wash up and get some rest."


    Kristian didn''t move, still rooted to the floor.


    Recalling what Lawrence had mentioned, Freya asked gently, "What''s wrong?"


    "I don''t have any clean clothes to change into." Kristian dropped his gaze and fiddled with his fingers for a long


    time before he mustered the courage to say it aloud.


    He didn''t want to be a burden to his sister.


    But still...


    "You go freshen up first." A flicker of concern crossed Freya''s face. ¡°I''ll check if the neighbor next door has a spare pair of pajamas we can borrow."


    Kristian and Ellis were roughly the same size, so pajamas wouldn''t be an issue. As for everyday clothes, she nned to ask Gerard to bring a few sets over the next day.


    Just as the words left Freya''s lips, a knock sounded at the door.


    She opened it to find Ellis standing outside, holding out a bag. "You probably don''t have anything that fits him.


    These are new. Never worn."


    Freya was caught off guard. She hadn''t expected him to be so considerate.


    Ellis offered a small, quiet smile. "Go on. Give them to him."


    After expressing her thanks, Freya turned to take the clothes to Kristian, only to find him already standing


    nearby.


    She passed the clothes to him, mentioning they were from Ellis.


    "Thank you, mister," Kristian mumbled innocently as he epted the bag.


    He wasn''t in the mood to talk, not really, but he knew enough to show


    appreciation when someone helped him. Otherwise, his sister might think he was ungrateful.


    Ellis was shocked.


    Chapter 291 To Make Her Like Him A Little More


    So was Freya.


    Neither of them had anticipated that.


    Kristian took the clothes and went to shower, behaving with near-exaggerated obedience.


    Ellis watched him for a moment before turning to Freya. "What''s going on?"


    "Lawrence said he''s lost his memory. His mental state is about that of a five- year-old." Freya led Ellis into the living room and exined more thoroughly, "There''s no,medical treatment for it. We can only wait and hope he recovers naturally. Lawrence will see him every month for a check-up."


    Ellis''s expression grew slightly more serious. "So what are you nning to do?"


    "I''ll talk to Kristian''s father tomorrow." Freya spoke clearly, her voice calm. "If Isaac wants to bring him home,


    Kristian will return to Jeucwell. If not, I''ll look after him for now."


    "Alright." Ellis agreed with her approach.


    "Captain."


    "Hmm?"


    "Have you ever taken care of a child before?" Freya couldn''t help asking. "With Kristian like this, I really don''t


    know what to do."


    "Just treat him like a five-year-old," Ellis said gently. "If you need help, I''ll be here."


    Freya paused, then nodded. "Okay."


    That night, Kristian didn''t sleep soundly.


    In his dreams, shadowy images drifted in and out-himself, and his sister, the one who had brought him home.


    Every time he tried to see more clearly, the vision would dissolve into a blinding sh of white, then vanish.


    Again and again, the dream repeated itself in that fleeting, fragmented way.


    As for Freya, after she washed up and crawled into bed, Lawrence''s words kept echoing in her mind. "He loves you, Freya. More than anything."


    Did Kristian love her? Freya didn''t think so. What she sensed felt closer to guilt, to a desperate need to make


    things right.


    During that long, painful month before their divorce was finalized, arguments, endless and heated, had consumed them. And knowing Kristian''s personality, once he realized how deeply he''d hurt her, he would''ve gone to great lengths to make amends.


    What had happened on Butterfly Ind was likely his attempt to do just that.


    Her thoughts spiraled, tangled and endless, and eventually Freya gave up trying to make sense of it. Whether it was love, guilt, or some mix of both-it no longer mattered.


    She fell into a deep sleep.


    The next morning, when Freya woke, faint sounds drifted from the living room. Rubbing at her temples, still groggy with sleep, she dressed and stepped out.


    < Chapter 291 To Make Her Like Him A Little More


    As she entered the living room and caught sight of someone bustling around the dining table, she froze.


    What on earth...?


    Had Kristian recovered?


    As if sensing her presence, Kristian turned, his eyes clear and bright with hope. "I made breakfast. Will you try


    some?"


    Freya, still half in a daze, wandered over to the table. She, stared at the abundant spread and asked, "You made


    all of this?"


    "Yeah!" Kristian answered with a faint smile.


    Freya pressed her lips together. "When did you get up?"


    "Five o''clock." Kristian answered without hesitation. His dark eyes sparkled. "I


    didn''t know what you liked, so


    I made a little of everything I could think of."


    Freya considered telling him not to go to such trouble-but then reminded herself that Kristian wasn''t truly a


    child. In the end, all she asked was, "Did Lawrence teach you to cook?"


    "No."


    "Then how do you know?"


    "I have no idea." Kristian meant every word. "As soon as I stepped into the kitchen, it just... came to me."


    Freya looked at him, unsure how to feel. "You don''t need to get up this early to make breakfast. If you''re hungry, just call me and I''ll order something for us."


    For a fleeting moment, she wished he really had regained his memories and maturity.


    But as she studied the dishes on the table, she was certain he was telling the truth. After two years of marriage,


    she could recognize his culinary style and habits instantly.


    The breakfast had been made by a child''s hands. But a child with a gift for cooking.


    "Freya..." Kristian''s voice was quieter now, the gleam in his eyes beginning to fade.


    Freya was still fixated on the food and didn''t notice. "Hmm?"


    "Is it because you don''t like any of this?" Kristian''s shoulders drooped slightly, his


    eyes dim.


    He just wanted to do something nice for her-anything that might make her like him a little more.


    But now, he worried he''d failed.


    "No." Remembering his current state of mind, Freya tried to soothe him. "I just want you to get a bit more sleep. That''s all."


    "I already slept enough," Kristian said quickly, the light springing back into his eyes. "If you don''t mind, I can make breakfast for you every morning."


    "That''s really not necessary." Freya didn''t want him going to such trouble. "Just do


    as I say, alright?"


    Kristian wanted to protest, but worried he might upset his sister if he pushed too much. In the end, he simply


    15.51


    Chapter 291 To Make Her Like Him A Little More


    bowed his head and muttered, "Okay."


    "You go ahead and eat." Freya wasn''t quite sure how tofort him. "I''ll wash up and be back in a moment."


    "Alright," Kristian agreed, but waited for Freya to sit down before he touched his


    food.


    During breakfast, he kept watching her closely, noting which dishes she favored and which she barely touched.


    In his mind, he''d already made a decision.


    Whatever his sister liked, he''d learn to make it for her from now on.


    After breakfast, Freya told Kristian to go rest on the couch for a while as she


    loaded the dishes into the


    dishwasher.


    Once she''d finished tidying up, she sent a message to Ellis and Melvin letting


    them know she wouldn''t being to the office today.

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    Chapter 292 He Might Be Pretending


    Kristian''s situation couldn''t be swept under the rug-it had to be dealt with, one way or another.


    If Isaac made the call to take him back, Freya would have to drive them both to the airport. But if Isaac decided to let Kristian stay behind in Alerith, she''d need to stop by Kristian''s ce and gather up a few of his things


    In the study, Freya tapped in Isaac''s number, her nerves coiling tighter with every ring as she waited for him to


    pick up.


    With the way Kristian was now, she honestly didn''t know if Isaac would be able to stomach it.


    The line clicked.


    Isaac''s voice came through, calm andposed.


    Freya didn''t waste time dancing around the subject. She cut straight to it. "Hello, do you have a moment? I need to talk to you about Kristian''s condition."


    "I''m free. Go ahead," Isaac replied, his voice low and even, almostforting. "Last night, I brought Kristian back from Lawrence''s facility," Freya began, careful to keep her words clear and to the point. "He''s managing the basics, but there''s something a little more serious..."


    She faltered. The next part wasn''t easy to say.


    Amnesia and a childlike mind weren''t exactly small matters.


    When Isaac heard Kristian was managing daily tasks, some of the weight he''d been carrying lifted, and it showed in his voice. "It''s all right. Just tell me everything. If he''s still himself, we can handle it."


    "He''s lost his memory," Freya said.


    At that moment, Isaac was seated in the office at Shaw Group.


    When he heard her say that, his brows arched, and the words slipped out before he could stop them. "Are you sure it''s actual amnesia and not an act?"


    Knowing his son, it wasn''t entirely off the table.


    ¡°I''m sure,¡± Freya said simply. She nced out into the hallway-Kristian sat quietly on the sofa, flipping through a storybook. "Besides, Lawrence said his mind''s regressed to that of a five-year-old."


    "Anything else?" Isaac asked,pletely unfazed.


    "That''s all," Freya answered. "Just those two things."


    Chapter 292 He Might Be Pretending


    "Freya."


    "Yes?"


    "Don''t get so nervous. As long as he hasn''t turned into aplete fool, there''s nothing to panic over," Isaac said, genuinely relieved.


    As far as he was concerned, the fact that Lawrence had handed Kristian of meant the rest was up to Kristian


    himself.


    If that was the case, it just came down to memory and mental state.


    And if Kristian wasn''t totally out of it, Isaac figured it wouldn''t be hard to hide from his wife and father. No


    need to make a fuss.


    Freya was left speechless. What was she even supposed to say to that?


    "Until Kristian gets better, I''ll have to trouble you to keep an eye on him," Isaac added. "My father''s not young anymore. We should spare him the stress if we can."


    Freya bit her lip but gave a small nod. "Alright."


    "If you''re tied up, just leave him with Gerard," Isaac said, always a few steps ahead. "No need to go out of your


    way to cater to him."


    "His mind is only five years old," Freya reminded him.


    "That''s not much of a problem," Isaac replied with ease. "A five-year-old ought to know how to behave."


    Freya nced toward Kristian, still quietly reading where she''d left him, no trouble at all.


    She went quiet, and Isaac brought up something else. "One more thing to keep in mind, Freya."


    "Please, go on."


    "He might be pretending."


    Freya froze. Pretending?


    "The way things stand, he''ll recover eventually," Isaac said, ever the realist. "He


    might keep up the kid act just


    to stay in your good graces a little longer."


    "I don''t think he would," Freya said after a beat, sharing her honest view.


    Isaac let it go. Some things didn''t need to be argued.


    Under normal circumstances, Kristian wouldn''t fake something like this-but now that his memory was really gone and his mind had slipped back, once he starteding back to himself, he''d likely keep up the act.


    A father knows his son. And Isaac had always trusted his own read.


    After the call, Isaac reached for his suit jacket and stepped out of Shaw Group headquarters to head home and update the family.


    Of course, he didn''t tell them the entire truth-just enough to keep things calm, with a few harmless lies thrown in for good measure.


    Chapter 292 He Might Be Pretending


    Once Freya hung up, she rang Gerard to let him know she''d be bringing Kristian over, then ended the call.


    With everything settled, she took Kristian and headed out the door.


    In the car, Kristian looked visibly uneasy.


    He didn''t know where his sister was taking him-or if this was the moment she left him behind for good.


    "Kristian," Freya called.


    He turned to her, his voice small and obedient. "What is it, Freya?"


    "I''m taking you to meet someone," Freya said, deciding to prepare him gently.


    "You can see if you like being around him. If you do..."


    She trailed off, trying to find the right words for someone with the mind of a five- year-old.


    Before she could figure it out, Kristian''s voice cut through the silence-low, fragile. "You''re not going to leave me, are you?"


    "No," Freya said at once.


    Kristian''s lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes swimming with quiet dread. So, in the end, she didn''t want him


    after all.


    Freya noticed the shift in his mood. Remembering his fragile mental state, she tried to ease him. "I just want you to see who you feelfortable with. If you meet him and you like him, I can..."


    "I only want to be with you!" Kristian broke in before she could finish. "I don''t like anyone else."


    He hadn''t been happy with that doctor before-not one bit. He wanted nothing to do with that man.


    Freya didn''t say anything back. She figured it made sense-Kristian hadn''t been around many people.


    Before meeting her, the only person he''d spent much time with was Lawrence. And Lawrence was a doctor. For


    a kid, spending so much time with someone constantly poking and prodding could build natural resentment.


    Maybe that was all this was.


    They arrived at the apartment building where Kristian had been staying.


    Gerard was already waiting at the entrance-he''d skipped work for the day.


    As soon as he saw Freya step out of the car, he started to greet her-then spotted Kristian stepping out from the passenger side to stand beside her.


    "Mr. Shaw, you..." Gerard started.


    Kristian gave him a wary stare, then edged behind Freya, as if Gerard were some


    bad guy.


    Gerard blinked, confused. What on earth was happening?


    "Ms. Briggs... what happened to him?" he asked.


    "He''s lost his memory. Mentally, he''s five," Freya exined. She figured it was


    safe to be honest-Gerard was someone Kristian trusted. "He''s just a little shy with


    new people right now."


    Gerard gave Kristian a few lingering nces.


    Chapter 292 He Might Be Pretending


    It sounded like something ripped from a soap opera-amnesia and all.


    But he didn''t push for more details on the doorstep. He punched in the code and


    led them upstairs. After pouring them each a ss of water, he leaned in and finally asked what was really on his mind.


    "Ms. Briggs," he said in a hushed tone, "are you sure Mr. Shaw actually lost his memory and isn''t just taking it

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    Chapter 293 You Care


    About Me


    Freya stared at Gerard, utterly dumbfounded.


    Why was everyone-first Isaac, now Gerard-reacting like this the moment she mentioned Kristian''s condition?


    Her confusion only deepened. ncing at Kristian, who had been quietly well- behaved the entire time, she turned back to Gerard and asked, "Why are you even asking that?"


    "It just feels a little... unreal," Gerard admitted, scratching his head.


    "He really has lost his memory," I''reya said firmly, her tone leaving no room for doubt. "After I brought him homest night, I watched him closely. Trust me, there''s no way he''s faking it."


    If Kristian was pretending, then someone should hand him an Oscar already.


    Sure, you could fake your expressions, your tone-but the tiny, instinctive reactions? Those were nearly impossible to counterfeit. After talking with Isaac, Freya had run her own tests, and she was convinced-this


    wasn''t an act.


    Gerard shot a quick nce at Kristian, curiosity practically oozing from his eyes.


    Kristian frowned ever so slightly, shifting ufortably under the scrutiny. Why was that man staring at him like that? Didn''t anyone teach him it was rude to stare?


    "Kristian," Freya said.


    His attention snapped to her immediately. "What is it, my dear sister? What can I do for you?"


    Gerard blinked. Sister?


    "Let me introduce you," Freya said, trying to help Kristian familiarize himself with some people from his past. "This is your assistant, Gerard Todd. You two were really close-you trusted him a lot."


    "Assistant?" Kristian tilted his head, looking adorably lost. He had no idea what that was supposed to mean.


    Freya paused, then simplified. ¡°He used to help manage your schedule and do tasks you assigned him. But you don''t need to think about all that now. Just remember-you guys were good friends."


    "I''ll keep that in mind." Kristian nodded obediently, soaking in her every word.


    Gerard''sst bit of hope crumbled. He stared in disbelief. Was this really his cold, decisive, untouchable boss? How did he turn into such a soft, clingy "kid"?


    "Do you want to visit the office with him?" Freya suggested gently.


    Kristian''s fingers tightened in hisp, his thoughts spiraling. Was Freya nning


    to hand him off to someone


    else?


    Chapter 293 You Care About Me


    With a flicker of anxiety, he looked up and whispered, "Can I not go?"


    "Of course," Freya reassured him, noticing how quickly his mood had shifted. "It


    was just a suggestion. You don''t have to go if you don''t want to."


    "I don''t want to go." Kristian spoke up, summoning a bit more confidence this time.


    "Then would you rather stay here with Gerard, ore home with me?"


    "Go home with you," Kristian blurted out.


    He answered so quickly that Gerard couldn''t help but give him another once-over.


    The way Kristian clung to Freya so naturally made Gerard wonder-was he really not faking?


    Since Kristian''s mind was made up, Freya asked Gerard a few more things, then went off to pack Kristian''s


    belongings.


    Gerard had initially intended to help, but since there wasn''t much he could do, he ended up sitting beside


    Kristian instead. His eyes were filled with curiosity as he called out, "Sir?" Kristian looked at him nkly.


    His gaze was just as sharp as always, but itcked the warmth he showed Freya. "Are you talking to me?"


    "It''s just the two of us now," Gerard said, watching him closely. "You don''t have to pretend. How long are you nning to keep up this act and fool Ms. Briggs? Need me to help with anything?"


    Kristian just stared at him. Was this really the guy Freya said he used to trust?


    Freya had exined that he was an adult, that he had gotten sick, and that''s why he was like this now.


    But if that were true... would he really have hired someone this dense as his assistant?


    Gerard shifted ufortably under Kristian''s silent scrutiny. "What?"


    Kristian didn''t have the same intimidating aura as before, but somehow... it was still unsettling.


    "Can you move away from me?" Kristian asked bluntly.


    "Why?" Gerard asked, still unsure if Kristian was just messing with him. "Worried Ms. Briggs will overhear?"


    "No."


    "Then what''s the problem?"


    "I read somewhere that stupidity is contagious. I don''t want to be affected."


    With that, Kristian stood up and wandered off toward Freya, leaving Gerard frozen in ce.


    Freya was packing his clothes when Kristian appeared beside her, looking like he wanted to say something but didn''t know how. "What''s wrong? Not enjoying your chat with Gerard?"


    "I don''t like him,¡± Kristian mumbled, tugging at her sleeve. "He keeps asking weird questions, like he''s trying to


    trick me."


    Chapter 293 You Care About Me


    Gerard, who had just walked into the room, nearly choked.


    Freya raised an eyebrow.


    She cast a quick nce in Gerard''s direction, a flicker of instinctive curiosity in her


    eyes, wondering what on


    earth he could''ve said to make Kristian react like that.


    Gerard came clean, his voice low but sincere, a tangle of emotions flickering


    behind his eyes.


    It was bing clearer now-Kristian''s amnesia and the way his intelligence had regressed weren''t some act.


    This was real, no question about it.


    With a heavy sigh, Gerard let the truth settle between them.


    Once Freya had pieced everything together, she turned to Kristian with a soft look


    and reassured him gently, "He just finds it hard to believe you''re actually unwell,


    so he was checking in on you. That''s how he shows he


    cares."


    "I get it," Kristian murmured, clearly a bit put off.


    His sister always seemed to defend everyone else. Was he never enough? That thought cast a shadow over his


    face.


    Ten minutes ticked by, and Freya finally finished packing up Kristian''s things.


    Now that he was about to leave the apartment, that heavy gloom that had been following him around seemed to lift. He even reached out first, taking the suitcase from Freya with surprising cheer. "I''ll carry it."


    She opened her mouth, ready to say she could handle it herself, but he''d already taken it from her grasp.


    It was right then that something caught her attention-something she''d never really noticed before.


    She reached for his hand and examined it closely, her delicate brows drawing together at the sight of the blisters scattered across his palm. "When did you get these?"


    "This morning," Kristian admitted quietly, not daring to hide it.


    "While making breakfast?"


    "Yeah..."


    Would she think he was an idiot?


    Kristian pressed his lips together, doubt creeping in as he stood there, unsure of


    himself.


    Freya looked at the blisters again-some were raw, two had already burst. They looked painful. "Do they hurt?"


    ¡°Huh?¡± Kristian blinked, thinking he must''ve misheard her.


    "These,¡± Freya said again, ncing down at his hand. ¡°Do they hurt?"


    Kristian''s face lit up, like a kid handed his favorite candy. He shook his head right away, eyes bright. "Not one


    bit."


    Freya made a quick call, asking the bodyguard to take Kristian''s luggage over to her apartment, then brought him to the hospital herself.


    On the way there, Kristian felt like he was floating-happier than if someone had handed him a whole bag of


    sweets.


    Just the memory of Freya''s gentle concern made his chest bloom with warmth,


    and before he could stop himself, a smile crept across his face, joy flickering in his


    eyes.


    When Freya nced at the side mirror, she caught the tiny grin tugging at his lips. She blinked, puzzled. What was he smiling at?


    "Something make you happy?" she asked, wondering if he might''ve remembered


    some childhood memory.


    Kristian''s eyes glimmered as he nodded, lips pressing into a smile. "Yeah!"


    "Wanna tell me what it is?" Freya asked lightly.


    She didn''t read too much into it.


    If it really was some old memory, she could take him back to where he used to


    y, or maybe have Isaac spend time with him.


    Kristian''s smile deepened as he answered, ¡°You just showed you care about me." She Took The House, The Car And My Heart

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    Chapter 294 Soothing Him Like A Mother Would A...


    "What?" Freya blinked, certain she''d misheard.


    "When we were about to leave just now, you held my hand and showed you care for me, Kristian darified softly, a shy flush colored his cheeks.


    Freya stared, caught off guard. Was he really this happy just because she''d asked a few simple questions?


    Kristian had been quietly watching her every reaction. Noticing her silence, he gently called, "Freya."


    "Yeah?"


    "I''ve never seen you smile before."


    "I''m just not the smiley type."


    "No one hates smiling," Kristian said with quiet conviction. "Unless they''re unhappy... or don''t have anything to


    smile about."


    *Freya frowned slightly, unsure what was running through his head. "Where''d you get that nonsense from?"


    "It''s not nonsense," he replied, sounding every bit like a child exining something serious. "I want to make you happy."


    Freya didn''t say anything. There was no point continuing the conversation. He still had the mind of a child.


    Freya brought Kristian to the hospital. When the doctor used a sterile needle tonce therge blister and disinfect the wound, Kristian''s face twisted in pain.


    Freya looked at him, puzzled.


    Wasn''t he supposed to have a high tolerance for pain?


    In that moment, she forgot that mentally, Kristian was only like a five-year-old kid. Looking at him now, all she


    saw was a grown man.


    If he really had been a little boy, she might''ve instinctively scooped him into her arms tofort him without a second thought. But appearances shape instinct more than we realize.


    "Does it hurt?" the doctor asked.


    Kristian was about to nod, but when he caught Freya''s gaze, he quickly shook his head instead. "No, it doesn''t."


    "There''s no shame in saying it hurts," the doctor said as he moved to pop another blister. Watching Kristian stiffen, he chuckled and added teasingly, "Say it hurts, and maybe your girlfriend will fuss over you and kiss it


    better."


    Chapter 294 Soothing Him Like A Mother Would A Child


    "Girlfriend?" The term waspletely foreign to Kristian. Sitting nearby, Freya rified, "I''m his elder sister."


    The doctor shot them a peculiar look.


    Elder sister? That young?


    He nced at them again, then something seemed to click. His tone turned deliberately casual. "You can still cry in your sister''s arms, right?"


    From his perspective, these two were both strikingly attractive and had such effortless chemistry-it was hard


    not to assume they were a couple.


    It seemed like she was annoyed with her boyfriend. He''d seen this kind of situation before.


    Kristian blinked, processing. Could he really?


    "When I pop the next one, look at her like a sad puppy and say it hurts," the doctor leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper and a knowing smirk. "Whatever you did to tick her off, I bet she''ll forgive you on the


    spot."


    With a face like Kristian''s, even grown men would hesitate to scold him when he looked that pitiful.


    Even for a grown man like the doctor, it was a tough sight to stomach.


    And with a child''s mind, Kristian believed every word. "Really?"


    "Try it. See for yourself," the doctor whispered, one brow lifted yfully.


    Kristian''s eyes darted between the doctor and Freya.


    "I''m going to pop it now," the doctor warned, pressing the needle to the blister. This time, Kristian didn''t hold. back. The pain made him flinch as his whole face wrinkled up in difort.


    Freya turned to him. "Does it hurt a lot?"


    "It hurts..." Kristian whimpered, his eyes welling with tears, looking thoroughly wronged.


    Freya''s heart softened.


    She had to admit, Kristian really was handsome. She''d grown used to his usual cold, distant demeanor. Seeing him like this-so vulnerable-sparked a quiet urge tofort him.


    The doctor caught the change in her expression and cleaned the wound with a bit more force.


    Kristian was genuinely in pain. "Ouch!"


    "Hang in there. It''ll be over soon," Freya said gently, ruffling his hair as if calming a child.


    Kristian nodded, all seriousness. "Okay."


    The doctor blinked.


    That wasn''t the oue he''d expected.


    Weren''t girls supposed to tease their boyfriends when they whined about pain?


    How had it shifted into a grown


    OF DO


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    woman soothing him like a mother would a child?


    He couldn''t make sense of it, so he simply wrapped things up and handed them


    the ointment. "Don''t worry about the small blisters. Just let them heal naturally. Make sure to apply this."


    "Thank you, doctor," Freya said, epting the medicine.


    Kristian followed closely as they left the hospital.


    Once they were in the car, he nced at Freya and asked cautiously, "Freya, do


    you not like boys who cry when


    they are in pain?"


    Freya looked puzzled. What on earth was he talking about? She was utterly


    baffled, not quite grasping what he


    was trying to say.


    "I''ll be a real man," Kristian added, his voice serious.


    Freya didn''t think much of it. Her eyes stayed on the road. "Okay."


    Kristian let out a quiet sigh of relief. So she really didn''t like boys whoined about pain.


    When they reached the residentialplex, Freya took Kristian upstairs. His clothes and other belongings had already been delivered by the bodyguards and ced inside.


    Freya unlocked the door, like always.


    Before she could set her keys down or even take off her jacket, someone rushed forward and threw their arms


    around her.


    "Mina!"


    Ethel had missed her sister terribly. If they hadn''t seen each other for a while, she was always this enthusiastic.


    Freya was taken by surprise. "What are you doing here?"


    "I''m on break, so I figured I''de visit you," Ethel exined cheerily, still rambling as she hadn''t yet noticed Kristian behind the door. "Didn''t you see the messages I sent?"


    Freya said nothing. Would she get scolded for admitting she hadn''t even checked?


    Ethel knew her too well. "I knew you didn''t!"


    "I was busy and didn''t notice," Freya promised. "I''ll check next time."


    "You''re my big sister, after all. I''ll let it slide just this once,¡± Ethel replied sweetly,


    her tone teasing and affectionate as ever. "By the way, are those suitcases in the living room yours? They don''t really scream your


    style."


    Freya''s taste leaned toward silver or white. But the two suitcases sitting in the


    living room were ck.


    Could it be...


    Ethel''s eyes widened as if she''d just stumbled on some juicy gossip.


    "Do they belong to that guy next door?"


    "Nope," Freya replied, set her keys down, and stepped aside, revealing Kristian standing quietly behind her.


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    Chapter 204 Soothing Him Like A Mother Would A Child


    "Whose..."


    Ethel''s words died in her throat as her gaze locked onto the person behind her


    sister.


    She froze, stunned. Her mind buzzed with disbelief.


    Kristian?


    Without even saying hello, she grabbed Freya by the wrist, hauled her into the bedroom, and shut the door


    with a sharp click. "Why on earth did you bring him here? Are those suitcases


    his?"


    "Yeah."


    "He''s staying here?"


    "Yeah."


    "Mina!" Ethel hissed in rm. "Are you insane? Have youpletely forgotten


    what he did to you?"


    Kristian had divorced Freya for another woman.

 Left Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 295

    Chapter 295 I Don''t Mind


    The Pain


    "It''s not what you think. You''ve misunderstood." Freya said, her voice calm but edged with urgency-though she hadn''t been given the opportunity to exin the whole situation


    "Whether it''s a misunderstanding or not doesn''t matter. What matters is getting Kristian out of here," Ethel insisted, her tone brimming with fierce resolve. She had no clue what had unfolded between Freya and Kristian on Butterfly Ind, nor did she know Kristian had nearly lost his life trying to save her sister.


    Tl go talk to him," she announced, flinging the door open and marching out, trying her best to sound authoritative-but managing toe off more adorable than intimidating.


    Freya reached out instinctively to stop her. "She!" she called, but it was already toote.


    To Ethel, her sister was the whole world.


    Thest time Kristian had visited, neither she nor Hugh had any idea what had happened between Kristian and Freya. But now that she did, there was no chance she''d let Freya suffer again.


    Even if Kristian came across as daunting, Ethel had already made up her mind- he had to go. Who knew what he might do to her sister if they were left alone together?


    Fueled by that thought, Ethel hauled over the suitcases and thrust them into Kristian''s arms just as he finished setting down his jacket.


    Kristian blinked, bewildered. What in the world was happening?


    "Take your things and leave," Ethel dered, forcing a brave expression onto her face despite the fluttering nerves twisting in her gut. "You''re not wee here, and I hope you''ll stop bothering my sister from now on."


    In an instant, Ethel''s words shattered the fragile happiness that had flickered inside Kristian from Freya''s earlier concern. He turned toward Freya, who had just stepped out of the bedroom, his eyes clouded with helplessness and confusion- silently pleading for an answer. Hadn''t Freya brought him here herself? Then why was he being asked to leave?


    "She," Freya murmured, tugging lightly at Ethel''s arm.


    "I have to do this!" Ethel insisted.


    "He''s lost his memory," Freya exined curtly. "He doesn''t remember anything from before. Right now, he''s just a child inside-a five-year-old, mentally."


    Ethel was utterly stunned. Amnesia? Five years old? No way. He had to be faking it.


    She was just about to protest when Kristian''s soft voice cut through the tension.


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    "Freya..." Kristian murmured, guilt creeping into his expression "Am I making things hard for you?"


    From the moment he''did eyes on her, he''d felt that the disliked him. And nowy, her little sister had outright said he wasn''t wee. What on earth had he done in the past to deserve such coldness?


    Ethel felt her chest tighten with conflict.


    Kristian''s toneso tentative, so boyish it really did sound like a child''s


    "No, you''re not," Freya replied gently, unable to beat the pain and guilt carved into his face After all, he was just a child in every way that counted "She wasn''t talking about you she was referring to someone else. someone who just happens to look a lot like you. She made a mistake *


    "Really?" Kristian asked, not daring to believe it.


    "It''s true," Freya said, her voice reassuring


    Kristian turned his gaze to Ethel.


    But Ethel had already drawn her own conclusions. She didn''t care about this memory loss tale. In her eyes, Kristian was just putting on an act-looking for a way to worm his way closer to Freya. Did he really think she would let it slide? In his dreams!


    Still, just as she was about to call him out, she caught a glimpse of the cautious, hopeful light in his eyes.


    Wait... was this really Kristian?


    Ethel cleared her throat awkwardly, averting her gaze, suddenly feeling a bit sheepish. "It''s true. My bad."


    "It''s okay," Kristian replied meekly.


    Ethel squirmed inwardly,pletely thrown by that look in his eyes. She just couldn''t wrap her head around someone losing their memory like that.


    By lunchtime, the takeout they''d ordered from a restaurant had arrived.


    0


    Freya had never been much of a cook, and since she lived alone, she hadn''t bothered hiring anyone to help in


    the kitchen.


    She was almost always away on business trips or buried in work at the office, and with Melvin constantly around, he made sure she never skipped a meal by ordering food for her every single day.


    Most days, she stuck with restaurants she knew well.


    During the meal, Ethel kept casting discreet nces at Kristian, trying to figure out whether this amnesia story held any weight.


    But from the small details she picked up on, this courteous, thoughtful man was nothing like the aloof, frosty figure she remembered. The amnesia was probably real.


    After lunch, Freya headed to the study to work, leaving Kristian and Ethel alone in the living room.


    With Kristian like this, Ethel didn''t feel intimidated at all, so she struck up a casual conversation. "Why do think my sister is your elder sister?"


    "Lawrence Hayes told me she''s my sister," Kristian responded inly.


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    As for why he didn''t think of Lawrence as his elder brother-well, he simply didere


    be the gay


    Ethel shot him a frown. "She''s my sister, not yours You can''t post think like that? "Then what should I consider her as?" Kristian didn''t argue or det upset. He''d noticed earlier how well Freya treated Ethel. If he upset Ethel, Freys might kick him out, so he figunt be


    should behave.


    If Freya knew what was running through his mind, she''d seriously question her qualifications gon


    It hadn''t even been a full day, and Kristian, stripped of his memories, was already acting like someone trying his hardest to be liked¨Cjust to secure a ce to stay. ¡°Think of her as a friend," Ethel suggested after mulling it over for a moment. Kristian pressed his lips together, visibly displeased. "I don''t like that." In his heart, Freys was his older sate


    Ethel was about to snap back that there wasn''t even much of an age gap between Freys and tim-but fea remembered what Freya had said earlier. Kristian now had the mind of a five-year-old


    "How about this?" Ethel offered, brainstorming on the fly. "Think of her as your aunt."


    Kristian replied, "But Freya looks young and pretty. She doesn''t look like an aunt to me."


    "Just do as I say," Ethel insisted.


    "But she''s my sister..." Kristian muttered.


    "Do you want me to rough you up?" Ethel shot back, suddenly sounding like a bratty kid herself


    Kristian''s eyes lit up. "If you hit me, does that mean I can still think of Freya as my elder sister?"


    Ethel was momentarily speechless.


    Those wide, sparkling eyes and that question left herpletely at a loss.


    Seeing her fall silent, Kristian assumed she had given in. He jumped to his feet, grabbed a baseball bat, and offered it to her with innocent earnestness. "Go on. I don''t mind the pain."


    If he could still think of Freya as his elder sister, he didn''t care how hard Ethel hit


    him


    Ethel''s lips twitched. She wasn''t the kind to go around hitting people-and this man was the president of Shaw Group. Like hell she''d actuallyy a hand on him. Besides, this amnesia wasn''t going tost forever. What would happen once he remembered everything?


    "Don''t worry. I won''t make a sound." Kristian said, pressing a bat into her hands, solemn as could be. I won''t tell Freya either."


    "Don''t think I won''t actually do it!" Ethel retorted, waving the bat threateningly to scare him off.


    Kristian stood there obediently, as if waiting to be struck.


    Just then, Freya walked out of the study, a ss of water in her hand.

 Left Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 296

    Chapter 296 Don''t Push


    Your Luck


    When Freya caught sight of Ethel clutching a baseball bat, ring daggers at Kristian, she froze in disbelief. "She, what on earth are you doing..."


    Ethel flinched, clearly caught off guard. On instinct, she whipped the bat behind her back, stammering, "N-no, it''s nothing. Really."


    Right then, she began to suspect this was all a carefullyid trap by Kristian, just so Freya would barge in and


    assume she was about to take a swing at him. How utterly infuriating!


    "She was just showing me how to protect myself in case a stranger breaks in," Kristian piped up, feigning


    innocence with those wide, guileless eyes.


    Ethel blinked, momentarily at a loss for words.


    Freya stepped closer, her voice gentle. "Even if I''m out for work, the bodyguards


    will always be around to look after you. You''ll never be left alone."


    "Thank you." Kristian''s tone softened with her. "Freya," he said, ncing up at her.


    "Yeah?" she answered, meeting his gaze.


    "Can I still think of you as my elder sister?"


    Freya looked puzzled, not responding right away.


    "She said it''s not proper for me to treat you like that, but... I want to. I don''t want to think of you as my


    aunt."


    He didn''t voice the rest, but something in his expression told Ethel that she wouldn''t like what was left unsaid.


    Freya didn''t seem to mind. "That''s fine."


    Watching things escte far too quickly for her liking, Ethel interjected, "Now he''s just like a kid, you are too


    old to be his sister."


    "Then how should he call me?" Freya asked sincerely.


    "I suggested ¡®aunt''," Ethel muttered after clearing her throat.


    Freya gave her a look. "Seriously?"


    "Think about it," Ethel pressed, not backing down. "If he keeps regarding you as his sister, once he recovers, he''ll look back and think it was all sweet and touching." She was determined to put a stop to the whole idea. "But if he treats you as his aunt now, once he''s back to normal, he''ll be mortified."


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    The thought of him calling his ex-wife "aunt" was beyond ridiculous.


    Freya raised a fair point. "But what if he doesn''t recover for a long time?" "Well..." Ethel faltered, words catching in her throat. She couldn''t exin it, but she had this strong gut feeling Kristian would get better soon.


    He''d always been sharp, decisive-wless in business. There was no way his mind wouldn''t bounce back just as quickly. She didn''t know why she believed it, but she did.


    "He can think of me however he likes," Freya said lightly. "It makes no difference to me."


    "Alright."


    "You silly girl."


    Freya reached out and tousled her hair affectionately.


    Kristian observed the scene with sparkling eyes. Slowly, he ambled toward Freya


    and tilted his head forward, clearly angling for a pat.


    Freya blinked.


    Ethel, equally baffled, stared at him.


    Neither could figure out what he was up to.


    Ethel, always the first to speak, narrowed her eyes. "What are you doing?"


    Kristian didn''t say a word. He pressed his lips together and simply looked up at Freya, waiting patiently for that pat on the head.


    A strange tension filled the air.


    As Ethel reyed what had just happened in her mind, something clicked-and an edge of jealousy slipped into her tone. "You want my sister to pat your head?"


    "Is that okay?" Kristian asked softly, his voice as delicate as cotton, eyes brimming with hope.


    Even Freya was taken aback. That face and those eyes-yet the expression and tone were so utterly transformed. It was like Kristian was someone else entirely.


    She found herself marveling at fate''s odd sense of humor.


    "No way!" Ethel clung tightly to Freya''s arm, clearly refusing to yield. "Don''t push your luck!"


    "He''s basically like a five-year-old right now..." Freya murmured, coughing lightly as a reminder.


    "I don''t care." Ethel''s protectiveness was still just as fierce. "Well, I''m only three. If you pat his head, I''ll cry!" Kristian might''ve been Freya''s ex-husband, but now he was like a clingy child vying for her affection. Ethel wasn''t about to let him win. Freya chuckled and ruffled Ethel''s hair again, her eyes softening into a smile. Some things never changed. Ethel was still irresistibly adorable.


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    Kristian felt a twinge of disappointment, but the moment he saw Freya''s smile, he couldn''t help smiling, too. "Freya, you''re smiling," he said softly.


    "That''s because of me," Ethel snapped back, unwilling to let go. "It has nothing to do with you!"


    ¡°As long as Freya''s happy, I''m happy, too,¡± Kristian replied simply, his thoughts pure.


    Ethel paused, staring at the earnest, innocent face before her. Her cheeks suddenly grew warm, and a whirlpool ofplex emotions stirred within her.


    This was still Kristian. But right now, he was like a five-year-old boy... Why on earth was she arguing with a kid?


    "You two go on talking," Freya said, treating them both like children. "If you want snacks, call the bodyguard. If


    you want to watch TV, go ahead. I''ve got work to do."


    "Okay," Kristian responded sweetly.


    Once Freya grabbed her water and headed off to the study, Ethel and Kristian were left eyeing each other in


    silence.


    Before Kristian''s ident, Ethel wouldn''t have dared to even meet his gaze-let alone re at him.


    But now, things had shifted.


    Ethel demanded, still looking for a fight. "Freya''s busy now, so you have to listen to me."


    Kristian nodded obediently. "Okay!"


    Ethel was momentarily stunned into silence. A phrase she''d once seen online echoed in her head. Sincerity really does work.


    Faced with someone so obedient, sweet, and eager to please, she just couldn''t bring herself to be mean.


    "Get me some water."


    "Sure."


    "Grab me some snacks from the cupboard."


    "Okay."


    "I want some fruit."


    "I''ll go rinse them."


    The two of them bantered and yed like children in the living room. Seeing they weren''t squabbling, Freya finally turned her full attention to work. Christmas was just ten days away, andtely, Melvin had been swamped with preparations for thepany''s annual party and masquerade ball. "Ms. Briggs, the hotel and schedule are finalized," Melvin reported during their video call. "The annual party will be held on the first and second floors. After that, single guests can head to the eighth floor for the masquerade ball. Everything''s arranged."


    Freya gave a brief grunt. "What are this year''s lucky draw prizes?"


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    "Same asst year. Three first prizes-two hundred thousand dors each. Five second prizes-one hundred thousand each. Ten third prizes-fifty thousand. The rest get participation gifts like iPads,ptops, phones, or shopping cards, all given randomly," Melvin rattled off casually.


    Anita International Group had always been generous with its employees, handing outvish gifts and hefty year -end bonuses every holiday season.


    The cash rewards and prizes rarely changed.


    Freya was silent for a beat. "Let''s add a grand prize this year."


    "Hm?"


    "For Cap... For Ellis Lambert," she said slowly.


    She''d originally nned to transfer Ellis to a branch closer to his home, but he''d


    declined, saying he wasn''t ready for that kind of responsibility.


    So instead, Freya decided to reward him with an apartment. That way, he''d stop feeling the need to keep sending her money out of gratitude.

 Left Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 297

    Chapter 297 Pretend To Be My Girlfriend


    "Put it in with the constion prize boxes," Freya instructed, her tone crisp but deliberate. She was always meticulous in her nning. "After the raffle, just announce that there''s a mystery grand gift tacked among the


    constion prizes."


    That way, it would not draw any unnecessary attention. And it would give her a legitimate excuse to hand the gift to Ellis.


    Melvin nodded along to everything without hesitation. "Alright. Are you attending the annual party this year? he asked, his voice casual. Freya had never shown up at previous ones-he usually managed everything himself


    Freya shook her head lightly. "No, I''ll be at the masquerade party on the eighth floor."


    If Ellis had not mentioned the masquerade party a few days ago, she probably would not have bothered with i After all, since Anita International Group had been founded, Melvin had overseen most of its affairs.


    "You..." Melvin hesitated, seeming to search for the right words, then simply said, "Alright"


    *Mel."


    "Yes?"


    "You ought toe to the masquerade party tomorrow night as well" Freya did not want him to spend the best years of his life shackled solely to thepany. "After your speech at the annual party, just hand everything over to the secretarial team. Don''t stress about the rest.*


    1


    Melvin caught her meaning. "I don''t want to get married," he said bluntly.


    "It''s just an event for making friends."


    "I am not interested."


    "You are not interested in dating?" Freya asked, genuine curiosity creeping into her voice.


    Melvin never struck her as the typepletely consumed by work. Why was he so against dating?


    Thinking ahead, Melvin decided to be straightforward. "Not interested."


    Freya wanted to say more but then remembered what Gerard had told her about Melvin''s so-called heartbreak. Melvin had insisted it was just a story he had spun to get Gerard talking, but now... it seemed that might not have been a lie after all.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya relented, offering him an understanding nod. ¡°If you ever need time off for personal matters, just tell me."


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    "Okay," Melvin responded with a perfunctory nod.


    Once the video call ended, Freya immersed herself in other tasks.


    While she was working. n called to ask if she would be attending the Briggs Group annual party. Freya turned him down-Ethel would be there, and that was good enough.


    Time slipped by, and before long, it was six in the evening.


    When Freya stepped out, she spotted Ethel and Kristian lounging on the sofa- Ethel munching on snacks as she watched TV, while Kristian sat silently at her side, simply keeping herpany.


    Just as Freya opened her mouth to ask what they wanted for dinner, Ellis arrived.


    He knocked lightly before stepping inside, greeting the three of them with the calm,posed authority of an adult. His voice was brief yet steady as he announced, ¡°Dinner''s ready."


    "Coming!" Ethel chirped, hastily turning off the TV and hurrying over.


    Kristian, however, remained seated.


    Freya arched a brow in puzzlement.


    Catching Ethel by the arm as she rushed past, Freya asked, "Since when are you two so chummy?"


    Given Ethel''s personality, even if she were eager to gossip about her rtionship with Ellis, she would agree to dinner, but she would never rush over so eagerly. This seemed... a little out of character.


    "Two hours ago," Ethel replied with an innocent blink. "Ellis came and asked what we wanted for dinner.*


    Freya''s eyes widened. "What?" How had she missed that?


    "I was about to say no, but he mentioned he promised you he''d help look after Kristian, so I said okay," Ethel exined matter-of-factly. "Wasn''t that how it was?"


    Freya pressed her lips together, a sense of unease settling in as the situation grew moreplicated.


    "Let''s eat first. We can talk about everything else after dinner," Ellis gave a quick look toward Kristian, who sat still, before shifting his focus back to Freya. "If we don''t hurry, the food will get cold."


    So they all headed off to eat.


    Throughout the meal, ''Ethel kept praising Ellis''s cooking. Everyone else ate quietly, the atmosphere thick with unspoken thoughts.


    Afterward, they all pitched in to clean up.


    Ellis stole a nce at Kristian, who remained slouched on the sofa, and then turned to Freya. "I need your help with something."


    "Go ahead," Freya said coolly, drying her hands on a towel.


    "I want you toe home with me for Christmas," Ellis said, his thin lips barely parting, his long, narrow eyes betraying little. "And pretend to be my girlfriend." Freya froze for a second. "Me?"


    15:14


    "Yes."


    "Why don''t you ask Riley of Greta?¡± Freya blurted out, her response nearly identical to thest time. She had not given it much thought. "I''m not really good at that sort of thing"


    Meeting parents, making good impressions-it was important.


    She tended to be slow in warming up to others, her nature leaning toward reservation. Even when she married Kristian, it had taken a while for her to feel truly at ease with his family.


    "Sometimes being too good at pretending can backfire," Ethel chimed in slyly, having kept one ear on their conversation. "It''s better if you''re not good at it."


    "You don''t have to stay overnight or talk much," Ellis added casually. "Just meet them, that''s all."


    Freya hesitated. Meeting Ellis''s parents was not something she thought should be taken lightly.


    "Or are you scared?" Ellis teased, raising an eyebrow.


    Freyapsed into silence. Not exactly.


    "If you really are, I won''t force you," Ellis continued, relentless in his gentleness. "Worst case, I get a lecture when I go home. No big deal."


    "I can only go with you at noon," Freya finally said, keeping her voice steady. "I


    need to be home for dinner." She kept it simple and direct. Ellis was a good person who had always treated them well. It did not feel right to let him face his family''s ire alone on Christmas Eve.


    Besides, it was just pretending, nothing more.


    "You agree?" Ellis''s voice lifted with a touch of surprise.


    Freya gave a small nod. "Yes."


    A subtle smile tugged at Ellis''s lips, his eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement.


    "Thank you."


    Sitting quietly beside them, Kristian watched their easy rapport, a subtle frown creasing his brow. Summoning a burst of courage, he stood up abruptly. "Freya." "What''s wrong?" Freya turned toward him immediately.


    Kristian pressed his hand to his stomach, feigning difort. "My stomach hurts."


    Freya stood up, moving toward him to check, but found no sign of anything unusual. She assumed it was something internal. "Does it hurt a lot?"


    "Yes..." Kristian winced, his face contorting with feigned pain.


    "I''ll take you to the hospital," Freya said at once.


    Kristian''s heart, leapt in panic. If they went to the hospital, she''d find out he was


    faking it. What should he do?


    "No need for the hospital," Ellis said calmly as he walked over. "He probably just


    ate too much. He''ll be fine


    after a little rest."


    "I checked already. It''s not because he ate too much," Freya insisted, worry


    clouding her features.


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    on my finde den nyesten mutter pox but short and les


    When you suppe et 8xury geniet w x you "the


    ** with the unfalet, smutty w


    Rmended for you


    The Unwanted Wife''s Une

 Left Me With Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 298

    Chapter 298 You Don''t


    Stand A Chance


    Ellis ushered Kristian out the door and rode the elevator downstairs.


    Freya, meanwhile, was still lost in thought, mulling over Kristian''s condition.


    His symptoms seemed far too severe to be brushed off as a simple stomachache from eating too much.


    Ethel, seeing that everyone had cleared out, leaned closer and asked curiously, "Be honest-if Ellis ever pursued you, would you say yes?"


    Freya froze, caught off guard.


    Without missing a beat, she answered, "No."


    Ellis was far beyond her reach, and she knew it. She still vividly recalled those brutal training days, when everyone had been run ragged under his leadership.


    The idea of merely being invited to a meal felt surreal now, let alone the thought of a rtionship.


    Why not?" Ethel pressed, her brows furrowing in puzzlement. "He''s handsome, he treats you well, and he''s gentle. Honestly, he would be perfect."


    "Some people are just meant to stay friends," Freya said after a moment''s reflection.


    It wasn''t just her. Greta and Riley wouldn''t dare to even dream about it either.


    0


    Had Freya not endured Ellis''s relentless training before, she might have found him charming. Only recently had shee to realize that underneath that cold exterior, he was a great man.


    But no matter how she looked at it, whenever she thought of Ellis, the first


    memory that surfaced was always of those grueling, unrelenting drills.


    "What about Kristian? Would you consider him after he gets better?" Ethel asked, unwilling to let it go. "Would you say yes then...?¡±


    "No," Freya replied firmly, her voice leaving no room for doubt.


    "Then you..."


    "I''m not interested in rtionships right now," Freya stated inly, drawing a firm boundary. "Just focus on your own love life."


    "Mina," Ethel said, her voiceced with genuine concern. She worried that Freya had given up on love altogether because of her past heartbreak. Life was long- wouldn''t Freya feel lonely if she chose to stay single


    forever?


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    Chapter 248 You fiant Stand A


    *Have you picked out a dress for the annual party? treys with, any reg


    "Want me toe stepping with you?"


    I already have one," Ethel replied, string on query to Freys''s tempt to change the shipre


    Meanwhile, Kristian and Elle were strolling through the newly gather Making It''s verouderent silence, Ellis asked creusity, "Why did you be to Freys?


    "That''s none of your tarsiness," Kristion retorted.


    Ellis slouched iszily onto a neartry bench "You don''t like me, do you?"


    Kristian shot him a sidelong dance without bothering to answer. Why a question when the mow I obvious? Were adults always this fond of teasing children?


    "Let me guess,¡± Ellis continued, speaking in the tone one would use with a chis, "ystre vg Stone Prop talked to me and not you?"


    Kristian''s childish emotions wereid bare. He red at Elis, making no effort to hide his diadak


    Ellis wasn''t offended. If Kristian had been in his right mind, Ellis might have poked fun at him, but right now, he was no more than a five-year-old in an adult''s body,


    "Stop lying." Ellis advised gently. "Freya doesn''t like liars."


    "I don''t need your advice," Kristian grumbled sullenly,


    "I don''t want to give it either," Ellis replied, shing azy smile. "But I promised Freya I''d help look after you" Kristian''s face clouded with displeasure. Did Freya find him so troublesome that she needed to rely on Ellis for


    help?


    "When we get back, I''ll tell Freya to let me take care of you," Ellis said, dragging


    out the words slowly. "She should focus on herself."


    "No way!"


    Kristian eximed, his face twisting in protest.


    Ellis arched an eyebrow, amused. "I''m going to do it anyway."


    "If you dare, I''ll tell her you hit me," Kristian threatened with a re.


    Ellis gave him a once-over, his look clearly saying, "You don''t even have a scratch."


    Kristian, driven by a sudden impulse, acted recklessly.


    He threw himself onto the ground, scraping his already blistered hand until it bled


    anew.


    There are security cameras," Ellis pointed outzily, unbothered. "Even if you go back injured, Freya can check the footage."


    Kristian sat there, stewing in frustration.


    Ellis stood, brushing off his pants as he said, "Let''s go home."


    "I don''t want you looking after me," Kristian said stubbornly, getting to his feet.


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    Chapter 298 You Don''t Stand A Chance


    "If I end up with Freya, your opinion won''t matter anyway." Ellis, ever casual, added in a soft, indifferent tone, "When that timees, I won''t just be taking care of you I''ll be Freya''s husband too."


    Kristian knew exactly what it meant to be Freya''s husband. He had learned it from


    Without thinking, he had blurted out, "Freya won''t marry you. I''ll marry her when I grow up."


    "That''s ambitious," Ellis said truthfully. "But you don''t stand a chance."


    Either way, he had already decided he would never let Freya be with Kristian


    again.


    Even if people could change, he believed that in life, some chances never came twice. Once lost, they were gone for good.


    "I do have a chance!" Kristian insisted, his fists clenching tightly.


    "Why don''t you go upstairs and ask her?" Ellis challenged, locking eyes with him. "See what she says."


    Kristian red at him for a moment before marching off determinedly.


    Even if Freya seemed distant now, he was convinced that someday, he would be someone she could truly


    love.


    Ellis followed behind at an unhurried pace.


    Back in the living room, Freya and Ethel were waiting for them. Seeing them


    return, Freya asked gently, "Are you alright?"


    Kristian nodded his head. "I''m fine now."


    Freya let out a small sigh of relief.


    "Freya," Kristian said, his hand tightening at his side, his dark eyes swimming with


    nervousness.


    Freya, noticing his hesitation, asked, "What''s wrong?"


    "Can I marry you when I grow up?" Kristian asked, his voice trembling between hope and fear.


    Freya froze, instinctively darting a nce at Ellis. What exactly had they discussed downstairs? "You''re already an adult," Freya said softly. "You only think like a child right now because of your injury." Kristian''s face twisted in confusion,


    but he pressed on stubbornly, "So when I recover... can I marry you?" "Absolutely not!" Ethel cut in sharply before Freya could answer.


    "Why not?"


    "Because you used to..."


    "Because marriage is built on mutual love," Freya interrupted, choosing her words


    with care. "You''ll understand what that means when you''re older."


    Kristian''s face remained nk, still struggling to grasp it.


    But deep down, he understood one thing-her answer, gentle as it was, meant she


    didn''t love him unfamiliar ache took root in his chest.


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    "Then will you be with him? Will he live with me?" Kristian asked, pointing at nie,


    his votre they

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    Chapter 300 Conversation Between Father And Son


    Freya still wanted to keep talking to Kristian; she could feel, with an almost insti cery, the something about him had shifted.


    However, Kristian clearly had no ns of dragging the conversation out why longer. The sopment for fristes speaking, he pushed himself up from his seat and stalked back to his room without sparing to st


    Watching him retreat like that, Freya flicked her gaze to the clock. It was a little post eight to the evening


    She tapped out a quick message to Isaac, "Are you free right now? Can you share sorting a thorac''s


    childhood?"


    It hadn''t even been a full minute before Isaac gave her a call,


    "Hello, Isaac," Freya said warmly when she answered,


    Isaac, standing casually on the balcony wrapped in a loose robe, let his voice carry through the phone, deep and smooth as ever. "Did Kristian give you any trouble?"


    "No," Freya replied earnestly. And it was true. Kristian had, for the most part, been remarkably well stared "I just wanted to ask what he was like when he was five,"


    "Obedient and sensible," Isaac said, the memory of his young son clearly vivid in his mind "He was fully back then, always such a little ball of sunshine for us, warming up the whole house with just a suule


    Lively?


    Freya shot a look at the firmly shut door across from her.


    The Kristian she knew now couldn''t have been further from lively.


    "And what''s he like these days?" Isaac asked, his curiosity piqued.


    "He''s obedient but very quiet," Freya answered, picking her words with care. "And he seems like he''s really


    insecure."


    Isaac lifted a brow in surprise. Insecure? His son, of all people?


    "Are you sure he''s not just putting on an act?" Isaac asked, his tone thick with doubt. What Freya described sounded nothing like the boy he remembered.


    "I''m sure he''s not pretending. He''s already asked me a few times if I don''t want him anymore." Freya hesitated knowing full well that saying this might make Isaac think she hadn''t been taking good enough care of Kristian but honesty won out. "I just get this strong feeling he''s reallycking a sense of security."


    If there was any truth to what Ellis had mentioned about Kristianpeting for her affection, then maybe his


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    whole way of thinking needed to be examined a little more closely.


    "Where is he now?" Isaac asked.


    "He went back to his room," Freya said truthfully, "Do you want to talk to him?"


    "Put him on the phone," Isaac said, his voice steady, giving nothing away. "I''ll have a little word with him."


    "Alright."


    Freya took the phone with her as she headed toward Kristian''s door.


    On the way, she thought to ask, "By the way, was Kristian ever scared of pain when he was little?"


    "Not at all," Isaac answered immediately, recalling it without hesitation.


    Back in those days, whenever Isaac would fake an injury to win sympathy from his wife, Kristian would secretly grumble that his father wasn''t tough enough.


    Isaac used to chalk it up to childish bravado, butter realized Kristian actually had an iron tolerance for pain. Unless something was seriously wrong, he wouldn''t even bat an eye.


    "Why do you ask?" Isaac quickly zeroed in on the key point. "Is he pretending to be hurt just to get your


    attention?"


    Freya mulled it over for a second. "I don''t think he''s faking it. I think he''s really scared."


    Isaac''s brows furrowed slightly in genuine surprise.


    Just then, Freya knocked softly on Kristian''s door, which creaked open after a moment.


    Seeing her standing there again, Kristian instantly assumed she was back to lecture him. He was already scrambling for an excuse to avoid her when she quietly handed him the phone. "Your dad wants to talk to you." Kristian didn''t particrly want to take the call, but he was afraid Freya would get mad if he refused, so he reluctantly reached out and took the phone from her.


    Freya didn''t linger. She left the space for Kristian and his father to speak privately. Kristian stepped out onto the balcony, slumped into a chair, and muttered in a less-than-enthusiastic voice, "What do you want?"


    "Is that how you talk to me?" Isaac said, azy smile tugging at his lips. "Are you looking for a spanking?" Kristian kept his mouth shut. If it hadn''t been for the thought that Freya would be upset if he hung up, he would''ve ended the call without a second thought. He didn''t want to talk to anyone except her. "Call me Dad," Isaac said coolly.


    Kristian stayed silent. He wasn''t having it.


    Isaac, not missing a beat, said, "If you don''t speak, I''ll tell Freya you''re being


    rude. If she gets and decides to send you away, you''ll have no one to me but yourself."


    Kristian stiffened.


    Freya was the only person he cared about now.


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    "Dad," he muttered atst, the word dragged out of him against his will


    "Did you really lose your memory?"


    Kristian didn''t answer.


    "Just how unlucky do you think Freya was to end up saddled with you?"


    Still, Kristian stayed silent.


    "In a few days, I''lle to Alerith and bring you home," Isaac said lightly, testing the waters. "You shouldn''t be taking up all of Freya''s time with her family" "No!" Kristian cried out instinctively.


    Isaac''s tone was maddeningly casual. "That''s not really your decision to make, is


    it?"


    "If youe to take me, I''ll run away from home," Kristian threatened, though his voice sounded more like a sulky child''s than anything remotely intimidating. Isaac let out a low chuckle, thoroughly entertained.


    He gazed out at the golden wash of evening light and saidzily, "You say that like you''re actually at home now"


    Kristian was left speechless. He was so frustrating! And yet, his father wasn''t wrong


    "If you run off now, Freya will only like you even less," Isaac said, every word hitting its mark. ¡°Actually, I''d love to see you try. Need a few tips-or some travel money from your old man?"


    Kristian fumed.


    He used to despise Ellis the most, but it looked like his dad had now imed that title without even trying


    He blurted out, "I don''t like you."


    "As long as your mother does, that''s all I care about," Isaac replied smoothly, not


    a single ruffle in his calm. Kristian seethed inwardly, feeling wronged but having no one he could vent to. If he told Freya, she''d probably just think he was being difficult again.


    "Behave yourself these next few days. Don''t give Freya any headaches," Isaac offered onest piece of fatherly advice. "I''lle fetch you soon."


    "But I..."


    "That''s it. Gotta go," Isaac cut him off without a shred of mercy, hanging up before Kristian could finish. Staring at the now-ck screen, Kristian scowled fiercely. He couldn''t let his fathere and drag him away. If that happened, he wouldn''t get to see Freya anymore.


    The thought tied his mind into knots. He felt utterly lost.


    He considered calling his father back, but when he stared at the screen, he realized he didn''t even know how to unlock the phone, which only made him feel even smaller and more helpless. After standing there awkwarly for a moment, he finally mustered up the courage to go find Freya.


    "Freya?"


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    Chapter 300 Covorasten vermeen Father And Son


    "Yeah?"


    "Could you help me call my dad again? I identally hung up just now."


    "Sure,¡± Freya said with a soft smile.


    She took the phone, unlocked it effortlessly, and was just about to redial Isaac''s number when a new message popped up. "If Kristian asks you to call me again, just tell him no. We''re done talking."


    Freya hesitated slightly, thinking to herself that no matter how much Krist¨ªan


    changed, Isaac could still see right through him.


    "What''s wrong? Kristian asked cautiously.


    "Your dad said he''s going to rest now," Freya exined gently. "If you want to talk


    to him again, we''ll check tomorrow to see if he''s free, alright?"

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    Chapter 301 Come Pick Me Up Now


    "Don''t bother, then," Kristian said stiffly, his eyes clouded darker than a stormy sea, nearly impossible to read. When he realized Freya truly hadn''t made the call, he turned on his heel and disappeared back into his room, shutting himself away without so much as a nce back.


    Freya couldn''t help but wonder at his reaction. She itched to grab her phone and fire off a message to Isaac, asking what on earth he had said to him, but just as her fingers hovered over the screen, Isaac''s name shed across it, calling her instead.


    "Kristian went back to his room, didn''t he?" Isaac wasted no time, his voice cutting straight to the heart of it.


    "He did!" Freya cast a wary nce around the living room. For a split second, she genuinely wondered if Isaac had bugged the ce.


    "I''ll swing by to see him after thepany''s annual party in a couple of days,¡± Isaac told her, voice steady. "He''s really not the same kid he used to be."


    Freya agreed easily, "Alright. Just let me know when you''reing and I''ll send someone to pick you up."


    "Okay."


    As soon as the call ended, Freya''s heart began to stir with unease.


    If this were truly just a case of simple amnesia, maybe, like Lawrence had said, Kristian would heal with time. Maybe one morning he''d wake up and be the man he once was.


    But right now, the Kristian in her ce felt so wrong.


    She had been nning to meet Lawrence the next day, but work obligations tied her hands, and with thepany''s annual party and a masked partyter that evening, she had no choice but to postpone it.


    The next morning, Kristian rose early, determined to make breakfast.


    However, he was met with an unexpected obstacle-the kitchen door was firmly locked.


    He stood there, frowning at the door, trying the handle again and again, but it wouldn''t budge.


    The rattling sounds roused Freya from sleep. Just like the day before, she shuffled out in her pajamas, her hair


    rumpled halo around her head. "The door''s locked."


    Kristian froze at the sound of her voice. Instinctively, he turned and looked back at her.


    "Your hands still haven''t healed," Freya said, her voice thick with sleep. "Be good and go back to bed. I''ve already ordered breakfast-you won''t go hungry."


    "Is it because you don''t like my cooking?" Kristian mumbled, his head drooping low.


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    "No, I''m just afraid you''ll hurt your hands even worse," Freya replied gently. Kristian lifted his gaze slowly, his eyes searching her face as if asking, ¡°Really?"


    "I have to leave for workter. You stay here with She," Freya continued, trying to soothe him. "If you want anything or need anything, just tell her. She''ll call the bodyguard for you."


    "Can I go to the office with you?" Kristian asked, voice small and hopeful.


    "No, you can''t," Freya refused right away, not missing a beat. "Given your situation, if you show up, people will


    start talking"


    The situation with Kristian was still being kept tightly under wraps; the media hadn''t gotten a whiff of it yet.


    But if he went outside, it would be impossible to hide the truth. His demeanor, his childlike mannerisms-they would give everything away in a heartbeat.


    Thest thing she needed now was another scandal.


    Kristian swallowed his disappointment hard and nodded. ¡°Okay."


    "Good boy. Go back to sleep."


    Dragging his feet and throwing a long, reluctant nce her way, Kristian eventually shuffled back toward his


    room.


    Mulling over her words, he picked up the phone Lawrence had given him and found Lawrence''s number to call. At 5 A.M., Lawrence was still dead to the world, buried under his covers.


    Hearing the buzz and vibration from his nightstand, he groggily opened one eye, squinting at the screen. Seeing Kristian''s caller ID, he swiped to answer and mumbled sleepily, "What is it?"


    "Do you know what happened between me and Freya?" Kristian asked, voice serious.


    "What do you want to know?"


    "Everything."


    "I know nothing," Lawrence said without hesitation. "But your assistant probably does. He''s been glued to your side almost twenty-four-seven, except when you''re sleeping."


    "Gerard?" Kristian murmured, recalling the man.


    Lawrence perked up a little, more awake now. "You remember him?"


    "Freya took me to meet him once," Kristian exined. More than anything, he wanted to remember. He just couldn''t untangle the web of what had truly happened between him and Freya.


    Until tonight, he''d believed everything Freya had told him.


    But now, deep down, his instincts screamed that Freya''s younger sister genuinely disliked him. And it wasn''t just because he resembled someone else.


    "If you want to know about your history with Freya, you should ask Gerard," Lawrence said bluntly. He really didn''t know much himself; even the things he''d told Freya before had been things Kristian had instructed him


    18:20


    111


    to say.


    Having gotten what he needed, Kristian hung up without a word.


    Lawrence didn''t take offense. He set his phone back on the nightstand and drifted back to sleep.


    As for Gerard, getting a call from his boss at five in the morning made his heart leap in excitement. He was thrilled that his boss had gotten his memory back!


    But when he answered and heard Kristian''s voice, it felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over his head. Every bit of his excitement shriveled up and died.


    "How much do you know about what happened between Freya and me?" Kristian asked.


    "Your past with Ms. Briggs?"


    "Yeah."


    "I know most of it," Gerard answered honestly. "From when you two got married until the divorce, I was there


    the whole time."


    "Come pick me up now," Kristian ordered. "Think of a reason yourself."


    With that, the line went dead. Gerard scratched his head in confusion. Somehow, Kristian seemed even harder


    to handle now than he had been before.


    Still, Gerard dragged himself out of bed, threw on some clothes, and drove to Freya''s ce. Given Kristian''s current childlike mindset, he made sure to give Freya a heads-up first before setting off.


    Freya was stunned when she heard. "Are you sure he asked you to pick him up?" "Yes," Gerard replied, just as bewildered. "Maybe he wants to ask me about the past between you two. When he called, he asked how much I knew about you and him."


    Freya''s brows furrowed faintly. Why was Kristian suddenly so interested in the past?


    "Is it okay for me toe over now?" Gerard checked.


    "It''s fine," Freya said after a beat.


    An hourter, Gerard arrived.


    Kristian opened the door himself and went to fetch Freya, informing her that


    Gerard was here to take him out.


    Freya and Gerard shared a quick look, pretending like they hadn''t just been on the phone. Putting on an act, Freya asked with feigned confusion, "What brings you here, Gerard?"


    "There''s something I need Mr. Shaw''s help with-face recognition stuff," Gerard answered smoothly, shing his signature grin. ¡°I was hoping to borrow him for the day."


    Freya shifted her gaze to Kristian.


    Keeping up his little act, Kristian tugged at her sleeve and muttered softly, "Freya... I don''t want to go with him." He knew if he agreed too quickly, Freya


    would immediately smell something fishy.


    Gerard nearly choked on his own tongue. Kristian really had the whole act down


    these days, ying the


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    Chapter 301 Come Pick Me Up Now


    to say.


    Having gotten what he needed, Kristian hung up without a word. Lawrence didn''t take offense. He set his phone back on the nightstand and drifted back to sleep.


    As for Gerard, getting a call from his boss at five in the morning made his heart


    leap in excitement. He was thrilled that his boss had gotten his memory back!


    But when he answered and heard Kristian''s voice, it felt like a bucket of ice water


    had been dumped over his head. Every bit of his excitement shriveled up and


    died.


    "How much do you know about what happened between Freya and me?" Kristian asked.


    "Your past with Ms. Briggs?"


    "Yeah."


    "I know most of it," Gerard answered honestly. "From when you two got married


    until the divorce, I was there


    the whole time."


    "Come pick me up now," Kristian ordered. "Think of a reason yourself."


    With that, the line went dead. Gerard scratched his head in confusion. Somehow, Kristian seemed even harder to handle now than he had been before.


    Still, Gerard dragged himself out of bed, threw on some clothes, and drove to Freya''s ce. Given Kristian''s current childlike mindset, he made sure to give Freya a heads-up first before setting off.


    Freya was stunned when she heard. "Are you sure he asked you to pick him up?¡± "Yes," Gerard replied, just as bewildered. "Maybe he wants to ask me about the past between you two. When he called, he asked how much I knew about you and him."


    Freya''s brows furrowed faintly. Why was Kristian suddenly so interested in the past?


    "Is it okay for me toe over now?" Gerard checked.


    "It''s fine," Freya said after a beat.


    An hourter, Gerard arrived.


    Kristian opened the door himself and went to fetch Freya, informing her that


    Gerard was here to take him out.


    Freya and Gerard shared a quick look, pretending like they hadn''t just been on


    the phone. Putting on an act, Freya asked with feigned confusion, "What brings you here, Gerard?"


    "There''s something I need Mr. Shaw''s help with-face recognition stuff," Gerard


    answered smoothly, shing his signature grin. ¡°I was hoping to borrow him for the day." Freya shifted her gaze to Kristian.


    Keeping up his little act, Kristian tugged at her sleeve and muttered softly,


    "Freya... I don''t want to go with him." He knew if he agreed too quickly, Freya would immediately smell something fishy.


    Gerard nearly choked on his own tongue. Kristian really had the whole act down


    these days, ying the


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    Chapter 391 Come Pick Me Up M


    innocent card like a natural now that he''d lost his memory.


    He had asked him toe, and was now pretending like Gerard was dragging


    him away against his will

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    Chapter 302 Kristian''s Whole Presence Had...


    "If you don''t want to go, you don''t have to." Freya, curious to see just how long Kristian could keep up his little charade, turned smoothly to Gerard and instructed, "Figure out a solution for what you mentioned earlier. If you can''t manage it, I''ll shoulder the losses myself."


    Gerard stiffened, his entire frame locking up. How was he even supposed to answer that?


    "Go wash up," Freya said coolly to Kristian, stepping neatly between him and Gerard to break their line of sight. "I''ll go wake She for breakfast."


    "Freya..." Kristian faltered,pletely thrown off.


    He tried to send Gerard some sort of signal, but Freya had positioned herself so he couldn''t see Gerard''s face. If this kept up, wouldn''t Gerard''s visit end up being for nothing?


    Still, Freya chose to y along with his little show. "What''s wrong?"


    "Maybe I should just go with him," Kristian said, acting as though he had carefully mulled it over, sounding surprisingly mature. "He came so early. It must be something important."


    "Yes, exactly!" Gerard echoed quickly, seizing the chance.


    Freya turned to Kristian, her tone easy, as if they were just chatting. "Didn''t you say you didn''t want to go?"


    "I was just afraid you''d hand me over to him and leave me behind," Kristian answered, his voice firm, his logic irrefutable. ¡°But now I know you wouldn''t do that."


    "You really want to go?"


    "Yeah." He nodded obediently.


    Freya flicked a nce at Gerard before giving Kristian a few casual instructions. "Alright. If you''re not happy over there, call me. I''ll send a bodyguard to bring you back."


    "Alright," Kristian agreed without a second''s hesitation.


    After exchanging just a few words with Freya, Gerard took Kristian away.


    To stay in the loop about Kristian''s situation, Freya asked Gerard to keep her updated about whatever they discussed. Gerard agreed without objection.


    On the drive, Kristian sat quietly in the passenger seat.


    Gerard found himself utterly unable to guess what Kristian was thinking.


    Even though he had the mind of a five-year-old, Kristian carried an undeniable air ofmand.


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    Chapter 302 Kristian''s Whole Presence Had Shifted


    What struck Gerard most was how different Kristian had been around Freya earlier.


    With her, Kristian had been all sweetness and manners, acting like the perfect, well-behaved child. But now, the warmth from before hadpletely vanished, reced by a chill that made Gerard instinctively uneasy.


    "Gerard," Kristian said, sharp gaze cutting over to him. "If you keep staring at me instead of the road, you''re gonna crash."


    Gerard had been driving carefully all along, so there was no real danger.


    Still, he couldn''t help but be intrigued by Kristian''s sudden change.


    "Did you remember something, Mr. Shaw?" he asked cautiously.


    "Is that what you want?" Kristian shot back, stubbornness burning in his voice. "Am I not as good as I used to


    be?"


    Gerard fell silent, at aplete loss for words.


    He said nothing for the rest of the drive, quietly steering them back to the apartmentplex they had stayed


    at before.


    All throughout getting out of the car, heading home, and getting ready to talk, Gerard-who was usually quick on the uptake-kept his wits about him, carefully observing that Kristian''s aura ofmand was very real.


    And it was a far cry from the way Kristian behaved around Freya.


    "Mr. Shaw," Gerard said as he poured him some coffee and finally sat across from him. "What did you want to discuss?"


    "I don''t want anyone else to know what we talk about today, especially Freya," Kristian said coldly.


    Gerard''s heart gave a violent lurch, but he forced himself to stayposed. He reassured himself that Kristian hadn''t fully recovered yet and probably wouldn''t notice anything amiss.


    With a practiced smile, Gerard replied, "Don''t worry, Mr. Shaw. My lips are sealed."


    "Tell me everything about what happened between me and her," Kristian demanded, "especially the part about the divorce."


    He understood the concept of divorce, but couldn''t wrap his head around why he and Freya would have gone through it. Had he really been that unworthy of her love?


    "Well..." Gerard hesitated, looking a little troubled. "Even though you two were married for only two years, there''s a lot to cover, and if I tried to cram it all at once,


    I might miss something. It''d take more than a day."


    More importantly, what was the point of telling all that to someone who thought like a five-year-old?


    "Just tell me the important parts," Kristian said, already growing impatient. For the umpteenth u, he wondered if Gerard really was his assistant. Why was he dragging out something so simple? He was nothing


    like Lawrence.


    Gerard studied him for a second, then, after thinking it over,unched into a recounting of everything-how Kristian and Freya met, married, talked about divorce, separated, and what had unfolded afterward.


    227%


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    < Chapter 302 Kristian''s Whole Presence Had Shifted


    By the time he finished, it was already noon.


    He didn''t notice that as he spoke, Kristian''s expression, demeanor, and even the


    look in his eyes had shifted subtly and gradually.


    By the end, it was unmistakable that Kristian''s mind was no longer that of a five- year-old.


    "That''s basically how everything happened," Gerard said carefully, choosing his words with precision, his heart still pounding wildly. "If you want to know more about anything, feel free to ask."


    Kristian kept his gaze lowered.


    Now he realized the kind of rtionship he and Freya had.


    "Mr. Shaw?" Gerard called hesitantly.


    "You just said I got hurt saving Freya." Kristian looked up, every shred of emotion wiped from his face. "Is that


    true?"


    "Yes, it is," Gerard answered without hiding anything. "But I don''t know the exact details. Dr. Hayes probably


    would."


    Kristian stood up. "Got it."


    Gerard blinked, utterly confused. What was happening? Why did it feel like Kristian''s whole presence had shifted again?


    "Gerard." Kristian''s eyes pinned him with a look that was utterly devoid of innocence.


    A chill ran down Gerard''s spine, making him feel dangerously exposed. "Yes, Mr. Shaw."


    There was something very wrong.


    "I don''t know what kind of temper I had before," Kristian said, a faint, wicked smile curving his lips, "but if you ever betray me and tell Freya what we talked about, you''ll pay dearly."


    "I...I..." Gerard stammered, panic setting in. Why did Kristian''s smile send such a cold, bone-deep shiver down his spine? And even more chilling, he was nothing like the cold, indifferent man from the past. He seemed pleasant on the surface, but there was a real sense of danger lurking underneath.


    "If I''m not mistaken, Freya probably asked you to tell her everything we discussed today, didn''t she?" Kristian leaned in slightly, narrowing the gap between them. Gerard, who had always prided himself on being street-smart, shook his head furiously. "No, she didn''t."


    "Really?"


    "Yes."


    "Then send her a message right now and tell her I''m done talking with you."


    "Um...


    "Do it." The words crackled with undeniable authority.


    No matter howposed Gerard usually was, he couldn''t hide his nervousness


    now. "She is probably busy


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    < Chapter 302 Kristian''s Whole Presence Had Shifted


    right now. It wouldn''t be good to disturb her."


    "Have you forgotten who''s paying you?" Kristian arched a brow, his tone dripping


    with pressure.


    Gerard was trapped, stuck between a rock and a hard ce.


    Somebody-anybody-save him!

 Chapter 302

    ?Chapter 302:


    Without wasting a second, Kristian dialed Gerard¡¯s number.


    When the call connected, his voice was low, edged with tension. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Miss Bradley left Jeucwellst night,¡± Gerard exined. ¡°It¡¯s like someone¡¯s been hiding her whereabouts. Should we send the top experts you hired to track her?¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Kristian replied, his voice firm.


    He wasn¡¯t ready to resort to those experts unless it became absolutely necessary.


    Gerard sighed, his concern palpable.


    Kristian¡¯s instincts told him there was more. ¡°What¡¯s bothering you?¡±


    ¡°I just can¡¯t help but feel for you,¡± Gerard said without hesitation. ¡°Your ex has already left, and now your wife is about to walk out of your life. You¡¯re about to be all alone again.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t have the energy to argue. ¡°Look into who Ashley¡¯s been spending time with thesest two years. And check out the person in those photos fromst time.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Gerard replied promptly.


    After hanging up, Kristian copsed onto his bed, massaging his temples.


    Without a solid reason, postponing the divorce would be impossible.


    Amidst the storm of his thoughts, sleep finally overtook him.


    In his dreams, Freya appeared, a figure cloaked in ck leather. Her back was turned to him, surrounded by a group of bodyguards dressed in dark suits and sunsses.


    He tried to approach her, to demand the truth, but just as he got close, he felt the cold barrel of a gun pressed against his forehead.


    It was Freya holding it.


    Cont3nt hozt3d at g??l??ovels.??o??


    Her face was colder than he¡¯d ever seen before, her expression as emotionless as stone. She pulled the trigger, and his world went dark. As death imed him, Freya¡¯s voice echoed in his ears. ¡°Mission aplished. Target neutralized.¡±


    Kristian jerked awake, his body soaked in sweat, his breathing in ragged gasps. His eyes narrowed, dark with the weight of the dream¡¯s implications.


    Just then, his phone rang.


    After taking a moment to steady himself, he answered the call, recognizing Freya¡¯s name on the screen. His brow furrowed, confusion mixing with the remnants of the dream. ¡°Hello?¡± he answered, his voice rough.


    Freya paused, sensing the exhaustion in his voice. Could Gerard be telling the truth?


    ¡°Where are you now?¡± she asked, probing for more information.


    ¡°My home,¡± Kristian replied, his words slow, weighed down byck of sleep. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Gerard mentioned you were up all night searching for me, and that Felipe dragged you away for ate-night chat,¡± Freya said, her tone almost clinical. ¡°I just wanted to know when you¡¯d be ready for the divorce.¡±


    The word ¡°divorce¡± struck Kristian like a thunderp, snapping him out of his fog.


    He realized that even if he were dying in a hospital bed, Freya would likely drag him out just to finalize the divorce.


    ¡°Bring the papers ande to my ce to pick me up,¡± he said, his voice raspy but resolute. ¡°I¡¯ll get dressed and be ready.¡±


    Freya hesitated for a moment before agreeing. ¡°Alright.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 303

    ?Chapter 303:


    After hanging up, Frederick, who had been with Freya, asked curiously, ¡°How did it go?¡±


    ¡°It doesn¡¯t seem like he¡¯s faking it,¡± Freya replied, her voice soft but sure as she gathered the documents. ¡°He sounded genuinely out of it. If he were stalling, he wouldn¡¯t have asked me toe over.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief!¡± Frederick eximed.


    Freya nodded, her mind already moving ahead.


    Since she wouldn¡¯t be staying in Jeucwell much longer, she turned to Frederick. ¡°You¡¯re nning to stay a couple more days, right?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Frederick confirmed.


    He had initiallye to apany Freya, but the allure of Jeucwell¡¯s food had kept him around longer than expected. He decided to stay a few extra days before heading home.


    ¡°Then help me hand this apartment over to a real estate agent,¡± Freya instructed. ¡°Move the stuff to the vi in the suburbs. I¡¯ll send you the addresster.¡±


    Frederick agreed without hesitation. ¡°Got it.¡±


    Once everything was in order, Freya grabbed the car keys and set off to pick up Kristian. It was the same car she had borrowed from him during herst visit to the hospital, when she had gone to pick up Farrah.


    She quickly nced at the documents resting on the passenger seat, ensuring nothing was amiss, before starting the car.


    But just as she turned the corner, she spotted Liam leaning casually against his car right outside the residential area. He had parked in a way that blocked her only exit, forcing her to lower her window and ask him to move.


    She had no interest in why he was there or in any conversation he might want to start.


    Exclusive updates avable g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s


    ¡°Freya, I didn¡¯t mean to block your way,¡± Liam said, strolling over and casually leaning against the window of her car. ¡°Grandpa misses you and wants to y a game of chess with you.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a lie,¡± Freya immediately called him out.


    She knew Lionel was aware of the divorce today, and since he had already agreed to it, he wouldn¡¯t be trying to stop it now.


    Liam was clearly just fabricating a story.


    Liam scratched his face with his index finger and gave her a mischievous smile. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s my parents. They want to have another meal with you.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Freya raised an eyebrow, unconvinced.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Liam insisted, keeping up the act. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, I can call them right now.¡±


    Freya ced one hand on the steering wheel and asked, ¡°Are you just trying to dy the divorce?¡±


    Considering Isaac and Melinda¡¯s personalities, if Liam truly reached out to them, they would undoubtedly help him cover up the lie. Therefore, making that call seemedpletely unnecessary.


    ¡°Kristian has agreed to this. Why are you trying to stop it?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with confusion.


    Liam was left speechless. How could he possibly react to such a thing?


    ¡°If you keep blocking my way, I¡¯ll add a use to the divorce settlement saying all Kristian¡¯s luxury supercars are mine,¡± Freya threatened, fully aware of Liam¡¯s deep affection for cars. ¡°Knowing your brother, he wouldn¡¯t disagree.¡±


    Liam came to a halt, then shrugged it off with a calm demeanor. ¡°What are you talking about? If you want a divorce, I¡¯ll show you the way.¡±


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 Chapter 304

    ?Chapter 304:


    ¡°Let¡¯s pick up Kristian at his ce first.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Liam replied, his tone surprisingly obedient. He led the way, driving smoothly toward Kristian¡¯s vi. Kristian¡¯s garage housed a collection of rare, limited-edition luxury supercars¡ªvehicles that weren¡¯t even avable for sale on the market anymore.


    As they made their way to Kristian¡¯s vi, Liam caught a glimpse of the car behind him in the rearview mirror. After a moment of contemtion, he decided to call Kristian.


    Kristian wasn¡¯t in the mood to answer any calls today, least of all from his younger brother.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice sounded tired and raspy, like he had just woken up.


    Liam drove on, his eyes fixed on the road. ¡°Are you really going through with the divorce?¡± he asked.


    Kristian remained silent. Liam had touched a nerve.


    ¡°I can help you dy things,¡± Liam offered, outlining his terms. ¡°But you¡¯ll need to promise me that if Freya wants all your luxury supercars, you¡¯ll refuse.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need them,¡± Kristian replied coldly.


    Liam opened his mouth to say more, but before he could, Kristian had already ended the call.


    Kristian stared at the transparent folder on the table, filled with all the divorce paperwork.


    While he might not fully understand Freya, he knew enough to recognize her resolve.


    Even if the divorce were dyed today, it would happen tomorrow.


    Since Freya didn¡¯t want to be with him, there was no sense in trying to force it. Kristian had no interest in a marriage gued by constant conflict.


    Having waited for more than an hour, Freya finally arrived, just after three.


    ?????????????? ?????????????? ???? g????????¦Í??????©o?????


    Liam opened the door for her and led her inside, chattering away. ¡°Freya, are you sure about this? A man as handsome, wealthy, and fit as my brother is a rare gem. If you divorce him, you¡¯ll never see such a fine face again. Isn¡¯t that a loss?¡±


    Freya paused, giving him a look that clearly said she wasn¡¯t buying it. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one encouraging my divorce before?¡±


    ¡°Encouraging it is one thing,¡± Liam replied, still as carefree as ever, ¡°but I don¡¯t want you to miss out on something this good. I¡¯m just helping you weigh the pros and cons of divorce.¡±


    ¡°Who said that getting divorced means I have to remarry?¡± Freya didn¡¯t bother confronting him about his true motives.


    Up until today, Liam had held out a sliver of hope for Kristian, partly out of curiosity about how things would y out.


    But now that divorce day had arrived and it was clear Kristian and Freya¡¯s rtionship wasn¡¯t going to improve, Liam feltpelled to intervene.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t remarry, people will say you can¡¯t get over my brother,¡± Liam continued. ¡°They¡¯ll think you¡¯re too proud to reconcile with him.¡±


    Freya let out a weary sigh.


    ¡°You¡¯re the only one who would say that,¡± she muttered.


    Yet Liam had a point. After divorcing Kristian, it would indeed be hard to find someone as handsome as him.


    Trent was also good-looking. But whenpared to Kristian¡¯s almost ethereal appearance, Trent¡¯s charm fell just a little short.


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 Chapter 305

    ?Chapter 305:


    Moreover, Kristian had an aura about him that few could replicate.


    As she pondered these thoughts, Freya walked into the living room and saw Kristian sitting on the sofa, waiting for her.


    He was dressed in a sharp, well-tailored suit, with a few stray locks of hair falling over his forehead, adding an effortlessly charming touch to his appearance.


    Upon seeing Freya, he picked up the folder and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Freya replied with a simple word.


    They both got into the car. Liam stood at the door, watching them leave. Once the car disappeared from view, he took out his phone and sent a text message to his family.


    ¡°They¡¯re off to get divorced.¡±


    The three recipients read the message with a mixture of emotions, but ultimately, they epted the reality.


    They decided not to interfere with Kristian¡¯s rtionship.


    The car drove towards the courthouse, with Freya at the wheel and Kristian in the passenger seat. Neither of them spoke during the drive.


    It was an hour¡¯s journey from Kristian¡¯s house to the courthouse. Kristian held the folder in his hand and nced sideways at Freya, noticing she seemed calmer than usual. He asked, ¡°No turning back?¡± He didn¡¯t specify what he meant, but Freya understood.


    ¡°No turning back,¡± she answered simply.


    ¡°The money has been transferred by Gerard, and the vi in the suburbs is now in your name. The most expensive luxury supercar is in the garage of that vi,¡± Kristian said, his voice steady, though his eyes darkened.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Freya replied.


    ???? ??????? ?? ?????????.???


    ¡°The vi¡¯s entry code is your birthday. The car keys and the spare vi keys are in the mailbox outside, with the same code,¡± Kristian continued.


    Freya gave a small nod. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°The other keys are in the key tray at the vi¡¯s entrance,¡± Kristian added.


    Freya remained unwavering in her response. ¡°Okay.¡±


    The moment the word escaped her lips, Kristian¡¯s grip on the folder tightened like a vice. He couldn¡¯t quite name the emotions bubbling within him. It felt as though something vital was slipping from his grasp, destined to vanish forever.


    ¡°Freya,¡± he called her name, his voiceced with an unfamiliar softness.


    Freya paused, halting at the traffic light. Her gaze remained tranquil andposed. ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what happened before,¡± Kristian began, his voice surprisingly steady, as though he hadn¡¯t expected the words to leave his mouth. ¡°I¡¯ll find out who attacked you and who set you up at the hotel.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Freya replied, her tone indifferent. ¡°The past will be erased once we¡¯re officially divorced.¡±


    She didn¡¯t linger on what had already passed. Whether it was past wounds or fleeting moments of tenderness, they would all remain in the past once the divorce was finalized.


    ¡°If you ever find yourself in trouble again, you cane to me,¡± Kristian offered, his voice still holding a trace of hope.


    Freya¡¯s response was calm and unchanging. ¡°There¡¯s no need.¡±


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 Chapter 306

    ?Chapter 306:


    Kristian fell into silence. Was she making it clear that she wanted to sever every connection between them? If a child were involved, would that soften her resolve? Would she stay for their sake?


    As these thoughts swirled in his mind, a pang of frustration flickered within him¡ªdirected squarely at Felipe. Why hadn¡¯t Farrah divorced him?


    ¡°Once you¡¯re in Alerith, keep Farrah hidden,¡± Kristian suddenly said. ¡°Felipe already knows she¡¯s there.¡±


    Freya faltered for a moment. Why had the conversation shifted to Farrah?


    She didn¡¯t think much of it, nor did she suspect Kristian was trying to manipte her. She answered with a quiet confidence, ¡°Alerith is a big city; he¡¯ll never find her.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t speak further.


    Her confidence intrigued him. Was she relying on her own skills, on Trent¡¯s connections, or perhaps the influence of the Briggs family? As he mulled over these questions, his gaze lingered on her, studying her more carefully than before.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± Freya announced, her voice steady as she parked the car and nced at the courthouse across the street. She pulled out the car key, intending to get out.


    At that exact moment, Kristian¡¯s hand shot out, gripping her wrist.


    Freya looked at him, her expression perplexed, as though she were staring at a stranger. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me who you really are now?¡± Kristian¡¯s dark eyes searched hers, the intensity of his grip increasing. ¡°And where is your family?¡±


    Freya¡¯s gaze flickered, just for a second.


    She hadn¡¯t nned on revealing any of this to him, but the words left her lips almost reluctantly. ¡°I¡¯ll tell you after we¡¯re divorced.¡±


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    ¡°Can¡¯t you say it now?¡± Kristian¡¯s brow furrowed, a note of frustration creeping into his voice.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied firmly, wrenching her wrist from his grasp. ¡°Hurry up, or the staff will be off work soon.¡± With that, she swiftly exited the car.


    Kristian stared at his empty hand, memories flooding back¡ªlike a forgotten photograph.


    The time he¡¯d taken her to meet Ashley. Back then, she had merely mentioned the pain he was causing her, but she hadn¡¯t fought him off. Had she been hiding her ability to fight back all along?


    Before he could make sense of his thoughts, Freya had already opened the car door and pulled him out. They headed to the courthouse together.


    In less than half an hour, the paperwork waspleted, and their divorce was official.


    Kristian felt as if he were drifting in a dream, as if a significant part of his life had simply vanished in that instant.


    When the staff asked if they were divorcing voluntarily, he considered saying no. But he knew that if he did, Freya would vanish without a trace, leaving Jeucwell without a word, and he would never see her again.


    So, he nodded, signed the papers, and just like that, they were divorced. At 4:40 PM, Kristian and Freya walked out of the courthouse.


    Freya felt a subtle oddness¡ªan almost surreal sensation, as if this moment, this transition, were too vast to fully grasp. It wasn¡¯t unusual, though. Kristian had been her first love, and now, her ex-husband. It was only natural that there would be a lingering sense of strangeness. Reflecting on the message Trent had just sent her, she said to Kristian, ¡°Goodbye.¡±


    ¡°Goodbye,¡± Kristian responded, his gaze dark and unwavering as he watched her leave.


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 Chapter 307

    ?Chapter 307:


    Freya walked away with determination, leaving him with nothing but the silhouette of her back.


    Realizing the distance between them, Kristian took long strides to catch up and called out, ¡°Let me give you a ride back. It¡¯s hard to get a cab around here.¡±


    ¡°No need, someone ising to pick me up,¡± Freya replied just as Trent¡¯s car appeared.


    Trent parked in front of her, rolled down the window, and called, ¡°Mina, hop in.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Freya responded, her voice steady as she headed toward the car.


    Kristian¡¯s brow furrowed, watching her approach the car. But then, without warning, he yanked her back by the wrist.


    Freya stumbled from the sudden motion, irritation shing in her eyes.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Why is he here?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was almost frigid.


    He found himself spiraling, imagining that Trent had been waiting for the divorce so he could step in and marry Freya. The mere thought sent a wave of anger surging through him.


    ¡°He¡¯s here to pick me up. Why else?¡± Freya snapped, wrenching herself free from his grip.


    She hadn¡¯t told him that she and Trent were leaving for Alerith today because she knew what he would assume¡ªthat she was going to be with Trent.


    Trent¡¯s timely appearance was simply to prevent Kristian from reading too much into things. She and Trent had nothing to hide.


    Kristian searched her face, trying to find any sign of what he feared. But Freya¡¯s expression remained cool andposed.


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    Despite the fire burning in his chest, he knew he had no right to press further. ¡°You still haven¡¯t told me who you really are, or where your family is.¡±


    ¡°Lionel knows,¡± Freya replied curtly.


    Kristian blinked, his confusion deepening. ¡°My grandpa?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± was all Freya offered in response.


    As he tried to piece things together, Freya quickly opened Trent¡¯s car door and slid inside. Trent started the engine, and the car sped off. Kristian stood motionless, watching the vehicle fade into the distance. The urge to chase it down tugged at him, but he knew it would be pointless.


    With a deep sigh, he returned to his own car and drove to his family home.


    He needed answers¡ªanswers that Lionel held but had never shared. Why had Lionel known Freya¡¯s true identity but kept it from him for so long?


    Meanwhile, Freya was already en route to the airport.


    On the road, Trent nced at her. ¡°Does Lionel really know your identity?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she confirmed.


    Trent¡¯s voice was thoughtful. ¡°Then things might not be over between you and Kristian.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Freya asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°If Kristian finds out how much you¡¯ve kept from him,¡± Trent said with a wry smile, his charm never waning, ¡°he mighte seeking answers again.¡±


    Freya paused, then reached into her bag, pulling out her phone. ¡°I almost forgot.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 308

    ?Chapter 308:


    ¡°What?¡± Trent asked, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°To block all his contact information,¡± Freya said, her fingers swiftly moving across the screen. ¡°To cut ties with the past.¡±


    Trent hesitated, visibly taken aback by Freya¡¯s words.


    After pondering for a moment, he replied, ¡°Cutting ties with himpletely is out of the question. Not only are there ongoing partnerships between Briggs Group and Shaw Group, but if Kristian learns you revealed your real identity to his grandpa but kept him in the dark, he might pursue you even more aggressively.¡±


    ¡°He wouldn¡¯t behave like that,¡± Freya countered, her fingers swiftly removing Kristian¡¯s contact. ¡°There was never any real affection between us.¡±


    For him, their rtionship had merely been a matter ofpatibility.


    A knowing smile yed on Trent¡¯s lips, his tone hinting at something more. ¡°That might not be entirely urate.¡±


    Freya looked at him, confusion etching her features. What was he implying?


    Trent chose not to answer, instead focusing on driving them swiftly toward the airport.


    On their journey, Freya cast a nce over her shoulder at the back seat, her anxiety easing at the sight of herptop and essential documents safely with Trent.


    Elsewhere, when Kristian arrived at the family estate to meet Lionel, the butler told him that Lionel had left with friends and wouldn¡¯t return for several days.


    Kristian was aware that his grandfather was unhappy with him for ending his marriage to Freya, but he remained unfazed. He was convinced that it was only a matter of time before he uncovered the truth about Freya, so he decided it was best to depart.


    That evening, he made his way back to his vi.


    ?????????? ???? ??????????????: ?????????????????????????


    Though solitude was his usualpanion here, tonight the sprawling vi felt unusually deste, devoid of the faintest echo of warmth. He furrowed his brows together, wrestling with a persistent irritation that clung to him like a stubborn shadow.


    Lost in his thoughts, he meandered through the rooms and, without realizing it, found himself in the room Freya had once upied. Her personal effects were no longer there; only the random assortments purchased during her impulsive shopping sprees remained.


    Surveying each piece, he could picture her expression while choosing them and the way she looked at him. He was ensnared in these memories, unable to escape the haunting pull of the past.


    Memories lingered for a full two hours until the sharp ring of Gerard¡¯s call pierced through his reverie.


    Startled by his own sentimentality, Kristian abruptly vacated the room, his face a mask of unease tinged with frustration, his ego refusing to bepromised.


    What on earth was he doing? A divorce was just that¡ªa divorce; no reason to treat it like the end of the world. She possessed no virtues, her only talent being her uncanny ability to provoke his ire.


    Dispelling the lingering clouds of frustration, he finally answered Gerard¡¯s persistent call, the phone pressed against his ear.


    The vi was awash in brilliant light, as if mocking the darkness of night, yet there Kristian stood, a lone figure in the second-floor corridor, enveloped by a profound istion that seemed to detach him entirely from the world outside.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw?¡± Gerard called out once more, his voice echoing slightly, a testament to the unsettling quiet on the other end of the line. Kristian¡¯s eyes were fixed on the sofa downstairs, lost in a vision of Freya lounging there, engrossed in her favorite TV dramas.


    When Gerard¡¯s voice sliced through his reverie again, Kristian¡¯s reply came through cold and detached. ¡°Yes, what is it?¡±


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 Chapter 309

    ?Chapter 309:


    Taking a deep breath, Gerard steeled himself¡ªmindful of the generous paycheck that necessitated such patience¡ªand said, ¡°Regarding the incident you asked me to look into, the assault on Ms. Briggs by several men¡­¡±


    Kristian cut him off before he could borate further, his voice icy.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk about it tomorrow. Head over here now.¡±


    ¡°To where exactly?¡± Gerard inquired, a note of hesitance in his tone.


    ¡°My home,¡± Kristian replied crisply.


    ¡°Yes, now,¡± Kristian said firmly, making it clear he wouldn¡¯t entertain objections.


    Gerard knew better than to challenge themand.


    As Kristian¡¯s assistant, his life was essentially dictated by his boss¡¯s whims, save for those rare days off.


    Though he craved more freedom, the promise of big paychecks and generous bonuses held him back.


    Merely thirty minutester, Gerard arrived, dressed in his customary sharp suit and sses.


    Before he could even ask why he had been summoned, Kristian, perched nonchntly on the sofa, waved dismissively and said with a detached air, ¡°Head down to the wine cer and bring up a selection of bottles.¡±


    ¡°Wine?¡± Gerard blinked in confusion, wondering if he had heard correctly.


    With a piercing nce from Kristian, Gerard quicklyplied, descending into the cer to retrieve the wine. What followed was a silent ordeal, with Kristian wordlesslypelling him to down ss after ss.


    By the time they cracked open the third bottle, Gerard was visibly struggling, the room beginning to spin.


    L?t??¦Ó §éh?¦Ñ¦Ó?r? ¦Én g¨»l??¦Ïv?l?.§ão??


    Kristian, well aware of his assistant¡¯s limited tolerance, watched as Gerard teetered on the edge of inebriation. Once he saw that Gerard had reached his limit, Kristian reclined deeper into the sofa, his eyes unusually expressive.


    ¡°Gerard.¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Gerard¡¯s voice trailed off as he copsed onto the sofa, his consciousness slipping away.


    ¡°Why do you think Freya was so adamant about the divorce?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice grew heavy, his eyes shadowed by the stirrings of alcohol-fueled introspection. ¡°Ivished her with everything she desired.¡±


    At the mention of his idol, Gerard jerked upright, his cheeks flushed and his speech thick with alcohol. ¡°It¡¯s because she thinks you don¡¯t measure up to her standards!¡±


    Kristian¡¯s gaze sharpened.


    ¡°You may be wealthy, attractive, and physically fit, but she is seeking a deeper emotional bond,¡± Gerard muttered, his loyalty to Freya clouding his thoughts. ¡°With a philistine nature, you¡¯re just not in her league!¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice grew colder, an icy edge creeping in.


    Gerard shivered, but his resolve did not falter. ¡°Yes, absolutely.¡±


    ¡°Then tell me¡ªwho do you think has caught her eye?¡± Kristian probed, his gaze prating, as though trying to unearth secrets buried deep within Gerard¡¯s words.


    If Gerard had been sober, caution would have been his shield.


    The trouble was, his drunken state left no room for prudence.


    ¡°I believe¡­ Mr. Trent Seymour,¡± he blurted out, his tongue loose from the wine.


    .


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    ?Chapter 310:


    Kristian¡¯s grip on his wine ss grew chillingly tight.


    Oblivious to the looming storm, Gerard continued, ¡°Mr. Seymour¡ªhe¡¯s always so gentle and patient with Ms. Briggs, always eager to see things from her angle. That, I think, is the very essence of true love.¡±


    Kristian remained silent, his response unreadable.


    Frozen in the cool air, he rose, setting his wine ss on the table with a soft clink, casting a final, indifferent nce at the figure sprawled on the sofa.


    Seizing the only nket from the sofa, Kristian ascended the stairs with a dismissive, frosty air, leaving Gerard behind without a second look.


    Come morning, Gerard awoke, curled up on the sofa, the chill of the room biting at his skin.


    Struggling to piece together the fragmented memories of the night before, his mind drew a nk after drinking with Kristian.


    What exactly had transpired? And why was he waking up here, in this unweing chill?


    ¡°Wake up already, and clean yourself up,¡± Kristian instructed briskly, standing near him, dressed impably in a tailored ck suit, his frigid aura sharper than ever. ¡°After you¡¯re done,e and report what you discoveredst night.¡±


    Gerard sat up, dazed and confused.


    As he sshed cold water on his face, Gerard¡¯s mind spun relentlessly, searching for any clue about how he had possibly angered Kristian.


    Sure, Kristian was notoriously aloof and hard to please, but he¡¯d never made Gerard sleep on the sofa beforest night had been an unfortunate first.


    Once he¡¯d finished freshening up, Gerard approached cautiously and spoke up. ¡°Did I do something wrong?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian answered curtly, his attention fully devoted to his breakfast, an indifferent chill radiating from him.


    Gerard hesitated, awkwardly gripping a ss of milk. ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian repeated tly, lifting his eyes with icy calmness. Then he ruthlessly added, ¡°You only said that I don¡¯t measure up to Freya¡¯s standards.¡±


    Gerard went rigid, his entire body frozen mid-motion.


    ¡°And you also said I have a philistine nature,¡± Kristian concluded coldly.


    ¡°Sir, this must be a misunderstanding,¡± Gerard pleaded, his stomach knotting with dread for the difficult days looming ahead. ¡°I truly believe you and Ms. Briggs belong together¡ªa perfect match.¡±


    Kristian deliberately set down his fork, ncing up from his breakfast with measured calm. ¡°Yet you suggested Trent would suit her better, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Gerard stood frozen in shock.


    What foolish remarks had spilled from his lips duringst night¡¯s drinking session, and how had Trent be entangled in this mess?


    ¡°Since you hold him in such high regard, you can work for him starting today,¡± Kristian announced, dabbing his mouth with elegant precision as he finished his meal. ¡°Someone as unremarkable as myself clearly doesn¡¯t merit your exceptional talents.¡±


    ¡°I¡ªI waspletely wrong,¡± Gerard stammered, panic rising in his chest. ¡°You can¡¯t possibly take seriously the nonsense I babble when intoxicated. I swear, in my heart, you are way better than Mr. Seymour.¡±


    Kristian rose from his chair with deliberate slowness. ¡°Do you mean that?¡±


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    ¡°Absolutely!¡±


    ¡°And why should I believe anything you say now?¡± Kristian challenged.


    Gerard dered desperately, ¡°If I speak even one false word, may I be immediately terminated from Shaw Group and left with nothing to my name.¡±


    ¡°Well then, consider yourself fired,¡± Kristian replied coolly.


    ¡°Please don¡¯t!¡± Gerard felt his world crumbling around him.


    If only he had resisted drinking with Kristian!


    Kristian observed Gerard trailing behind before unexpectedly calling out, ¡°Aren¡¯t youing? Do you genuinely wish to be terminated?¡±


    Gerard blinked in confusion before his shoulders sagged with relief. ¡°I¡¯m right behind you.¡±


    Together they departed the vi, Gerard sliding behind the wheel while continually monitoring Kristian¡¯s expression in the rearview mirror.


    ¡°Recap what you discoveredst night,¡± Kristian instructed from the back seat, his tone unchanged.


    ¡°The individuals who attacked Ms. Briggs were definitely hired hands, but they¡¯vepletely vanished without leaving any trace,¡± Gerard answered, his demeanor shifting to professional seriousness. ¡°I considered asking Ms. Briggs if she could recall their physical appearances.¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t the area under surveince?¡± Kristian inquired.


    ¡°The cameras appeared to malfunction during that precise timeframe ¡ª there¡¯s no footage avable,¡± Gerard exined as he navigated the morning traffic.


    Kristian¡¯s brow furrowed in contemtion.


    M0re detailz at g??l??ovels.??????


    After a thoughtful pause, he said, ¡°You go ahead and handlepany matters. I¡¯ll personally question her.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡± Gerard immediately grasped the situation, recognizing that Kristian merely sought an excuse to spend time alone with Freya. He surrendered the vehicle to Kristian and made his way to work via subway.


    Kristian drove directly to Freya¡¯s apartment only to discover she had vacated the premises the previous day. The property was already being advertised online.


    In a moment of rity, he recalled seeing Freya depart with Trent just yesterday.


    His mind raced through countless possibilities in that instant.


    Without hesitation, he steered toward the vi he had gifted to Freya.


    If she wasn¡¯t there, it meant she had left Jeucwell with Trent. Should that prove true, he would definitely journey to Alerith to demand why she had departed without a word to him!


    Meanwhile, Freya had just returned to Alerith and had rested for a single night.


    She was preparing to inform her assistant that she needed additional time before resuming work when he materialized at her doorstep. In her private living room stood a tall man with youthful features and an air of cool detachment.


    His striking handsomeness was enhanced by his immacte appearance and remarkably smoothplexion.


    Despite being well into his twenties, he retained a distinct boyish charm. Standing beside Frederick, anyone would assume they shared the same age.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you grant me a few more days of rest?¡± Freya asked, her tousled hair revealing she hadn¡¯t fully awakened yet.


    Her assistant, Melvin Swain, impably dressed in a tailored suit and radiating cool professionalism, responded tly, ¡°No, you¡¯ve already enjoyed a two-year hiatus.¡±


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    ?Chapter 312:


    Freya opened her mouth to protest when her phone vibrated against the table.


    Seeing Frederick¡¯s name on the screen, she epted the call.


    ¡°Freya! This is incredible!¡± Frederick¡¯s voice overflowed with unbridled enthusiasm. ¡°Is that rare supercar in the vi actually intended for me?¡± It was an exclusive, limited edition, after all.


    He had longed to purchase one for years but couldn¡¯t secure a reservation due to its scarcity.


    Freya truly was the best!


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya replied with casual indifference toward automotive luxuries. ¡°You¡¯ll need to decide whether to keep it in Jeucwell or have it transported back to Alerith.¡±


    ¡°Freya, I can¡¯t thank you enough!¡± Frederick¡¯s voice bubbled with excitement.


    ¡°If you truly want to express gratitude, convince Melvin to leave my ce,¡± Freya suggested, ncing at her assistant with resigned helplessness. ¡°Perhaps persuade him to take another month off.¡±


    Frederick responded simply, ¡°Goodbye.¡± This was Melvin, after all¡ªFreya¡¯s most dependable right-hand man.


    When she preferred not to work, he seamlessly managed everything withoutint.


    However, anyone attempting to interfere with her professional responsibilities would face his merciless removal.


    Freya exhaled deeply, realizing she had no allies in this situation.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs,¡± Melvin interjected again, his expression unwavering.


    ¡°Fine, I surrender,¡± Freya conceded. ¡°But let me establish one condition¡ªI can only remain at thepany for two or three days. Afterward, I must attend to matters at Briggs Group, and you cannot prevent me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged for your preferred bed and sofa to be installed in your office lounge,¡± Melvin continued with professional detachment. ¡°You need only rest in the lounge while I handle the operational demands.¡±


    New content avable now at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m


    Freya considered thispromise. ¡°One week, maximum.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee to bring Briggs Group assignments to ourpany,¡± Melvin suggested, demonstrating his intimate understanding of Freya¡¯s preferences. ¡°Briggs Group certainly won¡¯t provide suchfortable amodations or an assistant capable of resolving problems on your behalf.¡±


    ¡°Melvin¡­¡± Freya began to protest.


    ¡°I can manage Briggs Group responsibilities for you as well,¡± Melvin offered smoothly.


    Freya swallowed her prepared objections.


    Such exceptional assistant talents shouldn¡¯t go unutilized.


    ¡°Fine,¡± she agreed with resignation. ¡°I¡¯ll follow your rmendation.¡±


    Since Melvin had be her assistant, her workload had diminished dramatically, eventually approaching nearly nothing.


    She had even contemted transferringpany ownership to him, allowing herself to collect dividends without any professional obligations.


    Yet he had firmly declined this arrangement.


    While Freya savored her post-divorce liberation, Kristian¡¯s world was crumbling around him.


    Upon arriving at the vi he had gifted to Freya, he observed a young man in casual attire emerging from the garage, clutching a set of keys with evident satisfaction.


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    From his position, Kristian couldn¡¯t clearly distinguish the young man¡¯s facial features.


    Nevertheless, he determined that in bearing, appearance, and physical build, this man embodied the quintessential pretty-boy archetype.


    Instantly, a disturbing thought shed through Kristian¡¯s mind.


    Could this be the Charlie, the one who reportedly shared Freya¡¯s bed?


    The mere possibility ignited uncontroble jealousy within Kristian. Barely divorced and already entertaining visitors¡ªwasn¡¯t that excessively precipitous?


    Kristian strode over with purposeful steps, his confidence evident in every movement.


    Frederick jumped when he spotted Kristian, his pulse quickening instantly. ¡°Mr¡­ Mr. Shaw¡­¡±


    ¡°You recognize me?¡± Kristian lingered at the threshold, radiating an intimidating coolness that filled the space with his authority.


    A flicker of recognition crossed Kristian¡¯s mind as he studied Frederick¡¯s features, sensing they¡¯d crossed paths before.


    ¡°Who in this city doesn¡¯t know the president of Shaw Group?¡± Frederick nervously ran fingers through his hair, feeling vulnerable without Freya nearby. ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Freya?¡±


    Kristian cut to the chase, unwilling to spend time on someone he deemed insignificant.


    Remembering Freya¡¯s instructions, Frederick answered honestly, ¡°She returned to Alerith with Trent.¡±


    The revtion caught Kristian off guard.


    How had this development escaped his notice?


    Fresh updates avable at ?@ln¦Ò¦Íe?s


    And more tellingly, this stranger seemed to be quite close to Freya.


    ¡°Do you and Freya share a close rtionship?¡± Kristian¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°We¡¯ve known each other since elementary school,¡± Frederick replied candidly, as Freya had mentioned her identity no longer mattered after finalizing the divorce. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    Kristian felt increasingly distant from understanding who Freya truly was.


    ¡°When exactly did she leave with Trent?¡±


    ¡°Yesterday. Weren¡¯t you informed?¡±


    Frederick¡¯s expression puzzled as he continued, ¡°She headed straight to the airport with Trent afterpleting the divorce proceedings.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s expression darkened dramatically. Freya was really something, huh? She had indeed vanished without so much as a goodbye.


    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I really should get inside¡­¡± Frederick struggled under the weight of the tension between them.


    Though Kristian initially nned to dismiss him, he noticed the car keys clutched in Frederick¡¯s hand as the man turned to leave. After thorough questioning, he discovered Freya had not only gifted this young man her fancy car but also allowed him to upy the vi.


    Kristian was furious.


    With emotions churning inside him, he drove back to his family home. This time, Kristian disregarded the butler¡¯s protests, fully aware they were merely excuses fabricated by his grandfather, who preferred avoiding him.


    Upon entering, he found Lionel absorbed in a solitary chess match.


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    Noticing Kristian¡¯s arrival, Lionel pretended not to see him and deliberately continued his game,pletely ignoring his grandson¡¯s presence.


    Kristian settled into the seat across from him, his voiceden with tension as he inquired, ¡°Freya once mentioned you know her family¡¯s residence.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you possess that information as well?¡± Lionel continued moving chess pieces.


    Kristian furrowed his brow in confusion. What was he supposed to know?


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you encounter her father and younger sister during yourst visit to Alerith?¡± Lionel nced up, his tone heavy with implication.


    Kristian instinctively began to deny it. ¡°I never¡­¡±


    He suddenly halted mid-sentence. Freya¡¯s father and younger sister?


    The faces of Hugh and Ethel suddenly materialized in his thoughts. ¡°Are you suggesting Freya is indeed Hugh Briggs¡¯ daughter?¡± Kristian found the conclusion preposterous.


    How could Freya possibly be connected to Hugh? Hadn¡¯t Hugh explicitly told him that he had only one daughter?


    As these thoughts swirled, Kristian¡¯s attention returned to his grandfather. He posed the most critical question, ¡°When did you discover this?¡±


    ¡°Why this interrogation?¡± Lionel showed no intention of revealing anything, regarding him with contempt. ¡°Remember that you two are now divorced. Whatever Freya¡¯s background might be, it no longer concerns you.¡±


    For the first time in his life, Kristian¡¯s mind descended intoplete disarray.


    If Freya truly was a member of the Briggs family, it meant Hugh and Ethel had deliberately deceived him at the hospital.


    He¡¯d always wondered why Ethel showed such affection toward Freya, supposedly just an ordinary bodyguard.


    G aln ove ls . has stories you¡¯ll love


    ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Lionel called out as Kristian rose to leave.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to discover why she concealed the truth from me,¡± Kristian replied with determination, standing and dialing her number immediately.


    He yearned to hear her exnation firsthand.


    However, upon dialing, he encountered only an automated message indicating the phone was powered off.


    A wave of unease washed over Kristian. After ending the call, he dispatched a message to Freya via a chat app, only to receive a prompt notification: ¡°Message sent but rejected by the recipient.¡±


    He attempted several alternative methods ofmunication, each yielding identical results.


    The realization dawned on him¡ªFreya had deliberately blocked his contact.


    This awareness ignited a surge of indignation within him. He pivoted back toward Lionel and requested his phone.


    Lionel intuited the situation but chose not to expose Kristian¡¯s intentions, silently handing over his device.


    This time, the connection went through.


    After several rings, Freya¡¯s voice emerged unchanged from before. ¡°Hello, Lionel.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Kristian,¡± he announced, carefully restraining his anger while emphasizing each syble.


    Freya paused momentarily before responding withposure, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Kristian seethed, longing to confront her face-to-face and express his outrage. ¡°Two years of marriage, and I remained oblivious that my wife was the daughter of Hugh Briggs.¡±


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    ¡°I told you, but you dismissed my words,¡± Freya replied with striking nonchnce.


    Kristian found himself speechless. Who would have believed such statements in that particr context?


    ¡°Where are you currently?¡±


    ¡°In Alerith,¡± Freya admitted without hesitation.


    Kristian felt his anger threatening to erupt.


    Of course, he knew she was in Alerith.


    Taking several measured breaths, he attempted to address her with forcedposure, ¡°We need to talk. Provide me with your address.¡±


    ¡°Meeting my boss requires scheduling an appointment, sir,¡± Melvin interjected through the phone¡¯s speaker, his tone crisp and professional. ¡°She¡¯s upied and cannot amodate individuals of lesser importance.¡±


    Kristian found himself at a loss for words.


    Freya cleared her throat delicately before noting, ¡°Melvin, are you aware of who this caller is?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know, but regardless of identity, anyone deemed insignificant must schedule an appointment to see you,¡± Melvin responded with earnest conviction.


    Freya couldn¡¯t suppress a lightugh.


    Melvin consistently managed to irritate others with his unwavering seriousness.


    Their exchange reached Kristian¡¯s ears, and hearing Freya happily talking to another man stirred a flicker of jealousy within him. And how dare that man refer to him as ¡°individuals of lesser importance¡±?


    ¡°Mr. Shaw, you¡¯ve heard my assistant¡¯s position, correct?¡± Freya reclinedfortably in her car seat, exuding casual indifference. ¡°If you have matters to discuss, arrange an appointment properly. I have pressing obligations, so I¡¯ll end this call now.¡±


    Your escape begins with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?????m


    With that deration, Freya terminated the connection and immediately switched her phone to silent mode.


    Just as shepleted this adjustment, a message appeared on the screen. ¡°Remove me from your block list.¡±


    Freya dismissed the notification with a single swipe, disregarded its content entirely, and set her phone aside before closing her eyes to resume her rest.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs,¡± Melvin ventured.


    Freya acknowledged with a soft murmur, her eyes remaining shut.


    ¡°If I heard you correctly, you referred to him as Mr. Shaw just now?¡± Melvin had keenly detected the significant detail.


    ¡°Yeah? What¡¯s going on?¡± Freya asked, her tone light, as if the conversation was just a breeze blowing by.


    ¡°You haven¡¯t returned to work for two years and kept extending my time off. Is it because you married him?¡± Melvin contemted the recent phone call and the cascade of events that had unfoldedtely.


    Freya acknowledged it without hesitation. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Melvin posed one final question, his voice steady. ¡°Is his name Kristian Shaw?¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyebrow arched in surprise at his unexpected knowledge. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Little did Freya realize that her dedicated assistant had already cklisted Kristian from their professional sphere.


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    Melvin vividly recalled Gerardmenting countless times about Kristian¡¯s abysmal leadership. In his mind, if someone failed so terribly as a superior, they must surely fail as a husband too. No wonder Freya had severed her marriage to Kristian.


    Good riddance indeed!


    ¡°What¡¯s brewing behind that inquisitive expression?¡± Freya inquired, reading her assistant¡¯s face with practiced ease.


    ¡°You should concentrate on steering thepany smoothly from now on,¡± Melvin advised earnestly, his tone unexpectedly formal and devoid of humor. ¡°Don¡¯t venture into marriage again.¡±


    ¡°Noted,¡± Freya responded casually.


    Throughout their journey, Freya rested in the backseat while Melvin mapped out the day¡¯s agenda in his mind.


    Thirty minutester, they pulled up at Anita International Group headquarters.


    Freya had christened thepany after her mother. Despite being merely four years old, the business had flourished remarkably.


    ¡°Holy cow! Is that Ms. Briggs?¡±


    ¡°And Melvin Swain?¡±


    ¡°Am I hallucinating? She actually graced us with her presence?¡±


    ¡°Persistence pays dividends. Melvin has been counting down to this moment, and atst, she has returned.¡±


    Exmations erupted from staff members the instant the two stepped through the doors.


    Freya and Melvin took the executive elevator. Mulling over the reactions, Freya nced sideways at him. ¡°What exactly have you been doing these past two years? They sound like I abandoned them at sea.¡±


    Nuevos cap¨ªtulos en g?ln¦Òv?ls


    ¡°They simply missed your presence tremendously,¡± Melvin replied, maintaining an impassive expression.


    Freya shot him a doubtful look.


    She struggled to ept that exnation.


    After exiting the elevator, Melvin escorted her to her office. Upon discovering it immacte and arranged precisely as it had been two years prior, Freya hesitated at the threshold.


    She marveled at Melvin¡¯s attentiveness, a wave of appreciation washing over her.


    ¡°These documents require your signature. I¡¯ve thoroughly vetted them; everything appears in order,¡± Melvin exined, presenting her with a neatly organized stack. ¡°Sign these first, and I¡¯ll prepare the aromatherapy in the lounge.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡± Freya halted him with a gentle gesture.


    Melvin froze mid-step.


    Freya rified, ¡°I¡¯ve been essentially idle for two years, and my sleep quality has improved significantly. The aromatherapy isn¡¯t needed anymore.¡±


    Hearing this, Melvin felt a weight lift from his shoulders.


    He poured Freya a steaming cup of coffee, suggesting sheplete the signatures and then retire to the lounge while he handled the remaining matters.


    But rxation eluded Freya. Just as she finalized thest document, her phone vibrated with a call from Hugh.


    She maintained her characteristic detachment, disying minimal enthusiasm for prolonging their conversation. ¡°What is it?¡±


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    ?Chapter 317:


    ¡°Trent informed me you¡¯ve returned to Alerith.¡± Hugh spoke delicately, treading carefully to avoid further damaging their fragile rtionship. ¡°If your schedule permits, visit thepany today. Didn¡¯t you express interest in an investment advisor position?¡±


    Freya instinctively nced at Melvin, weighing her options carefully. After a moment¡¯s contemtion, she nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    She would need to face this situation eventually; addressing it promptly seemed the wiser choice.


    Hugh¡¯s voice brightened with unmistakable relief. ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting at thepany. Just let me know when you arrive.¡±


    Freya responded with a simple, ¡°Alright.¡±


    After ending the call, she briefed Melvin on her ns.


    He efficiently distributed the freshly signed documents before personally escorting her to the Briggs Group office.


    The clock had already struck half-past ten when they pulled up to the imposing building.


    Upon receiving word of Freya¡¯s arrival, Hugh hastened to greet her at the entrance, ushering her directly to his executive office.


    Freya harbored no intention of lingering. Her agenda was precise¡ªsecure the investment advisor position, sign the necessary paperwork, and depart.


    ¡°Mina!¡± Hugh called out as she turned to leave.


    Freya halted mid-stride.


    ¡°One more thing,¡± Hugh continued, retrieving an elegantly designed invitation card from his desk drawer. ¡°Lionel Shaw is celebrating his 80th birthday and extended an invitation to us. Should we attend?¡±


    From a purely business perspective, their presence would be expected.


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    Declining might trigger spection and unnecessaryplications. However, considering Mina¡¯s intricate history with the Shaw family¡­ if she preferred to abstain, Hugh would respect her decision.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Freya dered with unexpected firmness.


    ¡°Are you certain?¡± Hugh¡¯s brow furrowed with concern. ¡°Given your divorce from Kristian, won¡¯t your presence potentially create tension?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be attending as Briggs Group¡¯s representative, not as Freya,¡± she exined, her tone measured. Though not particrly fond of Hugh, she saw no reason to leave him anxious. ¡°Besides, he holds no power over me anymore.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± Hugh replied, visibly reassured. ¡°We¡¯ll attend together.¡±


    Freya pressed her lips together, ultimately choosing silence over furtherment.


    Despite Hugh¡¯s invitation to join him for lunch, Freya declined politely. Departing with the signed contract in hand, she contemted a pending project requiring her attention.


    After a discussion with Shaw Group, Freya decided to visit her cousin, the president of Briggs Group, whose office was located on a lower floor.


    As she navigated past the nning department, a heated exchange caught her attention.


    ¡°You¡¯ve spent an entire week on a basic proposal withoutpleting it. If this exceeds your capabilities, perhaps employment elsewhere would be appropriate!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re being unreasonable. I haven¡¯t received proper training for these tasks. How am I expected to perform thempetently?¡±


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    ¡°Didn¡¯t you request assistance if you were uncertain?¡±


    ¡°I simply cannotplete it. If urgency is a factor, perhaps reassign it to someone else.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m prepared to terminate your employment immediately. Do you doubt my authority?¡±


    ¡°Fire me?¡± The young woman¡¯sughter rang with disdain, her expression radiating contempt. ¡°Do you possess such authority? Are you aware of my connections?¡±


    Initially, Freya had resolved not to intervene in departmental matters. However, witnessing such tant exploitation of personal connections within thepany ignited her indignation. Briggs Group represented more than Hugh¡¯s enterprise¡ªit embodied her mother¡¯s passionate legacy.


    Had she not witnessed this exchange personally, she might have remained unaware. But now, she couldn¡¯t allow such parasitic behavior to continue unchecked.


    ¡°I find myself exceedingly curious about these connections you reference,¡± Freya stated coolly, contract in hand. Her business attire entuated her tall frame, made even more imposing by her elegant heels.


    Her unexpected presence caused every employee in the nning department to freeze, instinctively recognizing her as someone of significant authority.


    ¡°Who is she? She¡¯s absolutely striking!¡±


    ¡°Suchmanding presence! I¡¯d value her friendship.¡±


    ¡°What now? Our president suddenly seems diminished beside her. Her aura and appearance are truly formidable.¡±


    ¡°Who are you?¡± The arrogant young woman frowned, assessing Freya with narrowed eyes. ¡°How does our departmental business concern you?¡±


    Your next tale lives on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,


    She intended to maintain her haughty demeanor but recalled her mother¡¯s warning against arrogance in the workce, especially the importance of avoiding any negative impressions on Hugh.


    ¡°When did she start working here?¡± Freya asked, her tone even, though her eyes lingered on the team leader who had recently dressed down the brash young woman.


    The team leader, momentarily distracted, answered without verifying Freya¡¯s identity. ¡°Since July.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d like to see the list of her assignments from the past couple of months,¡± Freya said, her voice steady but firm.


    Without hesitation, the team leader pulled up a folder on the desktop. Assuming Freya was one of the new high-level hires from the Briggs Group, she began detailing, ¡°These are all the proposals she¡¯s submitted since onboarding.¡±


    ¡°Only two?¡±


    ¡°Three, if you count the one she¡¯s still working on,¡± the team leader said, sounding drained. When the chairman¡¯s secretary had ced this female employee in their department and asked her to mentor her, she had genuinely tried.


    But it proved impossible¡ªlike attempting to fashion silk from straw. The employee not onlycked knowledge but actively resisted learning. That was why, when she failed to submit today¡¯s required proposal, the team leader had finally lost her temper.


    Freya reserved judgment. She opened one of the proposals and, upon examining its contents, couldn¡¯t suppress a frown. How could anyone consider such work eptable?


    Even university interns, with minimal guidance, produced superior results.


    To ensure fairness before making usations, Freya inquired about the young woman¡¯s sry. Upon hearing the figure¡ªtwenty thousand dors monthly¡ªFreya felt inclined to dismiss whoever had hired this girl as well.


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    ?Chapter 319:


    Even a fraction of thatpensation seemed excessive.


    ¡°You¡¯re fired. Go to the finance department and settle your sry.¡± Freya didn¡¯t waste words on someone so undeserving.


    The team leader froze in shock.


    So did everyone else.


    They stared at Freya with wide eyes, clearly surprised by her decisive action.


    ¡°Is she really fired?¡± The team leader¡¯s voice carried both relief and concern.


    ¡°I believe someone influential supports Vivien Garza.¡±


    Freya remained unmoved. ¡°She¡¯s fired.¡±


    Thepany had no ce for the ipetent.


    ¡°You¡¯re merely an investment advisor. How dare you terminate my employment?¡± Vivien Garza spotted the contract in Freya¡¯s hand with ¡°Investment Advisor¡± emzoned on its cover. ¡°When my father finds out about this, I¡¯ll make sure you can¡¯t stay here.¡±


    Freya¡¯s lips curved into a genuine smile.


    She found herself curious about Vivien¡¯s father¡ªthe man who had introduced such chaos into Briggs Group.


    ¡°Invite him over,¡± Freya suggested, wondering what position Vivien¡¯s father held. ¡°I¡¯ll await him in conference room three.¡±


    ¡°Just wait!¡± Vivien hurled the threat before storming off.


    Though her mother had warned against troubling Hugh unnecessarily, this situation hade to her doorstep. She nned to appear pitiful, shed a few tears, and she was certain Hugh would undoubtedly defend her.


    Watching this unfold, the team leader grew uneasy. She worried Freya might mishandle the situation and create problems for herself.


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    ¡°Focus on your responsibilities. I¡¯ll address this matter,¡± Freya assured them before departing.


    She intended to wait in the conference room but, noting the president¡¯s office upied the same floor, decided to consult her cousin first for better context.


    At the door, she knocked and entered after receiving permission.


    n Briggs worked diligently at his desk and asked without looking up, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Have you hired any management staff with the surname Garza in the past two years?¡± Freya closed the door behind her, posing the question conversationally.


    Two years ago, no management personnel with that surname had existed within thepany.


    Her inquiry caused n to halt mid-sentence.


    His pen froze over the document as he nced up sharply, disbelief transforming into recognition. His eyes widened with surprise and delight. ¡°Mina!¡±


    ¡°Hi there, n,¡± Freya smiled gently at him.


    ¡°You mischievous girl! Where have you been these past two years?¡± n rose from his desk and embraced her, genuine affection warming his voice. ¡°It¡¯s one thing to¡­¡±


    ¡°Explore and enjoy yourself, but you left the entirepany for me to manage, robbing me of any chance for romance.¡±


    ¡°I simply went to explore Jeucwell,¡± Freya replied, rxing into the familiarfort of family.


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    n released her and yfully tapped her forehead. ¡°You naughty girl!¡±


    Freya rubbed the spot where he¡¯d touched, feigning injury.


    Though two years had psed, for adults, time moves with remarkable swiftness¡ªtwo years had vanished like moments.


    They exchanged warm updates about their lives for several minutes, easing back into their familiar rapport.


    Eventually, n¡¯s expression shifted as a memory surfaced. ¡°By the way, didn¡¯t you ask me something when you first walked in?¡±


    ¡°Is there any senior executive with the surname Garza working in thepany?¡±


    ¡°Garza?¡± n¡¯s brow furrowed in concentration. ¡°I don¡¯t believe so.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Confusion flickered across Freya¡¯s features. Perhaps Vivien had adopted her mother¡¯s surname instead?


    ¡°Really.¡± n nodded, concern creeping into his eyes. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Nothing significant. I¡¯m about to terminate someone¡¯s employment. You wouldn¡¯t interfere with that decision, would you?¡± Freya raised an eyebrow teasingly.


    ¡°I always follow your lead. Do you imagine I¡¯d stand in your way?!¡± n flicked her forehead again, the gesture affectionate.


    No matter her age, she remained that clever little girl in his eyes. Comforted by his support, Freya promised to returnter and departed to wait in the conference room.


    After her exit, n puzzled over the executive with the surname Garza.


    Suddenly, recognition dawned on him.


    Oh no! Could Mina have encountered that person?


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    The possibility elerated his heartbeat. Freya¡¯s rtionship with her father already carried tension, and if she discovered this particr matter, wouldn¡¯t it create an irreparable divide?


    As n contemted the situation, his thoughts spun into disorder. He considered intervening but feared encountering Freya while she was upset. Her temper, when provoked, could be formidable.


    In the end, he decided against taking immediate action. It was better to observe from a distance and allow Hugh to weather the initial confrontation.


    Meanwhile, Freya waited patiently in the meeting room.


    As noon approached,motion erupted outside the door, followed by Vivien¡¯s dramatic voice. ¡°Dad, the person who wants to fire me is inside. She specifically requested your presence.¡±


    Hugh froze momentarily.


    She called him dad?


    He frowned, hesitated briefly, but maintained his silence.


    In many ways, he had indeed functioned as a father figure to Vivien.


    Typically, he avoided involvement in such matters. Throughout childhood, neither Freya nor Ethel had required his intervention¡ªFreya had always protected her younger sister.


    This marked the first such request, and it struck him as unusual.


    Despite his conflicted feelings, Hugh preserved his authoritative demeanor befitting thepany chairman. He resolved to approach whoever waited inside with measured diplomacy.


    Viviencked professional experience, and her mother had wished for her development, which exined her cement in the nning department.


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    Surely, Hugh reasoned, anyone would respect his position and seekpromise rather than dismissal.


    Vivien cast a confident nce his way before pushing open the meeting room door, already savoring Freya¡¯s imminent humiliation. As the door swung wide, Freya lifted her gaze from the contract she¡¯d been reviewing.


    Hugh sought to identify who had challenged Vivien¡¯s position, while Freya intended to discover who had permitted Vivien¡¯s infiltration into thepany¡¯s ranks.


    Vivien made her entrance first, her eyes fixed on Freya, brimming with disdain she could scarcely hide.


    She cracked the door open and called out to Hugh, ¡°Dad, it¡¯s her.¡± No sooner had she uttered the words than Hugh appeared in the doorway.


    His eyes met Freya¡¯s, and in that moment, his thoughts spiraled. What should he do now?


    How could it be Freya? What had Vivien done to provoke her?


    ¡°This man¡ªhe¡¯s your father?¡± Freya¡¯s voice cut through his thoughts, her fingers tightening around the edge of the contract, though her expression gave nothing away.


    Hugh opened his mouth to respond, but a piercing nce from Freya silenced him.


    In her eyes, he saw the same cold detachment that had marked their first disagreement.


    Unaware of the undercurrents, Vivien chimed in, ¡°Yes, that¡¯s him.¡±


    ¡°And what role does Mr. Garza y at Briggs Group?¡± Freya treated him like a stranger.


    Hugh tensed, a surge of realization washing over him that Mina harbored deep-seated animosity. ¡°Myst name is Briggs, not Garza,¡± he dered, his voice edged with panic, dominated by the single thought that her daughter was furious.


    He also discerned that Freya¡¯s deliberate reference to ¡°Mr. Garza¡± signaled her intent to cut all personal connections with him.


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    Now, he had only one course of action¡ªrespond to her queries sinctly, careful not to utter anything unnecessary that might provoke her wrath.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even recognize my father?¡± Vivien was dumbfounded, though she moderated her voice to sound less confrontational in Hugh¡¯s presence. ¡°He¡¯s the chairman of thepany.¡±


    The mention of ¡°father¡± stirred something in Freya, yet she masked her emotions adeptly. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Vivien, I haven¡¯t married your mom yet, so it¡¯s prudent to address me as Mr. Briggs for the time being,¡± Hugh exined, perceptive of Freya¡¯s minute reaction.


    Vivien¡¯s cheeks turned a shade of crimson, embarrassment flooding her features.


    Realizing her overstep, she stammered, ¡°Okay, Mr. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°Briggs Group prides itself on recognizing hard work and talent. It doesn¡¯t matter to me if he¡¯s your father;ckingpetence means you should depart,¡± Freya stated candidly, her tone sharp. ¡°We have no room for the ineffectual here.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Briggs¡­¡± Vivien¡¯s cheeks med with embarrassment from the sharp scolding.


    In the presence of Hugh, her usual retorts were swallowed back, haunted by the fear that her meticulously maintained facade as the obedient girl might crumble.


    Hugh cleared his throat softly, his emotions a tangled mess. ¡°Vivien, please step outside. I need a moment to speak with her privately.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    With that, Vivien departed.


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    She made no attempt to linger or eavesdrop; instead, she returned to her desk, resuming her work as though the incident hadn¡¯t affected her.


    Her colleagues, sensing the tension, held their breaths and subtly retreated, giving her space.


    They had all witnessed the scene.


    Vivien had been seen entering the third meeting room with the chairman!


    ¡°Good heavens¡­ Vivien¡¯s protector is the chairman himself?¡±


    ¡°This is the end for that poor woman, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°I overheard Vivien mention she¡¯s an investment advisor.¡±


    ¡°I hope she¡¯s fine!¡±


    ¡°This mess is my fault. If Mr. Briggs intends to discipline that woman, I¡¯lle forward and set the record straight,¡± dered the team leader, her hands slick with nervous sweat. She hadn¡¯t anticipated that Vivien¡¯s connections were so formidable.


    Despite her reluctance to walk away from the lucrative sry and perks at Briggs Group, she was adamant about not letting anyone else take the me.


    Vivien tuned out their endless discussions, disinterested.


    She had summoned Hugh not solely to confront that conceited woman but also to demonstrate her supportwork to everyone present. All day long, they relentlessly heaped work upon her. Did they truly believe she was here to perform any real work?


    In stark contrast to the bustling noise outside, the meeting room felt like a breath of stillness.


    Hugh perched to Freya¡¯s right, his demeanor flustered and guilty, akin to a child caught in mischief.


    ¡°Mina, it¡¯s not what you¡¯re thinking.¡± Hugh hurried to rify, eager to prevent any further misconceptions. ¡°She was having trouble finding work, and her mother was getting anxious, so I mentioned Briggs Group. That¡¯s all there was to it¡ªno favoritism behind it.¡±


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    ¡°Look at those three lousy proposals¡ªone unfinished, two not even close to qualified¡ªand she still gets twenty thousand a month,¡± Freya dered crisply. ¡°Would you not deem that favoritism?¡±


    Anxiety written all over his face, Hugh nervously twisted his fingers.


    He hesitated to reveal that his rtionship with Vivien¡¯s mother effectively made him her stepfather, which in his eyes justified arranging the job.


    He was well aware that admitting this could irreparably damage his rtionship with Freya.


    Moreover, she had long harbored resentment towards him.


    ¡°Mina¡­¡± His words trailed off, utterly bewildered and at a loss for words.


    ¡°Dismiss her,¡± Freyamanded, her voice leaving no room for debate.


    Hugh, feeling a profound sense of injustice, made one more attempt to defend her. ¡°Briggs Group is a massivepany. It surely wouldn¡¯t suffer from keeping her on.¡±


    ¡°The principle of thepany has always been promoting people based on merit, not connections,¡± Freya retorted, her voice sharp with irritation. ¡°Are you suggesting we abandon that principle for your newfound daughter?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Hugh countered emphatically.


    He cherished his two biological daughters above all.


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    ¡°If Vivien genuinely had the talent, I wouldn¡¯t interfere,¡± Freya admitted earnestly. ¡°However, she¡¯s neither hardworking nor meticulous, and she exploits her position to intimidate others. Thepany cannot condone keeping such a person.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Hugh responded, clearly taken aback. Freya¡¯s portrayal starkly contradicted his own perceptions of Vivien.


    Freya gave him a puzzled look, one brow slightly raised.


    ¡°From what I¡¯ve seen, Vivien might not be as sharp as you, but she has consistently shown herself to be straightforward and diligent,¡± Hugh said thoughtfully. ¡°I remember once when I visited¡­¡±


    Then he noticed that Freya wasn¡¯t really interested in the specifics and simply said with a curt nod, ¡°I saw her doing research and handling work at home.¡±


    Freya slowly closed the contract she had been holding, her movements deliberate.


    She had just finished dealing with Ashley¡¯s issues, and now it seemed Vivien was next in line.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t think she¡¯d go as far as pretending to be diligent right in front of me.¡± Hugh¡¯s tone shifted, a bit more weight behind his words now.


    Freya hesitated for a brief second before impulsively blurting out, ¡°Do you really trust what I¡¯m telling you?¡±


    Maybe it was the way Kristian had never truly trusted her¡ªor the string of recent misunderstandings that wore her down. Hearing Hugh speak with such sincerity made her heart clench nervously in her chest.


    ¡°You¡¯re my daughter,¡± Hugh responded firmly, his voice filled with genuine affection. ¡°Of course, I would trust you.¡± His words carried theforting confidence that only a parent could offer. ¡°I know your character well enough, as your father.¡±


    In his eyes, Freya had always been direct and fair, never intentionally harming or misleading anyone. He knew this clearly and deeply respected her integrity.


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    ¡°Rx,¡± he assured her gently. ¡°I¡¯ll discuss this properly with Vivien¡¯s mother.¡± He understood exactly how Freya felt about the matter and added decisively, ¡°In a few days, I¡¯ll move Vivien to training. It might finally teach her a thing or two.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t have much to say about the oue.


    Yet, as her mind wandered back to Vivien¡¯s earlier words, she absentmindedly twirled the contract between her fingers and sighed. ¡°She once threatened me, iming that once her father found out, I¡¯d be shown the door.¡±


    Hugh¡¯s face faltered for a brief moment. What wild tales had Vivien been spinning this time?


    ¡°Her father has no say over you, much less the right to meddle in Briggs Group¡¯s business,¡± Hugh dered, his stance unwavering.


    Freya¡¯s eyes met his, her expression unreadable, ensuring he didn¡¯t feel cornered. ¡°Next time I step foot into thepany, I expect her to be nowhere near the nning department. If she can¡¯t cut it after training, then she should be let go.¡±


    Dismissals at Briggs Group weren¡¯t handed out on a whim. If an employee underperformed, they¡¯d be given paid training for half a month or even a full month. Only if they still couldn¡¯t meet the standards would they be reassigned¡ªand only then, if nothing improved, would they be let go. Vivien¡¯s ipetence had long crossed the line.


    ¡°Understood.¡± Hugh nodded, fully backing Freya, his cherished daughter.


    As the conversation wrapped up, Hugh observed that Freya seemed a little distant, her demeanor still cool. He hesitated, clearing his throat before speaking. ¡°When we step outside, you should make the announcement. It wouldn¡¯t be proper for me to do it.¡±


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    Freya didn¡¯t protest.


    They both stood and opened the door to the meeting room.


    As Freya and the chairman made their way out, the room fell silent, the air thick with anticipation. Everyone¡¯s eyes darted anxiously toward Freya, worried she might bear the brunt of some fallout.


    ¡°Mr. Briggs, this matter is my responsibility. Please, don¡¯t let this investment advisor go,¡± the team leader spoke first, her voice steady but firm. ¡°If me must fall, let it fall on my shoulders.¡±


    Hugh blinked in surprise. When had he ever spoken of dismissing Freya?


    Instinctively, he nced at Freya, her calm gaze unwavering, but a twinge of unease gripped him. Could she be thinking he had dismissed others for Vivien¡¯s sake in the past?


    The mere thought of such a misunderstanding made him uneasy. If Freya believed he¡¯d been unjust in favoring Vivien, would that distance between them only grow wider?


    ¡°Mr. Briggs hasn¡¯t dismissed me,¡± Freya interjected, her voice slicing through the tension. She then turned to Vivien, her tone unwavering. ¡°Pack up your things and head to the training department.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Vivien blinked, her usualpliant demeanor faltering as she looked to Hugh, confusion clouding her face.


    Freya didn¡¯t sugarcoat it. ¡°Your skills aren¡¯t up to par for the nning department¡¯s editorial role. You¡¯re being transferred to the training department, where you can pursue a field that aligns more with your talents.¡±


    ¡°What is she saying?¡±


    ¡°Did I hear that right? Vivien¡¯s really being moved out of our department?¡±


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    ¡°No way! Isn¡¯t she Mr. Briggs¡¯s daughter?¡±


    ¡°What kind of pull does this investment advisor have to make him transfer his own daughter?¡±


    The murmurs swirled around Vivien like a storm, and she longed for the earth to swallow her up. She never imagined Hugh would be so cold.


    Despite her usual obedience, why was he treating her like this?


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary!¡± Vivien quickly tried to backpedal, her voice dripping with false humility. ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just not cut out for apany like Briggs Group. I don¡¯t want to waste anyone¡¯s time, so I¡¯ll just resign.¡±


    ¡°Get her a resignation form,¡± Freya instructed the team leader, her voice calm and decisive.


    The team leader hesitated, a flicker of confusion crossing her face.


    How did the investment advisor know she handled resignation forms? Nheless, after a nce at Hugh, who said nothing, she quickly retrieved a form. ¡°Here you go.¡±


    Vivien was frozen, her mind scrambling. What in the world was happening? Was Hugh really going to let this stand without saying a word?


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you want to resign?¡± Freya asked bluntly, cutting through the tension like a hot knife through butter.


    Vivien clenched her jaw, her eyes shing with barely contained rage, before reluctantly taking the form and ring at Freya.


    With everyone watching, she couldn¡¯t back down¡ªnot with Hugh present.


    Slowly, she picked up a pen, deliberately dragging out the process, hoping that Hugh would step in and somehow fix this, reprimanding the investment advisor and announcing her as his daughter to save face. But Hugh remained silent.


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    ¡°It¡¯s not a crime to be slow,¡± Freya remarked, her eyes narrowing as she observed Vivien¡¯s drawn-out resignation process. ¡°The real crime is being slow and never trying to improve.¡±


    Vivien¡¯s eyes stung with unshed tears, her humiliation mounting. What gave this woman the right to treat her like this?


    Without a moment¡¯s hesitation, Freya snatched the resignation form from Vivien¡¯s hand and then handed it to Hugh for his signature.


    ¡°Your final paycheck will be wired to your ount soon,¡± Freya said, her tone indifferent. ¡°You can leave now.¡±


    Vivien was livid, her face flushed with indignation.


    She could feel the eyes of everyone on her, their silent mockery weighing on her like an anchor.


    She clenched her fists, nails digging into her palms.


    Hugh, watching the unfolding scene, cleared his throat awkwardly, mentioning he had other matters to attend to before quickly exiting the room. He didn¡¯t want Vivien to make any more false moves, particrly calling him ¡°Dad¡± in front of everyone. He didn¡¯t want others to misunderstand, nor did he want Freya to misunderstand. The moment Hugh left, the tension evaporated, reced by an air of gossip.


    ¡°I swear, for a second, I thought the chairman was her father.¡±


    ¡°Me too.¡±


    ¡°Vivien, now that you¡¯re out of here, maybe it¡¯s time to get serious. Nopany runs on charity; they need realpetence.¡±


    Vivien¡¯s temper red, her pride wounded. ¡°Do I need you to lecture me?¡± she snapped once Hugh was gone. ¡°Even if I don¡¯t work, my dad will still give me pocket money.¡±


    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s, the ce for amazing tales


    ¡°Is Mr. Briggs really your dad?¡±


    ¡°Seriously, if he was your father, how could he let you resign like this?¡±


    ¡°Maybe your dad¡¯s too busy, so Mr. Briggs had to step in.¡±


    ¡°Our chairman¡¯sst name is Briggs, not Garza.¡±


    ¡°What if she took her mother¡¯s surname?¡±


    ¡°Vivien¡¯s mom¡¯s maiden name is Newman.¡±


    Vivien¡¯s frustration deepened as the gossip buzzed around her. Her hatred for Freya grew in that moment.


    She turned to face the group, her voice dripping with scorn. ¡°Mr. Briggs isn¡¯t my biological father, but he is my stepfather. If I ever want to return to Briggs Group, he can find a job for me whenever I like. Even if I do nothing but show up and clock in, I¡¯ll make more than any of you.¡± She spat the words out, desperate to assert her superiority.


    Freya, already prepared to leave, halted in her tracks. Vivien¡¯s words had struck a chord.


    The chill in her demeanor deepened.


    Neither she nor Ethel had ever unted their connection to Hugh or used it to elevate themselves in others¡¯ eyes. Vivien, however, clearly hadn¡¯t learned a thing.


    ¡°As far as I know, your mother and Mr. Briggs aren¡¯t legally married, are they?¡± Freya turned on her heel, her voice carrying the weight of truth. ¡°In that case, what kind of stepdaughter are you?¡±


    Vivien¡¯s temper red once again.


    She ground her teeth in frustration, firing back with all the conviction she could muster, ¡°Who told you my mom and Mr. Briggs didn¡¯t get their marriage certificate?¡±


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    ¡°He did,¡± Freya responded simply, her words hanging in the air like a sharp p.


    It felt as though Vivien¡¯s face had been pped with a cold, stinging truth. Her cheeks burned in embarrassment. What was the connection between this woman and Hugh? How did she even know about that?


    ¡°They got married ages ago,¡± Vivien blurted out, lying with all the assurance of someone trying to sell a broken clock as thetest model.


    ¡°Even if they did,¡± Freya replied coolly, her voice unwavering, ¡°without my permission, you wouldn¡¯t be able to join Briggs Group. Not even its subsidiaries.¡±


    ¡°What do you think you are to say that?¡± Vivien¡¯s heart skipped a beat. Freya¡¯s calm and collected demeanor sent a shiver of doubt through her. A strange unease gnawed at her.


    ¡°Because I¡¯m the investment advisor at Briggs Group,¡± Freya said tly, delivering a quiet blow. ¡°Hiring employees is part of Briggs Group¡¯s investments, and I have the authority to oversee it.¡±


    Vivien seethed, her frustration bubbling up to the point where she felt she might explode.


    Freya, unfazed by the seething re aimed at her, turned and walked away, leaving Vivien to simmer in her own frustration as she made her way toward n.


    Just as Freya neared the president¡¯s office, she spotted n leaning casually against the corridor corner.


    He spread his arms wide, a yful grin spreading across his face. ¡°Come here. Let me give you a hug. Don¡¯t cry.¡±


    Freya was momentarily speechless. She walked past him, heading straight into the office, muttering, ¡°Why did you think I was crying?¡± Clearly, it was Vivien who was on the verge of tears, not her.


    ¡°Enough,¡± n said, catching up with her, entering the office right behind her. ¡°You don¡¯t have to put on an act in front of me. Think I don¡¯t know you¡¯re bothered by Uncle Hugh¡¯s rtionship?¡±


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    ¡°He chose to be with her, and it has nothing to do with me,¡± Freya replied coldly, her voice as sharp as a de.


    n saw the walls she had built around herself, and while he didn¡¯t push, he understood. Everyone had their own reasons, their own hidden wounds.


    ¡°Later, send a notice to HR. If they see Vivien Garza¡¯s name on any application, they should reject it immediately,¡± Freya instructed, her tone firm and final. ¡°If the chairman asks, just tell him it was my decision.¡±


    n¡¯s lips curled into a knowing smile, his eyes sparkling with amusement.


    Freya shot him a puzzled look. ¡°Why are youughing?¡± she asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Referring to him as ¡®the chairman,''¡± he teased, flicking her forehead gently. ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so formal with him.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t answer. She knew Hugh had been good to her and Ethel, but he had failed her mother, and that was something Freya couldn¡¯t forgive him for.


    ¡°Have we had any dealings with Shaw Group recently?¡± she asked, swiftly changing the subject.


    ¡°Yes, we have,¡± n replied, focusing on the business at hand. ¡°There¡¯s an AI robotics project under negotiation. Do you want to take the lead on it?¡±


    ¡°Let me take a look,¡± Freya said, her professional instincts kicking in.


    Only a handful of people, including Hugh, Ethel, a few close friends, and her assistant, knew about her brief marriage and divorce from Kristian. n was not among them.


    n passed her the project details, and after scanning them, Freya nodded, taking the documents from him. ¡°I¡¯ll handle this.¡±


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    While previous coborations with Shaw Group had gone well, the fact that it was Kristian¡¯spany made her eager to push for better terms.


    n didn¡¯t argue. He knew Freya had a sharp business mind.


    Later, after securing the project, Robin invited her to stay for a meal, but Freya politely declined. Melvin had been waiting for her downstairs for over two hours, and they had to head back to her ownpany.


    As soon as Freya stepped out of the office, Hugh arrived.


    He had been searching the entire building for her but couldn¡¯t find her. Finally, he made his way to n. ¡°Have you seen Mina?¡±


    ¡°She just left,¡± n replied nonchntly.


    ¡°Left?¡± Hugh¡¯s brows furrowed. ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask her to stay for a meal?¡± He had just ordered all of Freya¡¯s favorite dishes, hoping to catch her before she left.


    ¡°She had something urgent,¡± n exined with a slight hint of mischief. ¡°In the future, you might want to be more cautious about who you bring into thepany. She might not voice her objections, but she carries negative feelings.¡±


    Hugh immediately understood that Freya was still upset with him.


    Meanwhile, Freya wasn¡¯t dwelling on that matter. After leaving Briggs Group, she joined Melvin in the car. He had been waiting for her patiently for over two hours.


    They headed straight for a restaurant, where Melvin had already made a reservation, knowing exactly what dishes Freya liked. He wasn¡¯t one to be too extravagant but understood her preferences.


    Just as they arrived, Freya¡¯s phone buzzed with a message from Hugh. ¡°Come home for dinner tonight, okay?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t bother replying. She had just humiliated Vivien at thepany, and Vivien would surely go back andin to her mother. Freya didn¡¯t know the woman her father was dating and didn¡¯t want to jump to conclusions.


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    But she definitely didn¡¯t want to sit through a dinner while her father took calls from that woman. Turning down the dinner invitation seemed like the best course of action.


    As they dined, Freya overheard a voice she could do without.


    ¡°It was because of a woman that I got fired.¡± Vivien¡¯s voice wasn¡¯t too loud, but it carried just enough for Freya to hear. ¡°You have no idea how humiliating it was. That woman told the whole nning department that I¡¯d never be allowed into Briggs Group again. I didn¡¯t even make a scene. It¡¯s not my fault!¡±


    Vivien¡¯s anger boiled over. ¡°I told you it was that woman causing all this trouble. I¡¯ve been working hard, and today they just fired me without warning!¡±


    She paused, clearly frustrated with the person on the other end of the line. ¡°No matter what happens, it¡¯s always my fault. You always defend him. Let¡¯s see how calm you stay when he leaves you for that woman.¡±


    Vivien hung up the phone angrily and slumped into a chair. A man sitting beside her gently tried tofort her.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you to talk calmly with your mom?¡± he said softly.


    ¡°You saw for yourself,¡± Vivien replied, seething. ¡°She won¡¯t listen to me. She thinks I must have done something wrong to offend Hugh Briggs. I don¡¯t know what spell he¡¯s cast on her.¡±


    The man sighed, then said gently, ¡°Alright, don¡¯t get upset. I¡¯ll talk to her when I get the chance. You can count on your uncle.¡±


    That single sentence caught Freya¡¯s attention. He was Vivien¡¯s uncle?


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    Was he Edwin?


    Freya turned her gaze to see the man.


    From where Freya sat, the face of the man remained a mystery, but the voice and silhouette left no room for doubt¡ªit was Edwin.


    Thest encounter at the hotel had been carefully orchestrated by Freya. She had hoped that by provoking Edwin, he would take the bait, giving her the perfect opportunity to expose his wrongdoings. This would allow her to gather the evidence needed to send him behind bars. But so far, nothing had gone awry.


    ¡°Melvin,¡± she called out, her voice steady.


    ¡°At your service,¡± came the prompt reply.


    ¡°Do you think your outfit today is fit for showcasing your fighting skills?¡± Freya asked, her mind already spinning a n.


    Melvin, who knew her intentions better than anyone, understood immediately. Without hesitation, he answered, ¡°Yes.¡±


    When Freya gave an order, it was as good as gospel, no matter the circumstances.


    Freya nodded, feeling reassured. ¡°Good.¡±


    They finished their meal at a leisurely pace, and when the time came to pay, Freya raised her voice slightly, intending to catch Edwin¡¯s attention and set the wheels of her n into motion.


    Just as she expected, as soon as she spoke, both Edwin and Vivien turned their heads toward her.


    Freya¡¯s voice was unmistakable, clear and melodic. Vivien, having heard it just moments ago, recognized it immediately. Edwin, too, remembered it all too well¡ªthe same voice that had echoed in the confines of the hotel room, the one that had driven him to near madness.


    Sure enough, as soon as Freya finished paying and made her way to the door, Edwin approached her and Melvin, a smile ying at the corners of his lips. ¡°Well, well, if it isn¡¯t Ms. Briggs?¡±


    Explore fresh tales at g aln ov el s ;


    Freya barely nced his way, deliberately ignoring him as though he were a shadow passing through the room.


    ¡°Uncle Edwin, do you know her?¡± Vivien couldn¡¯t hide her confusion, her brow furrowing as she spoke. ¡°Who exactly is this woman?¡±


    ¡°More than just knowing her,¡± Edwin responded with a slight smirk, ¡°I was the one who facilitated her¡­ affair with Mr. Shaw.¡± He hadn¡¯t heard the full story of what had transpired at the hotel after he left, but he was sure of one thing: a woman like Freya wouldn¡¯t escape Kristian¡¯s attention. Men, after all, were weak to such allure.


    Vivien blinked, processing the words. ¡°Mr. Shaw?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll exin it all to youter,¡± Edwin dismissed, not wanting to go into the details here. ¡°You go ahead, and I¡¯ll catch up with you when I have a moment.¡±


    ¡°No! You have to teach her a lesson today!¡± Vivien snapped, her anger rising. ¡°She¡¯s the one who spoke ill of me to Mr. Briggs, which led to him kicking me out.¡±


    Edwin raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his eyes. He turned toward Freya, his voice dripping with sarcasm. ¡°It seems you have quite the knack for getting involved with men¡ªfirst Mr. Shaw, then Mr. Briggs.¡±


    Vivien looked between them, trying to piece things together, though she was still confused. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Edwin¡¯s grin widened. ¡°She was once intimate with Mr. Shaw. Now that he has lost interest, she¡¯s moved on to Hugh Briggs. She must have coaxed him to fire you.¡±


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    Vivien¡¯s face contorted in shock as realization dawned. ¡°You mean she¡¯s involved with him in that way?¡±


    Edwin nodded solemnly, as if delivering a cold, hard fact. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Vivien recoiled, her mind racing. ¡°But he¡¯s too old for her!¡± Her voice was harsh, yet there was genuine confusion beneath the surface.


    ¡°In their line of work, financial incentives tend to trump age differences,¡± Edwin mused, studying Freya¡¯s face. She was undeniably attractive. ¡°Honestly, even if he were seventy, I wouldn¡¯t be surprised if she made a move on him.¡±


    Vivien recoiled in disgust.


    Freya had been listening intently, her face unreadable. When they finished speaking, she turned to Melvin and calmly asked, ¡°Done recording?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Melvin replied, his tone as professional as ever.


    ¡°Good,¡± Freya said. ¡°Tomorrow,pile the evidence and file awsuit against Edwin Newman for defamation and libel. We¡¯ll pursue criminal charges.¡±


    Melvin nodded, his expression serious. ¡°Understood.¡±


    Edwin¡¯s face fell. If Freya was indeed involved with Hugh, then taking him to court would be an open-and-shut case. He couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t nder anyone!¡± Edwin protested, stepping forward to block their path, his voice rising. ¡°Everything I said was the truth!¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t spare him another nce. Her voice sliced through the air, sharp and resolute. ¡°Tell that to the judge.¡±


    With that, she turned and walked away, her steps purposeful. She was sure Edwin would send someone to follow her, but she was waiting for the perfect moment to strike. She believed it would only strengthen her case.


    ¡°Stop right there!¡± Edwin called, trying to catch up, but he was too slow. Vivien, still confused, asked, ¡°Uncle, why are you so upset? If it¡¯s all true, let her sue.¡±


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    Edwin¡¯s face twisted with panic. ¡°You don¡¯t understand. Without evidence, it¡¯ll look like I¡¯m lying!¡±


    He had no idea whether Freya and Kristian were involved, nor did he know if Freya had anything to do with Hugh. He remembered her mentioning she had once been Ethel¡¯s bodyguard, and it was possible that Hugh had fired Vivien because of Ethel¡¯s influence.


    Flustered, Edwin knew he couldn¡¯t just sit back and wait to be sued. Thinking quickly, he told Vivien he had something urgent to attend to, then made a call to track Freya¡¯s car and gather reinforcements.


    Meanwhile, Freya and Melvin drove at a leisurely pace, fully aware they were being followed. The tailing group exchanged whispers.


    ¡°Who are we following for Mr. Newman?¡± one of them asked.


    ¡°Could it be someone important?¡±


    ¡°I think that car alone is worth a fortune.¡±


    ¡°Should we keep following?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    Freya, ever calm, finally spoke. ¡°We¡¯re not going back to thepany today. Let¡¯s head to the residence I rarely stay at.¡±


    ¡°You were at thepany for less than an hour today,¡± Melvin pointed out as he steered the car.


    Freya paused, contemting. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure to stay a full day tomorrow.¡±


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    Melvin¡¯s voice was full of reason. ¡°Most people would intercept at night. If you go to the residence now, they won¡¯t act. You might as well stay at thepany for half the day to give them more time to prepare.¡±


    ¡°Melvin,¡± Freya simply said.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take that as a yes,¡± Melvin replied, his tone resigned but respectful. Freya was speechless. How was she supposed to deal with an assistant who insisted she go to work?


    They pulled into thepany garage, the following cars unable to enter due to unregistered tes. Once the location was confirmed, the followers updated Edwin, who instructed them to hold their position and wait for backup.


    As the sun began to dip below the horizon, signaling the end of another workday, Freya made her way to the lounge. There, she swiftly shed her formal attire and changed into something far morefortable¡ªa pair of sneakers and casual clothes.


    The reason behind the change was simple: the evening ahead promised to involve a bit of confrontation, and she needed the right gear to handle it.


    No sooner had she finished changing than her phone buzzed, disying a call from Ethel. Recalling Hugh¡¯s earlier words, Freya decided it was best to pick up.


    ¡°Hey, Mina.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Are youing home for dinner tonight?¡± Ethel¡¯s voice was full of warmth, yful and endearing, like a soft breeze coaxing with its charm. ¡°I don¡¯t have any sses today, so I decided toe home early and learn a few new dishes from the cook.¡±


    Freya¡¯s grip tightened on her phone. She wasn¡¯t particrly keen on returning home, but thest thing she wanted was to dampen Ethel¡¯s excitement.


    ¡°Mina, please¡­¡± Ethel¡¯s voiceced with a hint of sweetness.


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    ¡°What time?¡± Freya gave in, her tone softening.


    ¡°Half past seven,¡± Ethel replied, clearly thrilled.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya agreed, though with a twinge of reluctance.


    Once the call ended, Ethel turned to her father, who had already returned home. ¡°Mina said she¡¯de for dinner, but you know how she feels about Cheryl and her daughter. If you¡¯ve got any business with them tonight, make sure not to call them once Mina arrives.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Hugh answered quickly, nodding in acknowledgment. To ensure no awkwardness, he subtly mentioned this to Cheryl, though he did so with a diplomatic touch, aiming to spare her feelings.


    Freya checked the time¡ªit was already 5:30 p.m. An hour¡¯s drive stood between her and her father¡¯s home, but she needed to take care of those stalkers first.


    After a brief moment of thought, she made a decision. She alerted Melvin, and together they set off¡ªnot toward home, but toward the outskirts.


    Parked in a secluded area, they pretended their car had broken down, leaving the hood popped open as a silent invitation for troublemakers to make their move.


    By 6 p.m., the sky had already darkened, wrapping the world in an early nightfall, as if nature itself was preparing the stage for what was about to unfold.


    The group of people stalking Freya was visibly excited at the sight of the isted location.


    ¡°This is the perfect spot,¡± one of them murmured, his eyes scanning the surroundings. ¡°No cameras, no one around. It¡¯s just us.¡±


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    ¡°Exactly!¡± another agreed. ¡°Get Mr. Newman here, and let¡¯s finish this.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s move, quick!¡±


    In an instant, more than ten men spilled out of their vehicles, each brandishing an iron rod, making their way toward Freya and Melvin¡¯s car.


    Melvin, ever watchful, nced at Freya. ¡°They¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Eight each,¡± Freya noted coolly, her gaze assessing the approaching group. With Edwin included, there were sixteen in total.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Melvin replied, his voice calm.


    They closed the car¡¯s hood, acting as though they were ready to leave, the calm before the storm.


    Before they could even take their hands off the hood, Edwin and his men lunged forward, surrounding them, their stern faces betraying their intentions. The sound of iron rods tapping against palms sent a chill through the air.


    ¡°Well, well, Freya,¡± Edwin sneered, stepping closer, a sense of satisfaction in his voice.


    Freya exchanged a brief, knowing nce with Melvin before asking in a voice that remained steady, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Hand over the video you recorded today,¡± Edwin demanded, his eyes gleaming with malice. ¡°Otherwise, my bodyguards aren¡¯t just here for show.¡±


    ¡°Are you threatening me?¡± Freya¡¯s tone remained unshaken.


    Edwin nodded with a smirk. ¡°Precisely.¡±


    With no surveince in sight and no phones visible, he felt emboldened by his position, sure that they were untouchable in this isted setting.


    Freya scanned the men around her, their aggressive postures unmistakable. ¡°I won¡¯t give it to you.¡±


    Step into fiction with g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll deal with both old and new scores,¡± Edwin sneered, signaling to his men.


    Two of his men moved forward, aiming their rods at Freya and Melvin, intent on inflicting damage.


    A blow from those rods would surely leavesting pain. But Freya and Melvin were far from defenseless.


    As the rods swung toward them, they moved with swift precision, disarming the attackers in a blur of motion before the men even realized what had happened.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± Edwin¡¯s voice rose in fury, the anger in his chest igniting like wildfire. ¡°Get them.¡±


    Without hesitation, the remaining men advanced, rods raised high. At this point, Freya and Melvin acted purely in self-defense, showing no mercy.


    The sharp sound of heavy blows rang out, followed by the anguished cries of Edwin¡¯s men.


    Edwin¡¯s eyes widened in disbelief.


    He had never imagined Freya and Melvin were so capable in a fight. In less than ten minutes, all sixteen of his men were incapacitated, lying on the ground, while Freya and Melvin remained untouched.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Edwin stammered, clearly at a loss.


    In such an isted spot, the thought of Freya possibly finishing him off and dumping his body in some forgotten ravine didn¡¯t seem too far-fetched.


    Alone and outnumbered, Edwin stood no chance against the two of them.


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 Chapter 332

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    Freya¡¯s voice was low but filled with quiet authority. ¡°Last time, you had Emil break Ethel¡¯s arm and cause her head injuries. Now, we settle that score.¡±


    Edwin¡¯s steps faltered, his confidence shaken. ¡°She¡­ she¡¯s already recovered,¡± he blurted out.


    ¡°If you harm me or kill me, it¡¯s intentional harm,¡± he stammered, his voice rising in panic. ¡°I¡¯ll sue you! Don¡¯te any closer!¡±


    Fear radiated from him. Had he known how formidable they were, he might have ordered his men to bring machetes.


    Surely, Freya and her assistant wouldn¡¯t be able to defend themselves unarmed against machetes.


    Freya, unfazed, turned to Melvin. ¡°Get in the car.¡±


    Melvin, as always, obeyed without hesitation.


    The two stepped over the incapacitated bodyguards and slid into the car, quickly reversing and making a U-turn, leaving the scene behind them.


    The bodyguards and Edwin were left in stunned silence, unable toprehend what had just happened.


    Given Freya¡¯s previous actions at the hotel¡ªwhen she had dunked him into a bathtub¡ªEdwin couldn¡¯t understand why she¡¯d suddenly let him go. In truth, Freya never spared anyone who had wronged Ethel.


    Once inside the car, she checked the dashcam footage they had just recorded. The rity of both video and audio was wless.


    With the evidence in hand, she could press charges against Edwin and have him locked away. Freya had already entrusted someone with the task of ensuring this matter was handled.


    With that resolved, Freya headed toward her father¡¯s residence, the evening proceeding far smoother than expected.


    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is your fiction sanctuary


    At 7:20 p.m., she arrived.


    Ethel was overjoyed, rushing to her and enveloping her in a warm hug. Freya, with a tender smile, ruffled her hair, the affection between them as natural as breathing.


    ¡°You have no idea how much I¡¯ve missed you while you were away,¡± Ethel said, her voice a mixture of joy and longing, as she snuggled against her.


    Freya, always gentle with her, replied, ¡°I missed you too.¡±


    ¡°Come in and eat,¡± Ethel urged, tugging her inside. ¡°Today¡¯s dishes were made by Dad and me. I made two, and Dad made four.¡± Freya paused.


    Looking inside, she saw Hugh bustling around in the kitchen, an image both familiar and unsettling.


    A swirl of emotions stirred within her.


    Hugh had never been one to grace the kitchen with his presence. It wasn¡¯t a ce he sought out; in fact, he often kept his distance, preferring to let a cook handle the preparations. The kitchen had always seemed more like an unfamiliar territory, a ce where he didn¡¯t belong.


    But now, here he was, standing over a stove, actually cooking.


    ¡°When you got back to Jeucwell, Dad started experimenting with recipes all by himself,¡± Ethel remarked, an amused grin dancing on her face. ¡°He burned through a lot of ingredients before he finally nailed today¡¯s recipes.¡±


    Freya, for her part, wasn¡¯t picky about food. As long as it was edible and safe, she was content. Yet, Hugh always went above and beyond to impress her. He believed she deserved nothing less than the best, even if it meant stepping far outside hisfort zone.


    ¡°Come on, try my cooking,¡± Ethel urged, coaxing Freya closer as she offered a piece of sulent pork bathed in a savory sauce. ¡°These are my specialties. What do you think?¡±


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 Chapter 333

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    ¡°It¡¯s delicious,¡± Freya responded with a contented smile, her senses delighting in the rich yet delicate vor. ¡°It¡¯s well-seasoned and fragrant.¡±


    Ethel beamed, her face lighting up with pure joy.


    In that instant, Hugh appeared from the kitchen, holding a bowl of soup, still wearing his apron. His face brightened when he saw Freya and, with eager steps, he made his way toward her, proudly holding the bowl aloft.


    ¡°Mina, you¡¯re back,¡± he said warmly, his smile wide and filled with relief.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya replied, her face softening at the sight of him.


    Hugh nced at the table. ¡°Let¡¯s eat.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya responded, settling into her seat.


    Ethel joined her, taking her ce at the table, but Hugh remained standing. There was a gleam in his eyes, a quiet joy in simply seeing Freya at the table with him.


    Freya noticed his stillness and asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t it hot?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Hugh blinked in surprise.


    It was only then that he realized how hot the soup was, its steam rising in azy swirl. With a hiss, he hastily ced it down, clearly embarrassed.


    Ethel burst intoughter, teasing him. ¡°Dad, you¡¯re hrious!¡±


    Hugh¡¯s cheeks flushed with a crimson hue, his embarrassment in.


    He quickly removed his apron and joined Freya and Ethel at the table. Freya, with a gentle smile, took thedle and served Hugh a bowl of soup, handing it to him.


    For a fleeting moment, Hugh froze, staring at the bowl in his hands. His heart swelled in his chest. His eyes shimmered with emotion, a single tear slipping free, betraying him despite his best efforts.


    ¡°Dad, tears won¡¯t make the soup taste better,¡± Ethel teased, her words light-hearted and full of warmth.


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    Hugh chuckled, wiping away the tear, his eyes still red but filled with tenderness.


    He took a spoon and began sipping the soup, savoring the warmth that filled him withfort. He drank slowly, as though each drop carried with it a moment of peace.


    Two years had passed, and Freya was finally willing to share a meal with him again.


    As Hugh watched her, Freya¡¯s chest tightened, a heavy, unexined weight settling inside her. It was a strange sensation, one she couldn¡¯t name¡ªan odd pressure that lingered, gnawing quietly at her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat first,¡± Freya said, her voice taking on a subtle shift. ¡°I need to talk to you afterward.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Hugh responded softly, his voice thick with emotion.


    The meal continued, but the atmosphere was different.


    The conversation slowed, and the food began to cool, left forgotten as they lingered at the table.


    Hugh¡¯s thoughts were simple. He wasn¡¯t sure when he¡¯d get another chance to sit and eat with Freya. He cherished this fleeting moment, as if it were a rare treasure, something he could never take for granted. For Freya, however, her thoughts were upied with how to approach the subject of Edwin.


    Cheryl was Edwin¡¯s younger sister. If Hugh married Cheryl, then Edwin would legally be his brother-inw.


    If Edwin were imprisoned, it would certainly affect both Cheryl and Hugh.


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 Chapter 334

    ?Chapter 334:


    This was a conversation that needed to happen.


    It was half-past eight when Hugh finally ced his fork down, signaling the end of the meal.


    Freya had eaten, but she hadn¡¯t done much else. With the cook off for the day, it seemed only right that she help clean up.


    But before she could move, Hugh rose, taking the dishes from the table. ¡°You and She go watch TV. I¡¯ll take care of this,¡± Hugh insisted.


    Freya didn¡¯t argue. He was determined, and she let him have his way. On the sofa, Ethel nibbled on fruit, her eyes narrowing with curiosity as she nced at Freya. ¡°Mina, what¡¯s the secret between you and Dad that I don¡¯t know? Don¡¯t just brush me off with ¡®you¡¯re still young¡¯; I¡¯m almost twenty, you know.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell youter,¡± Freya responded, a faint smile curving her lips. The two of them sat together on the sofa¡ªone engrossed in the TV, the other quietly contemting the conversation yet toe.


    Fifteen minutester, Hugh returned, having finished cleaning up. He settled onto a single sofa and turned to Freya, his voice gentle. ¡°What did you want to talk about?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to send Edwin Newman to prison,¡± Freya said bluntly, her wordsing out like a calm deration. ¡°If everything goes as nned, he¡¯ll be sentenced to ten to twenty years.¡±


    Hugh and Ethel exchanged looks of surprise, then both blurted out in unison, ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    Freya frowned. Wasn¡¯t this something Hugh cared about?


    ¡°Handle him however you need to,¡± Hugh reassured her, his voice steady. ¡°Don¡¯t let it weigh on you.¡±


    Freya felt a weight lift from her chest. ¡°Alright.¡±


    g???????¦Í??????.??0?? ¨C Next part


    ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay,¡± Hugh replied simply.


    The conversation meandered on, brief and intermittent.


    Ethel sighed, observing the exchange.


    Her father, a master of smooth talk in the business world, seemed at a loss for words with her sister.


    ¡°Dad, didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d deal with Kristian at Lionel¡¯s birthday party in Jeucwell on the 15th?¡± Ethel probed, trying to find another topic.


    ¡°Have you figured out how to handle it?¡±


    Hugh hesitated, his gaze flicking toward Freya.


    Ethel caught the shift. ¡°Why are you looking at Mina when I asked the question?¡±


    Hugh froze, flustered. Ethel was being deliberately provocative.


    ¡°I bet you can¡¯t handle him,¡± Ethel said, her tone suddenly serious.


    ¡°Impossible!¡± Hugh retorted, instinctively defensive.


    Ethel¡¯s grin was mischievous.


    Freya nced over, and Hugh felt a brief pang of panic.


    He had failed to intimidate Kristian enough before. Her daughter wouldn¡¯t think hecked authority as a father, would she?


    The thought unsettled him, and he found himself wishing he could rewrite history, assert himself more effectively in that moment.


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 Chapter 335

    ?Chapter 335:


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to teach him a lesson,¡± Freya interjected decisively. ¡°I¡¯ve divorced him. The less involvement, the better.¡±


    Hugh, realizing there was nothing left to say, quietly agreed. ¡°Alright.¡± He didn¡¯t argue, though a quiet bitterness lingered within him toward Kristian.


    As there was nothing else to discuss, Freya stood. ¡°I¡¯m going upstairs. Come to me if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Hugh wanted to keep her there, but deep down, he knew he¡¯d have nothing meaningful to say. He wouldn¡¯t know how to start the conversation, even if he tried.


    She didn¡¯t want to talk about family matters or Kristian. And after a long day at work, thest thing she needed was a talk about thepany.


    Ethel shook her head in amusement, casually holding a snack pack. ¡°Dad, is ¡®alright¡¯ the only thing you can say? In that case, how are you supposed to start a conversation with Freya?¡±


    Ethel dramatized, cing her hand over her heart. ¡°In my opinion, you should say, ¡®Why go upstairs? Leaving so soon after dinner? Don¡¯t you want to spend more time with me? I¡¯m your dad, after all. Don¡¯t you even see me as one?''¡±


    Freya stopped short in her tracks.


    ¡°You know, if you say it that way, Mina is definitely going to suspect something is off and ask what¡¯s going on with you,¡± Ethel continued, initiating the conversation. ¡°And then, if you im everything is fine, she won¡¯t buy it. She¡¯ll be convinced there¡¯s something you¡¯re hiding. That way, she¡¯ll try to talk to you. You are so clumsy!¡± Ethel added with a final remark.


    Freya turned to the mischievous Ethel and asked questions every student dreaded. ¡°How many schrships have you won since you started college? Are all your certificationsplete? How are you preparing for graduation? Do you have your career path figured out?¡±


    ¡°Every year,pleted them all, and I¡¯ve even secured a spot for grad school. I¡¯m justzing around at home now,¡± Ethel chuckled, breezing through the questions.


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    ¡°Really?¡± Freya turned to her.


    Her eyes and tone were soft but filled with an underlying intensity that made Ethel feel a sense of danger.


    ¡°And what about ns for your future?¡± Freya pressed on. ¡°Like, are you thinking about marrying your boyfriend?¡± Ethel coughed ufortably.


    She regretted her earlier remarks to her sister. This was just a mild rebuke; had she been more daring, the consequences would have been worse.


    At that moment, the doorbell suddenly rang.


    Ethel quickly set down her snacks, jumped up, and dered, ¡°I¡¯ll get the door!¡±


    Then she hurried off.


    Hugh reflected on Ethel¡¯s words, pursed his lips, and cautiously offered, ¡°Mina, why not stay a bit longer? It¡¯s rare to see you; we should catch up.¡±


    ¡°Good night,¡± was all Freya said.


    Hugh dared not speak further. ¡°Alright, good night.¡± Just then, Ethel walked back in.


    Her eyes flickered uncertainly between Freya and Hugh.


    Freya asked, ¡°Who was at the door?¡±


    ¡°Umm¡­¡± Ethel hesitated, unsure of what to say.


    Her father had always warned her against bringing up Cheryl and Vivien before Freya. Now that Vivien had unexpectedly shown up, Ethel was flustered.


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    ?Chapter 336:


    ¡°Who is it?¡± Hugh pressed further.


    Ethel shot Hugh a meaningful look.


    He got the hint right away¡ªit had to be Cheryl or Vivien. Weren¡¯t they told not to disturb him tonight? Why then had someone shown up?


    ¡°His new partner?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°No!¡± Ethel retorted sharply.


    ¡°Vivien Garza?¡± Freya tried again.


    Ethel looked at her sister with a mix of shock and curiosity. ¡°How¡­ how did you guess that?¡± How did she know that name?


    ¡°Let her in,¡± Freya said calmly. She was curious about what Vivien wanted.


    Ethel nced at Hugh for confirmation and, upon receiving a nod, she went to open the door for Vivien.


    Hugh had been silently reprimanding Vivien in his thoughts. Typically, Vivien was considerate, so why choose to stir up drama just when he hoped to enjoy some undisturbed time with Freya?


    To avoid any misunderstandings with Freya, he rified, ¡°Before you returned, I had called them and expressed my wish to spend today just with you all at home, without any interruptions. I¡¯m not sure why she suddenly appeared.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Freya said, unbothered.


    She suspected Vivien might havee because of Edwin, or possibly Vivien hoped to use her current situation to her advantage.


    Soon enough, Ethel ushered Vivien in.


    Vivien looked visibly startled to see Freya, and her gaze turned to Hugh with a hint of shock. Her expression seemed to question how Hugh dared to bring Freya here. Wasn¡¯t he worried his daughter might find out?


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    ¡°Vivien, what brings you here?¡± Hugh asked with courtesy.


    ¡°I need to discuss something with you.¡± Vivien moved closer to Hugh, biting her lip. ¡°Could you tell them to give us a moment?¡±


    Hugh was startled. Did she understand the weight of her request? These were both his precious daughters! Asking them to leave could easily make them feel like he favored his ¡°new daughter¡± over them.


    ¡°Say whatever you need to right here,¡± Hugh insisted, keenly aware of Freya and Ethel¡¯s feelings. ¡°They are part of this family, not outsiders.¡±


    Vivien clenched her fists. Was Ethel really so quick to ept Freya¡¯s presence?


    ¡°What I need to discuss is rather sensitive. Are you sure it¡¯s alright to talk about it here?¡± She measured her words carefully, recalling her uncle¡¯s advice.


    Hugh was perplexed. How sensitive could it be?


    Vivien took a deep breath, stepped closer, and whispered, ¡°I know about your rtionship with that investment advisor.¡±


    ¡°And so?¡± Hugh asked, quite inly. So what if Vivien knew? Freya was already working at Briggs Group, which meant she didn¡¯t mind being in the public eye. He had always hoped that his rtionship with Freya would be known.


    Vivien was taken aback by his casual response.


    Her brow furrowed in confusion and she blurted out, ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried that Ethel will find out about this?¡±


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    ¡°What are you even talking about?¡± Hugh grew increasingly baffled with each word. Freya¡¯s identity as his daughter was a fact Ethel had always been aware of, so what was there to fear? Could Vivien be losing her mind because of her dismissal?


    ¡°Are you aware that your investment advisor has also been involved with Kristian Shaw from the Shaw Group?¡± Vivien raised her voice slightly and her eyes flickered threateningly towards Freya.


    Hugh and Freya paused, surprised that she knew this. This information was meant to be confidential, known only to a select few.


    Freya had settled back into the couch, eyeing Vivien as though she were a fool.


    Seeing Mina¡¯sposed expression, Hugh¡¯s forehead creased with concern as he asked sternly, ¡°Who told you?¡±


    ¡°My uncle,¡± Vivien replied.


    ¡°And how would he be privy to this?¡± Hugh pressed further.


    ¡°The rtionship between her and Kristian was facilitated by him.¡± Vivien was no longer scared and blurted it all out.


    Both Hugh and Ethel looked puzzled. Ethel popped a piece of fruit into her mouth, her eyes wide with curiosity. ¡°Facilitated by your uncle?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡± Vivien said with great confidence.


    At this point, there was no use in hiding the truth.


    Her uncle had sent her a message instructing her to find Hugh and sort out the video issue to avoid a defamationwsuit. The only way forward was to speak with Hugh directly.


    ¡°You¡¯re not on the same page,¡± Freya gently corrected. ¡°The ¡®rtionship¡¯ Vivien was talking about is a specific type of transaction within the circle, not an actual romantic rtionship.¡±


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    With Freya¡¯s rification, Hugh and Ethel caught on.


    Ethel¡¯s expression turned into a scowl, showing her growing dislike for Vivien.


    Filled with rage, Hugh red at Vivien and, for the first time, raised his voice as he pointed to the door. ¡°Leave now!¡±


    Vivien was utterly taken aback by the sudden outburst. She had never seen Hugh lose his temper like this, and she stood there, frozen in ce, momentarily too stunned to respond.


    ¡°Mr. Briggs,¡± she stammered, swallowing hard, her voiceced with fear. ¡°Why are you so angry?¡±


    Hadn¡¯t he admitted it himself? Or perhaps he hadn¡¯t disclosed the true nature of his rtionship with the investment advisor to Ethel?


    As she mulled over these thoughts, Hugh spoke, his words sharp and deliberate. ¡°The investment advisor you mentioned is my daughter, Freya Briggs.¡±


    ¡°How¡ªhow is that possible?¡± Vivien stuttered, instinctively attempting to deny the truth.


    ¡°Get out!¡± Hugh¡¯s patience was at its breaking point. His fury erupted like wildfire. ¡°From now on, you are never to set foot in my house again.¡±


    He had once treated Vivien like a daughter. Who could have predicted she would speak about him and Freya in such a manner?


    Vivien, panic-stricken, knew full well the importance of Hugh¡¯s protection. ¡°Mr. Briggs, I¡¯m sorry. I didn¡¯t know she was your daughter. It was my uncle who told me she had that kind of rtionship with you, and she didn¡¯t correct him, so I misunderstood.¡± Her words only served to fuel Hugh¡¯s rage further.


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    His face hardened with anger. ¡°You two talked about this in front of her?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°It was¡­ my uncle who said it,¡± Vivien faltered, realizing toote that the situation was slipping out of her control.


    Hugh¡¯s gaze instinctively shifted to Freya, a sense of guilt washing over him for not protecting her better. But Freya, calm andposed, didn¡¯t seem troubled in the slightest. Lies would never gain a foothold in the truth.


    She nced at Vivien¡¯s frantic face and, with a cold smile, offered some advice. ¡°You might want to follow your uncle¡¯s example and end up sharing a cell with him.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Vivien¡¯s mind was spiraling in panic.


    Upon learning that Freya was not only Hugh¡¯s daughter, Vivien realized she was in deep trouble. Now everything made sense¡ªwhy Hugh had listened to Freya at thepany earlier that day, and why Freya had stated that, without her consent, she would never join the Briggs Group again.


    ¡°Your uncle spread rumors about me earlier today, then brought his bodyguards to assault me in the evening, and he even incited Emil to harm my sister,¡± Freya said calmly. ¡°I¡¯ve got proof of everything he¡¯s done.¡±


    Vivien, unable to utter a single word, stood frozen. She now understood that Freya was far more formidable than she had ever imagined. Freya was quite different from Ethel.


    ¡°Are you leaving on your own, or should I show you the door?¡± Freya asked, her eyes looking down at Vivien, who was now noticeably smaller than her.


    Vivien bit her lip in hesitation. A mix of emotions gripped her, but she turned and fled.


    The tension in the room slowly ebbed away, and Ethel, still reeling from the events, finally broke the silence. ¡°Freya, why didn¡¯t you tell me about the assault earlier?¡±


    ¡°Right, you should have told us,¡± Hugh¡¯s voice was heavy with concern. The thought of his daughter potentially being in danger gnawed at him.


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    Freya took in their worried expressions. ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious, and it¡¯s already been handled.¡±


    ¡°How can it be nothing serious?¡± Hugh¡¯s concern was evident. ¡°Starting tomorrow, I¡¯ll have eight bodyguards follow you everywhere.¡±


    Freya simply shook her head. ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary.¡±


    ¡°Mina!¡±


    ¡°Their presence would only slow me down.¡±


    Hugh was left speechless. Ethel, too, was too amazed to say anything. Nevertheless, Freya¡¯s words somehow made sense.


    Hugh had previously arranged bodyguards for both Freya and Ethel. Ethel had epted them, appreciating their discreet protection, but Freya had refused. Even after Hugh insisted, Freya had demonstrated she could easily dispatch an entire team of bodyguards on her own. Since then, Hugh had never raised the issue of bodyguards again.


    Freya stood up, preparing to go upstairs. ¡°I¡¯m heading up.¡±


    ¡°Good night.¡±


    ¡°Hold on,¡± Hugh called out, his voice filled with hesitation.


    Freya paused mid-step.


    Ethel, too, nced over, surprised. Hugh had actually stopped her sister¡ªthis was definitely a step forward.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Hugh stumbled over his words, unsure of how to phrase what he wanted to say. He feared that being too direct might upset Freya, but remaining silent felt equally wrong.


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    Freya, sensing his unease, read his unspoken thoughts. She offered him a small, reassuring smile. ¡°Vivien is different from that person. I can tell the difference.¡±


    Hugh was taken aback, his emotions swirling. Freya¡¯s words sank in, and with that, she headed upstairs, unaffected by the tension in the room.


    ¡°Did your sister mean what I think she did?¡± Hugh asked, his voice tinged with uncertainty.


    Ethel nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    For Freya, she understood that Vivien¡¯s actions were influenced by Edwin, not Cheryl. She wouldn¡¯t me Cheryl for Vivien¡¯s faults. After a soothing bubble bath to ease the day¡¯s exhaustion, Freya climbed into bed.


    Momentster, her phone rang.


    Seeing Frederick¡¯s name on the screen, she answered, ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Help!¡± ke¡¯s hoarse, desperate voice echoed through the phone.


    Freya stiffened, realizing this wasn¡¯t a prank. ¡°What happened?¡± she asked, concern flooding her tone.


    Her first thought was that Frederick might have been kidnapped by her enemies.


    But since those enemies didn¡¯t know her true identity, she rxed a little. As long as they weren¡¯t ruthless criminals, the situation might not be as dire.


    ¡°I¡¯m kidnapped. Come save me!¡± Frederick¡¯s voice cracked in panic.


    Freya leaned against her headboard, raising an eyebrow. ¡°Shouting so loudly, aren¡¯t you worried the kidnappers will hear?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s right next to me.¡±


    ¡°Does he hold your phone?¡±


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    ¡°Yes, he does.¡±


    ¡°Tell him to turn on the speakerphone, and I¡¯ll talk to him.¡±


    Frederick passed the message along. ¡°Freya wants you to turn on the speaker.¡±


    The so-called ¡°kidnapper¡±plied, and the speakerphone was activated.


    ¡°Freya, he¡¯s turned it on,¡± Frederick confirmed.


    Freya ran a hand through her still-wet hair, her expression growing serious as she addressed the person on the other end. ¡°Is that you, Kristian?¡±


    Frederick¡¯s eyes widened in shock.


    How did she guess?


    He turned to look at the man in a suit, who remained cool and detached, his expression unreadable.


    Kristian¡¯s gaze deepened as he acknowledged, ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Do you want money?¡±


    ¡°Remove me from your cklist.¡±


    Freya fell silent, taken aback.


    She had considered many possibilities, but never this one.


    Holding the phone, she asked, her tone level, ¡°Is it worthmitting a crime for that?¡±


    ¡°Did Imit a crime?¡± Kristian replied, defensive. ¡°Didn¡¯t you kidnap Frederick?¡±


    ¡°He volunteered.¡±


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    Freya was puzzled.


    ¡°Volunteered?¡±


    A cold shiver ran down Frederick¡¯s spine as Kristian¡¯s gaze locked onto him. He knew the time hade¡ªhe had to confess everything to Freya.


    Previously, Kristian had used Lionel¡¯s phone to contact Freya, asking her to lift the ban she had ced on him. Afterward, he waited. However, even as the workday drew to a close, she had not removed him from her cklist.


    It was then that Gerard made a surprising discovery about Frederick¡¯s identity.


    As he read through Frederick¡¯s profile, Kristian suddenly recalled why Frederick seemed so familiar. They had crossed paths before in Alerith, during a meal and again in Ethel¡¯s hospital room.


    Since Freya had entrusted Frederick with both her house and car, Kristian surmised they were fairly close.


    Hoping to use this to his advantage, Kristian invited Frederick to his office, iming he wanted to discuss a business coboration with Frederick¡¯s father.


    Frederick epted the invitation without hesitation.


    Soon after, Kristian suggested they try out an immersive holographic experience. Frederick, unsuspecting, eagerly agreed and signed a document without second thoughts.


    Before long, he found himself strapped into a high-tech chair by Kristian.


    As Frederick recounted the events to Freya, she asked, ¡°How does this rte to the kidnapping?¡±


    Even if Frederick were bound to a chair, this seemed a bit overdramatic. Kristian wasn¡¯t going to let him starve, was he?


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    ¡°I need to go to the bathroom, and he¡¯s refusing to release me,¡± Frederick said, clearly distressed. ¡°Freya, please¡ªjust take him off the cklist for now. You can put him back on once I¡¯m free.¡± Freya didn¡¯t respond.


    Neither did Kristian.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to bed,¡± Freya finally said, her voice resolute. ¡°I¡¯m not going to entertain this further.¡±


    ¡°Please, Freya!¡± Frederick pleaded, his voice desperate. ¡°Help me, just this once!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Freya replied tly, ¡°If you do end up dying in Shaw Group¡¯s chair, I¡¯ll make sure they face the consequences.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s heart sank. Why was Freya being so unhelpful in such a crucial moment?


    ¡°Freya?¡± he called again, but all he heard were the beeps of the line disconnecting.


    Before he could speak further, Freya had already hung up, turning her phone to silent and pulling the covers up over herself.


    In the brightly lit experience room, Frederick remained trapped in the chair. ¡°I told you,¡± he muttered. ¡°Once Freya makes up her mind, nothing can change it. Threats won¡¯t work on her.¡±


    ¡°Get her to remove me from the cklist, and I¡¯ll offer your father¡¯spany a project,¡± Kristian said coldly, tossing Frederick¡¯s phone onto hisp.


    Frederick groaned. ¡°I never intended to take over the family business,¡± he said quietly.


    Kristian was momentarily at a loss for words.


    ¡°What is it that you want, then?¡± he asked, his voice growing more direct.


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    ¡°Nothing,¡± Frederick replied after a beat. ¡°But here¡¯s the thing¡ªwhatever you can offer me, Freya can offer too. If I offend you, she will help me out. But if I offend her, there¡¯s no one who wille to my aid.¡±


    In truth, if he offended Freya, not a single soul woulde to his aid; every one of his friends would choose to walk away.


    Kristian thought for a moment, his fingers tapping against his phone. ¡°So, you¡¯re not helping me, huh?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that I won¡¯t,¡± Frederick replied earnestly. ¡°It¡¯s that I simply can¡¯t.¡±


    He was not stupid. He knew Kristian had failed Freya. Anyone with any sense wouldn¡¯t help Freya¡¯s ex.


    Kristian leaned back, considering Frederick¡¯s words.


    ¡°In that case, I¡¯ll need to borrow your phone to send a message,¡± he said, his voice low and calm. ¡°I¡¯m sure someone in your ¡®Seven Little Warriors¡¯ chat can help me.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s eyes widened in rm. How did Kristian know about that group?


    ¡°I know Freya¡¯s in there as well,¡± Kristian added with a smirk.


    ¡°Knowing she¡¯s in the group, you still think you can get a solution?¡± Frederick asked, though he could already tell things weren¡¯t as simple as they seemed.


    Kristian sat down casually, his demeanor cool and collected. ¡°Just because she¡¯s in there doesn¡¯t mean she checks her messages frequently.¡± During the two years they were together, Freya rarely yed with her phone. She preferred reading.


    Books¡ªher interests were vast. Even after their divorce, he doubted she had be more attached to her phone.


    Frederick swallowed nervously, a wave of unease washing over him. If Kristian really did use his phone to send messages in the group, things were about to get awkward.


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    ¡°Gerard,¡± Kristian called, handing the phone to Gerard, who was still at the office. ¡°Unlock it, check Frederick¡¯s usual tone in chats, and send a few messages in the group.¡±


    ¡°About what?¡± Gerard asked, sympathy evident in his eyes.


    Kristian typed on his own phone, then sent a few messages to Gerard. ¡°You won¡¯t believe what happened. I was kidnapped by Freya¡¯s ex.¡±


    ¡°I was smart enough to escape. He¡¯s an idiot, trying such a ridiculous trick to get Freya to remove him from her cklist.¡±


    Once those were sent, Kristian said to Gerard, ¡°When someone replies, send another message: ¡®But seriously, if Freya ever blocks me, how should I get her to unblock me?¡¯ Then respond to them based on Frederick¡¯s tone.¡±


    Frederick watched, wide-eyed, as he processed what Kristian was doing. How was Kristian mimicking his tone so perfectly?


    ¡°Got it,¡± Gerard replied without hesitation, already setting to work.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Frederick cried, panic rising in his chest. ¡°Don¡¯t impersonate me! Please, there¡¯s no need to send those messages.¡±


    He knew that once his phone was returned, the group would mock him endlessly for the exchange.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it just about getting Freya to remove you from the cklist?¡± Kristian asked with mock simplicity. ¡°It¡¯s not that hard.¡±


    Frederick mustered all the courage he could, his eyes brimming with the threat of tears.


    Kristian studied him closely, his silent presence pressing Frederick to say something more.


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    Trapped in the chair, Frederick took a moment to consider his situation before hesitantly asking, ¡°Could I go to the bathroom first?¡±


    Kristian gave a slight nod, and Gerard swiftly unstrapped him from the chair.


    To ensure Frederick didn¡¯t escape, Kristian instructed Gerard to stay by his side.


    As they entered the bathroom, Frederick noticed Gerard trailing him every step of the way, his gaze never wavering. Sighing deeply, Frederick muttered, ¡°Could you at least turn around? It¡¯s a bit ufortable with you staring.¡±


    ¡°If I don¡¯t keep an eye on you and you escape, I¡¯ll lose my bonus this year,¡± Gerard replied, adjusting his sses with a seriousness that made his words seem final.


    Frederick was left speechless. He knew better than to try reasoning with someone who valued their sry and bonuses more than anything else.


    Five minutester, Gerard escorted him back to Kristian¡¯s office, where Kristian awaited, still holding Frederick¡¯s phone in his hand.


    Kristian lingered in the chair, the crisp lines of his tailored suit lending an air of detachment to his presence. As Frederick stepped in, Kristian inquired, ¡°Ready to tell me now?¡±


    ¡°Why are you so adamant about Freya unblocking you?¡± Frederickunched into the conversation.


    A quick nce toward Kristian betrayed Gerard¡¯s unease. His gut churned with the premonition that Kristian¡¯s forting words would be anything butforting.


    ¡°It¡¯s I who should cut ties, not her,¡± Kristian dered, his eyes turbulent with raw emotion. ¡°She shouldn¡¯t have the power to block me.¡± Ideally, if someone were to be blocked, it would be him initiating it. Furthermore, Freya hadn¡¯t been honest from the very beginning.


    Gerard found himself at a loss for words.


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    Frederick deemed Kristian¡¯s stance somewhat immature. ¡°Why not just delete her? Then you¡¯d be the one ending things.¡±


    Kristian just gazed at him in response. He uttered no word, nor did his expression turn threatening, yet the intensity in his silence was enough to send chills down one¡¯s spine.


    ¡°If you truly desire Freya to unblock you, you must first prove your worth to her,¡± Frederick said earnestly. ¡°As things stand, she won¡¯t be persuaded otherwise.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes narrowed. How had someone as uninspiring as this be Freya¡¯s friend?


    Frederick hesitated, his voice trailing off. ¡°Not to mention¡­¡± He pondered whether to divulge more.


    Impatient, Kristian pressed on, ¡°Not to mention what?¡±


    ¡°You are Freya¡¯s ex-husband,¡± Frederick blurted out, then quickly averted his gaze, nervously scratching his cheek. He continued, his voice lowering, ¡°She has a strict rule about past rtionships¡ªan ex should be someone you never hear from again.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s interest piqued, and he queried sharply, ¡°What about her first love? Did they cut off all ties after their breakup?¡± He recalled Freya mentioning a simr idea.


    Yet, he vividly remembered a party hosted by Liam where Freya, having lost a game, was asked to call her first love. Her reaction was quite revealing. Instead of making the call, she chose to ept punishment, knocking back three sses in a row. During their two years of marriage, Freya seldom touched alcohol, only doing so when absolutely necessary.


    Was her excessive drinking that night due to her steadfast rule, or did it stem from a deep-seated scar left by that first love?


    As these thoughts swirled in his head, Kristian felt a constriction in his chest. Perhaps her phone still contained that first love¡¯s number, or maybe she had etched it into her memory.


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    Frederick¡¯s brow furrowed in bewilderment. Freya¡¯s first love? The idea that Freya might have harbored a past romance puzzled him deeply. He squinted, disbelief etching his features as he inquired, ¡°Exactly when did Freya mention having a first love?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s emotions swirled chaotically upon hearing this. He pressed on, his voice tinged with a mix of curiosity and annoyance. ¡°And what about Charlie?¡±


    Frederick¡¯s response cameced with surprise. ¡°Charlie? Who on earth is that?¡±


    His caution was palpable; he was wary of making unfounded statements. The talk of a first love and someone named Charlie was news to him. Was it possible Freya had fabricated such borate stories?


    Kristian suddenly realized why his stomach churned when he saw Trent with Freya, yet he felt merely annoyed when Frederick was with her. To Freya, Trent was more than just a friend; he was privy to her deepest stories about a first love and Charlie¡ªstories that were a mystery to Frederick.


    ¡°Can you rify Trent¡¯s connection to Freya for me?¡± Kristian asked once more, his voice carrying a note of urgency.


    ¡°They are merely close friends,¡± Frederick exined, his mind ticking over as he considered his words. ¡°They have a shared history of growing up together, their families are intertwined. Their friendship is genuine and longstanding.¡±


    ¡°Hand him back his phone,¡±manded Kristian, his tone authoritative.


    Obediently, Gerard returned the phone. Kristian¡¯s mood was sour, his tone icy as he dismissed him with a wave. ¡°You can leave now.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Frederick¡¯s face contorted in confusion. Was he truly being dismissed, just like that?


    Gerard, ever the diplomat, gave Frederick a subtle nod, urging him to exit.


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    Reluctantly, Frederick turned to leave, ncing back in disbelief every few paces, struggling to make sense of Kristian¡¯s unexpected behavior. Yet, the relief of no longer facing interrogation or threats seemed to lift his spirits, and his steps grew lighter.


    After escorting Frederick out, Gerard made his way back to Kristian¡¯s office. A strong gut feeling washed over him; he sensed that Kristian had something serious on his mind. And he was right.


    As Gerard stepped into the office, Kristian quickly outlined his ns. ¡°Get everything ready over the next two days. We¡¯re setting off for Alerith on the fifth.¡±


    ¡°To Alerith?¡± Gerard echoed, a hint of surprise in his voice.


    Kristian leaned back in his chair, his eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°There¡¯s no need for me to concern myself with Jeucwell anymore. Our branch in Alerith needs more nurturing,¡± he dered.


    Gerard responded with a silent nod. Would anyone really buy such a flimsy pretext? After all, the major operations in Alerith had always been directly under Kristian¡¯s tight control. Whether it was Jeucwell, Alerith, or any international venture, the subsidiaries of Shaw Group had flourished without needing any overt interference.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want toe along?¡± Kristian inquired, a note of concern in his voice as he noticed Gerard¡¯s prolonged silence.


    Gerard, among all the secretaries and assistants, had always been the one Kristian felt mostfortable with. Nevertheless, he wouldn¡¯t press Gerard to apany him to Alerith if his heart wasn¡¯t in it. With a heavy sigh that confirmed his apprehensions, Gerard finally spoke. ¡°I¡¯m your assistant. I go where you go.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s not beat around the bush,¡± Kristian said, cutting straight to the point.


    Gerard frowned slightly, his concerns evident. ¡°I don¡¯t really belong in Alerith, and besides, the cost of living there is exorbitant.¡±


    ¡°No worries, I¡¯ll gift you an apartment once we get there,¡± Kristian assured him with a decisive nod.


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    ¡°Thank you!¡± Gerard replied, a weight lifting from his shoulders. His resolve hardened, ready to tackle any challenges thaty ahead. ¡°I¡¯ll secure our flights for the fifth and start coordinating with our Alerith branch about the work transition.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Kristian responded, his tone even and unfazed. Gerard looked up, curiosity sparking in his eyes. ¡°And who will handle things back here?¡±


    ¡°The previous president,¡± Kristian answered nonchntly.


    He couldn¡¯t help but remember the bet he¡¯d made with Freya, and how his unreliable father had been caught out by her.


    Had his father¡¯s secret operation not been discovered by Freya, she would have postponed the divorce until after his grandfather¡¯s birthday, giving him just enough time to win her heart back.


    With his father¡¯s blunder throwing a wrench in his ns, Kristian felt little remorse about canceling his parents¡¯ travel arrangements. Without missing a beat, Gerard nodded and said, ¡°Got it.¡±


    In the days that followed, Lionel¡¯s opinion of Kristian warmed considerably upon learning that he nned to stay in Alerith permanently.


    With a dismissive shrug, he told Kristian, ¡°Go ahead, then,¡± and from that point, let things unfold without his involvement.


    As for Isaac, when the news reached him that Kristian had entrusted thepany¡¯s responsibilities in Jeucwell entirely to him, he remainedpletely unfazed.


    With decades of experience behind him, Isaac wasn¡¯t about to be outsmarted by his son. He swiftly delegated the duties and promptly slipped away to enjoy leisurely moments with Melinda.


    Time flew by swiftly, and before anyone knew it, Kristian¡¯s departure day arrived.


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    Gerard and Kristian found themselves boarding a ne headed for Alerith together.


    Gazing through the airne window at the vast expanse of clear blue skies dotted with fluffy white clouds, Gerard¡¯s lips curved into a dreamy smile as thoughts of owning his own cozy apartment in Alerith danced vividly in his mind.


    Meanwhile, in the bustling city of Alerith, Freya had diligently organized a meeting with the Shaw Group representatives to explore opportunities for coboration. To ensure everything went smoothly, she thoughtfully arranged a suitable position for Melvin within the Briggs Group, confident that their professional chemistry would yield excellent results.


    When they arrived at Shaw Group¡¯s branch office, the director warmly weed them and personally escorted them into the brightly lit meeting room.


    In the reception room, Richie nced over at Freya and Melvin with a sigh of relief. Fortunately, it wasn¡¯t the same group from thest partnership discussion. If it were, he¡¯d be forced to smile despite feeling deeply annoyed.


    ¡°Please hold on for a bit,¡± Richie said with a bright tone. ¡°Our general manager will join us soon.¡±


    Freya responded calmly. ¡°Okay.¡±


    After asking someone to keep thempany, Richie made his way to the general manager¡¯s office. He felt more at ease as he entered. ¡°Good thing it¡¯s not the same folks asst time. If it were, we¡¯d be in for a rough time when the president gets here.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s here?¡± asked the general manager, Chaz Fernandez.


    ¡°The new investment advisor from Briggs Group and her assistant,¡± Richie replied casually. ¡°Seems like Briggs Group is giving her a trial run with this deal.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t let your guard down,¡± Chaz cautioned, closing a folder. ¡°Briggs Group¡¯s employees are tough negotiators.¡±


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    Each negotiation with them felt like a battle, leaving him drained for days afterward. At times, they considered cutting ties with Briggs Group, but the potential gains always lured them back.


    Briggs Group apparently felt simrly; their previous team had been relieved not to be the ones dealing with Shaw Group this time. Everyone knew dealing with Shaw Group was a formidable challenge!


    Shortly after, Chaz, along with his secretary and Richie, made their way to the reception room. They settled in, and the partnership discussion officiallymenced.


    This meeting truly showed Chaz and Richie what despair meant. Melvin led most of the conversation, while Freya only spoke up during crucial moments. Her calm approach was effective, and her words were impactful.


    Thirty minutes in, the negotiations were winding down.


    Richie, drenched in sweat and smiling stiffly, said, ¡°We¡¯ll take this back for further discussion and follow up with you. Is that okay?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Freya responded softly, giving them ample time.


    Melvin, sitting beside her, maintained a calm presence.


    After the meeting, Chaz and Richie left the reception room, leaving the secretary to assist the Briggs Group representatives if necessary. Back in Chaz¡¯s office, Chaz loosened his tie, his usual lightheartedness reced by a serious demeanor.


    Richie quickly drank a few sses of water.


    ¡°These neers from Briggs Group are surprisingly more persuasive than the ones before,¡± Richie said, still holding his ss. His stocky build was evident.


    ¡°If the boss wasn¡¯ting inter today, I might¡¯ve just agreed.¡±


    Keep reading at g¦Ál¦Çovels?c©–m


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Chaz responded, his face grave.


    This deal was highly lucrative. It was tempting for any businessman in their field. However, Briggs Group was pushing for an additional seven percentage points of benefitspared to their previous terms. They were entitled to a major portion of the project¡¯s benefits, but now Briggs Group¡¯s share was nearlyrger than theirs.


    epting their terms felt like a loss, and hoping Briggs Group would return to the earlier conditions seemed like a waste of time. Still, no otherpany could match what Briggs Group was offering. What should they do? It was a real dilemma.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we tell them that we¡¯ll get back to them by this afternoon?¡± Richie proposed. ¡°Let the president deal with it when he gets here?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Chaz dismissed the suggestion. ¡°That would not only question ourpetence, but also, Briggs Group is unlikely to tolerate such a dy.¡±


    These negotiators were not like the ones before; they had ess to resources beyond those typically avable to Briggs Group.


    Promising an answer but then dying it until the afternoon would surely upset them, potentially putting the whole partnership at risk.


    ¡°What should we do then?¡± Richie asked, clearly torn.


    ¡°Agree to the partnership,¡± Chaz concluded after a moment¡¯s thought. ¡°In the long run, it won¡¯t be a loss for us.¡±


    ¡°Are we really going ahead with this?¡± Richie pressed.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Chaz affirmed.


    ¡°But what about future projects? We¡¯re bound to have more projects with Briggs Group.¡± Richie was worried, dreading the thought of negotiating with those two again. He sighed heavily.


    Then, Chaz¡¯s expression lightened, and he grinned, seemingly relieved. ¡°Whatester isn¡¯t our problem.¡±


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    Richie was puzzled. What did that mean?


    ¡°Gerard mentioned the president will be stationed in Alerith for the long haul,¡± Chaz exined. ¡°Our job is to make sure this project turns out profitable. The president will manage any future issues.¡±


    Richie had an epiphany. Chaz was right! How had he not thought of that? Their president was set to stay in Alerith for a considerable time, and both he and Gerard were adept strategists.


    ¡°Alright, let¡¯s go sign the contract,¡± Richie said, now relieved.


    Chaz straightened his tie and walked back into the reception room. Facing Freya and Melvin, they maintained a professional stance. ¡°We¡¯ve decided to move forward with the partnership,¡± Chaz dered, his face a blend of smiles and seriousness.


    Freya¡¯s expression stayedposed, offering a courteous smile. Both parties signed and shook hands. The partnership was sealed.


    ¡°Honestly, before today¡¯s discussions started, we both felt relieved,¡± Chaz admitted, acknowledging Freya¡¯s expertise. ¡°We thought it wouldn¡¯t be as tough as previous times, but you proved to be the real powerhouse for Briggs Group.¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Richie chimed in.


    Freya gave a small smile. Before she could reply, Chaz added, ¡°Would you join us for a meal?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be happy to,¡± Freya responded graciously.


    The secretary quickly set about making reservations.


    That noon, Freya and Melvin joined Chaz and Richie for lunch.


    As they enjoyed their meal, the conversation flowed easily. Chaz, looking intrigued, asked, ¡°By the way, Ms. Briggs, where are you from?¡±


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    ¡°Alerith.¡±


    ¡°Are you single?¡± Chaz asked bluntly.


    The question caught everyone off guard, and for a moment, the conversation stalled as everyone nced around the table.


    Richie shot Chaz a questioning look, as if silently asking, ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    Chaz met his gaze with an expression that seemed to say, ¡°I¡¯m interested in her.¡±


    Before anyone could respond further, Melvin confirmed, ¡°Yes, she¡¯s single.¡±


    Freya shot him a quick look. What was he up to?


    ¡°That¡¯s great. I¡¯m single as well,¡± Chaz said enthusiastically. ¡°Ms. Briggs, what are your hobbies or interests in your free time?¡±


    ¡°She enjoys nothing more than a good book or a nap,¡± Melvin chimed in once again, his voice calm andposed. ¡°Oh¡ªand she¡¯s also quite fond of sparring.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s splendid,¡± Chazmended bluntly.


    At that moment, one thought echoed in his mind: Freya wasn¡¯t just easy on the eyes and skilled at her work¡ªshe carried a spirit that was rare and admirable. Exactly the kind of woman who checked all his boxes.


    Just as he opened his mouth to speak again, his phone buzzed. He intended to brush it off, but when he saw Gerard¡¯s name sh on the screen, he offered an apologetic smile and answered, ¡°Hello, Todd.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re out having dinner with the investment advisor from Briggs Group. The coboration has just been finalized.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


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    ¡°Right now?¡±


    ¡°Understood. I¡¯ll be there immediately.¡±


    Chaz¡¯s face grew increasingly serious as the call continued.


    Once the call ended, despite wanting to continue dining with Freya, he couldn¡¯t ignore hispany president¡¯s orders. ¡°Ms. Briggs, I¡¯m sorry, but ourpany president has arrived earlier than expected, and I need to return to thepany.¡±


    Turning to his colleague, he added, ¡°Richie, stay here with Ms. Briggs and make sure she has a good meal.¡±


    ¡°The president¡¯s arrived?¡± Richie asked, surprised.


    ¡°Yes, just got in.¡±


    ¡°But Gerard Todd mentioned they wouldn¡¯t be here untilter in the afternoon, didn¡¯t he?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure what changed, but I have to return now.¡± And with that, Chaz left in haste.


    Freya, however, couldn¡¯t help but furrow her brows when she heard the name Gerard during the call. ¡°Thepany president you mentioned¡­¡±


    ¡°Our big boss¡ªKristian Shaw,¡± Chaz replied withplete transparency. ¡°He¡¯ll be stationed long-term at our branch office.¡±


    Freya¡¯s thoughts twisted into a knot. What could Kristian possibly be up to?


    ¡°I¡¯ll take my leave now. Let¡¯s catch up again sometime,¡± Chaz said with a smile before quickly vanishing down the street.


    Now that she knew Kristian was in Alerith, a shadow of unease passed over Freya¡¯s otherwise calm face. Melvin noticed the change. ¡°Ms. Briggs?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Let¡¯s eat first,¡± Freya said, quickly collecting herself.


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    The meal was brief. After finishing, both parties departed, and Freya wasted no time in going to see her cousin.


    n, thrilled by the sessful coboration and favorable terms, couldn¡¯t help but praise her. ¡°You¡¯re amazing, Freya.¡±


    Freya sat beside him quietly, her mind wandering.


    ¡°What¡¯s weighing on you?¡± n asked, sensing her distraction.


    ¡°From now on, let Melvin handle anything rted to Briggs Group,¡± Freya said with a faint frown. The news of Kristian working in Alerith still unsettled her. ¡°I won¡¯t be involved anymore.¡±


    n blinked in confusion. ¡°Why?¡± he asked, genuinely puzzled.


    ¡°I heard Kristian Shaw¡¯s going to be stationed in Alerith long-term,¡± Freya exined, her tone initially serious, then tinged with yful sarcasm. ¡°I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll fall for me and try to turn our business deal into a marriage proposal.¡±


    Upon hearing that, n turned his gaze sharply toward her, eyes narrowing.


    Freya shifted under his scrutiny, slightly flustered.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a point!¡± n suddenly agreed with mock gravity. ¡°In that case, I¡¯d better go in your ce.¡±


    Freya stared at him, taken aback. Was he seriously buying her lies?


    ¡°I¡¯ve looked into Kristian Shaw¡ªhe¡¯s got the looks and lineage to match you,¡± n continued in all seriousness. ¡°But the man¡¯s colder than a mountain breeze. He¡¯s not your match.¡±


    Had Kristian been a warmer soul, n might¡¯ve pushed the idea. But that wasn¡¯t the case.


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    Freya exhaled softly, a subtle sense of relief flickering through her.


    ¡°Speaking of matches, when are you getting married? You¡¯re about to hit 25,¡± n¡¯s curiosity sparked like dry twigs catching fire. ¡°Is there someone? What about Trent?¡±


    Freya was caught off guard.


    n pressed, ¡°Come on! Say something! What¡¯s with that look on your face?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still single yourself,¡± Freya said smoothly, ¡°so why should I be in a rush? Ask me again when you¡¯re married with kids.¡±


    ¡°You cheeky little rascal!¡± n chuckled.


    ¡°Well, now that the coboration¡¯s done, I¡¯m off. I¡¯ve got work waiting.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute!¡± n called out.


    Freya turned back, her usualposure intact.


    ¡°Are you secretly in love and hiding the guy from us?¡± n¡¯s eyes gleamed with curiosity.


    Freya blinked,pletely thrown. Where had thate from?


    ¡°Was it that guy who dropped you home when you were eighteen?¡±


    ¡°Which one?¡±


    ¡°The one in military boots, ck coat¡­ ridiculously good-looking.¡±


    That made Freya¡¯s expression shift, finally. Was he referring to her captain?


    ¡°How do you know about that?¡± she asked seriously now.


    Back then, she¡¯d been injured during a mission, and her captain had insisted on seeing her home. It was nearly three in the morning when they arrived, and everyone in the house had been fast asleep. n lived next door, not in the same household.


    ¡°So, it was him?¡±


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    ¡°No. He¡¯s just one of my superiors,¡± Freya answered quickly, not wanting to fan any mes. Still, she asked cautiously, ¡°Did you see his face clearly?¡±


    ¡°How could I, from that distance?¡± n replied truthfully. ¡°But from his aura and gear, he seemed impossibly charming.¡± Even as a man, n had found him impressive. That kind of presence wasn¡¯t easy to forget.


    ¡°I see,¡± Freya gave a relieved nod, then joked with a straight face, ¡°If you¡¯d seen him up close, you¡¯d know¡ªhe¡¯s not good-looking.¡±


    That mentioned captain now sat in a room, polished and solemn, surrounded by mahogany furniture. His long fingers, calloused and scarred, still had a maic elegance. In his hand was a photo¡ªone with eight individuals, including him and Freya.


    ¡°Impossible!¡± n muttered inwardly, trusting his own eyes. Freya no longer wished to speak of her captain. The fewer people who knew, the better.


    Everyone was moving on with their lives. The captain had long devoted his to the country. She didn¡¯t want to drag him into everyday conversations¡ªit didn¡¯t feel right.


    Later that afternoon, after wrapping things up with Shaw Group, Freya nned to return to her ownpany. But her phone buzzed with a string of messages from Ethel.


    The conversation opened with a parade of exmation marks.


    ¡°You won¡¯t believe what just happened at home!¡± ¡°Dad is dumbfounded.¡±


    Freya responded with a question mark.


    ¡°Kristian Shaw is here.¡±


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    Freya sent another question mark in response.


    ¡°Your ex-husband just showed up at our home with a load of gifts. He¡¯s in the study with Dad right now. No clue what they¡¯re discussing.¡±


    Freya was speechless. Kristian really was the kind of ex-husband who didn¡¯t know where the line was drawn.


    She rubbed the bridge of her nose, clearly unwilling to get entangled in his web again.


    She knew herself¡ªand him¡ªtoo well. If they crossed paths again, sparks would fly, and not the romantic kind. It would be fire and ice, striking once more.


    Kristian was meant to be at his branch office today, wasn¡¯t he? So what in the world was he doing at her home now?


    The question gnawed at Freya, growing more insistent with each passing minute. Finally, with a sigh, she picked up her phone and dialed Hugh¡¯s number.


    She needed answers. If Kristian¡¯s presence was just another mundane business matter, she could dismiss it and not bother heading home. But if it was personal¡ªif it concerned her directly¡ªshe would return right away.


    The phone rang just as Hugh was in the middle of a discussion with Kristian. Seeing Freya¡¯s name sh on the screen, he excused himself and answered the call with a sense of urgency.


    But before Hugh could even utter a hello, Freya¡¯s anxious voice cut through. ¡°Pretend you¡¯re getting a call from your secretary about some urgent work matter.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Hugh asked, his voice dipping into a carefully moderated business-like tone.


    Freya exhaled a silent breath of relief at his quick understanding. She dove right into the heart of her query, her words clipped with tension. ¡°Is Kristian there with you?¡±


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    ¡°Yes,¡± Hugh answered, his voice a mask of neutrality. He made sure not to even flicker his eyes towards Kristian, fully aware of the young man¡¯s sharp perceptiveness.


    ¡°Find an excuse to step out onto the balcony. I have some important questions,¡± Freya instructed, her voice steady and clear.


    Hugh turned back to Kristian with a practiced ease born of years navigating the tricky waters of business politics. ¡°I need to handle something quickly. Do you mind waiting here for a moment?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Kristian responded, his voice smooth and unsuspecting.


    Hugh strolled over,posed and collected, giving nothing away. After he slid the door shut with a soft click, he let out a deep breath, his thoughts swirling with concern for his beloved daughter. ¡°I¡¯m on the balcony now,¡± he murmured into the phone.


    ¡°She mentioned Kristian brought quite a few things?¡± Freya¡¯s voice crackled through the speaker, tinged with curiosity.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Hugh paused, the word hanging heavily in the air.


    She prodded further. ¡°And what exactly did he bring?¡±


    ¡°Some items of considerable value,¡± he admitted reluctantly.


    ¡°Why would he bring those?¡± Freya pressed, her confusion evident even through the phone.


    Hugh¡¯s silence stretched out as he grappled with the decision to divulge the full extent of Kristian¡¯s intentions. He could already see it¡ªthe truth was going to hit her hard.


    Freya waited on the line, her patience a steady presence as she sensed his hesitation.


    Finally, Hugh found the courage to exin, his voice dropping to a confessional whisper. ¡°He¡­ he came to seek my blessing to marry you.¡±


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    Freya¡¯s response was a sharp intake of breath¡ªshe was utterly taken aback by the revtion.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I have no intention of agreeing to it.¡± Hugh hurried to reassure her, his words quick and firm, as if to ward off any misinterpretations she might harbor. ¡°I¡¯ll see to it that everything he brought is sent back.¡±


    ¡°You go ahead and keep talking to him. I¡¯ll be back,¡± Freya said, frowning as her mind raced to make sense of Kristian¡¯s motives. What on earth was he thinking, showing up to see her father out of the blue like this? Had he lost his mindpletely?


    The outrageous boldness of it left her momentarily speechless.


    Hugh hesitated for a moment, his brow twitching slightly, but he chose to hold his tongue.


    Once the call ended, he slowly made his way back to the study. Kristian was still there, standing rigid in his tailored suit.


    Hugh sank into the armchair and met Kristian¡¯s gaze, circling back to the remark he had made earlier. He reminded him tly, ¡°You two are already divorced.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s precisely why I¡¯m here,¡± Kristian countered, his voice carrying a regal resonance. ¡°I should havee to see you, my father-inw, over the past two years. I admit that was my oversight.¡±


    A smirk briefly yed on Hugh¡¯s lips at Kristian¡¯s admission. Where did he get the audacity?


    ¡°I was unaware of your marriage to Mina, so I couldn¡¯t intervene. But I¡¯ll ensure you don¡¯t get another chance with her,¡± Hugh dered, his tone resolute and devoid of any trace of hesitation.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware of what you did to her.¡±


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    ¡°I acknowledge my past mistakes, and I apologize,¡± Kristian remarked, his demeanor showing a marked improvement from before. ¡°You have my word¡ªit won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    Hugh shot back, his voice firm. ¡°You can¡¯t go back and pretend it never happened, Kristian. A man has to live with the choices he¡¯s made. You¡¯ve already divorced her¡ªit¡¯s time you both moved on.¡±


    Kristian leaned forward slightly, his tone measured and steady. ¡°Everyone¡¯s made choices they wish they could take back. Haven¡¯t you, Mr. Briggs?¡±


    Hugh hesitated, his expression darkening as old memories wed their way to the surface.


    Kristian went on, his voice calm but insistent. ¡°Some mistakes are irreparable, but this situation still holds a chance for redemption.¡±


    ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t!¡± Ethel interjected sharply, her voice cutting through the tense air.


    Kristian¡¯s intense gaze locked onto her, his eyes simmering with unspoken thoughts.


    Ethel, fully aware that eavesdropping was morally questionable, couldn¡¯t shake the suspicion that Kristian harbored hidden agendas.


    ¡°The past is a closed book,¡± Ethel dered firmly, her voice echoing with resolve. ¡°Ever since you abandoned my sister for what you called your ex, there¡¯s been no path back to her.¡±


    The very idea of exes disrupting present happiness grated on her nerves.


    ¡°I was mistaken,¡± Kristian admitted, his tone firm but sincere.


    Hugh¡¯s expression soured, his dislike for Kristian barely contained.


    Ethel remained silent, yet her eyes zed with contempt.


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    The room fell into an uneasy silence until Ethel, driven by a sudden impulse, queried, ¡°Do you genuinely wish to reconcile with my sister?¡± Hugh¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion at her line of questioning. What on earth was she up to?


    Kristian hadn¡¯t anticipated any support from Ethel. ¡°Yes,¡± he responded simply.


    ¡°Very well, then,¡± Ethel countered sharply. ¡°Hand over all your shares in the Shaw Group and your entire fortune to my sister.¡±


    She then added with a fierce re, ¡°And while you¡¯re at it, try to piece together a shattered mirror or gather up water that¡¯s been spilled. If you can manage those feats, then perhaps I¡¯ll consider letting you chase after her.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s mouth fell open slightly as he countered, ¡°Why does everything have to be about putting things back the way they were?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you trying to remarry my sister?¡± Ethel fired back, her brows knitting in confusion.


    ¡°Yes, I am,¡± Kristian replied, striving for rity. ¡°But when I say I want to marry her again, I¡¯m not talking about picking up where we left off. We¡¯re not dredging up our old life together; we¡¯re setting the stage for something entirely new. We can¡¯t relive the past. That part of our lives is gone. But the future¡­ we can build something new from it.¡±


    Ethel was momentarily lost for words, struck by his cunning.


    ¡°You¡¯re just a smooth talker,¡± she noted, her toneced with skepticism.


    Kristian remained silent, his eyes locking onto Hugh¡¯s. Hugh¡¯s approval was critical; with it, Kristian could gradually mend things with Freya. Without it, a rough roady ahead.


    Hugh remained silent.


    A heavy silence settled over the room, thick with unspoken tension as the three of them sat in a wordless standoff. Time seemed to stretch into an endless moment until Kristian finally shattered the silence, his voice directed firmly at Hugh. ¡°I promise to treat her well.¡±


    Full chapters on g???????¦Í?????c????


    Hugh remained stoically silent, his thoughts swirling. Why hadn¡¯t Freya shown up yet?


    The idea of agreeing to Kristian¡¯s proposition was ludicrous, especially considering how close Hugh hade to physically confronting him over Freya¡¯s heartache. And yet, here Kristian was, boldly seeking his blessing once again.


    ¡°Mr. Briggs,¡± Kristian ventured once more, breaking the strained silence.


    ¡°Do you suffer from a short memory?¡± Freya¡¯s sharp voice sliced through the tension as she strode in, still dressed in her business attire, her presencemanding. ¡°Hadn¡¯t he already rejected your request?¡±


    Freya¡¯s arrival immediately caught the attention of the three people in the room.


    Hugh¡¯s tension eased when he saw her, though worry lingered in his heart. He was unsure if she still had feelings for Kristian. If that were the case, Kristian¡¯s actions might have hurt her deeply, intensifying her distress.


    ¡°Mina!¡± Ethel¡¯s gaze locked onto her.


    Freya approached and yfully tousled her hair. She then turned to face Kristian with measured, pointed words. ¡°The door is that way. No rush on your way out.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not finished yet. How can I just leave?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice remained steady, but his eyes were fixed on Freya as soon as he spotted her in her professional office attire. In that instant, he could only think that she perfectly embodied the role of a leader in the corporate world.


    Freya asserted right from the beginning, ¡°There¡¯s nothing more to talk about. When we got divorced, I told you a proper ex should stay out of my life.¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯m not just any ex-husband,¡± Kristian retorted casually, his gaze unwavering.


    Freya was momentarily at a loss for words. How could he be so audacious?


    Kristian overlooked her scornful look and turned to Hugh and Ethel. ¡°Mr. Briggs, I need a moment alone with Freya. Would you mind giving us some room?¡±


    Hugh instinctively looked Freya¡¯s way. If Freya was okay with him leaving, he would step out. If she wanted him to stay, he would remain.


    ¡°You both can go downstairs and have some rest. I¡¯ll join you after I¡¯ve spoken with him,¡± Freya finally resolved, intending to speak privately with Kristian.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Ethel hesitated, a little worried.


    With a calm expression, Freya reassured her. ¡°It¡¯s okay. Go on.¡±


    Ethel, alwayspliant with Freya¡¯s wishes, reluctantly left, casting several backward nces. Hugh followed suit, though reluctantly. He had hoped to stay, believing his presence might deter Kristian from overstepping.


    However, respecting Freya¡¯s request, he left.


    Then, only Freya and Kristian remained in the room.


    Freya stood defiant. ¡°What do you really want?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get remarried.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s out of the question.¡±


    ¡°You can set any conditions,¡± Kristian said, his thin lips barely moving, just like when they divorced. ¡°But you don¡¯t have a say in this.¡±


    Freya listened to him as he spoke confidently. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kristian affirmed with conviction.


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    His demeanor and steady gaze suggested he was certain he could win her over again.


    ¡°Kristian, take a good look at yourself in the mirror,¡± Freya said, her voice softening unexpectedly. ¡°Do you see what I see? Someone stubborn and self-righteous, who thinks the entire world revolves around him.¡±


    She was baffled, unable to understand why he was so certain she would agree to remarry him.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m none of those things,¡± Kristian responded coolly, seemingly unfazed by her critique.


    Freya had no desire to continue the conversation.


    Seeing her silence, Kristian stood up, his long legs entuated by the tailored lines of his suit pants.


    He approached her slowly, his presence increasingly imposing.


    Freya instinctively frowned.


    ¡°What happened before was my fault. I¡¯vee to genuinely apologize,¡± Kristian added softly. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°And so?¡± Freya asked, her stance unyielding.


    She doubted that a mere apology could mend the fractures of their past.


    Kristian broke the silence. ¡°Unblock me.¡±


    ¡°Kristian.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Are you actually aware of your wrongdoing, or are you just curious about me?¡± Freya pierced through his facade, her gaze steady and clear. ¡°Is it because of who I am, my hacking skills, or¡­ the card found at Felipe¡¯s house?¡±


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    She remembered the affection Kristian once showed her. Although it was never very deep, it was deeper than what she was seeing now. His eyes now held no warmth, only underlying motives.


    With her directness, Kristian dropped his pretense. Recently, Gerard had learned about Freya¡¯s ordeal at the hotel and her subsequent assault. But the investigation into the mastermind hit a dead end. The suspect was a stranger to Freya, someone with no ties to her, and despite the proof, Kristian found it hard to ept that this individual was the culprit.


    Kristian sat back down and delved into the heart of the matter. ¡°Are there aspects of your life I¡¯m unaware of?¡±


    ¡°How is that your business?¡± Freya responded, her voice cold.


    ¡°Apparently, there are.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t reply. She was clueless about his thoughts or his ns, and frankly, she didn¡¯t care.


    ¡°Let¡¯s team up and pretend to get back together,¡± Kristian proposed. ¡°We can work together to uncover who¡¯s behind the assault and who set you up at the hotel.¡±


    Freya refused. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    ¡°Freya!¡±


    ¡°If I weren¡¯t associated with you, none of this would have happened.¡± That simple sentence made Kristian catch onto the key information.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I was first attacked andter set up at a hotel. Ashley was involved in a car ident and vited at a hotel,¡± Freya spelled out explicitly for the first time. ¡°All these events suggest one thing.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


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    ¡°All these actions were orchestrated by the same person, who did them to remove any barriers preventing her from getting close to you. The person is infatuated with you,¡± Freya exined.


    She was utterly repulsed by such acts and was too tired to deal with them. Rather than entangle herself in such drama, she preferred to focus on earning more money and getting adequate sleep.


    Kristian was taken aback. He instinctively protested, ¡°Impossible.¡± In his life, other than Freya and Ashley, he rarely interacted with women. His circle of friends was predominantly male.


    Seeing his staunch denial, Freya realized that he hadn¡¯t changed; he was still dismissive of her opinions.


    ¡°I¡¯ve said everything that needs to be said. I don¡¯t want to see you again,¡± Freya stated firmly. She truly wanted to cut all ties with him. ¡°And I hope you¡¯ll leave me alone.¡±


    ¡°First, unblock me,¡± Kristian persisted.


    Exhausted from the back-and-forth, Freya pulled out her phone, unblocked his number, and said calmly, ¡°Done.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Kristian immediately tested it. He could send her messages and call her again.


    Though he had achieved what he wanted, the sight of her detached and indifferent demeanor weighed heavily on his heart.


    ¡°Can you leave now?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°Did you do all this just to make me leave?¡± Kristian¡¯s emotions surged, his earlierposure disappearing.


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 Chapter 354

    ?Chapter 354:


    Freya didn¡¯t hold back. ¡°What else? Did you really think I had forgiven you and we were going to get back together?¡±


    Kristian surged to his feet, his frustration erupting like a dormant volcano. He did exactly what Liam had told him to, but Freya still refused to change her mind.


    Freya trailed after him in silence.


    Downstairs, Hugh and Ethel sat tensely, their nerves strung tight with anticipation. Both were on edge, fearing that the situation upstairs might spiral into a heated argument¡ªor worse, an outright confrontation. Seconds stretched into minutes as they waited, the quiet around them growing heavier.


    Then, atst, the sound of footsteps echoed down the stairs.


    Hugh and Ethel snapped their heads up, their eyes wide. The cold aura enveloping Kristian was palpable, even more biting than before. It was clear¡ªwhatever conversation had happened upstairs hadn¡¯t gone well.


    ¡°Mr. Briggs,¡± Kristian said abruptly, stopping in the middle of the living room.


    Hugh turned his head on instinct, ready to answer, but then paused. He quickly recalled Freya¡¯s hostile stance toward Kristian and decided to y it safe¡ªhe acted like he hadn¡¯t heard a thing.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes narrowed, perceptive enough to see right through Hugh¡¯s facade.


    Unperturbed, he continued, his voice steady and deliberate, ¡°I¡¯ve just arrived in Alerith today and haven¡¯t found a ce to stay. Would it be too much trouble to ask if I could stay here for the night?¡±


    All three of them stared in disbelief,pletely thrown off by Kristian¡¯s bold request.


    ¡°Mina and She are young women; it¡¯s simply improper to have a man in the house overnight,¡± Hugh finally blurted out, his voice shaking slightly with anger. ¡°I must insist you look elsewhere.¡±


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    Kristian simply gave a small nod. ¡°Alright then,¡± he said calmly.


    Without another word, he turned to leave.


    Before his divorce, he had never delved into Freya¡¯s family or her connections, never stepping foot in Hugh¡¯s home.


    Now, despite their separation, he felt a strange pull to bridge the gap he had ignored for so long.


    Hugh stood by the doorway, frowning as he watched Kristian disappear into the night. That was it? He left that easily? Was he really thatpliant?


    Snapping back to the present, he caught the intense gazes of Freya and Ethel fixed on him.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Hugh stammered, his voiceced with bewilderment.


    ¡°You should never engage with him,¡± Ethel dered, her lips curling into a pout as sheunched into her grievances against Kristian. ¡°He¡¯s too maniptive!¡±


    Freya, who had been eyeing the neatly stacked gifts with a discernible scowl, chimed in, ¡°Have someone return these immediately.¡± Without hesitation, Hugh set about making the necessary arrangements.


    However, Kristian seemed to have foreseen their n. No sooner had he climbed into the car than he instructed Gerard to drive off, effectively thwarting their attempt to return the gifts.


    A pang of guilt washed over Hugh as he gazed at the unimed presents. ¡°What should we do with these now?¡±


    Freya¡¯s response was as serene as the quiet before a storm. ¡°Once he¡¯s settled in Alerith, we can send them to his new ce,¡± she suggested crisply. ¡°If he dares to show up here again, keep the doors shut.¡±


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 Chapter 355

    ?Chapter 355:


    ¡°Alright,¡± Hugh said with a quiet nod, his voice steady.


    Freya returned the nod and turned to head upstairs.


    ¡°Mina!¡± Hugh¡¯s voice cracked the air, causing her to halt.


    Freya stopped mid-step, ncing over her shoulder with aposed tone. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Do you¡­ still have feelings for him?¡± Hugh asked carefully, searching her expression. He wasn¡¯t trying to pry¡ªhe just didn¡¯t want her getting hurt all over again. ¡°What do you actually feel about him now?¡±


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t have feelings for him,¡± Freya responded without hesitation, her tone clear and unwavering.


    In those six months, whatever tenderness she¡¯d once felt had slowly faded away. She was certain now¡ªthere was nothing left in her heart for Kristian.


    As Freya¡¯s figure receded into the distance, Hugh¡¯s worry deepened. He turned to Ethel, seeking confirmation. ¡°Do you think she genuinely dislikes him, or is she just hiding it?¡±


    ¡°Perhaps guarding her heart against more pain?¡± Hugh¡¯s concern deepened, but Ethel¡¯s confidence remained unwavering.


    ¡°She really doesn¡¯t like him,¡± Ethel replied with certainty.


    ¡°Why do you say that?¡± Hugh pressed, seeking deeper insight into his daughter¡¯s feelings.


    ¡°Because she¡¯s my sister,¡± Ethel answered without hesitation, her voice full of the pure, earnest honesty only someone young and untainted could possess.


    Freya had always been refreshingly blunt. If she liked someone, she¡¯d say it without hesitation; if she didn¡¯t, she wouldn¡¯t pretend otherwise. Pretending or ying games had never been her style.


    ¡°What if Kristian shows up again?¡± Hugh asked, anxiety tightening his brow. ¡°He¡¯s not the type to just walk away. You know he doesn¡¯t give up easily.¡±


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    ¡°He still believes Freya¡¯s single, and that gives him a reason to keep chasing,¡± Ethel said, her expression sincere. ¡°As long as there¡¯s even a slight chance, he¡¯ll keep trying. But if he finds out she¡¯s already with someone else, he¡¯ll back off on his own.¡±


    Hugh¡¯s worry deepened, his thoughts consumed with concern for Freya. ¡°But¡­ I don¡¯t think she¡¯s even thinking about rtionships right now,¡± he said, frowning slightly.


    Her first marriage, her first love¡ªthose scars ran too deep to ignore. After such heartbreak, it made sense that she wouldn¡¯t be eager to date again, let alone think about marriage.


    Ethel, however, was already several steps ahead. Her eyes gleamed with inspiration. ¡°Who says they have to actually be together?¡± she said, excitement bubbling in her tone. ¡°Isn¡¯t Trent pretty close with her? They could just fake it.¡±


    Hugh¡¯s eyes suddenly lit up, a spark of realization flickering in them. Why hadn¡¯t that urred to him?


    Unbeknownst to him, Freya was also considering the same idea. Given Kristian¡¯s persistent nature, once he showed up, it was only a matter of time before he returned. Locked doors wouldn¡¯t stop him¡ªhe¡¯d find some other way to get inside, one way or another.


    She hated having her peace disrupted like this, but dodging him altogether felt like a lost cause. All she ever wanted was a quiet, uneventful life, far from chaos and confrontation.


    With that thought weighing on her mind, she picked up her phone and dialed a number.


    At the same time, inside Kristian¡¯s car, Gerard stole nces through the rearview mirror, his voice cautious as he inquired, ¡°Sir, how did things go with Ms. Briggs¡¯s father?¡±


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 Chapter 356

    ?Chapter 356:


    ¡°Cancel Liam¡¯s ck card,¡± Kristian responded curtly, his tone final, leaving no room for questions.


    Gerard hesitated, piecing together the oue. It didn¡¯t go well, huh? Composing himself, he replied, ¡°Understood.¡±


    Kristian, his fingers absently brushing against his phone, contemted Freya¡¯s recent decision to remove him from her cklist. His thoughts were interrupted when hemanded, ¡°Go visit the Price family.¡±


    ¡°The Price family?¡± Gerard echoed, his surprise evident in his tone.


    Kristian nodded, a solemn hush falling over him as the car hummed beneath them. Gerard didn¡¯t press him for answers and simply kept driving.


    The second heid eyes on Frederick, he instantly understood what Kristian had in mind. Frederick had never imagined he¡¯d bump into Kristian during one of his rare trips back home. Fate certainly had a wicked sense of humor.


    As Kristian and Gerard stepped into the Price family¡¯s residence, the warmth of Frederick¡¯s father¡¯s greeting enveloped them, his smile broad and infectious. The moment he found out Kristian hade all this way just to see Frederick, he wasted no time nudging his son, reminding him¡ªagain and again¡ªto be gracious and respectful.


    Despite agreeing outwardly, Frederick¡¯s casual shrug hinted at his internal dismissal of the advice.


    Settled into the plushfort of the living room, the two men delved into conversation. Frederick, donned in a crisp white sweatshirt that entuated his youthful exuberance, masked his inner nerves with a veneer of casualness.


    He ventured first, his voice tinged with a forced lightness, ¡°Mr. Shaw, to what do I owe the pleasure of your visit today?¡±


    Kristian, leaning forward, his demeanormanding the room despite his role as a guest, didn¡¯t waste a moment. ¡°How much do you actually know about Freya?¡± His tone was direct, almost piercing.


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    Frederick stiffened, his casual facade crumbling slightly.


    ¡°Not much,¡± he admitted, a bit too hastily. ¡°You might want to talk to Trent about her. He¡¯s closer to her than I am.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes narrowed thoughtfully. ¡°Since neither of us knows much, why don¡¯t we explore this together?¡± His suggestion, smooth and coaxing, wasced with an earnestness that was hard to ignore. ¡°As her friend, isn¡¯t it a failure on your part not to know even the basics about her?¡±


    Caught off guard, Frederick¡¯s mind raced.


    ¡°Could you rify that a bit more? I honestly have no idea what you¡¯re saying right now.¡± Frederick spoke up, his forehead creased, clearly not understanding.


    Kristian, caught off-guard, hesitated, the words seeming to stick in his throat.


    Gerard disguised his chuckle with a forced cough, trying not to let it slip. He silently offered an apology, feeling a twinge of guilt. He hadn¡¯t meant tough¡ªit just burst out before he could stop it.


    Breaking the tense silence, Kristian¡¯s voice cut through the air, each syble deliberate and heavy with intent. ¡°I need to know everything about Freya. Name your price,¡± he dered, dropping any facade of casual inquiry.


    Frederick¡¯s eyes widened momentarily in realization, then narrowed as he leaned in slightly, a mix of intrigue and disbelief coloring his tone. ¡°Are you suggesting I spy for you?¡± he inquired.


    ¡°You could certainly put it that way,¡± Kristian stated bluntly, his gaze unwavering.


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 Chapter 357

    ?Chapter 357:


    ¡°No way,¡± Frederick eximed almost instinctively, his hands spreading in a gesture of refusal. ¡°If I were to do that, it wouldn¡¯t just be Freya who¡¯d never forgive me¡ªourmon friends would see it as a betrayal as well.¡±


    His thoughts turned to Freya, her kindness and loyalty vivid in his mind. How could he betray her? He would never do that.


    ¡°If you reconsider, I¡¯m prepared to offer ten million dors,¡± Kristian dered, eyes locked on Frederick with quiet determination.


    Frederick shook his head firmly, not a trace of hesitation in his voice. ¡°This isn¡¯t about money. I¡¯m Freya¡¯s friend¡ªand friends don¡¯t sell each other out like that.¡±


    Kristian leaned in slightly, his expression unreadable. ¡°I¡¯m not asking you to betray her. I just want to understand her better.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s brows pulled together, his tone turning serious. ¡°But she doesn¡¯t want you to understand her. She doesn¡¯t even like you. To her, whatever this is¡ªit feels like you¡¯re invading her space.¡± He spoke with an unshakable earnestness, the kind that only came from someone young and fiercely loyal. ¡°Being chased around by someone you can¡¯t stand? That¡¯s not ttering¡ªit¡¯s exhausting.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes shed with a hint of frostiness, his expression hardening.


    From the sidelines, Gerard discreetly shed Frederick a supportive thumbs-up, admiring his courage. It was a rare sight to see someone push back against Kristian¡¯s intimidating presence so boldly.


    ¡°And why did you believe she can¡¯t stand me?¡± Kristian asked, his voice sharp as a de, cutting through the tense air.


    ¡°She¡¯s blocked all means of contacting her. Isn¡¯t that message clear enough?¡± Frederick¡¯s heart raced with nervousness, but his belief in Freya¡¯s support gave him the courage to carry on. ¡°Freya rarely cuts people off. If she¡¯s gone to that extent with you, it clearly means she wants nothing to do with you.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes narrowed, a storm brewing behind them. ¡°She¡¯s already unblocked me.¡±


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    Frederick paused, momentarily thrown off.


    After a brief moment to gather his thoughts, he responded with calcted indifference, ¡°That simply means you¡¯re now insignificant to her. She doesn¡¯t care enough to even bother blocking you anymore.¡± That one sentence hit Kristian like a sucker punch straight to the chest. He remembered Freya¡¯s face as she unblocked him, her expression devoid of emotion, her voice icy as she dered it done. That cold, detached demeanor seemed to signal she was severing ties, wanting nothing more to do with him.


    ¡°Fifty million dors,¡± Kristian stated, raising the offer without hesitation.


    Frederick¡¯s response was steady, betraying no hint of temptation. ¡°I¡¯ve already said¡ªit¡¯s not about the money.¡±


    ¡°One hundred million,¡± Kristian countered swiftly, his voice firm.


    ¡°I can¡¯t betray Freya,¡± Frederick reiterated, his loyalty unwavering.


    ¡°One billion,¡± Kristian said, his tone now bordering on desperation.


    Frederick wasn¡¯t swayed by the astronomical sum; instead, he viewed Kristian¡¯s escting offers as a child¡¯s tantrum in a man¡¯s suit.


    He stood up, his posture rigid, signaling the end of the discussion. ¡°Whether it¡¯s one billion, ten billion, or a hundred billion, my loyalty to Freya isn¡¯t for sale.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain?¡± Kristian pressed, his eyebrow arching.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Frederick affirmed, resolute.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll just have to tell Freya it was you who slipped me her home address,¡± Kristian said evenly, still seated, his gaze piercing. ¡°How do you think she¡¯ll react?¡±


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 Chapter 358

    ?Chapter 358:


    Frederick¡¯s resolve faltered at those words.


    In that moment, he was no longer the cheerful, carefreepanion always seen by Freya¡¯s side. A shadow of seriousness fell over his youthful features, marking a sudden, striking maturity.


    He locked eyes with Kristian, his voiceced with conviction. ¡°Freya¡¯s not going to do anything. She knows exactly the kind of man I am. Even if something does happen, she¡¯ll believe in me¡ªbecause we¡¯re friends.¡±


    The seven of them had never wavered in their faith in one another. Their bond ran deep, built on years of unwavering loyalty and trust. They teased,ughed, and messed around, but when it really mattered, they had each other¡¯s backs without question.


    Frederick interjected, his tone earnest, ¡°If your affection for Freya is genuine, you should honor her wishes.¡±


    He regarded Kristian critically, seeing him as somewhat foolish in matters of the heart. ¡°If you can¡¯t manage that, then at least stop dragging her into your mess and causing her pain.¡±


    A cold aura enveloped Kristian, his demeanor turning frosty. He shot back, a hint of challenge in his voice. ¡°And on what grounds do you advise me so boldly?¡±


    ¡°As a friend of Freya¡¯s,¡± Frederick answered without skipping a beat.


    Kristian¡¯s expression hardened, his lips pressed into a thin line. Deep down, he knew he couldn¡¯t just walk away from Freya¡ªnot until he resolved the turmoil of his own emotions.


    Noticing Kristian¡¯s resolve, Frederick pressed on, ¡°I¡¯m aware of the strains between you and Freya. How can you profess to care for her if youck trust in her?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s chest tightened as the words sank in, igniting a flicker of unease he didn¡¯t show on his face.


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    ¡°Tell me, if Freya were in a room with your family and tragedy struck, wouldn¡¯t you harbor suspicions?¡±


    Frederick responded immediately, his voice firm, ¡°No. I know exactly the kind of person Freya is¡ªI trust her with my life.¡±


    With the air thick between them, the conversation drew to a close. Kristian offered Frederick a deep, unreadable look, then stood and exited without another word, leaving the weight of their exchange hanging in the air.


    As Frederick watched Kristian stride through the door, he exhaled deeply, feeling the mmy sweat soaking his back. The intensity that Kristian exuded was just too overwhelming for him. His heart had raced wildly, his nerves jangling with fear. Kristian was not just intimidating¡ªhe was downright terrifying.


    Seeking some semnce of sce, Frederick quickly tapped out a message in the chat group. ¡°Freya, I think you owe me something for calming my nerves. I was practically petrified by Kristian just now!¡±


    Meanwhile, Freya was anxiously awaiting a call from Melvin. Earlier, when she had tried reaching him, he was swamped and had merely texted her to wait. Upon seeing Frederick¡¯s message, her curiosity piqued, and she queried, ¡°What did he want from you, exactly?¡±


    Fred¡¯s reply came swiftly, tinged with a mix of jest and seriousness. ¡°He wanted me to spy on you, to feed him information. He even dangled a billion as bait, but I turned it down, for your sake, of course. Don¡¯t you think you owe me a littlepensation? Maybe just a small token, say, half a billion?¡±


    Freya raised an eyebrow and asked with a teasing edge in her voice, ¡°Are you really sure that¡¯s what you want?¡±


    Realizing he might have overstepped, Fred backpedaled quickly, assuring her he was merely joking. After all, Freya was someone he held in high regard, someone he truly respected. He knew well enough that any attempt to extort money from her would surely backfire.


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 Chapter 359

    ?Chapter 359:


    Freya had been poised to say more, to shield him from Kristian¡¯s deceptions, when Melvin¡¯s call interrupted. With a swift swipe, she answered the phone.


    Melvin¡¯s voice, warm and reassuring, floated through. ¡°Ms. Briggs, how can I assist you today?¡±


    ¡°Do you have a girlfriend?¡± Freya inquired, cutting to the chase.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Someone you¡¯re interested in?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°What about a fianc¨¦e or anything simr?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    With each negative, Freya¡¯s tension eased slightly.


    Before she could delve deeper, Melvin¡¯s voice, tinged with amusement, broke in. ¡°Are you by any chance trying to y Cupid?¡±


    ¡°Nah,¡± Freya replied, her eyes flitting nervously. She found herself noting how surprisingly attractive Melvin was. ¡°Actually, I need a favor. Could you do something for me?¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°I want you to pretend to be my boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Freya blinked in surprise, momentarily thrown off. She hadn¡¯t expected him to agree so easily, without even asking why. Even someone asposed as she usually was found herself taken aback by his instant agreement¡ªit was too smooth, almost suspiciously so.


    ¡°So, when do we kick this off?¡± Melvin¡¯s voice was smooth, almost yful.


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    ¡°In a couple of days,¡± Freya replied after a brief pause. She figured jumping into it immediately would feel too calcted. ¡°And stop calling me Ms. Briggs while we¡¯re at it. That alone could blow our cover.¡±


    When Freya finished speaking, Melvin fell silent for a beat, then said, ¡°Give me ten minutes.¡±


    Though unsure of what he had in mind, Freya agreed with a nod in her voice. ¡°Alright.¡± The call ended.


    Left in the quiet, Freya mulled over how to navigate the situation. If Kristian had stayed in Jeucwell, she wouldn¡¯t have batted an eye at any of this. But now that he was in Alerith, nting roots and even setting foot in her home earlier today, she couldn¡¯t help but consider how best to respond.


    She loathed disorder. She cherished her peace and truly had no desire to entangle herself with Kristian any further.


    As her thoughts wandered, ten minutes quickly slipped by.


    A message from Melvin came through¡ªan image and a voice note. ¡°Here¡¯s the n I put together. Take a look.¡±


    Freya tapped the image open. The contents left her momentarily stunned.


    ¡°We¡¯re just pretending¡­ Do we really have to go into such detail?¡± she replied in a voice message, her toneced with disbelief.


    The image was a screenshot of a document. Itid out, step by step, how Melvin intended to court her¡ªevery move choreographed, from the first message to the moment she¡¯d supposedly fall for him. If she didn¡¯t know better, she¡¯d have thought it genuine.


    ¡°You want me to act like your girlfriend to make Kristian Shaw back off, right?¡± Melvin stated matter-of-factly.


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 Chapter 360

    ?Chapter 360:


    Freya admitted, ¡°Yes.¡± She saw no point in hiding it from her trusted assistant.


    ¡°He is pretty shrewd. If we don¡¯t follow the n to the letter, he¡¯ll sniff out the truth,¡± Melvin said thoughtfully. ¡°I¡¯ll set up a dinner for us tomorrow¡ªand I¡¯ll make sure he sees us.¡±


    Freya blinked, surprised. He¡¯d see them?


    ¡°How exactly do you n on making that happen?¡±


    ¡°Gerard¡ªKristian¡¯s assistant¡ªis a friend of mine,¡± Melvin exined, his voice steady. ¡°If Gerard knows, then so will Kristian.¡±


    Melvin had Gerard all figured out. He was ready to y every card in his hand.


    Freya paused, marveling at how small the world could feel at times.


    After hanging up, she nced through the n once more. A thought struck her¡ªwasn¡¯t it a bit of a waste having Melvin work as her assistant? With such a mind, he ought to be running his ownpany.


    Meanwhile, Melvin wasted no time. No sooner had he ended the call with Freya than he rang up Gerard. The performance had to be airtight. One crack, and everything could crumble.


    ¡°You¡¯re pursuing someone?¡± Gerard nearly choked on his own disbelief. ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    ¡°Dead serious,¡± Melvin replied,ying the groundwork for the ruse. ¡°I¡¯ve had a crush on her for a long time, but back when she was married, I never dared speak my heart.¡±


    Gerard¡¯s pulse quickened. ¡°And now?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s divorced,¡± Melvin said inly.


    In that moment, Gerard¡¯s mind leapt¡ªhe instinctively thought of Freya. Just to be sure, he asked, ¡°What was your rtionship like before?¡±


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    ¡°She was my superior,¡± Melvin responded, subtly changing the narrative. He had intended to say she was his boss, but remembering that his connection to Anita International Group was still under wraps, he chose his words more carefully. After all, he still held a position at Briggs Group. So technically, it wasn¡¯t a lie.


    Gerard rxed, then leaned into the conversation, eagerly offering all kinds of romantic advice. By the end of the call, curiosity got the better of him. ¡°I¡¯ll prep some flowers for you to give her at dinner tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯d be great,¡± Melvin agreed without skipping a beat.


    To support his dear friend, Gerard even requested a day off from Kristian.


    The following afternoon, once work wrapped up, Freya followed the script and went on the nned date with Melvin. She arrived at the restaurant he had reserved, and he guided her inside. The ce was cozy and bathed in a soft glow¡ªideal for a romantic dinner. The setting whispered charm and warmth, enough to put anyone at ease.


    As they ate, Melvin looked across the table and said, ¡°Gerard will be stopping byter.¡±


    Freya looked up, startled. ¡°Why¡¯s heing?¡± she asked, baffled.


    ¡°To bring flowers,¡± Melvin replied matter-of-factly.


    Right on cue, Gerard walked in with a bouquet in hand. From his angle, he could only see Melvin¡¯s face¡ªnot Freya¡¯s. Though the flowers could¡¯ve easily been delivered ahead of time, Gerard dyed just enough to catch a glimpse of the woman who had supposedly captured Melvin¡¯s heart.


    He spotted a woman in elegant business attire across from Melvin and couldn¡¯t help but smirk. So Melvin had a thing for sessful businesswomen? That was new. Gerard hadn¡¯t seen that oneing.


    Straightening his tie, he approached with the bouquet, offering it to Melvin with a grin. ¡°Mr. Melvin Swain, here are your¡­ flowers.¡± He nearly bit his tongue finishing thatst word.


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 Chapter 361

    ?Chapter 361:


    Because he saw Freya¡¯s face.


    And just like that, Gerard froze¡ªmind gone nk. He almost let out a curse. It was Freya! How on earth could it be her?


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, what are you¡­ doing here?¡± Gerard¡¯s thoughts scattered like dry leaves in the wind.


    Freya raised an eyebrow, feigning mild surprise, though her tone was as calm as a stillke. ¡°Mel invited me to dinner. Do you know him?¡±


    Gerard stood there in stunned silence. Mel? She called Melvin by his nickname? She hadn¡¯t even called Kristian that way before.


    ¡°We¡¯ve been friends since we were kids,¡± Gerard replied, his thoughts in chaos, desperately trying to make sense of the situation.


    Freya simply nodded. ¡°I see.¡±


    Gerard felt a wave of panic rising. He looked at Freya, who resumed eating as though nothing had happened, then turned to Melvin and said, ¡°I need to talk to you. Come with me.¡±


    ¡°Later,¡± Melvin declined immediately. ¡°I¡¯m having dinner with Freya.¡±


    Gerard¡¯s breathing hitched.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Go on,¡± Freya said calmly, her tone collected. ¡°Gerard probably needs to discuss something important.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Melvin agreed.


    He followed Gerard out into the hallway, ncing back once, his concern for Freya unmistakable. ¡°Make it quick. Freya¡¯s waiting.¡±


    ¡°Call it off,¡± Gerard said sharply.


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    ¡°What?¡± Melvin replied, confusion evident.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you to back away from Ms. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s right,¡± Melvin said casually, as if struck by a passing thought. ¡°Did you two know each other?¡± He maintained a steady tone, not a flicker of unease crossing his face.


    Gerard, his voice firm with intention, said, ¡°You¡¯ll have to answer me first.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t just fishing for details¡ªhe was hoping Melvin would walk away from this mess before it spiraled. Kristian wasn¡¯t the type to y nice when crossed. ¡°Do you even know who she was married to?¡± Gerard asked, his eyes narrowing.


    ¡°Not a clue,¡± Melvin replied without missing a beat. ¡°Never thought to ask.¡±


    Gerard adjusted his sses slowly, a knowing smile ying on his lips. ¡°She was married to my boss,¡± he said. ¡°Kristian Shaw.¡±


    Melvin offered nothing more than a calm, almost indifferent, ¡°Oh. I see.¡±


    Gerard blinked, caught off guard by how little Melvin seemed to care.


    ¡°You¡¯re aware of my boss¡¯s reputation, right?¡±


    Fraught with concern, he couldn¡¯t mask the worry etching his voice. He leaned in, dropping his voice to a whisper. ¡°Listen, if he catches wind of you chasing after Ms. Briggs, trust me, he won¡¯t let you off easy.¡±


    ¡°But they¡¯re no longer together, right?¡± Melvin¡¯s response was straightforward, cutting through the caution with a hint of defiance.


    ¡°Yes, they¡¯ve split, but it¡¯s not as simple as you think,¡± Gerard replied, struggling to find the right words. He looked earnestly at Melvin, his hands gesturing helplessly. ¡°Just trust me on this one, Melvin. For the sake of your own future, it¡¯s better if you back off now.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that,¡± Melvin dered, his resolve firm.


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 Chapter 362

    ?Chapter 362:


    ¡°Melvin!¡± Gerard¡¯s voice rose sharply, a note of desperation creeping in.


    ¡°They¡¯re divorced now, which means Freya¡¯s officially back on the market,¡± Melvin said firmly, his tone steady and resolute. ¡°And since she¡¯s single, I¡¯ve got every right to go after her.¡±


    Gerard gave him a wary look. ¡°My boss wants to patch things up with her.¡±


    Melvin scoffed, eyes narrowing. ¡°And why exactly should I give a damn?¡±


    ¡°You know how he is¡ªonce he sets his mind on something, he doesn¡¯t back down,¡± Gerard noted, trying to sound calm, but his voice carried a warning edge. ¡°If you seriously go after Ms. Briggs, he¡¯s got a thousand ways to keep the two of you apart.¡±


    Melvin¡¯s jaw set stubbornly, his final words ringing with conviction. ¡°I¡¯m not backing down. If your boss has a problem with that, he cane and see me himself.¡±


    Gerard hesitated, words catching in his throat as Melvin¡¯s retreating figure blended into the shadows of the corridor. The decision loomed heavy over him.


    Melvin, stubborn to the core, was a man of unyielding conviction once his mind was made up.


    Yet, Gerard¡¯s loyalty to his boss tangled him in a knot of indecision. Trapped between the steadfastness of his friend and the authority of his boss, Gerard wrestled with his conflicting emotions.


    After going back and forth in his head a hundred times, he finally yanked out his phone and dialed Kristian¡¯s number.


    His logic was straightforward¡ªsince Melvin had no intention of backing down, the only smart move left was to give Kristian a heads-up. This way, there would be no underhanded tactics¡ªjust a fair battleground for both of them.


    Meanwhile, Kristian was still holed up in the office, workingte into the night when his phone rang. He was poring over the contract Chaz had signed, his fingers tapping the edge of the document while his brows drew tighter with each line he read. The Briggs Group hadnded a deal that was far too generous¡ªit was a stealpared to their usual contracts.


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    Kristian looked up, eyes narrowing as he locked his gaze on Chaz and Richie, both standing tensely in front of his desk. ¡°Can someone exin to me how this contract even got approved?¡± he asked, his voice low but sharp, the weight of his stare pressing on them.


    Before either of them could react, the sudden buzz of Kristian¡¯s phone sliced through the tension in the air. He nced at the screen¡ªGerard¡¯s name shed urgently. With a sense of foreboding, Kristian answered the call. He knew Gerard well enough to understand that a call at thiste hour meant trouble.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was tight.


    ¡°Bad news,¡± Gerard replied, his voice heavy with reluctance.


    Kristian¡¯s irritation simmered. The day had already been marred by a disastrous contract negotiation, and now Gerard¡¯s grave tone added to his growing frustration. ¡°Out with it,¡± he demanded sharply.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs is out on a date,¡± Gerard informed after a heavy sigh, his words slow and weighted. For a moment, Kristian was sure he¡¯d misheard. A date? The thought echoed oddly in his mind.


    Despite his disbelief, the question slipped out. ¡°With Trent Seymour?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then who?¡± Kristian pressed, his curiosity piqued despite the annoyance.


    ¡°My friend, Melvin Swain.¡± Gerard¡¯s voice trembled ever so slightly as the name slipped from his lips.


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 Chapter 363

    ?Chapter 363:


    Kristian¡¯s grip on the phone tightened, his knuckles turning white as images he¡¯d long tried to suppress came flooding back in a relentless tide. He managed to ask through gritted teeth, ¡°Where are they?¡±


    Gerard paused, the silence stretching between them. He recalled Melvin¡¯s earnest expression earlier, which made him hesitate. Finally, he asked, with a hint of caution in his voice, ¡°Why do you want to know?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s expression turned colder by the second, the frost in his eyes enough to chill the room. Seriously? Freya was his ex-wife! Why the hell wouldn¡¯t he want to know?!


    ¡°I know this might rub you the wrong way, but I think it¡¯s something we need to talk about,¡± Gerard replied, his tone earnest, believing deeply that Freya, Melvin, and even Kristian himself were inherently good people. Despite Kristian¡¯s rough edges, Gerard felt that he was just a man who hadn¡¯t yete to terms with his emotions.


    All Gerard wanted was for Freya to find real,sting happiness. Kristian¡¯s jaw tightened, the vein in his temple twitching. His patience was thinning fast. ¡°Say it.¡±


    ¡°Do you¡­ love Ms. Briggs?¡± Gerard asked, the question slipping out in a rush.


    Kristian didn¡¯t answer right away. His deep eyes gave nothing away, as if they were bottomless wells, impossible to read.


    As the silence hung heavy, Gerard pressed on. ¡°If you¡¯re unsure about your feelings for her, then perhaps it¡¯s best not to interfere with her life.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s voice was low and dangerous as he asked, ¡°What exactly are you trying to imply?¡±


    ¡°She is a wonderful person, and Melvin is serious about her.¡± Gerard always believed that happiness came before anything else. ¡°If you haven¡¯te to terms with your own emotions, you shouldn¡¯t interfere with their rtionship,¡± he advised, his tone tinged with sincerity.


    Kristian had coasted through life with ease¡ªshowered with love by his family, praised for his academic brilliance, and steadily rising in a rewarding career. He seldom encountered real struggles. In boardrooms, he was apuded; in daily life, he was envied. With his striking looks, athletic build, and enviable wealth, admiration followed him wherever he went.


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    Naturally, all that ease had molded him¡ªinto someone proud, a little too used to getting his way, and frustratingly set in his opinions. If he didn¡¯t break through these traits, even if he remarried Freya, they wouldn¡¯t find happiness together.


    ¡°Address!¡± Themand came from Kristian in a tone as icy as the winds of the harshest winters. His emotions might have been a tangled web, but his resolve was clear¡ªhe could not let Freya slip away from his life.


    In the mncholy days that followed their separation, Kristian had been lost in the echoes of their past. Each memory of Freya, no longer his, constricted his heart with a sharp pang of pain and a deep, gnawing regret. He was a man unacquainted with true affection, yet filled with remorse over their divorce. In his heart, Freya belonged to him¡ªforever and always.


    As Gerard observed Freya and Melvin quietly dining, he took a moment to gauge the time it would take for Kristian to reach them. With a reluctant sigh, tempered by a sense of inevitable resignation, he finally disclosed the address.


    Kristian mmed the phone down and stormed out of the office without uttering another word about the contract. Gerard stared at his phone, his brows furrowed and jaw tense, a storm of mixed emotions flickering across his face.


    The restaurant was quite a ways from thepany¡ªfar enough that getting there quickly was out of the question. By the time Kristian made it over, Freya and Melvin would probably be long done with dinner and on their way out. That thought brought Gerard a strange, quiet relief¡ªas if a weight had been lifted off his chest, even if just slightly.


    Sure enough, half an hourter, Freya and Melvin had polished off their meal. Melvin stepped forward and offered Freya a ride home, his keys already in hand, while Gerard lingered awkwardly in the background, quietly observing the exchange.


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 Chapter 364

    ?Chapter 364:


    Just as Freya was about to step into Melvin¡¯s car, Kristian burst onto the scene, seizing her arm and pulling her away. His voice was both stern and possessive. ¡°She¡¯s with me. No need to go out of your way.¡±


    Gerard¡¯s jaw dropped, his eyes going wide with disbelief. How the hell did he get here so fast? By his calctions, Kristian was at least twenty minutes out. There was no way he could¡¯ve made it here this quickly!


    ¡°And let me be clear¡ªFreya is mine,¡± Kristian dered, his grip tightening, his steely gaze pinning Melvin in ce. ¡°It¡¯s time you let go of whatever feelings you have for her.¡±


    ¡°Take your hand off me,¡± Freya¡¯s voice was sharp and biting, each wordced with frost.


    Kristian remained still, his fingers tightening slightly as his expression grew colder, more unreadable.


    Without loosening his grip, he shifted his gaze to Gerard and ordered tly, ¡°Gerard, take a couple of days off. Go keep your friendpany.¡±


    Gerard stood quietly, not reacting, his lips pressed into a thin line. If Kristian expected him to persuade Melvin to back down, he could have just asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have time to hang out,¡± Melvin retorted sharply, his striking features entuated by his tousled hair, giving him an air of rugged defiance. ¡°Let Freya go already. She¡¯s divorced from you¡ªshe¡¯s got nothing to do with you now.¡±


    How dare he say something like that!


    Kristian reeled, visibly thrown by Melvin¡¯s audacity.


    Yes, he and Freya were divorced¡ªbut did that strip her from his life sopletely, as if she no longer had any connection to him at all?


    ¡°Gerard.¡± Kristian¡¯s restraint snapped like a taut wire.


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    Gerard, catching the shift in the air, wasted no time. He knew better than most the extent of Freya¡¯sbat skills¡ªand her temper. Tugging at Melvin¡¯s arm, he muttered, ¡°Let them sort it out themselves. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°You should really tell Freya¡¯s ex-husband to back off,¡± Melvin said tly. ¡°She¡¯s his ex-wife now, and chasing after her like this? It¡¯s downright inappropriate.¡±


    Gerard was at a loss for words.


    Kristian¡¯s fury surged.


    Ex-husband and ex-wife?


    Those words sliced through him like knives, each one a brutal reminder of what he¡¯d lost.


    He threw Gerard a sharp look, then gripped Freya¡¯s arm with firm intent, making it clear he had no ns to argue further¡ªhe was taking her to his car.


    ¡°Let her go.¡± Melvin stepped forward, cing himself between them, his face carved from ice.


    Kristian held on, refusing to release her.


    With swift precision, Freya twisted her wrist, slipping free from his grasp like water through fingers.


    Had the setting not been so public and the onlookers fewer, she might¡¯ve taken a swing at him right then and there.


    ¡°If you leave with him tonight, I swear you¡¯ll regret it,¡± Kristian hissed, the helplessness in his voice betrayed only by the desperation in his eyes as she pulled further from his reach.


    In moments like this, Freya was the only anchor that kept him from drowning in chaos¡ªhis one, fleeting sense of peace.


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 Chapter 365

    ?Chapter 365:


    Freya raised her gaze, calm but piercing. ¡°This is Alerith.¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± Kristian shot back, his eyes glinting with something dark. The chaos of the evening had clearly unsettled him. ¡°I don¡¯t like ying tricks, but that doesn¡¯t mean I don¡¯t know how.¡±


    Her brow creased slightly.


    From what she knew of Kristian, scheming had never been his style. But there was one incident she remembered vividly¡ªsomeone had tried to undermine him, and just when she¡¯d moved to help, the tide had turned in the blink of an eye. He¡¯d said the exact same words then¡ªhe didn¡¯t like scheming, but he wasn¡¯t incapable of it.


    At that moment, he had been ice-cold.


    But it hadn¡¯tsted long before he snapped back to his usual self.


    She wasn¡¯t worried, not really.


    But Frederick did seem to cross paths with Kristian more often. If Kristian were truly provoked, things could getplicated when her guard was down.


    Fine. Onest conversation.


    ¡°Mel, you should go,¡± Freya said, her tone final. ¡°See you tomorrow.¡±


    Melvin hesitated, thrown.


    Was she really leaving with Kristian?


    Freya gave him a look¡ªa silent message that she¡¯d take care of it.


    ¡°Gerard,¡± Kristian said.


    ¡°Goodbye, sir.¡± Gerard, ever the sharp one, understood immediately and nudged Melvin toward the car.


    Melvin hesitated, ncing over his shoulder more than once, but finally got in. His mind was already working on a n.


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    Kristian radiated coldness, his stare piercing. ¡°You called him so sweetly.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your concern,¡± Freya answered coolly, sharp as ever. ¡°Weren¡¯t you offering to drive me home? Then what¡¯s the holdup?¡±


    Her words stung. Kristian¡¯s gaze grew colder.


    Why did it suddenly feel like she was treating him like some glorified driver?


    He didn¡¯t linger on the thought. He needed this time with Freya¡ªneeded to talk, to make her see reason. And above all, to convince her to remarry him.


    Lost in his thoughts, he slid into the driver¡¯s seat.


    Freya opened the back door and slipped into the rear like she owned the car.


    ¡°Sit in the front,¡± Kristian said, his patience thinning.


    She really knew how to push everyst one of his buttons.


    ¡°When I¡¯m with Mel, I always sit in the back,¡± Freya said smoothly. ¡°If that bothers you, I can always call him back.¡±


    Kristian couldn¡¯t even respond. He wanted to summon Gerard, but knowing Gerard had driven off with Melvin, he could only grind his teeth in silence. Torn between pride and frustration, he hit the gas.


    In the back, Freya nced at a message from Melvin, asking if she was okay. She replied with calm efficiency, telling him not to worry. Melvin couldn¡¯t afford to attract too much attention. If Kristian ever investigated Anita International Group, the trail would lead straight to her. She could already hear him saying it, ¡°I never expected you to hide so well¡ªeven owning Anita International Group.¡±


    Once her chat with Melvin ended, Freya looked up, eyes narrowing. They weren¡¯t heading toward her ce. ¡°Where are you taking me?¡± she asked, her voice level.


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 Chapter 366

    ?Chapter 366:


    ¡°My ce.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the middle of the night,¡± she pointed out.


    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± Kristian replied.


    Freya didn¡¯t push further. She wasn¡¯t reckless enough to leap from a moving car or start a roadside argument¡ªnot out of fear, but for sheer practicality. Life was precious. She wouldn¡¯t throw it away.


    Roughly an hourter, the car came to a stop. They had arrived at an upscale viplex. Freya quickly sent Melvin her location. If Kristian lost his mind tonight, someone needed to know where she was.


    Once parked, she trailed behind Kristian into the house. She knew his ways¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t stop until he got what he wanted. And if she slipped away tonight, he¡¯d only resurface another day. She wasn¡¯t about to let her life be haunted by his persistent shadow.


    Kristian opened the door and held it for her.


    Once she stepped inside, he locked the door behind them, pressing a button. It was a specialized lock¡ªonce sealed from the inside, it couldn¡¯t be undone without a password, not even from within.


    Freya scanned the space¡ªck, white, and gray tones dominated, cold and clinical. Then she settled on the sofa. ¡°So, what exactly did you bring me here to talk about?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with him?¡± Kristian asked.


    ¡°Friends. Boss and employee. Admirer and the one admired,¡± Freya replied smoothly. Kristian went silent. Her answer was a little too thorough.


    His insides burned, but there was nowhere to unleash the fire.


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    ¡°Do you have a crush on him?¡± he asked again.


    ¡°That¡¯s my business. I owe you no exnations,¡± Freya retorted bluntly. ¡°Why don¡¯t you start by telling me why I¡¯m even here?¡±


    Kristian stared at her, absorbing her distance, her cold tone. He knew she didn¡¯t care for him anymore¡ªbut still, he said it. ¡°I want us to get married again.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already given you my answer,¡± Freya said, unflinching. She¡¯d known this wasing.


    ¡°You can name your terms,¡± Kristian offered, eyes unwavering, emotions unreadable.


    ¡°Marriage and divorce aren¡¯t a game,¡± Freya said firmly, her voice steady. ¡°Whether it was done in haste or otherwise, you have to live with the oue.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s brow furrowed.


    ¡°Kristian,¡± Freya said his name with careful weight.


    He looked at her.


    ¡°In your world, do you truly believe that when you ask for a divorce, I have to say yes, and when you decide you want to marry me again, I¡¯m supposed to just fall in line?¡± Freya didn¡¯t flinch as she asked the question that needed asking. ¡°And if I refuse¡ªdoes that mean I¡¯m just being difficult?¡±


    The first thought that crossed Kristian¡¯s mind was to say yes. Deep down, in the quiet corners of his heart, he clung to the belief that as long as he didn¡¯t let go, Freya couldn¡¯t say it was over. But believing something and saying it aloud were two very different things. He wouldn¡¯t voice it. He knew too well that doing so would only ignite Freya¡¯s temper.


    ¡°No,¡± he said instead.


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 Chapter 367

    ?Chapter 367:


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, then quit wrecking my life.¡± Freya still held onto the hope that things could be settled without chaos. She had no desire to lock horns with Kristian. In most situations, she leaned toward reasoned choices. But Kristian, if left unchecked, had a habit of acting purely on instinct, which always ended in a sh.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you want to marry me again?¡± Kristian stared at her, his presence intense and overbearing. ¡°If it¡¯s because of Ashley, then I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Freya was momentarily at a loss for words. She raised her eyes slightly. ¡°Because we¡¯re not cut from the same cloth.¡±


    The world she was raised in held one value above all¡ªan unshakable trust among close friends, where reliance wasn¡¯t questioned. Whether it was her, Trent, Frederick, or any of the others in their circle, they were like Kristian in some ways, cautious about trusting people. But once they called someone a friend, that trust became absolute. They knew each other, believed in each other, and leaned on one another without doubt.


    ¡°What about Trent?¡± Kristian let the name slip with a biting coldness.


    Freya didn¡¯t respond. But her silence said enough¡ªTrent meant something to her. The tension thickened instantly. The air in the living room turned colder, as though a frost had settled in. Freya had no desire to speak to Kristian, and Kristian was too enraged to speak to her.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got three months to think it over.¡± He finally broke the silence, unwilling to let the deadlock drag on. ¡°If your answer hasn¡¯t changed by then, I¡¯ll find a way to make you remarry me.¡±


    ¡°Do you have to strong-arm me?¡± Freya¡¯s brow furrowed faintly. She despised being threatened.


    Kristian¡¯s answer was cutting and void of warmth. ¡°You¡¯re the one forcing me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to remarry you.¡± Freya met his aggression with calm resolve. If Kristian pushed her too far, she¡¯d return to that organization. She¡¯d rather face danger head-on than let him continue interfering in her life.


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    Kristian suddenly stood. His tall frame seemed to shrink the spacious room, and his gaze had lost all trace of restraint. Each word he uttered was deliberate. ¡°Go ahead and try.¡±


    With that, he turned and headed back to his room, leaving Freya behind in the chill of the living room.


    She briefly considered calling Kristian¡¯s family, hoping they could talk some sense into him. But after thinking it over, Kristian likely wouldn¡¯t listen to them anyway.


    After a moment of internal debate, she sent a message to Liam. Someone closer in age might be able to get through to Kristian.


    Liam received Freya¡¯s message while ying chess at home with Lionel. He stared at his phone, forgetting it was his turn to move.


    ¡°I keep telling you, none of you y like Freya does,¡± Lionel grumbled, his beard twitching with irritation. ¡°When she ys chess with me, she gives it her all¡ªnever distracted by her phone.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just checking a message from Freya,¡± Liam said with a smirk.


    Everyone in the family knew Lionel adored Freya.


    Lionel immediately perked up. ¡°Freya? Forget the chess match¡ªhe couldn¡¯t care less.¡±


    ¡°What did she say?¡±


    ¡°Kristian is messing with her life again,¡± Liam said as he typed back. ¡°She¡¯s not interested in Kristian, but he keeps being pushy. I can¡¯t tell if he¡¯s emotionally clueless or just in dumb.¡±


    If Kristian had just followed the proper steps without stirring up drama, he might¡¯ve actually left a good impression on her by now.


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 Chapter 368

    ?Chapter 368:


    Liam clicked his tongue in exasperation. Kristian was seriously blowing it.


    Lionel looked puzzled. ¡°What do you mean by pushy?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s trying to pressure her into remarrying and even locked her in his house like he owns her,¡± Liam exined,ying it out clearly. ¡°If he keeps this up, she¡¯s going to cut ties for good.¡±


    Lionel¡¯s expression darkened. He wouldn¡¯t allow it.


    ¡°Grandpa, do you want Freya back in the family?¡± Liam asked, eyes gleaming with mischief.


    Lionel shot him a look that said everything. Of course he did. He thought about it all the time.


    ¡°Then help out. Keep Kristian so busy he won¡¯t have time to mess with her,¡± Liam suggested, casually fiddling with his phone as a n started to form.


    Lionel was on board immediately. He wanted Freya back¡ªbut more than that, he wanted her to be happy.


    With Lionel¡¯s involvement, it wouldn¡¯t be long before Kristian was dragged off to visit Lionel¡¯s old friends in Alerith.


    After making his rounds, it was only a matter of time before those seasoned friends grew fond of him. And naturally, once that happened, they¡¯d start nudging him toward a few well-bred youngdies they had in mind.


    Kristian had no clue what wasing. He stayed holed up in his room for a while, where a bagy on the bed¡ªinside, a brand-new set of women¡¯s pajamas and lingerie.


    He thought about taking them out to Freya, but the image of her rejection reyed itself in his mind like a cruel echo.


    That thought alone kept him rooted to the spot.


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    Right then, a knock came at the door.


    Since it was just the two of them in the house, it was clear who it had to be.


    He walked over and opened the door, finding Freya looking calm as ever, cool andposed. His voice came out clipped and icy. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I want to go home. Open the door,¡± Freya said bluntly. She¡¯d already tried. It was locked.


    Kristian¡¯s hands curled into fists, and his voice dropped several octaves. ¡°Do you really not want to stay with me?¡±


    Freya found the question absurd. Did he really have to ask?


    ¡°No woman wants to stick around with her ex-husband after a divorce.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just trying to rile me up.¡±


    Kristian bristled at the word ¡°ex-husband.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just stating the truth,¡± Freya said suddenly, catching the flicker of anger in his eyes. She added, ¡°Are you truly serious about wanting to marry me again?¡±


    The abrupt shift in topic threw Kristian off, as if someone had frozen him mid-step. His eyes, dark and unreadable, fixed on Freya like he was trying to decode her meaning.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you answering?¡± Freya asked, pressing him.


    Though still unsure of where she was going with this, Kristian replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Alright. If you can prove yourself by passing three challenges, I¡¯ll consider the idea of remarrying you.¡± Freya had said she¡¯d consider it, not that she agreed. ¡°But until then, stay out of my life and leave my family alone.¡±


    ¡°What three challenges?¡± Kristian didn¡¯t rush to ept. After the month he¡¯d just spent trying to figure Freya out, he knew better than to leap without thinking.


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 Chapter 369

    ?Chapter 369:


    ¡°First, figure out who was behind those incidents,¡± Freya began, ticking off the challenges one by one. ¡°Second, beat me in marksmanship.¡± Kristian didn¡¯t find either of those demands particrly daunting. ¡°And the third?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t decided on that yet,¡± Freya replied, her eyes settling on him with quiet calction. ¡°Once you¡¯ve handled the first two, I¡¯ll let you know. But let me make one thing perfectly clear¡ªif you don¡¯t outdo me in both of them, don¡¯t ever bother me again.¡±


    ¡°Deal,¡± Kristian said without missing a beat.


    Freya felt a quiet wave of relief wash over her. For the first time in days, she could finally enjoy a moment of peace.


    She nced at her watch. It was already past ten. ¡°Can you open the door now so I can go home?¡± she asked, carefully enunciating each word.


    ¡°You¡¯re staying here tonight,¡± Kristian replied, his tone leaving no room for argument. ¡°You¡¯ll handle the second task first thing tomorrow morning.¡±


    He turned, grabbed a bag, and handed it to her. ¡°Here¡¯s something to change into.¡±


    Freya was at a loss for words. She wanted to refuse, but after a moment¡¯s hesitation, she figured it wasn¡¯t worth the fight.


    She took the bag from him and walked to the room he had indicated. Once inside, she locked the door, shrugged off her coat onto the bed, and picked up the pajamas before stepping into the bathroom.


    Kristian heard the soft click of the lock. For a moment, he couldn¡¯t decide whether to admire her caution or feel disheartened by how wary she still was around him.


    Meanwhile, Freya stood under the shower, letting the water run over her.


    Her mind drifted back to the conversation with Kristian earlier. Thoughts began to coalesce. She hadn¡¯t originally nned to investigate those incidents¡ªthey were petty and tedious.


    But when she viewed them through the eyes of the mastermind, she realized she couldn¡¯t just ignore them.


    Kristian¡¯s sudden reappearance in Alerith, followed by his repeated run-ins with her, was bound to attract the attention of whoever was pulling the strings from the shadows. It was only a matter of time before she was dragged into trouble again.


    It was a headache she hadn¡¯t asked for.


    Elsewhere, in a dimly lit basement across the sea, a womany sprawled on the cold concrete floor. Her hair was a mess, her face bruised and streaked with angry red welts.


    Her eyes were shut, and her body was restrained by iron chains¡ªaround her neck, wrists, and ankles.


    All around her, lifeless snakesy scattered like discarded threats. Footsteps rang out, echoing through the basement.


    The sound made the woman in white flinch uncontrobly. It was a reflex born from relentless torment¡ªa deep, primal fear triggered by that sound.


    A man stepped into view, dressed in a sharp suit, his very presence radiating menace.


    His pale skin gave him a sickly, almost unnatural look.


    ¡°Wake her up,¡± he ordered, flicking ash off his cigarette with practiced ease.


    His eyes moved to the corner where Ashleyy in chains.


    One of his men immediately sshed a bucket of ice-cold water in Ashley¡¯s face.


    The freezing jolt yanked her back to consciousness. She gasped, jerking upright as the icy water soaked through her clothes, sending shivers down her spine.


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 Chapter 370

    ?Chapter 370:


    The man took a long drag from his cigarette, then flicked it to the ground and crushed it beneath his heel. He stepped closer, his face as striking as Kristian¡¯s, yet carrying apletely different air¡ªcold, venomous, and calcting.


    ¡°Have you made up your mind?¡± he asked, crouching before her. He lifted a hand and lightly tapped her cheek.


    Ashley flinched hard, her whole body quaking with dread.


    It wasn¡¯t just his words¡ªit was the unshakable terror he inspired.


    ¡°All you have to do is take Kristian¡¯s life,¡± he said, his voice slow and deliberate. ¡°Do that, and I¡¯ll let the past stay buried. I¡¯ll even shower you with wealth¡ªeverything you¡¯ve ever craved.¡±


    Ashley only wanted him dead.


    Her fists clenched at her sides. Every inch of her body throbbed with pain¡ªa constant reminder of the hell she¡¯d been through since falling back into his grasp.


    She had failed before, and because she¡¯d begged him to spare her family, he¡¯d found new ways to make her suffer every day.


    More than once, she¡¯d wanted to end it all. But she couldn¡¯t do it. Why should she die while he went on living?


    The man seemed to savor the fury and madness in her gaze. His smile curled wider. ¡°You want me dead?¡± he asked, as though reading her mind.


    Ashley¡¯s pupils shrank in panic. A chill surged down her spine, freezing her where she sat.


    ¡°You¡¯ll never make that happen,¡± he said, hisrge hand cupping her wet, trembling face.


    His touch was warm, but to Ashley, it felt like poison.


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    ¡°You really think just because your grandma and brother are under protection, you can defy me?¡± His thumb brushed across her cheek as he spoke, his voice low and dangerous.


    Ashley didn¡¯t say a word, but her chest tightened with fear.


    ¡°They might be under guard,¡± he continued, drawing out the words,


    ¡°but if I want them gone, no one can stop me. Got it?¡±


    ¡°Why me?¡± Ashley¡¯s voice was ragged, her eyes bloodshot from exhaustion and despair.


    ¡°Because you were Kristian¡¯s first love,¡± he said, lifting her chin. He didn¡¯t care about the hatred burning in her eyes. ¡°If you go near him, he won¡¯t question it. He¡¯d never believe someone as weak and pitiful as you could kill him.¡±


    Freya would be the better choice, Ashley thought bitterly. But she couldn¡¯t say that aloud. Not after everything she had done to Freya. Even after all that, Freya had stepped in to help her. She couldn¡¯t drag her into this nightmare.


    ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± Ashley said, holding back tears. ¡°After what happenedst time, he doesn¡¯t trust me anymore.¡±


    ¡°Just do as you¡¯re told,¡± the man snapped, his tone sharp and dismissive.


    Ashley bit down on her lip, her entire body racked with pain. She looked up at him and said, ¡°Murder is still a crime in our country.¡±


    ¡°Once it¡¯s done, I¡¯ll have you brought back here,¡± he said, his voice smooth and convincing. ¡°No charges. No prison. You¡¯ll live in peace.¡±


    Ashley didn¡¯t buy a word of it.


    Murder wasn¡¯t something you could just erase.


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    And besides, she didn¡¯t have it in her.


    Last time, she¡¯d been forced to approach Kristian and try to tear his marriage apart. That alone had wrecked her conscience.


    But she¡¯d done it to protect her family. She hadn¡¯t had a choice.


    This time was different. It felt like she was sacrificing someone else¡¯s life to save her own family¡¯s. If she did it, her family would never forgive her¡ªand neither would she.


    ¡°Well?¡± the man asked, lifting an eyebrow when she stayed silent.


    Ashley¡¯s voice came out steady, even though her body trembled. ¡°I won¡¯t do it.¡±


    ¡°Is that right?¡± He didn¡¯t sound angry¡ªjust amused. ¡°Then maybe I¡¯ll pay your brother and grandmother a visit. I wonder how they¡¯ll feel, knowing you yed the mistress and tore another family apart.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you dare!¡± Ashley hissed.


    ¡°Up to you,¡± the man said, straightening to his full height.


    As he walked away, he added over his shoulder, ¡°Three days. That¡¯s all you get. Obey, or stick to your conscience.¡±


    And with that, he left her there¡ªshackled, shattered, and once again swallowed by the suffocating shadows of that basement.


    The next morning dawned over Alerith.


    Freya had already washed and dried the clothes she¡¯d worn the day before.


    Freshly dressed and ready to go, she sat in the living room, waiting for Kristian.


    Half an hourter, the two of them shared breakfast and then headed out together.


    Their destination was a legitimate gun club nestled in the heart of the city, one that required both a membership and a referral letter for entry.


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    Kristian had, of course, already taken care of all the formalities.


    It took them an hour to reach the club.


    Kristian, well-acquainted with the manager, was greeted with a warm, familiar smile. ¡°It¡¯s been quite some time since west crossed paths, Kristian.¡±


    ¡°It has been a while,¡± Kristian replied, falling naturally into conversation.


    ¡°And who might this be?¡± the manager asked, his eyes drifting curiously toward Freya.


    Kristian¡¯s expression shifted, his eyes dimming slightly as he began,


    ¡°Just a friend.¡±


    ¡°Freya Biggs,¡± Freya cut in, introducing herself with aposed smile.


    Something in her gut told her that if she didn¡¯t interrupt, Kristian would¡¯ve said something she wasn¡¯t ready to hear.


    Kristian nced her way; that had indeed been his intention¡ªto introduce her as his wife.


    ¡°This way, please,¡± the manager said with a knowing glint in his eyes before gesturing them forward. ¡°A professional will be along shortly to teach you how to shoot. Follow me.¡±


    They walked in silence down the corridor that led to the shooting range.


    Freya and Kristian were each assigned their own professional instructor.


    The manager, Mack Russell, happened to be Damon Russell¡¯s cousin. Observing Freya¡¯s focused demeanor, he leaned toward Kristian and muttered,


    ¡°You and Ms. Briggs¡ªthere¡¯s no way you¡¯re just friends, is there?¡±


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    ?Chapter 372:


    Kristian rarely had femalepanions, which made Mack all the more intrigued.


    ¡°Indeed, we¡¯re not just friends,¡± Kristian admitted, already familiar with every corner of the shooting range from past visits. Mack¡¯s eyebrows lifted with interest. ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s my ex-wife,¡± Kristian said eventually, weighing Freya¡¯s reaction and deciding not to say ¡°wife.¡±


    Mack was visibly startled.


    With wide eyes, he asked, ¡°When did you get married? How did I not know? Does Damon know?¡±


    ¡°He does,¡± Kristian replied coolly.


    ¡°That¡¯s too much! So he gets a heads-up, but not me?¡± Mack grumbled, feeling somewhat slighted. ¡°You didn¡¯t even invite me to the wedding.¡±


    Even more shocking was the fact that Kristian¡¯s marriage had never made it into the news.


    ¡°There was no wedding ceremony,¡± Kristian said, pausing mid-motion as he held the gun, a storm of mixed feelings flickering across his face. He didn¡¯t borate, and once the instructor wrapped up his briefing, Kristian turned his attention to Freya, who had just finished hers as well.


    Not wanting to pry further into their past, Mack changed the subject. ¡°Just here for some fun today?¡± he asked.


    ¡°No, we¡¯re here topete,¡± Kristian said, his eyes already locked on a target fifty meters away.


    Mack¡¯s lips twitched with amusement. Kristian always did have a mischievous streak.


    Leaving him to his game, Mack strolled over to Freya and chatted with her. ¡°Let me give you a hand. Kristian¡¯s been practicing since he was a kid, and the club¡¯s shooting record? It¡¯s his.¡±


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    ¡°That¡¯s alright,¡± Freya replied, her tone steady and unfazed.


    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want a little help?¡± Mack asked, a protective instinct kicking in.


    Freya seemed too graceful, too delicate, to be thrown into a shooting match with someone like Kristian.


    But Freya knew her way around a firearm. As soon as the gun was in her hands, the old familiarity washed over her. ¡°No, but thank you,¡± she said politely.


    Seeing her calm refusal, Mack didn¡¯t press the issue.


    Aside from the two professionals observing, Mack himself was curious to see how thisposed young woman would handle losing.


    ¡°Five bullets, highest total rings wins,¡± Freya said to Kristian.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristian agreed.


    He took a textbook shooting stance, focusing intently on the fifty-meter target.


    Five sharp cracks echoed through the range.


    Each shot hit dead center. Fifty rings.


    The result came as no surprise to the club regrs or to Mack, who had seen Kristian pull this off more times than he could count.


    The training and safety briefings were merely formalities for someone like him.


    Kristian handed his gun back to a staff member, then turned to watch Freya.


    Mack, too, had his eyes on her.


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    ?Chapter 373:


    He expected at least a flicker of nerves¡ªfifty rings was no small feat. But Freya looked calm. Unbothered. As if what she¡¯d just seen meant nothing.


    She raised her gun and pulled the trigger.


    Bam! The shot sliced clean through the air,nding straight in the bull¡¯s-eye.


    The staff member beside her dropped his stoic mask, blurting, ¡°Holy¡­ Ten rings.¡±


    Was she really new to this?


    Mack and Kristian were equally stunned.


    Mack had assumed she might have natural talent, but hitting a bull¡¯s-eye on her first shot?


    Kristian, meanwhile, was quietly reevaluating everything he thought he knew about her¡ªfirst the cards, now this. Just how many secrets did Freya keep tucked away?


    Before the shock wore off, Freya fired four more shots¡ªeach one dead center.


    ¡°Is this really your first time?¡± the staff member asked, clearly impressed.


    At fifty meters,nding ten rings was child¡¯s y for him¡ªevery pro at the club could pull it off without breaking a sweat.


    But wasn¡¯t this young woman supposed to be a total novice?


    ¡°I¡¯ve shot before,¡± Freya answered, cool and collected. ¡°But it¡¯s been a while.¡±


    ¡°Kristian, looks like your ex-wife¡¯s got quite the skill set,¡± Mack joked, thoroughly impressed. ¡°Beating her might not be so easy.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, instinctively rejecting the term ¡°ex-wife.¡±


    Freya nced toward the outdoor range and then back at him, proposing, ¡°How about three hundred meters straight, one shot to settle it?¡±


    Mack blinked in shock.


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    Kristian, too, appeared momentarily caught off guard.


    Seeing his silence, Mack turned to Freya. He genuinely feared for her. Three hundred meters was no joke¡ªnowhere near the same as fifty.


    ¡°Maybe start with a hundred meters? Three hundred¡¯s quite the jump,¡± Mack offered gently. ¡°If you¡¯re not used to that range, it¡¯s easy to miss altogether.¡±


    He was trying to be realistic.


    At a hundred meters, Freya might stand a chance.


    If Kristian made even the tiniest error, she could take the win.


    ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary. Three hundred meters,¡± Freya said firmly, her voice even, her gaze steady as it settled on Kristian, waiting.


    ¡°Why are you so stubborn?¡± Mack asked, the hope in his eyes unmistakable. ¡°Just trust me on this¡ªstart with a hundred meters first.¡±


    Freya said nothing. Her gaze, unwavering and sharp, was fixed on Kristian. She was waiting¡ªfor him to speak, to decide.


    If he chose a hundred meters, she¡¯d match him step for step. But if he insisted on three hundred, she wouldn¡¯t back down.


    ¡°Shooting at three hundred meters is a different beast altogetherpared to fifty,¡± Kristian finally said after a thoughtful pause. ¡°Are you sure you want to jump straight into a three-hundred-meter shootout with me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± Freya replied, steady as ever.


    ¡°Alright then.¡± Kristian nodded in agreement.


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    ?Chapter 374:


    Mack sighed, patting Kristian on the shoulder. ¡°Come on, can¡¯t you go easy on her?¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t bother with a retort as he calmly picked up the gun once more.


    He needed to win thispetition.


    ¡°You shoot first,¡± he offered, not wanting Freya to feel pressured.


    ¡°No need for that,¡± Freya declined. She wanted this match to be as fair as possible. ¡°Let¡¯s stick to the original order.¡±


    Her words caused Mack, Kristian, and the staff members to pause and study her. How could someone stay soposed under this kind of pressure?


    Kristian didn¡¯t argue. Instead, he focused entirely on the target. His expression was more serious now than it had ever been before. Even if he believed Freya couldn¡¯t possibly hit a target 300 meters away, he couldn¡¯t afford to underestimate her.


    He had no room for error¡ªnot today.


    Watching Kristian¡¯s concentration, Mack grew even more curious. What was really going on between him and Freya? Why was this turning into such a high-stakes match?


    Bam!


    The gun roared, echoing through the range as the bullet tore through the air toward the distant target.


    Mack raised his binocrs and squinted, then stiffened when he caught sight of the impact. A perfect bull¡¯s-eye.


    When Kristian normally practiced at the club, his 300-meter shots hovered between nine and ten rings.


    But this time, he¡¯d nailed the center with surgical precision. Was the heat ofpetition really pushing him this far?


    Kristian returned the gun and looked at Freya, waiting for her reaction. Freya didn¡¯t so much as nce at him. Calm as ever, she lifted her weapon and took aim.


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    A shot rang out.


    Mack snapped the binocrs back to his eyes, more curious about Freya now than Kristian. After all, hitting all tens at fifty meters wasn¡¯t something many first-timers pulled off here.


    And yet, the moment he caught sight of the target, he froze.


    He lowered the binocrs, rubbed his eyes, then raised them again¡ªbut the result hadn¡¯t changed: another bull¡¯s-eye.


    At that moment, he was dumbfounded. How could those two both hit the bull¡¯s-eye? And shoot it from three hundred meters away with a practically outdated rifle? ¡°No way!¡±


    ¡°Who is she? Is she really that good?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t even get close to a bull¡¯s-eye at three hundred¡­¡±


    A ripple of murmurs broke out among the staff members nearby. All eyes shifted to Freya with admiration.


    Kristian paused. He took the binocrs from Mack and looked for himself. When the bull¡¯s-eye came into view, his mind went nk for a moment.


    He had pushed himself to the limit tond that perfect shot, and yet Freya had matched him¡ªeffortlessly, it seemed.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs,¡± Mack said, his tone different now¡ªless yful, more sincere. ¡°Have you ever considered joining the military? My dad could pull some strings, get you a rmendation letter.¡±


    Before Freya could answer, Kristian grabbed Mack by the cor and tugged him back. ¡°She¡¯s not interested. Drop it.¡±


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    ¡°But she¡¯s got rare talent¡ª¡±


    ¡°One more word and I¡¯ll have Damon haul you off for a little¡­ correction.¡±


    Mack fell silent instantly. He gave Kristian a sidelong nce. How could he always throw Damon in his face?


    Freya remained still.


    She wasn¡¯t born with the gift. Her skill came from relentless practice¡ªthousands of rounds, hours upon hours at the range.


    Kristian¡¯s gaze darkened. Pulling Mack aside, his eyes settled on Freya like a storm waiting to break. ¡°When did you get this good?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not obliged to answer that,¡± Freya replied bluntly.


    The more guarded she was, the more intrigued he became. Her eyes flicked to the target. ¡°It¡¯s a draw. So let¡¯s up the ante.¡±


    Kristian blinked in surprise.


    Mack leaned in, eager to hear what came next.


    ¡°What about shooting in the rain? Or fog?¡± Freya suggested without a shred of hesitation.


    Kristian¡¯s brows drew together in a frown.


    Under ideal conditions, he could aim and hit with confidence. However, when wind, rain, or low visibility came into y, the situation changed drastically, and he couldn¡¯t guarantee sess.


    Freya, on the other hand, lookedpletely sure of herself.


    If he epted and lost, he¡¯d have no right to chase after her again. No excuses. No future.


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    With a heavy breath, he said, ¡°Let¡¯s leave it for another day. We¡¯ve done enough for now.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t press. He had the right to call it off.


    With no more reason to linger, she turned to go. She¡¯d already spent half the day away from her work.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading out,¡± she said, returning the equipment. Before leaving, she nced back at Kristian. ¡°I hope you haven¡¯t forgotten your promise.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line.


    Of course, he hadn¡¯t. She was reminding him not toe knocking until hepleted the first two challenges.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you a ride,¡± he offered, his voice as cool as ever. ¡°You won¡¯t find a cab easily out here.¡±


    ¡°Leaving already?¡± Mack tried to stop them, his eyes lighting up. ¡°Come on, since you¡¯re here, let¡¯s share a meal. It¡¯s tradition¡ªany first-timer who hits a bull¡¯s-eye at 300 meters gets a free lunch.¡±


    The staff members nearby looked at him, baffled. Since when was that a thing?


    Mack turned to them. ¡°Isn¡¯t that right, fes?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely!¡±


    ¡°No doubt about it.¡±


    ¡°Please, both of you.¡±


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 Chapter 376

    ?Chapter 376:


    They chimed in enthusiastically, making it up as they went along. Freya knew they were bluffing, but with so many eyes on her, declining outright would be awkward.


    Besides, Mack¡¯s family had stood tall for a century in Alerith. The family patriarch had served in the military. One of his sons took to business, and the other joined the military.


    Mack¡¯s father was the soldier.


    The one Kristian had name-dropped¡ªthe businessman¡¯s son.


    To avoid giving Melvin cause for concern, Freya shot him a quick message with the location.


    Half an hourter, Mack had everything ready.


    The table was overflowing with food, and he even uncorked a fine bottle of wine. His goal was simple¡ªget Kristian drunk and pry something out of him.


    ¡°Freya, is it alright if I call you by your first name?¡± Mack asked sincerely.


    He really liked Freya. In his eyes, she had a great personality, a sharp look, and skills that would put most shooters to shame. He had always admired women like that.


    Kristian¡¯s gaze was icy as he flicked a cool nce in Mack¡¯s direction.


    Mack was really annoying today.


    Mack acted oblivious, still waiting for Freya to answer.


    Freya gave a grunt in agreement.


    Kristian frowned. How could she be nice to everybody but him?


    ¡°Just heard from Kristian that you two are divorced. Any truth to that?¡± Mack¡¯s tone was light.


    Freya replied in a t voice, ¡°Yes.¡±


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    ¡°So you¡¯re single now?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You know, I¡¯m not exactly hard on the eyes¡­¡±


    Before he could finish, Kristian¡¯s voice sliced through the room like a de of ice. ¡°Mack!¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± Mack said with a loaded smile.


    He¡¯d figured it out. Kristian wasn¡¯t ready to let Freya go. Maybe the whole contest had been about whether they¡¯d split or stick it out.


    Mack chuckled to himself.


    Hedled soup into Freya¡¯s bowl and tossed a teasing jab at Kristian. ¡°What¡¯s the rush? I only wanted to be friends with Freya. Are you nervous I¡¯ll try to be more than that?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s gaze sharpened like a drawn knife. Had he let things slide too far, giving Mack this much rope?


    ¡°So was your little match about getting back together?¡± Mack leaned close, whispering, ¡°If you win, you stay together? If you lose, you let her go?¡±


    Kristian felt the words catch in his throat. He shot Mack a warning re. ¡°Say one more thing, and I¡¯ll throw you out.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright. Lips sealed,¡± Mack said, looking all too pleased with himself. ¡°Freya, this dish is amazing. Try some more.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Freya¡¯s expression stayed cool and aloof.


    Just then, someone burst through the door, breathless, speaking fast.


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    ¡°Mack. Mack, your father¡¯s here.¡±


    Mack was visibly startled. He jumped up. ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s already on his way in,¡± the person said urgently.


    ¡°Go stall him. Tell him I¡¯m in training,¡± Mack said, quickly formting a n. ¡°I¡¯ll meet him in the reception room in five minutes.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Suddenly, amanding voice rang out, sharp and unmistakable. ¡°Why don¡¯t you show me how training works in a restaurant?¡± Mack froze, stunned. How had his father gotten there so fast?


    He straightened immediately and greeted the man entering.


    The man wore a military uniform with effortless authority. Though in his forties, he barely looked thirty.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you on leave for something important? And this is where you end up?¡± Brady Russell, Mack¡¯s father, was every bit the sternmander. ¡°Get back to training now. Skip your duties, and you¡¯ll be confined.¡±


    ¡°Hold on, Dad,¡± Mack said, visibly shrinking under his father¡¯s gaze. ¡°I took leave because Kristian was visiting the range. It¡¯s not often he drops by, and I wanted to see if he¡¯s still got it.¡±


    Hearing his name, Kristian stood and approached, greeting respectfully, ¡°Good day, Mr. Russell.¡± Brady gave a slight nod.


    He held Kristian in high regard, and his temper cooled.


    Mack exhaled in relief, sensing he¡¯d avoided a proper dressing-down. ¡°I¡¯ll head back to training after we eat. I won¡¯t ck, promise.¡± His father fixed him with a look heavy with authority and expectation but said nothing more.


    Mack understood that as approval.


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    ¡°By the way, Dad,¡± he added, suddenly thinking of Freya, his smile brightening, ¡°let me introduce someone incredible! Freya just faced off with Kristian in a 300-meter match and nailed the bull¡¯s-eye in one shot. Totally impressive!¡±


    Mack beamed like he¡¯d discovered gold.


    Brady followed his gaze¡ªand froze for a moment when he saw Freya¡¯s face, a flicker of something passing through his expression. Freya met his eyes.


    They exchanged no words, but their looks carried unspoken thoughts.


    ¡°Already thinking of recruiting her?¡± Mack teased, knowing his father too well.


    Brady stepped toward Freya. ¡°What¡¯s your name?¡±


    ¡°Freya Briggs,¡± she answered.


    Brady grasped it instantly and spoke in his usual formal tone. ¡°Could we talk privately? There¡¯s something I¡¯d like to discuss.¡±


    ¡°Sure. Please,¡± Freya said politely, her voiceposed.


    They walked off together.


    Mack pped a hand on Kristian¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Think your ex-wife¡¯ll give in to my dad?¡±


    ¡°Does he know her?¡± Kristian asked suddenly.


    Mack blinked in surprise.


    He stared at Kristian, puzzled. ¡°How could it be possible? Didn¡¯t you hear him ask her name just now?¡±


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    ?Chapter 378:


    ¡°The way he looked at her didn¡¯t feel like a stranger¡¯s gaze,¡± Kristian said, his eyes thoughtful, the gears turning. ¡°More like someone seeing a face from the past.¡±


    ¡°You good?¡± Mack looked genuinely confused by Kristian¡¯s words. His dad had looked at Freya the same way he looked at any rising talent.


    Was Kristian seriously worried about Freya being recruited?


    Kristian kept his thoughts to himself. He¡¯d ask moreter.


    Half an hour passed, and Brady returned.


    Mack nced behind him and, seeing no sign of Freya, asked, ¡°Where¡¯s Freya?¡±


    ¡°Her assistant came and picked her up,¡± Brady replied, his tone strict as ever. ¡°Once you¡¯ve eaten, back to training. No more idling around.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± Mack didn¡¯t dare argue.


    His father was just about to leave when Kristian, now in a crisp suit and perfectly polite, stepped forward. He looked at Brady and asked, ¡°Mr. Russell, have you met Freya before?¡±


    Brady was a man of high rank. If he knew Freya, it meant there was more to her than met the eye.


    But as he thought it over, Kristian frowned. Freya didn¡¯t seem old enough to match that theory.


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Brady answered, his voice low and steady. ¡°She just reminds me a great deal of her mother, whom I once knew well.¡±


    That one sentence put Kristian¡¯s doubts to rest.


    Brady left the club not long after.


    Thinking back to Freya¡¯s clever parting excuse, Kristian couldn¡¯t help but smile, impressed by her quick thinking¡ªand feeling a pang of regret. If he¡¯d known her and recited her before that man did, maybe things would¡¯ve yed out differently.


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    While Brady mulled it over, Freya was already gone, whisked away in Melvin¡¯s car.


    Melvin flicked his eyes to the rearview mirror, catching the silence radiating from Freya like a heavy fog. ¡°Is something troubling you?¡± he asked, his voice calm but curious.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya murmured, easing back into her seat and pinching the bridge of her nose. ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend to be my boyfriend anymore. I cleared things up with Kristianst night.¡±


    ¡°All right,¡± Melvin responded without hesitation, epting her words with ease.


    Feeling drained, Freya let her eyes drift shut, hoping for a moment¡¯s peace.


    Seeing Brady again had stirred long-buried memories.


    She was never officially enlisted in the military¡ªjust an ordinary civilian who could be summoned when needed, then allowed to return to a life that looked normal from the outside. It had been ages since she¡¯dst gone on a mission.


    As the car continued on, Melvin couldn¡¯t shake the sense that something was off about her today. Instead of heading to the office, he quietly redirected the car toward her home, where Hugh and Ethel lived.


    Freya said little.


    Once they arrived, she went upstairs without a word and went straight to bed.


    Today, it was only her and Hugh at home; Ethel had returned to campus for sses.


    After passing thepany¡¯s reins to n, Hugh spent most of his time at home, asionally sneaking away to visit someone who clearly meant a great deal to him.


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 Chapter 379

    ?Chapter 379:


    ¡°Mina,¡± he called out, summoning the nerve just as she reached the stairs.


    Ethel had once suggested that if he wanted to rebuild his rtionship with Freya, he had to speak more often.


    Freya paused, hand resting on the banister, and nced down. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Can we sit down and talk?¡± Hugh asked, cautiously, his face tinged with unease. ¡°It¡¯s been ages since we just talked or even watched TV together.¡±


    Those words gave Freya pause.


    Images of a younger Hugh sitting beside her during her childhood, trying to cook despite his utterck of skill, surfaced in her mind. Despite the resentment simmering in her heart, she came back downstairs.


    He had let her mother down, but he had still been a decent father. Seeing here down, Hugh breathed a quiet sigh of relief, feeling that maybe¡ªjust maybe¡ªEthel¡¯s advice had merit.


    ¡°There¡¯s something I want to get your opinion on,¡± he said with a nervous twitch, pressing his lips together. ¡°Should we formally announce your identity? If you¡¯re okay with it, I could host a banquet and announce it then.¡±


    He didn¡¯t want to risk what Vivien had hinted at ever happening again. His daughter deserved better than whispers behind her back.


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to make a big show of it, but no need to keep it under wraps either,¡± Freya replied. ¡°Let it unfold naturally.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Hugh nodded, a shadow of disappointment flickering across his face.


    He still wanted the world to know he had two brilliant daughters. As they chatted about other things, a thought urred to Hugh¡ªsomething he had long meant to say. But the words snagged in his throat, tangled in hesitation.


    Freya noticed immediately. ¡°Is there something else?¡±


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    ¡°There is,¡± Hugh admitted.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Hugh faltered, his voice hitching.


    He couldn¡¯t bring himself to speak it aloud, worried it might tear apart the fragile bridge they had only just started to rebuild.


    But this matter had already lingered too long.


    Watching his struggle, Freya pieced it together and said bluntly, ¡°Are you nning to register your marriage with Vivien¡¯s mother?¡± Hugh froze. How had she figured it out? Who had told her?


    ¡°How¡ªHow did you know?¡± he asked, stunned.


    ¡°You always stammer when it¡¯s about her,¡± Freya said, holding back her emotions. Then, to Hugh¡¯s shock, she added, ¡°Pick a time. I¡¯ll meet her.¡±


    Hugh was taken aback, his eyes wide, momentarily too stunned to react.


    ¡°You really want to meet her?¡± he asked, his voice shaking ever so slightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not blessing your rtionship, and I haven¡¯t forgiven you,¡± Freya said tly. ¡°I just don¡¯t¡­¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t want the family to fall into disarray. Hugh marrying that woman felt inevitable. She couldn¡¯t stop it, and doing so wouldn¡¯t change anything. What she could do was meet her face-to-face.


    Ethel insisted Cheryl was a kind soul, but Freya remained unconvinced. If Cheryl truly had good intentions, she would have walked away after what happened, not stayed tethered to Hugh for over two years.


    ¡°All right!¡± Hugh agreed quickly, his eyes misting over.


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    But Freya had misunderstood one thing.


    To Hugh, Freya and Ethel meant everything. If either of them refused to ept Cheryl, he wouldn¡¯t go through with the marriage¡ªeven if it seemed unfair to Cheryl.


    More importantly, from the very beginning, he had made it clear to Cheryl that he might never marry her.


    Seeing how emotional he became, Freya felt a twinge of conflict. She wondered if herte mother would me her for this decision¡ªor if it would have broken her heart to see Hugh in this state.


    But thinking it through, her mother probably wouldn¡¯t. She had always been the kind of woman who treated Hugh gently, with quiet patience and unwavering kindness.


    She was soft-hearted to the core.


    ¡°Let me know what day works for you, and I¡¯ll arrange the meeting,¡± Hugh said, fumbling slightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not avable on the 15th or 16th,¡± Freya replied, her tone unreadable. ¡°Any other day is fine.¡±


    ¡°How about the 10th?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Freya said, and with that, Hugh felt one burden lift off his shoulders.


    After Freya returned upstairs to rest, Hugh called Cheryl to let her know about the meeting with Freya on the 10th.


    Cheryl agreed.


    Once everything was in motion, Hugh also messaged Ethel.


    His n was to take both Ethel and Freya together, and if all went well, he¡¯d consider setting a date to officially register the marriage. Meanwhile, Cheryl lived in a duplex apartment Hugh had bought, with Vivien residing there as well.


    Overhearing the call, Vivien¡¯s face twisted with frustration, her cheeks puffed out like a child denied her way. ¡°Why can¡¯t I go? Aren¡¯t I your daughter too?¡±


    ¡°He still minds what you did before,¡± Cheryl said coolly. She was elegant and poised, the kind of woman Ethel once described as genuinely kind. ¡°I told you not to upset him.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know Freya Briggs was his daughter,¡± Vivien argued, feeling wronged. She had always behaved her best around Hugh, and he had genuinely liked her. But because of Freya, everything had fallen apart. Vivien seethed with resentment.


    ¡°You were in the wrong back then, so stop acting like the victim,¡± Cheryl replied, her tone calm but unyielding.


    Vivien¡¯s face was clouded with frustration, but she couldn¡¯t deny the truth that gnawed at her¡ªshe was indeed at fault.


    Still, the mere thought of losing all the fruits of her hard work because of Freya sent ripples of unease through her mind.


    After a long, hesitant pause, she finally broke the silence, her voiceced with uncertainty. ¡°Do you think Mr. Briggs will ept me again after this?¡±


    Cheryl studied her for a moment, her gaze sharp but silent.


    She knew exactly what kind of man Hugh was. Given the mess Vivien had made of things before, it was unlikely he would so easily offer her forgiveness.


    ¡°You should first get a handle on your behavior,¡± Cheryl advised after a heavy silence. ¡°One wrong move, and it could alle crashing down. I hope you understand that.¡±


    Vivien swallowed her frustration, the words stinging but necessary. Days passed in a blur, with Freya bncing her work between Briggs Group and Anita International Group.


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    While Melvin had taken over most of the workload, Freya, as the owner of Anita International, still had matters that required her personal touch.


    As for Kristian, after theirst encounter at the shooting club, he seemed to vanish into thin air, as if honoring his vow not to disturb Freya until he had surpassed her in shooting. Time marched on, and before long, the 10th arrived.


    It was a Saturday.


    Ethel, Freya, and Hugh were all present. As they kept an eye on the time, Hugh led his daughters to the restaurant he had reserved for the asion.


    Despite his calm exterior, Hugh was still feeling that gnawing anxiety. After a few moments of indecision, he said, ¡°If you¡¯re not feeling up to it, just let me know. We can always reschedule.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Freya answered with a quiet, assured calm.


    Her words should have put him at ease, but they didn¡¯t. The nervous energy still hung in the air, and he couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that she might be displeased by somethingter.


    Nevertheless, he genuinely hoped for her support.


    Since his wife Anita¡¯s passing, the house had be eerily silent, a void of warmth and joy.


    At exactly ten-thirty, Hugh¡¯s group arrived at the restaurant, greeted by a waiter who led them to a private room.


    Cheryl was already there, having arrived early in an effort to make a good impression on Freya.


    As the door to the private room swung open, Freya¡¯s gaze immediatelynded on the woman inside.


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    It had been over two years since she¡¯dst seen Cheryl with such rity.


    ¡°Mina, She,e sit here,¡± Hugh said warmly. ¡°Let me introduce you. This is Cheryl Newman. This is Mina¡­¡±


    He continued the introductions smoothly, but Freya interrupted with a quiet correction, ¡°Not Mina. I¡¯m Freya Briggs.¡±


    That simple statement made Hugh realize, instantly, that Freya didn¡¯t want others calling her by her nickname.


    He reintroduced them using their full names, and Cheryl, always poised, smiled warmly at them. Soon, it was time for the meal to begin.


    Throughout dinner, Cheryl was careful, her actionsden with subtle hints of trying to win Freya¡¯s favor.


    Both Hugh and Ethel noticed this, exchanging a quiet nce that spoke volumes. It was clear¡ªCheryl was seeking Freya¡¯s approval.


    ¡°Freya, try this. It¡¯s delicious,¡± Cheryl offered with a gentle smile, her tone almost pleading for connection.


    Freya, everposed, politely refused, ¡°Thank you. I can help myself.¡± The words, though polite, sent a ripple of awkward silence through the room.


    While nothing was overtly wrong with Freya¡¯s response, everyone could sense the distance between her and Cheryl.


    By the end of the meal, no one had truly enjoyed their food¡ªnot even Freya, who wasn¡¯t usually difficult when it came to eating.


    As the meal wound down, the conversation reached a critical juncture. Hugh, sitting next to Cheryl, felt the weight of the moment. He nced between Freya and Ethel before asking, ¡°About my marriage n with Cheryl, do you¡­¡±


    ¡°I have no objections,¡± Ethel replied casually, her tone light.


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    Over the past two years, she had seen Cheryl¡¯s kindness firsthand. In her eyes, Cheryl was patient, gentle, and even cooked meals that reminded her of their mother.


    If Hugh was happy, Ethel was at peace with it.


    After receiving Ethel¡¯s blessing, Hugh turned to Freya, his expression uncertain. ¡°Mina, what about you?¡±


    Freya¡¯s tone shifted, bing formal and distant. ¡°I have a question for Ms. Newman.¡±


    Cheryl¡¯s face remained serene, her expression never wavering. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Did you know my mom?¡± Freya¡¯s clear, piercing gaze met Cheryl¡¯s without hesitation.


    Hugh froze, caught off guard, while Ethel blinked in confusion. Cheryl, unfazed, shook her head softly. ¡°I didn¡¯t know her, but I¡¯ve heard of her.¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes flickered with something unreadable, but it was quickly masked.


    Ethel leaned in and whispered, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Freya answered calmly, her usualposure returning. The room¡¯s atmosphere shifted, the air growing thick and oppressive, as though the very walls were closing in.


    ¡°So¡­ about the marriage n?¡± Hugh asked again, his voice tinged with uncertainty.


    He was anxious, his nervousness evident. Freya¡¯s expression made it clear she was not pleased.


    ¡°I disagree,¡± she said, her gaze unwavering as she locked eyes with Hugh. ¡°But if you¡¯re determined to go through with it, I won¡¯t stand in your way.¡± She then nced at Cheryl.


    Cheryl¡¯s smile faltered, the light in her eyes dimming ever so slightly, but she masked it with a smile, reassuring Hugh, ¡°It¡¯s okay, whether we get married or not, it¡¯s the same. Let¡¯s not make things difficult for the children.¡±


    Hugh felt his heart sink.


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    After a long pause, he finally spoke, his voice soft but searching. ¡°Can I ask why?¡±


    Freya¡¯s reply was blunt, a departure from her usual decorum. ¡°No reason. I simply dislike her. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Ethel, hearing her sister¡¯s words, felt a sudden jolt of rm inside her. Freya had never been one to target someone so openly. Even when she disliked someone,


    She usually remained distant and indifferent. This abrupt shift signaled that Cheryl had crossed some invisible line that Freya had drawn¡ªa line no one dared breach.


    ¡°Mina¡­¡± Hugh¡¯s voice faltered slightly, a frown tugging at his features. His displeasure was faint but unmistakable.


    This was unexpected. He knew Freya wouldn¡¯t act out without cause. She wasn¡¯t one to be unreasonable. But now, with her candid words, she had ced him in a difficult position.


    After all, Cheryl was his current partner.


    Freya, sensing the subtle change in his demeanor, didn¡¯t linger. ¡°I have something to take care of, so I¡¯ll leave first. Enjoy your conversation,¡± she said, her tone measured. Ethel, quick to follow her sister¡¯s lead, excused herself as well. ¡°I have something to deal with, too!¡±


    Left alone in the private room were only Hugh and Cheryl, the silence between them thick and heavy.


    Cheryl felt a quiet stab of disappointment, but she swiftly masked it, forcing a smile and carrying on with feigned ease. ¡°Thedies have left. Shall we go?¡±


    Hugh¡¯s expression was aplex blend of emotions. He hesitated, his gaze lingering on Cheryl. ¡°Cheryl¡­¡±


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    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± she replied softly, her voice a balm of understanding. ¡°If my dad had introduced someone new to our family when I was younger, I wouldn¡¯t have been able to handle it either. I understand.¡±


    Hugh¡¯s guilt gnawed at him more and more as Cheryl kept being so considerate.


    There was no way he could disregard Freya¡¯s opinion and marry Cheryl. If he did, his rtionship with Freya might never recover. All he could do was wait and see how it yed out.


    After stepping out of the private room, Freya made her way straight toward the restaurant¡¯s exit.


    Ethel dashed after her in an instant, her eyes glinting with that usual sparkle. ¡°Hold up! Why are you speeding off like that? I can barely keep up!¡± Catching up to her, Ethel blurted out the words in one go. Freya threw a nce over her shoulder, not spotting Hugh or Cheryl, and asked, ¡°Why did youe out?¡±


    ¡°Because I¡¯m your trusty sidekick,¡± Ethel replied with a mischievous grin, her hair done up in two braids with wispy bangs that made her look adorably cheeky.


    Freya reached out and gave Ethel¡¯s hair a gentle tousle.


    The two of them strolled out of the restaurant side by side.


    Instead of heading straight home, they wandered into a nearby shopping mall.


    At first, Ethel chatted away about silly little things, but before long, she circled back to what really mattered. ¡°Oh right, Freya¡ªwhat did you mean back there in the private room? Did you figure something out?¡± Hugh wouldn¡¯t be the right one to ask something like this, and even if he did, Freya probably wouldn¡¯t answer. But Ethel? She was perfect for it. She was Freya¡¯s closest confidante, after all.


    ¡°Has Cheryl always dressed the way she did today?¡± Freya asked as they walked, her eyes casually scanning the disys.


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    ¡°Not really. She only started dressing like that about a year ago,¡± Ethel said after thinking for a moment. Then she tilted her head. ¡°Why? Is something wrong?¡±


    Freya hesitated while picking out a scarf for Ethel. ¡°Don¡¯t you think her style reminds you of someone?¡±


    ¡°Reminds me of someone?¡± Ethel repeated, rubbing her chin and mentally flipping through everyone she knew.


    And then, she froze.


    Her eyes grew wide, and slowly, she lifted her gaze. ¡°You mean¡­ Mom?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Freya nodded, keeping the conversation going. ¡°Her clothes, her jewelry, even her¡­¡±


    ¡°Makeup¡ªit¡¯s all eerily simr to Mom¡¯s.¡±


    ¡°Now that you mention it, I do remember something,¡± Ethel murmured, her brows drawing together.


    Freya turned toward her, attentive. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°The first time I met her, the way she spoke to me¡ªit was just like how Mom used to. Her tone, her mannerisms, everything,¡± Ethel said, her unease deepening with each word. ¡°At the time, I was upset that Dad had brought someone home so quickly, but Cheryl was always so kind to me, I didn¡¯t feel like I couldin.¡±


    Thinking back now, she realized that maybe Cheryl had been putting on a show from the start¡ªtrying to lower her guard.


    Ethel suddenly felt naive. ¡°Do you think she¡¯s been mimicking Mom on purpose just to win over Dad?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Freya admitted with a shake of her head.


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    Whether Cheryl was doing it intentionally, or Hugh was the one picking out clothes and essories to match her mom¡¯s style¡ªFreya couldn¡¯t say for sure.


    Either way, it made her feel sick.


    Ethel was still lost in her thoughts when her eyesnded on two familiar figures ahead, and she came to a sudden stop.


    Wasn¡¯t that Freya¡¯s ex? Why on earth was he out shopping with another woman?


    ¡°Freya, let¡¯s head over there,¡± Ethel said quickly, tugging on Freya¡¯s arm. She didn¡¯t want Kristian getting the chance to speak to her sister again.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing interesting here.¡±


    Freya watched her sister scurry ahead, confused for a moment. Just as she was trying to figure out what was going on, a clear, slightly surprised voice rang out, calling her name. ¡°Freya?¡±


    Ethel let out a quiet curse under her breath.


    Freya blinked in confusion.


    Both of them halted in ce.


    Freya turned toward the sound and spotted Kristian first, dressed in a sharp suit and carrying his usual cold, distant air. Then her eyesnded on the elegant young woman beside him¡ªNorah.


    If it hadn¡¯t been for Norah¡¯s call that time, Freya wouldn¡¯t have known Felipe had taken Farrah to the hospital.


    Ethel, watching the scene unfold, leaned in to whisper to her sister,


    ¡°Freya, do you know her?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, we¡¯ve met,¡± Freya said tly, her tone void of warmth.


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    ¡°I wasn¡¯t expecting to see you here,¡± Norah walked up to them. ¡°How¡¯s Farrah doing these days?¡±


    Freya gave a small nod. ¡°She¡¯s doing well.¡±


    ¡°d to hear it.¡±


    They exchanged a few polite words.


    Ethel, who wasn¡¯t exactly great at hiding her thoughts, kept ncing between Kristian and Norah, genuinely intrigued about how those two had ended up together.


    She knew Norah was Damon¡¯s younger sister¡ªthe president of the Russell Group.


    But had Kristian really moved on already?


    ¡°Don¡¯t get the wrong idea. My grandpa asked Kristian to go shopping with me,¡± Norah exined with a gentle air, keeping things rxed. Then she turned to Kristian and added, ¡°I¡¯ll continue shopping with Freya. You don¡¯t have to stay with me.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Kristian replied, his gaze fixed on Freya from the moment he saw her. His voice was calm. ¡°I¡¯ve got time.¡±


    Norah felt a flicker of awkwardness but she understood¡ªKristian¡¯s heart still belonged to Freya.


    As she mulled it over, her eyes drifted toward Kristian, and she said, ¡°Would you mind waiting here a minute? I need to use the restroom.¡±


    Kristian answered simply, ¡°Alright.¡±


    And with that, Norah disappeared down the corridor.


    ¡°Out shopping with your sister?¡± Kristian asked casually.


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    Freya shot back dryly, ¡°No.¡±


    And that was that.


    She had no interest in lingering near Kristian, so she told Ethel, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Okay!¡±


    Ethel never argued when it came to her sister.


    Kristian frowned ever so slightly, torn on whether to follow. But then he remembered Norah¡¯s grandfather had entrusted him with apanying her, so he hesitated. Just then, a message pinged in.


    Norah had texted, ¡°I¡¯ve made ns with my friends. You can apany Freya instead.¡±


    Reading the message, Kristian didn¡¯t waste another second. He turned and headed in the same direction Freya had gone. He didn¡¯t know what exactly drove him¡ªonly that if he let her walk away again without doing something, he¡¯d feel hollow inside.


    Over the past few days, he¡¯d been paying visits to Lionel¡¯s old friends, as Lionel had requested. He wasn¡¯t sure what Lionel had told them, but every visit ended with someone trying to set him up with their granddaughter.


    Norah¡¯s grandpa was no exception.


    Ethel happened to nce back and spotted Kristian following them. She leaned toward Freya and whispered, ¡°Freya, your ex is tailing us.¡±


    ¡°Ignore him.¡± Freya was as indifferent as always when it came to Kristian. ¡°Where else do you want to go? Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Upstairs,¡± Ethel replied.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Without so much as a nce, the two of them carried on, leaving Kristian behind.


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    When they reached one of the stores, Ethel headed inside to try on some clothes. The sales assistant, noticing Kristian standing outside, hesitated for a moment before nervously asking Freya, ¡°Excuse me, is that man with you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya answered, her voice calm andposed. Her natural beauty,bined with the calm assurance in her demeanor, made the sales assistant believe her without question.


    The assistant lingered for a moment, then, with a hint of concern, warned Freya, ¡°When you leave, be careful. He seems to be following you.¡±


    ¡°Alright, I appreciate the heads-up,¡± Freya responded, her tone warm but distant.


    Ethel picked out two pieces of clothing, and Freya helped carry them as they continued their shopping spree.


    For the next few hours, Freya and Ethel kept up their shopping spree, with Ethel taking the lead in picking out items. Whenever she found something that seemed perfect for Freya, she made sure to buy it for her sister as well.


    At four o¡¯clock, Kristian watched them enter yet another store, his brow furrowing. He was genuinely curious about how Ethel, so small and delicate, could shop for hours without tiring.


    It wasn¡¯t exhaustion that bothered him; it was the strange, lingering looks he kept getting.


    Those nces made him feel as though he were some kind of creepy stalker.


    Ten minutester, as Freya and Ethel emerged from a store, Kristian approached them, unable to resist. ¡°How much longer are you nning to keep shopping?¡± Both women looked at him, confused.


    They couldn¡¯t quite grasp why he would ask such a question, especially since the length of their shopping seemed utterly irrelevant to him.


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    ¡°I have something to discuss with you,¡± Kristian added, his gaze fixed on Freya.


    ¡°Did you forget what you promised me?¡±


    Freya remained calm, her emotions neutral, no longer stirred by his presence.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t forgotten. I just want to exin some things.¡±


    Freya remained as indifferent as ever. ¡°There¡¯s nothing between us, so there¡¯s no need for any exnation. We have no personal matters to discuss. If it¡¯s business, you should reach out to the president of Briggs Group.¡±


    Her words left Kristian speechless. No matter what he wanted to discuss, it was bound to be either something personal or business-rted.


    The more distant she became, the more he felt drawn to her, wanting to break through her calm and see some emotion, any emotion, in her eyes.


    ¡°Then let¡¯s not talk about us,¡± he said, pulling out his phone. His lips parted slightly, coldness still evident in his voice. ¡°My grandpa asked me to call him when I saw you. He said he has something to discuss with you.¡±


    Freya was about to refuse, knowing she could contact Lionel herself, but before she could, Kristian had already dialed the number. Lionel picked up the phone swiftly, with Liam by his side.


    His impatience was clear in his voice as he spoke. ¡°Speak quickly. Don¡¯t interrupt my chess game with Liam.¡±


    Kristian knew well that after his divorce from Freya, he was the least favored in his family.


    ¡°Freya is with me,¡± he said tly.


    There was a brief silence on the other end.


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    ¡°Put the phone on speaker. I have something to discuss with Freya!¡± Lionel¡¯s voice came quickly.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Ethel nced at her sister, standing silently as she waited.


    Lionel¡¯s voice boomed through the phone, each sybleced with a familiar warmth whenever he called Freya. ¡°Is that you, Freya?¡±


    ¡°Yes, Lionel. It¡¯s me,¡± Freya responded sweetly.


    Kristian nced at her, his grip on the phone tightening ever so slightly.


    Lionel went on, ¡°I need to ask you something. Are you free?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am free,¡± Freya answered.


    ¡°Do you still care for Kristian?¡± he asked, his voice casual but probing. Both Kristian and Ethel looked at Freya, waiting for her response. They¡¯d expected some


    Freya answered without hesitation, her voice firm and unwavering, ¡°No, I don¡¯t care for him.¡±


    Her words hit Kristian like a blow to the chest. His breath caught in his throat.


    How much must she truly dislike him to say those words so easily, without even a flicker of hesitation?


    ¡°You mean it?¡± Lionel asked.


    Freya¡¯s response was firm. ¡°Yes, I mean it.¡±


    ¡°If you truly don¡¯t care for him at all, I¡¯ll arrange a marriage for him.¡± Lionel¡¯s voice dripped with contempt for Kristian as he spoke, each word carefully measured. ¡°Lately, a few of my friends have been asking me about this.¡±


    Freya, keeping herposure, didn¡¯tment too much. ¡°You can handle it as you see fit.¡±


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    ¡°If you still have feelings for him, I¡¯ll make sure to hold onto him for you.¡± No one could tell if Lionel¡¯s words were sincere or not. ¡°But since you don¡¯t care for him, I¡¯ll have to make the best use of his potential.¡±


    Freya remained silent, her thoughts unreadable.


    Kristian¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, an edge of frustration creeping into his voice. ¡°Grandpa, I can hear you.¡±


    ¡°So what? I¡¯m speaking the truth,¡± Lionel replied bluntly. He wasn¡¯t the least bit guilty. ¡°If you can¡¯t win Freya back, obediently go for the arranged marriage.¡±


    ¡°The Shaw Group doesn¡¯t need an arranged marriage to boost its development,¡± Kristian replied coldly.


    He wouldn¡¯t ept an arranged marriage for business purposes, no matter how much his family wanted it.


    ¡°Of course, the Shaw Group doesn¡¯t need it. If it did, it might as well go bankrupt,¡± Lionel scoffed. ¡°I¡¯ll give you three more months. If you can¡¯t win Freya back, go for the arranged marriage. This matter is nonnegotiable.¡±


    With that, Lionel hung up.


    Kristian ced the phone down, his eyes still focused on the screen. He nced at Liam, who stood beside him. ¡°Did I sound convincing enough?¡±


    ¡°More than enough,¡± Liam said with a thumbs-up.


    ¡°Will Kristian resent me for this?¡± Lionel muttered, mulling over the thought.


    Despite his disdain, Kristian remained the most aplished and sensible of his generation.


    ¡°He¡¯ll be grateful,¡± Liam smiled. ¡°He¡¯s probably secretly relieved, thankful you¡¯ve given him a reason to connect with Freya.¡±


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    Liam had heard from Gerard that Kristian had agreed topete in three challenges to remarry Freya, promising not to disturb her until he won.


    He couldn¡¯t understand Kristian¡¯s reasoning; even the strongest emotions would fade without contact, yet Kristian had agreed to such terms.


    It seemed utterly foolish.


    ¡°After my birthday, make sure to help him.¡± Lionel was clearly worried.


    ¡°He might never win Freya over by himself.¡±


    Kristian was blissfully unaware that both Liam and Lionel thought he was emotionally clueless.


    Just as Freya was about to leave with Ethel, he reached out and caught her wrist. ¡°Running away again?¡±


    ¡°Running from what, exactly?¡± Freya blinked,pletely thrown off. She couldn¡¯t tell what game he was ying now.


    ¡°You must¡¯ve heard what my grandpa said,¡± Kristian said, his voice steady butced with pressure. His eyes were deep, unreadable pools. ¡°If I don¡¯t win you over within three months, he¡¯s going to shove me into an arranged marriage.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t even flinch. ¡°And then what?¡±


    ¡°Do you still think this is just my problem?¡± Kristian¡¯s gaze bore into her, his voice a low thunder.


    Freya remained indifferent. ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°If you hadn¡¯t made such a ster first impression¡ªif you hadn¡¯t charmed my grandpa until he was singing your praises¡ªdo you think I¡¯d be in this mess?¡± His tone sharpened like a de.


    Clearly, he wasying the me at Freya¡¯s feet, as if she¡¯d lit the fire he was now trying to put out.


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    Watching the tension simmer like a pot on the verge of boiling over, Ethel quietly sat down nearby, choosing the role of silent spectator rather than stepping into the storm.


    This wasn¡¯t a scene meant for interruption. It was theater¡ªmessy, unscripted, and charged.


    ¡°Freya,¡± Kristian called her name again, his voice a strange cocktail of warmth and ice. ¡°You ought to have at least a shred of conscience. If I end up trapped in a loveless marriage, you¡¯ll carry part of that burden.¡±


    Freya stared at him in disbelief. ¡°How about you try having a little self-respect first?¡±


    ¡°That deal we made? It¡¯s off the table,¡± Kristian dered, as if reiming a lost battlefield. ¡°Instead of staying out of your way, the new arrangement is this¡ªyou stay with me until my grandpa finally drops the idea of pushing me to another random woman.¡±


    The deration seemed to offer him a moment of relief.


    Lately, he¡¯d been haunted by regret¡ªwhy had he ever agreed to terms that gained him nothing? If he failed those three challenges, would that mean losing her forever?


    The thought gnawed at him, especially when images of her first love or that ever-hovering Charlie danced through his mind like unwee ghosts.


    Freya¡¯s brows pinched together. Her voice came low and biting. ¡°Keep dreaming.¡±


    With that, she turned to leave.


    But Kristian caught her arm again.


    Freya wasn¡¯t the type to be flustered by such tactics anymore. She had always been able to shake off his grip with ease.


    Yet this time, when she tried to slip free using her usual technique¡ªshe couldn¡¯t.


    ???????? ???????????????? ???????????? ???? ?????????¦Í?????????????


    She tried again. Still held fast.


    A third time¡ªand still, his hand stayed mped like iron.


    She quickly realized: there would be no easy escape today.


    ¡°You really think I let you go all those other times because I couldn¡¯t stop you?¡± Kristian leaned in, closing the space between them. The sudden proximity triggered a reflex in Freya. She wanted to get away¡ªfast.


    She hated this suffocating atmosphere.


    And she liked Kristian even less.


    Kristian nced at Ethel, who remained seated nearby, and turned back to Freya. ¡°Are you going toe quietly, or do I need to drag you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck,¡± Freya snapped, fury flickering in her eyes.


    Seeing the fire in her eyes, Kristian¡¯s expression softened¡ªjust a bit.


    At least she wasn¡¯t brushing him off like he didn¡¯t exist.


    His lips parted, the words slow and measured. ¡°The choice is yours.¡±


    ¡°She,¡± Freya called out firmly, her mind made up.


    Ethel stood up at once.


    Freya gave instructions calmly. ¡°Call the bodyguards to pick you up. I¡¯ll go with him.¡±


    As she spoke, she subtly moved the hand Kristian wasn¡¯t holding.


    The silent code between sisters ran deeper than blood. Ethel had been about to question her¡ªwhat business could she possibly have at Kristian¡¯s ce? But Freya¡¯s discreet signal told her everything she needed.


    Ethel nodded and responded in a hushed voice, ¡°Okay.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 389

    ?Chapter 389:


    With the message passed, Freya¡¯s gaze turned cold again as she looked at Kristian. ¡°Are we going or not?¡±


    Kristian felt a flicker of unease crawl beneath his skin. He knew Freya wasn¡¯t the type to cave in this easily. But he couldn¡¯t quite put his finger on what felt off. On the surface, it all appeared normal.


    So, after a moment¡¯s pause, he chose to lead her out.


    What neither of them noticed was that once they stepped out of the mall, a shadowy figure emerged from a hidden corner¡ªeyes glued to Freya.


    In the car, Kristian and Freya sat side by side in the back seat.


    Gerard was at the wheel. When he caught sight of Freya with his boss, he did a double take, as if he¡¯d just witnessed a pig fly. ¡°Ms. Briggs? What are you doing with my boss?¡±


    ¡°He kidnapped me,¡± Freya replied without missing a beat.


    Gerard quickly focused on the road, not daring to make another peep. Thest thing he needed was to irritate Kristian and end up out of a job.


    Halfway through the drive, he suddenly thought of Melvin.


    He turned to Freya. ¡°By the way, Ms. Briggs, Melvin always says his big boss is something of a legend. That wouldn¡¯t happen to be you, would it?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya lied without hesitation.


    ¡°Then your rtionship is¡­?¡±


    ¡°Friends. And I¡¯m merely his direct superior, not the big boss,¡± she answered calmly.


    A stretch of silence followed.


    Kristian¡¯s deep, unreadable gaze was fixed on her, probing.


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    Freya could feel the weight of his gaze, but she didn¡¯t turn her head.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you two in a kind of¡­ romantic chase before?¡± Kristian suddenly asked. ¡°Is that over?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Completely.¡±


    Kristian nced at her again.


    ¡°Because now, we¡¯re in a rtionship,¡± she added abruptly, her tone unreadable. Whether she was joking or not, no one could tell.


    Kristian¡¯s expression chilled. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she confirmed, almost too quickly.


    Kristian didn¡¯t buy it. Not one bit.


    Sure, Melvin was handsome¡ªbut he wasn¡¯t her type. Kristian had spent two years married to her. If he knew one thing, it was her taste in men.


    Without a word, he signaled Gerard to call Melvin.


    The call connected, and Gerard jumped right in. ¡°Melvin, did you win over Ms. Briggs?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Melvin replied without pause.


    Whether it was true or not didn¡¯t matter¡ªsaying yes couldn¡¯t hurt. He could always fall back on, ¡°In my heart, I already have.¡± Gerard was stunned into silence.


    Kristian¡¯s frown deepened.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say anything?¡± Gerard asked, trying to y it cool.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t we friends? You didn¡¯t even tell me you were off the market.¡±


    ¡°You also failed to mention that this call wasing from your boss,¡± Melvin replied evenly.


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 Chapter 390

    ?Chapter 390:


    Gerard nearly dropped the phone. How did he know? Did Melvin have surveince on him?


    Before Gerard could piece it together, Melvin continued, ¡°I have a message for your boss. Pass it on, would you?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Gerard nced nervously at Kristian.


    Melvin didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°Tell him to give up on Freya. She needs someone who¡¯s steady and sincere¡ªsomeone who treats her right. Your boss is indecisive and fickle. He¡¯s not good enough for her.¡±


    Gerard stayed silent, his mind racing.


    Why didn¡¯t Melvin confront Kristian directly?


    Melvin had put him in a precarious position!


    ¡°And honestly, if he had any decency as an ex-husband, he¡¯d stop hovering around his ex-wife all the time,¡± Melvin remarked, his voiceced with annoyance. ¡°Freya won¡¯t be fooled by a few days of attention; he can¡¯t just swoop in and win her back like that.¡±


    Gerard¡¯s heart mmed against his ribcage.


    Something about Kristian¡¯s frosty attitude truly scared him.


    ¡°And another thing,¡± Melvin added, eyes narrowing.


    Gerard felt the edges of panic gnawing at him. There was more? Wasn¡¯t it bad enough that he¡¯d already thrown him under the bus?


    ¡°Freya is my girlfriend now. If he has any dignity, he¡¯ll back off,¡± Melvin dered with cold finality.


    Without waiting for a response, he ended the call with a heartless click. His words kept reying in Gerard¡¯s mind, slicing deeper each time.


    Attempting to defuse the tension, Gerard managed a weak smile and said, ¡°Melvin has a strange sense of humor, huh? Just try not to take it to heart.¡±


    ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ??????????¦Í??????©q??????


    ¡°He¡¯s never joking!¡± Freya shot back sharply, her voice tinged with certainty.


    Gerard was on the brink of tears, his emotions teetering as if on a cliff¡¯s edge.


    Freya¡¯s actions onlypounded his distress, twisting the knife deeper into his already aching heart.


    ¡°Tell him after you get out of the car¡ª¡± Kristian seemed unaffected by the earlier conversation, disying a calm that bordered on indifference. He didn¡¯t pick up any hint of possessiveness or romantic affection from Melvin toward Freya, nor did he sense any animosity that mighte from a love rival.


    To him, Melvin¡¯s stance was that of a person merely defending a friend. Gerard, caught off guard, faltered. ¡°What?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s voice was steady, almost detached. ¡°If he¡¯s never even been in a rtionship, then why is he trying to fake one with someone else?¡± Lifting his eyelids slowly, his gaze was deep, his eyes a well of secrets. ¡°Imagine how awkward it would be if his act were to fall apart.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t say a word, her lips pressed into a thin line.


    Suddenly, a realization dawned on Gerard. ¡°You¡¯re implying that Melvin and Ms. Briggs¡­¡± His voice trailed off as he stole a nce at Freya through the rearview mirror.


    His suspicion seemed confirmed by her demeanor¡ªshe was the epitome of calm.


    Kristian¡¯s next words were directed squarely at Freya, his tone firm yet not unkind. ¡°You don¡¯t need to fake a rtionship with anyone. If this is merely a ruse to deter my affections, then even if you pretended with ten people, it wouldn¡¯t be enough to dissuade me.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brow creased subtly, her confusion mounting as she struggled to decipher his thoughts.


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 Chapter 391

    ?Chapter 391:


    ¡°What exactly do you want from me?¡± she asked, her voice tinged with a mix of frustration and curiosity.


    ¡°I want us to remarry,¡± Kristian replied, his gaze intense and unwavering as he locked eyes with her, searching for a flicker of hope.


    Freya remained silent, her mind reeling. She had given him opportunities in the past to mend their fractures, but some chances, once squandered, were lost forever.


    For the remainder of their journey, a heavy silence hung between them. Freya nced at the GPS, then quietly grabbed her phone and typed out a quick message to Ethel, sharing Kristian¡¯s home address.


    As soon as she received the message, Ethel promptly directed the bodyguards to gather all thevish gifts Kristian had sent and load them into the car.


    Hugh, watching her move briskly through the room with determined steps, blinked in confusion. ¡°She, what are you doing now?¡±


    ¡°Returning everything Kristian Shaw sent over,¡± Ethel blurted out, her tone sharp and to the point.


    As they spoke, Hugh¡¯s expression clouded with concern, prompting Ethel to notice his troubled look.


    With a nonchnt tone, she asked while watching the bodyguards work, ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    Hugh hesitated, his lips tightening before he finally broached the subject. ¡°Did Mina ever tell you why she can¡¯t stand Cheryl?¡±


    His question hung in the air, heavy with implications, as Ethel paused mid-thought. Her once bright expression dimmed, reflecting the storm brewing within.


    She never could hide her emotions; they painted her face like vivid strokes on a canvas. Now, shadows of concern etched her features. ¡°You seem indifferent¡­¡±


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    Ethel was concerned about Mina¡¯s absence, yet fussed over trivialities.


    ¡°Hugh, caught off guard by the sudden shift, responded, ¡°What happened to her?¡±


    ¡°Kristian took her away,¡± she replied, her voice tinged with resignation.


    A wave of relief momentarily washed over Hugh, his thoughts briefly drifting back to the lunch gathering that had preupied him all afternoon.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fret too much. If Kristian dares harm Freya, he¡¯ll answer to me,¡± he assured her, trying to inject a note of certainty into his voice.


    Ethel frowned, her gaze piercing as if she was seeing Hugh for the first time. ¡°Dad.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± Hugh looked up, his voiceden with a mix of curiosity and concern.


    ¡°Do you love Mina less after what happened today?¡± Ethel¡¯s youthful sensitivity often led her to read deeply into situations.


    Hugh¡¯s face hardened, a stern visage recing his earlier rxed demeanor. ¡°That¡¯s the most ridiculous thing I¡¯ve heard all day!¡±


    ¡°If this were any other day, the mere mention of Mina being taken by Kristian would have sent you into a frenzy, eager to retrieve her or at least make a call.¡± Her emotions were palpable, her heart a tumultuous sea that refused to calm.


    Hugh found himself at a loss for words, her questioning striking deeper than expected. He turned away, his steps faltering as he headed inside, his usual poised demeanor unraveling.


    Ethel trailed after him, persistence coloring her tone. ¡°Is there an issue with Mina?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not an issue with her per se,¡± Hugh began, his voice softening as he grappled with his feelings. ¡°I just can¡¯t fathom why she, who is usually sopassionate, would act so harshly towards Cheryl at lunch today.¡±


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 Chapter 392

    ?Chapter 392:


    He was, after all, only human, subject to the whims of his own emotions.


    Seeing Ethel¡¯s anger simmering beneath the surface, Hugh added in a soft tone, ¡°As soon as you stormed off, Cheryl confided in me. She said she understood why you both were upset. She even admitted that if she were in your shoes, with her father nning to remarry, she¡¯d be just as troubled.¡±


    Hugh sighed, his thoughts drifting. Before today, he hadn¡¯t anticipated such resistance. He had always hoped Freya would confront him directly if she opposed his marriage ns. That way, he could have respected her wishes openly.


    However, her expressing those doubts in front of Cheryl¡ªthat had stung more than he wanted to admit.


    ¡°You¡¯re just trying to me this on Mina,¡± Ethel spat, her voice sharp with usation.


    Hugh¡¯s brows furrowed, but he kept quiet.


    He wasn¡¯t ming Freya¡ªhe just wished, deep down, that she could understand him better. Especially now, when Cheryl was doing her best tofort him through her own heartbreak.


    ¡°I¡¯m not ming her,¡± Hugh finally said. ¡°I just think it¡¯s a little harsh to say you don¡¯t like someone right to their face. She didn¡¯t used to be like this.¡±


    Ethel¡¯s eyes red, her gaze burning with rising anger.


    She clenched her fists, unable to shake the thought of how devastated her sister would be if she ever found out what their father truly felt.


    ¡°You wanna know why she doesn¡¯t like Cheryl Newman?¡± Ethel shot back, her voice sharp as a whip. ¡°It¡¯s because Cheryl tries to copy Mom¡ªdown to the clothes, the way she talks, even the earrings she wears!¡± She turned on her heel, her voice growing louder as she stormed off. ¡°It¡¯s not just Freya. If I¡¯d seen it sooner, I wouldn¡¯t be able to stand her either!¡±


    Reflecting on it now, it seemed almost surreal.


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    Cheryl¡¯s change had been so subtle and gradual, a creeping transformation. Without her sister¡¯s pointed reminders, it would have slipped right by unnoticed.


    As he watched Ethel¡¯s figure disappearing into the distance, Hugh stood frozen, a mix of disbelief and weariness shadowing his features.


    He rubbed his brow, a tired sigh escaping him.


    How did everything end up like this?


    After a moment of heavy silence, he finally pulled out his phone andposed a message to Cheryl, his fingers hesitating over the screen.


    Meanwhile, Ethel sat in the back of the car, her eyes rimmed red with unshed tears. Despite the strained rtionship with Hugh, she didn¡¯t mind¡ªas long as she had Freya by her side.


    But witnessing Freya being mistreated was more than she could bear. For some kids, their heroes were their fathers, towering figures of strength and protection. For Ethel, however, Freya was her champion¡ªthe unwavering guardian who appeared the instant danger loomed, the magician who turned her deepest wishes into reality.


    Holding onto that thought, she took a deep breath and pushed down the rush of emotion. Then, speaking calmly to the driver and bodyguard seated up front, she said, ¡°Don¡¯t let Mina hear about any of this, alright?¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± they answered together, their voices steady and respectful.


    Freya was oblivious to what had unfolded between Hugh and Ethel. After dropping Freya and Kristian off, Gerard had left, leaving only the two of them alone in the living room.


    Freya nced at Kristian, who hadn¡¯t uttered a single word since their arrival. She had no intention of breaking the silence herself. Her visit today was simply to make it easier to coordinate with Ethel when she arrivedter.


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 Chapter 393

    ?Chapter 393:


    Originally, Freya had nned to have someone deliver the items, but after trying the door and finding it locked, she had given up. Besides, that time of day wasn¡¯t ideal for deliveries anyway.


    ¡°Have you thought it through?¡± Kristian suddenly shattered the silence.


    Freya looked at him, puzzled. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Getting remarried.¡±


    Freya felt at a loss for words.


    She had no desire to engage in conversation with him.


    Kristian rose to his feet and approached her. His tall frame towered over her, casting a shadow that seemed to swallow her whole. He leaned in just enough for his words to feel close, almost too close. ¡°If you have any concerns, feel free to share them. As long as you agree to remarry me, I¡¯ll transfer all my assets into your name.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary.¡± Freya dismissed him without hesitation. Once trust was broken, it was like trying to mend shattered ss. No matter the effort, it would never be whole again.


    Freya¡¯s trust in Kristian had long since vanished, irreparably lost.


    Kristian opened his mouth as if to say something more, but the icy distance radiating from Freya stopped him cold.


    There was something about her today, something different from the usual.


    As he contemted this, a knock came at the door.


    Freya checked the time and knew it was Ethel. She didn¡¯t rush to answer.


    Knowing Kristian¡¯s nature, if she got up to answer the door now, he¡¯d probably think it was Melvin or Trent¡ªand might even refuse to open it.


    Kristian, in fact, thought as much.


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    Yet, when he saw Freya make no move to answer the door, he assumed Gerard had returned.


    When he opened it, Ethel stood in the doorway.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs?¡± Kristian murmured.


    ¡°I¡¯m here to take my sister home,¡± Ethel said, her tone steady. She gestured to someone hidden behind the door. ¡°And to return the things you left at our housest time.¡±


    As she spoke, a group of bodyguards and a driver emerged, carrying several bags into the room.


    Kristian was about to shut the door when Freya stepped forward, took the bags from the bodyguards and driver, and ced them in the living room.


    Once she was done, she stepped back to the doorway, her tone as cool and detached as ever. ¡°I trust that next time you¡¯ll refrain from sending gifts so casually. We¡¯re not close enough to ept such gifts.¡±


    Without waiting for his response, she turned and walked out with Ethel and the others.


    Kristian¡¯s gaze darkened as frustration crept in. He pulled out his phone, dialing Gerard¡¯s number with a sense of urgency. ¡°Find out what¡¯s been going on with Freya these past couple of days.¡±


    ¡°She has been working these past two days,¡± Gerard replied, his voice calm and familiar with Freya¡¯s schedule. ¡°The only exception was lunch today with her father and a few others.¡±


    ¡°Who were they?¡±


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 Chapter 394

    ?Chapter 394:


    ¡°I believe one was her father¡¯s partner,¡± Gerard replied.


    Kristian muttered that he understood and hung up, his mind racing.


    Was Freya upset because of that?


    He closed the door and returned to his study, his thoughts a storm. As for Freya, she sank back into the rear seat of the car, closing her eyes to steal a moment of rest.


    Though all she¡¯d done was have lunch and shop with Ethel, she felt mentally drained.


    She was so exhausted that she didn¡¯t want to deal with anything. Ethel noticed the shift in her sister¡¯s demeanor and hesitated before speaking. ¡°Mina?¡±


    ¡°Are you unhappy?¡±


    ¡°What makes you think that?¡±


    ¡°Since we left the restaurant today, you¡¯ve seemed¡­ off. You¡¯ve acted like your usual self, but I can tell.¡± Ethel gently took Freya¡¯s hand, offering silentfort.


    Freya smiled faintly and gave Ethel¡¯s hand a reassuring pat. ¡°I just miss Mom a little.¡±


    From childhood, their parents had seemed to be deeply in love. In Freya¡¯s memory, they¡¯d never argued¡ªnot even raised their voices at each other.


    But now, doubt crept in. Did her father ever truly love her mother?


    An hourter, the sisters arrived home.


    When they stepped inside, Hugh was still sitting in the living room. Seeing them enter, he stood and called out, ¡°Mina.¡±


    Freya froze, her steps halting. Her aloofness returned in full force, her tone and posture cold and indifferent. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Can we talk?¡±


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    ¡°Mina¡­¡± Ethel¡¯s voice was filled with concern.


    ¡°You go upstairs first,¡± Freya said firmly.


    There were things she didn¡¯t want Ethel to hear. She would shoulder the burden of these ufortable matters herself. Ethel deserved a life where she couldugh freely, untouched by the world¡¯s weight. Ethel hesitated but eventually made her way upstairs. She didn¡¯t want to make things harder for her sister.


    Once Ethel was gone, only Freya and Hugh remained in the living room. Outside, the night had already fallen. The lights inside were bright, but they did little to dispel the darkness that weighed on Freya¡¯s heart.


    Hugh opened his mouth to speak, but the words seemed stuck, trapped by a heavy guilt.


    ¡°I have a question to ask you,¡± Freya said, breaking the silence.


    Hugh looked at her, a mix of guilt and affection in his gaze. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Did you and Mom ever truly love each other?¡± Freya¡¯s eyes were fixed on him, unwavering, as if silently demanding the truth.


    Hugh froze, his mind momentarily nk. One thought rose to the surface: Mina knew the truth.


    Freya saw the change in his face and pieced together the answer. ¡°Is it hard to answer?¡±


    Hugh¡¯s voice was strained, almost a whisper. ¡°Mina¡­¡±


    ¡°You only need to answer yes or no,¡± Freya insisted, trying to remainposed.


    ¡°Your mother and I married for convenience. Not many couples in arranged marriages truly love each other.¡± Hugh looked away, his expression clouded with regret. ¡°Your mother and I didn¡¯t marry for love. But we both loved you and your sister deeply. That was never in question.¡±


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 Chapter 395

    ?Chapter 395:


    At that moment, it felt as if the very foundation of Freya¡¯s world had crumbled, leaving her standing on uncertain ground.


    Her hands stiffened at her sides, and the light inside her seemed to fade.


    ¡°Mina,¡± Hugh called out softly.


    Freya didn¡¯t respond, but her eyes reddened.


    Hugh panicked, leaping to his feet and rushing toward her. ¡°Mina, don¡¯t scare me.¡±


    Freya bit her bottom lip, the pain in her chest unbearable.


    To her, having a happy family had always been her greatest source of strength. During her intense training, she had always drawn strength from the thought of her family. When the going got tough, the idea of protecting her family kept her going. When she wanted to quit, the vision of her happy family was the only thing that motivated her.


    But after her mother¡¯s death, just dayster, she had walked in on her father and Cheryl in bed together. That was when her world had shattered.


    Her father had imed he was framed.


    And Freya had believed him.


    But belief didn¡¯t erase the reality that, despite his words, he had kept Cheryl close¡ªand a rift had formed between them.


    Now, her father was telling her that the foundation of her belief, the happy family she had always trusted in, had never been real. Her parents had never loved each other. Her world came crashing down.


    Now, Freya understood everything. It was no surprise her mother had never urged her or her sister to seek out a man like their father¡ªafter all, that marriage had been forged not in love, but in duty. A union stitched together for appearances, not affection.


    It was all theater¡ªsmiles painted on like masks at a masquerade.


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    ¡°What does Cheryl mean to you?¡± Freya asked, her voice gentler than a breeze before a storm, carefully keeping her emotions in check.


    At her question, Hugh said nothing. He simply lowered himself beside her, the silence hanging like fog between them.


    For the next half hour, he peeled back theyers of the past¡ªrecounting how he came to marry Freya¡¯s mother and the tangled history he shared with Cheryl.


    When he finally fell silent, Freya felt as though a boulder had taken residence on her chest, pressing her down with every breath.


    She rose, emotions still glistening in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯m going upstairs.¡±


    ¡°Mina,¡± Hugh called softly.


    ¡°If you intend to make that woman your wife, then do it. But know this¡ªShe and I have only ever had one mother.¡± With those words, she left the living room, each step a quiet thunderp as she retreated to her room.


    Now, the picture was clear.


    Cheryl had been Hugh¡¯s first love¡ªtwo young hearts aze, only to be torn apart by Hugh¡¯s father during the fervor of their romance. Duty overruled desire; he was bound to Freya¡¯s mother in a loveless match. Likewise, Freya¡¯s mother had once carried a torch for someone else¡ªbut she, too, had been no match for the iron grip of her father¡¯s authority.


    In those days, marriage was rarely born of love. It was a chess game, orchestrated by elders, leaving little space for choice¡ªor joy.


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 Chapter 396

    ?Chapter 396:


    Though both parents had their own loves, they surrendered to the weight of tradition, their resistance merely a whisper against the storm. And so they married¡ªtwo strangers beneath the same roof, learning to coexist while longing for someone else. They had hoped to endure until they could part ways quietly.


    But fate, ever capricious, had other ns. Divorce eluded them, and three years into their forcedpanionship, Freya was born.


    With her arrival, something shifted. They resolved to raise her with care, determined not to let history write her fate as it had theirs. They wanted her to know a childhood where love, even if feigned, felt real.


    And in that, they seeded.


    As for Hugh and Cheryl¡­


    Three years prior, Cheryl had found herself in a nightmare¡ªtrapped in a marriage poisoned by violence. In her darkest hour, she reached for Hugh, a flicker of her past she hoped might save her.


    Hugh helped her find awyer, but he kept his distance.


    He had a family now, and the embers of their old love had long gone cold. What he offered was not romance¡ªit was restitution for a youth lost to fate.


    Cheryl eventually divorced. And then, Freya¡¯s mother fell gravely ill.


    Two years ago, she passed away.


    Just three days after the funeral, Hugh¡ªdrowning in grief¡ªsoughtfort in drink, only to wake up beside Cheryl. Freya had seen it with her own eyes. A cruel setup by Cheryl¡¯s family, who believed Hugh still carried a torch for Cheryl after helping her escape her abusive past. Freya had once asked, ¡°Why did you turn to alcohol?¡±


    Hugh had answered, ¡°Your mom and I spent decades together. Though love may not have lived between us,panionship did. And over time, that bes its own kind of bond.¡±


    Stay connected through g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s


    In that moment, something quietly shifted within Freya.


    She realized that being together didn¡¯t always bloom from love. She couldn¡¯t recall how she managed to shower or crawl into bed afterward. Everything felt like a blur.


    Staring at the ceiling, her mind reeled with memories of her parents¡ªmoments wrapped in warmth that had, to her, always looked like love. Her father¡¯s tenderness, his worry when her mother was ill¡­ that couldn¡¯t have been an illusion.


    But how could it not be love?


    ¡°Mina?¡± Ethel¡¯s voice came with a knock at the door. ¡°Are you asleep?¡±


    Freya pulled herself together, rose, and stood before the mirror, smoothing her face into calm before opening the door.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡± she asked, her tone warm and steady as always.


    ¡°What did you and Dad talk about?¡± Ethel stood at the threshold, picking up on the subtle shift in Freya¡¯s mood. ¡°He told me toe check on you, maybe have a heart-to-heart.¡±


    ¡°Nothing serious.¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t buy it.¡± Ethel tried to coax a smile out of her. ¡°Unless you prove it¡ªwith an actual smile.¡±


    Freya smiled despite herself and tousled Ethel¡¯s hair affectionately. Then, recalling the earlier conversation, she added, ¡°If Dad wants to marry her, let him. It¡¯s his life. We shouldn¡¯t interfere.¡±


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 Chapter 397

    ?Chapter 397:


    Ethel blinked, stunned. Her eyes widened with disbelief.


    She stammered, ¡°You¡ªyou¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Freya remained gentle.


    ¡°You just said¡­ Dad?¡± Ethel stammered. Ever since their fallout two years ago, Freya had refused to utter that word once in reference to Hugh.


    Yet now, she had.


    It felt almost unreal.


    Freya¡¯s world had fallen apart, and somehow, through the wreckage, she hade to see things more clearly.


    She had grown¡ªshed the need to draw strength from old ideas of family.


    Reaching out, she gently ran her fingers through Ethel¡¯s still-damp hair. Her touch was soft, reassuring. ¡°Yes. He¡¯s my dad.¡±


    ¡°Can you tell me why you were so upset with him before?¡± Ethel asked cautiously. ¡°Now that things seem better?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t understand everything back then,¡± Freya said. ¡°Now I see¡ªsome situations aren¡¯t about right or wrong.¡±


    She had no desire to untangle the past any longer, nor did she feel it was her burden to carry.


    From where she stood, Hugh moving on so soon after her mother¡¯s passing had felt like a betrayal¡ªlike he¡¯d traded love for convenience. But now, she saw another side. Two people denied their first loves, cornered by tradition. Surely, regret weighed heavily on them both.


    Ethel scratched her head, visibly confused.


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    She didn¡¯t push further but asked the one thing on her mind, ¡°What did you mean earlier when you said Dad should marry Ms. Newman if he wants to? Does that mean you¡¯re okay with her now?¡± That didn¡¯t sound like the sister she knew.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t epted her,¡± Freya rified, her usual calm returning. ¡°But I¡¯ve stopped trying to dictate Dad¡¯s happiness.¡±


    Over two decades ago, Hugh had no control over his own marriage. Now, even if Cheryl wasn¡¯t someone Freya liked, she wanted her father to choose for himself this time.


    ¡°You¡¯re saying things I can¡¯t wrap my head around. You two must¡¯ve talked about something serious behind my back.¡± Ethel pouted and stepped into the room uninvited. ¡°To protest this betrayal, I¡¯ve decided¡ªI¡¯m sleeping on your bed tonight.¡±


    Freya sighed.


    What a child!


    ¡°I¡¯m iming your bed, your nket,¡± Ethel announced, flopping onto the mattress like a small whirlwind of joy, ¡°and I shall jokinglypete with Charlie for your love.¡±


    Freya moved her stuffed pillow to the sofa before sliding under the covers beside her.


    Once the lights were off, Ethel curled close to her, resting her head against Freya¡¯s arm, murmuring, ¡°Mina¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Freya turned slightly toward her.


    ¡°You¡¯ve still got me,¡± Ethel whispered, her breath warm, her words sweet as she drifted off. ¡°I will always stand by you.¡±


    ¡°Sleep well,¡± Freya said softly, tucking the nket around her little sister.


    Both of them had grown¡ªno longer children clinging to the past. It was time to live their own lives, to stop trying to steer their father¡¯s. So long as it didn¡¯t concern the Briggs Group, Freya would no longer interfere.


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 Chapter 398

    ?Chapter 398:


    After all, the very roots of Briggs Group¡¯s sess had been nted in the soil of an arranged marriage.


    The next morning, Freya rose with the dawn.


    She slipped into her jogging clothes and headed out for a morning run, spending half an hour feeling the cool air on her face. When she returned, the smell of breakfast drifted from the kitchen, and she found Hugh there, busy making the meal.


    In the past few days, whenever Freya was home, Hugh had taken it upon himself to cook.


    The maids were only tasked with cleaning and some light shopping.


    ¡°Call She down for breakfast, Mina,¡± Hugh said, briefly pausing his movements when he saw Freya, though his tone remained unchanged.


    Freya gave a simple nod in agreement.


    Breakfast passed in silence.


    It was the weekend, and with no sses to attend, Ethel remained home, as usual.


    After finishing her meal, Freya stood, preparing to leave for Anita International to take care of some tasks.


    But before she walked out the door, she hesitated, emotions swirling inside her. Finally, she turned to Hugh, her voice firm yet gentle. ¡°Dad, you can make your own choices about your life and happiness.¡±


    Hugh froze, his fork suspended midair, stunned by her words. For a long moment, he simply stared, unsure how to respond.


    ¡°I¡¯m off to work,¡± Freya added, her words cutting through the tension before she exited.


    Hugh¡¯s chest fluttered with an unexpected excitement. He turned to Ethel, still eating, and asked, ¡°What did your sister just call me?¡±


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    ¡°Dad.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°She called you ¡®Dad.''¡± Ethel sighed inwardly, knowing where this was headed.


    Hugh¡¯s face softened, as though still trying to convince himself that he wasn¡¯t imagining things. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ethel answered, pausing to put down her utensils. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, I can call her back and have her say it again for you.¡±


    ¡°Stop it!¡± Hugh grinned.


    Pretending to be annoyed, there was no hiding the sheer joy lighting up Hugh¡¯s face.


    That single word had erased all the bitterness he had carried from the previous day. His mind reyed Freya¡¯s voice saying ¡°Dad¡± over and over again. It was like a melody he couldn¡¯t stop hearing. After all this time, Freya had finally called him ¡°Dad¡± again.


    Ethel, noticing the smile creeping across his face, couldn¡¯t help but tease, ¡°When I call you Dad, you don¡¯t look this happy. Come on, admit it. Am I adopted?¡±


    ¡°You little rascal, what nonsense are you spouting?¡±


    ¡°Who was it yesterday saying Mina seems like apletely different person, huh?¡±


    ¡°Definitely wasn¡¯t me,¡± Hugh huffed, still smiling, unable to contain his pride.


    Freya had intended to head straight to the office, but just as she was about to leave, her phone rang. It was Ashley.


    Hearing Ashley¡¯s voice, Freya almost couldn¡¯t believe it. ¡°Ashley?¡±


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 Chapter 399

    ?Chapter 399:


    ¡°It¡¯s really me,¡± Ashley¡¯s voice sounded much the same as it always had. ¡°I¡¯d like to meet with you. Is that okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m busy,¡± Freya replied curtly, turning her down.


    Ashley sat at a caf¨¦, gazing out the window at the endless parade of cars. Her mood was far from pleasant.


    Holding her phone, she said with calm urgency, ¡°I cane to you.¡±


    ¡°Miss Bradley, I don¡¯t think we¡¯re that close,¡± Freya replied, her grip on the steering wheel tightening as she continued driving. She couldn¡¯t figure out why Ashley had suddenlye to Alerith. Hadn¡¯t Ashley once said that returning to that man was like stepping into hell?


    ¡°Please, I¡¯m begging you,¡± Ashley pleaded.


    Freya heard the desperation in her voice, her own hands tightening on the wheel, her expression unreadable.


    Had she not known about Ashley¡¯s past, she wouldn¡¯t have cared at all. Whether Ashley begged or not wouldn¡¯t have made a difference. But for some reason, Ashley¡¯s plea evoked the image of someone being manipted.


    After a moment¡¯s thought, Freya decided. ¡°Where do you want to meet?¡±


    ¡°The caf¨¦ next to Shaw Group building.¡± Ashley¡¯s voice rxed, a faint, bitter smile tugging at her lips.


    Freya set her GPS and drove off.


    Half an hourter, she arrived.


    After parking, Freya saw Ashley sitting by the window. She looked even more worn than when she¡¯d left. Though it was only autumn, she wore a scarf.


    Her white knit sweater and flowing hair gave her an air of fragile calm, but her appearance screamed of silent battles.


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    As Freya walked in, Ashley¡¯s gaze instantly locked onto her.


    In that moment, a glimmer of hope sparked in Ashley¡¯s eyes.


    Freya took a seat across from her, her voice distant and cold. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°That person wants me to kill Kristian,¡± Ashley murmured, gripping the spoon in her coffee cup, biting her lip as though to hold back tears.


    Freya blinked, caughtpletely off guard. ¡°What?¡±


    She stared at Ashley, utterly confused.


    ¡°Someone tells you to kill, and you just do it?¡± Freya asked, disbelief clear in her voice.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have a choice,¡± Ashley replied, her words heavy with helplessness.


    ¡°You¡¯re your own person. How can you not have a choice?¡± Freya¡¯s tone grew sharper, disbelief edging into her words. She thought Ashley was a fool for even considering such a thing. ¡°Your grandmother and younger brother are under protection now. No one can threaten their lives.¡±


    Ashley fell silent.


    Freya scrutinized her for a moment before continuing, ¡°The more you give in, the more that man will see you as easy to manipte. He¡¯ll use the same leverage to force you into doing things you¡¯d never consider otherwise.¡±


    Ashley avoided Freya¡¯s gaze, her face clouded with doubt.


    She understood the logic. But fear and anxiety often led her to make irrational decisions.


    ¡°If you knew who he was, you¡¯d understand why I couldn¡¯t resist,¡± Ashley finally whispered, her voice barely audible.


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 Chapter 400

    ?Chapter 400:


    Freya¡¯s brow furrowed.


    She remembered the photos of Ashley with a strange man, but the information she had uncovered about him didn¡¯t seem to add up to anything extraordinary.


    At the time, she had been preupied with her divorce and hadn¡¯t looked further into it.


    ¡°Can you help me get Kristian to meet with me?¡± Ashley finally revealed the true purpose of this meeting.


    Freya noted the change in Ashley¡¯s expression. ¡°For what?¡±


    Ashley didn¡¯t answer right away.


    Freya pressed, ¡°So you can kill him?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not really going to kill him. Just stab him,¡± Ashley exined, her hands trembling slightly as she spoke. ¡°I know human anatomy. There are ces to stab that won¡¯t be fatal, just cause some pain.¡±


    Freya stared at her,pletely stunned.


    ¡°If I stab him, the police will arrest me for attempted murder,¡± Ashley continued, her voice steady as sheid out her n. ¡°Then I won¡¯t have to endure all of this anymore.¡±


    If she injured Kristian, there was no doubt he would make sure she went to prison. He wouldn¡¯t show mercy, and whoever had been controlling her wouldn¡¯t be able to intervene. At least then, her torment woulde to an end.


    Even if she were eventually freed, she would have obeyed that man¡¯s orders, and the consequences would shield her from further harm.


    Freya was left speechless.


    She sighed deeply, then said, ¡°You might want to go see a doctor for your mental health.¡±


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    Ashley was suffering. This twisted n was the only thing she coulde up with after days of agonizing over her situation.


    ¡°Freya¡­¡±


    ¡°First, you interfered with my marriage. Then, you kidnapped me.¡± Freya listed the offenses one by one. ¡°And now you want tomit murder? What¡¯s next? Causing an explosion?¡±


    Freya¡¯s words cut through the air, sharp and biting.


    She had no patience for someone who couldn¡¯t stand up for themselves.


    However, she knew Ashley wasn¡¯t entirely beyond saving. Her actions were all driven by her love for her family.


    Freya believed that a woman should live boldly, withoutpromising her morals or breaking thew. But Ashley¡­ Freya didn¡¯t even know how tobel her anymore.


    The air crackled with tension as Freya and Ashley faced off, their gazes sharp and unyielding.


    With a nonchnt grace, Freya whipped out her cellphone, dialed a number slowly, and then casually ced it on the table. The phonended with a soft ck, its speaker buzzing to life, filling the room with the tinny sound of an iing call.


    The privacy screen on her phone cast a murky shadow over the disy, leaving Ashley craning her neck in a futile attempt to glimpse the caller¡¯s identity. Before she could voice her curiosity, a familiar voice spilled out from the speaker.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice echoed slightly,ced with confusion.


    At the sight of Freya¡¯s name shing on his screen, a bewildered frown creased his brow. His mind momentarily grappled with the surreal moment.


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 Chapter 401

    ?Chapter 401:


    Shaking off the initial shock, he steadied his voice and answered the call.


    Freya leaned in, her voice a calm cascade, betraying no hint of urgency.


    ¡°Your ex wants to kill you. Are you willing to cooperate?¡±


    Kristian stiffened, a flicker of shock shing across his face.


    Ashley, too, froze mid-motion, her eyes wide with disbelief.


    The stunned expressions they wore were nearly mirror images of each other.


    ¡°Why would you want to kill me?¡± Kristian asked, his brows knitting together in confusion.


    Gerard, who had been calmly going over some reports nearby, suddenly froze¡ªhis face drained of color, panic creeping into his eyes. What the hell was happening? Freya wanted to kill Kristian?


    ¡°It¡¯s not me,¡± Freya corrected smoothly, the cool timbre of her voice cutting through the mounting chaos. ¡°It¡¯s your ex-girlfriend. She¡¯s plotting to stab you, hoping it¡¯llnd her in prison.¡±


    That revtion struck a chord in Kristian, a name shing through his mind like a neon sign. ¡°Ashley?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± Freya affirmed.


    ¡°Not cooperating,¡± Kristian¡¯s voice cut through the air, sharp and resolute.


    He ended the call abruptly.


    Freya turned to Ashley, her expression unreadable, almost detached. ¡°You heard him,¡± she stated tly.


    Ashley¡¯s eyes flickered with a mix of desperation and determination. ¡°Then help me get close to him,¡± she implored.


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    Freya arched an eyebrow, her tone skeptical. ¡°And why exactly would I do that?¡±


    ¡°If I don¡¯t seed, you¡¯ll be his next target,¡± Ashley replied, her voice tinged with urgency. She understood the stakes all too well. ¡°Living under his thumb is like being trapped in hell¡ªevery waking moment is a relentless torment. Believe me, even you wouldn¡¯tst.¡±


    Ashley¡¯s past was a shadow that lingered in her nightmares. She was haunted by visions of serpents and chilling scenes that yed over in her mind, a constant reminder of the man whose very memory could make her skin crawl and her body shudder with uncontroble dread. Previously, this man had shown an unsettling interest in Freya. Ashley knew that if she failed this time, he would certainly turn his malevolent attention toward Freya.


    With a scrutinizing gaze, Freya observed Ashley, searching for any hint of a lie but found none.


    Resigned, she retrieved her phone and pulled up her chat with Trent. She scrolled through their messages until she found a particr photo that Trent had sent¡ªa snapshot of Ashley standing next to a man. Freya extended the phone toward Ashley. She questioned sharply, ¡°Is this the man you¡¯re talking about?¡±


    Ashley stiffened the moment her eyesnded on the photo, her mind instantly rewinding to the moment Kristian had confronted her with it. Her first instinct was to me Freya, suspicion ring in her chest¡ªuntil she paused, thinking it through. Freya couldn¡¯t have been the one.


    ¡°Yes, but also no,¡± Ashley said slowly, her voice uncertain as her gaze flickered back to the photo. ¡°That¡¯s not his real face. It¡¯s a disguise¡ªhe lookspletely different in person.¡±


    Freya narrowed her eyes, curiosity piqued. ¡°Then what does he actually look like?¡±


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 Chapter 402

    ?Chapter 402:


    Upon hearing the question, Ashley quickly turned to the caf¨¦ counter and asked for a pen and some paper. Once they handed it over, she sat back down and started sketching in front of Freya.


    Even after all the time she¡¯d spent with him, not once had she taken a photo¡ªshe never had the courage to. The thought alone had felt too risky.


    But his face was etched into her memory, like a mark she could never erase.


    After ten tense minutes, a rough but recognizable sketch began to take shape beneath Ashley¡¯s pencil.


    Freya¡¯s eyes narrowed, a shadow crossing her expression as she stared at the all-too-familiar face on the paper. Her expression turned icy. Lifting a finger, she tapped the sketch right between the man¡¯s brows. ¡°Does he have a scar here? About three centimeters long?¡±


    Ashley¡¯s hand stalled midair, the pencil hovering just above the paper. Her eyes widened in shock, pupils shrinking. ¡°How¡ªhow could you possibly know that?¡±


    Freya¡¯s expression shifted in an instant¡ªcool and serious, like a switch had flipped.


    Without a word, she unlocked her phone, swiped through a few screens, and brought up a hidden photo. She turned the screen toward Ashley. ¡°Is this him?¡±


    Ashley¡¯s breath caught in her throat. Her eyes locked onto the image¡ªhis face, so familiar it could haunt her in dreams. Her lips parted slightly. ¡°Yes.¡±


    A storm of questions rose inside her. Why did Freya have this photo? How did she even know who he was? Nothing about this made sense.


    Before Ashley could speak again, Freya cut in with a question that came out of nowhere. ¡°Do you want a normal life?¡±


    Ashley blinked, still struggling to process everything. ¡°What?¡± she muttered,pletely thrown.


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    ¡°Return to him. Tell him you can¡¯t get close to Kristian, and suggest that I should take your ce.¡± Freya¡¯s wordsnded like a cold p, jolting Ashley from her daze. The air around her seemed to shift, charged with a new, unsettling energy.


    ¡°Do you¡­ do you grasp the weight of your words?¡± Ashley stammered, her voice trembling with a mix of fear and disbelief.


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°He may be captivating, but he¡¯s nothing like Kristian,¡± Ashley pressed on, a desperate edge to her voice as she yed on Freya¡¯s known weakness for charming men. ¡°You¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you yearn to live in peace with your grandmother and younger brother?¡± Freya¡¯s eyes were piercing, her gazeser-focused, cutting deep into Ashley¡¯s soul.


    Of course Ashley did. How could she not long for that kind of life? She clung to that thought, repeating it like a silent prayer in her head. Yet, desiring peace and¡­


    Thrusting Freya into danger and epting the weight of those consequences were worlds apart. Ashley knew the sting of past errors¡ªher actionsst time had nearly caused irreparable damage. She couldn¡¯t allow history to repeat itself with the same grave mistakes.


    ¡°If that¡¯s really what you want,¡± Freya said, her tone steady but firm. ¡°Then listen to me. Do exactly as I say. You only get one shot at this.¡±


    Ashley was caught in a fierce battle within herself. Torn between the allure of a peaceful life and the weight of her own conscience.


    A wry smile twisted her lips. The irony was not lost on her¡ªhowughable it was that someone like her even had a conscience.


    Freya¡¯s words from theirst unsettling encounter echoed in Ashley¡¯s mind:


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 Chapter 403

    ?Chapter 403:


    ¡°No matter who you¡¯re up against, don¡¯t let them control your conscience. I can protect your family, but I can¡¯t save you from losing your moralpass.¡±


    Despite Ashley¡¯s past attempts to undermine Freya, thetter had steadfastly protected Ashley¡¯s grandmother and younger brother.


    Reflecting on those moments, Ashley¡¯s resolve hardened. Her voice was low but resolute when she spoke. ¡°I want that, yet I cannot bear the thought of dragging you into this mess with me.¡±


    Freya stood frozen, speechless. Ashley had rendered herpletely at a loss for words.


    ¡°You can go now,¡± Ashley said, her tone clipped and decisive. She had already made up her mind¡ªthis was something she had to face on her own. ¡°If you ever cross paths with that man again, stay away from him. Don¡¯t talk to him, don¡¯t look at him¡ªjust keep your distance,¡± she warned, her voice low but steady.


    That ce had already swallowed her once, dragging her into a nightmare she barely escaped. Freya didn¡¯t deserve that pain, and Ashley would make sure she never had to face it.


    Just as Ashley turned to take a step toward the door, Freya¡¯s voice broke the silence behind her. ¡°Wait!¡±


    Ashley halted, her movement cut short.


    Freya stood up and crossed the room with quiet determination. She stopped just inches from Ashley and met her eyes. ¡°If you really want to make things right between us, then listen to me. Don¡¯t just sit around waiting for him to strike again¡ªtake control. Step into the game before he drags you in on his terms.¡±


    Ashley blinked, her expression masking her confusion. ¡°What are you suggesting?¡±


    Freya¡¯s tone dropped, steady yetced with tension. ¡°When you failed him, he shifted his focus to me,¡± she exined with a chilling calmness. ¡°Do you think he¡¯ll simply ignore me if you botch this task as well?¡±


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    The weight of Freya¡¯s words crashed down on Ashley like andslide.


    It was a harsh, undeniable truth.


    If Ashley were to fail and end up behind bars, that man would certainly set his malevolent sights on Freya next. The threat loomed over Freya, an omnipresent shadow.


    ¡°If you genuinely care about my safety, then heed my advice,¡± Freya continued, her eyes reflecting aplex mix of fear and resolve. ¡°Follow my lead, and not only will I stay safe, but so will you and your family.¡±


    Before Ashley could press for more answers, Freya turned on her heel and left.


    She strode to her car, flung the door open, and slid into the driver¡¯s seat. Her mind churned with everything she had just uncovered. Pulling out her phone, she quickly opened the group chat with her friends. Her fingers hovered briefly before she typed a short, loaded message. ¡°That man showed up.¡±


    The moment she hit send, she exhaled sharply and sank into the seat, her eyes unfocused as memories wed their way to the surface. That man¡­ he had nearly destroyed their entire team once.


    She didn¡¯t need anyone to warn her¡ªshe had already learned the hard way how terrifying he could be.


    As Freya lost herself in thought, her phone suddenly rang, pulling her back to reality. It was Trent.


    His voice, much steadier than before, broke the silence. ¡°Did you see him?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied bluntly, continuing, ¡°The person manipting Ashley is him. I¡¯ve confirmed it with her. It¡¯s really him.¡±


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 Chapter 404

    ?Chapter 404:


    Trent fell silent for a moment, the weight of her words settling in.


    After a long pause, he asked, ¡°They haven¡¯t returned yet?¡±


    Freya knew exactly who he meant.


    ¡°No rush. That man¡¯s target is Kristian. He¡¯s using my past connection with him as leverage.¡± Freya had been clearing her mind of distractions, trying to make sense of everything. ¡°This time, we have the advantage in the dark, while he¡¯s exposed.¡±


    She vividly recalled what had happenedst time¡ªhow close she hade to losing her life.


    Trent, sitting in front of hisptop, adjusted his sses and asked the question that Freya hadn¡¯t yet considered. ¡°Why would he target Kristian?¡±


    The moment the words left his mouth, Freya froze. Her mind raced, trying to connect the dots.


    But try as she might, she couldn¡¯t find a single link between Kristian and that man.


    ¡°I¡¯ll look into it,¡± she said, pinching the bridge of her nose in frustration.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Trent replied, his voice steady. ¡°But before you make any moves or interact with him, let me know. I¡¯ll back you up.¡±


    Freya murmured her agreement and ended the call.


    She stared at the photo on her phone, a familiar wave of relief washing over her. Thank goodness they¡¯d disguised their faces back then. It meant the man couldn¡¯t recognize them.


    If not for that, things could have gone south in an instant.


    Just as she hung up, a knock sounded at her car window. She turned, and there stood Ashley, looking as uncertain as ever.


    Freya rolled the window down.


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    Their eyes met in silence.


    Ashley hesitated, her expression torn. ¡°Are you really nning to have me tell him like that?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°For real?¡±


    ¡°For real.¡±


    Ashley studied Freya¡¯s resolute face for a moment before letting the question go. Without another word, she offered Freya a few final insights¡ªhow tomunicate with the man, how to keep him calm, and other helpful tips she¡¯d gathered.


    ¡°Oh, one more thing,¡± Ashley said, pausing mid-step as if remembering something vital. ¡°He¡¯s suspicious by nature. If he doesn¡¯t have leverage on you, he won¡¯t truly use you.¡±


    Freya nodded, understanding the weight of Ashley¡¯s warning. Considering the man¡¯s abilities, now that she was back in Alerith, it was only a matter of time before he started digging into her past. When that moment came, he would likely leverage her family to exert pressure or perhaps exploit some other weakness she hadn¡¯t anticipated.


    Freya started the engine and drove off, her mind already working on how to handle what wasing.


    Meanwhile, Kristian, after hanging up on Freya, sat waiting for her call toe through again. He believed she¡¯d exin everything. But as time dragged on, the phone remained silent.


    Gerard, standing nervously in the office, let his imagination run wild.


    Ashley wanted to kill Kristian? Had her love for him turned into hate?


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 Chapter 405

    ?Chapter 405:


    ¡°Mr. Shaw,¡± Gerard ventured cautiously, his heart racing, ¡°what did you talk with Ms. Briggs about earlier? Do you need me to strengthen your security? Should I bring in the bodyguards?¡±


    Kristian waved him off. ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary.¡±


    Gerard dared not ask any more questions. If Kristian wasn¡¯t answering, then there was nothing more to be said.


    ¡°Keep an eye on the office. I¡¯m heading out.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s thoughts still felt scrambled. Something about the situation didn¡¯t add up. Why would Freya discuss those things with Ashley? And why had Ashley shown up in Alerith?


    Suddenly, he stopped mid-step, his thoughtsing to a halt. Gerard, torn between curiosity and fear, asked hesitantly, ¡°Anything else you¡¯d like me to handle, sir?¡±


    ¡°Invite Ashley to my office,¡± Kristian ordered, his voice cold as he recalled their previous encounter. ¡°Tell her I need to speak with her.¡±


    He still couldn¡¯t understand why Ashley had kidnapped Freya. He needed answers, and he wouldn¡¯t rest until he got them.


    Gerard nodded quickly. ¡°Understood.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t linger. Grabbing his phone and car keys, he headed for the elevator. But as he reached the entrance to his office, he unexpectedly ran into Ashley.


    Her posture told him everything¡ªshe had been waiting for him. ¡°Kristian,¡± she called out to him.


    Kristian turned, his brows furrowing as he took in her presence. She wasn¡¯t the same as before. Her gazecked the longing he had seen so many times. Instead, it was cool, distant.


    ¡°I¡¯d like to discuss something with you. Are you avable?¡± she asked.


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    Kristian didn¡¯t answer. He simply gestured for someone to escort her upstairs.


    He hadn¡¯t forgotten Freya¡¯s call¡ªAshley wanted him dead.


    Meanwhile, Freya had arrived at the office of Anita International. After reviewing and signing all the documents Melvin had given her, she opened herptop and began searching.


    But no matter how thoroughly she looked, she couldn¡¯t find any connection between Kristian and that man.


    Just as she was about to call Kristian to probe further, a sudden thought stopped her. She remembered her conversation with Ashley.


    To be safe, she decided to remind Ashley not to say anything to Kristian.


    Unfortunately, when she called Ashley, the response she received was far from reassuring. Ashley¡¯s voice wasyered withplexity.


    ¡°He already knows,¡± Ashley replied.


    Freya was left speechless.


    Before she could hang up, Kristian¡¯s voice came through, unmistakable and demanding. ¡°Someone¡¯s trying to steal Shaw Group¡¯s trade secrets and kill me. Am I not allowed to know?¡±


    ¡°You already know, don¡¯t you?¡± Freya said quickly, regaining herposure.


    Kristian fell silent, unable to find the words. Her response had left him momentarily stunned.


    ¡°Send me the address. Let¡¯s talkter,¡± Kristian finally said after a long pause.


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 Chapter 406

    ?Chapter 406:


    Freya hesitated before sending him the address.


    She hadn¡¯t wanted him to find out¡ªshe didn¡¯t want to deal with his temper. He had argued with her endlessly over past matters, and if he knew she nned to go undercover, he¡¯d be furious. But now that he knew, there was no turning back.


    Once Kristian had the address, a strange calm settled over him. He set his phone aside and resumed his conversation with Ashley.


    Ashley shared everything she¡¯d told Freya, her voice heavy with the weight of the truth.


    When the conversation ended, Ashley stood, bowing deeply, her apology sincere. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°You owe an apology to Freya, not me,¡± Kristian said, his emotions running deep and hard to pin down. He hadn¡¯t expected the truth to be soplicated. ¡°If you had told me your difficulties back then, I would¡¯ve helped you.¡±


    Ashley had long let go of the past. ¡°That¡¯s exactly what Freya said to me.¡±


    Kristian paused, his mind suddenly racing.


    ¡°Freya is truly remarkable,¡± Ashley added, her words piercing the tension in the room. ¡°You can¡¯t let her slip away.¡±


    Her words echoed in Kristian¡¯s mind, making him reflect on so much¡ªthe stubbornness that had clouded his judgment, the misunderstandings between him and Freya, their endless arguments. Back then, when Freya had insisted that he was the one who had changed, he had thought she was just making excuses. But now, he realized the truth¡ªhe was the fool all along.


    Once the conversation was over, Ashley prepared to leave. Kristian provided her with an excuse and instructed her on how to report back to that man. He watched her retreating figure, his tone cold as he spoke. ¡°If you ever harm Freya again, I will personally ensure you end up in prison.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Ashley responded, a weight lifting from her chest. For the first time in what felt like forever, she could breathe easier. Guilt and anxiety had been her constantpanions, haunting herte into countless nights. But now, after this confrontation, she felt a quiet relief.


    Your favorite tales live on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s


    In order to avoid disrupting Freya¡¯s ns, Kristian reluctantly yed along with Ashley, staging a scene where it appeared she had been cast out of the Shaw Group building.


    He nced at the address Freya had sent him, a moment of contemtion flickering in his mind before he set off.


    By the time Freya and Kristian finally met, it was already noon. To keep their conversation private, Freya had chosen a secluded spot.


    As they sat down, Kristian wasted no time, recalling Ashley¡¯s earlier words. ¡°Ashley mentioned you¡¯re nning to go undercover around that person?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya replied.


    ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be better to report it to the authorities?¡± Kristian asked, his voice tinged with concern.


    ¡°It won¡¯t work,¡± Freya replied, fully aware of the man¡¯s identity and nature. ¡°He won¡¯te back to the country unless it¡¯s absolutely necessary.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s brow furrowed instinctively. Freya pulled up a photo on her phone and handed it over to him. ¡°Do you recognize this man?¡±


    The man in the photo was the one manipting Ashley, the very person Freya was determined to confront.


    Kristian studied the image, his eyes narrowing as he pondered. After a few moments, he shook his head. ¡°I don¡¯t know him.¡±


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 Chapter 407

    ?Chapter 407:


    That evening, Freya met with Ashley once more, who had finally reported back to the man behind her. The man, seeing Ashley on the video call, was taken aback by her newfound boldness. He had always viewed her as the docile pawn, but now she was showing a defiance he hadn¡¯t expected.


    ¡°Failed?¡± the man asked, his image flickering on the screen, his body the only part visible as he sat in the shadows. ¡°You know exactly what I told you.¡±


    ¡°After thest incident, Kristian no longer trusts me,¡± Ashley admitted, her voice trembling. ¡°I¡¯ve really tried my best.¡±


    The man sat motionless, casually spinning his ring between his fingers. Ashley couldn¡¯t see his face, nor could she decipher the emotion behind his silence. All she could hear was the relentless ticking of the clock on his end, each second stretching out and tightening the knot of panic and fear growing heavier in her chest.


    ¡°It seems I¡¯ll have to spread your secrets to your neighbors and your brother¡¯s school,¡± the man finally said, his voice deliberate, his long, slender fingers moving with a calcted grace, as if each one was sculpted to perfection. Ashley¡¯s eyes widened in fear.


    The man¡¯s tone was measured as he spoke again, ¡°Your brother is taking the SATs next year, right?¡±


    ¡°I have another way!¡± Ashley responded quickly, following the n Freya hadid out for her. If not for her steely resolve, she might have crumbled by now.


    The man¡¯s silence was unnerving as he waited for her response. Ashley, with sweaty palms, sat before herputer and said, ¡°We can have Freya Briggs take action.¡±


    At the mention of Freya¡¯s name, the man reacted. A light chuckle escaped him before he spoke again. ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°Kristian is trying to win Freya back. Because of some past events, he feels guilty toward her,¡± Ashley continued, her throat tightening as she swallowed hard, the fear evident in her voice. ¡°Freya can definitely kill him. It¡¯s just¡­¡± she trailed off, her voice faltering.


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    What the man didn¡¯t know was that a piece of papery in front of Ashley¡¯sputer.


    On the desk in front of Ashley was a script Freya had carefully prepared, anticipating the man¡¯s questions and providing Ashley with the exact words to say. When people were nervous, they often stumbled over their words or forgot their lines. With this script, Ashley was less likely to make a mistake.


    ¡°Just what?¡± the man asked, his voice low,manding her to continue.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure how to exploit Freya¡¯s weaknesses to force her into this,¡± Ashley confessed, not ncing at the script in front of her. ¡°But I can assure you, if she agrees to do it, it will seed.¡±


    As Ashley spoke, the man¡¯s eyes, hidden from her view, darkened with an unreadable intensity. He stared at her through the screen, his thoughts shifting to Kristian. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and measured. ¡°You just said Kristian is trying to win Freya back?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ashley responded, confused by the question but answering truthfully.


    ¡°Forget about Kristian for now,¡± the man said slowly, his voice chilling. ¡°Just stay put in Alerith.¡±


    Ashley was left bewildered. After everything, was he giving up?


    ¡°Keep your phone on you,¡± the man said, his voice calm but carrying a sharp edge. ¡°Don¡¯t make it hard for me to contact you when I need to.¡±


    Ashley didn¡¯t dare probe further. The moment she whispered a meek ¡°yes,¡± the man abruptly ended the video call, severing the connection as if slicing a taut thread. His gaze drifted toward the glowingputer screen, his fingers idly toying with a ring as though it were a puzzle piece to arger enigma. He sat still, ensnared in thebyrinth of his own thoughts.


    After a pause that hung thick in the air, he turned toward the man seated nearby and posed a chilling question. ¡°Zane, tell me¡ªwould Dorothy feel a deeper satisfaction in dismantling Kristian¡¯spany and ending his life, or in helping him conquer Freya¡¯s heart, only for her to kill his beloved woman herself?¡±


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 Chapter 408

    ?Chapter 408:


    Zane Castro, his right hand and a man of few wasted words, replied with a knowing smile, ¡°Thetter, without a doubt.¡±


    ¡°Then have someone steer him toward her,¡± the man said, his voice as unreadable as fog at midnight. His gaze carried the quiet danger of a de concealed beneath silk. ¡°Better still if she ends up bearing his child.¡±


    Zane gave a brief nod. ¡°Understood.¡±


    The room fell silent as the man was left alone with his schemes. Lighting a cigarette, he exhaled smoke like a silent vow, his mind orchestrating a slow, ruthless descent into suffering for Kristian. He wasn¡¯t crafting a n; he was weaving a curse.


    A mere death at the hands of a lover might sting, yes¡ªbut for a man ruled by his heart, such an end might taste too bittersweet. No¡ªhe preferredyers to his revenge, pain painted in broader strokes. He¡¯d let Kristian win Freya¡¯s heart and let a child be born of their bond. Then¡ªwhen joy seemed secure¡ªhe¡¯d rip it all away, snatch Freya and the child, and wield them like weapons. Now that would be a masterpiece of despair.


    With this malicious tapestry in mind, a sense of ease washed over him. He had time. And he relished the idea of a long, bitter war of attrition. Meanwhile, Ashley remained unaware that his ns had shifted, and that a new game had quietly begun.


    After the call ended, she used her regr phone to reach Freya. It waste. Freya had just finished her nightly routine and was preparing to drift off when Ashley¡¯s call blinked across the screen.


    Guessing the topic, Ashley picked up. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°He said he won¡¯t make a move,¡± Ashley replied,pletely at a loss. Confusion and fear tangled in her voice. What worried her most was whether she¡¯d been found out.


    Freya frowned, her mind immediately alert. ¡°He won¡¯t make a move?¡±


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    ¡°Yes, he told me to forget about Kristian for the time being,¡± Ashley repeated, her anxiety building like storm clouds gathering on the horizon. The fear of exposure gnawed at her relentlessly.


    Freya¡¯s tone sharpened, but she remainedposed. ¡°Did you record the video like I asked?¡±


    ¡°I did.¡±


    ¡°Send it to me.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Ashley obeyed without resistance. She had fully surrendered herself to Freya¡¯s lead. To avoid any missteps or misced words during their conversations, Freya had insisted Ashley record everything using a second device.


    Freya quickly provided an email address.


    Ashley sent the video, but the knot in her stomach didn¡¯t loosen. Just as she was about to speak again, Freya asked, ¡°Besides that, did he say anything else?¡±


    ¡°He told me to stay in Alerith and make sure I answer his calls without dy,¡± Ashley confessed,ying bare every word. She never thought she¡¯de to trust someone this much¡ªenough to expose her most vulnerable fears.


    Freya acknowledged her with a soft hum, then said she¡¯d get back to her after reviewing the video, and ended the call.


    The video was short¡ªjust a few minutes long. If she¡¯d had even the slightest doubt about the man¡¯s identity, hearing his voice dispelled it like sunlight breaking through mist. The voice, the cadence¡ªit all matched.


    The camera had been pointed at Ashley, so only the man¡¯s voice had been captured, not his image.


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 Chapter 409

    ?Chapter 409:


    Ten minutester, Freya reassured Ashley that she hadn¡¯t been exposed and urged her to remain calm and get some rest.


    Earlier, the man had asked Ashley about Kristian pursuing her. If Freya¡¯s instincts were right, he had simply changed tactics. With no clear sense of his new strategy, all she could do was take each twist as it came.


    With these thoughts crowding her mind, she finally fell into a deep, restless sleep.


    The next morning, she returned to work as if nothing had changed. At Anita International, she was reviewing a few bid proposals when she noticed an unusual expression crossing Melvin¡¯s typically unreadable face.


    Freya set the documents aside and asked, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Do I really seem like someone who can be bought that easily?¡± Melvin asked, straight-faced and serious.


    Freya studied him for a moment. ¡°Yes.¡±


    He was too controlled, too perfectly polished.


    ¡°Someone tried to bribe you?¡± she asked, intrigued.


    ¡°Yes,¡± he replied inly, with no trace of amusement in his tone. ¡°And insulted me while he was at it.¡±


    Now Freya was genuinely curious.


    ¡°He offered me a million a year to be a mole beside you. To report everything back to him,¡± Melvin exined, as if recounting a dull weather forecast.


    ¡°And?¡± Freya asked, leaning in as though watching a drama unfold.


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


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    ¡°The money was too little. I don¡¯t have time to waste on amateurs,¡± he said with a shrug. ¡°If he¡¯d offered fifty million, I might¡¯ve humored him for a minute.¡±


    Freya picked up the bid proposals again and said casually, ¡°Next time he shows up, raise the price¡ªand ept.¡±


    ¡°I thought the same,¡± Melvin replied, his voice level, as if discussing stock prices.


    Freya chuckled quietly and returned to her documents.


    Melvin had a singr loyalty¡ªto profit. Whoever had tried to turn him clearly thought his love of money would make him easy prey. But no matter how high the offer¡ªbe it fifty million, a hundred million, or more¡ªFreya knew one thing for certain: he¡¯d never betray her.


    ¡°Oh, right,¡± Freya said, suddenly remembering something. ¡°How¡¯s the charity foundationing along?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯spleted the final procedures,¡± Melvin replied.


    ¡°Good.¡±


    She didn¡¯t probe further.


    The 1.4 billion Kristian had given her had been channeled into the foundation¡ªher way of opening doors to education for children born without luck. Both Anita International and Briggs Group had alsounched several charity initiatives.


    After finishing her morning work at Anita International¡¯s office, she headed over to Briggs Group¡¯s office in the afternoon.


    n, seeing her rush between offices every day like a pendulum on overdrive, couldn¡¯t resist poking fun. ¡°Exactly how much are they paying you at Anita International to work this hard?¡±


    Freya paused for a moment. n didn¡¯t know that Anita International was, in fact, her ownpany.


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 Chapter 410

    ?Chapter 410:


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you just work full-time at Briggs Group? I¡¯ll throw in a raise,¡± he joked, though his curiosity was genuine.


    Freya sidestepped the topic with a quick excuse. ¡°I need to get back to work.¡±


    ¡°Hold on!¡± He stopped her. ¡°Someone from Shaw Group is here. Come with me to greet them.¡±


    He added with a curious glint in his eye, ¡°I¡¯ve been keeping an eye on Kristian Shaw these past few days, and I¡¯ve realized¡ªhe¡¯s not as cold as I thought.¡±


    Freya exhaled inwardly. She could already see where this was going.


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who said he wasn¡¯t right for me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t really know him,¡± n exined, his voice calm and measured. ¡°Our dealings with the Shaw Group mostly ur through their branch in Alerith. I hardly ever meet Kristian face-to-face. At ourst dinner, though, I made sure to watch him closely. He¡¯s a solid man, someone you could consider for marriage.¡±


    There was a spark of enthusiasm in n¡¯s voice.


    Freya¡¯s response was brief. ¡°He¡¯s not suitable.¡±


    ¡°How can you say that he¡¯s not suitable if you haven¡¯t given him a chance?¡± n¡¯s tone shifted, bing more insistent, a trace of concern creeping into his voice as though he believed this could be crucial for Freya¡¯s future happiness. ¡°Trust me, he really is a good match for you.¡±


    Freya pressed her lips together. Was n really going to persist until he got his way?


    n didn¡¯t relent. ¡°So?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s precisely because I gave it a try that I know he¡¯s not a good match for me.¡± Freya¡¯s voice remained steady, and her expression was calm as she met his gaze. ¡°I spent thest two years away from Alerith because I was married to him.¡±


    n was stunned. ¡°What did you just say?¡±


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    ¡°He is my ex-husband. I just returned after finalizing our divorce a few days ago.¡± Freya didn¡¯t offer further details about the cause of the divorce, leaving the exnation unfinished.


    n searched her expression for any flicker of humor, any indication that she was joking¡ªbut her face remained unchanged. Married? And now¡­ divorced? They¡¯d been married and already gone their separate ways?


    ¡°Does your father know about this?¡± n¡¯s heart started to race.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯ve told him,¡± Freya answered inly. ¡°You should go handle your business with them. I need to get back to work.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡± n called out after her.


    Freya turned around, her expression as steady as ever, as though everything she¡¯d said was nothing out of the ordinary.


    ¡°You¡¯re not messing with me?¡± n asked.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you get divorced?¡± In his view, Kristian didn¡¯t seem like a bad person.


    Freya fell quiet for a moment before answering, ¡°We just grew apart.¡±


    n wanted to ask more, but Freya had already left his office. Still rattled, he sent a message to Ethel, hoping she might shed some light on why Freya had divorced Kristian.


    Ethel¡¯s reply came quickly, blunt and to the point: ¡°Because Kristian¡¯s a scumbag.¡±


    She didn¡¯t borate. If Freya hadn¡¯t confided in n, Ethel figured it wasn¡¯t her ce to say anything further.


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 Chapter 411

    ?Chapter 411:


    n stared at the message, curiosity gnawing at him. When he sat down for a meeting with Kristianter, he couldn¡¯t help but let his gaze wander toward the man.


    The day¡¯s meeting was just to iron out a few minor details of a previously settled partnership. Normally, Chaz and Richie would¡¯ve taken care of it, but Kristian had decided toe in person¡ªperhaps hoping to run into Freya.


    ¡°Mr. Briggs, Mr. Shaw is speaking to you,¡± n¡¯s assistant, Toby Green, leaned over and discreetly nudged him.


    n blinked, shaken from his thoughts. ¡°Apologies, I got caught up reviewing the coboration details and missed that.¡±


    Gerard cleared his throat, his expression a bit odd.


    Kristian frowned slightly.


    The meeting didn¡¯tst much longer. Once they wrapped up the remaining points, Kristian began to leave, but then an idea suddenly popped into n¡¯s mind.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw, if you¡¯re free, would you like to stay for dinner?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Kristian replied without hesitation. He figured that since n also had the Briggs surname, there was a decent chance he was rted to Freya. It couldn¡¯t hurt to make a good impression on her family.


    Toby raised an eyebrow and whispered in n¡¯s ear, ¡°Are you¡­ into Mr. Shaw?¡±


    n blinked in shock.


    Gerard¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    ¡°You really ought to keep your feelings in check at work,¡± Toby continued, oblivious to Gerard¡¯s reaction, assuming he was speaking quietly enough. ¡°Mr. Shaw¡¯s a pretty big deal.¡±


    If n had been confused before, now he was practically fuming. When had he ever implied he liked Kristian?


    Just as n was about to scold Toby, he noticed Gerard ncing their way with a strange look on his face.


    In that instant, everything clicked.


    ¡°Please wait in the reception lounge for a moment,¡± n said to Kristian, without further exnation. The more he tried to rify, the worse it would get. ¡°I¡¯ll handle a few things, and then we¡¯ll head to dinner.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes narrowed, and his sharp lips parted as he replied, ¡°Alright.¡±


    n offered a tight smile before turning and heading back.


    Once he returned to his office, he rounded on his assistant. ¡°What nonsense were you spouting just now? Are you thinking straight?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect Mr. Shaw¡¯s assistant to have such sharp ears,¡± Toby coughed, clearly ufortable.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the issue here,¡± n snapped, his brow furrowing in frustration. ¡°How could I possibly have feelings for Kristian Shaw? I¡¯m into women!¡±


    Toby stood frozen, not daring to say a word. If n¡¯s mother hadn¡¯t dropped by to give Toby a little heads-up, he never would¡¯ve suspected anything.


    ¡°Your mother was the one who told me to keep an eye on how you interact with men,¡± Toby confessed. ¡°I saw you staring at Mr. Shaw throughout the meeting, barely hearing what he said. So, I just thought¡­ Would a straight man look at another guy like that? Especially a boss like n, who¡¯s normallyser-focused in meetings and never distracted. Didn¡¯t it make sense to suspect something?¡±


    n¡¯s lips twitched in frustration. He rubbed his temples, trying to calm the storm brewing in his mind. Just because he was thirty and still single, did his mother really have to start questioning his orientation?


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 Chapter 412

    ?Chapter 412:


    Meanwhile, after n and Toby stepped out, Gerard couldn¡¯t help himself. ¡°Sir, do you think Mr. Briggs actually has a thing for you?¡± He¡¯d definitely noticed the way n kept ncing over during the meeting.


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian replied coolly, his face unreadable.


    Gerard looked intrigued. How could Kristian be so certain?


    ¡°I¡¯m guessing he¡¯s Freya¡¯s cousin,¡± Kristian said, thinking his hunch was probably right. ¡°He likely already knows about the divorce.¡±


    ¡°Cousin?¡±


    Gerard looked genuinely surprised.


    ¡°Are we still going for dinnerter?¡± Gerard asked, his voiceced with uncertainty.


    In his mind, Kristian, who had once deeply hurt n¡¯s cousin, should feel the weight of this dinner invitation like a trap set by fate. It was like walking straight into the lion¡¯s den.


    When Kristian finally spoke, his gaze a turbulent sea of emotions, barely veiled beneath a calm exterior, he replied, ¡°Why not?¡± His voice remained steady.


    Despite knowing he was stepping into hostile territory, where n¡¯s grudge simmered just below the surface, Kristian hadpelling reasons to face the ordeal. n wasn¡¯t just anyone; he was Freya¡¯s rtive, the one person Kristian couldn¡¯t risk upsetting.


    Half an hourter, n¡¯s secretary finalized the dinner arrangements and escorted Kristian to the restaurant.


    Freya stood quietly by the doorway, her eyes following them as they disappeared into the distance.


    As the day dwindled into evening, Freya¡¯s ns took an unexpected turn. Just as she was preparing to leave for home, her phone rang. It was Winslow Alvarez, her maternal grandfather, inviting her to visit. Winslow, a man of profound influence and aplex history, had always cast a long shadow over her life.


    ???????? ???????????????? ??? g???????¦Í?????????????


    Ever since they were children, he had shown nothing but kindness to both her and Ethel¡ªalways patient, always attentive, like a doting grandfather you¡¯d read about in storybooks. If she hadn¡¯t uncovered the truth¡ªthat he had once pressured her mother into a cold, loveless arranged marriage¡ªshe would have continued holding onto the image of him as a warm, gentle elder who meant no harm.


    With a brief message to Ethel informing her of the change in ns, Freya was picked up by a driver sent personally by Winslow.


    By the time she arrived, the sky had already turned a deep shade of indigo¡ªit was seven in the evening.


    Their evening unfolded in the familiar, intimate setting of Winslow¡¯s dining room, where history and the present mingled over a quiet meal shared between just the two of them.


    When the meal had ended, Winslow invited her for a stroll through the garden, his hands sped behind his back as he walked at an unhurried pace.


    Freya could tell he wasn¡¯t just out for fresh air¡ªhe had something on his mind.


    As they wandered along, Winslow, well into his eighties, broke the silence, his voice gentle and infused with warmth. ¡°I heard you¡¯ve been away from Alerith these past two years, living in Jeucwell and getting married?¡± His eyes, crinkled at the corners, conveyed genuine curiosity and concern.


    Freya responded openly, her tone light and unguarded. ¡°Yes, that¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°And how did he treat you?¡± Winslow inquired, his expression softening.


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 Chapter 413

    ?Chapter 413:


    ¡°Not bad,¡± Freya replied sinctly.


    ¡°Not bad, yet you divorced him?¡± Winslow probed further, his eyebrows arching slightly.


    ¡°We just weren¡¯t a good match,¡± Freya exined, her voice tinged with a hint of mncholy.


    The path they walked was lined with softly swaying flowers, mirroring the ebb and flow of their conversation.


    As they continued, Winslow nodded understandingly. He knew Freya well enough to understand that she never took marriage lightly. He respected her privacy and didn¡¯t press further about her past. Instead, he shifted the conversation to a more intriguing topic.


    ¡°An old friend of mine brought something up the other day,¡± Winslow said as he walked beside her. ¡°He mentioned he has a grandson who¡¯s the right age to settle down.¡± His voice carried a hint of amusement. ¡°ording to him, the boy¡¯s not only ridiculously good-looking, but alsoes from an excellent family and has a bright future ahead of him.¡±


    At that, Freya immediately caught on. Her gaze shifted slightly as realization dawned¡ªthis was about a potential arranged marriage. ¡°He wants you to meet him,¡± Winslow remarked, turning his head to study her reaction. ¡°What do you think? Are you open to it?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied, her tone firm and unwavering.


    She had never liked the idea of being matched up by someone else¡ªit grated against her sense of independence.


    ¡°I suspected as much,¡± Winslow responded with a gentle chuckle, his affection for her evident in his warm smile. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ve already declined on your behalf.¡±


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    Freya paused, a flicker of surprise crossing her features.


    Winslow noticed the subtle change in her expression, his own demeanor growing more somber. ¡°You know, if I were younger, I might have insisted you meet him. But over the years, I¡¯vee to realize there are some things better left unforced.¡±


    Freya remained silent, her thoughts drifting to a question she longed to ask¡ªwhy he had coerced her mother into an arranged marriage all those years ago. Yet, she hesitated, knowing that dredging up such memories would only reopen old, painful wounds.


    ¡°Mina,¡± Winslow called out softly, standing by the edge of a serene pond. His voice carried a weight of age and regret. ¡°I owe your mother an apology.¡±


    Freya turned to him, her heart skipping a beat as she saw the genuine remorse in his eyes.


    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t pushed her into that marriage with your father, maybe she would still be with us,¡± he admitted, sorrow clear in his voice. ¡°It was my mistake.¡± His words hung heavily between them.


    For the past two years, ever since the day Anita Alvarez¡ªhis daughter¡ªdrew her final breath, he had been haunted by a relentless ache of regret, gnawing at him every single day over the choice he had made. It wasn¡¯t until the weight of age settled into his bones that he finally understood¡ªsome things he once thought mattered, really didn¡¯t. Nothingpared to family.


    ¡°When Mom passed away,¡± Freya began gently, her voiceced with honesty and hesitation, unsure if her words would bringfort or stir deeper pain. ¡°She told She and me one thing¡­ She said we made her happy. Just having us was enough.¡±


    Life had a way of twisting unexpectedly, never following a straight line¡ªeach choice carving out a new path, a different ending.


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 Chapter 414

    ?Chapter 414:


    No one could ever be certain if the road they took was the right one, or just the one that hurt less.


    Freya had no way of knowing whether Anita held any resentment toward Winslow in the end. But when Anita left this world, she did so with a quiet peace¡ªno bitterness, no regrets in her heart.


    Winslow exhaled deeply, his sigh echoing a release of two years¡¯ worth of pent-up emotions, umted over the course of their conversation.


    Looking to shift the atmosphere, he steered the conversation toward a lighter topic. ¡°The other grandpa of yours might be nning to arrange a marriage for you soon,¡± he said, a note of caution in his voice. ¡°If you need any help navigating that, don¡¯t hesitate to call me.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya responded calmly.


    She wasn¡¯t particrly concerned about the matter.


    Her paternal grandfather had no secrets or leverage against her, and the Briggs Group wasn¡¯t in a position where a business marriage would provide any substantial benefit.


    She was firm in her resolve: no one could force her into an arranged marriage, and she would staunchly oppose such a situation.


    ¡°Mina,¡± Winslow called out, seeking her attention.


    ¡°Yes?¡± she replied, turning toward him.


    ¡°No matter what, remember that I will always stand behind you. Just be true to yourself,¡± Winslow dered, his voiceden with sincerity. He had failed Anita once and was resolute in his determination not to let history repeat itself with Freya.


    Freya didn¡¯t turn him down. ¡°Alright,¡± she said with a soft nod.


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    That night, she ended up staying at Winslow¡¯s ce.


    Unbeknownst to her, n and Kristian were getting drunk elsewhere¡ªso drunk, in fact, that they somehow became fast friends over the course of the evening.


    Inside a dimly lit private room, Gerard and Toby sat rigidly, their backs straight as boards, barely daring to breathe.


    Their eyes kept shifting toward the two men sprawled on the couch¡ªnow sitting shoulder to shoulder, arms slung around each other like old drinking buddies. Both of their hearts thudded with tension.


    ¡°Kristian,¡± n slurred, his cheeks flushed bright red from too many drinks. ¡°You did Mina wrong. And as her cousin, I¡¯m seriously not okay with that.¡± He paused, squinting at Kristian with an unsteady finger pointed at his face. ¡°But¡­ you¡¯re good-looking, man. And Mina¡¯s into guys like you.¡±


    The room fell into awkward silence.


    ¡°Be honest with me¡ªdo you have feelings for Mina?¡± n pressed, his voice thick and his gaze bleary. He¡¯d initially nned to get Kristian drunk first, loosen his lips, and then grill him about Mina.


    But the tables had turned quicker than expected; n had sumbed to the spirits far sooner than Kristian.


    Despite his professional demeanor at work, n¡¯s true, talkative nature emerged in the warmth ofpanionship, transforming him into a relentless chatterbox.


    Kristian¡¯s gaze deepened into a tangled mix of emotions, and after a thoughtful pause, he murmured, ¡°I¡¯m not sure.¡±


    His uncertainty wasn¡¯t just a passing cloud; it was a storm that lingered over his feelings for Freya.


    He¡¯d been thinking about the idea of remarrying her. The thought crossed his mind more often than he cared to admit.


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 Chapter 415

    ?Chapter 415:


    But whenever her name came up, there wasn¡¯t a smile waiting for him.


    Instead, it stirred up a tight knot of anxiety and heavy questions he couldn¡¯t quite answer.


    ¡°You don¡¯t even know if you like her? What¡¯s going on in your head?¡± n teased, draping an arm around Kristian¡¯s shoulders and pulling him in close with a conspiratorial lean. ¡°Tell me this¡ªif she were with someone else, would you feel upset?¡±


    A firm ¡°yes¡± echoed in Kristian¡¯s mind, immediate and resolute. Not only would he be upset, but he¡¯d also feelpelled to intervene. The mere thought made his jaw tighten.


    ¡°And if Mina were wronged, would you stand up for her, help her get back at them?¡± n probed further, his curiosity piqued.


    The response sprang to Kristian¡¯s thoughts unbidden, clear and sharp.


    ¡°All right, the real kicker,¡± n murmured, his voice dropping to a whisper as he brought his finger to his lips and leaned closer to Kristian¡¯s ear. ¡°Can anyone ever take Mina¡¯s ce in your heart?¡±


    Kristian mulled it over, his mind a battlefield of emotion and logic.


    Ultimately, he reached a definitive conclusion¡ªNo.


    In that moment, as the realization washed over him, Gerard¡¯s words came back to him, echoing in his mind. True affection often came intertwined with sexual desire.


    Other than Freya, no one had ever stirred even a trace of desire in Kristian¡ªnot even Ashley in the past. With that thought quietly swirling in his mind, he took out his phone and began searching the web. But the moment heid eyes on the responses, his expression clouded over like a sky before a storm.


    ¡°Is this some kind of wild daydream? Only feeling attracted to one person? Ridiculous!¡±


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    ¡°Sounds like impotence to me.¡±


    ¡°Seriously, stop justifying it. Who goes through life without a hint of desire?¡±


    ¡°It might actually be love. Some men are naturally disinterested in physical intimacy¡ªuntil they meet the one. Then it¡¯s not lust, but something deeper. Perfectly normal.¡±


    His gaze lingered a moment longer on that finalment, as if the words had struck a chord.


    n leaned over, trying to sneak a look, but before he could make out anything, Kristian had already locked the screen.


    ¡°If all those questions I asked earlier didn¡¯t clear things up, there¡¯s still onest test,¡± n offered, his determination unwavering. He was on a mission¡ªto pair up this brooding man with Freya.


    Kristian, ever the picture of calm, sat upright like a teacher listening to a student¡¯s drunken ramblings. ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°When you like someone, you want to be near them,¡± n exined with a rare note of sincerity, despite the alcohol clouding his head. ¡°You crave their voice, their presence. You want to be part of their every moment, their every day. That¡¯s how you know. Of course¡­ minus the obsessive types.¡±


    Those words found their way into Kristian¡¯s heart like pebbles dropped into still water.


    He did want to be near Freya¡ªto speak with her, to share his time. More than anything, he couldn¡¯t bear the thought of being left out of her world entirely.


    The very idea of vanishing from her life filled him with a sense of quiet despair.


    ¡°So¡­ if that¡¯s how I feel, does that mean I love her?¡± he asked, the question almost rhetorical.


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 Chapter 416

    ?Chapter 416:


    ¡°Obviously!¡± n dered, then promptly slumped onto Kristian¡¯s shoulder, sound asleep.


    Across the room, Gerard and Toby were seated far enough away to miss most of the exchange, but they¡¯d caught enough to pique their curiosity.


    Gerard leaned over to whisper, eyes full of mischief. ¡°Do you think your boss might have feelings for mine?¡±


    The two men were sitting close. Talking low. Too close.


    And¡ªmost telling of all¡ªKristian, known for treating personal space like sacred ground, hadn¡¯t brushed n off.


    Toby, in his usual tailored suit, replied without missing a beat, ¡°I¡¯m more worried than you are.¡±


    That floored Gerard. Had he identally unearthed some sort of hidden secret? Could Freya¡¯s cousin possibly be into men? If that were true, wouldn¡¯t that spell trouble for Kristian?


    ¡°Wait¡­ what exactly do you mean by that?¡± Gerard asked, clearly rattled. After all, Kristian was supposed to win Freya over!


    His imagination ignited, spinning a full-blown melodrama in seconds.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Toby said quickly, realizing his earlier words might¡¯ve stirred up a ho¡¯s nest.


    He coughed lightly, trying to steer things back on track. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. My boss likes women. There¡¯s no way he¡¯s interested in your boss.¡±


    Gerard shot him a look that inly said, ¡°Do you hear yourself? You just said the opposite a minute ago.¡±


    ¡°Toby Green.¡± Kristian, having noticed that n was truly out cold, called out in his usual level tone¡ªcool, controlled, and not open for debate.


    galn¦Ò¦Íels.c¡ðm hosts fresh updates


    The man straightened like a soldier caught slouching. ¡°May I help you?¡±


    ¡°You can head back. I¡¯ll take care of n and make sure he gets home.¡±


    Toby immediately stepped forward, trying to intervene. ¡°There¡¯s really no need to trouble yourself, Mr. Shaw. I¡¯ll take him home. He¡¯s a light sleeper and prefers to wake up in familiar surroundings.¡±


    Kristian nced at the man asleep on his shoulder, then returned his gaze to Toby¡ªcold, unreadable.


    Toby fell silent. There was no arguing with that look.


    ¡°n.¡± Kristian nudged him gently and asked, ¡°Do you want your secretary to take you home, or should I?¡±


    Half-asleep, n¡¯s mind tangled in dreams, confused the voice for Freya¡¯s.


    Without bothering to open his eyes, n pointedzily at Kristian and muttered, ¡°You.¡±


    Toby froze mid-step.


    Gerard¡¯s jaw practically hit the floor. Had he just¡­ heard that right? Had the two grown that close in such a short time?


    Sure, n was the sociable type, but Kristian? He was cold as stone, a man who kept the world at arm¡¯s length. Why would he be willing to help n?


    And yet¡­ n had chosen Kristian over his own secretary?


    ¡°Sir, are you sure you don¡¯t want to reconsider?¡± Toby asked anxiously.


    ¡°Perhaps I should still take you. Mr. Shaw, I¡­¡±


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 Chapter 417

    ?Chapter 417:


    ¡°NO need,¡± n mumbled again, even pping a hand dismissively as if to shoo Toby away.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes narrowed. His voice dropped to a tone that could chill steel. ¡°Toby, are you still standing there because you¡¯d like us to escort you home too?¡±


    ¡°No, no, no¡­ there¡¯s really no need to trouble yourself,¡± Toby stammered, brushing off the offer as fast as one might swat away a wasp.


    Why on earth would he want to be left alone with someone as formidable as Kristian?


    Why couldn¡¯t Kristian have just stayed tucked away in Jeucwell¡¯s headquarters, far from Alerith? After all, Chaz was more than capable of running things here. Wasn¡¯t that what branch managers were for?


    Hovering awkwardly, Toby found himself in a strange limbo¡ªreluctant to leave, yetcking any ground to challenge his boss¡¯s choice to go with Kristian.


    And really¡­ what could possibly happen between them? Surely nothing, right?


    ¡°Gerard, escort Toby out,¡± Kristian said, his voice quiet butced with the kind of authority that suggested he saw five moves ahead in a game no one else realized they were ying.


    ¡°No need! I can find my own way,¡± Toby cut in hastily. Spending another second in the lion¡¯s den was not on his agenda. ¡°Then¡­ I¡¯ll leave my boss in your capable hands, Mr. Shaw.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes darkened ever so slightly. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Toby took that as his cue to make a swift exit, casting one final nce over his shoulder like someone half-expecting to witness something unexinable.


    Once outside, he pulled out his phone, his fingers flying with urgency as he logged into a burner ount under the name Gossip Rookie. Without hesitation, he fired off a message.


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    Toby sent off a question into the group chat: ¡°Quick question¡ªdoes anyone know Kristian Shaw¡¯s preference? Would sending him a man work?¡±


    No sooner had the message been sent than the chat exploded with activity.


    ¡°Are you out of your mind? Or do you have a death wish?¡±


    ¡°Thest person who tried that vanished after his men got involved. No one¡¯s heard from him since.¡±


    ¡°Forget sending him a man¡ªoffering him a woman is already ying with fire.¡±


    ¡°Actually, I remember Edwin Newman once sent him a woman. And believe it or not¡­ it worked.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡±


    ¡°That can¡¯t be true. Isn¡¯t he famously indifferent to women?¡±


    The conversation quickly spiraled into chaos.


    Toby, now somewhat reassured that Kristian wasn¡¯t into men, finally rxed¡ªat least regarding his boss¡¯s chances.


    Recalling that Kristian had once dly epted the woman sent to him, Toby wondered whether he should tell his boss about this.


    While mulling it over, he fired off another message in the group chat. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s just some random gossip? Kristian doesn¡¯t strike me as the kind of guy who¡¯d pull something like that.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t go by looks. Who knows what he¡¯s really like behind closed doors?¡±


    ¡°Pretty sure this one¡¯s legit. A few execs who had dinner with him saw him take a woman straight from Edwin.¡±


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    ?Chapter 418:


    ¡°What a disappointment.¡±


    Toby forwarded every one of thosements to himself, nning to show them to his boss the next day.


    Kristian,pletely unaware of the buzz surrounding him, cast a cool nce at the man who had passed out drunk. With a calm and detached air, he stood up and let n slump onto the couch.


    Gerard, watching the whole thing, looked puzzled. ¡°Sir, are you¡­¡±


    ¡°Take n to my ce,¡± Kristian said with absolute finality.


    ¡°You sure about that?¡± Gerard asked, uncertain.


    He knew all too well that Kristian had a serious thing about cleanliness. If you weren¡¯t someone he really cared about, you didn¡¯t step foot in his home.


    And now he was letting n stay over?


    Kristian¡¯s sharp, unreadable stare didn¡¯t give anything away. ¡°Yes.¡± Though Gerard was clearly confused, he didn¡¯t push.


    He lifted n into the car.


    That night, Gerard had stayed sober¡ªunlike Kristian and n, who had definitely indulged.


    What stood out the most was how the night had actually yed out. At first, n had been the one egging everyone on to drink, but after the first ss, Kristian had taken the reins. Before long, n was drinking ss after ss without even realizing it.


    By the time the clock struck nine, Gerard had delivered n to Kristian¡¯s ce.


    After settling him on the sofa, Gerard hesitated. ¡°So, Mr. Briggs is staying the night?¡±


    ¡°You can go,¡± Kristian said, his tone steady.


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    ¡°You sure you¡¯re okay handling this alone?¡± Gerard asked, thinking that if n pukedter, Kristian mightpletely lose it.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes remained steady. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Seeing that he wasn¡¯t going to change his mind, Gerard gave a reluctant nod and walked off, ncing back more than once.


    Kristian gave the man on the couch a brief look but didn¡¯t linger. Instead, he pulled out his phone and started typing: ¡°How to pursue someone you like.¡±


    Now that he¡¯d epted he had feelings for Freya, he figured it was time to do something about it.


    Freya was constantly surrounded by good-looking, capable men¡ªit was only a matter of time before someone better than him came along. He stared at the search results, his gaze flickering as he read through the suggestions.


    ¡°Get their number, discover shared interests, create chances to meet, learn what they like, and give them thoughtful gifts.¡± He already had her number.


    But shared interests? She wouldn¡¯t even speak to him right now.


    As for gifts, she was so low-key that even when they were together, she rarely showed interest in material things. Aside from that one time she maxed out his credit card out of spite, she hadn¡¯t ever really bought anything for herself.


    That thought alone made Kristian sigh and toss the phone onto the table, annoyed. The online advice feltpletely useless.


    Winning someone over took effort. It couldn¡¯t be boiled down to a checklist.


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 Chapter 419

    ?Chapter 419:


    The tter of the phone hitting the table startled n awake. He sat up slowly, blinking in confusion, clearly unsure of where he was.


    Kristian stayedposed, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°You¡¯re awake?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯re you?¡± n frowned, his head still spinning.


    Kristian took a slow sip of water. ¡°Kristian Shaw.¡±


    ¡°Kristian Shaw?¡± Still drunk, n muttered the name before suddenly leaping to his feet. ¡°I know who you are!¡±


    Kristian raised an eyebrow. This was not how he expected the president of Briggs Group to behave when drunk.


    He calmly set down his ss and locked eyes with the unsteady man. ¡°What exactly do you know?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re Mina¡¯s ex-husband!¡± n jabbed a finger at him, his face flushed and his words slightly slurred.


    Kristian¡¯s face darkened a shade.


    There it was again¡ªex-husband.


    ¡°Tell me! Why¡¯d you bring me to your ce?¡± n barked, his tone heated. ¡°Trying to use me to get to Mina?¡±


    Kristian stared at him in silence.


    But n, caught in his own dramatic spiral, kept going. ¡°Just so you know¡ªI¡¯d rather die than let you manipte me into hurting Mina!¡±


    Kristian reached for his phone, fully intending to call Gerard and have hime drag this man out of his house.


    Now he regretted it. What on earth had possessed him to bring n here on a whim in the first ce?


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    ¡°What are you doing?¡± n demanded, yanking the phone from him. His drunken mind was spinning with suspicion. ¡°You better not be threatening Mina!¡±


    Kristian replied smoothly, without flinching, ¡°I was going to order something for your hangover.¡±


    ¡°Hah.¡±


    n let out a coldugh.


    ¡°Hangover remedy? Don¡¯t think I don¡¯t know you poisoned me! You think that¡¯s enough to take me down? I¡¯ll get it out of my system myself!¡±


    With that, he plopped onto the floor cross-legged and began his bizarre version of self-detox.


    Kristian was dumbfounded.


    Taking advantage of the moment, Kristian grabbed his phone again, unlocked it, and scrolled to his contacts.


    But before he could make the call, it was snatched out of his hands once more.


    n, now oddly emboldened, held the phone high like some kind of hero in a fantasy flick. ¡°You thought you could use the time I was purging the poison to call Mina? Dream on!¡±


    Then, out of nowhere, somethingpletely unexpected happened.


    n hurled the phone to the floor with shocking force.


    In an instant, Kristian¡¯s phone shattered.


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 Chapter 420

    ?Chapter 420:


    The screen cracked into a spider web of ss, the back popped off, and who knew what internal damage had been done.


    Kristian¡¯s brow twitched ever so slightly.


    The phone itself could be reced, but the data inside¡­ some of it hadn¡¯t been backed up yet.


    ¡°Hmph! See that? That¡¯s my strength!¡± n,pletely unaware of what he¡¯d done, wobbled on his feet and boasted with misced pride.


    Kristian was in a foul mood.


    If this man weren¡¯t Freya¡¯s cousin, he would¡¯ve kicked him out hours ago.


    But now, as Kristian watched n clumsily fumble for his own phone to call Freya, every trace of irritation quietly melted away.


    Somehow, he managed to hit the right buttons and even put the call on speaker.


    Momentster, the line connected.


    Freya picked up, her voice calm as ever, even thiste at night. ¡°Hello, n.¡±


    ¡°Mina, don¡¯t worry! I¡¯d rather die than give in!¡± n cried out, his tone thick with misguided righteousness. ¡°Kristian, you¡¯ll never use me to get to Mina!¡±


    Freya went quiet for a couple of seconds, trying to figure out what exactly n was rambling about.


    Before she could get a word in, he barreled on, ¡°He just tried to poison me, but the fool had no idea that I can purge the poison. That weak stuff can¡¯t touch me!¡±


    ¡°Are you drunk?¡± Freya asked tly, catching on to his over-the-top theatrics and strange tone.


    ¡°How could I be? You forgot I don¡¯t even drink?¡± His voice was so serious, Freya almost believed him¡ªuntil he added, ¡°Kristian poisoned me. I got some of it out, but a little bit¡¯s still messing with my head.¡±


    ???????????? ???? ??????????: ??????????????????©q?????


    Freya pinched the bridge of her nose, already feeling a headacheing on.


    Years ago, after n gotpletely wasted and created a huge scene at home, his father hadid down a strict rule: no more than three drinks, period. It was the only way to keep n from turning into a disaster again.


    And now¡­


    Freya took a breath,posed herself, and asked in the calmest voice she could manage, ¡°Where are you right now?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t say,¡± n answered, all secretive, like he was guarding state secrets.


    Freya was at a loss for words.


    Lowering his voice, n nced at Kristian and whispered, ¡°Your ex-husband¡¯s right next to me. He¡¯s trying to use me against you. Don¡¯t fall into his trap!¡±


    ¡°Put him on the phone,¡± Freya said, trying not to lose her patience.


    ¡°No chance,¡± n shot back, standing firm.


    Anyone else might¡¯ve been at a total loss, but Freya knew him too well. If she wanted to get a straight answer, she had to y along.


    ¡°Rx. I¡¯m the best fighter around. Kristian couldn¡¯ty a finger on me.¡±


    n went quiet for a beat, unsure.


    He stared at Kristian for a long second, then muttered, ¡°But I¡¯ve got a hunch he¡¯s secretly a master fighter too. Maybe he¡¯s the mystery guy who¡¯s on par with you.¡±


    Freya was dumbfounded. So was Kristian.


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 Chapter 421

    ?Chapter 421:


    ¡°Mina, don¡¯te here. I can handle this myself.¡± After thinking it through, n added, ¡°If you show up, he¡¯ll definitely take you out. That way he¡¯ll be the strongest left.¡±


    Freya closed her eyes and pressed her fingers to her forehead,pletely speechless.


    ¡°n.¡± She pulled out her trump card. ¡°If you don¡¯t give me the address, I¡¯m calling your mom.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± he blurted out without hesitation.


    Freya didn¡¯t say another word, just waited for him to give her the address.


    It was a hard-earned lesson from thest time n got drunk and stirred up chaos¡ªno matter what anyone did, nothing worked. The only person who could rein him in was his mother, and only when she showed up did he finally settle down.


    A full minute ticked by. The other end of the call was dead silent.


    Just as Freya began to wonder if n had passed out, his voice suddenly rang out, full of conviction. ¡°I¡¯ve made up my mind. Your safety matters most. I won¡¯t let you take the risk.¡±


    Freya sighed for what felt like the hundredth time that night.


    ¡°He¡¯s at my ce,¡± Kristian said finally, his voice low with exhaustion.


    Relief washed over Freya, and her shoulders rxed. ¡°Okay.¡±


    n chucked the phone aside. ¡°Kristian, how dare you lure Freya into your trap! I¡¯ll kick your ass and make you pay!¡±


    Freya caught thatst line before the call ended, and the calm she¡¯d just found evaporated in an instant.


    Knowing n¡¯s knack for creating chaos, she didn¡¯t dare waste another second. She hung up before he could bring the whole building down.


    ¡°Grandpa, something urgent came up with my cousin n. I need to head over,¡± Freya exined. ¡°I¡¯ll visit you next time.¡±


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    ¡°Do you want me to send someone with you?¡±


    ¡°No, thanks. I can handle it. Good night.¡±


    With that, she made her way to Kristian¡¯s ce at full speed.


    She couldn¡¯t figure it out¡ªn was always so careful with his drinking, even in social settings. How had he gotten this drunk tonight?


    At Kristian¡¯s ce, saying the scene was chaotic would¡¯ve been putting it mildly.


    n, fully convinced he was a good fighter, decided Kristian had evil intentions and challenged him to a duel.


    Kristian, faced with a drunk who also happened to be Freya¡¯s cousin, didn¡¯t fight back. If he identally hit too hard and cracked a bone, Freya would hate him even more.


    Besides, in his current state, n wouldn¡¯t feel a thing anyway.


    Amid the crashing and chaos, Kristian looked around his wrecked living room and couldn¡¯t hold back anymore.


    ¡°n Briggs, if you keep this up, the neighbors are going toin.¡±


    Neighbors? Comin?


    n paused mid-rampage. ¡°What¡¯s that got to do with me? If I don¡¯t knock you out tonight, I¡¯m letting Mina down!¡±


    And just like that, round two began.


    Kristian had originally nned to let n blow off steam and then lock him in a room if needed.


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 Chapter 422

    ?Chapter 422:


    But clearly, he¡¯d underestimated him.


    Locked up or not, restrained or not, n was a force of nature.


    In what felt like the blink of an eye, over an hour had passed. Kristian stared at the man now bouncing on his bed, feeling a chill crawl up his spine.


    ¡°Guess you¡¯re not the mystery guy who can match Mina,¡± n dered, ring down at him from the mattress. ¡°Time to teach you a lesson.¡±


    Kristian reached for his phone to call Freya and ask where she was¡ªonly to remember, with a twitch of irritation, that n had shattered it earlier.


    n, fists clenched, charged at him with wild determination.


    He took one step¡ªthen tripped and crashed onto the bed.


    Kristian didn¡¯t waste a second. He yanked the nket over n, wrapped him tight, and tied it off like a burrito.


    Only n¡¯s head stuck out, eyes wide with rm. ¡°Kristian, if youy a finger on me, my friends won¡¯t let you off the hook!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting,¡± Kristian said coolly, his voice like ice.


    For a sliver of peace, he grabbed a towel and stuffed it into n¡¯s mouth.


    n squirmed and struggled, but he couldn¡¯t move or speak.


    ¡°You¡¯re staying right here,¡± Kristian muttered. After searching around, he finally found some rope and tied the nket securely in ce. ¡°You¡¯ll be free when Freya shows up.¡±


    n lookedpletely panicked.


    Kristian turned to leave, heading off to find his iPad so he could message Gerard and ask him to bring over a new phone.


    Meanwhile, n wriggled and twisted like a worm, finally managing to roll himself off the bed and onto the floor. Luckily, he was still too drunk to feel the impact.


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    Kristian¡¯s brow tightened just a bit, a shadow of irritation crossing his face. Why was n so full of energy after getting drunk?


    He crouched and tugged the towel from n¡¯s mouth, his every moveced with an arctic chill. ¡°What is it now?¡±


    ¡°I have to pee!¡± n burst out, desperation clinging to every syble.


    Kristian cast a nce at the rope he¡¯d painstakingly tracked down earlier, inwardly groaning at the thought of untying it.


    After silently repeating to himself that this buffoon was Freya¡¯s cousin, he finally gave in and loosened the knots, freeing n from the nket.


    n bolted toward the bathroom like a man possessed.


    Kristian remained standing there, his expression unreadable, brows drawn tightly together. He found it nearly impossible to align this disheveled mess of a man with the usually sharp, polished president of the Briggs Group. Was n always this childish?


    As those thoughts circled in Kristian¡¯s mind, the sound of the doorbell pierced the silence.


    The tension in Kristian¡¯s shoulders eased ever so slightly as he headed over, assuming it must be Freya.


    But the second he opened the door, a sharp voice,ced with irritation, cut through the night. ¡°Seriously, what¡¯s going on in there? It¡¯s the middle of the night¡ª¡±


    The words stopped dead the moment the man caught sight of Kristian¡¯s face and the sheer,manding force he radiated.


    That didn¡¯t even begin to cover it.


    ¡°Is there a problem?¡± Kristian asked coolly, his voice low and detached, his lips barely moving.


    d in a tailored suit and standing like he owned the world, he looked every inch theposed, no-nonsense corporate giant.


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 Chapter 423

    ?Chapter 423:


    The man and woman at the door exchanged nervous nces, visibly rattled by the intensity in front of them.


    The man coughed awkwardly, eyes drifting past Kristian to the absolute chaos inside the apartment. After a beat of hesitation, he muttered, ¡°Just¡­ maybe try to¡­¡±


    ¡°Keep it down? It¡¯s been a little loud.¡±


    ¡°My apologies,¡± Kristian said smoothly, his voiceced with polite civility.


    ¡°We¡¯ll be more considerate.¡±


    ¡°Alright then,¡± the couple mumbled hastily before making their retreat, still shaken for reasons they couldn¡¯t quite exin.


    They were technically in the right, but somehow, standing in front of Kristian had made them feel like misbehaving schoolchildren.


    Just as the elevator dinged, Freya stepped out, her strides quick and purposeful.


    The couple lingered, assuming she was there to voice herints too.


    But to their surprise, Freya walked straight to the apartment door, and Kristian, without a word, stepped aside and ushered her in before quietly shutting the door.


    The onlookers stood frozen, their minds working overtime.


    They tried to spin a story out of what they¡¯d just seen, but nothing quite fit.


    If this had been a case of a secret lover caught red-handed, things wouldn¡¯t have looked so civil. Yet if it wasn¡¯t that, what the hell was it?


    Eventually, they gave up trying to decode the mystery and headed back downstairs.


    Inside, Freya took one look at the disaster zone that was now Kristian¡¯s apartment and instinctively pinched the bridge of her nose.


    Her cousin really was something else. Did he even think before turning someone else¡¯s ce into a battlefield?


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    ¡°Where is he?¡± she asked, trying to keep a lid on her frustration as she turned to Kristian.


    He gestured subtly toward the bedroom. ¡°In there.¡±


    Freya moved to go check, but Kristian gently stopped her, his eyes locking with hers.


    ¡°No rush. He¡¯s¡­ using the bathroom.¡±


    Freya froze mid-step, then nodded slightly.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry about everything today,¡± Freya said, ncing around at the mess, genuine remorse in her voice. ¡°I¡¯ll have a cleaning servicee by first thing tomorrow. And if anything¡¯s broken, I¡¯ll cover it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Kristian replied, his voice calm and even.


    Freya hesitated.


    She knew Kristian well¡ªhe had always been a bit of a germaphobe with a serious sense of personal space.


    Under normal circumstances, he would have been furious over the way her cousin had wrecked the ce, listing every minor offense like a detailed report. But tonight, he brushed it off like it didn¡¯t even matter.


    ¡°Did n scare you?¡± Freya asked, trying to figure out what had caused this unusual shift in his attitude.


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Kristian answered, his tone surprisingly soft, his demeanor towards her far more gentle than usual. ¡°He¡¯s out now. I¡¯ll check on him first.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t trust what n might get up to in his current condition. Better to go see for himself before letting Freya anywhere near him.


    ¡°I think I heard Mina¡¯s voice,¡± n said as he came stumbling out, now fully dressed, though still visibly drunk. ¡°What did you do to her?¡±


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 Chapter 424

    ?Chapter 424:


    Kristian turned to Freya and gave her a quiet nod, signaling that it was safe to enter.


    Freya stepped into the room, and the moment n saw her, he charged at her and pulled her into a tight hug. ¡°Mina! Thank God you¡¯re okay! I was terrified he¡¯d killed you!¡±


    Both Freya and Kristian stood in silence, caught off guard by the bizarre disy.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already made peace with him,¡± Freya said, humoring n¡¯s drunken delusions, her voice calm and t. ¡°Now sit down. I¡¯ll whip up something to flush the poison out of your system.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± n mumbled. He shuffled to the couch, slumped over, and promptly passed out.


    Freya frowned.


    Just as she was about to prepare some honey water, her eyesnded on a shattered phone lying on the floor.


    Her mind went into a spin. ¡°Is that your phone?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kristian said with a shrug, his voice devoid of emotion.


    Freya made a silent vow to get her cousin off alcohol for good. He was nothing but a walking disaster.


    ¡°I might need a favor from youter,¡± Kristian said, his eyes on Freya, his voice unusually gentle.


    Still feeling guilty over everything, Freya nodded. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°There were some important files on my phone¡ªones I didn¡¯t back up. Now that it¡¯s broken, I¡¯ll need your help transferring them to a new one,¡± he exined.


    ¡°That¡¯s the least I can do,¡± Freya replied.


    Kristian didn¡¯t add anything else. Freya took a cup from the kitchen, filled it halfway with hot water, and added a generous swirl of honey.


    As she moved through the space, she surveyed the full extent of the damage.


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    The living room, the master bedroom, even the guest room¡ªeach looked like a war zone. Only the kitchen and the study, which was locked, had been spared.


    Ten minutester, she finally got n to drink the honey water. Kristian helped her with quiet, steady movements, his patience almost startling.


    Something about the way he acted stirred up a strange, nostalgic feeling in Freya, like she¡¯d been transported back to the early days of their marriage. Back then, things had been warm and easy between them¡ªno arguments, just quiet happiness.


    She set the cup aside and let n sleep where he was.


    ¡°I¡¯ll start cleaning,¡± she said, unable to take the chaos any longer. Her cousin had made the mess. It only made sense for her to deal with it.


    But as she stood, Kristian gently reached out and took her wrist. His hand was warm, his touch light¡ªbut it sent a faint tremor through her chest.


    Freya was just about to pull away when Kristian spoke. ¡°Hold off on that for a second. There¡¯s something I need to talk to you about.¡±


    Facing the gentle Kristian, Freya couldn¡¯t bring herself to get angry or confront him outright.


    She slowly withdrew her hand and sank down beside him. ¡°Go ahead,¡± she murmured.


    Kristian¡¯s lips pressed into a hard line.


    His deep, shadowed eyes stayed locked on Freya, weighing each word in his head, determined not to say anything that might push her away.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you have something to say?¡± Freya asked, her lips parting just slightly when she noticed his silence.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡± Kristian lingered in hesitation, unable to bring himself to speak. After a long pause, he finally stood up from the sofa and said, ¡°You take care of him. I¡¯ll clean up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle it. He¡¯s my cousin¡ªhis mess, my responsibility,¡± Freya replied, sensing something off about him but choosing not to press.


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 Chapter 425

    ?Chapter 425:


    This time, Kristian didn¡¯t try to stop her.


    Together, they quietly busied themselves, putting things back in order, piece by piece.


    Knowing all too well how particr Kristian was about cleanliness, Freya asked where the spare bed sheets and nket were. After he pointed them out, she reced the ones in the master bedroom that n had ruined.


    By the time Kristian had finished tidying the rest of the ce, he looked up to see Freya still moving around, her silhouette weaving gently through the room.


    He walked over and took the nket from her hands, his voiceposed and even. ¡°The guest room¡¯s ready. Go wash up and get some sleep.¡±


    He hadn¡¯t forgotten how religiously Freya stuck to her sleep schedule.


    ¡°No¡­¡± Freya began, but before the words could fully leave her lips, Kristian was already standing beside her.


    His shoulder brushed lightly against hers, and she caught that familiar, crisp scent that clung to him.


    Just as she moved to step away, Kristian reached out and took the nket from her hands, starting to make the bed himself.


    Sensing the change in atmosphere, Freya shifted slightly to the side and let him finish.


    She wasn¡¯t one to get swept up in sentimentality, but right then, something about Kristian¡¯s quiet gestures reminded her of warmth once shared.


    When he was distant, he was impossible to approach. But when he was gentle, he was impossible to resist.


    With his striking features, polished manners, and athletic frame, Kristian carried himself with an air of refinement. And that scent¡ªclean, subtle¡ªalways seemed to sneak up on her, lodging itself somewhere between memory and emotion. From afar, it was manageable. Up close, it left her heart skipping. It was indeed true that desire could be dangerous.


    Freya was just about to leave and break whatever moment had begun to form when Kristian called her name. ¡°Freya.¡±


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    ¡°What is it?¡± Her expression remained asposed as ever, untouched by the tension in the air.


    ¡°Are you and Melvin actually together?¡± he asked suddenly, his voice softer, touched with something almost intimate.


    Freya couldn¡¯t exin why, but whenever Kristian spoke to her in that quiet, gentle tone, her gaze would instinctively drift to his face, and her defenses would drop.


    Just like now.


    Without giving it much thought, she answered, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Kristian said, the corners of his lips lifting into the faintest smile.


    He started to lift his hand, as if to tousle her hair, but stopped midway, remembering the distance that still existed between them. After a second¡¯s pause, he let his hand fall away.


    Freya had already prepared herself to swat him off¡ªshe wasn¡¯t fond of casual affection from those she wasn¡¯t close to¡ªbut when he stopped, it left her momentarily thrown.


    People were strange that way.


    When something didn¡¯t go as expected, it somehow left a deeper impression.


    It was apletely ordinary moment, and yet Freya, who¡¯d been ready to reject his gesture, now found herself giving silent credit to Kristian for knowing when to draw the line.


    ¡°You should go clean up and rest,¡± Kristian said, his voice calm and clear, setting boundaries. ¡°I¡¯ll move n to the bed.¡±


    But Freya had no ns to stay the night. ¡°No need. I¡¯ll just take him home directly.¡±


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 Chapter 426

    ?Chapter 426:


    Seeing that she was set on it, Kristian didn¡¯t push. He understood when to stop.


    He had originally intended to escort them home himself, knowing it wasn¡¯t safe for a woman to be outte. But recalling the drinks he¡¯d had, he borrowed Freya¡¯s phone to call Gerard.


    Freya didn¡¯t question it, assuming he needed Gerard to bring him a recement phone.


    Not long after, Gerard arrived.


    Kristian had arranged for Gerard to live in the same building for ease of work.


    The moment Gerard stepped through the door and saw Freya, he froze. ¡°Ms. Briggs?¡±


    What in the world was happening? Had Kristian patched things up with her?


    ¡°Freya came to pick up her cousin,¡± Kristian exined, his deep voiceced with a rare warmth. ¡°Help me send them home.¡±


    Gerard caught on quickly. ¡°Of course.¡±


    Freya opened her mouth to decline, but neither of them gave her the chance.


    Gerard got n settled in the back seat, and Freya climbed in beside him.


    As the car pulled away, she turned to look back at Kristian, who stood silently watching them leave. Her usual sense of rity slowly crept back in.


    She turned to Gerard, her tone light. ¡°Why was n even at Kristian¡¯s?¡±


    Her cousin had more than one secretary.


    Normally, if he¡¯d invited Kristian to dinner, he would¡¯ve had a secretary tag along. How had things ended up like this?


    ¡°He was already drunk by the time the dinner ended,¡± Gerard said, honest but slightly amused at Kristian¡¯s cunning. ¡°My boss asked whether Mr. Briggs wanted his secretary to take him home or if he preferred my boss to do it. Mr. Briggs chose thetter.¡±


    Freya was speechless. How drunk was n to choose that?


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    ¡°My boss didn¡¯t know where Mr. Briggs lived, so he didn¡¯t have much of a choice¡ªhe brought him back here,¡± Gerard added, trying to defend Kristian. ¡°Sorry to trouble you, especially thiste.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble,¡± Freya replied, though her thoughts were a tangled mess.


    Truth be told, she couldn¡¯t figure out Kristian¡¯s behavior tonight.


    Thest time she¡¯d tried to leave, he¡¯d locked the door and refused to let her go. But tonight, he not only let her go¡ªhe¡¯d even arranged for Gerard to take her home.


    Had he drunk too much again?


    Unable to make sense of it all, Freya decided to stop wondering. When Gerard dropped her off at n¡¯s ce, he waited until they were inside before driving off.


    Freya unlocked the door with n¡¯s fingerprint and left him slumped on the sofa without a second nce.


    Meanwhile, Kristian stayed behind in his living room, waiting for Gerard¡¯s return.


    It was close to midnight when Gerard finally got back and told him Freya and n were home safe.


    ¡°Good,¡± Kristian said, then added, ¡°Get me a new phone first thing in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Understood. Any preferences?¡± Gerard asked.


    ¡°Just something I can use,¡± Kristian said tly.


    Gerard paused, his eyes drifting to the shattered phone on the table. For a moment, he couldn¡¯t help but picture a dramatic blowout between Freya and his boss.


    Kristian didn¡¯t need words to know what Gerard was thinking¡ªhis face said it all. With a slight curl of his lips, Kristian offered a calm exnation, saying, ¡°The phone identally slipped from n¡¯s hand after he¡¯d had a few drinks.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Gerard raised an eyebrow, his disbelief evident in every feature of his face. The phone wasn¡¯t just broken¡ªit was demolished beyond all hope of repair. No ordinary fall could¡¯ve caused that kind of damage. This was no ident. It reeked of a scuffle.


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 Chapter 427

    ?Chapter 427:


    ¡°And I stepped on it by mistake after it fell,¡± Kristian lied smoothly, his expression as unreadable as ever.


    There was a reason behind his fib. n was Freya¡¯s cousin, and if there was one thing certain about Freya, it was her fierce loyalty. She was like a lioness when it came to protecting her own.


    She wouldn¡¯t want the world to know her cousin turned into a one-man wrecking crew when he drank. So, Kristian instinctively chose to shield the truth.


    Gerard, however, wasn¡¯t buying a word of it. He began to roam around the room, inspecting the damage like a detective on the verge of cracking the case.


    Kristian¡¯s brows drew together as his usual frosty demeanor returned. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°Your tiles seem to be a bit¡­ fragile,¡± Gerard said, eyeing a scuff on the floor. ¡°The phone falls once and leaves a mark on the floor. Strange, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Kristian was silent, resisting the urge to sigh. Gerard was growing more annoying by the minute.


    After checking the mark and confirming it wasn¡¯t going anywhere, Gerard stood, ready to confront his boss with the truth.


    But the moment his eyes met Kristian¡¯s cold stare, his courage vanished like smoke in the wind.


    His tone shifted abruptly, and with a nervous smile, he backpedaled. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. I¡¯ll bring you a new phone tomorrow. Sleep well.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristian replied tly, not bothering to mask his indifference.


    Gerard wisely retreated without another word.


    That night, Kristian slept more soundly than he had in days. Freya, on the other hand, wasn¡¯t particr about her sleeping arrangements. A change in surroundings didn¡¯t throw her off.


    She was up before n the next morning.


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    After rising, she freshened up, ordered breakfast, and only then returned to the bedroom to tidy up.


    By then, n had begun to stir.


    He groaned, rubbing his aching head as he sat up groggily on the sofa. His hair stuck out in every direction as he blinked at his surroundings. Realizing he was in his own apartment, he rxed and rubbed his head again, shrugging it off.


    He assumed Toby had brought him back, as usual.


    Grabbing clean clothes from his room, he headed to the bathroom. Music started ying as he stepped into the hot shower, hoping to wash away the fog in his brain.


    Meanwhile, Freya noticed he was awake and sat waiting for breakfast to arrive.


    Her cousin¡¯s lifestyle mirrored hers. After college, both had opted to live alone.


    She nced at the slightly chaotic living room and couldn¡¯t help but think of Kristian¡ªhis ce was always neat, practically untouched. Whether they were together or not, she had never seen his space in disarray. Last night had been the only exception.


    While she was lost in thought, n was having a full-blown crisis in the bathroom.


    Mid-shower, he spotted a long hair clinging to the wall¡ªa woman¡¯s hair.


    His mind went nk.


    The bathroom floor had been damp when he walked in, which now struck him like a bolt of lightning: someone else had been there. And not just anyone¡ªa woman.


    The implications hit him like a ton of bricks. Toby usually carried him home after a night of drinking. But this time, he had woken up on the sofa.


    Had a woman brought him home? The idea rattled him to his core.


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 Chapter 428

    ?Chapter 428:


    What had happenedst night? Why would Toby let a woman take him home? How would she even know where he lived? Or worse¡ªhad he brought her himself, in a drunken haze?


    The more he thought, the deeper he sank into panic.


    He prided himself on keeping a clean reputation, and this situation was like a stain he couldn¡¯t scrub out.


    Outside, Freya waited patiently, though nearly half an hour had passed. Still no sign of n. Frowning, she approached the bathroom door. The water was still running, but there was no other sound. Worry crept in.


    Had he fainted? Slipped and fallen?


    ¡°n?¡± she called, concern sharpening her tone.


    The moment her voice filtered through the music, n nearly jumped out of his skin. He screamed, startled by the sudden female voice.


    Freya blinked in confusion. What in the world was that about? Fearing he had cked out again, she pressed gently, ¡°Are you okay?¡±


    n froze.


    That voice¡ªit sounded like Freya¡¯s. Could it be?


    He called out hesitantly, ¡°Mina?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I¡¯m here,¡± Freya answered clearly, choosing precision over assumption.


    n exhaled with relief, the weight lifting from his chest.


    Thank goodness. It was Freya!


    For a moment, he¡¯d feared he had brought a stranger home and sealed his fate in drunken disgrace.


    With that crisis averted, he finished his shower with a spring in his step, the questions still lingering but no longer urgent.


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    Five minutester, he emerged from the bathroom, fresh-faced and dressed in casual clothes.


    Breakfast had arrived. Freya divided the food neatly, setting a ss of milk before him. She began to eat quietly.


    But something weighed on her. She watched n carefully, trying to find the right moment to speak.


    Telling him what had happened at Kristian¡¯s wasn¡¯t going to be easy. n¡¯s pride had a long fuse¡ªbut once lit, the explosion could be dramatic.


    Still, the truth had toe out.


    n noticed her gaze mid-sip. His hand paused, cup halfway to his lips. ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± he asked, tension creeping into his voice.


    A dreadful thought crossed his mind¡ªhad he done something embarrassing in front of her?


    Wait a second.


    His expression shifted as rity dawned. Something crucial clicked into ce.


    Last night, he was quite drunk.


    ¡°You¡¯ve figured it out,¡± Freya said softly, relieved that he was putting two and two together.


    n lowered his ss slowly, as if time itself had slowed. ¡°Was I¡­ drunkst night?¡±


    Freya nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Really drunk?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± she confirmed again.


    n pressed both hands to his head, teetering on the edge of a breakdown. Why was the universe conspiring against him?


    ¡°Did I¡­ get too energetic? Likest time?¡± He couldn¡¯t bring himself to say ¡°drunk disaster.¡± ¡°Please tell me no.¡±


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 Chapter 429

    ?Chapter 429:


    Freya hesitated, then gave a small nod. ¡°Yes.¡±


    n ran a hand through his already messy hair, the weight of humiliation settling on his shoulders.


    Looking deeply apologetic, he said, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mina. I caused trouble again, didn¡¯t I?¡±


    He didn¡¯t even question the situation further. In his mind, the damage was done, and Freya had been the only witness to his wild side.


    ¡°It¡¯s not me you should be apologizing to.¡± Freya knew the words would hit hard, but there was no gentler way to say it.


    n needed to confront the consequences of his actions.


    n snapped to attention, jerking his hand away from his hair. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    A wave of unease washed over him. Had he made a fool of himself on the street while drunk?


    No, that didn¡¯t sound right. Freya would never let him make a spectacle like that¡ªshe knew how much his image mattered to him.


    ¡°You were at¡­¡± Freya began.


    ¡°I know!¡± n cut her off, eager to get ahead of it. Better to admit it himself than hear it from someone else. ¡°I must¡¯ve made a scene at Toby¡¯s, right? And he had no choice but to call you in?¡±


    That had to be it! How was he supposed to give Toby proper instructions ever again? Toby probably thought he was a total idiot now!


    Freya silently weighed the embarrassment of messing up in front of a close colleague versus a stranger. She decided it was slightly less mortifying with someone he barely knew.


    At least n didn¡¯t have to see Kristian every day.


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    ¡°It¡¯s not as bad as you think,¡± Freya said gently, hoping to soften the blow.


    Caught in a tug-of-war between panic and hope, n forced himself not to picture anything worse.


    He¡¯d already envisioned the most humiliating scenario. Since she said it wasn¡¯t that bad, maybe he could live with it. ¡°So where did I humiliate myself?¡±


    ¡°At Kristian¡¯s ce,¡± Freya said, calm andposed. n froze, as though someone had pressed pause on his entire system.


    Kristian¡¯s ce?


    Of all the ces¡ªKristian¡¯s?


    n¡¯s face twisted in horror. ¡°That¡¯s what you call ¡®not as bad as I think¡¯?¡±


    Toby¡¯s ce would¡¯ve been a blessing inparison.


    Kristian was Freya¡¯s ex-husband, for God¡¯s sake!


    This was humiliation on an entirely new level.


    ¡°Hold on a second.¡± He stopped tugging at his hair and finally began to think. ¡°How the hell did I end up at Kristian¡¯s? Even drunk, Toby should¡¯ve taken me home.¡±


    The whole point of that gathering had been to get a read on Kristian, to figure out what made him let Freya down. It wasn¡¯t the kind of party where Toby would¡¯ve gotten drunk¡ªor had any excuse not to take n home.


    ¡°Gerard said that when Kristian asked whether you wanted him or Toby to take you, you picked Kristian,¡± Freya ryed, still a little unsure of the details. ¡°Since Kristian didn¡¯t know where you lived, he brought you back to his ce.¡±


    n fell into stunned silence. No way. She had to be pulling some borate prank. Him? Choosing Kristian?


    ¡°Nice try, but you¡¯re not fooling me,¡± n said, pretending tough it off with a forced chuckle. ¡°Didn¡¯t think you¡¯d turn into a prankster overnight.¡±


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 Chapter 430

    ?Chapter 430:


    Freya said nothing, just looked at him.


    At first, he clung to the belief that she was joking.


    But as he ate the rest of his breakfast and got no further exnation, doubt began to gnaw at him.


    ¡°You¡¯re being serious?¡± he asked atst.


    ¡°You can ask Toby,¡± Freya said, ncing at her watch. ¡°He should be getting ready for the office by now.¡±


    n scrambled for his phone, finally spotting it on the couch.


    Just as he was about to dial, it rang.


    It was Toby. ¡°Sir, should I pick you up from Mr. Shaw¡¯s ce, or will you be heading to the office on your own?¡±


    Toby¡¯s words hit like a thunderp, snuffing out thest flicker of denial in n¡¯s chest.


    ¡°I actually left with Kristianst night?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you stop him?¡± n was already spiraling, his mood sinking fast. ¡°You¡¯re my secretary¡ªdo you think it¡¯s eptable to let the partnerpany¡¯s boss walk off with me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not eptable,¡± Toby answered smoothly.


    n pressed, ¡°Then why let him take me?¡±


    ¡°I tried to bring you home, sir, but you refused. You picked him,¡± Toby answered inly. ¡°Both of you told me to leave, so I didn¡¯t have a choice.¡±


    Honestly, he was still trying to figure out why his boss would choose Kristian over him.


    Their working rtionship had only just begun to grow closer.


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    n ended the call in one swift motion.


    He slumped forward, staring at Freya like a man freshly defeated. ¡°Mina, just put me out of my misery. I can¡¯t live with this.¡± Utter mortification.


    Complete, all-consuming shame.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so quick to surrender,¡± Freya said, twisting the knife just a little deeper. ¡°You still need to apologize to Kristian and pay for the damages.¡±


    Damages? There were damages involved? Spinning in a storm of emotions, n forced himself to ask, ¡°What exactly happened at his cest night?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the full picture. When you called me, you thought you were a master fighter,¡± Freya recalled, though her memory was patchy. ¡°You told me not toe because Kristian was plotting to kill me and be the strongest left in the world.¡±


    n was left speechless. What kind of nonsense had he been spouting?


    ¡°You also said you were going to kick his ass and make him pay,¡± Freya went on.


    n stayed quiet.


    Freya added, ¡°And one more thing.¡±


    ¡°What now?¡±


    ¡°You believed he poisoned you, so you tried to purge the toxins from your body.¡± Freya always had a way of delivering the harshest truths with a straight face.


    n wished the floor would open and swallow him whole. He was mortified beyond belief.


    ¡°If you¡¯re too humiliated to apologize, I can do it for you when I go fix his phone,¡± Freya offered. ¡°I¡¯d also make sure to cover whatever costs are needed.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it myself,¡± n said, drawing a long breath and steeling himself.


    It was just embarrassment. If he acted unfazed, then the awkwardness wouldnd on Kristian instead.


    When he went, he would show up and apologize with a straight face. Freya raised an eyebrow, testing him. ¡°You sure?¡±


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 Chapter 431

    ?Chapter 431:


    ¡°Yes,¡± n confirmed without flinching.


    ¡°Alright then.¡± Freya didn¡¯t argue, only added, ¡°Just let me know when you¡¯re going so I cane along to handle the phone.¡± n nodded.


    They both got ready, left the house, and made their way to the Briggs Group office.


    When Toby walked up like he did every morning, n shut him down cold. ¡°Stay out of my sight today. I don¡¯t want to look at you.¡±


    Toby stared at n, his brow furrowed in confusion.


    Had he stepped on andmine without realizing it? What had he done to earn his boss¡¯s frosty re?


    Not one to grope around in the dark, Toby waited until Freya had gone off to manage her own affairs, then quietly followed n into his office. The moment the door shut behind them, he asked outright, ¡°Sir, are you avoiding me because of what happenedst night?¡± At once, n¡¯s face turned cold, like frost creeping across a windowpane.


    The audacity¡ªto bring it up!


    ¡°That wasn¡¯t on me! After you picked Mr. Shaw, I double-checked with you, and you said you didn¡¯t need me to send you. That¡¯s why I left!¡± Toby defended himself, a voice inside him screaming that if he didn¡¯t sort this out now, the year-end bonus might slip through his fingers like sand through a sieve.


    n shot back with barely contained irritation, ¡°I was drunk. Do you seriously take instructions from someone three sheets to the wind?¡± Toby¡¯s mouth snapped shut¡ªn had a point. But the truth was, Kristian had such an imposing presence that Toby didn¡¯t dare step on his toes.


    ¡°If someday I¡¯m drunk again and say I want to try skydiving without a parachute, will you just let me leap off the edge?¡± n¡¯s voice grew sharp as he started tearing apart Toby¡¯s logic. Toby felt hisposure unravel.


    ¡°You¡¯re joking.¡±


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    ¡°No, you¡¯re the one making a joke of me.¡± The memory of the previous night clung to n like a bad taste¡ªespecially everything that had happened in front of Kristian. Utterly mortifying.


    And yet, what stung the most¡ªwhy had he chosen Kristian?


    Why?


    The question gnawed at him like a riddle with no answer.


    ¡°Can you recall exactly what Kristian said when he offered to take me home? Word for word. Don¡¯t skip a single detail,¡± n pressed, still unsettled by the whole thing.


    Freya had heard a version of events from Gerard, who worked closely with Kristian.


    Whether Gerard had colored the truth remained to be seen.


    But Toby? Toby wouldn¡¯t dare lie.


    ¡°He just asked if you wanted him or me to send you. You picked him.¡± Toby didn¡¯t sugarcoat it.


    Though n and Kristian had seemed a bit too familiar the night before, Toby didn¡¯t bring that up¡ªthose weren¡¯t Kristian¡¯s words.


    n let out a long sigh, defeated.


    He muttered that he wanted to be left alone and waved Toby away. The rest of the day, he locked himself in the office, drowning in regret. Freya, meanwhile, had spent the entire day waiting for him to take action.


    But by the time the office clocks ticked toward closing, not a single word had been said about apologizing to Kristian. At exactly 5:30 PM, her phone buzzed with a message.


    Kristian had written to say his new phone was ready and asked if she could help transfer the data. She replied simply, ¡°Okay.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 432

    ?Chapter 432:


    Remembering how he¡¯d used her phone to call Gerard the night before, she hesitated for a second. Just in case he caught a glimpse of what she¡¯d previouslybeled him, she quickly updated his contact name to ¡°Kristian.¡±


    But the more she thought about it, the more self-conscious she felt. That kind of precaution was suspicious in itself.


    So in the end, she switched it back to ¡°Jerk,¡± as if to remind herself not to fall too deep into that murky water.


    After putting her phone away, she headed to n¡¯s office.


    Inside, he hadn¡¯t aplished a single thing all day.


    Paperwork had piled up on his desk.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± Freya asked, noting the slump in his shoulders and the haze behind his eyes. ¡°You look half-dead. Are you¡ª¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then what is it?¡± Her eyes scanned him like a lie detector.


    n replied in a tone as dry as dust, ¡°Hangover.¡±


    How he had survived the day was anyone¡¯s guess.


    Every time someone knocked to discuss work or drop off documents, he had to snap into action, forcing a mask of energy onto his weary face. The second they left, he deted again like a balloon with a slow leak.


    Never in his life had he felt so awkward, so absurdly helpless.


    Freya could see it in as day¡ªhe was running from the situation. ¡°Then go through these files. I¡¯ll deal with Kristian.¡±


    ¡°No need. I¡¯m just¡­ gathering the courage.¡± n turned her down. She had said she wanted to keep a respectful distance from Kristian, and as her cousin, he couldn¡¯t just dump the task on her.


    Freya didn¡¯t argue. She merely said, ¡°Take your time. I¡¯m heading over now.¡±


    ???????? ???????? ???????????? ????????????: ?????????¦Í???????????????


    ¡°Wait!¡± n called out, blocking her exit.


    He couldn¡¯t go by himself.


    If he walked into Kristian¡¯s ce alone, what if Kristian mocked him mercilessly?


    At least with Freya there, Kristian might tone things down.


    Freya turned around, staring at him with a mix of curiosity and exasperation.


    After wrestling with his pride, n finally said, ¡°Help me finish these documents first. Just give me onest moment to pull myself together.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡± She didn¡¯t budge.


    He immediately sprang from his chair and rushed after her, stepping in front of the door like a human barricade. ¡°Mina, please.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the older cousin,¡± she pointed out.


    ¡°So what? Does being older mean I can¡¯t beg?¡± That, surprisingly, was hard to argue with.


    ¡°Just this once, okay? I really can¡¯t think straight today. Just once!¡± n pleaded, softening his tone.


    Freya gave him a long, searching look. Eventually, his persistence wore her down.


    She sent a quick message to Kristian, letting him know she¡¯d bete, then sat down to start reviewing the documents. For every one she checked, n signed.


    As he watched her move efficiently through the stack, a strange sense of pride blossomed in him.


    They always said a man looked attractive while working. But at this moment, watching Freya¡¯s poise and focus, he thought she put every working man to shame. She was the very picture ofposure and capability.


    ¡°Mina.¡±


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 Chapter 433

    ?Chapter 433:


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really charming,¡± he said softly.


    Freya had been on the verge of scolding him, but seeing that his spirits had lifted even a little, she let it go.


    By the time thest document was signed, the clock had struck 8 PM. n texted Toby, asking him to pick up the files, then set off for Kristian¡¯s ce with Freya.


    Once they arrived at the base of the building, n pulled the car into a spot and parked.


    Just as he started to breathe easy, his nerves stirred up again. ¡°He won¡¯t mock me, right?¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t,¡± Freya replied without hesitation.


    ¡°But¡­ what if he does?¡± n¡¯s anxiety was written all over his face.


    Freya gave an internal sigh. ¡°If he does, I¡¯ll beat him up.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± n panicked. ¡°That¡¯ll just make me look worse!¡±


    Freya was rarely treated to this side of him. She tilted her head and asked, ¡°Then what do you want me to do?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Well, if you don¡¯t know, then just get out of the car. We¡¯ll figure it out upstairs.¡±


    With that, she stepped out. n wanted to dy a bit longer, but Freya pulled him along.


    Weighed down by a whirlpool of emotions, n followed her up to Kristian¡¯s door.


    Freya pressed the doorbell.


    n¡¯s heart pounded like a drum in a quiet room. His mind was a flurry of possible oues.


    Would Kristian make subtle jabs at him? Would it be a frosty, awkward conversation?


    Your next story begins at  .


    Then¡ªthe click of the lock. The door opened. Kristian stood there, his expression flickering slightly when he saw Freya. Just as he was about to greet her, his eyesnded on n.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw.¡± n greeted with a calm smile, the unease from earlierpletely vanished, reced by newfound confidence as he stepped forward to greet Kristian.


    Kristian responded with a polite nod, his demeanor reserved. ¡°Mr. Briggs.¡±


    After exchanging a few cordial words, Kristian gestured for Freya and n to follow him inside.


    The door shut with a soft click behind them, and though n¡¯s pulse quickened beneath his suit, he forced a calm facade. As both the president of Briggs Group and Freya¡¯s cousin, he couldn¡¯t afford to let his nerves show¡ªnot now.


    Kristian nced at Freya while leading the way in, his voice casual, yet warm. ¡°Did you manage to grab dinner beforeing over?¡±


    Freya nodded, her response brief. ¡°Yes, thank you for asking.¡±


    n, trailing slightly behind, furrowed his brow in confusion. He couldn¡¯t recall them stopping for a meal at all.


    Kristian caught the fleeting look of perplexity on n¡¯s face but chose not to rify. Instead, he shifted the conversation toward the task at hand. ¡°Freya, could you assist me with some data transfer?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Freya agreed promptly.


    Had the phone been in good condition, backing up the data would¡¯ve been a breeze.


    But with the device nearly beyond repair, Kristian handed the responsibility to Freya¡ªnot just for the data, but as a subtle excuse to spend more time with her.


    Guiding her toward the study, he watched as she unpacked a small kit and began the tedious process of recovering the data, her fingers working swiftly over the scattered tools.


    Kristian remained in the study throughout, never stepping out once, while n lingered awkwardly in the hallway, a growing sense of difort creeping over him.


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 Chapter 434

    ?Chapter 434:


    Was he really being ignored on purpose by Kristian? Did he really not see how different he was fromst night to now? Seriously, how did Kristian manage to keep his cool like that?


    As the minutes dragged on, n¡¯s restlessness grew, prompting him to scrutinize the living room¡¯s decor. The stark ck, white, and gray palette rendered the space cold and impersonal, like a meticulously curated furniture showroom rather than a home.


    It was hard to believe someone lived there; the space felt hollow and stripped of any soul.


    His gaze drifted across the room, scanning every corner in search of something that might spark familiarity. But the longer he stood there, the more out of ce it felt¡ªlike he¡¯d stepped into it for the very first time.


    After several minutes of wandering and quiet unease, n considered checking on Freya¡¯s progress. However, as he turned to leave, his eyes caught a glimpse of something unsettling¡ªa security camera, its lens unblinkingly omniscient.


    His heart skipped a beat.


    The camera might have captured every moment from the previous night.


    Just as his nerves were starting to settle, a fresh wave of anxiety hit n¡ªhow on earth was he supposed to ask Kristian to delete the footage?


    Anxiety twisted in n¡¯s chest, but the study remained serene, oblivious to his inner chaos.


    To him, the cameras loomed like menacing sentinels, while Kristian regarded them with indifferent ease.


    For Kristian, they were merely silent watchers¡ªunnecessary to check unless a break-in shattered the peace.


    By the stroke of ten o¡¯clock, Freya had meticulously restored all of Kristian¡¯s data.


    The sight of his unblemished chat records washed a wave of relief over him. ¡°Thank you,¡± he murmured, a rare softness touching his usually stern features.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Freya responded with a courteous nod. She hesitated, her thoughts drifting to n¡¯s recent turmoil. ¡°n is quite sensitive. I apologize for his behaviorst night.¡±


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    Kristian¡¯s expression softened further, a warm smile breaking through his reserved demeanor. ¡°It¡¯s no big deal. Please, don¡¯t worry about it,¡± he assured her, his tone light.


    Freya averted her gaze, feeling the pull of his understated charm. It was a dangerous thing, his allure¡ªwhen he wasn¡¯t cloaked in his usual cold indifference, he became almost irresistibly maic. She unlocked her phone and nced up. ¡°I¡¯ll cover the cost of the damages. Just tell me¡ªhow much are we talking about?¡±


    ¡°143,¡± Kristian replied smoothly, his low, velvety voice curling around the words in a way that made her heart skip.


    Freya froze, her mind going nk as her mouth refused to form a single word.


    Her eyes flicked to his phone. ¡°That can¡¯t be right. The phone alone costs way more than that.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s lips twitched into a smirk. ¡°Then make it 999 dors.¡±


    ¡°Kristian!¡± Freya said with a sigh, clearly trying to keep her patience.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Kristian¡¯s deep voice rumbled, his chiseled face locked in a serious expression.


    Freya found herself caught off guard by his subtle flirtation.


    Distractedly, she set her phone aside and locked eyes with him. ¡°Are you certain the damages are only $999?¡± she questioned, her eyebrows knitting together in skepticism.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kristian responded, his tone even and unruffled.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Freya conceded, though her mind was anything but at ease.


    Despite everything, Kristian¡¯s presence alone catered to her intense aesthetic cravings¡ªthose deep-set eyes, sculpted hands, tailored suits, crisp shirts, and elegantly long legs.


    In essence, his allure was unparalleled, eclipsing even the most famous celebrities in the spotlight.


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 Chapter 435

    ?Chapter 435:


    A memory flickered through Freya¡¯s mind, a remnant from her days of binge-watching dramas, where a joke had circted: ¡°If the viin is handsome, his misdeeds are often overlooked.¡±


    Back then, she had scoffed, never finding the viins particrly maic.


    But now, as she observed Kristian¡ªtransformed into a persona that seemed almost unnatural¡ªFreya¡¯s instincts sharpened.


    Although his actions toward her were far less sinister than any viin¡¯s, his striking looks and mesmerizing voice made it perilously easy to gloss over any past conflicts.


    Kristian caught the subtle shift in Freya¡¯s demeanor from serene to wary, and though his face betrayed nothing, confusion flickered through his mind.


    He hadn¡¯t made a single move, yet Freya seemed tensed, as if bracing for an unwee surprise.


    ¡°n.¡± Freya¡¯s voice cut through the tense silence, sharp andmanding.


    At his desk, n was engrossed in scrutinizing the camera footage. Her call jolted him from his focus, and he strode toward the study with a quick, determined pace.


    By the time he reached them, his expression had shifted into a cool, collected mask. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t miss a beat. ¡°Mr. Shaw has calcted the damages fromst night to be 999 dors,¡± she stated, her tone even. ¡°Please transfer the money to him.¡±


    n¡¯s eyebrows twitched in a barely noticeable frown. Doubt gnawed at him. He turned to Kristian, seeking confirmation, his voice tinged with skepticism. ¡°Mr. Shaw, are you sure it¡¯s only 999 dors?¡± His gaze had swept over the array of high-end smart appliances earlier, and the figure seemed imusibly low.


    Surely, Kristian¡¯s losses from the previous night¡¯s chaos extended beyond a mere smartphone?


    ¡°Yes, $999,¡± Kristian affirmed, his expression unyielding, as unreadable as stone.


    ?????????????? ????????????? ???????? ???????????????? ???? ?????????¦Í??????£®??????


    With no visible damage to dispute the amount, n reluctantly processed the transfer, his mind still wrestling with the numbers as he sent the funds to Kristian¡¯s ount.


    What he didn¡¯t realize was that Kristian had spent the day industriously recing the damaged items and had even managed to seamlessly repair a slightly scuffed floor tile.


    ¡°Done,¡± n dered, presenting the transaction record to Freya with a flourish.


    Upon confirming that Kristian had indeed received the payment, Freya sensed it was their cue to depart, the air thick with unspoken tension. ¡°If you think of any other damagester, don¡¯t hesitate to reach out to n,¡± she suggested with a polite, distant tone.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristian concurred, his voice tinged with a touch of resignation.


    He couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly what had soured Freya¡¯s mood again, but it was palpable that she still didn¡¯t want to meet him.


    Wisely, he refrained from asking them to linger, not wanting to push his luck or make things any more awkward than they already were. Freya responded with a nomittal grunt and signaled to n that it was time to go.


    n shot her a sideways nce, his brow furrowing slightly¡ªhis eyes practically asking, ¡°Wait, aren¡¯t we forgetting my apology?¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes shot back a silent message. ¡°I¡¯ve already taken care of the apology for you.¡±


    Stunned, n struggled to process her cryptic response.


    But then a cold thought struck him¡ªwhat about the security footage?


    ¡°Hey Mina, I¡¯ll be right back¡ªI need to hit the restroom,¡± n announced abruptly, stalling for a moment to figure out how to convince Kristian to erase the footage.


    Freya¡¯s eyes lingered on n for a beat longer than necessary. She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something was off with him today. Kristian had picked up on it too, though he kept his thoughts to himself and simply gestured toward the restroom.


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 Chapter 436

    ?Chapter 436:


    Once n disappeared inside, it was just Freya and Kristian left standing outside.


    Neither of them said a word.


    With anyone else, the silence might have turned awkward, even stifling. But between Freya and Kristian, there was a strange, unspoken ease¡ªan odd sort of chemistry that needed no conversation.


    Inside the restroom, n pulled out his phone and typed out a few messages to Freya.


    ¡°Please do me a favor and ask Kristian to deletest night¡¯s surveince footage.¡±


    ¡°Just this once, and I swear I¡¯ll listen to anything you say after this. Please, Mina?¡±


    He waited patiently.


    Freya always replied as soon as she saw his messages.


    But one minute passed. Then two. Three¡­ By the time five had crawled by, there was still nothing from her.


    Growing restless, he typed again, ¡°Did you see my messages?¡±


    Freya, meanwhile, wasn¡¯t even ncing at her phone.


    She had a habit of switching it to silent mode in the evenings, and tonight was no exception¡ªshe hadn¡¯t seen a single message, nor had she checked.


    Kristian, noticing how long they¡¯d been idly standing, finally spoke. ¡°Why don¡¯t we sit in the living room for a bit? n might be a while.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Freya murmured in reply.


    They went and sat on the sofa, simply existing beside each other in silence.


    Kristian made no effort to spark conversation. He could tell Freya had no interest in small talk and only wanted to leave¡ªhe respected that and didn¡¯t press her. Another five minutes dragged on.


    Still, no sign of n.


    Explore fantastic tales on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s; ?¦Ïm


    Freya¡¯s brows drew together. He was definitely taking too long in there. Just as she reached for her phone to check on him, the sound of the restroom door creaked open. n finally emerged, wearing an unsettled expression.


    Freya looked at him, puzzled. What in the world was going on?


    Spotting the two of them seated, n felt a sigh rise in his chest.


    He realized that Freya must have had her phone on silent again.


    ¡°Sorry to interrupt, but we should get going,¡± Freya said, getting to her feet and addressing Kristian with a polite but distant tone before walking over to n.


    Kristian also stood.


    But n didn¡¯t budge. He stayed rooted in ce.


    He repeatedly winked at Freya in hopes she¡¯d get the hint and check her phone.


    She blinked at him, confused. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    n felt his tongue twist into knots. Freya was usually sharp as a whip, but somehow, she turned clueless around him. It drove him up the wall.


    ¡°I need you to handle something for me,¡± he muttered, pulling her aside and whispering quietly, fully aware that whispering in front of a host wasn¡¯t exactly good manners.


    Still, after everything that had happened the night before, n saw Kristian as part of their inner circle.


    Freya remainedposed, giving him a steady look. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Ask your ex to deletest night¡¯s surveince footage,¡± n whispered, his voice tight with unease. ¡°It¡¯s way too embarrassing to leave on record. What if he uses it to ckmail me?¡±


    Freya blinked, taken aback.


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 Chapter 437

    ?Chapter 437:


    Then she answered with calm assurance, ¡°He¡¯s not that kind of man.¡±


    ¡°Just help me out,¡± n pleaded, trying his best to channel all the charm of a helpless, wide-eyed puppy. ¡°If it stays, I¡¯ll obsess over it nonstop and won¡¯t be able to concentrate at work.¡±


    Freya stared at him.


    He even started acting cutesy in desperation, like a mischievous kitten trying to win sympathy.


    Freya had a soft spot for good-looking things¡ªand people¡ªand n, being her cousin who always treated her kindly, easily fell into that category.


    ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll ask him. But if he refuses, we¡¯re not pushing it,¡± Freya rified,ying down her boundaries.


    n nodded quickly.


    In his mind, Kristian¡¯s behavior today had already betrayed his feelings for Freya.


    If she asked, n was sure Kristian would give in.


    Freya frowned slightly, thinking through her words before turning to Kristian.


    He noticed her expression shift and asked, ¡°Did you need something?¡±


    ¡°Yes. I do.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was steady, but there was something in his eyes when he looked at her¡ªjust a flicker of emotion.


    Freya didn¡¯t flinch. She held his gaze and asked inly, ¡°Could you deletest night¡¯s surveince footage?¡±


    The second the words left her lips, Kristian¡¯s eyes flicked toward n. n kept his face unreadable, but internally, he was spiraling into a dramatic monologue. What did that look mean? Was Kristian nning to use this to get closer to Freya? If Kristian really wanted to threaten her, should he still say yes?


    The instant that thought crept into his head, n made up his mind without a flicker of hesitation. There was no way he could go along with it.


    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is where your journey begins


    Neither Kristian nor Freya had the slightest clue that, in the span of just a heartbeat or two, n¡¯s imagination had already spun the entire situation into a full-blown soap opera.


    ¡°Sure.¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was low, velvety,ced with something maic¡ªbut it was Freya he looked at when he added, ¡°But I have one condition.¡±


    n knew it. He¡¯d seen iting a mile away.


    Freya could feel the shift in n¡¯s mood.


    She didn¡¯t address it, and instead turned to Kristian with coolposure. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Go have dinner,¡± Kristian said, the words crisp and simple.


    He hadn¡¯t forgotten n¡¯s reaction earlier when he¡¯d asked if they¡¯d eaten.


    His original n had been to send Freya off with food via Gerard, knowing she wouldn¡¯t ept if he asked directly.


    But now, the opportunity was right here, and he wasn¡¯t letting it pass.


    Before Freya could respond, n jumped in, surprised. ¡°Dinner?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely!¡± n agreed immediately.


    As Freya reached to drag him back, he added with a grin, ¡°If Mr. Shaw deletes the footage, we¡¯ll even stay the night.¡±


    ¡°n,¡± Freya said sharply.


    He froze like a statue. He was stunned. Did he really just say that out loud?


    ¡°Just kidding, Mr. Shaw. Please don¡¯t take it seriously,¡± he said quickly, trying to save face.


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 Chapter 438

    ?Chapter 438:


    Kristian¡¯s lips curled into a faint smile, a soft sound of amusement escaping as he pulled out his phone and called Gerard, telling him to bring the meal up.


    Within minutes, Gerard arrived with the food.


    Just as n was about to dig in, Kristian smoothly slid the te of pasta away from him and ced it in front of Freya. ¡°The pasta¡¯s too soft. I figured you wouldn¡¯t like it, Mr. Briggs.¡±


    n paused mid-reach, his gaze flicking to Kristian, a mixture of surprise and confusion on his face.


    Everyone knew Freya wasn¡¯t picky when it came to food. She¡¯d eat anything. But there was one detail only n had ever known¡ªsomething not even Hugh or Ethel had figured out unless he told them. Freya liked her food soft.


    n found his eyes drifting toward Freya¡¯s ex-husband.


    He couldn¡¯t stop himself from wondering¡ªdid Kristian actually love Freya or not? If he did, then why on earth had they split up? But if he didn¡¯t, what was he doing paying attention to such a small detail? n had noticed it earlier. The moment Kristian spoke, Freya hesitated, clearly thrown off bnce.


    Even though she rarely let her feelings show, n liked to think of himself as a seasoned observer of human behavior.


    ¡°Mr. Briggs, not a fan of the food?¡± Kristian had asked, catching sight of n holding his fork midair, the food untouched.


    ¡°I¡¯m not picky,¡± n replied curtly, before finally starting to eat.


    Within five minutes, Freya had already polished off her meal, while n was still chewing at a leisurely pace.


    Then Kristian turned to Freya and said, ¡°Come with me.¡± Just like that, he took her away to erase the surveince footage.


    He even allowed her to watch him do it.


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    That one gesture softened n¡¯s view of him, and the irritation he¡¯d felt when he first found out about Kristian and Freya¡¯s divorce began to ease.


    But would that feeling stay the same if he ever learned the real reason behind their split?


    Inside the study, Kristian tracked down the footage by checking the timestamp.


    Just as he was about to hit delete, Freya suddenly said she wanted to see it first. She fast-forwarded through the video, and after watching the scene unfold in the living room, her brows pinched together slightly. Her eyes drifted to Kristian.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kristian asked, confused by the change in her expression.


    ¡°Have you been going through somethingtely?¡± Freya had debated whether to ask. Whatever was going on with Kristian wasn¡¯t really her concern anymore.


    But after watching the video, one thought kept circling in her head: since when did Kristian have this much patience?


    Back then, if something like this had happened, Kristian would¡¯ve had n thrown out before he could cause a second of trouble. Why was he letting it slide now?


    Kristian picked up on her meaning by piecing together her question and the footage. ¡°No. It¡¯s just because he¡¯s your cousin.¡±


    He meant he was letting n off the hook for Freya¡¯s sake, even though the man had practically torn his apartment apart.


    Freya couldn¡¯t even exin what she was feeling. When she remembered the part where n snatched Kristian¡¯s phone and smashed it, her head started to ache. Why was n so talented at causing chaos?


    ¡°Can you make a copy of this for me?¡± Freya had made up her mind.


    n needed a reality check.


    Kristian paused for a moment. ¡°You really want a copy?¡±


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 Chapter 439

    ?Chapter 439:


    Freya nodded. ¡°Yes. I do.¡±


    Kristian hardly ever turned down her requests, so he agreed to make the copy.


    Freya gave him a quiet thanks.


    After finishing up his meal and cleaning up, n wandered into the study¡ªonly to spot Kristian transferring the surveince footage onto a sh drive.


    He stopped dead in his tracks. What the hell was going on? Why was the footage being saved?


    Before he could even open his mouth, Kristian had already finished copying the file and wiped the footage from the system.


    Freya and n didn¡¯t stick around long. It was already pushing eleven, and Freya looked worn out. She shut her eyes and started dozing off the second they got into the car.


    n wanted to ask about the footage, but when he looked over and saw her face, all tired and peaceful, he didn¡¯t have the heart to wake her.


    The car rolled on quietly.


    By half past eleven, they pulled into the driveway of Freya¡¯s private residence.


    n walked her upstairs, and just as he was about to ask something, Freya handed him the sh drive. ¡°This is the footage I had Kristian save. Take it home and watch it carefully.¡±


    n looked confused.


    He took the sh drive, baffled, not entirely sure what she was trying to tell him.


    Freya didn¡¯t offer any more exnation. She gave it to him, then went off to wash up and get ready for bed.


    n shut her door behind him and left with the sh drive in hand. When he got home and yed the footage, the embarrassment hit him like a freight train.


    Why was that ridiculous man in the video¡ªhim?


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    Suddenly, it all clicked. Freya had wanted him to see for himself. This time, he¡¯d outdone even his worst behavior. And the strangest part? Despite all that, Kristian hadn¡¯t tossed him out.


    It was¡­ surreal.


    In the days that followed, Freya and Kristian didn¡¯t run into each other again.


    n kept a low profile at work and even told Toby to make sure he never had more than three drinks, no matter what.


    Toby had no idea what had happened, but he agreed anyway. Time zipped by.


    The date was now the 14th.


    Kristian had already flown back to Jeucwell.


    Freya and Hugh were booked on an afternoon flight that same day.


    In the past, Lionel¡¯s 80th birthday would¡¯ve been just another corporate function for Hugh¡ªshowing up for formality¡¯s sake, then slipping away unnoticed.


    But this time, things were different.


    Hugh was about to meet the very family that had once been his inws.


    From the moment Hugh boarded the ne to Jeucwell, he looked visibly uneasy, ncing at Freya every now and then like he wanted to say something but couldn¡¯t quite get the words out.


    Though things between them had improved, their bond wasn¡¯t what it had been when Freya was still a kid.


    Freya noticed the tension and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°What am I even supposed to do when we get there?¡± Hugh asked, lips pressed together, clearly anxious.


    ¡°Nothing. Just treat it like any other business event,¡± Freya replied matter-of-factly. ¡°I¡¯m just going to see Lionel. You don¡¯t need to do anything special.¡±


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 Chapter 440

    ?Chapter 440:


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Even with her reassurance, Hugh still seemed unsure.


    If this really were just another work event, he could make a brief appearance and duck out.


    But ever since Briggs Group and Shaw Group started working together two years ago, this was the first time Shaw Group had sent a formal invite.


    Back then, events like annual banquets had nothing to do with the Briggs family.


    ¡°What if they figure out I¡¯m your father and want to talk to me? Should I talk to them?¡± Hugh asked, his nerves creeping back in.


    Freya didn¡¯t reply right away.


    She turned and looked at him.


    Hugh only grew more uneasy under her gaze. ¡°Should I?¡±


    ¡°This is a normal corporate event. As the chairman of a business partner, your job is to show up. That¡¯s it,¡± Freya said again. ¡°Just act like yourself.¡±


    ¡°Just be myself? I don¡¯t need to go around chatting like we¡¯re all buddies?¡± Hugh pressed.


    Freya responded, ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Hugh looked a little calmer, but deep down, he was still a bundle of nerves.


    He had no clue what the Shaw family was really like.


    Even though Freya had told him they¡¯d treated her well and that Lionel adored her, as her father, Hugh couldn¡¯t help but worry.


    Over the past two years, he¡¯d thought about reaching out more times than he could count¡ªbut in the end, he held back, afraid of upsetting her. Two years.


    To an adult knee-deep in work, it shed by in the blink of an eye.


    And before anyone realized it, time had passed.


    Full cont3nt h3re: g??lnovels.??????


    Meanwhile, back at the Shaw estate, as everyone scrambled to get things ready for Lionel¡¯s 80th birthday, Kristian went straight to see his grandfather.


    Still wearing the suit from his flight, his sharply defined features gave off a cool, distant charm. He stepped forward and greeted him with a crisp, ¡°Grandpa.¡±


    Lionel didn¡¯t so much as nce his way.


    Liam leaned in and reminded Lionel, ¡°Grandpa, Kristian¡¯s back.¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± Lionel scoffed, a cold snort escaping him as he made no effort to hide his disdain for Kristian.


    He had spent the entire day waiting, only for Kristian to show up alone. Fully aware of where he stood in the Shaw family after thest fallout, Kristian had already made peace with the shift in dynamics. His talent for adapting swiftly had always been one of his strengths.


    Noticing Lionel¡¯s disinterest, Kristian didn¡¯t take it personally. Instead, he settled into his seat with practiced ease and took a leisurely sip of his coffee.


    The moreposed Kristian appeared, the more agitated Lionel became.


    Eventually, after making a half-hearted move on the chessboard with Liam, Lionel tossed in the towel.


    ¡°I¡¯m done,¡± Lionel muttered irritably, the scowl on his face deepening. He added, not-so-subtly, ¡°Some people just know how to crawl under my skin.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s lips curled faintly into a knowing smirk. ¡°Is it really worth getting all worked up just because I didn¡¯t bring your beloved Freya back?¡±


    His remark only served to further infuriate Lionel. ¡°Then why did you even bothering back at all?¡±


    ¡°Shall I leave, then?¡± Kristian asked coolly, his every move¡ªright down to sipping his coffee¡ªexuding calm sophistication.


    .


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 Chapter 441

    ?Chapter 441:


    Lionel felt an overwhelming urge to strike him with his cane. What an insufferable brat!


    He could trust neither Kristian nor Liam¡ªunlike Freya, who never failed him.


    ¡°Calm down, Grandpa. She¡¯ll be in Jeucwell tonight,¡± Kristian said, cing down his teacup with a grace that seemed almost theatrical. ¡°She¡¯sing with her father.¡±


    At that, Lionel¡¯s expression froze, a flicker of unease darting across his features.


    He asked, almost cautiously, ¡°I remember Freya once mentioned things weren¡¯t great between her and her family. Did you meet them in Alerith?¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± Kristian answered, his eyes darkening slightly. ¡°Looks like things have smoothed out between them.¡±


    Lionel¡¯s expression rxed a touch in response.


    But then, another thought intruded, and his brows furrowed inplicated emotion. ¡°And how did things go between you and them?¡±


    ¡°At first, everything was fine,¡± Kristian replied, his voice measured and calm. ¡°But halfway through the conversation, Freya threw me out. Haven¡¯t seen them since.¡±


    ¡°Well done!¡± Lionel said without missing a beat.


    Kristian was left speechless. He didn¡¯t even bother questioning whether he was truly Lionel¡¯s grandson. After all, Lionel would only deny it.


    ¡°Should we prepare something?¡± Lionel asked, clearly uneasy. ¡°You¡¯ve been married to Freya for two years and haven¡¯t even met her family. Now that her father¡¯sing, shouldn¡¯t we make an effort?¡±


    Looking back on it, Lionel couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of shame. Kristian had married Freya without notifying her family¡ªignoring even the most basic formalities. It was absolutely mortifying.


    ¡°No need,¡± Kristian replied. ¡°Freya wouldn¡¯t appreciate it.¡±


    A???????????? ????????: ga l no v els .co m


    Lionel blinked, startled by the response. So did Liam. Both turned to Kristian as if he¡¯d just grown a second head.


    Catching their strange looks, Kristian arched a brow. ¡°What¡¯s with the faces?¡±


    ¡°I have reason to believe you¡¯re not actually my brother,¡± Liam said, as irreverent as ever.


    Lionel chimed in, ¡°I¡¯m inclined to agree.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s brow ticked up slightly, realizing they were poking fun at him.


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t considered Freya¡¯s feelings once in thest six months,¡± Lionel said tly.


    He had watched how Kristian treated Freya over the past half-year, initially assuming their marriage was just going through a rough patch. Onlyter did he discover it had everything to do with Ashley.


    In the beginning, when they first tied the knot, Kristian had been good to Freya. Had he kept it up, they might¡¯ve had children by now instead of heading for divorce.


    Kristian stiffened, just slightly.


    ¡°I warned you. You¡¯d regret divorcing her,¡± Lionel said, his disappointment evident. ¡°But you wouldn¡¯t listen.¡±


    Liam raised an eyebrow and teased, ¡°Starting to feel that regret now, huh?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian replied firmly.


    ¡°Good,¡± Lionel shot back with a sharp re. ¡°Some of my old friends are dying to introduce their grandsons to Freya. I¡¯ll be sure to arrange a meeting.¡±


    Kristian was at a loss for words. He was convinced Lionel¡¯s only goal was to provoke him. ¡°She won¡¯t agree.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just a casual meet-up. Not a marriage proposal. Just some young people getting to know each other,¡± Lionel said, his scheming barely concealed. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t she be open to that?¡±


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    ?Chapter 442:


    Kristian said nothing.


    Disguised as a friendly gathering, Freya would likely go along with it out of respect for Lionel.


    It seemed his grandfather wouldn¡¯t be satisfied until he stirred the pot.


    ¡°If you¡¯re not worried about pushing her away even more, go right ahead,¡± Kristian said, emotionless. ¡°I won¡¯t stop you.¡±


    Lionel paused, suddenly uncertain about Kristian¡¯s intentions. What was going through his mind?


    ¡°I¡¯m going to change,¡± Kristian said as he stood, his tall frame radiating quiet elegance. ¡°You two can keep chatting.¡±


    He returned to his room and changed into a fresh outfit. Once dressed, he lounged on the sofa, scrolling through his phone.


    He already had a clear idea who Lionel was talking about earlier. Lost in thought, he used the alternate ount, pulled up their contacts, and created a group chat.


    Whenever it involved people he wasn¡¯t close to, he always used the alternate ount.


    The moment the group went live, messages started flooding in.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Did Kristian actually make this group?¡±


    ¡°Gotta be a hack. No way Kristian started a chat. He hasn¡¯t said a word since friending me.¡±


    Before long, someone tagged Kristian. ¡°Kristian, was this your doing?¡± Others chimed in too, each with their own version of confusion. Kristian watched the chaos unfold, his gaze steady. His long, graceful fingers typed a simple reply. ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    Those words stood out like a beacon amid the noise, and for a moment, the group went dead silent.


    Everyone stared at their phones, trying to make sense of it. Why would Kristian start a group chat? Had they somehow offended him? Afraid to stir the pot in the main chat, they quickly huddled into a smaller group without Kristian to discuss things privately.


    Full updat3z h3r3: g??lno¦Íels.??????


    Kristian, well aware of their side conversation, didn¡¯t rush. He simply waited, knowing they¡¯d eventuallye around.


    Roughly five minutester, after confirming they hadn¡¯t stepped on anyndmines, the replies trickled back in.


    ¡°Do you need something, Kristian?¡±


    ¡°Wait¡ªthis about your grandpa¡¯s 80th? Are you nning a surprise?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s gotta be it!¡±


    ¡°Kristian, just tell us what you need.¡±


    Though they hadn¡¯t interacted much with him, their grandfathers never stopped singing his praises, constantly urging them to learn from him.


    To them, Kristian was the golden standard¡ªthe one they were always unfairlypared to.


    Kristian¡¯s gaze settled on the screen as he pressed his thin lips into a firm line. ¡°You¡¯re all at the age to think about settling down,¡± he typed and sent.


    Everyone¡¯s hearts instantly sounded the rm. What was happening? Was Kristian attempting to nudge them toward matrimony?


    ¡°Sure, we¡¯re at the right age, but we have no ns to get married right now.¡±


    ¡°Precisely!¡±


    ¡°Kristian, are you considering marriage yourself? If you need assistance, I¡¯d be happy to introduce someone to you.¡±


    ¡°I can help with that too!¡±


    .


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 Chapter 443

    ?Chapter 443:


    Amid their flurry of responses, Kristian replied withposure, ¡°I just spoke with my grandpa. He seems interested in introducing an eligible woman to all of you.¡±


    At this revtion, the group suddenly recalled how their own grandfathers had been raising this very topic with them recently.


    They could typically deflect their family elders with various excuses, but if Lionel himself made the introductions, they would have no choice but to demonstrate respect, however reluctantly.


    Frustration washed over them. Why did elders persistently push them toward marriage?


    ¡°Mr. Lionel Shaw remains as enthusiastic as ever, but I truly don¡¯t wish to burden him with such matters.¡±


    ¡°Exactly! This is such a minor issue¡ªit¡¯s hardly worth troubling your grandpa, Kristian.¡±


    ¡°Kristian, could you possibly help us avoid this situation?¡±


    ¡°We genuinely don¡¯t want to participate in blind dates right now.¡± Noting their collective resistance to the idea, Kristian recognized he had yed his strategy perfectly. ¡°He¡¯s not requesting that you attend blind dates¡ªsimply that you meet someone.¡±


    Everyone understood that ¡°meeting someone¡± was merely a polite euphemism for blind dating.


    Kristian borated, ¡°As long as you don¡¯t linger around him afterward, I can help prevent this from happening. However, if you appear before him, there¡¯s nothing I can do.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Kristian.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow, after wishing him a happy birthday, I¡¯ll make myself scarce. I won¡¯t venture anywhere near him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll do the same.¡±


    Seeing the matter concluded, Kristian wrapped up with a final warning, ¡°Don¡¯t let Liam discover I informed you about this. You all understand how much he revels in creating chaos.¡±


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    Everyone agreed wholeheartedly.


    Though they rarely chatted with Kristian, they had spent considerable time conversing with Liam and were well aware that he thrived on mischief.


    Following their exchange, Kristian closed the group chat. With the issue resolved, his spirits lifted considerably.


    Meanwhile, the four young men in the group chat continued analyzing why Kristian had suddenly demonstrated such kindness by warning them.


    They eventually determined that despite his cool exterior, Kristian possessed apassionate heart and didn¡¯t want to see them endure the matchmaking ordeal.


    Kristian remained oblivious to their spection.


    At home, he changed into a ck casual outfit. The loose strands of hair falling across his forehead added a touch of youthful charm to his otherwise mature appearance.


    Few people could bnce maturity with youthfulness, but Kristian¡¯s features seemed divinely crafted for this precise effect.


    After perfecting his appearance, he strolled from his room to find Lionel.


    If he dyed any longer, Lionel would beginining about his disrespect again.


    For the remainder of the day, Kristian remained by Lionel¡¯s side, engaging him in chess. Whenever Lionel attempted to mention Freya, Kristian deflected with remarks like, ¡°Your turn, Grandpa,¡± or ¡°Grandpa, if you don¡¯t concentrate, you¡¯re bound to lose.¡±


    After several rounds of this evasion, Lionel¡¯s patience evaporated, and he snapped, ¡°With all that smooth talking, why haven¡¯t you brought Freya home yet?¡±


    ¡°Are we continuing our game?¡± Kristian inquired, his sharp profile and high nose bridge conveying perfect indifference.


    Lionel couldn¡¯t muster a single word. Kristian truly exasperated him. Once again, he recognized that Freya clearly represented the superior choice.


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    ?Chapter 444:


    ¡°I¡¯m finished ying,¡± Lionel muttered, his mood thoroughly dampened by Kristian¡¯s persistent evasiveness. ¡°Continue with your games if you wish. When Freya eventually chooses someone else, you¡¯ll have nothing but regret.¡±


    Kristian remained silent, instead preparing a cup of coffee and offering it to his grandfather.


    His tranquil demeanor only intensified Lionel¡¯s conflicting emotions of affection and irritation. No matter how harshly he reprimanded him, Kristian never disyed anger and invariably found ways to appease him.


    ¡°What thoughts truly upy that mind of yours?¡± Lionel finally inquired, surrendering to his conflicted feelings.


    Kristian kept his inner reflections carefully concealed. ¡°Nothing in particr.¡±


    Lionel nearly choked on his coffee.


    He examined Kristian¡¯sposed expression for an extended moment beforepletely abandoning his efforts. ¡°Leave my presence. I can¡¯t bear to look at you any longer.¡±


    Kristian epted the dismissal without protest and departed as instructed.


    Liam remained elsewhere, so Kristian decided to verify the banquet arrangements at the hotel.


    Although his father had likely managed everythingpetently, confirming the details would prevent any unexpectedplications.


    At the hotel, Isaac was preparing to depart just as Kristian arrived. Upon seeing him, Isaac greeted him with a knowing smirk. ¡°Has your grandpa banished you from his sight?¡± Kristian found himself speechless.


    Isaac ced a reassuring hand on his shoulder. ¡°Eventually, you¡¯ll grow ustomed to it.¡±


    ¡°You faced simr disfavor in your younger days,¡± Kristian retorted.


    Whenever they encountered one another, their exchanges bristled with yful barbs, and Kristian invariably emerged defeated. This asion proved no different.


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    ¡°I may have faced disapproval, but at least I provided him with a grandson,¡± Isaac remarked smoothly, his tone carrying the craftiness of a seasoned fox. ¡°What contribution have you made?¡±


    Kristian countered, ¡°Without my assistance, winning Mom¡¯s affection would have taken you considerably longer.¡±


    ¡°I appreciate your help, Kristian,¡± Isaac responded with an untroubled smile.


    Kristian found himself unable to formte a response.


    The exchange felt as futile as attempting to punch a pillow.


    ¡°During your childhood, you exhibited such endearing qualities and possessed a natural talent for persuasion,¡± Isaac observed, appraising him thoughtfully. ¡°If regaining Freya¡¯s affection is your goal, perhaps revisiting those childhood tactics might prove effective.¡±


    ¡°Childish,¡± Kristian responded tersely.


    The memories evoked embarrassment.


    Whenever he recalled how he once behaved adorably to persuade Lionel to cease scolding Isaac, he experienced profound difort.


    Isaac¡¯s lips formed a subtle smile. ¡°You¡¯ve matured and lost your charming qualities. Had I anticipated this development, I would have provided you with a lot of sweets to preserve your sweetness.¡±


    Kristian secretly rolled his eyes.


    ¡°This venue now falls under your responsibility,¡± Isaac stated, his smile deepening. ¡°I¡¯m departing to spend time with my wife.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s brow furrowed slightly. Even at his current age, Isaac couldn¡¯t resist showcasing his romantic devotion.


    Despite finding it somewhat irritating, Kristian couldn¡¯t deny the reassurance it provided.


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 Chapter 445

    ?Chapter 445:


    His mother had selected an appropriate partner, and Isaac had consistently demonstrated through his actions that his love remained genuine and enduring.


    Setting these reflections aside, Kristian concentrated on examining the banquet arrangements.


    From a distance, Isaac and Melinda observed him working.


    Isaac encircled Melinda with his arm and spoke in hushed tones. ¡°He¡¯s reached adulthood now, so our constant concern has be unnecessary.¡±


    ¡°The responsibility rests entirely with you!¡± Melinda gently teased.


    Isaac raised an eyebrow in surprise. How had this situation be his responsibility?


    ¡°Very well, I ept the me,¡± he conceded with an amodating smile. ¡°I¡¯ll assist him in bringing Freya to Jeucwell and ensure theirsting happiness together.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Melinda refused with firm conviction.


    Isaac kept coaxing Melinda gently, his gaze soft with affection. ¡°Why not?¡±


    Melinda blurted it out without thinking. ¡°He let Freya down. He deserves a little payback.¡±


    Then she shot him a re and added sharply, ¡°Starting tonight, you¡¯re banned from sharing a bed with me for a whole month.¡±


    ¡°I disagree!¡± Isaac protested, then smoothly shifted the subject. ¡°Let¡¯s figure out how we¡¯re going to face Freya and her father when they show up. Our son went and married his daughter without even giving the man a heads-up.¡±


    ¡°Freya¡¯s father ising?¡± Melinda asked in surprise.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then we really need to think this through.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll handle it,¡± Isaac assured her, sessfully steering her focus elsewhere.


    ?????????? ????????????: ?????????¦Í?????????????


    Freya and Hugh reached Jeucwell just after seven that evening. Once there, Hugh nced at her and asked again, ¡°So I¡¯m really just supposed to treat this like some run-of-the-mill business dinner?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya replied without hesitation.


    She had brought a gift for Lionel, out of respect¡ªhe had always treated her kindly.


    But at the end of the day, she and Kristian were already divorced, and her father had no ties to the Shaw family. There was no reason for formalities.


    Still, Hugh frowned. ¡°Don¡¯t you think this feels a bit inappropriate? What if the Shaws see it as disrespectful?¡±


    ¡°They won¡¯t,¡± Freya said firmly, recognizing the unease behind his question. She decided to be blunt. ¡°Kristian and I are divorced. You¡¯re here representing the Briggs Group.¡±


    That seemed to calm Hugh down, but deep down, a flicker of resentment still lingered.


    Kristian had married his daughter without asking for his blessing!


    That night, Freya carried herself like nothing in her life had changed.


    Hugh, meanwhile,y in bed long after the lights were out, tossing and turning. His thoughts wandered to Freya¡ªhow she¡¯d once lived in this very ce.


    She hade to Jeucwell all by herself and married in such a rush. How had she gotten through it?


    The longer he thought about it, the more restless he became. Finally, he reached for his phone and sent Freya a message. ¡°Did you go through a lot in Jeucwell these past two years?¡±


    Freya was just about to fall asleep when she saw her father¡¯s message. She took a moment to choose her words carefully before replying, ¡°No, I¡¯ve been doing well. You should get some rest.¡±


    Reading her response only deepened Hugh¡¯s guilt.


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    ?Chapter 446:


    If he had just had a bit more courage back then, maybe his daughter would¡¯ve found some real happiness here.


    Maybe none of those tangled affairs would¡¯ve happened at all.


    He thought about replying with a simple ¡°okay,¡± but assumed Freya had already gone to sleep. He ced the phone aside and forced himself to close his eyes.


    Elsewhere, Kristian was still wide awake.


    After confirming everything with the hotel, he was about to wind down when Felipe intercepted him.


    With one hand shoved into his pocket and the other dangling a set of car keys, Felipe said, ¡°Let¡¯s go have a drink.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian answered curtly.


    But Felipe didn¡¯t wait for his response. Clearly agitated, he dragged Kristian to the car anyway.


    Kristian opened his mouth to mention the next day¡¯s schedule, but Felipe cut him off. ¡°Don¡¯t use your grandpa¡¯s birthday as an excuse. The banquet¡¯s in the evening. A drink now won¡¯t throw your ns off.¡±


    Kristian kept quiet. The original n had been for a simple family gathering, but it had since escted into a hotel banquet.


    Even so, the guest list was tight¡ªjust family, a few of Lionel¡¯s old friends, and some of Kristian¡¯s.


    The only business guests invited were the Briggs family.


    ¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, say it now. I need to head back to the family house soon,¡± Kristian said, his voice casual, but his gaze sharp.


    Felipe didn¡¯t waste time.


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    He pulled over, killed the engine, and turned to look at him. ¡°Where¡¯s Farrah?¡±


    Kristian looked at him, confused. ¡°You¡¯re asking me?¡±


    ¡°You said she was in Alerith,¡± Felipe snapped, his voice taut with frustration. ¡°I followed your lead, but she¡¯s nowhere to be found.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s on you,¡± Kristian said coolly.


    ¡°If your ex-wife hadn¡¯t shipped her off, would I be in this mess?¡± Felipe shot back, clearly fuming.


    Kristian rested his arm on the window and replied in a level tone, ¡°You¡¯re the one who lost her. Don¡¯t pin it on anyone else.¡±


    Felipe¡¯s jaw clenched, ready to argue.


    Kristian didn¡¯t wait. ¡°Pushing her to have an abortion? That¡¯s quite the move.¡±


    ¡°Oh, like you¡¯re any better? You dumped your wife to chase after your first love. That¡¯s more impressive, isn¡¯t it?¡± Felipe sneered, emotions spilling over.


    Kristian¡¯s expression chilled.


    Felipe refused to let up.


    ¡°At least I know where Freya is.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s voice was ice. ¡°Unlike someone who doesn¡¯t even know where his wife is.¡±


    ¡°So what if I don¡¯t? We¡¯re still legally married,¡± Felipe snapped back.


    Kristian said nothing. And in that silence, regret hit him like a wave. If he hadn¡¯t gone through with the divorce, at least things would¡¯ve been official¡ªrecognized byw.


    But now¡­


    ¡°And what¡¯s that worth?¡± Kristian¡¯s eyes turned cold, his tone clipped.


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 Chapter 447

    ?Chapter 447:


    ¡°You think she won¡¯t file for divorce herself?¡±


    Felipe had noeback.


    Kristian twisted the knife. ¡°You pressured her to get an abortion. That alone would destroy you in court.¡±


    ¡°Kristian, don¡¯t you think you¡¯re going too far?¡± Felipe cracked, unable to keep hisposure. ¡°All I did was ask one thing, and you keep jabbing at me.¡±


    Of course, he knew he didn¡¯t stand a chance in court. That¡¯s what made it so maddening.


    ¡°If the baby Farrah¡¯s carrying is yours, what will you do?¡± Kristian suddenly asked.


    Back when Freya had changed so suddenly, Kristian hadn¡¯t paid much attention to Farrah.


    But thinking back, Freya wasn¡¯t the type to keep shady people around.


    And Farrah didn¡¯t seem like the kind who¡¯d betray Felipe.


    Felipe frowned. ¡°What are you getting at?¡±


    ¡°Did Farrah ever say it was your child?¡± Kristian asked.


    Felipe paused, then gave a dryugh and brushed it off. ¡°She did, but you can¡¯t believe anything she says. I was abroad at the time. How could it be mine?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s dark eyes were unreadable as he said, ¡°Might want to double-check her schedule.¡±


    Felipe¡¯s voice dropped. ¡°What exactly are you implying?¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t borate. ¡°You heard me.¡±


    Felipe looked like he was about to press for more, but Kristian shut the conversation down. ¡°It¡¯ste. Take me back to my family house.¡±


    Felipe muttered, ¡°Do I look like your chauffeur?¡± Still, he started the car. ¡°You better pay the fare.¡±


    Kristian pulled a crisp hundred-dor bill from his wallet and passed it over with a casual flourish, saying coolly, ¡°Keep the change.¡±


    Step into a new world at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m


    ¡°Damn you,¡± Felipe snapped as he slipped the bill into his pocket.


    Free money from Kristian? He wasn¡¯t about to say no.


    The rest of the ride passed inplete silence, both men swallowed by their thoughts, burdened by whatever weighed on their minds. Half an hourter, Felipe dropped Kristian off at the Shaw estate.


    As Kristian stepped out of the car, the memory of what he¡¯d witnessed at the hospital resurfaced. He paused, then said, ¡°You might want to double-check what Farrah said about Jocelyn Watson.¡±


    ¡°Wait a second,¡± Felipe frowned, catching the odd note in Kristian¡¯s voice.


    But Kristian kept that distant, unreadable air about him and responded coolly, ¡°Is there something else?¡±


    ¡°What exactly did you mean by that?¡± Felipe asked.


    ¡°Nothing major. Just a word to the wise,¡± Kristian said, his eyes unreadable. ¡°Not everyone deserves your trust.¡±


    Something about that struck a nerve, and Felipe let out a sharpugh. Kristian arched a brow, confused by the reaction.


    ¡°So, let me guess. Because you misjudged Freya thanks to your first love, you think I¡¯m misjudging Farrah because of Jocelyn?¡± Felipe said with a mischievous smirk.


    Kristian¡¯s frown deepened slightly, clearly irritated by the jab.


    But Felipe, hands resting easily on the steering wheel, seemed rxed now. ¡°Your problem was personal. Mine¡¯s professional. Whole different ball game.¡±


    ¡°Is it really?¡± Kristian challenged.


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    ?Chapter 448:


    ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°Then why did Farrah bring up Jocelyn right outside the hospital and look at you like you didn¡¯t have a clue?¡± Kristian pressed.


    That wiped the smirk off Felipe¡¯s face.


    Kristian really couldn¡¯t help himself¡ªhe always knew how to push just the right button.


    He hadn¡¯t intended to say more, but after a brief pause, he added, ¡°If you can trust other women but not Farrah, she won¡¯t forgive you for it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not her. How would you know?¡± Felipe shot back, a flicker of panic surfacing before he quickly covered it up.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes darkened, distant and cold. ¡°Maybe I¡¯ve just learned from past mistakes.¡±


    Felipe secretly rolled his eyes.


    Done with the conversation, he didn¡¯t bother replying and drove off.


    As for Kristian, the thoughts circling in his mind made his expression harden for a moment. He tamped down the emotions stirring inside him and headed toward the house.


    He had barely made it a few steps when he spotted his parents standing nearby.


    He stopped in his tracks, whatever emotion had lingered in his eyes vanishingpletely.


    ¡°Kristian, you¡¯ve finallye around,¡± Melinda said with a face full of relief, as though her son had just grown up overnight.


    Isaac¡¯s gaze twinkled with amusement.


    Kristian¡¯s hands hung loosely at his sides as he paused briefly before walking toward them with practiced calm. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Just taking a stroll after dinner,¡± Melinda answered cheerfully, reaching out to hold his hand. Her voice softened. ¡°Failing once isn¡¯t the end of the world. What matters is learning from it and not repeating the same mistake.¡±


    For a second, Kristian couldn¡¯t find the right words.


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    Keeping hisposure, he said simply, ¡°I was only teasing Felipe.¡±


    ¡°I get it,¡± Melinda replied, clearly pleased.


    Kristian was momentarily silent again, but years of learning to keep a straight face helped him stay collected.


    Isaac gave his shoulder a firm pat. ¡°Owning up to your past is a sign you¡¯re growing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got something to take care of. I¡¯ll head inside,¡± Kristian said, eager to escape the weight of his father¡¯s words. ¡°You two enjoy your walk.¡±


    With that, he turned and made his way into the house.


    Melinda blinked, puzzled. ¡°What could he possibly have to do thiste? Isn¡¯t Lionel already asleep?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s just embarrassed. We struck a nerve, and now he needs an excuse to duck out,¡± Isaac replied, serious but with a chuckle in his tone.


    Melinda nodded knowingly. ¡°Makes sense.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a grown man now. We should give him space.¡±


    ¡°True.¡±


    Their conversation faded behind him, but Kristian, overhearing it, felt a mix of emotions rise inside.


    A pang of regret slipped in as he thought about how he¡¯d once helped his father win his mother back.


    Once in his room, he showered, slipped into his pajamas, andy down on the bed.


    Staying at the family home always brought him a kind of peace he never found in the city.


    .


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 Chapter 449

    ?Chapter 449:


    Surrounded by countryside stillness, far from the noise and rush, he felt something settle in him.


    With that thought, he picked up his phone.


    His eyesnded on Freya¡¯s avatar. More often than not, he had the impulse to text her¡ªask where she was, what she was doing¡ªbut every single time, he put the phone down again without sending a thing.


    The next day came swiftly. Freya told Hugh he should attend the evening banquet, then left the hotel earlier than nned.


    She was headed to the Shaw estate.


    Not wanting to waste the trip or show up unannounced, she called Lionel ahead of time.


    Once he confirmed he was home, she grabbed her gift and made her way over.


    Lionel lit up the moment he heard she wasing, beaming with joy. ¡°Quick! Bring out the best dishes, and have the kitchen whip up some fresh juice!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the butler responded at once.


    At that moment, Kristian was out in the backyard, chatting with Lionel.


    Lionel¡¯s excitement didn¡¯t go unnoticed. Kristian already had a pretty good guess about what this was about.


    After barking orders, Lionel turned to Kristian with a snort. ¡°What are you still doing out here? Go freshen up!¡±


    Kristian blinked. Freshen up?


    ¡°Freya doesn¡¯t drop by often. Do you really want her to see you looking like this?¡± Lionel snapped, clearly unimpressed. ¡°Go put on something decent and make yourself look a bit more respectable.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Kristian said, making no move to get up.


    Author¡¯s version avable at g??ln ov els.????


    He was dressed down inid-back casuals, shrugging off the stiff formality of his usual suits for a more rxed, breezy vibe.


    Even so, just sitting there, he was effortlessly striking.


    Lionel wasn¡¯t amused. His tone turned sharp. ¡°It¡¯s my birthday today. Are you seriously going to tick me off?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s expression shifted, tinged with helplessness. He did respect his grandfather. ¡°She prefers me like this, not in a suit.¡±


    ¡°You sure about that?¡± Lionel¡¯s eyes lit up, curious.


    Kristian nodded. ¡°I am.¡±


    During their time together, he had mostly worn formal clothes, but there were a couple of rare times he¡¯d gone casual.


    He remembered Freya¡¯s reaction¡ªshe had genuinely liked it. ¡°Who knew you were hiding this side under all that serious exterior?¡± Lionel scoffed.


    Then he added with a teasing edge, ¡°Trying to win over my sweet Freya with your looks. How shallow can you get?¡±


    Kristian had no words. Should he remind the old man that he was the one who just told him to freshen up?


    ¡°Don¡¯t go thinking Freya¡¯s gonna fall for you just ¡¯cause you¡¯ve got a pretty face.¡± Lionel couldn¡¯t go a single day without tossing a jab at Kristian. ¡°She¡¯s not that shallow.¡±


    Kristian kept his tone easy. ¡°She¡¯s not shallow¡ªshe just happens to have a thing for handsome guys.¡±


    ¡°Well, that only proves she¡¯s got good taste.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not wrong.¡±


    And with that, Lionel was momentarily silenced.


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 Chapter 450

    ?Chapter 450:


    Their yful back-and-forth was practically a daily ritual. Still, no matter how often Lionel poked fun, he never truly got mad at Kristian, and Kristian never took any of it to heart.


    Kristian noticed Lionel watching him and raised a brow. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m trying to figure out the odds of Freya being drawn in by that face of yours.¡± Lionel looked genuinely pensive, as though this was a question worthy of deep reflection. ¡°I hear young women these days go for pretty boys. Your cousin¡¯s like that. So are all those girls on TV.¡±


    Kristian might¡¯vecked confidence in a lot of areas, but not when it came to his looks. For that, he could only thank his parents¡ªthose genes matched up a little too perfectly with Freya¡¯s preferences.


    ¡°Why not try switching up your hair or wardrobe a bit?¡± Lionel had never been a fan of men putting too much effort into their appearance. To him, it felt like a hit to masculinity.


    But now, he was ready to throw all that aside just to help his grandson catch Freya¡¯s eye.


    Kristian looked genuinely puzzled. ¡°I thought you didn¡¯t like Freya at first. Why the change of heart?¡± Lionel had always been old-fashioned, even hoping Kristian would marry someone of equal status.


    When Kristian first married Freya, Lionel had been openly displeased. Butter on, even before knowing Freya¡¯s background, he¡¯d started thinking Kristian might not even be good enough for her.


    It was aplete turnaround.


    ¡°Because Freya¡¯s a kind soul.¡± Lionel didn¡¯t go into his usual speech about what Freya had done for him.


    ¡°Even though I didn¡¯t take to her at first, she¡¯s always treated me with respect.¡± He looked back fondly, a soft note in his voice. ¡°Even when you weren¡¯t around, she was kind to me.¡±


    Kristian stayed quiet, listening.


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    ¡°She¡¯s genuine. Kind. Got a good heart.¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kristian agreed softly, but his mind was already drifting to old memories of Freya.


    ¡°¡®Yeah¡¯ is all you¡¯ve got?¡± Lionel scoffed, clearly unimpressed. ¡°If you can¡¯t win her back, then don¡¯t bother getting married at all.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t even hesitate. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Lionel stared at him, narrowing his eyes like he was trying to see right through him. ¡°You serious?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kristian answered, calm and sure.


    He¡¯d been married once, yet still felt clueless about what it really meant.


    But watching his parentstely, he thought maybe he was starting to get it. Just a little.


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Lionel said.


    They chatted a bit more, and just as Lionel was about to ask Kristian to call Freya and find out where she was, the butler walked in with her.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs has arrived.¡±


    Both Lionel and Kristian turned toward the door.


    Sure enough, Freya hade. Lionel immediately got to his feet, his face lighting up. ¡°Freya!¡±


    ¡°Happy birthday, Lionel,¡± she greeted him.


    She was dressed in a soft-toned sweater and a beret, her look gentler than usual.


    Lionel beamed. ¡°Thank you,e on in, have a seat!¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Freya nodded politely.


    As she settled in, the butler stepped over and handed Lionel a box. ¡°Sir, this is the gift Ms. Briggs brought for you.¡±


    ¡°Your being here is more than enough. No need for presents.¡± Still, the grin on Lionel¡¯s face gave him away.


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 Chapter 451

    ?Chapter 451:


    That¡¯s how elders were. Even if they said gifts weren¡¯t necessary, having both you and a present show up? That was the sweet spot. Lionel opened the box, and the¡­


    The smile that spread across his face couldn¡¯t be contained. Inside was a rare chess set.


    Each piece was crafted from agate, amber, and gemstones, designed through painstaking methods and hard toe by.


    Countless collectors had longed for it, yet it remained forever out of reach.


    ¡°Freya, where¡¯d you find this?¡± Lionel examined the pieces with glee.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had my eye on this set forever and could never track it down.¡±


    Freya offered a warm smile. ¡°I¡¯m d you like it.¡±


    ¡°Come on!¡± Lionel was practically giddy. ¡°y a game with me.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Freya never said no to Lionel¡¯s requests.


    Kristian stayed quiet, watching from the side as Freya settled into the game. Her right hand moved with elegant ease, slender fingers gliding each piece across the board with quiet focus.


    Just watching her was a treat.


    Halfway through the match, Lionel finally remembered his grandson¡¯s presence. After cing a piece, he spoke. ¡°Freya, what do you think of Kristian?¡±


    Freya instinctively nced his way.


    She¡¯d noticed him the moment she stepped into the backyard.


    That light-colored casual outfit made him stand out more than usual.


    After one quick look, she¡¯d looked away.


    She knew herself too well.


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± She pulled her gaze from his face and made her next move.


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    Lionel picked up a chess piece and spoke at his usual rxed pace. ¡°His looks.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s charming,¡± Freya answered truthfully. Lying wasn¡¯t her thing.


    Kristian was handsome¡ªespecially like this, dressed down in casuals. Without the suit, he lost that intimidating business edge and looked far more approachable.


    ¡°Would you consider keeping him around just to look at?¡± Lionel chuckled. ¡°Like eye candy. Something nice to have on disy.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t respond.


    Kristian felt the need to cut in. ¡°Grandpa, I¡¯m a person.¡±


    ¡°So what?¡± Lionel huffed. ¡°Doesn¡¯t mean a person can¡¯t be ornamental. Still, even if you wanted to be, that doesn¡¯t mean she would want you around. Isn¡¯t that right, Freya?¡±


    Kristian turned to her, locking eyes without hesitation.


    Freya stayed poised and cool. ¡°Lionel, it¡¯s your move.¡±


    ¡°Make your move,¡± Kristian murmured, his voice barely audible yet perfectlyposed.


    Lionel shot him a withering re. The man had absolutely no sense of timing!


    He consistently failed to recognize opportune moments¡ªno wonder his romantic life remained barren.


    Kristian interpreted the look and wisely retreated. He noticed the butler hovering nearby, reluctant to interrupt their game, so he rose and approached him.


    Upon learning the refreshments were prepared, Kristian slipped away to the kitchen, returning momentster with an assortment of colorful juices which he carefully ced beside each yer.


    ¡°Juice,¡± he announced simply.


    ¡°Thank you, Mr. Shaw,¡± Freya replied with deliberate formality, addressing him as though they wereplete strangers.


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 Chapter 452

    ?Chapter 452:


    Lionel positioned another chess piece on the board and, observing the palpable tension between the two, couldn¡¯t resist admonishing Kristian.


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you manage a few additional words?¡±


    Kristian stood speechless, words failing him entirely.


    ¡°Kristian specially prepared these juices when he heard you were visiting,¡± Lionel continued, eagerly ying matchmaker as he addressed Freya, hoping to dissolve the awkwardness between them. ¡°Sample them and tell us which you prefer. He can prepare more for you afterward.¡±


    Freya hesitated, her eyes drifting over the tempting array of beverages before she firmly stated, ¡°No need for such trouble. Water will suffice.¡±


    ¡°How can you possibly settle for mere water? This rascal wronged you previously. Now¡¯s your perfect opportunity to make demands of him,¡± Lionel dered bluntly. ¡°Don¡¯t you wish to exact some well-deserved revenge?¡±


    For the first time, Freya found herself needing to concentrate intensely on her next chess move.


    She recognized Lionel¡¯s well-intentioned meddling, and precisely because she understood his motives, she couldn¡¯t simply acquiesce. ¡°That¡¯s not important,¡± she responded, deliberately changing course. Her expression grew earnest as she¡­


    ¡°Today celebrates your birthday. Your happiness takes precedence over everything else,¡± Freya added.


    Hearing this, Lionel¡¯s disapproval of Kristian deepened considerably. Previously, he¡¯d deemed Kristian unworthy of Freya out of protective anger, but now he felt absolute certainty in this assessment. A pretty face meant nothing when paired with an inability to demonstrate the thoughtfulness that came so naturally to Freya. Better for Kristian to remain eternally single than burden Freya with his presence!


    Throughout the remainder of the day, Lionel abandoned his matchmaking efforts entirely.


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    Freya hade to celebrate his birthday, and he refused to spoil her experience.


    Consequently, Kristian found himself thoroughly ignored.


    Lionel and Freya immersed themselves in conversation and chess, treating him as though he¡¯d vanished from existence.


    When their game concluded, Lionel beamed with satisfaction.


    Rather than suggesting another round, he carefully stored the chess pieces with Freya¡¯s help, clearly treasuring the set she had gifted him. He handled each piece with remarkable delicacy.


    When Kristian extended a hand to assist, Lionel swatted it away immediately, concerned he might damage Freya¡¯s precious gift.


    ¡°Go attend to whatever requires your attention,¡± Lionel dismissed him with a wave. ¡°Don¡¯t intrude upon Freya¡¯s and my time together.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s lips parted slightly as he reminded them, ¡°I¡¯ll need to transport you to the hotelter.¡±


    Lionel prepared a biting retort but ultimately swallowed his words. He inquired after securing the chess set, ¡°Freya, has your father also traveled to Jeucwell?¡±


    Freya paused briefly, offering the truth without hesitation. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps we could share lunch together?¡± Lionel suggested hopefully. ¡°You failed to observe proper formalities when you married. Now that your father has arrived, we should at least demonstrate adequate hospitality.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll join us this evening,¡± Freya declined graciously. ¡°He¡¯s currently engaged with friends.¡±


    Seeing her response, Lionel gracefully withdrew his suggestion.


    His gaze flickered toward Kristian momentarily, and a fresh idea illuminated his expression. ¡°Then allow me to introduce you to some acquaintances. You¡¯re all of simr age¡ªsurely you¡¯ll find abundant topics for conversation.¡±


    Under normal circumstances, Freya would have declined such an offer. She harbored little interest in expanding her social circle.


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 Chapter 453

    ?Chapter 453:


    However, today celebrated Lionel¡¯s birthday, and she had already rejected several of his proposals. Another refusal would border on discourtesy.


    ¡°Alright,¡± she conceded with quiet eptance.


    ¡°Let¡¯s proceed!¡± Lionel¡¯s demeanor instantly brightened, as though merely sharing Freya¡¯spany could sustain his happiness indefinitely.


    It seemed Freya needed no extraordinary efforts to serve as his wellspring of joy.


    Kristian hadn¡¯t anticipated this development. He had expected Freya to decline, given her well-known aversion to social orchestrations.


    What escaped his understanding was that she remained entirely unaware that Lionel¡¯s ¡°introduction to friends¡± constituted another matchmaking attempt.


    She had assumed Lionel¡¯s matchmaking efforts were exclusively directed toward reuniting her with Kristian, never considering alternative possibilities.


    Kristian positioned himself behind the steering wheel.


    Freya intended to upy the front passenger seat, reasoning that relegating herself to the back would seem inappropriately formal under the circumstances.


    However, Lionel specifically summoned her to join him in the rear seating area.


    Thirty minutester, they arrived at their destination.


    Despite Kristian¡¯s casual attire, the hotel¡¯s moderate upancy proved fortunate¡ªotherwise, his appearance would have attracted considerable attention.


    Lionel and Freya exited the vehicle together.


    With purposeful strides, Lionel guided Freya forward while Kristian followed at a respectful distance.


    Once inside the establishment, Lionel enthusiastically presented Freya to his longtime associates. Her unexpected presence immediately kindled their curiosity.


    ¡°Lionel, who might this youngdy be?¡± someone inquired.


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    Maintaining an impressively solemn expression, Lionel quipped, ¡°My granddaughter, Freya.¡±


    His announcement bewildered the assembled group.


    Kristian arched a single eyebrow in silent response.


    Freya herself started visibly, utterly unprepared for Lionel to characterize their rtionship in such terms.


    ¡°Surely you jest? We¡¯re well acquainted with your actual granddaughter,¡± someone countered.


    ¡°Precisely my point.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps she¡¯s your granddaughter-inw?¡± they spected with growing interest.


    Lionel had conscientiously avoided publicizing Kristian and Freya¡¯s rtionship, honoring her preference for discretion.


    Yet in this moment, he felt a sudden impulse to proim, ¡°Indeed, this is my granddaughter-inw!¡± He tried hard to hold back.


    Instead, he dered, ¡°My worthless grandson doesn¡¯t merit Freya¡¯spanionship.¡±


    With this pronouncement, every gaze instinctively shifted toward Kristian.


    ¡°Even Kristian falls short of worthiness?¡± eximed Elvin rkson, one of Lionel¡¯s oldest friends.


    They recognized Kristian¡¯s exceptional qualities.


    Despite his youth, he adeptly managed the extensive Shaw Group. Since assuming the role of President, he hadmitted no missteps, only expanding thepany¡¯s prosperity.


    Numerous youngdies eagerly sought connection with him, yet Kristian consistently denied everyone such opportunity.


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 Chapter 454

    ?Chapter 454:


    ¡°Him?¡± Lionel remarked with undisguised contempt. ¡°He merits least of all. Should anyone desire him, I¡¯ll dly relinquish him withoutpensation.¡±


    Hearing this, the gathering immediately recognized Lionel¡¯s familiar pattern of affectionately taunting his grandson.


    They collectively envied his fortune, wishing their own grandsons possessedparable excellence.


    ¡°Where are your grandsons?¡± Lionel inquired after surveying the room and noting the absence of his friends¡¯ grandsons.


    ¡°Earlier, they were hanging around here, but the second I answered your call, those brats bolted. Said Liam invited them out to chill,¡± Elvin said, cutting right to the point.


    The others nodded along, murmuring in agreement.


    In that moment, no one caught the flicker in Kristian¡¯s eyes.


    Lionel let out a slow sigh. ¡°I was nning to introduce Freya to them.


    Young people really ought to mingle more.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll ring my grandson back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get mine on the line too.¡±


    ¡°Young folks should definitely be spending more time together.¡± One by one, the older gentlemen reached for their phones and began dialing.


    There was an unspoken understanding among them; when Lionel said what he did, they all caught his meaning loud and clear.


    Very few people in their circle ever received Lionel¡¯s approval, and the fact that he stood up for the young woman said plenty about her character.


    As their calls went out, the young men wore expressions like they¡¯d just bitten into lemons¡ªclearly not thrilled.


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    Liam had been with them at the time. He was far more sociable than Kristian and had a wide circle of friends.


    Catching sight of their gloomy faces, Liam paused mid-shot, pool cue in hand. ¡°What¡¯s with the long faces? Did your girlfriends dump you?¡±


    ¡°Worse than that!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a total nightmare.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    ¡°Yeah, no joke.¡±


    Liam raised a brow, intrigued. ¡°That dramatic, huh?¡±


    ¡°My grandpa wants me to go on a date,¡± said Elvin¡¯s grandson.


    Liam stayed rxed. ¡°Wait, you guys all got roped into blind dates too?¡±


    ¡°Yep¡­¡± they said in chorus.


    That gave Liam pause. All at once? Seriously?


    ¡°Liam, your grandpa¡¯s the one who brought the girl,¡± said another young man, sounding torn but not bold enough to say no. ¡°They¡¯re saying it¡¯s just to ¡®get to know her,¡¯ but we all know what that means at our age. It¡¯s a setup.¡±


    ¡°Why are elders so obsessed with matchmaking?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the excuse this time?¡±


    While theyined, Liam caught the most important detail. ¡°Wait¡ªmy grandpa brought her?¡±


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 Chapter 455

    ?Chapter 455:


    ¡°Yeah,¡± they all said together.


    ¡°What¡¯s her full name?¡± Liam asked, a flicker of curiosity lighting up his eyes.


    ¡°No clue.¡± They exchanged looks and shook their heads. ¡°All we know is, they said your grandpa and Freya were there, but they didn¡¯t give a name.¡±


    Liam let out a sudden chuckle.


    Freya? Wasn¡¯t that Kristian¡¯s ex-wife?


    Setting his cue aside, Liam shed a grin. ¡°She¡¯s already there? You guys better head up. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    The group hesitated, not moving. Didn¡¯t Kristian promise to block this whole blind date thing? Why were the calls stilling?


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± Liam was already itching for some drama. And if things went as he expected, Kristian would definitely be there too.


    He couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡ªhow would Kristian react to Freya being part of a matchmaking stunt, and one organized by his own grandfather, no less?


    ¡°What if she ends up liking me? Since Mr. Shaw introduced her, if she actually falls for me, I can¡¯t just shut her down too harshly.¡±


    The others didn¡¯t say anything, but their silence echoed the same concern.


    They were here forughs, not love¡ªdefinitely not marriage.


    ¡°Rx,¡± Liam said, brushing it off. ¡°I¡¯ve met Freya. She¡¯s not into blind dates either. She probably just came ¡¯cause it¡¯s my grandpa¡¯s birthday.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡± That got their attention.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Liam replied with a devilish smirk. ¡°When have I ever lied?¡± Seeing he meant it, the men visibly rxed and agreed to head back upstairs.


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    They were already in the hotel anyway¡ªjust on the entertainment floor, not where Lionel and the others were.


    Upstairs, Lionel was deep in conversation with Freya and his longtime friends.


    As he shared stories, admiration for Freya only grew.


    ¡°I wish I had a granddaughter like her.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re lucky, Lionel.¡±


    ¡°Wait, when did you meet Freya? We didn¡¯t know you had a new granddaughter.¡±


    The questions came one after another.


    Kristian leaned in, murmuring to Lionel, ¡°You¡¯ve really cooked up quite the tale. Hope you can keep it going.¡±


    Lionel was momentarily speechless.


    This brat always had to tickle him off.


    ¡°I¡¯ve known Freya for years. She¡¯s like part of my family, like a real granddaughter to me,¡± Lionel replied with a straight face. ¡°Still, in my heart, Freya is my granddaughter.¡±


    Everyone nodded thoughtfully, epting the sentiment.


    Freya sat quietly, doing her best not to draw attention.


    Soon after, Liam and the four young men walked in.


    Spotting Freya, Liam lit up and strolled over with a grin. ¡°My dear sis¡­¡±


    He caught himself just in time. Not the right moment to mention she was once his sister-inw. So he smoothly shifted gears. ¡°Hey, Freya.¡±


    Kristian frowned.


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 Chapter 456

    ?Chapter 456:


    The other four young men were puzzled by Liam¡¯s hesitation.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me you wereing?¡± Liam asked, clearly happy to see her, as he plopped down beside Kristian. ¡°I would¡¯vee up earlier.¡±


    ¡°I heard you were having fun, so I didn¡¯t want to bother you,¡± Freya said politely.


    The young men stared, momentarily stunned. They hadn¡¯t expected the girl their grandfathers dragged them up here to meet would be so stunning.


    ¡°You guys only know how to mess around,¡± Elvin scolded, putting on his best stern act. ¡°Freya¡¯s been waiting on you.¡±


    ¡°Sorry for making you wait.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Cyril rkson.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Eaton Duffy.¡±


    They introduced themselves one after the other, sneaking nces at Freya as they did.


    Assuming they were just trying to behave under pressure from their grandpas, Freya didn¡¯t think too much of it. She simply said, ¡°Freya Briggs.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a beautiful name,¡± Cyril said, shing a charming smile.


    ¡°Matches you perfectly.¡±


    Liam couldn¡¯t hold it in and spat out his drink.


    Luckily, he turned just in time and sprayed the floor instead. He broke into a fit of coughing and teased, ¡°Man, you sure know how to make an impression.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking,¡± Cyril muttered, a little sheepish now. His earlier reluctance forgotten. ¡°I really think her name¡¯s beautiful¡ªand she¡¯s stunning.¡±


    The moment Liam heard those words, his first instinct was to sneak a nce at Kristian.


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    He was dying to see how Kristian would react to someone taking an obvious interest in Freya.


    But Kristian didn¡¯t give him the reaction he was hoping for.


    Right then, Kristian kept his emotions locked up tight, fully aware that this wasn¡¯t the right time or ce to say anything.


    Still, the look he gave Cyril had a quiet intensity to it¡ªsharp, but subtle.


    ¡°Thanks. You¡¯re quite the charmer yourself,¡± Freya replied politely, her lips curving into a faint, practiced smile.


    Cyril lit up like a kid on Christmas morning.


    As the conversation rolled on, he didn¡¯t hold back in expressing his admiration, peppering Freya with questions about her interests and likes. By the end of it, even Lionel and Elvin could read him like an open book.


    Cyril firmly believed that when a woman was exceptional, she deserved to hear it out loud.


    Elvin figured it was best to give his grandson some private time with Freya. This was, after all, the first time he¡¯d seen Cyril so genuinely taken with someone.


    ¡°Lionel, how about a stroll?¡± Elvin suggested as he got to his feet, offering Cyril a knowing, supportive nod. ¡°Let the youngsters talk. We don¡¯t need to hover.¡±


    Lionel nced over at Kristian before nodding. ¡°Sure.¡±


    Before long, all the older folks wandered off for a private chat, leaving the younger crowd behind.


    The rest of the young men quickly picked up on Cyril¡¯s interest in Freya. Being good friends, they knew better than to hang around awkwardly, eaching up with a reason to bow out gracefully. Eaton was thest to go. Before leaving, he looked over at Kristian and Liam, who were still lingering, and asked cautiously, ¡°Liam, Kristian, do you need to double-check today¡¯s schedule?¡±


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 Chapter 457

    ?Chapter 457:


    Anyone with a shred ofmon sense could tell he was politely urging them to clear out.


    Liam answered easily, ¡°You go ahead. We¡¯ll catch up in a bit.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Eaton didn¡¯t stick around.


    ¡°Kristian,¡± Liam murmured, nudging him in the arm, his gaze flicking between Cyril and Freya before raising an eyebrow. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we be heading out too?¡±


    ¡°Why would we do that?¡± Kristian replied, his face cool andposed.


    Liam smirked, throwing an arm around his shoulder and leaning in to whisper. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you haven¡¯t noticed Cyril making a move on Freya. If you can¡¯t keep her happy, maybe it¡¯s time to let someone else take a shot.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes shifted from Cyril back to Liam, filled with disdain. Sure, Cyril had one of those trendy pretty-boy faces, but he wasn¡¯t Freya¡¯s type.


    If that had been her thing, she would¡¯ve been with Frederick long ago¡ªno need to wait until now.


    ¡°You really not gonna leave?¡± Liam asked again, poking at him.


    Kristian t-out ignored him.


    Of course, Liam¡ªalways ready to stir things up¡ªgrinned mischievously. ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Jealous? Afraid Cyril might steal her heart?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s lips twitched into the faintest smirk as he shot back coolly, ¡°If you¡¯ve got this much free time, maybe focus on your own business. I¡¯d be happy to persuade Grandpa to introduce girls to you.¡±


    ¡°That might¡¯ve worked before,¡± Liam shot back with a grin, teeth shing. ¡°But now? Pretty sure Grandpa would tell you to get your act together beforeing after me.¡±


    Kristian went quiet. He knew Liam had a point. Lionel would definitelye down on him first.


    ?????????????? ?????? ?????????¦Í?????????????


    ¡°Freya, I¡¯m gonna go over the schedule with Kristian,¡± Liam announced suddenly, not giving Kristian a chance to protest. ¡°We¡¯ll be back in a bit.¡±


    Freya caught on quickly but only replied, ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s move.¡± Liam tugged on Kristian¡¯s arm.


    For the first time, Kristian had the strong urge to strangle him. How could one person be this irritating?


    Even though he didn¡¯t want to leave, Liam had already made the decision for him, so he had no choice but to step away for now. As the brothers walked off, Cyril was suddenly hit with a wave of nerves.


    He couldn¡¯t quite figure out why¡ªhe¡¯d always been smooth with women, confident and easygoing. But now, the right words just wouldn¡¯te.


    ¡°Lionel mentioned earlier that your family¡¯s from Alerith. Did I remember it right?¡± Cyril asked, trying to spark something.


    Freya¡¯s tone stayed t. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°My family¡¯s from Alerith too!¡± Cyril¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°When are you heading back? Maybe we could travel together.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow,¡± Freya replied after a pause.


    It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t know how to hold a conversation¡ªthis was just who she was. She¡¯d always been reserved, even around Trent and the rest.


    Meanwhile, Kristian and Liam hadn¡¯t gone to review anything. Instead, they¡¯d found a quiet corner, sitting down with the schedule sheet, pretending to look it over.


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 Chapter 458

    ?Chapter 458:


    ¡°You know,¡± Liam began, deliberately poking the ho¡¯s nest, ¡°Cyril and Freya actually make a pretty decent pair. They¡¯re close in age.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t say a word.


    Liam leaned closer, clearly enjoying himself. ¡°Don¡¯t you think?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re this idle, why not help run thepany?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice turned icy, his patience running thin. ¡°Or better yet, shut up.¡±


    ¡°Touchy, aren¡¯t you? You should be d if Cyril ends up with her,¡± Liam teased, totally unfazed. ¡°Freya would be happy, and Mom, Dad, and Grandpa would finally get off your back. You¡¯d get some peace for once. Doesn¡¯t that sound good?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s fingers clenched tighter around the schedule, his mood souring by the second.


    Liam leaned in again, voice yful. ¡°Or maybe¡­ you still have feelings for her?¡±


    ¡°Finish this,¡± Kristian snapped, shoving the paper into Liam¡¯s hands before suddenly standing up. ¡°I¡¯m stepping out.¡±


    Liam blinked, caught off guard.


    Kristian didn¡¯t head for the door¡ªhe turned and walked straight toward Freya and Cyril.


    He knew Freya hated settings like this, ufortable making small talk with strangers.


    She¡¯d told him that plenty of times during their two years of marriage, and he¡¯d never left her alone in situations like this.


    Even now, even after the divorce, he couldn¡¯t bring himself to let her struggle through it.


    Cyril was just getting into the swing of things when he noticed Kristian approaching.


    ?????????? ???????? ???? g???????¦Í?????????????


    Without thinking, he asked, ¡°Kristian? Something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Freya and I need to swing by my family¡¯s house to pick something up,¡± Kristian said, his voice cold and distant, making it crystal clear he didn¡¯t wee follow-up questions. ¡°Wannae with us, or would you rather chatter?¡±


    Cyril hesitated. He was tempted to tag along, but something in Kristian¡¯s icy tone told him not to push it.


    ¡°We¡¯ll catch upter,¡± he said quickly.


    ¡°Then we¡¯ll be off,¡± Kristian replied tly. He almost reached for Freya¡¯s hand but stopped himself just in time, remembering¡ªshe wasn¡¯t his wife anymore.


    Freya followed Kristian, convinced they were headed to his family¡¯s residence.


    From a distance, Liam observed with utter bewilderment. Never had he anticipated Kristian employing such a direct tactic to interrupt the conversation between Cyril and Freya.


    Curiosity gnawed at him¡ªwhat could Kristian possibly have said to make Freya willingly depart with him, abruptly ending her discussion with Cyril?


    With this question lingering in his mind, Liam sauntered over with the schedule clutched in his hand, feigning ignorance of the situation. ¡°Why did Kristian and Freya leave?¡± he inquired casually.


    ¡°He mentioned needing to take Freya back to your family home to retrieve something,¡± Cyril responded honestly, concealing nothing.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Liam stretched the words, cing a reassuring hand on Cyril¡¯s shoulder. ¡°Fetching something is hardlyplicated. You could have asked me to go instead.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 459

    ?Chapter 459:


    Cyril blinked in surprise. ¡°Huh?¡±


    The notion hadn¡¯t even urred to him.


    ¡°But¡­ Kristian¡¯s presence is so intimidating. I couldn¡¯t bring myself to speak up.¡±


    While their exchange remained straightforward, the interaction between Kristian and Freya unfolded quite differently.


    After settling into the car, Freya turned to him. ¡°What exactly are we retrieving?¡±


    Kristian ignited the engine silently, steering toward his family home.


    Several minutes passed before he finally broke the silence. ¡°The retrieval was merely a pretext. I sensed your difort back there, so I fabricated an excuse to extract you from the situation.¡±


    ¡°Then you can let me out here,¡± Freya stated, her voice devoid of emotion.


    Kristian showed no intention of stopping and continued driving directly to the Shaw estate.


    Recognizing his determination, Freya ceased pressing the issue and closed her eyes, allowing herself a moment of rest.


    Upon reaching their destination, Kristian exited the vehicle.


    Just as he moved to open her door, he discovered Freya had already stepped out independently.


    Aware of her familiarity with the ce, Kristian first treated her to lunch, then requested she wait while he ventured inside to change attire. After all, a formal dinner demanded appropriate clothing, not casual wear.


    Freya didn¡¯t contest this. She merely nodded in agreement and found afortable spot to rest.


    Upd4t3s c0m3 F1RST 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m


    Twenty minutester, Kristian emerged transformed.


    He wore a sophisticated charcoal gray suitplemented by a crisp white shirt underneath, creating ayered effect that heightened his natural aloofness and detachment.


    Despite their divorce and her waning affection, Freya couldn¡¯t deny that Kristian embodied that polished GQ aesthetic.


    His casual clothes always appeared sharp and rugged, while the suit rendered him more profound and mysterious.


    He was, undeniably, strikingly handsome.


    Freya rose to her feet, about to ask if they were departing, when her phone vibrated insistently in her pocket.


    She extracted it to discover her father calling and swiped to answer. ¡°Will you returnter?¡± Hugh questioned, still contemting how to address the Shaw family at the uing event.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya confirmed.


    Her clothes remained at the hotel.


    Though Lionel¡¯s birthday celebration wasn¡¯t extravagant enough to demand formal attire, she couldn¡¯t appear too casual either.


    ¡°When do you expect to return? Should I arrange transportation?¡± Hugh asked, attentive to every detail.


    Freya declined the offer. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary. I¡¯ll return to the hotel with Kristian and make my way over independently.¡±


    The hotel where they were staying stood just a ten-minute walk from Lionel¡¯s birthday venue.


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 Chapter 460

    ?Chapter 460:


    The mention of Kristian¡¯s name triggered Hugh¡¯s paternal instincts. Why was Freya with Kristian?


    He wanted to question her, but trusting Freya¡¯s judgment, he simply said, ¡°Let me know when you arrive. I¡¯ll be waiting.¡±


    ¡°Certainly,¡± Freya agreed.


    After ending the call, she prepared to ask Kristian about their departure, only to find him observing her intently.


    She met his gaze without hesitation and asked, ¡°Are we heading back to the hotel now, or do you have other matters to attend to?¡± If he had othermitments, she¡¯d simply proceed on her own.


    However, securing transportation from the Shaw estate presented a challenge; she would need to walk a considerable distance to find a taxi.


    ¡°Was that your father calling?¡± Kristian¡¯s resonant voice broke the silence.


    Freya stared at him wordlessly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kristian directed, guiding her toward the vehicle. Once they were inside, he inquired, ¡°Which hotel are you and your father staying at? I¡¯ll drive you there. I¡¯d love to meet him.¡±


    ¡°Kristian,¡± Freya began, feelingpelled to establish boundaries.


    Kristian turned toward her. ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re divorced. Please maintain distance from my family.¡± Freya valued her privacy immensely.


    Kristian regarded her intently. ¡°Have you misinterpreted something?¡±


    Freya¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion.


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    ¡°I merely wanted to say hi to your father. I have no other intentions,¡± Kristian exined with remarkableposure, his expression convincingly sincere.


    Freya clenched her teeth, genuinely tempted to strike him. Did he truly believe she would buy his words?


    She contemted engaging in an argument but ultimately decided against it. Disregarding him would serve as the most effective retaliation.


    In Kristian¡¯s assessment, he had anticipated at least some reaction from Freya, perhaps even a sharp retort.


    Since their encounter earlier that day, she had barely exchanged words with him. If this pattern persisted, his prospects for reconciliation would be nonexistent.


    He yearned to engage with her, whether through ordinary conversation or even heated disagreement. He simply wanted to upy space in her thoughts.


    ¡°Freya,¡± he ventured.


    Freya, gazing absently through the window, responded with detachment, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Why did you conceal your family background when we married?¡± Kristian asked, still perplexed by this decision.


    Unwilling to engage in meaningful conversation, Freya deflected, ¡°Because I feared you would desire me for my wealth.¡±


    Kristian found himself momentarily speechless.


    He persisted, ¡°Then why refuse to remarry me now?¡±


    ¡°You ask me why?¡± Freya felt irritation rising at the mere contemtion.


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 Chapter 461

    ?Chapter 461:


    Did he really have no idea why?


    Kristian¡¯s eyes darkened significantly. ¡°If you continue to worry about my interest in your wealth, we could arrange a prenuptial agreement. If your hesitation stems from my divorcing you for Ashley, then perhaps you should remarry me and utilize my financial resources to express your anger.¡±


    ¡°Money is thest thing Ick,¡± Freya responded with unrestrained candor.


    Kristian fell silent for several moments.


    In that fleeting interval, he genuinely wished she remained the ordinary woman she had initially appeared to be. He could have provided for her, offered assistance when needed. But the present Freyacked nothing.


    ¡°Not everyone possesses your naivety,¡± Freya couldn¡¯t resist remarking. ¡°I avoid repeating past mistakes, and I have no inclination to revisit former rtionships.¡±


    ¡°Do you truly harbor such intense dislike for me?¡± Kristian disyed visible agitation at her words.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya answered without hesitation.


    ¡°How unfortunate.¡± Kristian¡¯s eyes revealed an emotion previously absent from them, and his voice deepened noticeably. ¡°The more dismissively you behave, the more fascinated I be with you.¡±


    Freya shot Kristian a sharp look.


    She desperately wanted to snap at him, but in the end, she bit her tongue and turned toward the window, shutting him out entirely as if flipping a mental switch. The ride continued in a heavy, oppressive silence.


    Kristian pulled up to the hotel where she was staying and stopped.


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    Freya stepped out of the car with swift resolve, not sparing him a single nce as she walked toward the entrance.


    Kristian lingered for a moment, watching her until she disappeared inside the building before finally driving away. He made his way back to Lionel¡¯s birthday banquet.


    As soon as he entered the hotel lobby, he spotted Cyril lounging in the same chair as before.


    Catching sight of him, Cyril stood up immediately and walked over, his eyes flicking behind Kristian, scanning for Freya. Not seeing her, he asked, ¡°Kristian, where¡¯s Freya? Didn¡¯t shee back with you?¡±


    Kristian paused mid-stride, his expression darkening like a storm rolling in.


    Cyril shifted ufortably, unsettled by the weight of that stare. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Do you have a crush on her?¡± Kristian asked, his height adding to the pressure of his presence, which felt as suffocating as it was intense.


    Cyril scratched his head awkwardly, like a kid caught with a schoolyard crush. ¡°Well¡­ yeah, a little. She¡¯s beautiful, sweet, and just¡­ has this great vibe.¡±


    Kristian ran his fingers along the edge of his phone, tension radiating from him.


    ¡°Do you even know who she is?¡± His voice dropped lower, cold and tight, frustration curling in his chest. Cyril blinked in confusion. ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s my ex-wife.¡± The words sliced through the air, his toneced with a warning¡ªFreya wasn¡¯t avable.


    But Cyril, being who he was, rarely picked up on subtle messages or heavy undertones.


    Hearing that, he replied without missing a beat, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯ll treat her well.¡±


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 Chapter 462

    ?Chapter 462:


    Kristian¡¯s gaze turned cial. Was this guy seriously this dense?


    ¡°If you don¡¯t trust me, I can even make a promise to my dad and the others. I¡¯ll take it easy with her,¡± Cyril added, mistaking Kristian¡¯s intensity for concern over his past reputation. ¡°From now on, if I even think about partying, I¡¯ll transfer all my assets to Freya¡¯s name.¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t like men who¡¯ve been around too many women,¡± Kristian said tly, each word carrying deliberate weight.


    ¡°I was just fooling around!¡± Cyril rushed to exin, terrified of losing his chance. ¡°I swear, I¡¯ve only ever put an arm around a girl¡¯s waist¡ªnothing more!¡±


    He wasn¡¯t the type to sleep around; in fact, he was still a virgin.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes locked onto him, cold and unreadable.


    Sensing disbelief, Cyril doubled down. ¡°Seriously! If you don¡¯t believe me, you can ask my friends.¡±


    ¡°She likes men who are steady and mature,¡± Kristian added,nding another blow.


    Anyone with half a brain would¡¯ve gotten the message loud and clear by now¡ªKristian wasn¡¯t trying to discourage him.


    But Cyril was too dense.


    ¡°Feelings can grow with time,¡± he said cheerfully. ¡°Maybe she likes mature guys now because she hasn¡¯t seen how fun someone younger can be.¡± He shed a smile, a dimple forming on his cheek. ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Kristian. I¡¯m not backing down over something like this!¡±


    Kristian felt the irritation bubbling in his chest, demanding to be let out.


    He stared at Cyril, his tone razor-sharp. ¡°Is that so?¡±


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    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Do you even know who your rival is?¡± Cyril¡¯s whole body stiffened.


    He hesitated before asking, ¡°You mean¡­ Trent Seymour?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kristian replied, moving closer.


    ¡°Oh, that¡¯s fine then. Trent¡¯s just like you,¡± Cyril said, his words careless and oblivious.


    In fact, he looked a little hopeful. ¡°If you couldn¡¯t keep her, Trent probably won¡¯t either. That means I¡¯ve still got a shot!¡±


    Whatever hints Kristian had been dropping before, they were gone now¡ªhis coldness was no longer subtle.


    He stepped forward, his presence swallowing the space between them.


    ¡°And what if I¡¯m your rival?¡±


    Cyril froze, the air catching in his throat as his heart picked up speed. ¡°Do you still think you¡¯ve got a chance?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was low and steady, but the chill in his eyes didn¡¯t waver.


    Cyril wanted to say that Freya had already divorced him¡ªthat technically meant he¡¯d already lost.


    Fighting someone who¡¯d already failed shouldn¡¯t even count.


    But the words stuck. Kristian¡¯s aura was too much.


    ¡°Maybe I didn¡¯t make myself clear earlier,¡± Kristian said, his tone colder than ever. ¡°Let me put it inly¡ªFreya is mine.¡±


    Cyril felt himself starting to sweat under the weight of that stare, especially with how deliberately Kristian was cornering him.


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 Chapter 463

    ?Chapter 463:


    ¡°Even though we¡¯re divorced now, I¡¯ll win her back someday,¡± Kristian said, and there was no room for debate in his voice. ¡°You don¡¯t stand a chance. Got it?¡±


    Whatever little hope Cyril had left was crumbling fast. ¡°But¡­ but why did Lionel¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s something you can ask him,¡± Kristian cut in, clearly done with the conversation. Then came the final blow. ¡°While you¡¯re still not too deep in, walk away. Don¡¯t end up with nothing.¡± In that moment, all of Cyril¡¯s excitement copsed.


    He¡¯d finally met someone who made his heart skip at just one nce.


    He¡¯d already nned the dinner spots, the fun outings, the gifts he¡¯d shower her with once they got back to Alerith. He¡¯d even drafted his whole pursuit strategy in his head.


    Kristian, sensing his message hadnded, felt the frustration in his chest ease, though his gaze stayed frigid.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Cyril called out as Kristian turned to leave.


    Kristian paused and looked back at him.


    Cyril¡¯s palms were slick with sweat, nerves frayed and raw.


    But he had to ask the question burning inside him. ¡°Can I ask¡­ why did you two get divorced?¡±


    If Kristian really loved her, how did it all fall apart?


    Kristian¡¯s expression hardened further.


    Was this guy still clinging to some kind of hope?


    ¡°I just want to know if there¡¯s really no chance at all,¡± Cyril said, his voice tight as he stood there, braving the chill in Kristian¡¯s eyes.


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    Sometimes in life, you meet someone and just know they¡¯re the one. If you don¡¯t go after it, you¡¯ll regret it forever.


    Kristian didn¡¯t offer a direct answer. Instead, he said, ¡°If you really want to know, ask her yourself.¡±


    With that, he turned and walked off, not bothering to give Cyril another second.


    Cyril opened his mouth, wanting to ask where Freya was now, why she hadn¡¯te back with him.


    But as he watched Kristian¡¯s distant figure disappear, cold and unreachable, the words never came. He stood frozen in ce, swallowed by a mix of emotions, as the fragile thread of hope unraveled in his hands.


    Now that Kristian hadid his feelings for Freya bare, Cyril¡¯s own feelings for her deepened, taking root before he even realized it.


    When Liam strolled back after wrapping up his tasks, he spotted Cyril standing off to the side, looking thoroughly dejected. Clueless about what had gone down, Liam stepped closer and asked, ¡°What¡¯s with the face? You look like you just got hit by a truck.¡±


    ¡°Liam¡­¡± Cyril¡¯s heart was in knots.


    Liam quirked a brow. ¡°What?¡±


    Why did Cyril look like someone who¡¯d just gotten dumped before he even had the chance to date?


    ¡°You knew Freya was your brother¡¯s ex-wife. Why didn¡¯t you say anything?¡± Cyril asked, his voiceced with unease.


    Liam stopped in his tracks. ¡°Who told you that?¡±


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 Chapter 464

    ?Chapter 464:


    ¡°Kristian,¡± Cyril muttered, feeling like the fairytale romance he¡¯d been dreaming of had shattered in an instant.


    Liam let out augh, low and amused, his usual aloofness tinged with something knowing.


    So Kristian had finally made his move. Typical.


    Cyril¡¯s frown deepened. ¡°What¡¯s so funny about that?¡±


    ¡°Does it really matter that she used to be Kristian¡¯s wife?¡± Liam¡¯s voice was unbothered, a slight arch in his brow. ¡°Or is it just the fact that she¡¯s been married bothering you?¡±


    ¡°No! Absolutely not!¡± Cyril quickly threw up his hands, panicked. He didn¡¯t even know why, but if someone had asked him whether he could ept a divorcee, his answer would¡¯ve been a firm no.


    But now, he was open to the idea.


    All he wanted was a love that felt right.


    ¡°Kristian told me Freya likes mature and steady men. Said she¡¯s his,¡± Cyril admitted, sounding a little defeated. ¡°He told me to back off now before I end up with nothing.¡±


    ¡°My sister-inw¡¯s single now,¡± Liam said without hesitation, stating it as a in fact. ¡°Anyone¡¯s free to go after her. In the end, it¡¯s her choice.¡±


    ¡°Not my brother¡¯s.¡±


    Those words sparked a flicker of hope in Cyril¡¯s chest.


    But still¡­


    ¡°You still call her Sister-inw?¡±


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    ¡°Just haven¡¯t gotten around to changing it,¡± Liam answered matter-of-factly.


    ¡°If you¡¯re serious about her, go for it,¡± Liam added, unbothered by any potential fallout from his brother. ¡°You¡¯ve got as good a shot as anyone.¡±


    At that moment, no one else had a clue about this exchange between the two of them.


    Freya hadn¡¯t expected that brushing Kristian off in the car would drive him toy im to any potential suitors the second he got to the hotel.


    Once she returned to the hotel, she headed straight for Hugh. The moment Hughid eyes on her, he hesitated, clearly holding something back, unsure if he should say it or keep quiet for her sake.


    Freya walked into the room and asked casually, ¡°Something on your mind?¡±


    ¡°You and Kristian¡­¡± Hugh started but couldn¡¯t bring himself to finish.


    ¡°He asked me to go back to the Shaw estate with him to grab something,¡± Freya said withpleteposure. ¡°That¡¯s it.¡±


    Only then did Hugh finally rx.


    Freya set her phone down on the table and went to rinse her hands. Just as she disappeared into the washroom, her phone buzzed¡ªn was calling.


    n was feeling jittery.


    He nced at the screenshots Toby had sent him and asked with a touch of exasperation, ¡°Why are you only telling me now about something this major?¡±


    Apparently, Edwin had sent a woman to Kristian¡¯s way¡ªand Kristian hadn¡¯t turned her away.


    Wasn¡¯t that just ssic scumbag behavior?


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 Chapter 465

    ?Chapter 465:


    Back then, Freya and Kristian were still married, weren¡¯t they? Didn¡¯t that count as cheating?


    ¡°I was busy and forgot,¡± Toby said honestly. ¡°I only remembered when I logged into my alternate ount.¡±


    n was stunned into silence.


    Then a thought struck him. ¡°Wait¡­ why were you on an alternate ount in the first ce?¡±


    Toby froze, his nerves kicking in.


    ¡°You were gonna log in just to vent about me after what I said earlier, weren¡¯t you?¡± n said tly, pinning Toby with a stare.


    Toby forced a grin, on the verge of copse. ¡°You¡¯re so sharp, Mr. Briggs.¡±


    n was too furious to respond.


    ¡°You better pray Mina doesn¡¯t get upsetter,¡± n warned, still stewing. ¡°Or you¡¯ll just give me a reason to start on you online.¡± Toby¡¯s heart sank, but he stayed quiet.


    If n really did that, Toby was pretty sure his future would be bleak and hopeless.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t Mina picking up?¡± n grumbled, calling again after the first attempt went unanswered.


    Freya came back after rinsing her hands and spotted the missed call. Just as she was about to return it, the screen lit up again.


    She answered, ced the phone on the table, and turned on the speaker while peeling an orange. ¡°Mina.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


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    ¡°I just got word from Toby,¡± n began, seated in his office with the screenshotsid out in front of him.


    Truth be told, he was nervous. What if she couldn¡¯t take it and broke down?


    Freya popped a slice of orange in her mouth and said, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°What kind of man do you think Kristian is?¡± n figured he should ease her into it¡ªit was a heavy thing to drop out of the blue.


    He didn¡¯t know the details of their divorce, but if it turned out Kristian had slept with someone else, surely Freya wouldn¡¯t be okay with that.


    As the question hung in the air, Hugh instinctively looked at Freya.


    She replied without missing a beat, ¡°A scumbag.¡±


    Hugh and n couldn¡¯t have agreed more.


    ¡°Was the divorce because he cheated?¡± n asked carefully.


    Freya paused mid-peel, a flicker of something crossing her eyes. ¡°Why are you asking me that?¡±


    Frederick might enjoy gossip, but he only shared it with their close circle and her father. He wouldn¡¯t b.


    And Kristian wouldn¡¯t admit it either.


    ¡°Toby told me something just now,¡± n said, still unsure how to phrase it. ¡°It¡¯s about Kristian.¡±


    Freya froze, the orange halfway to her lips.


    Hugh stopped what he was doing, ncing between Freya and the phone, silently asking if he could join in.


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 Chapter 466

    ?Chapter 466:


    Freya gave him a small nod, then replied to n, ¡°What did he say?¡±


    ¡°This might sting a little,¡± n warned, hating to be the bearer of bad news. But she had the right to know. ¡°I don¡¯t know if it¡¯s true, though.¡±


    People were saying some woman was sent to Kristian, and he didn¡¯t turn her away. Whether anything actually happened¡ªno one knew. Maybe he just felt sorry for her and sent her home.


    n wasn¡¯t trying to defend him, but he didn¡¯t want to see Freya get crushed again.


    Freya, having already started to let go, said calmly, ¡°Say it. I¡¯m listening.¡±


    ¡°Kristian might¡¯ve slept with someone else,¡± n said, cautiously. Then added, ¡°But it¡¯s just a maybe. Not confirmed.¡±


    Freya went still, her eyes locked on the phone.


    Kristian slept with another woman? Freya instantly rejected the notion. Kristian might behave abrasively, but infidelity seemed beyond his character.


    When Ashley¡¯s return loomed, he had confronted Freya directly and even vacated their shared bedroom¡ªhis tactlessness disyed withplete transparency.


    ¡°This usation must be false,¡± Freya concluded firmly.


    Hugh¡¯s stomach tightened with anxiety, unable to dismiss his growing unease.


    n appeared equally troubled by the revtion.


    ¡°Tell me everything,¡± Freya urged, noticing n¡¯s difort. ¡°I¡¯ll determine the truth myself.¡± n wavered, caught in uncertainty.


    Freya had already dismissed the allegation as false.


    If he divulged more details, she would likely remain steadfast in her denial. The prolonged silence prompted Freya to ask, ¡°Why have you gone quiet?¡±


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    ¡°Toby heard from insiders that Kristian¡­¡± n began clearly before his voice faded into indistinct mumbling, leaving Freya straining to catch his words.


    She increased the volume on her device. ¡°I missed that. Speak up, please.¡±


    Conflicting emotions tore at n¡¯s resolve.


    Toby whispered urgently, ¡°Just tell her. She deserves to know eventually. Why prolong her suffering?¡±


    n¡¯s brow creased with tension as emotions swirled within him. Finally, he mustered his courage. ¡°Toby heard from insiders that Edwin Newman once sent a woman to Kristian, and Kristian epted. Multiple people witnessed this firsthand.¡±


    The moment those words escaped his lips, n¡¯s heart thundered in his chest.


    He held his breath, awaiting Freya¡¯s response.


    ¡°What did you just say?¡± Hugh erupted with indignation.


    ¡°Uncle Hugh¡­¡± n nearly wept, his heart plummeting. ¡°I didn¡¯t realize you were listening.¡±


    Hugh¡¯s chest heaved with fury, his eyes zing with righteous anger. The revtion stunned him beyond measure.


    ¡°I confirmed Kristian had epted the woman,¡± n continued, daring not to equivocate. ¡°But what transpired after they checked into the hotel remains unknown.¡±


    ¡°Could there be any alternative exnation?¡± Hugh¡¯s anger intensified. He had previously resolved to maintain civility following Kristian¡¯s respectful visit, but now? How dare Kristian betray his daughter?


    Infidelity crossed an unforgivable line.


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 Chapter 467

    ?Chapter 467:


    n shared this sentiment, cautiously inquiring, ¡°Is Mina handling this okay?¡±


    Hugh finally turned to gauge Freya¡¯s reaction.


    Strangely, she appeared¡­ unmoved.


    ¡°Mina, are you¡­¡± Hugh faltered, uncertain whether she was genuinely unaffected or simply paralyzed by shock.


    ¡°I already knew about this incident,¡± Freya interjected before further spection could bloom. ¡°Back then¡­¡± Hugh gaped at her in astonishment.


    ¡°You knew?¡± Hugh eximed, stunned by this revtion.


    Was Kristian¡¯s affair the catalyst for their divorce?


    Freya sighed deeply. Would they allow her toplete a single thought?


    ¡°Why did you never tell me?¡± Hugh demanded, speaking so rapidly that Freya couldn¡¯t interject. ¡°Kristian dared to cheat on you. I¡¯ll expose his actions immediately.¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t finished exining. Please don¡¯t interrupt,¡± Freya said firmly.


    Hugh¡¯s temper red, his gaze smoldering with indignation.


    How could he remain calm about such a betrayal? The situation was infuriating!


    ¡°The woman he took was me,¡± Freya rified, fearing their escting agitation. She cut to the heart of the matter.


    Hugh stared in bewilderment.


    n appeared equally perplexed.


    Both men remained speechless. What could Freya possibly mean? Neither seemed capable ofprehending her statement.


    ¡°She was injured at the time. I discovered Edwin was responsible and intended to confront him,¡± Freya borated. ¡°But I never anticipated Kristian would be present.¡±


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    At that time, they were still in the divorce waiting period.


    Their rtionship had deteriorated significantly because of Ashley, and through aplex series of events, what followed simply happened.


    ¡°Then how did that transform into Edwin sending you to him?¡± n struggled to piece together the narrative.


    ¡°I orchestrated it,¡± Freya stated inly. ¡°I wanted Edwin to send me to the hotel so I could confront him physically and provoke his retaliation.¡±


    n grew increasingly confused. ¡°Retaliation?¡±


    He wanted to question whether Freya had lost her mind by deliberately inviting someone¡¯s vengeance, but familial respect kept him silent. Freya undoubtedly had her reasons.


    ¡°He manipted Emil into harming She. I needed to teach him a lesson,¡± Freya exined. ¡°Once he retaliated, I could gather evidence to ensure his imprisonment.¡±


    After hearing her exnation, Hugh and n finally grasped the situation.


    They recognized how fortunate they were to have Freya as an ally; facing her as an adversary would have proven disastrous.


    ¡°Nevertheless, Kristian¡¯s behavior remains inexcusable,¡± Hugh dered, his animosity toward Kristian intensifying. ¡°His actions create the impression that Mina can be easily exploited.¡±


    The possibility troubled him deeply¡ªif those who had dined with Kristianter encountered Freya, they might harbor inappropriate thoughts toward her.


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 Chapter 468

    ?Chapter 468:


    This realization ignited Hugh¡¯s indignation.


    ¡°I¡¯ve decided!¡± Hugh asserted with unprecedented seriousness. ¡°I must publicly disclose your identity to prevent any misinterpretations.¡±


    ¡°I fully support making your identity known,¡± n chimed in, reinforcing Hugh¡¯s position.


    Freya had consistently maintained a low profile, never formally introduced to the public sphere.


    Even during Briggs Group¡¯s annual gatherings, Ethel had always served as the family representative.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± Freya countered, preferring her anonymity. ¡°The current arrangement suits me perfectly¡ªallowing freedom of movement without excessive scrutiny.¡±


    Once her identity became public knowledge, countless responsibilities would demand her attention.


    She harbored a distinct aversion to meaningless social engagements and frivolous gossip. Above all, she detested bing a subject of public discourse.


    If Hugh revealed her identity now, media outlets would fabricate numerous narratives based on unfounded assumptions¡ªquestioning why Ethel maintained a public presence while Freya remained hidden, or worse, specting whether Freya might be an illegitimate child concealed for decades.


    Freya wanted no part in such scenarios.


    ¡°n, I need to prepare for Lionel¡¯s birthday celebration with my dad,¡± Freya informed n, clearly signaling the conversation¡¯s conclusion.


    ¡°I must go now.¡±


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    ¡°Alright,¡± n replied, his tone reflecting his inner conflict.


    After disconnecting the call, Freya set her phone aside and resumed eating her fruit, treating the preceding conversation as though it had been entirely unremarkable.


    Hugh observed her with a sense of guilt, wondering if he had failed to provide Freya with adequate support throughout the years.


    ¡°Mina.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Freya looked up at him expectantly.


    Knowing Hugh disliked oranges, she hadn¡¯t prepared any for him.


    Seated across from her on the sofa, Hugh reflected on their history before asking thoughtfully, ¡°If you could begin again, would you choose to make your identity public from the start?¡±


    If Freya had been publicly recognized as Hugh¡¯s daughter from the very beginning, she and Kristian might never have had a reason to cross paths¡ªor at the very least, things wouldn¡¯t have ended up like this. Even if Kristian had wanted to make a move, he¡¯d have had to weigh the alliance between their families and all the otherplications that came with it.


    That thought alone left a tangled mess of emotions churning in Hugh¡¯s chest.


    ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t have,¡± Freya replied, her voice steady and resolute.


    Hugh turned his gaze toward her.


    She could see straight through him and went on, ¡°Even if I¡¯d been known as your daughter from the start, it wouldn¡¯t have stopped Kristian from filing for divorce. That oue would¡¯ve stayed the same.¡±


    Kristian, like her, already had everything. Even if he had known who she really was, he still would¡¯ve ended the marriage the moment he¡¯d made up his mind.


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 Chapter 469

    ?Chapter 469:


    ¡°Mina¡­¡± Hugh¡¯s heart ached, haunted by the sense that he¡¯d never truly protected her.


    ¡°What¡¯s done is done.¡± Freya didn¡¯t want him dwelling on it. ¡°I¡¯ve never once regretted the choices I made.


    Even if the marriage had been a disaster, she had no regrets.


    She¡¯d put in the effort. She¡¯d fought for it. But in the end, the story still didn¡¯t have a happy ending¡ªso she chose a different chapter.


    Life doesn¡¯t wait. You keep walking, no matter the road. There are countless crossroads in life, and whichever turn you take, you shouldn¡¯t look back with regret.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it, Dad,¡± Freya added gently. ¡°I¡¯m really happy right now.¡±


    Hugh stared at her for a long moment, then said nothing more.


    In the blink of an eye, evening arrived.


    Freya changed into something more elegant and left with Hugh for the hotel where Lionel¡¯s birthday banquet was taking ce.


    By the time they stepped into the venue, the ce was already buzzing with guests. Unlike typical business gatherings, tonight¡¯s crowd hade solely to celebrate, not to talk shop.


    The moment Freya and Hugh entered, Kristian and his group took notice.


    Isaac and Melinda approached with warm smiles.


    Their intention was obvious. Their son had left a bad impression on the Briggs family, and they couldn¡¯t afford to let that linger.


    The two of them made polite conversation with Hugh, drifting between topics about thepany and the tangled history between Kristian and Freya.


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    It was a scene Hugh hadn¡¯t seening.


    ¡°Mr. Briggs, let¡¯s sit over there and chat,¡± Isaac offered with a courteous smile. ¡°My dad¡¯s there too. He¡¯s been thinking about meeting you.¡±


    Almost instinctively, Hugh nced at Freya. He didn¡¯t feel right just leaving her standing there alone.


    ¡°Kristian and Liam will keep Freyapany,¡± Melinda chimed in kindly. ¡°There¡¯s nothing to worry about.¡±


    What Hugh wanted to say was, ¡°I¡¯m worried precisely because Kristian¡¯s here.¡± But clearly, this wasn¡¯t the time or ce to say such a thing to Kristian¡¯s parents.


    ¡°Go ahead and say hello to Lionel,¡± Freya said, understanding exactly what he was thinking. ¡°I¡¯lle over in a bit.¡±


    ¡°Alright then.¡± With no other option, Hugh went along.


    The gift from Briggs Group had already been sent earlier through a secretary.


    There was no need for another presentation.


    Once Hugh left, Freya scanned the room for a quiet spot to sit. She figured she¡¯d wait until the crowd around Lionel thinned out before heading over to greet him.


    Right now, too many guests were offering their well-wishes, and Lionel was clearly swamped.


    But just as she turned to walk away, Kristian, who had been standing nearby, reached out and caught her arm, his eyes unreadable. Since the moment they walked in, Freya hadn¡¯t so much as nced in his direction.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Freya yanked her arm back, her face cool and distant.


    ¡°My parents asked me to take care of you,¡± Kristian replied, his breath slightly chilly, though his eyes held an intense gaze. ¡°I have to stay by your side tonight.¡±


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    ?Chapter 470:


    Freya looked him over. ¡°Suit yourself.¡±


    She didn¡¯t believe he could do anything if she chose to stay quiet. She settled in a less crowded corner, not expecting him to keep his gaze locked on her the entire time.


    Ten minutes passed, and Freya finally turned toward him, her voice blunt. ¡°Can you stop staring at me like that?¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to be bothered by some suitor, then at least talk to me like a normal person.¡± Kristian¡¯s eyes were dark, making it hard to read his mood.


    Freya rose to her feet, intending to find another seat.


    Kristian spoke first. ¡°Cyril rkson has a thing for you. If you leave my side, he¡¯ll rush over in a heartbeat.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°It is.¡± Kristian¡¯s voice had a low, steady weight to it.


    ¡°Then why should I stay near you?¡± Her words made him pause. ¡°Isn¡¯t it far more pleasant to be with someone who actually likes me, instead of my ex-husband?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s expression darkened instantly. ¡°Freya!¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Freya shot back coolly, ¡°raise your voice. Let everyone hear, especially your parents. Let them see exactly how well you¡¯re taking care of me.¡±


    She didn¡¯t hold back on the sarcasm, stressing the phrase ¡°taking care¡± like a sharp jab.


    Kristian¡¯s anger red on the spot.


    But Freya didn¡¯t spare him another nce.


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    She walked off and found a spot far away from him.


    Cyril had been keeping an eye on Freya since she arrived. Seeing her with Kristian had stirred something unpleasant in him.


    He had initially nned to hang around his friends to take his mind off things.


    But then he noticed Kristian and Freya seated apart. And it was Freya who had moved away.


    At that moment, he sensed his chance. Without hesitation, he straightened his posture and made his way toward her, Kristian¡¯s presence be damned.


    Kristian was still fuming, but out of the corner of his eye, he spotted Cyril walking up and sitting beside Freya.


    A sudden chill swept through him. Cyril seriously needed to be taught a lesson.


    ¡°Freya!¡± Cyril greeted her with a cheerful smile, eyes full of eagerness.


    ¡°Mind if I sit here?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Freya hesitated briefly at his arrival but gave her consent. She didn¡¯t have the habit of burying herself in her phone during free moments. Instead, she asionally nced toward Hugh to check on him.


    Cyril sat beside her, a little tense, unsure whether or not he should speak his mind.


    After a while, Freya noticed his difort.


    She couldn¡¯t ignore a living, breathing person sitting right next to her. Seeing him hesitate again and again, she finally asked, ¡°Something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Kind of.¡± Cyril stumbled over his words.


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 Chapter 471

    ?Chapter 471:


    ¡°Say it.¡±


    ¡°Do you still love Kristian?¡± Cyril asked, summoning all his courage. Afraid she might not know who he meant, he quickly added, ¡°I mean, Kristian Shaw.¡±


    Freya blinked, surprised by the question.


    Just as she was about to respond, Kristian appeared and interrupted, ¡°Still refusing to give up?¡±


    Cyril was startled. He turned and stiffened upon seeing Kristian. What the hell was he doing here?


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you she¡¯s not into younger guys?¡± Kristian said, his voice slow and cold. ¡°Technically, you¡¯re a few months younger than her.¡±


    ¡°Do you really not like younger men?¡± Cyril still wanted to hear it from Freya herself.


    Freya hesitated. If it had been a straightforward confession, she would¡¯ve politely declined.


    But this question caught her off guard. After a pause, she finally said,


    ¡°Liking someone isn¡¯t about age or looks. It¡¯s about understanding.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s frosty starended squarely on Freya¡¯s face the moment those words left her lips, his expressionced with undisguised disbelief. ¡°Really?¡±


    Freya, ever the aesthete, had always held a deep appreciation for good-looking people.


    And Kristian knew that better than anyone.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to doubt? Haven¡¯t you heard the saying?¡± she asked, her voice unbothered, her eyes slowly drifting toward him.


    Kristian didn¡¯t say a word. He simply stared at her, as though bracing himself for whatever warped reasoning she was about to throw at him.


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    ¡°Beauty is in the eye of the beholder,¡± Freya said inly, her features softening into something sincere. ¡°As long as I like someone, I¡¯ll find them attractive no matter how they look.¡±


    ¡°Do you actually believe that?¡± Kristian asked, dragging the words out with quiet skepticism.


    Freya met his gaze and responded without a flicker of hesitation. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I believe my own words?¡±


    With that single line, something shifted between them¡ªsomething strange, tense, and undefined.


    A memory flitted through Kristian¡¯s mind¡ªFreya once asking him, ¡°Did you not believe anything I said?¡±


    ¡°Can we exchange contacts?¡± Cyril asked then, mustering his courage, still visibly uneasy in Kristian¡¯s presence. ¡°So we can keep in touch when we¡¯re back in Alerith.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Freya said, already reaching into her purse for her phone.


    Kristian quietly moved between them, standing directly in front of Cyril. ¡°Eaton is calling you. Shouldn¡¯t you head over?¡±


    Cyril blinked in confusion. He turned his head on instinct, only to see no one there.


    ¡°Eaton didn¡¯t call me¡­¡± he began, but Kristian had already whisked Freya away.


    It dawned on Cyril then¡ªKristian wasn¡¯t just being protective. Kristian genuinely didn¡¯t want him anywhere near Freya.


    Kristian held Freya¡¯s hand openly, guiding her across the hotel lobby into a quiet side corridor tucked away from the crowd.


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 Chapter 472

    ?Chapter 472:


    Freya tugged against his grip, but his hold was unrelenting, his fingers mped so tightly around hers it felt like they might snap her bones. If it hadn¡¯t been Lionel¡¯s grand birthday celebration, she might¡¯ve lost it right then and there.


    What an absolute brute. It hurt like hell.


    With a heavy thud, Kristian shoved her against the corridor wall, boxing her in.


    There wasn¡¯t a soul in sight, and the distance from the main hall meant no one would hear even if things escted.


    ¡°What the hell is wrong with you?¡± Freya scowled, wincing as her back throbbed from the impact.


    ¡°Do you really like that boyish Cyril?¡± Kristian snapped, irritation bubbling beneath his calm facade.


    He had convinced himself that after everything, he owed Freya an apology¡ªhe should go along with her wishes, stop pushing her.


    But it was clear now¡ªhe had miscalcted. Whether he treated her right or not, she would still rather talk to some stranger like Cyril than give him the time of day.


    If this kept up, she¡¯d never agree to remarry him.


    ¡°What I like or dislike has nothing to do with you,¡± Freya shot back,pletely fed up. ¡°And in what role are you asking?¡± Kristian faltered.


    Freya pressed on, ¡°As my ex-husband? Or someone hoping to start over?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wouldn¡¯t speak to me again?¡± Kristian asked, his voice dropping to a low, bitter chill.


    Freya stayed silent. He really was losing it.


    She didn¡¯t want to waste another minute in his presence. ¡°Step aside.¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t answered my question,¡± Kristian said stubbornly, his eyes fixed on hers.


    ¡°I don¡¯t owe you an answer,¡± Freya said coolly, her patience nearly gone. ¡°And if you don¡¯t move, I won¡¯t hold back.¡± The ce was deserted, after all.


    Her outfit might not have been ideal for a fight, but that didn¡¯t mean she wouldn¡¯t throw down if she had to.


    ¡°Try me,¡± Kristian challenged, his jaw tight.


    Freya swung her arm to punch him, but he caught her hand in a sh. Without missing a beat, she lifted her leg to kick him, but he pivoted, dodging just in time.


    ¡°Today¡¯s Lionel¡¯s birthday. I don¡¯t want to cause a scene here,¡± Freya warned, always one to respect her elders. ¡°You¡¯d better know when to quit.¡±


    ¡°You talk like you¡¯re on some moral high ground, just to hide the fact that your heart¡¯s already somewhere else,¡± Kristian said, knowing she wasn¡¯t that kind of woman¡ªbut that didn¡¯t mean he wanted to let her walk away so easily.


    Even if it meant arguing. Even if it meant fighting. He needed there to be something¡ªanything¡ªbetween them.


    Freya looked at him like he was some kind of idiot and shot back, ¡°Even if I have changed my heart, at least I didn¡¯t start seeing someone else before the divorce papers were signed.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not in touch with her anymore,¡± Kristian muttered, his voice clipped, his lips barely moving.


    ¡°That¡¯s only because she doesn¡¯t want you. If she¡¯de back just for you, if the terminal illness thing was actually true,¡± Freya retorted. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you already be hitched to her by now?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s brows knit together, the depth of her words settling into his features.


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 Chapter 473

    ?Chapter 473:


    And then he asked, ¡°Does that really matter to you?¡± Freya didn¡¯t respond.


    She truly couldn¡¯t bear being near someone so utterly clueless. She genuinely couldn¡¯t fathom how someone like him had been raised by people as wise and kind as Isaac, Melinda, and Lionel.


    ¡°There¡¯s no use continuing this conversation,¡± she said tly, done with the whole mess. ¡°I have nothing left to say to you.¡±


    If it weren¡¯t for the man she needed to catch, she would¡¯ve cut ties with Kristianpletely.


    Yet even now, she still hadn¡¯t figured out why that man had chosen Kristian as a target.


    ¡°I can make things right for what happened before,¡± Kristian offered, clutching her arm, his tall frame radiating an intense, heavy presence. ¡°You don¡¯t have to carry that weight alone¡­¡±


    ¡°Kristian,¡± Freya interrupted him sharply.


    His eyes immediately locked on her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll say this onest time. What happened before is beyondpensation,¡± she said, her voice steely, her usualposure now edged with seriousness. ¡°No matter what you do, I¡¯m not remarrying you. So stop wasting your time.¡±


    ¡°Does it really have to end like this?¡± Kristian asked, his voice dropping into a low, bitter chill.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one dragging it out,¡± Freya said, shaking her head. ¡°When we were married, you wanted a divorce. Now that we¡¯re divorced, you want to get back together. Are you even thinking straight?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes darkened, and he said, ¡°Back then, I just wanted closure.¡± If Ashley had really left because she was sick, he felt like he owed her something¡ªhe should give her a future.


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    If Freya knew what he was thinking, she might¡¯ve decked him right there.


    ¡°If your first love left you because of a terminal illness and didn¡¯t want to burden you,¡± Kristian said, ¡°and came backter after getting cured, wouldn¡¯t you leave me for him?¡±


    He still remembered, crystal clear, the way Freya had reacted when Liam asked her to call her first love.


    She, who rarely touched alcohol, had silently downed three sses.


    ¡°No, I wouldn¡¯t,¡± Freya said without blinking.


    Kristian didn¡¯t believe her, not for a second.


    But she didn¡¯t care if he did or not. She simply said, ¡°The past is the past. I take responsibility for my own life and my partner.¡±


    For Freya, starting a new rtionship meant she had already left the past behind.


    No matter what happened in that old rtionship, it was water under the bridge.


    There was no point in digging up something that was already done and dusted.


    To her, life only moved forward. Clinging to the past only held back growth and stole her own happiness.


    Kristian asked, doubting how easily Freya could let go, ¡°It¡¯s easier said than done. Can you really say you were over your first love when you married me?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t answer. She wished she had a true first love¡ªbut did she, really?


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 Chapter 474

    ?Chapter 474:


    Kristian took her silence as a confession. ¡°If you¡¯ve really moved on, why did you choose the punishment after Liam asked you to call him?¡±


    ¡°Think what you want. I know where I stand,¡± Freya said, not in the mood to exin.


    If she admitted Kristian was her first love, he¡¯d either think she was still stuck in the past or just pretending.


    Either way, what was the point?


    Not wanting to waste another second, Freya used Lionel¡¯s birthday as an excuse. ¡°The banquet¡¯s about to begin. If you keep standing here with me, you¡¯ll miss your grandpa¡¯s celebration.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t let you get involved with Cyril,¡± Kristian said as he walked off, still wondering if Freya had feelings for Cyril.


    Once, he¡¯d have sworn she didn¡¯t.


    But today, she tried to exchange numbers with Cyril¡ªsomething she rarely did with strangers.


    Freya didn¡¯t respond.


    After he left, she leaned against the wall to collect herself. She thought about how marrying Kristian had a lot to do with falling for a handsome face. She wondered if she could ever break that pattern¡ªor if she¡¯d always be one temptation away from a mistake.


    Still deep in thought, Freya took out her phone and hesitated before dialing. She needed help making a choice. Trent¡¯s gentle voice came through. ¡°Mina?¡±


    ¡°I need help deciding something. Someone wants to use my past with Kristian to get back at him. Should I go along with it?¡± Freya asked, feeling more clear-headed.


    Trent immediately picked up on the tension. ¡°What¡¯s bothering you?¡±


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    ¡°I don¡¯t want to get tangled with Kristian again,¡± Freya said honestly. She always spoke freely with Trent. ¡°Once I¡¯m back, I want n to cut off any new deals with Shaw Group.¡± She didn¡¯t care about the existing ones.


    Trent nced away from his papers and adjusted his sses. ¡°Do what you think is best. And as for that person¡ªyou can still work with Kristian.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Freya said. She wanted space, not more ties.


    ¡°You can handle anything,¡± Trent said reassuringly.


    If it had been anything else, he might have told her to walk away. But he knew how much Freya wanted to bring that man down¡ªthe one who nearly destroyed their team.


    If he told her to step back now, she¡¯d regret it.


    So Trent made the call for her, knowing she just needed someone to steady her.


    Freya felt a lot calmer. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Did you two argue again?¡± Trent asked.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Freya replied, brushing it off.


    ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯ve been meaning to tell you,¡± Trent said as he opened a chat on hisptop.


    Freya raised a brow at his formal tone. ¡°What¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°Captain messaged me a few days ago. He asked me something about you,¡± Trent said, smiling faintly.


    Freya¡¯s eyes widened. She couldn¡¯t keep calm any longer.


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 Chapter 475

    ?Chapter 475:


    The Captain¡¯s attention was never a good thing. ¡°What did he want?¡±


    ¡°He asked if the rumors about your marriage and divorce were true,¡± Trent said. He was curious how the Captain even found out, given his limited ess to phones.


    Freya let out a breath. ¡°That¡¯s alright. As long as he didn¡¯t ask whether I¡¯ve gone backward in any way.¡±


    Trent stared at the Captain¡¯sst message, a flicker of thought in his eyes. But he chose not to tell her the Captain wasing back. If she knew, she wouldn¡¯t sleep a wink.


    ¡°I have to go. We¡¯ll talk when I return,¡± Freya said as the noise outside grew louder.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Trent said gently.


    After ending the call, Freya stepped out. The banquet had officially begun.


    The birthday celebration flowed smoothly.


    Freya greeted Lionel and spent a bit of time with him before sitting down.


    Technically, she and Hugh were supposed to sit somewhere else.


    But Lionel, trying to ease the tension, had them sit with Isaac and Melinda. By chance¡ªor not¡ªFreya ended up beside Kristian.


    Throughout the meal, Lionel kept throwing Kristian subtle nces, clearly nudging him to look after Freya instead of focusing only on himself.


    Even though he stayed cold, Kristian still used the serving spoon to offer her food.


    Freya tried to decline, but Lionel¡¯s presence made it hard to refuse. Halfway through the meal, Freya felt the food might just turn her stomach.


    She didn¡¯t want to eat what Kristian served, but with so many eyes watching, she had no choice. She forced herself to eat.


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    ¡°That¡¯s enough. I¡¯m full,¡± she finally said.


    Kristian said nothing and added more food to her te.


    Freya was left speechless. He was clearly doing it on purpose!


    By the time the meal ended, Freya¡¯s patience had run dry¡ªthough she didn¡¯t let it show.


    After the banquet, Lionel had a quiet chat with Hugh, expressing regret over how the family had behaved in the past. Hugh stayed by his side, listening.


    Meanwhile, Freya headed to the restroom.


    Just before she got there, a tall figure blocked her path. He was slim, dressed in a suit, with a yful glint in his eyes.


    Freya recognized him right away¡ªFelipe.


    She had no ns to talk to him. In her mind, there was nothing to say.


    However, just because Freya wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk didn¡¯t mean Felipe nned on keeping quiet.


    Noticing her tant disregard, he took a long, deliberate stride forward and stepped right into her path. ¡°Can we talk?¡±


    ¡°Talk about what?¡± Freya wasn¡¯t exactly warm to most people.


    ¡°Farrah.¡± Felipe let the name fall from his lips, his voice edged with urgency.


    He had spent thest two weeks scouring the city, yet he hadn¡¯t heard so much as a whisper of where Farrah had gone. Now, Freya grasped the truth behind the old saying¡ªbirds of a feather flock together. Kristian was a jerk. So was Felipe.


    ¡°I¡¯ve searched everywhere,¡± Felipe said with a forcedposure, though it was clear he was biting down on something bitter. ¡°I just want to know where she is.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 476

    ?Chapter 476:


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Freya¡¯s reply came cold and clipped.


    Those three little words tested every ounce of Felipe¡¯s patience. ¡°Don¡¯t try me.¡±


    ¡°What are you going to do about it?¡± Freya snapped, her frustration bubbling over, with no real outlet. ¡°Hit me?¡±


    That shut him up. He stood there, thrown offpletely. Did Kristian have a thing for being emotionally steamrolled? Why else would he marry someone this formidable?


    Felipe, a fully grown man, stood there at a loss¡ªstruck dumb by Freya¡¯s verbal onught.


    He felt absolutely humiliated.


    ¡°I don¡¯t believe in hitting women,¡± he muttered, trying to w back some dignity. ¡°I¡¯m only here to ask where Farrah is. She¡¯s my wife. I have the right to know.¡±


    ¡°And then what?¡± Freya countered smoothly.


    ¡°Where is she? Where have you hidden her?¡± Felipe¡¯s tone hardened. He was sure Freya had something to do with it.


    Freya had zero intention of entertaining that. ¡°Farrah is a person, not a misced suitcase. I¡¯m not hiding her.¡±


    ¡°Then why is she gone?¡± His temper started to crack.


    ¡°You should be asking yourself that,¡± Freya tossed it right back. ¡°Why¡¯d she leave Jeucwell? Have no clue at all?¡±


    ¡°You pushed her.¡±


    Felipe clung to that belief with maddening persistence.


    M?§Ô? ??????? ?? ??l????l?.???


    All he wanted was to know where Farrah was, to talk to her¡ªjust to make her understand how dangerous it would be to keep the baby. Freya was done. She turned on her heel to leave, not even bothering with the restroom anymore.


    Felipe blocked her again, his stance solid. ¡°Today, you¡¯re telling me where she is¡ªor else¡­¡±


    ¡°Or else what?¡± Freya didn¡¯t flinch.


    Farrah needed peace, especially now. If she gave Felipe any information, it would rob Farrah of thatpletely.


    Any shock, any careless move from him could break Farrah again¡ªand Freya wasn¡¯t letting that happen.


    ¡°You think I won¡¯t touch you just because you¡¯re a member of the Briggs family?¡± Felipe suddenly changed tracks, his voice colder now, eyes glinting with something new.


    He had only learned of her identity that evening. It baffled him¡ªthis woman, so fierce and sharp-edged, was the soft-spoken Ethel¡¯s sister?


    It was unbelievable.


    Freya couldn¡¯t care less about his wounded pride. ¡°Yes.¡± And just like that, Felipe nearly boiled over.


    But she was right. There was nothing he could do.


    He couldn¡¯t outfight her, outwit her, or outmatch her family¡¯s clout.


    ¡°If you really want to see her, then wait a few months,¡± Freya said coolly, remembering Farrah¡¯s mention of a divorce. ¡°She¡¯ll reach out.¡±


    Normally, a man couldn¡¯t file for divorce during pregnancy. But the woman? She could.


    And considering Felipe had tried to force Farrah into terminating the pregnancy, the court would be in her favor, no doubt.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 477

    ?Chapter 477:


    Divorce hadn¡¯t even crossed Felipe¡¯s mind. Freya¡¯s words caught him off guard. ¡°She wants to see me?¡±


    ¡°She just needs time¡ªto think, to breathe,¡± Freya replied, choosing not to spell it out.


    That alone made Felipe pause. He assumed, perhaps rightly, that his behavior had been too much of a shock. Maybe she just wasn¡¯t ready yet.


    That thought gave him the smallest piece of relief.


    If she still wanted to see him eventually, then he could wait.


    ¡°Take care of her for now,¡± Felipe said, his eyes locking onto Freya. ¡°If you need anything, tell me.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Freya replied tly, brushing past him without another nce.


    If she were being honest, her only request would have been for him to stay away from Farrah altogether.


    But she didn¡¯t say it. She knew it would only trigger another round of arguments. One Kristian was more than enough¡ªshe didn¡¯t need a second version.


    Felipe watched her walk away. Once her figure disappeared down the corridor, he pulled out his phone, scrolling through his old messages with Farrah.


    Each one had failed to deliver. She had blocked him.


    He couldn¡¯t even figure out how things had spiraled this far. It hadn¡¯t always been like this.


    After leaving, Freya finally made her way to the second-floor restroom in the hotel. As she stood there, she made a quiet decision: unless absolutely necessary, she wouldn¡¯t step foot in Jeucwell again. Not even for Lionel. She¡¯d stay in touch online.


    She and Kristian were divorced. When it came to personal ties, that meant she owed nothing to his family anymore.


    ?????????????? ???????????? ????: g????????¦Í??????©q?????


    With that in mind, Freya exhaled slowly, the air catching in her chest like it had been stuck there all night. She moved to the sink, tried a few of the automatic faucets¡ªall broken. She finally turned to a manual one.


    But the moment she touched it, a violent burst of water came flying out, soaking her instantly.


    Had she not jumped back, she would¡¯ve been drenched from head to toe.


    After examining the faucet¡¯s excessive water pressure, she went to find hotel staff and report the issue.


    ¡°I¡¯m terribly sorry for the trouble, ma¡¯am,¡± the staff member said, apologizing sincerely before rushing to get someone to handle it.


    Freya waved it off. They then offered her a room to dry her hair. Seeing her damp clothes, they brought her something fresh to change into and even asked if she needed help drying her original outfit. Thinking she¡¯d need it the next morning, Freya handed over her coat. Once the staff left, a change flickered through her eyes¡ªcalm, but calcting.


    Faucets at a hotel like this didn¡¯t just malfunction. Not all of them. And especially not during such a high-profile birthday banquet.


    No, this wasn¡¯t an ident. Someone had set this up.


    Just as that realization settled in her mind, a faint scent drifted through the air¡ªsubtle, fragrant. Freya sniffed twice, narrowing her eyes.


    She nced around the suite, trying to track down the source, but before she could get far, the half-open door creaked wider. And there he was. Kristian. Standing in the doorway like he owned the moment.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 478

    ?Chapter 478:


    Freya¡¯s brows drew together instantly at the sight of him.


    Kristian stepped inside, calm and unreadable. ¡°Where are you hurt?¡±


    Freya blinked. Hurt?


    ¡°I¡¯m hurt?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°A staff member said you fell earlier, and it looked serious.¡± Kristian hade running the moment he got wind of it. Freya stiffened, then suddenly pieced it all together.


    Just as she opened her mouth to tell him, ¡°You¡¯ve been tricked,¡± the door mmed shut with a sharp bang. A figure in ck¡ªmasked, hat pulled low¡ªstood behind it.


    The noise snapped Kristian¡¯s head around.


    In that fleeting instant, something clicked. ¡°You¡¯re okay?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Freya replied, her voice asposed as ever.


    Hearing that, Kristian¡¯s shoulders eased slightly, and he turned back to the door, trying to open it.


    Freya¡¯s gaze fixed on the door. If Kristian actually managed to open it, she¡¯d be stunned.


    As expected, he yanked at it a few times, but it was sealed tight.


    Kristian¡¯s brow furrowed. This room was more isted than the others. Everyone else was downstairs on the first floor. Even if he pounded on the door, no one would hear a thing.


    After a beat, he pulled out his phone to call for help¡ªonly to find he had no signal.


    Discover more


    Freya caught on too.


    ¡°No signal,¡± Kristian muttered, his face clouding over.


    ¡°It¡¯s probably that man behind Ashley making his move,¡± Freya said steadily. At most, they¡¯d be stuck in here for two or three hours. Once the banquet downstairs ended and her father noticed her absence, he¡¯de looking.


    It was just a matter of riding out a few hours in the same space as someone she didn¡¯t exactly care for.


    Kristian slipped his phone back into his pocket and started searching the room.


    Freya joined him. No signal meant something was jamming it. Still, if this was the handiwork of that man, the device wouldn¡¯t be easy to find. He was too meticulous to leave anything behind.


    Even if they suspected him, finding solid proof was nearly impossible. They scoured the room in focused silence for ten minutes. Then, suddenly, a flush of heat surged through Kristian¡¯s body. He instinctively shrugged off his jacket and loosened the top two buttons of his shirt.


    But the heat refused to relent.


    He paced a bit, then walked over to the air conditioner and lowered the temperature.


    Freya watched him with a faint frown. Was it really that warm?


    Five more minutes crawled by.


    Kristian wasn¡¯t just overheating now¡ªsomething deeper, wilder, more uncontroble was surging through him. It felt¡­


    Wait.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 479

    ?Chapter 479:


    A sick realization hit him.


    He froze, focusing inward. His face darkened. He¡¯d been drugged¡ªwithout even realizing it.


    ¡°Freya,¡± he called, his voice low and maic, thick with an edge he didn¡¯t mean to have.


    Freya turned, her wide eyes ringed withshes, curious and watchful. She caught the look in his eyes and her brows creased. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Do you feel anything strange in your system?¡± Kristian asked, his voice raspier now, as the heat inside him threatened to overwhelm him.


    Freya blinked.


    Her body had always had a higher tolerance for drugs, so her reaction was slower.


    Other than the odd scent she¡¯d noticed when she first stepped inside, nothing had felt off¡ªshe¡¯d been too focused on tracking the source of the signal block.


    Seeing that she seemed fine, Kristian gave a warning. ¡°Grab a towel, wet it, and cover your nose and mouth. Try not to breathe the air directly.¡±


    It wouldn¡¯t fix everything, but it was something.


    Freya hesitated, noticing the flushed color in his cheeks.


    ¡°Go,¡± Kristian urged, his voice low, eyes growing darker by the second.


    Freya pulled a mask from her purse, went into the bathroom, dampened it, wrung it out, and slipped it on. The strange scent in the room faded almost instantly.


    Once she stepped out, Kristian moved toward her.


    Freya opened her mouth to ask what he was doing, but he stopped just in front of her. His voice was rough, almost unfamiliar. ¡°No matter what happens, don¡¯te in.¡±


    ?????? ?????????? ???? g???????¦Í??????£®?????


    Freya frowned.


    ¡°If you ignore me and I lose control and something happens, that¡¯ll be on you.¡± Without waiting for a response, Kristian turned and disappeared into the bathroom, locking the door behind him.


    A momentter, the sound of running water echoed through the room. Freya instantly understood what he meant.


    But if he¡¯d been drugged like that, a cold shower wouldn¡¯t do much, would it?


    Kristian proved her right soon enough.


    The icy water only cooled his skin¡ªhis body burned hotter than ever. The desire surged stronger than it had on their wedding night. It was relentless, maddening.


    But one thing rang clear through it all. He couldn¡¯t touch Freya. No matter how much they fought, how deep their resentment ran¡ªshe wasn¡¯t his wife anymore. He couldn¡¯t cross that line.


    ¡°Kristian.¡± Freya¡¯s voice, calm and cool, floated through the door and sliced through the chaos in his head.


    To him, her voice was both salvation and torture.


    Memories rose like a flood. He couldn¡¯t afford to lose control¡ªhe¡¯d regret it for the rest of his life.


    He clenched his fists, teeth gritted, and growled, ¡°Don¡¯t talk!¡± What a foolish woman. Didn¡¯t she understand that silence was the only way to stay safe?


    ¡°Open the door,¡± Freya said, her tone unshakable.


    Kristian felt himself unraveling. Why couldn¡¯t she just listen? He knew exactly what would happen. If he opened that door, if heid eyes on her¡ªthe beast would win.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 480

    ?Chapter 480:


    Freya knocked on the door when he didn¡¯t reply.


    She knocked again. And again. For two whole minutes. Inside, Kristian battled with himself.


    Finally, when he could barely hold on, he ground out, ¡°Are you ready to deal with the consequences if I open this door?¡± If she was going to insist, then he wouldn¡¯t stop.


    ¡°Just open the door. Stop wasting time,¡± Freya said, her brows knitting together.


    At that, the bathroom door flung open. Kristian stood there in a loose bathrobe, breath ragged, eyes zing with heat.


    The second he saw Freya¡¯s delicate, flushed face, something inside him snapped.


    He took a step forward, mind nk except for one raging impulse.


    But before he could act, Freya struck hard at the back of his head. There was a dull thud, and Kristian crumpled to the floor¡ªunconscious.


    After dealing with the immediate danger, Freya hoisted Kristian onto the bed with a firm but careful touch.


    Right up until the moment he lost consciousness, he never once suspected that she¡¯d lured him in just to knock him out cold and quietly eliminate him as a potential threat.


    For Freya, the top priority now was to hunt down the source of that intoxicating scent and the signal jammers nted around the room. If she stayed here too long without doing so, she knew full well that she¡¯d eventually fall under the same influence.


    Letting Kristian continue his cold shower might¡¯ve worked¡ªassuming he kept hisposure. But if he snapped and came out mid-meltdown, she¡¯d have to waste more energy just to knock him out again. It was far wiser to handle the situation early and keep herself safe. Over the next hour, Freyabed through the room with painstaking care.


    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is your escape to fiction


    Her diligence paid off. She discovered four separate sources of the strange scent¡ªhidden inside the TV, the speaker system, and other gadgets with vents or heat outlets. Once she cracked them open, it was obvious they¡¯d been tampered with.


    As for the signal jammers, there were three in total.


    Whoever had set them up had done an impressive job hiding them. If Freya hadn¡¯t found the cement of a few decorations suspicious, she never would¡¯ve guessed their true nature.


    Thankfully, she found no hidden surveince devices.


    Once those concerns were handled, she used a damp towel and tissues to seal off the scent and shut down the jammers.


    She then double-checked every piece of equipment to confirm nothing was being remotely essed. Atst, she sank into the sofa for a brief moment of rest. With a few quiet moments to herself, she began putting the puzzle pieces together.


    The mastermind behind all this had suddenly ordered Ashley to stand down when Kristian began pursuing her. Ashley had mentioned that this person bore a personal grudge against him.


    Judging from the tactics used, the mastermind clearly got a kick out of psychological torment.


    It was entirely possible the n was to have Kristian fall for her¡ªbuild a romance¡ªonly for her to be abducted and used as leverage to force Kristian to hand overpany secrets or sacrifice himself to save her. If that was the endgame, it wouldn¡¯t be too hard to counter.


    Kristian could fake falling in love, and she could y the role of the damsel in distress. With coordination from her friends, they could reel the bastard in.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 481

    ?Chapter 481:


    But what if she had it all wrong?


    The thought unsettled her. Her head began to spin slightly, and something felt off in her body.


    Still, she chose not to leave the room. Staying created the illusion that the n was working, possibly nudging the mastermind into revealing his next move.


    Leaving now would onlyplicate things.


    She nced at the time.


    Given Kristian¡¯s earlier reaction, the scent¡¯s effects were undeniably potent.


    She needed to stay here for at least thirty more minutes.


    Soon, the strange sensation within her grew stronger. She realized she hadn¡¯t escaped the scent¡¯s influence either.


    Even though she¡¯d used a damp cloth to protect herself, the prolonged exposure was starting to take a toll¡ªthough not nearly as badly as it had with Kristian.


    With a frustrated sigh, she rubbed her temples.


    Calling for someone to open the door was out of the question. If they were being monitored, that would tip the mastermind off that his n had failed.


    Suddenly, she froze.


    The signal jammers were off now¡ªshe could make a call.


    No, she couldn¡¯t summon help or say anything incriminating, but she could distract herself and regain control.


    That thought gave her focus.


    If there was one person on this who could snap her back to her senses with a single word, it was her captain.


    Your next story starts here: g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s


    The only problem was she didn¡¯t know whether he was currently on a mission or catching some much-needed rest.


    A knot ofplicated emotions tightened in her chest as she dialed his number.


    She chose his personal line¡ªhe only answered that one when he wasn¡¯t at base.


    If he was at base, then she wouldn¡¯t be calling him at all.


    As the phone rang, her heart thundered in her ears.


    Her captain was a terrifying force, a strict drill sergeant.


    Back in training, they¡¯d all suffered under hismand.


    Even now, just hearing him say her name could make her snap to attention in an instant.


    But that was exactly the kind of jolt she needed right now.


    As long as he kept talking, she could stay anchored to the sound of his voice¡ªno matter what her body was going through.


    Drawing a deep breath, she steadied herself.


    The sensation in her body hadn¡¯t gone away, but she forced herself to ignore it.


    The call connected on the fourth ring. A deep,manding voice answered, ¡°Freya?¡±


    ¡°Hey, Captain,¡± she replied, trying to sound nonchnt.


    ¡°What is it?¡± His voice was smooth, almost too pleasant¡ªmore so than Kristian¡¯s, even.


    Not that it mattered. In her mind, he was still the strict, no-nonsensemander from their training days.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 482

    ?Chapter 482:


    Choosing her words with care, she lied, ¡°Nothing serious. I just suddenly thought of those intense training sessions. Realized it¡¯s been two or three years since west talked. Figured I¡¯d check in.¡±


    ¡°What mess have you gotten yourself into?¡± he asked, cutting straight through the lie without hesitation.


    Freya went silent.


    Did she really have that kind of reputation?


    Her captain, dressed casually at home with his sharp, handsome features, looked as refined as ever. ¡°Did you lose a round of truth or dare with Trent and the others?¡±


    ¡°Of course not¡­¡± she replied, her voice betraying a flicker of nerves. Using him as a way to ground herself¡ªif he ever found out, there¡¯d be hell to pay.


    He narrowed his eyes on the other end, his toneced with quiet warning. ¡°Are you going toe clean, or should I stop by and ask in person?¡±


    Freya suddenly wished she hadn¡¯t made the call at all.


    Even though the worst of the sensation had faded, her captain was thest person she wanted prying into this.


    Just then, Kristian stirred, murmuring her name. ¡°Freya¡­¡± The sound jolted her.


    She was usually collected under pressure, but this¡ªthis rattled her.


    Did her captain hear that? Hopefully not¡­


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Kristian muttered again, his voice soft and filled with longing.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got something to take care of,¡± she said quickly. ¡°I¡¯m hanging up now.¡±


    ¡°Freya, you¡¯ve got guts,¡± came her captain¡¯s calm but dangerous reply. Freya felt the urge to exin herself.


    ???????? ???????????? ???? ?????????????????????????


    But his tone¡ªoh, he¡¯d definitely heard it. And he did not sound amused.


    ¡°I can exin.¡± Freya squeezed the bridge of her nose, feeling like she was on the verge of unraveling.


    The silence on the other end of the line stretched, a heavy pause that made it clear her captain was waiting to see how she intended to spin this tale.


    ¡°I¡¯m locked in a room with a friend, and the entire ce reeks of something¡ªan aphrodisiac,¡± she exined, her voice steady, knowing her captain would understand. ¡°I thought calling you might help me calm down.¡±


    Upon hearing that, the man couldn¡¯t quite decide if he should be annoyed or entertained.


    Calling him to calm down? Only she would think of that.


    ¡°Did it help?¡± he asked, dry amusementcing his words.


    ¡°It did.¡±


    ¡°Are you safe now?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya answered without hesitation.


    Satisfied for the moment, the man eased slightly, though his tone still carried an edge.


    But now that the chaos had somewhat passed, there were a few things that needed rification.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re out of danger, we should talk about a few things.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 483

    ?Chapter 483:


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°Your use of me as a calming mechanism.¡± He stressed the word ¡°calming¡± with deliberate weight.


    Freya¡¯s heart sank. She¡¯d been hoping this wouldn¡¯te up.


    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk in person,¡± her captain replied, holding back the rest of what he really wanted to say.


    If he told her outright that she needed to take responsibility, she might lose it.


    Freya froze. Talk in person? Was heing back? Or was he nning something with the team?


    ¡°Throw that man into the bathroom,¡± the voice on the phone ordered casually. ¡°And don¡¯t forget to protect yourself just because you¡¯re away from the team.¡±


    Freya gave a quick nod, even though he couldn¡¯t see it. ¡°Got it.¡±


    ¡°That man¡ªis it Kristian Shaw?¡±


    Freya¡¯s breath hitched. She almost thought he had surveince on her. How could he possibly know that?


    ¡°Your private life isn¡¯t something I¡¯ll interfere with too much,¡± the man said, his voice cool but firm. ¡°But there¡¯s one thing I need to tell you.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Men are like teammates. If they betray you once, don¡¯t trust them again.¡±


    Freya swallowed. He already knew. ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°Still need to calm down?¡± he asked.


    Magic begins at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s


    Freya¡¯s mind was sharp now, crystal clear. ¡°No need.¡±


    ¡°Call me if anything elsees up.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    As the call ended, Freya felt the pressure in her chest finally lift.


    On the other end of the line, the man stared at his screen for a moment. His long, defined fingers pinched the bridge of his nose before he set the phone aside and returned to work.


    He believed she could handle her problem.


    Once she hung up, Freya called Liam. She told him that she and Kristian had been locked inside a room. She also exined Kristian¡¯s condition and asked Liam to buy a few things, then act like he was just dropping by to check on them.


    Liam didn¡¯t ask questions. He did exactly as she said.


    Roughly twenty minutester, a knock sounded on the door.


    Freya immediately knocked back in response, letting Liam know they were inside. Liam spotted something suspicious on the door and quickly handled it, unlocking the entrance. At critical times, Liam could be counted on.


    As the door swung open, he saw the situation unfold before him¡ªKristian was sprawled on the bed, hisplexion off-color.


    Freya stepped forward. ¡°Hand me the items and wait outside for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Liam handed her the bag without hesitation.


    .


    .


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 Chapter 484

    ?Chapter 484:


    Even if someone was watching, they wouldn¡¯t be able to see what he was doing, nor realize that it was Freya who had opened the door. Once Freya had everything, Liam stepped back and stood watch outside as instructed.


    Freya took one of the items he¡¯d brought and administered it to Kristian. Then, she waited.


    About ten minutes passed before his body temperature gradually leveled out, and he finally started to stir.


    Freya switched the signal jammers back on, tossed a nce his way, and said with calm indifference, ¡°Get dressed and leave.¡±


    Kristian stared at her, bewildered by how unfazed she looked.


    His first thought? Freya was downright cold.


    ¡°What are you waiting for?¡± she asked when he continued lying there, still as stone. ¡°You¡¯ve been missing for over an hour. Your family might be worried.¡±


    Kristian stayed silent. He got up, changed into fresh clothes, and adjusted his appearance, his gaze unreadable.


    Five minutester, he stood before her, fully dressed.


    ¡°If you¡¯re ready, leave,¡± Freya said, walking toward the bed and starting to mess it up.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kristian asked, his body still slightly weak, his mind slow to process.


    ¡°Creating the illusion that something happened between us,¡± Freya replied tly, devoid of emotion. ¡°It¡¯s necessary for whates next.¡±


    She finished disheveling the bed without so much as a pause. Then she reced the scent sources in the room, removing towels and tissues.


    G  a lno  ve ls . is where the magic begins


    Soon, the air was thick with the same intoxicating fragrance as before. Kristian instinctively retreated to the bathroom, grabbing a towel to cover himself.


    Freya picked up her now-dry clothes, swept the room with a final nce to ensure nothing was missed, got dressed, and tied her hair back in a casual knot before opening the door to leave.


    Kristian looked toward the door, momentarily dazed. It could be opened now?


    ¡°Wait.¡± He called out, a sharp throb piercing the back of his neck.


    Freya had just stepped through when she heard him. She turned around, her voice cool and distant. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Did you hit me?¡± Kristian asked, finally speaking the question that had been gnawing at him.


    He¡¯d felt a sharp pain at the back of his neck after leaving the bathroom¡ªthen darkness.


    Freya didn¡¯t bother sugarcoating it. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Kristian stared at her. She¡¯d knocked him out¡ªand she wasn¡¯t even sorry about it?


    ¡°Stick to the script,¡± Freya reminded him before heading out. ¡°The mastermind will probably make another move soon.¡± She didn¡¯t wait for his reply. She was already gone.


    Kristian stepped out after her, about to catch up¡ªuntil he saw Liam standing outside the door.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Freya called me,¡± Liam replied,pletely straightforward.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 485

    ?Chapter 485:


    Kristian froze, thoughts churning.


    A call?


    In that moment, it struck him¡ªFreya wasn¡¯t like anyone else.


    She didn¡¯t need his protection or his guidance. She had already handled everything¡ªwhile he was unconscious. To her, it didn¡¯t even matter if he was around.


    Liam noticed his brother¡¯s strange expression. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kristian muttered, tamping down his emotions. ¡°Tell Mom and Dad to keep Freya¡¯s father upied. Try to bring him home for a chat. I need to speak with Freya.¡±


    ¡°That might not be easy,¡± Liam said.


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°When I came up earlier, Mr. Briggs had already finished talking with them. Now he¡¯s out looking for Freya.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s heart sank.


    Kristian felt a dull, unbearable weight settle in his chest, the kind that sank deeper with every breath.


    He didn¡¯t utter another word and quietly descended the stairs. Liam didn¡¯t press him for answers, nor did he offer any help. If Kristian truly needed something, Liam knew he¡¯d ask.


    ¡°Kristian,¡± he called out, quickening his steps to catch up with his brother.


    Kristian¡¯s thoughts were entirely consumed by Freya.


    ??????????? ????¦Ñ???????? ?????????¦Í????????????


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°If you keep dragging your feet, Freya¡¯s never gonna end up being my sister-inw again,¡± Liam reminded him pointedly.


    Kristian nced sideways at him, unimpressed. Did Liam seriously think he needed his unsolicited advice?


    ¡°Do you need me to help you win her back?¡± Liam offered, his grin betraying his amusement. ¡°I mean, I can¡¯t promise she¡¯ll fall for you again, but I can at least try to keep her from hating your guts.¡±


    Kristian was even less impressed now. Was this what Liam thought counted as help?


    He didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°No, thanks.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡± Liam pressed.


    Kristian didn¡¯t answer. He just picked up his pace, heading for the hall downstairs.


    Not long after they left, a shadowy figure appeared in the room they¡¯d just vacated. After scanning the area with sharp eyes, the person pulled out a phone and made a call.


    Thanks to the time difference, it was midday on the other end. When the call connected, the person on the line spoke casually.


    ¡°How are things going?¡±


    ¡°Everything¡¯s moving along as nned.¡±


    ¡°Any anomalies?¡±


    ¡°None.¡±


    With that, the call ended¡ªand the person dialed another number, this time to Ashley in Alerith.


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    ?Chapter 486:


    Ashley¡¯s nerves were already fraying when the call came in.


    Remembering what Freya had told her earlier, she grabbed a different phone and started recording before answering.


    ¡°Hello.¡±


    The phone she was speaking into had been rigged by him. If he suspected she was recording, he¡¯d know.


    She had to use another device.


    ¡°Keep a close eye on Kristian and Freya¡¯s rtionship for the time being,¡± the man¡¯s voice came through slowly, with unsettling precision.


    ¡°Check if Freya is pregnant in a month.¡±


    Ashley¡¯s heart thudded wildly in her chest.


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Ashley,¡± he said her name suddenly.


    Her breath caught. Even the way he said it sent a chill through her bones.


    Before she could reply, his voice returned¡ªgentle butced with venom, a low chuckle curling at the end.


    ¡°Behave yourself over there. You know exactly what¡¯ll happen if you cross me.¡±


    Her fingers clenched the phone so tightly her knuckles turned white, cold sweat beading in her palms. She could barely breathe.


    ¡°You understand?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Y-Yes¡­¡± Ashley forced the word out, every syble trembling.


    The man seemed pleased. Before ending the call, he added, ¡°Good girl.¡± As the line went dead, Ashley slumped into her chair, drained and trembling.


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    In that moment, the idea of turning her back on Freya crossed her mind. If that man ever discovered her betrayal, she¡¯d be done for.


    But then, Freya¡¯s earlier words echoed in her mind, and doubt crept in.


    While she was still deep in thought, her phone buzzed twice.


    On instinct, she picked it up and stared at the message.


    ¡°Remember your ce. Don¡¯t think you can escape my control through Kristian and Freya. You know what I am capable of.¡±


    A shiver sliced down her spine. Her face went ghostly pale. Her first thought was that he¡¯d found her out.


    Panic set in as her mind spiraled. She wanted to call Freya¡ªbut feared the risk.


    Before she could make a decision, her other phone rang. Seeing Freya¡¯s name on the screen, she froze.


    She hesitated, unsure whether to answer.


    The phone rang six or seven times without an answer. Freya assumed Ashley might be asleep or in the shower and was about to hang up, intending to try againter.


    But Ashley picked up at thest second. ¡°Hello.¡±


    Since she¡¯d answered, Freya got right to the point. ¡°Has he contacted you?¡±


    Ashley¡¯s heart nearly stopped. What was happening? Why did it feel like everyone was watching her?


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± Freya stood beside the pool behind the hotel, her figure merging with the night. After a pause, she spoke again.


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    ?Chapter 487:


    ¡°He has¡­¡± Ashley¡¯s voice was barely above a whisper.


    Freya instantly sensed something was off. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Ashley stayed quiet. She wasn¡¯t sure if she should reveal everything. ¡°Can you really protect me?¡± she finally asked, after what felt like an eternity.


    ¡°As long as you follow what I say, I¡¯ll keep you safe,¡± Freya assured her.


    ¡°But you can¡¯t keep anything from me.¡±


    Trusting Ashley was a gamble¡ªbut one Freya was willing to take. Just in case, she had prepared for betrayal. Even if Ashley turned on her, Freya still had a n B.


    Hearing her words, Ashley¡ªthough still torn¡ªchose to believe her. She recounted what had happened, including the threatening message. ¡°You think he really knows we¡¯re working together?¡± Ashley bit her lip hard, dreading what might happen if he did.


    Freya¡¯s voice was steady. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°He said you were working with Kristian and me. But now, you¡¯re only working with me,¡± Freya exined coolly.


    She knew that man too well not to see through the cracks.


    Ashley felt a strange, cautious relief settle over her. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just his usual scare tactic,¡± Freya replied, fully aware of the psychological game he was ying. ¡°Think back to when you were in Jeucwell. Didn¡¯t he say something simr?¡±


    Ashley wracked her memory.


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    Even though their contact had been limited back then, he had warned her not to get any bright ideas. ¡°I think so.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya said, calm andposed.


    She could tell Ashley wasn¡¯t mentally strong enough to handle this kind of pressure.


    But that wasn¡¯t a surprise.


    Ashley was just a regr person¡ªno training, no backup. That man was vicious, and she¡¯d betrayed him. Naturally, guilt and paranoia were eating her alive.


    It was like real life¡ªthe cheater always ended up jittery, terrified the truth was out, jumping at every mention of it.


    ¡°Why does he want me to find out if you¡¯re pregnant?¡± Ashley¡¯s anxiety began to ease.


    Freya didn¡¯t hold anything back. ¡°Someone locked Kristian and me in a room filled with incense that had aphrodisiac effects.¡±


    ¡°Did you¡­¡± Ashley began hesitantly, but her voice trailed off, unsure if it was appropriate to ask.


    Freya raised an eyebrow. ¡°Do you care?¡±


    ¡°No, no, no!¡± Ashley blurted, her tone flustered and anxious, desperate not to be misunderstood. ¡°This has nothing to do with me. I¡¯m just a little worried.¡±


    ¡°Worried about what?¡± Freya¡¯s voice cut in coolly.


    ¡°You mentioned someone was watching us, didn¡¯t you?¡± Ashley often found herself intrigued by the way Freya¡¯s mind worked¡ªhow sharp she was. ¡°If you start seeing Kristian again after the divorce, won¡¯t that man make a move on you?¡±


    Freya wasn¡¯t the least bit rattled by the suggestion.


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    ?Chapter 488:


    If that man dared make another move, she wouldn¡¯t let it slide. She had chosen not to deal with it before, too consumed with the divorce. But now, things were different.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. I can take care of it,¡± Freya answered, unfazed. ¡°I¡¯ve got something to do, so I¡¯m hanging up. If that man tries to contact you, keep me posted.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Ashley replied without hesitation.


    Freya ended the call.


    As soon as she lowered her phone, Hugh approached her. ¡°Are we heading out?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya said simply.


    Together, they began making their way back into the hotel to find Lionel, intending to say goodbye now that the banquet was drawing to a close. But just as they were about to go in, they spotted Kristian lingering nearby.


    He¡¯d clearly been standing there for some time, and the moment he saw Hugh by Freya¡¯s side, he stayed put, not wanting to intrude. Hugh noticed him and, recalling the hour they¡¯d vanished together, made a guess.


    ¡°Do you need to talk to him?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya answered coolly.


    Hugh didn¡¯t press. It wasn¡¯t his ce to pry into her personal matters. Freya brushed past Kristian like he was no more than a stranger.


    But Kristian reached out and caught her arm. ¡°I need a word with you.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to discuss,¡± Freya shot back.


    ¡°There is,¡± Kristian insisted.


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    Freya lifted her gaze to meet his, bewildered by his sudden persistence. What was he trying to get at?


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to talk about that person?¡± Kristian came right to the point.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya answered tly. She knew better than anyone that Kristian didn¡¯t truly want to address the matter. ¡°If you¡¯ve got a new n, just text me.¡±


    She then turned to Hugh and said, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    With her father standing there, Kristian had no choice but to let her go.


    He trailed them inside.


    Hugh and Freya exchanged a few polite words with Lionel. Although Lionel was clearly reluctant to see her leave, he understood that the Shaw family no longer felt like home to her.


    As the father and daughter prepared to go, Lionel turned to Kristian and prodded, ¡°Aren¡¯t you going to send them off?¡±


    Kristian remained silent but followed nheless.


    Seeing him tag along, Lionel sensed something was off about his demeanor today, but he didn¡¯t dwell on it.


    Kristian apanied Freya and Hugh back to their hotel. Hugh had declined at first, but Kristian insisted, and he finally relented.


    Even after arriving, Kristian didn¡¯t leave.


    Hugh knew it was because of Freya. But since Freya didn¡¯t like Kristian, his presence would only irritate her.


    ¡°You can stop here. Mina and I can head up ourselves.¡±


    ¡°I insist,¡± Kristian replied evenly.


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 Chapter 489

    ?Chapter 489:


    Hugh was frustrated.


    How could Kristian be so dense? Freya simply didn¡¯t like that gesture!


    ¡°Dad, go on ahead,¡± Freya said gently, knowing that if she didn¡¯t speak with Kristian now, he would follow her straight up to her room. ¡°I¡¯ll be up in a bit.¡±


    Hugh hesitated, uneasy. ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing,¡± Freya reassured him, her toneposed.


    Hugh studied the two of them. Kristian didn¡¯t seem out of line, so he chose to trust Freya and left them to it.


    Freya walked to the nearby garden, cutting to the chase. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Kristian said nothing. He didn¡¯t know what he wanted.


    All he knew was that the thought of her going back to Alerith left a hollow ache in his chest. He just wanted to see her, speak to her, and be near her.


    ¡°If you¡¯ve got nothing to say, then stop following me,¡± Freya snapped, not in the mood to drag it out.


    Her icy tone struck something in him. ¡°Am I really that worthless in your eyes? Not even as decent as Cyril¡ªthe guy you just met?¡± She usually disliked giving her number to strangers, but she hadn¡¯t hesitated when Cyril asked.


    She had even said she preferred Cyril¡¯spany to his.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya replied without hesitation.


    For the first time, Kristian truly grasped the meaning of heartache. Watching her expressionless face utter that word felt like a de slicing through his ribs.


    ¡°Just because of the past¡­ you hate me that much?¡± He still cared¡ªdeeply. He still wanted a ce in her heart.


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    Freya corrected him without a flicker of emotion. ¡°It¡¯s not hate. It¡¯s simply indifference.¡±


    That said everything.


    No matter what he did or how much he cared, she would never return those feelings. The moment they divorced, she had shut him out entirely.


    Sometimes, he thought she was too cold¡ªcutting people off the second they made a mistake.


    He had thought of countless ways to keep her by his side, but her unwavering distance had crushed every one of those ideas.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading up now,¡± Freya said, noting that he was still staring at her, unmoving. ¡°If you need to talk about that man, just message me.¡±


    Kristian gave a small nod.


    Freya sensed something turbulent in him, but she didn¡¯t care.


    They were divorced. His emotions were no longer her concern.


    She turned and walked away.


    Kristian could only stand there, watching her silhouette retreat into the hotel and vanish from sight.


    He remained there, motionless, until a chilly breeze broke the trance. When he finally checked the time, he realized an hour had slipped by. Not far away, Felipe sat in his car, having watched the whole scene. He hadn¡¯t intervened¡ªonly observed, curious how long Kristian would stand there like a statue.


    When Kristian finally turned to leave, he nced once more at the hotel before heading to his car.


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 Chapter 490

    ?Chapter 490:


    Just as he retrieved his keys, Felipe¡¯s head popped up from the vehicle beside him. ¡°I thought you were nning to camp out there all night.¡±


    Kristian ignored him, not even bothering to ask why he was there.


    He wasn¡¯t in the mood.


    ¡°All this sulking just because you couldn¡¯t win her back?¡± Felipe teased lightly. He was feeling better now, knowing Farrah would contact him soon. The tangled emotions from earlier were fading. He even threw in a jab. ¡°Want me to help you win her over?¡±


    Kristian shot him a re so icy it could freeze fire¡ªutterly unimpressed.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you worry about your own mess first?¡± Kristian said coldly as he strolled toward his car.


    ¡°My mess is all cleaned up,¡± Felipe shot back, his usualzy smirk and gleam of mischief creeping back into ce. ¡°Freya said Farrah¡¯sing back to find me in a bit.¡±


    After all, he and Farrah were still husband and wife¡ªunlike Kristian and Freya.


    Kristian¡¯s expression shifted, barely perceptible.


    ¡°Are you certain that¡¯s what Freya said?¡±


    ¡°She told me back at the hotel, maybe two or three hours ago,¡± Felipe replied inly, holding nothing back. ¡°She may have left you hanging, but don¡¯t worry¡ªI¡¯d never leave a friend high and dry.¡±


    ¡°Are you really that sure Farrah¡¯s noting back just to file the divorce papers?¡± Kristian cut straight through the pleasantries.


    Felipe¡¯s smile stiffened.


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    Kristianid it out, sharp and cold. ¡°After everything you put her through, if you were her, would you forgive?¡±


    Felipe didn¡¯t need a second to ponder. The answer hit him before he could blink.


    All his earlier bravado and teasing spirit drained in an instant. Something about what Kristian said rang painfully true. If Farrah really wasing back, it was probably to end things for good.


    With that gnawing thought, he yanked open the car door and stepped out, intending to storm back into the hotel and demand answers from Freya.


    Kristian grabbed his arm. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to ask your ex-wife a few questions,¡± Felipe said, tone turning cold and stripped of humor.


    Gone was the man who¡¯d been poking fun at Kristian moments ago¡ªhe¡¯d flipped into someone else entirely.


    Kristian didn¡¯t budge, blocking his path. ¡°It won¡¯t do any good.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got to try.¡±


    ¡°If you run up there now, all you¡¯ll do is walk away with nothing¡ªand maybe a bruised ego if she kicks you out,¡± Kristian said evenly. ¡°Think before you act.¡±


    But Felipe wasn¡¯t about to back down. He needed rity, and nothing else mattered.


    Kristian leaned against the car, calm as ever, and added thoughtfully as Felipe started forward, ¡°Ask yourself¡ªwhat do you have over her? What advantage do you actually hold?¡±


    That question made Felipe pause. He couldn¡¯t beat her physically. Her background far outshone his. When it came down to it, he had no leverage at all.


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 Chapter 491

    ?Chapter 491:


    ¡°You can¡¯t rein her in?¡± he asked, feeling just a little off bnce.


    Kristian said nothing, climbed into his car, started the engine, and drove off without another word.


    Felipe stared up at the hotel onest time, then turned and left. Originally, he hade to ask Freya when Farrah might return and to find out what she¡¯d been up totely.


    But now, Kristian¡¯s words echoed loudly in his mind. Asking would be pointless.


    Freya wasn¡¯t someone who gave in easily. And more than that¡ªshe was a force to be reckoned with.


    Back at the hotel, Liam had already sent Lionel home.


    Most of the guests had gone, but Isaac and Melinda remained, seemingly waiting for Kristian.


    Kristian paused, then made his way over with his usual poise. ¡°Why haven¡¯t you left yet?¡±


    ¡°You walked Freya and her father back to their hotel?¡± Melinda asked. A flicker of emotion passed through Kristian¡¯s eyes, but his voice remained gentle.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    She watched him closely. As his mother, she understood him more than anyone else could.


    She said nothing more then¡ªjust decided to head home first. During the ride, with Kristian behind the wheel and Isaac and Melinda seated in the back, silence hung heavy until Melinda finally spoke, her tone cautious.


    ¡°Kristian.¡±


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    ¡°Are you still nning on going to Alerith?¡± she asked, beating around the bush.


    But he understood what she really meant. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°But Freya¡­¡± Melinda hesitated. She wanted to talk him out of it, but the words didn¡¯te easily.


    She had seen clearly that Freya was keeping her distance now. The warmth she once had for Kristian had cooled.


    If he kept pushing, he might just push her further away.


    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing,¡± Kristian said quietly. He understood what she was trying to say, but he wasn¡¯t ready to give up just yet. Even if Freya acted like he didn¡¯t exist, he still wanted to try.


    At the very least, he needed to uncover whoever had been pulling the strings behind all the chaos.


    And if, after that, she still wanted nothing to do with him, then he¡¯d step away.


    Melinda and Isaac exchanged a nce but didn¡¯t press further. This was their son¡¯s path to walk.


    That night, it was obvious something was weighing on Kristian. He still behaved the same¡ªgently coaxing Lionel to rest early.


    But anyone who paid attention could see the storm simmering beneath his calm surface.


    After finishing his usual duties and retreating to his room, Lionel, still not asleep, let out a heavy sigh. ¡°I warned him he¡¯d regret that divorce, but he never believed me.¡±


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s got to stumble before they grow,¡± Liam said, ever the optimist. ¡°It might not be such a bad thing.¡± No one¡¯s life was without cracks.


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 Chapter 492

    ?Chapter 492:


    Kristian had always stood out in school, racked up awards, and made thepany thrive under his leadership.


    He had the pedigree, the looks¡ªfalling short in love was his one w.


    ¡°Should we let you stumble too?¡± Lionel huffed, still emotional over Freya, the daughter-inw he missed. ¡°At this rate, Kristian might never remarry. If you don¡¯t settle down soon, you¡¯ll be stuck managing thepany!¡±


    Liam¡¯s expression twisted. How had the conversation suddenly shifted to him?


    He leapt to his feet. ¡°Oh¡ªjust remembered I¡¯ve got a call to make. Goodnight, Grandpa!¡±


    Lionel let him go without exposing the obvious escape tactic. That brat only knew how to chase after fun, dodgingpany responsibilities at every turn. It was all Kristian¡¯s fault, always indulging his younger brother.


    In the blink of an eye, morning came.


    Freya and Hugh had returned to Alerith, easing back into their routines. Kristian and Gerard had gone abroad for business.


    On the ne, Gerard couldn¡¯t help but notice that Kristian hadn¡¯t said a single word since they met¡ªnot because he was being distant, but because his mind clearly wasn¡¯t there.


    Gerard couldn¡¯t help but wonder what had gone down at the banquet the night before.


    Given how critical this trip was, if Kristian wasn¡¯t in the right state of mind, it could jeopardize not just thepany¡¯s profits¡ªbut Gerard¡¯s bonus too.


    He hadn¡¯t stashed away enough for retirement yet.


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    He said bluntly, ¡°Sir, did you and Ms. Briggs have another fight?¡± Freya was the only one who could shake Kristian like this.


    Finally, a flicker of expression crossed Kristian¡¯s face as he cast Gerard a cutting nce.


    If Gerard couldn¡¯t talk properly, he might as well keep quiet!


    ¡°I know this isn¡¯t my ce, but you and Ms. Briggs have already divorced¡­¡± Gerard put himself in Freya¡¯s shoes, and knowing Kristian well, he was blunt in his approach.


    Those words triggered a wave of irritation in Kristian. Before Gerard could finish, Kristian cut him off, saying, ¡°If you know it¡¯s not your ce, then keep yourments to yourself.¡±


    Gerard found himself at a loss for words.


    ¡°If you continue like this, you¡¯ll end up alone,¡± he pointed out.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that already the case?¡± Kristian responded, seemingly epting his fate.


    Gerard was momentarily speechless. He suspected something important must have happened; otherwise, his boss wouldn¡¯t be acting so out of character.


    ¡°I just wanted to offer a bit of advice to help prevent any problems with our partnership down the line,¡± Gerard quickly came up with an exnation. His face settled into his usual calm smile. ¡°This is an important partnership, after all.¡±


    Kristian simply stared at him.


    Gerard shifted ufortably under his intense stare. ¡°What¡¯s the issue¡­?¡±


    ¡°Are you truly worried about our project, or are you more concerned about your bonus?¡± Kristian directly exposed him.


    Gerard maintained a forced smile. ¡°If you were even half as sharp with Ms. Briggs as you are in business, you would not be facing these problems.¡±


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 Chapter 493

    ?Chapter 493:


    Kristian had no trouble seeing right through Gerard, yet when it came to Freya, he seemedpletely clueless.


    Kristian¡¯s frustration boiled over. ¡°You seem pretty confident now; is it because I didn¡¯t cut your bonusst time?¡±


    ¡°No, you got me wrong,¡± Gerard replied, knowing it was important to maintain respect with his boss. ¡°I just feel unfortunate about you and Ms. Briggs. You two seemed like such a great pair, and now you¡¯re not together.¡±


    Kristian let out a coldugh that sent a chill through the air.


    Gerard nearly winced; thatugh was unsettling.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me I didn¡¯t deserve her?¡± Kristian said coldly.


    ¡°Sometimes, to lift your spirits, a few white lies are necessary,¡± Gerard replied, bold as ever.


    He had always been well-treated by his boss.


    Though Kristian often threatened to cut his bonus, he invariably gave it over in the end. This leniency emboldened Gerard to speak freely, often with humor.


    Kristian let out an exasperatedugh.


    He hadn¡¯t imagined Gerard¡¯s knack for annoying him could rival Freya¡¯s. ¡°That must be hard on you.¡±


    ¡°Not in the slightest,¡± Gerard countered.


    ¡°I¡¯m being sarcastic.¡± Kristian nced at him.


    Gerard kept his smile, wisely choosing to remain silent.


    For the next thirty minutes, they stayed quiet until something urred to Kristian, prompting him to ask, ¡°If you were seeking a boyfriend, would you go for someone who has nothing whatsoever to offer you?¡±


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    Gerard looked confused. A boyfriend? If they hadn¡¯t been on a ne, Gerard would have thought his boss was talking to someone on a call. Pointing at himself in disbelief, Gerard cautiously asked, ¡°Are you talking to me?¡±


    ¡°Who else could I be talking to?¡± Kristian retorted.


    ¡°I¡¯m interested in women only,¡± Gerard stated, trying to maintain hisposure. ¡°I¡¯m not the right person to answer that.¡±


    Kristian exined, ¡°I wanted you to look at it from a woman¡¯s perspective.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m a man, though.¡±


    What did it mean to look at it from a woman¡¯s perspective? He wasn¡¯t a woman, so how could he truly know what women thought? Was there a misunderstanding his boss had about him?


    Kristian ceased the conversation and shut his eyes to rest.


    Gerard, initially grumbling about Kristian in his thoughts, soon understood the key point Kristian was trying to make.


    Was Kristian hinting at something about his rtionship with Freya? Gerard thought about probing further but noticed Kristian had already settled in to sleep. After some thought, he chose not to bother him. In the days that followed, Kristian and Gerard smoothly wrapped up their negotiation on the partnership.


    Despite his personal distractions, Kristian maintained hisposure throughout the negotiations, handling each aspect in a calm and assured manner, ultimately securing a sessful deal.


    For Freya, however, things weren¡¯t as smooth.


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 Chapter 494

    ?Chapter 494:


    A few days after their return from Jeucwell, her father informed her that her grandfather wanted to see her.


    ¡°If you¡¯d rather not go, I can tell him you¡¯re tied up and make up an excuse,¡± Hugh offered, concerned about putting her in an ufortable position.


    Freya declined. ¡°He¡¯s family; I should go see him.¡± Seeing her resolve, Hugh didn¡¯t speak further.


    Before she left, he advised, ¡°No matter what he says, don¡¯t take it to heart. If it bes too much, just remember I¡¯m here for you.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Freya replied.


    After getting dressed, she was driven to her grandfather¡¯s house. She arrived in the afternoon and saw Vivien there, evidently trying to win over her grandfather, Miguel Briggs.


    Freya approached and respectfully greeted him. ¡°Hi, Grandpa.¡±


    Miguel looked at her with a touch of annoyance. ¡°I thought you¡¯d forgotten you had a grandpa,¡± he said sharply. ¡°It¡¯s been over two years since you¡¯ve reached out to me or returned home for the holidays. Even now, since you came back, you haven¡¯te to see me.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve just been really busy,¡± Freya responded calmly.


    ¡°Hmph!¡± Miguel scoffed, clearly not convinced.


    Without beating around the bush, Freya asked, ¡°Dad said you wanted to see me. What¡¯s the issue?¡±


    ¡°Is that the only reason you¡¯d visit¡ªwhen there¡¯s an issue?¡± Miguel expressed his displeasure. ¡°Why can¡¯t you be more like Vivien?¡±


    Freya was silent.


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    This conversation brought back memories of her time with the Shaw family, how Lionel often said simr things to others.


    It made sense now why people had looked at her with such disdain back then. Those kinds of words were naturally divisive.


    ¡°Since your father began seeing Vivien¡¯s mom, Vivien stops by every few days,¡± Miguel remarked. ¡°She visits more in one month than you and She do in an entire year.¡±


    Freya simply listened, showing respect without reacting.


    She and Ethel had never had a close bond with Miguel.


    He was nothing like Lionel, who, despite his strict exterior, had a soft heart and allowed the youngsters to make their own choices. Miguel, on the other hand¡­


    He expectedplete obedience. He was used to having his orders followed without question.


    Whenever that didn¡¯t happen, his temper would re, as it went against his patriarchal nature.


    At times, Freya felt thankful that her father hadn¡¯t inherited her grandfather¡¯s rigid, old-fashioned mindset. After her mother joined the family, Hugh had always treated her with kindness and respect. Whenever Miguel tried to impose his will on her mother, Hugh stood up for her without hesitation.


    Though her father often imed that he and her mother had only built a peaceful, loving home for the sake of her and her sister, Freya didn¡¯t fully believe that.


    Could anyone really build a home so nurturing and genuine out of pure obligation? She doubted it. There must have been true love between them.


    ¡°Grandpa, please don¡¯t be mad at Freya,¡± Vivien said in her most honeyed voice. ¡°She just went through a divorce not too long ago, and she¡¯s probably still feeling a bit low. She needs some time to get back on her feet.¡±


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    Her words instantly drew the attention of both Miguel and Freya. Before Miguel could chime in, Freya¡¯s eyes¡ªnow sharper and colder than ice¡ªlocked onto Vivien. Her voice was steely and more serious than ever before.


    ¡°He¡¯s not your grandfather. Miss Garza, please mind your choice of words.¡±


    Vivien blinked, clearly startled. She hadn¡¯t expected Freya to say something like that right in front of Miguel.


    ¡°What does she mean by divorce?¡± Miguel¡¯s expression darkened in an instant, his face turning rigid with displeasure.


    Freya¡¯s response was blunt, her voice clipped. ¡°Exactly what it sounds like.¡±


    Miguel¡¯s frown deepened, lines etching into his forehead. ¡°When did you get married? And to whom? Why was I kept in the dark?¡±


    Freya shifted her gaze toward Vivien.


    There was no way her father would¡¯ve told Vivien about the divorce.


    Judging from theirst spat, Vivien might have guessed she had been involved with Kristian, but she couldn¡¯t possibly know about the divorce itself.


    ¡°Why are you looking at Vivien?¡± Miguel barked, mming his palm against the table in frustration. ¡°I¡¯m asking you!¡±


    ¡°Two years ago,¡± Freya said simply, offering no extra exnation. ¡°There wasn¡¯t a wedding, so I didn¡¯t bring it up.¡±


    She knew it sounded ridiculous, but this was her life¡ªand she would own it.


    Besides, if she had told Miguel, it would¡¯ve only stirred up more trouble.


    ¡°Who did you marry?¡± Miguel demanded, needing nothing but a name.


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    Freya didn¡¯t want to say it.


    She didn¡¯t even want to think about it.


    ¡°It¡¯s over. Who it was doesn¡¯t matter anymore.¡±


    Not wanting the conversation to spiral further, Freya smoothly pivoted. ¡°If that¡¯s all, Grandpa, I¡¯ll head back to the office. There¡¯s still work waiting.¡±


    With Vivien in the room, anything she said was likely to ignite more conflict. If nothing important remained, there was no reason to stay.


    ¡°You think you¡¯re grown now and can do whatever you please?¡± Miguel¡¯s voice rose, heavy with disapproval. ¡°You think you can go toe-to-toe with me?¡±


    ¡°Did you summon me just to start a fight?¡± Freya asked, barely containing her irritation. She knew it wasn¡¯t right to speak to an elder like this, but she couldn¡¯t stomach Miguel¡¯s attitude.


    Miguel¡¯s fury surged, ready to unleash another tirade¡ªwhen a slightly amused voice broke in.


    ¡°Well, looks like we¡¯ve got quite the crowd here today.¡±


    Freya turned toward the sound and saw n approaching in a crisp suit, a faint smile ying on his lips.


    She exchanged a nce with him, silently questioning his presence. Shouldn¡¯t he be at the office now?


    n returned her look with a slight gesture, indicating Hugh had sent him here to defuse the tension, knowing full well she and Miguel were shing again.


    Freya turned her eyes away.


    That wasn¡¯t necessary.


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    If the conversation couldn¡¯t continue without chaos, she would just leave. Miguel was older, and she wouldn¡¯t stoop to arguing¡ªbut that didn¡¯t mean she had to stick around.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be working?¡± Miguel¡¯s frown softened ever so slightly at the sight of n, though his tone remained firm.


    There was still a hint of old-school gender bias in the way he treated men versus women. But Freya didn¡¯t care, as long as her parents didn¡¯t think the same way.


    ¡°I was working, but there¡¯s something going on at thepany that only Mina can handle,¡± n replied smoothly. ¡°I couldn¡¯t find her there, so I came here.¡±


    Miguel¡¯s expression remained stern. ¡°And thepany can¡¯t function without her?¡±


    ¡°It really can¡¯t,¡± n said with a good-natured smile, clearly unbothered by the old man¡¯s tone. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t believe how sharp she is. She just closed a killer deal that brought in a huge profit.¡±


    ¡°She should focus on looking presentable,¡± Miguel muttered, his eyes narrowing at Freya¡¯s tailored outfit. ¡°What¡¯s the point of being at the office anyway?¡±


    n¡¯s gaze shifted ever so slightly at that remark.


    Freya, however, remained unfazed. She let the words drift past her like a breeze. She already knew what her grandfather thought.


    To him, marriage was simply a tool¡ªto extract the highest possible value.


    ¡°Look at the daughters of other prestigious families. Which one of them doesn¡¯t keep themselves polished and poised?¡± Miguel continued his rant.


    ¡°Mina¡¯s stunning even without all that polish,¡± n replied sincerely. ¡°And everyone¡¯s different. Some enjoy dressing up. Mina enjoys making money. There¡¯s room for both.¡±


    g???????¦Í??????.??0??, ?????????? ???????? ????


    Miguel clearly didn¡¯t appreciate the sentiment.


    Vivien quickly tried to smooth things over. ¡°n¡¯s right. Freya really is beautiful. Even without any effort, she still turns heads.¡±


    Both Freya and n winced slightly at her sharine tone.


    Miguel cast another nce at Freya, his discontent still simmering. ¡°Being pretty isn¡¯t enough. She stillcks the real talent topete.¡±


    At that, Freya arched a brow ever so slightly but said nothing. Thinking Miguel had misunderstood herpletely, n was ready to speak up.


    He knew how gifted Freya was. She¡¯d hosted her own art exhibitions, written pianopositions used inpetitions¡ªall when she was still a teenager.


    Experts from multiple disciplines had praised her work.


    Years had passed since then, and she had only honed her skills further.


    How could she be seen ascking?


    But before he could say a word, Freya gently tugged on his sleeve.


    n looked over, confused.


    ¡°Your father¡¯s spoiled you, hiding you away from the world,¡± Miguel said, still fixed on Freya. ¡°Now that you¡¯re an adult, it¡¯s time for you to pull your weight.¡±


    n blinked. What was this about?


    ¡°I called you here to ask if there¡¯s anyone you¡¯re interested in,¡± Miguel said, his tone all business. ¡°If there is, I¡¯ll arrange the marriage ordingly. But since you¡¯ve already been married once, I¡¯ll handle it my way.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t marry for business,¡± Freya said, her voice steady and firm.


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    Miguel¡¯s face was like stone. ¡°You don¡¯t get a say in this.¡±


    ¡°You want me to marry to benefit the Briggs Group, but I can add value without being anyone¡¯s wife,¡± Freya replied, perfectly calm, undisturbed by his domineering tone.


    People always wanted more.


    The Briggs Group was already thriving. It didn¡¯t need a marriage to maintain its status.


    But her grandfather wasn¡¯t satisfied. He still wanted to push for an arranged marriage to take thepany even further.


    ¡°Arrogant!¡± Miguel snapped. He didn¡¯t believe her for a second. ¡°I know what you¡¯re capable of. This isn¡¯t a discussion¡ªit¡¯s a decision. If you refuse, Ethel will take your ce.¡±


    If the person standing across from Freya hadn¡¯t been her grandpa, she would¡¯ve turned on her heel and walked away without a second thought.


    But respect had been drilled into her since childhood, so even though the topic rubbed her the wrong way and she had no desire to engage, she was stuck.


    ¡°Who exactly do you want me to marry?¡± Freya asked, cutting straight to the point.


    ¡°In three days, there¡¯s a gathering for you young folks. I¡¯ve already signed you up. Just attend it then,¡± Miguel said, his tone rigid and expression unreadable.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Freya replied tly, her voice devoid of emotion.


    She¡¯d grown used to hismanding tone¡ªone of the many reasons their rtionship had always been rocky.


    They didn¡¯t exchange many words after that. n chimed in briefly before leading Freya away.


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    Once they were in the car, n nced over and asked, puzzled, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you let me speak up for you back there?¡±


    Ever since their grandfather brought up the idea of a strategic marriage for business reasons, she had been subtly hinting at him to stay quiet.


    ¡°Whether you speak or not, it won¡¯t change anything. If you do, he¡¯ll only get angrier and give us another lecture,¡± Freya said, having long figured out how Miguel operated. ¡°If you stay silent, he just gets to finish what he wants to say, and that¡¯s that.¡±


    ¡°Are you seriously nning to go to that event he mentioned?¡± n asked, frowning.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya answered, her tone calm and unaffected. ¡°If I don¡¯t, he won¡¯t drop it.¡±


    ¡°Maybe I should talk to him sometime,¡± n suggested, not wanting Freya to force herself into anything unpleasant. ¡°He¡¯s never really cared about you, and he always thinks you¡¯recking,¡± he added.


    To their grandfather, Freya¡¯s absence from the public eye was a sign of weakness¡ªa fear that she¡¯d humiliate the Briggs Group if people knew she was the chairman¡¯s daughter.


    But in truth, she far outshone n in every way.


    ¡°No need,¡± Freya said, her voice firm, already knowing Miguel too well. ¡°It won¡¯t change a thing.¡±


    If words had any weight, she would have brought up Anita International Group already, but she knew all her grandfather ever cared about was forging business alliances through marriage.


    That, to him, was the ultimate currency.


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    ¡°Should we let your dad know?¡± n asked again.


    ¡°No. If he finds out, he¡¯ll definitely end up fighting with Grandpa,¡± Freya said, not out of kindness but because she didn¡¯t want to stir up trouble. ¡°Grandpa¡¯s old now. If he gets too riled up in an argument, Dad will just end up feeling guilty.¡±


    n felt a knot of conflicting emotions twist in his chest. For a moment, he didn¡¯t know what to say.


    He realized that even with talent and wealth, life didn¡¯t always go the way one wanted. Disappointments were inevitable.


    ¡°Sometimes, I wish you weren¡¯t so rational,¡± he murmured. ¡°Being too rationales at the cost of your own happiness.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t let myself be wronged,¡± Freya answered calmly.


    Her rationality only extended so far. She refused to let herself be mistreated. If her grandfather ever pushed too hard and arranged an engagement, she¡¯d cut ties without hesitation.


    But until then, she could deal with it.


    n gave her another look but said nothing more.


    When they reached thepany, he went off to his own work, and Freya made her way to her office.


    What she hadn¡¯t expected was to find a bouquet of vivid, eye-catching roses on her desk. Her brow furrowed, and she looked around, asking, ¡°Whose flowers are these?¡±


    ¡°They seem to be for you,¡± someone nearby replied. ¡°The delivery guy asked for Freya Briggs specifically.¡±


    Hearing that, Freya looked at the bouquet again.


    New chapters now on .c?m


    Tucked inside was a card with a handwritten message, signed by Kristian.


    Without sparing it another nce, she slid the card back into the flowers and told her assistant to throw them out.


    Originally, her assistant had been Melvin, but ever since Anita International got caught up in a coboration on chip development, she had the Briggs Group assign her a new assistant. Melvin had returned to his original post at Anita International.


    Her new assistant hesitated, staring at the pristine bouquet. ¡°You really want to throw them away?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya said, curt and unbothered.


    The assistant pursed her lips, then carried the flowers to the trash. Her action didn¡¯t go unnoticed. Whispers quickly spread around the office.


    ¡°Is Ms. Briggs really that icy?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m suddenly dying to know who sent them. It must¡¯ve stung watching that effort go straight to the bin.¡±


    ¡°Maybe for Ms. Briggs, men are just distractions from her career.¡±


    ¡°Totally agree.¡±


    Thesements didn¡¯t reach Freya. Once she was focused on work, she blocked everything else out.


    But word got around anyway.


    Kristian had just wrapped up a business meeting and returned to Alerith.


    As the workday drew to a close, he checked the time and asked the man next to him, ¡°Did Freya get them?¡±


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    Gerard froze. How was he supposed to tell his boss that Freya had ruthlessly tossed the bouquet?


    ¡°Are you deaf?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice turned sharp, his tone cold.


    ¡°She did get the flowers,¡± Gerard answered, trying to soften the blow, his eyes shifting awkwardly. ¡°But she had them thrown out almost immediately.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s expression darkened. Did she really dislike him that much? Gerard hesitated, unsure if he should go on.


    ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯m not sure I should say.¡±


    Kristian replied coolly, ¡°Then don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s obvious Ms. Briggs isn¡¯t into you. If you keep pushing, she¡¯ll just get¡­ annoyed,¡± Gerard said anyway.


    Kristian had ignored all advice before, which led to the divorce. If he kept it up, Freya might do more than ignore him¡ªshe might actually hit him.


    Kristian¡¯s gaze turned colder. ¡°Didn¡¯t I just say not to speak?¡±


    Gerard went silent. His boss¡¯s love life was aplete mess.


    ¡°Keep sending the flowers,¡± Kristian ordered, his tone clipped. ¡°One bouquet every day. Don¡¯t stop until I say so.¡±


    Staring at his impossibly stubborn boss, Gerard had no choice but to nod. ¡°Understood.¡±


    The next day, Freya received another bouquet from Kristian, and the gossip in the office reached a whole new level.


    Freya hated being in the spotlight.


    R3ad the r3zt at g??lno¦Íels.??????


    After having the second bouquet thrown away, she messaged Kristian directly. ¡°Stop sending me flowers.¡±


    Her words were simple, blunt, and unmistakably her. She never bothered to hide how she felt.


    Kristian texted back quickly. ¡°ording to the script, I¡¯m pursuing you.¡±


    Freya paused, and then it hit her.


    Because Ashley had gone around iming Kristian was chasing Freya, that mastermind hadn¡¯t made any bold moves. But if nothing was happening between her and Kristian, Ashley¡¯s lie would be exposed.


    As Freya thought it through, she rubbed her temples, already feeling the tension creep in.


    Why was that man going after Kristian? If there hadn¡¯t been any bad blood, she could¡¯ve taken her time plotting with Greta and the others. But if that man hadn¡¯t targeted Kristian in the first ce, she and Kristian might never have gotten divorced.


    After all, it was that man who had nted Ashley.


    Kristian had picked up on the silence¡ªFreya still hadn¡¯t answered any of his messages. His fingers hovered uncertainly above the keyboard, drumming against the keys as a tangled mess of emotions stirred inside him. Atst, he typed out another message and hit send.


    ¡°Once this whole situation is handled, if you still want nothing to do with me, I¡¯ll stop bothering you.¡±


    The past few days had given him a reality check.


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    Whether he still loved Freya or regretted the choices that had pulled them apart, if she genuinely didn¡¯t want him around anymore, then he had no right to impose.


    Freya stared at his message for what felt like an eternity before finally typing a single ¡°Okay¡± in response.


    Seeing her reply hit him with a surge of feelings he couldn¡¯t quite name.


    Sometimes, he even questioned whether she had ever loved him at all. If she had, why had she remained so perfectlyposed since the divorce, so untouched by sorrow?


    It was as if none of it had ever mattered to her in the first ce. Over the following two days, Kristian kept sending flowers. And each time, Freya calmly told her assistant to toss them out.


    Ashley had mentioned to that man that Kristian was chasing after Freya again, but she¡¯d left out the part where Freya might still feel something for him. Freya saw no reason to ept the flowers.


    Three days slipped by before she even noticed.


    The day of the event her grandfather had insisted she attend had finally arrived.


    She made no effort to m herself up¡ªjust wore her usual, effortless outfit. Her hair flowed freely down her back, revealing her smooth, luminous forehead.


    The gathering was set to begin at four. After wrapping up her work, Freya stepped into the car her grandfather had arranged,plete with a personal driver to ensure she wouldn¡¯t skip out.


    When she arrived, her entrance barely registered with anyone.


    The ce was filled with music, drinks, andughter.


    She scanned the room with a quick, quiet nce¡ªroughly a dozen guests, men and women alike, were chatting in cozy clusters, clearly enjoying themselves.


    She found the most inconspicuous spot she could and slipped into a seat, steeling herself for what promised to be a long, exhausting evening.


    But what she hadn¡¯t expected was for Vivien to show up.


    She had barely settled in when Vivien¡¯s overly sweet and slightly shrill voice cut through the room, instantly turning heads.


    ¡°Freya! There you are! I¡¯ve been looking everywhere for you!¡±


    Freya slowly opened her eyes to see Vivien standing in front of her, dressed to the nines in a sleek gown, her makeup meticulously done.


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go over there.¡± Vivien reached for her arm, eyes gleaming with something a little too sly. ¡°Grandpa arranged some introductions for you. They¡¯re waiting.¡±


    ¡°Let go.¡± Freya¡¯s eyes dropped to the hand wrapped around her arm.


    Vivien froze for half a second, catching sight of the curious stares beginning to gather. Quickly, she shifted her tone to one of innocent concern.


    ¡°I just figured you might be bored all alone over here, so I thought I¡¯d bring you over. I didn¡¯t mean anything by it.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s that? Don¡¯t think I¡¯ve seen her before.¡±


    ¡°Did she just show up uninvited?¡±


    ¡°Vivien, do you know her?¡±


    The whispers in the room were getting louder.


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    Message from Noah: Good night dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ????(? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?


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 Chapter 501

    ?Chapter 501:


    In the past couple of years, Vivien had used her ties to Hugh to mix and mingle with just about everyone in the inner circle¡ªmore so than Freya ever had.


    Besides Greta and a handful of close friends, Freya rarely associated with anyone. She didn¡¯t care for such things and had never seen the point.


    ¡°Yes, I know her. My grandpa invited her,¡± Vivien said with a light shrug, her gaze flickering. ¡°She¡¯s not really into events like this. It¡¯s her first time showing up at one.¡±


    Her casual remark was enough for the others to draw their own conclusions¡ªclearly, Freya was just some outsider desperate to marry into wealth, who had begged Vivien¡¯s grandfather to let her attend. In this crowd, everyone pretty much took it for granted that Miguel was Vivien¡¯s grandfather.


    ¡°If she¡¯s not into it, then whye? Why act like she¡¯s too good for everyone?¡±


    ¡°Just ignore her. Let¡¯s go have fun.¡±


    ¡°But my grandpa told me to keep an eye on her. If I ditch her, he might get mad,¡± Vivien added, her voice soaked in fake concern.


    The others, who had no idea who Freya really was, naturally sided with Vivien.


    ¡°If Miguel gives you a hard time, we¡¯ll back you up.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s go!¡±


    They tugged Vivien away, leaving Freya alone in her seat.


    Normally, she wouldn¡¯t have cared. She¡¯d never been one to worry about what people said behind her back.


    But today was different. She might not have mingled with these socialites before, but she¡¯d done her research. Every single one of them¡ªaside from Vivien¡ªcame from an influential family and was adored by their parents.


    Fresh chapters are live at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s


    Freya didn¡¯t care about her own reputation, but she deeply cared about what kind of shadow it might cast on her sister.


    This was her first real entrance into this world. If Vivien managed to smear her image here, the rumors would spread faster than anyone could control, twisting every detail as they went.


    And when the truth eventually came out, all anyone would remember was that Ethel¡¯s sister had a terrible attitude.


    Before she could say a word, another voice broke into the moment.


    ¡°Freya?¡±


    She turned, startled. What on earth was going on today? How had she ended up bumping into two people who actually knew her at the same event?


    ¡°It really is you!¡± Norah¡¯s voice rang out with bright surprise. She walked over, radiant and rxed. ¡°I thought I was seeing things. What are you doing here?¡±


    Her words immediately turned the tide of attention.


    Everyone knew Norah, a member of the Russell family.


    And seeing her greet Freya with such warmth and familiarity left the rest of the room frozen in confusion.


    ¡°Norah, who¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°You know her too?¡±


    Now they were all second-guessing themselves.


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 Chapter 502

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    Compared to Vivien, Norah was someone they actually trusted. She¡¯d grown up in this circle. Her reputation was solid.


    Norah was a member of the Russell family, while Vivien was merely Hugh¡¯s almost-stepdaughter. No one could say for sure whether the Briggs family would ever officially ept her.


    ¡°I forgot to introduce myself,¡± Freya said atst, her voice cool and steady. ¡°I¡¯m Freya Briggs, Hugh Briggs¡¯s daughter.¡±


    A hush fell over the room.


    She was Hugh¡¯s daughter? But wasn¡¯t Ethel his only daughter?


    ¡°Are you Ethel¡¯s elder sister?¡± someone asked¡ªan adorable girl standing nearby with wide eyes.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya answered simply.


    The girl lit up, hurrying over with a bright grin.


    ¡°I¡¯m Celia Scott. I¡¯m friends with Ethel! She¡¯s mentioned an elder sister before, but we¡¯d never met you!¡±


    Freya¡¯s quiet deration had done its job¡ªshe was now seen for who she truly was.


    Celia¡¯s words cemented it.


    Suddenly, the same people who had been whispering behind her back were stumbling over themselves to introduce themselves.


    That was how this world worked. Without power, you were invisible.


    But with it? Even if you stood in silence, people still came flocking.


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    Freya had flipped the entire room with a single sentence.


    Vivien stood stiffly to the side, watching the very people who had rallied behind her now buzzing around Freya like moths to a me. Her fists curled at her sides.


    Freya couldn¡¯t be bothered with the scene, but she didn¡¯t hold back either. She turned to Vivien, her tone cool and unmistakably pointed.


    ¡°Miss Garza,¡± she said smoothly, ¡°I suggest you be more careful about twisting my grandfather¡¯s words in public. It might lead to misunderstandings.¡±


    She didn¡¯t miss the deliberate weight she put on ¡°my.¡±


    Freya¡¯s statement made Vivien¡¯s face burn with shame.


    With that single revtion, everyone realized her earlier ims were nothing but a house of cards¡ªcrumbling fast and exposing her deceit.


    Shame tangled with fury in Vivien¡¯s chest.


    She had, in truth, set out to ruin Freya.


    ¡°But Grandpa did tell me to keep an eye on you,¡± she snapped, unable to bottle up her anger any longer, ¡°and to make sure you pick someone suitable to marry. After all, getting married a second time isn¡¯t exactly a walk in the park.¡±


    The moment those words left her lips, the room fell still¡ªall eyes turned to Freya.


    Could it be true? Had Ethel¡¯s sister, hidden from the spotlight for so long, actually been married¡­ and divorced?


    ¡°Miss Garza, you certainly have a ir for the dramatic,¡± came an easygoing voice.


    Trent strolled over, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips, his schrly charm on full disy. ¡°No matter how many times Mina marries, there¡¯s no shortage of people waiting in line to win her heart.¡±


    Freya blinked, caughtpletely off guard. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


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    ?Chapter 503:


    Vivien¡¯s presence was understandable¡ªshe thrived on gatherings like this. And Norah¡¯s attendance made sense, given the nature of the event, which was designed to bring single men and women together. But Trent? He was not the kind to attend such functions, no matter how much his family pestered him about marriage.


    ¡°I heard you wereing,¡± Trent said, adjusting his sses with casual grace. ¡°So I made a point of requesting an invitation.¡±


    Gasps rippled through the crowd.


    ¡°Mr. Seymour?¡±


    ¡°This event has certainly drawn a lively crowd today.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Seymour seems rather familiar with Ms. Briggs, doesn¡¯t he? Do they have a close rtionship in private?¡±


    ¡°He even said he came specifically because she would be here. What do you make of that?¡±


    The atmosphere buzzed with spection.


    Though many present came from esteemed families, few could match Trent¡¯s pedigree.


    He was a name whispered with admiration, the kind of man many dreamed of marrying¡ªbut he had never shown the slightest interest in anyone. Until now.


    Freya, who had been bearing the weight of unwanted attention, suddenly felt the pressure lift. With Trent by her side, she no longer had to navigate this crowd alone.


    True to form, Trent guided her to a quiet corner where she could finally breathe.


    Anyone who dared approach to start a conversation was gently, yet firmly, turned away.


    To Vivien, this sight was a dagger to the heart.


    Why was Freya always the one who drew all the light? Why was even Trent, the ever-elusive gentleman, kind to her?


    Those who had once gathered around Vivien now flocked to Freya, leaving her standing on the outside, watching the warmth she craved slip further away.


    Jealousy took root and spread through her, choking reason like ivy on stone.


    Her mind spiraled¡ªFreya had taken everything: her job, her stepfather¡¯s favor, her connections.


    But Freya, blissfully unaware of Vivien¡¯s escting thoughts, remained calm.


    If Vivien had been an ordinary woman¡ªhonest and without scheming¡ªFreya might¡¯ve extended a hand in goodwill.


    But from the first moment they met, something about Vivien had rubbed her the wrong way.


    ¡°Kristian will be here too,¡± Trent said suddenly.


    Freya frowned, puzzled. It wasn¡¯t panic in her eyes¡ªjust pure bewilderment.


    ¡°Damon is bringing him,¡± Trent exined, his tone still even. ¡°They should arrive any minute now.¡±


    Outside, in a sleek ck car, Kristian sat quietly, his expression unreadable as he nced at Damon.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here,¡± he said curtly. ¡°Just let me know when it¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯reing in with me,¡± Damon said, unwavering as he tugged at Kristian¡¯s arm.


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    ?Chapter 504:


    ¡°I¡¯m not going,¡± Kristian said, firm as iron.


    If someone snapped a photo and posted it online, what would Freya think? His presence here could spark rumors he had no desire to fan.


    ¡°If you stay behind, how will I clear my name once I¡¯m inside?¡± Damon countered, still tugging at him.


    Stubborn determination.


    ¡°For the sake of my reputation, I need you with me¡ªfrom start to finish.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to go, just say so. It¡¯s not rocket science,¡± Kristian replied, unable to understand his friend¡¯s insistence.


    ¡°Not everyone has the luxury of choosing who they love,¡± Damon muttered, letting go of him and leaning back in his seat, frustration written across his face. ¡°My parents don¡¯t support me being with Patti. If I skip this event, Patti pays the price.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t be by Patti Smith¡¯s side every moment, and he knew too well the games his parents yed.


    Sometimes, surface-levelpromise was the only option.


    Once he gained full control of the Russell Group, he¡¯d draw a line in the sand¡ªand his parents¡¯ opinions would carry no weight.


    But for now, he had to bite the bullet. For Patti.


    Kristian sighed, brows drawn tight, but finally stepped out of the car with him.


    The moment he walked in, the air changed. All eyes turned toward him. If Freya and Ethel were prized matches for the city¡¯s eligible men, Kristian was their mirror image¡ªan ideal husband in the eyes of every ambitious woman.


    With hismanding presence and distinguished background, he stood in a league of his own¡ªeven Trent seemed to dim beside him.


    Gal no ve l s . hosts your favorite stories


    ¡°What kind of day is this turning out to be? The elusive daughter of the Briggs family has made an appearance. Mr. Seymour from the Seymour Group is here, and now Kristian Shaw of the Shaw Group has just walked in!¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this supposed to be just a casual singles gathering? Why does it suddenly feel like a summit of the elite?¡±


    ¡°The real question is¡ªwhat brings Mr. Shaw and Mr. Seymour here of all ces?¡±


    ¡°Who knows.¡±


    Whispers swirled through the crowd like wind through trees, each guest eager to approach Kristian, yet held back by the frosty aura he exuded.


    Kristian caught fragments of their hushed conversations and strode toward the woman who had just spoken.


    The youngdy¡¯s breath caught in her throat; nerves danced in her chest.


    Kristian Shaw was standing right in front of her!


    ¡°You said the daughter of Hugh Briggs is here?¡± Kristian asked, his gaze turning sharp and unreadable, his voice calm but steady. ¡°Is her name Freya?¡±


    ¡°Y-Yes,¡± she stammered, nodding so hard it was a wonder her head stayed on. ¡°It¡¯s Freya Briggs.¡±


    Kristian gave a small nod and walked off with Damon in that direction. As they moved, Damon nced sideways and ventured a bold guess.


    ¡°Is Freya your ex-wife?¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t answer.


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 Chapter 505

    ?Chapter 505:


    ¡°No wonder you had me look into whether Ethel had a sister,¡± Damon remarked, now eyeing him with piqued interest. ¡°Wait¡ªyou actually married her without knowing who her family was?¡±


    Kristian shot him a look that was part re, part weary tolerance.


    ¡°You¡¯re something else,¡± Damon said with a half-smile, his tone walking a fine line between jest and sincerity. ¡°If I were Freya¡¯s kin, I¡¯d have given you a hard time for making such a rash decision.¡±


    ¡°If you keep running your mouth, I¡¯ll turn around and walk out,¡± Kristian warned, clearly not in the mood for Damon¡¯smentary.


    He had asked Freya about her family once they¡¯d married, and he¡¯d even suggested they pay them a visit. But Freya had declined, brushing the idea aside.


    She¡¯d told him, inly and firmly, that she had married him for her own reasons¡ªand that she preferred to keep her family far removed from it all.


    Damon noticed Kristian was genuinely upset, so he decided not to rub salt in the wound.


    They walked down the hallway. As they turned the corner toward the entertainment area, they spotted Freya and Trent sitting together in the lounge, chatting casually.


    Kristian came to a stop. His eyes locked on Freya. She looked calm and rxed, facing Trent.


    ¡°What are you staring at?¡± Damon followed his gaze, then smirked.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t think Trent was the type to show up at a singles mixer.¡±


    ¡°How did you manage to win over Patti?¡± Kristian asked out of nowhere.


    Damon had a feeling Kristian was just trying to push his buttons. Kristian said suddenly, ¡°Oh right. You¡¯re still hung up on her. My bad. Haven¡¯t actually won her over yet.¡±


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    Damon clenched his fists. He felt like punching him.


    Just as he was about to fire back that Kristian was also still single, he saw him heading straight toward Trent.


    Damon frowned, unsure what Kristian was up to, but he followed anyway.


    Freya and Trent were still talking about nothing important when Freya sensed someone approaching. She turned slightly and saw Kristian standing right beside her.


    Her brows drew together the moment she saw him.


    Before she could speak, Kristian took her hand and started walking toward thewn.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± she asked, startled.


    Trent started to rise, but Damon caught Kristian¡¯s subtle signal and quickly pulled Trent into conversation.


    Kristian didn¡¯t say a word. He just held Freya¡¯s hand tightly and led her through the room like the crowd didn¡¯t exist. People turned to look. Whispers followed.


    Everyone knew who he was¡ªeven if they hadn¡¯t met him, they had seen his photos.


    He had the reputation of being aloof and distant. Seeing him at a singles event, holding a woman¡¯s hand and walking out? That shocked everyone.


    Freya thought about shaking him off. But with all those eyes on her, she didn¡¯t want to make a scene.


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 Chapter 506

    ?Chapter 506:


    Kristian knew her well enough to count on that. That¡¯s why he led her outside, where no one was watching.


    Once they reached thewn, just as Freya moved to pull away, Kristian let go.


    ¡°Are you on a date with Trent?¡± he asked, his voice low and a little downcast.


    Freya didn¡¯t want to talk. ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t be with him right now. If you are, that man won¡¯te after you,¡± Kristian said quickly, the words rushing out.


    He knew the real target was him. But based on how Freya reacted before, she clearly had a score to settle with that man too.


    Freya¡¯s mind clouded over.


    ¡°So you think I have no choice but to team up with you to catch him?¡± she asked.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then what are you trying to say?¡± Kristian had no answer.


    He didn¡¯t know how to close the distance between them or even how to look her in the eye.


    But he didn¡¯t want to let her go.


    Seeing her sitting with Trent made him jealous. He wished he could sit beside her again, like before, and ask what they were talking about. But he didn¡¯t have that light anymore.


    The only thread left between them was the man behind Ashley.


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Kristian asked instead of replying.


    Freya didn¡¯t answer. She looked calm, but her silence was cold and distant.


    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s takes you to new worlds


    Kristian felt suffocated.


    Still, even now, he didn¡¯t want to walk away.


    Something about being near her made his heart settle, even if it hurt.


    It was better than nothing.


    They stood there in silence.


    After what felt like ages, Freya turned and started to leave without a word.


    Kristian grabbed her arm.


    ¡°What do you even want from me?¡± she asked, confused and tired. Kristian didn¡¯t let go. His eyes stayed locked on hers.


    ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered my question.¡±


    ¡°Dating,¡± Freya said bluntly.


    ¡°With Trent?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t owe you an exnation.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t tell me, I¡¯ll show up at your ce every day to propose. You can shut the door, but eventually, all of Alerith will know,¡± Kristian blurted.


    Freya turned to face him fully. She couldn¡¯t believe she hadn¡¯t seen just how shameless he could be.


    Seeing the rejection in her eyes made something twist in his chest, but he still didn¡¯t let go.


    ¡°Not with Trent,¡± Freya said, tired of the back-and-forth. ¡°My grandpa asked me toe here.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s brows drew together.


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 Chapter 507

    ?Chapter 507:


    Before he could say anything else, she calmly pulled his hand off with her other hand.


    She wasn¡¯t angry. Her voice was steady. ¡°I don¡¯t know what game you¡¯re ying. If this is just to fool that man, there¡¯s no need. I¡¯ll have Ashley lie to him.¡±


    Ashley was his spy. If she spoke, that man would believe her¡ªfor now, at least.


    ¡°I have to go,¡± Freya said firmly, after which she walked away. This time, Kristian didn¡¯t stop her.


    He stood there watching her disappear inside. He stayed frozen until Damon came up and snapped him out of it.


    ¡°What¡¯s with you?¡± Damon asked, noticing something was off. Kristian didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he asked,


    ¡°Do you know much about Miguel Briggs?¡±


    ¡°Ethel¡¯s grandpa?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Not really. People say he¡¯s strict and old-school. Likes to control what his kids and grandkids do. Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°No reason. I¡¯m heading back,¡± Kristian replied, already decided.


    ¡°What about me?¡± Damon asked.


    ¡°You¡¯ll figure it out.¡±


    Damon was annoyed. They were supposed to stick together¡ªKristian was ditching him mid-event? Some friend!


    But Kristian didn¡¯t care. He left the car for Damon and walked off, pulling out his phone to call Gerard toe pick him up.


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    Immediately, Gerard arrived. Kristian said, ¡°Set up a meeting with Miguel Briggs.¡±


    Gerard hesitated.


    Wasn¡¯t that Freya¡¯s grandfather?


    ¡°Got any specific time in mind?¡± Gerard asked, treating the whole thing like it was just another business meeting.


    ¡°Whenever works,¡± Kristian replied coolly.


    ¡°Alright then.¡±


    As always, Gerard was the picture of efficiency.


    By the next day, the meeting had been set. When Miguel got wind that Kristian wanted to see him, he extended an invitation to his estate without hesitation.


    Freya was still at the office when the news hit her.


    ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t mishear that?¡± she asked, clutching her phone with a furrowed brow. The words from the other end had caught herpletely off guard.


    ¡°Positive. By now, he¡¯s probably already there,¡± n answered, ever the reliable informant when it came to things happening at the family estate. ¡°But what¡¯s he doing there?¡±


    Freya¡¯s calmposure unraveled in an instant.


    Mulling over Kristian¡¯s recent antics, she muttered under her breath, ¡°He¡¯s causing me trouble again.¡±


    Without another word, she handed over her work to Melvin and drove straight to her grandfather¡¯s ce.


    Miguel was known for cutting conversations short¡ªten minutes tops if he wasn¡¯t fond of someone. But if he liked you? That chat could stretch for hours.


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 Chapter 508

    ?Chapter 508:


    With Kristian¡¯s polished image and impressive family background, it wasn¡¯t hard to imagine Miguel being charmed.


    He might even start fantasizing about a marriage alliance.


    That thought alone made Freya m the gas pedal harder. She could only pray that Kristian wouldn¡¯t mention anything about marriage. If he did, her grandfather would no doubttch onto the idea.


    And once that happened, an official engagement announcement would be inevitable. Then, things would spiralpletely out of control.


    Meanwhile, Kristian was already seated, engaged in a pleasant chat with Miguel.


    Gerard stood a short distance behind him, ying the role of silent assistant, quietly observing the conversation unfold.


    ¡°You¡¯re really prepared to offer that much to the Briggs Group?¡± Miguel asked, eyes glinting with satisfaction as he sized Kristian up.


    Dressed in a tailored suit that sharpened his alreadymanding presence, Kristian replied evenly, ¡°As long as you ept the terms I justid out, I¡¯ll deliver everything as promised.¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡± Miguel agreed without hesitation.


    Kristian took the agreement Gerard had prepared and handed it over. ¡°In that case, I¡¯d appreciate your signature right here.¡±


    Miguel skimmed through the contract, his grin widening with every page. He didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªjust picked up a pen and signed.


    Watching the whole thing, Gerard found himself at a loss. His emotions twisted into a knot, leaving him speechless.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re here, stay for lunch,¡± Miguel offered, clearly in high spirits. ¡°It¡¯s always nice to havepany.¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯d love to,¡± Kristian replied.


    Momentster, the signed agreements were split between the two parties.


    Miguel instructed one of his staff to store the document safely, while Kristian handed his copy to Gerard to hold onto. Other than the three of them, no one else knew the details of the deal.


    Freya arrived just as lunch was about to be served.


    Both Miguel and Kristian looked genuinely surprised to see her, neither had expected her to show up.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡± Miguel asked.


    Freya nced briefly at Kristian, then came up with a nonchnt excuse.


    ¡°Just came to pick up a few things.¡±


    Since she had her own room at the estate, it didn¡¯t sound out of ce. Miguel didn¡¯t react much to her response.


    ¡°Well, since you¡¯re here, join us for lunch,¡± he said after a short pause, brow furrowed slightly before extending the invite. ¡°I happen to have a guest.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya replied, seizing the moment to figure out why Kristian had shown up.


    Noticing the subtle tension between the two, Miguel tactfully came up with an excuse to step out.


    Freya found it suspicious¡ªher grandfather never acted like that.


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 Chapter 509

    ?Chapter 509:


    ¡°Sir, I¡¯ll head back to the office and deal with a few things,¡± Gerard said, sensing that his presence wasn¡¯t required anymore. ¡°Just call me when you¡¯re ready, and I¡¯ll send someone to pick you up.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s tone remained as aloof as ever. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Soon, only Freya and Kristian remained.


    Freya looked at him with narrowed eyes, suspicion dancing in her gaze. Her voice carried a trace of annoyance. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes locked onto hers, her reflection caught in his stare. He wanted to throw her own words back at her¡ª¡±none of your business.¡±


    But he knew saying that would only push her farther away, leaving them more estranged than they already were.


    Freya raised an eyebrow, waiting. Why wasn¡¯t he saying anything?


    ¡°Just discussing a few things with your grandpa,¡± Kristian finally answered, his voice steady.


    ¡°What kind of things?¡±


    ¡°Business.¡± The reply was curt and clipped.


    Freya shot him a skeptical look.


    Her grandfather had stepped away from business matters ever since her father took over the reins. There was no reason for him to suddenly get involved again.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, feel free to ask him,¡± Kristian said as he stood up. His suit hugged his frame perfectly, making him look maddeningly attractive.


    Freya wasn¡¯t about to ask. She knew her grandfather wouldn¡¯t spill a word.


    g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, your storytelling home


    Worse, he might flip the script and ask her about yesterday¡¯s gathering.


    After returning from it the day before, she¡¯d spent the rest of her time with Trent, steering clear of everyone else. If Vivien had snitched to Miguel, another gathering might already be in the works.


    Unless absolutely necessary, Freya preferred to avoid facing Miguel altogether.


    She stared at Kristian for a beat before asking again, ¡°What kind of business matters?¡±


    ¡°Since it¡¯s business, there are confidentiality uses,¡± Kristian replied as he stepped closer.


    His presence loomed over her like a shadow. ¡°I can¡¯t disclose anything to outsiders.¡±


    Freya couldn¡¯t poke any holes in his exnation, so she let it drop¡ªfor now.


    She figured if he hade to propose marriage, her grandfather would definitely bring it up during lunch.


    If he didn¡¯t, then it was none of her business. And if it didn¡¯t concern her, she had no reason to meddle.


    Ten minutester, the butler called them in for lunch.


    The meal was unusually quiet¡ªnobody said a word.


    Freya thought the silence was downright eerie. Her grandfather was never this subdued. On previous visits, he always had something to critique¡ªwhether it was someone¡¯s love life, job, or grades, he never held back.


    From n to Ethel, no one was safe.


    But today? Even after everyone had finished eating, he hadn¡¯t uttered a single word.


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 Chapter 510

    ?Chapter 510:


    After spending a little time with Miguel post-meal, Freya decided to head out. Since there was no mention of marriage, she had no reason to linger.


    She informed Miguel she was leaving, but before she could make her exit, Kristian spoke up.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got things to take care of at my office, so I¡¯ll head out too.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Miguel said, clearly pleased with Kristian, though somethingplicated flickered in his gaze. ¡°Come by more often when you¡¯ve got the time.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kristian answered politely.


    ¡°Freya.¡± Miguel¡¯s voice stopped Freya in her tracks.


    She turned around, her brows lifting slightly in question.


    Before she could say a word, he continued, ¡°Why don¡¯t you give Kristian a ride? You¡¯re headed that way anyway.¡±


    ¡°I¡­¡± Freya opened her mouth to protest.


    ¡°No need to trouble her,¡± Kristian cut in smoothly, his tone calm and even. ¡°I¡¯ll just call my assistant.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s no trouble!¡±


    Miguel cut him off firmly. ¡°She¡¯s going that way. Let her take you.¡±


    Freya stood there, caught off guard. She really didn¡¯t want to give Kristian a ride.


    Scrambling for an excuse, she quickly said, ¡°I¡¯ve got a few errands to run before I head to the office. Someone else can take him.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you to give him a ride. Since when did you get this stubborn?¡±


    Miguel¡¯s frown deepened, his displeasure showing. ¡°Just make sure he gets to the office safely today.¡±


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    Freya felt her energy drain. With no choice left, she muttered, ¡°Got it.¡± She shot Kristian a sideways nce and said curtly, ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± before walking off.


    Kristian exchanged a few polite words with Miguel, then followed her out.


    Hearing the warm tone between them, Freya couldn¡¯t help but wonder what they had been talking about. It wasn¡¯t like her grandfather to warm up to someone that fast. Something felt off.


    Outside, Freya climbed into the driver¡¯s seat and started the car. Kristian leaned in through the passenger-side window.


    ¡°You¡¯re seriously giving me a ride?¡±


    Her answer was curt, not bothering to borate.


    Kristian opened the door, slid into the seat, and buckled up without needing another word from her.


    Freya didn¡¯t drive off right away. She stared straight ahead, then asked without turning, ¡°What exactly did you talk about with my grandpa? And don¡¯t give me that ¡®business matters¡¯ excuse¡ªyou two weren¡¯t talking shop.¡±


    ¡°Curious, are you?¡± Kristian turned his head to look at her.


    Freya didn¡¯t reply, but her expression spoke volumes.


    Kristian said, ¡°It was about you.¡±


    ¡°A marriage alliance?¡± she asked bluntly.


    She wasn¡¯t worried about sounding full of herself. After all, he¡¯d brought up the idea more than once.


    Kristian studied her face.


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 Chapter 511

    ?Chapter 511:


    He knew that if he admitted it, her calm front would shatter. She¡¯d snap at him, and the way she looked at him would shift into something colder. And just like that, the gap between them would only widen.


    Freya couldn¡¯t read what he was thinking. She didn¡¯t push, just waited for him to answer.


    ¡°In your eyes, am I just someone who always forces you to do things you hate?¡±


    Kristian shot back with a question of his own, sidestepping hers entirely.


    Freya didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Isn¡¯t that what you are?¡± He¡¯d made her apologize, med her for things she didn¡¯t do, and kept showing up in her life even after they broke up.


    Now, she didn¡¯t trust him.


    Her voice was steady, but the words hit him hard, leaving him feeling suffocated.


    Freya didn¡¯t wait for a response. She started the engine and drove toward the Shaw Group office.


    The ride was silent, and the mood was tense.


    Freya kept her eyes on the road, while Kristian looked out the window, his thoughts adrift.


    But the silence didn¡¯t bother him. In fact, it gave him a strange sense of peace.


    Because she was right there next to him. She might not care about him anymore, but for now, that was enough.


    More than an hourter, Freya pulled up outside the branch office of Shaw Group.


    ¡°We¡¯re here,¡± she said, keeping it brief.


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    Kristian didn¡¯t move right away. Instead, he turned toward her, his eyes unreadable.


    Once he got out, he probably wouldn¡¯t see her again.


    Freya didn¡¯t hear him budge and assumed he¡¯d dozed off. She turned to nudge him¡ªonly to meet his gaze. His eyes¡ªdeep, conflicted, and tinged with something that looked like loneliness.


    She didn¡¯t love him anymore. She felt nothing for him. But still, something in his gaze stung.


    She turned her face away and said, ¡°You can get out now.¡±


    Kristian gave a quiet nod, then unbuckled, opened the door, and stepped out.


    Freya was about to pull away when she noticed him standing there, one hand on the car door, hesitating to shut it.


    ¡°Miguel won¡¯t force you into any more arranged marriages or blind dates,¡± Kristian said before she could say anything. His voice was calm, but carried a hint of sadness. ¡°You¡¯re free to choose who you want to marry.¡±


    Freya blinked, unsure what he meant. She was about to ask, but he had already closed the door and walked off, disappearing into the building with long, steady strides. All he left behind was the sight of his retreating figure.


    Freya stared after him for a second, then finally drove away.


    Meanwhile, Kristian returned to his office and sank into his chair, weighed down by thoughts.


    Gerard noticed hime in and walked over with the agreement Kristian had signed with Miguel. He handed it over.


    ¡°Just leave it there,¡± Kristian said.


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 Chapter 512

    ?Chapter 512:


    Gerard did as told.


    Kristian had nned to rest for a while, but noticed Gerard lingering nearby, clearly holding something back.


    ¡°Anything else?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Does Ms. Briggs know what you and her grandpa talked about?¡± Gerard asked carefully. He had seen Freya drop Kristian off, which made it seem like maybe things between them weren¡¯t as tense anymore.


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t,¡± Kristian replied tly, then added a warning. ¡°If she asks you, don¡¯t say a word.¡±


    ¡°What if she figures it out on her own?¡± Gerard asked.


    ¡°She won¡¯t,¡± Kristian said with certainty.


    She didn¡¯t trust him. There was no way she¡¯d ever guess the truth. Gerard saw how sure Kristian was and gave a small nod before leaving, gently closing the door behind him.


    Over the past few days, Gerard had picked up on the subtle changes in Kristian. He still worked hard, still handled everything wlessly, but something about him seemed off.


    It worried him.


    But honestly, he had to admit this was all a mess Kristian had created himself.


    If Kristian had only listened to him back then¡ªgone all in with Freya instead of pulling back¡ªthey might¡¯ve had a kid by now.


    The thought made Gerard sigh.


    Back at his desk, his phone rang. He looked at the screen and froze. It was Freya!


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    He hesitated, casting a nce toward the office door, unsure if he should answer.


    After a pause, he finally picked up.


    ¡°This is Freya. Is Kristian with you?¡±


    Freya quickly introduced herself before Gerard had the chance to say a word, clearly suspecting that Kristian might be within earshot. As his assistant, Gerard was practically glued to Kristian¡¯s side¡ªexcept for the hours they spent asleep.


    Remembering the warning Kristian had given earlier, Gerard replied,


    ¡°No. He¡¯s resting in the next room.¡±


    ¡°What did Kristian and my grandpa talk about today?¡± Freya asked bluntly.


    Gerard adjusted his sses, pausing. ¡°Maybe you could ask that in a roundabout way.¡±


    She was always so direct. And honestly, it made things hard for him.


    Freya blinked, confused. Wasn¡¯t that already vague enough?


    ¡°What can you tell me then?¡± she asked again, rephrasing.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw told me not to say anything if you brought it up,¡± Gerard replied.


    His words betrayed Kristian, but his stance was clear. ¡°If you really want to know, ask him yourself.¡±


    ¡°Does it have anything to do with me?¡± she pressed.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± he said calmly.


    ¡°Is it a coboration?¡±


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 Chapter 513

    ?Chapter 513:


    ¡°Can¡¯t say.¡±


    ¡°An arranged marriage?¡±


    ¡°You should ask Mr. Shaw.¡±


    She threw one question after another, but Gerard stayed vague and unbothered.


    Eventually, Freya realized she was wasting her breath. With a shortment to end things, she hung up.


    At Anita International Group, Melvin had just gotten back from a meeting when he noticed Freya¡¯s distant expression. He walked over.


    ¡°Something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Are you close to Gerard?¡± she asked, an idea sparking in her mind.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Can you get something out of him?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I can.¡±


    ¡°So confident?¡±


    ¡°He trusts me, and I¡¯ll get him drunk,¡± Melvin said casually.


    Freya was momentarily speechless.


    Knowing her too well, Melvin cut to the point. ¡°What do you want to know?¡±


    ¡°What did Kristian discuss with my grandpa today?¡±


    Even if it wasn¡¯t about marriage, Kristian¡¯s words earlier still lingered in her mind.


    ¡°I¡¯ll find out and get back to you tomorrow,¡± Melvin promised.


    Freya nodded. She felt oddly reassured.


    Gal n o v el s . is your destination for fiction


    She trusted Melvinpletely. He always handled the messy work before it ever reached her desk.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs,¡± Melvin said suddenly.


    Freya looked up instantly.


    He handed her a nk check pulled from between the pages of a book.


    She took it, puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°Someone tried to bribe me again. They said I could name my price.¡±


    ¡°The same offer as before?¡± she asked, handing the check back.


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not.¡±


    ¡°Then what?¡±


    Melvin didn¡¯t speak right away. His ears turned red.


    He stood frozen, clearly ufortable.


    Freya stared at him. He looked nothing like his usual calm self.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s hard to exin.¡± His voice was cool.


    Freya was puzzled. Wasn¡¯t it just a bribe?


    She studied him¡ªhis flushed ears, his awkward posture¡ªand suddenly, it hit her.


    ¡°Did they ask you to force me into something?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Melvin said with a nod.


    She couldn¡¯t help but smile a little.


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 Chapter 514

    ?Chapter 514:


    ¡°What did you tell them?¡±


    Melvin looked serious. ¡°I didn¡¯t say anything.


    This time, they offered more. After giving me the check, they said I should think it over. imed offers like this¡ªmoney and sex¡ªdon¡¯te often.¡±


    ¡°Did they give a deadline?¡±


    ¡°One week.¡±


    Whatever Freya asked, Melvin answered honestly.


    She twirled her pen, then gave her verdict.


    ¡°In a few days, fill out the check. Pretend to agree and see what they¡¯re nning.¡±


    Melvin frowned.


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Freya looked confused.


    ¡°A woman¡¯s name is not something to gamble with.¡±


    His eyes locked onto hers. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t take risks like that.¡±


    Freya set the pen down. ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing. Just handle it.¡±


    Seeing she wouldn¡¯t back down, Melvin nodded.


    As he turned to leave, he looked back seriously. ¡°Be careful who you trust. Especially men.¡±


    Freya chuckled, told him she got the message, and waved him off.


    The rest of the day flew by in a blur of meetings and paperwork.


    Anita International hadn¡¯t expanded in years, but since Freya¡¯s return, Melvin had secured multiple new deals. The workload exploded.


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    That evening, while Freya stayedte, Melvin came by her office to inform her that he had arranged for a meeting with Gerard.


    Freya simply nodded.


    Later, at a nightclub, Gerard and Melvin arrived, both sharply dressed, attracting nces the moment they walked in.


    Gerard seemed confused. After they sat, he nced around and frowned. ¡°This is weird. Back then, when you were down, you always dragged me to the gym or for a run. Why the bar this time?¡± He knew Melvin hated drinking.


    Melvin looked away and muttered, ¡°It¡¯s different this time.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°I had a breakup.¡±


    Gerard was stunned.


    Disbelief was written all over his face.


    A breakup? Melvin? That didn¡¯t add up!


    ¡°When did you even start dating? Why didn¡¯t I know? And who is she?¡± Gerard asked, clearly shaken.


    Melvin kept a straight face. ¡°I don¡¯t want to talk about it.¡±


    Gerard was at a loss for words. But curiosity ate at him.


    ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s drink,¡± Melvin offered, handing over a ss. His usual cool gaze was clouded, like he was holding something in.


    That look hit Gerard in the gut. He suddenly felt bad. Melvin didn¡¯t open up easily. And he had few friends.


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 Chapter 515

    ?Chapter 515:


    So, Gerard made up his mind. ¡°Fine. Tonight, I¡¯ll drink with you till we drop!¡±


    Melvin clinked his ss. ¡°Okay.¡±


    A few roundster, Gerard still held strong.


    He¡¯d been drinking with Kristian for years¡ªhis tolerance was sky-high. The nightclub pulsed with lights and loud music, drowning out the world.


    Gerard raised his ss again. Noticing Melvin looking tipsy, he leaned in. ¡°Tell me about her. Talking helps, you know.¡± He¡¯d been waiting for this moment. Some real info.


    He couldn¡¯t believe Melvin had a girl before he did. That was unfair.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to say.¡±


    Melvin frowned, ying drunk.


    Gerard had no clue he was being set up. Melvin¡¯s act was wless, and with his usual quietness, everything felt real.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t feel like talking, then don¡¯t.¡± Gerard, ever the naive optimist, still believed he could charm secrets out of Melvin with a bit of persistence. ¡°Let¡¯s just keep drinking.¡±


    Gerard prided himself on his impressive alcohol tolerance.


    But there was one critical truth Gerard hadpletely overlooked. The sharpest minds often wore the mask of weakness to bait their prey.


    From the very start, Melvin hadid out a careful trap, dangling just the right topic to spark Gerard¡¯s curiosity¡ªhis entire setup was designed to lure him in.


    And regrettably, Gerard¡ªusually sharp and perceptive as Kristian¡¯s right-hand man¡ªdidn¡¯t see any of iting.


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    As he watched Melvin seem to slide deeper into drunkenness, Gerard thought maybe just one more drink, and Melvin would spill. One more ss.


    Then another.


    And another still¡­


    They knocked back drink after drink in relentless session.


    Eventually, the alcohol began to take a toll on Gerard too. When he saw Melvin¡¯s cheeks flush and his eyes ze over, he figured the moment had arrived.


    He slung an arm around Melvin¡¯s shoulder and leaned in, trying for a heart-to-heart. ¡°Sometimes it¡¯s better to let it out than drown in booze. Come on¡ªwhat happened between you two?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s got feelings for someone else,¡± Melvin mumbled, his voice low and muffled. His tone had shifted subtly, and he still clutched his ss in hand.


    Even if Freya were sitting right there, she¡¯d never have guessed he was putting on an act.


    His expression, his pauses, even his bodynguage¡ªevery movement was executed with such precision it looked entirely genuine.


    Gerard blinked, his mind slightly fogged.


    Seizing the sliver of rity he still had, he pressed further, ¡°So how long were you two actually together?¡±


    Melvin hesitated, then gave a small shake of his head.


    Even pretending to be drunk, Melvin wasn¡¯t one for talking much. But Gerard misread the silence entirely, assuming it came from heartbreak so deep it left Melvin speechless.


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 Chapter 516

    ?Chapter 516:


    Otherwise, why would his friend have dragged him out for an impromptu night of heavy drinking?


    ¡°Wait a sec.¡± Gerard said suddenly, his thoughts churning. ¡°Weren¡¯t you pretending to be Ms. Briggs¡¯s boyfriend before? Could it be your actual girlfriend misunderstood and dumped you because of that?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t even know I like her,¡± Melvin said, irritation bleeding into his voice. He couldn¡¯t believe Gerard was this thick.


    But to keep him drinking, Melvin let his emotions show¡ªlips set in a bitter line, and he tossed out a carefully measured clue. Gerard mulled it over.


    So¡­ it was a secret crush?


    The realization struck him, and he looked at Melvin with newfound curiosity. He hadn¡¯t expected the cool and aloof Melvin to be harboring quiet affection for someone. But who was this woman? Why had he never heard a word? Melvin had never once mentioned her.


    ¡°Who is she?¡± Gerard asked, thinking he was finally getting somewhere.


    Melvin nced at him, the look in his eyes clearing like a fog lifting. It was as though Gerard¡¯s question had sobered him. Shaking his head, Melvin said quietly, ¡°I can¡¯t tell you.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t¡­ tell me?¡±


    Gerard¡¯s curiosity now bordered on obsession. He looked at the bottles between them and topped off their sses. ¡°Alright, then. One more drink. Maybe it¡¯ll drown your sadness.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Melvin replied, his voice cool andposed.


    Gerard doubled down, pushing drink after drink on Melvin, determined to wear him down.


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    He figured if Melvin just drank enough, he¡¯d cave.


    His n was simple: let Melvin get wasted while he yed along and stayed rtively sober.


    But what Gerard hadn¡¯t ounted for was Melvin¡¯s stubbornness¡ªeven under the influence. Every time Melvin took a shot, he insisted Gerard match him.


    Ten minutester, Gerard¡¯s head was spinning like a top, and the room felt like it was tilting.


    Seeing him like that, Melvin knew the moment hade.


    Before he could speak, Gerard threw his arm over Melvin¡¯s shoulder again and slurred, ¡°I¡¯ve drunk more with you tonight than I ever do at Mr. Shaw¡¯s business dinners. Can¡¯t you at least tell me who you¡¯ve got a thing for?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you¡ªif you answer one question first.¡± Melvin set his ss down, his drunken haze vanishing in an instant. In its ce was the calm, razor-sharp gaze of a manpletely in control.


    Just like that, he was back to his usual self¡ªcool, measured, untouchable.


    Gerard squinted at him. ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°What did you and Kristian talk about with Freya¡¯s grandfather today?¡± Melvin asked, his tone deceptively casual, though his eyes stayed locked on Gerard¡¯s face.


    Gerard immediately recoiled, pulling his arm back and eyeing him warily. ¡°Wait¡­ are you trying to trap me?¡±


    Melvin was momentarily stunned. How was Gerard not drunk yet? That didn¡¯t make sense. Gerard should¡¯ve been t out by now. ¡°I¡¯m not telling you anything!¡± Gerard grumbled, shaking his head like a defiant child. ¡°Mr. Shaw said this stays between us. It¡¯s top secret!¡±


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 Chapter 517

    ?Chapter 517:


    ¡°I¡¯m not Freya. You can tell me.¡±


    Melvin¡¯s voice was calm, reassuringced with just enough sincerity to sound believable.


    Gerard¡¯s cloudy mind struggled to keep up. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­ but not a word to anyone,¡± Gerard said, letting his guard droppletely. ¡°Especially not Ms. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°My lips are sealed,¡± Melvin promised, sounding perfectly convincing.


    ¡°My boss made a deal with Mr. Miguel Briggs,¡± Gerard revealed, his tongue loose and unfiltered. ¡°He gave him exactly what he wanted in exchange for a promise¡ªto stop forcing Ms. Briggs into arranged dates or marriage.¡±


    Melvin froze, his usuallyposed eyes darkening with a flicker of surprise.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t know what he had until he lost it,¡± Gerard went on, slumping over the table as he mumbled. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m still in disbelief over everything he did.¡±


    Melvin stayed quiet, his thoughts racing behind a still expression. Should he tell Freya about this? And if he did, how would she react?


    ¡°You seriously can¡¯t tell a soul.¡± Gerard sat up suddenly, his flushed face scrunched with drunken solemnity. ¡°I¡¯m trusting you because you¡¯re my buddy. But if you spill the beans, I¡¯m screwed.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pay you,¡± Melvin said without blinking.


    Even though Gerard was just an assistant, he held a modest share in Shaw Group and earned a substantial sry with hefty bonuses. But Melvin, managing Anita International Group, owned ten percent of thepany.


    Though newer than Shaw and Briggs Groups, Anita International was a titan in AI and chip tech, dominating both domestic and global markets. Countless corporations had lined up with offers to acquire their patents¡ªbut Freya turned them all down.


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    If she ever decided to sell, she¡¯d be the richest figure in the entire sector. Not that she ever cared about wealth.


    ¡°Swear you won¡¯t say a word,¡± Gerard murmured, finally slumping forward and passing out cold.


    Melvin cast him a nce, then paid the bill and called for a cab. He hauled Gerard to a nearby hotel, booked a room, and dumped him on the bed without ceremony. Standing in the elegantly furnished suite, Melvin looked down at Gerard¡¯s flushed, unconscious face, his expression unreadable.


    Just as he was weighing whether to tell Freya the truth, Gerard¡¯s phone started to ring.


    Melvin nced at the phone, recognizing Kristian¡¯s name on the screen. At first, he had no intention of picking it up¡ªafter all, despite Gerard being his friend, he didn¡¯t feel it was his responsibility to answer the call for him.


    But when the phone rang again, his resolve wavered.


    Gerard had mentioned that Kristian never called twice; if he did, it usually meant something urgent.


    Hesitating for a brief moment, Melvin finally decided to pick up. After all, Gerard did value his work, and he knew that.


    ¡°Hello?¡± he said, his voice cool andposed, betraying none of the alcohol still lingering in his system.


    Kristian¡¯s brows furrowed in confusion.


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 Chapter 518

    ?Chapter 518:


    ¡°Melvin?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Melvin replied, his tone as icy as it always was.


    Kristian¡¯s unease deepened.


    He had known that Gerard was supposed to meet Melvin after work. At first, it hadn¡¯t seemed like much¡ªhe hadn¡¯t thought much of it¡ªbut now it was starting to click. Melvin hadn¡¯t arranged to meet Gerard since Gerard¡¯s arrival in Alerith. It seemed too coincidental for them to meet now.


    He was starting to suspect that Melvin might have been gathering information from Gerard. That was why Kristian had called to warn Gerard.


    But it seemed that warning hade toote.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Gerard?¡± Kristian asked, his voice tight with apprehension.


    ¡°Drunk.¡±


    The line fell silent.


    Both men were ustomed to few words.


    Typically, a conversation between them would end swiftly. Yet neither hung up.


    Both knew that this conversation wasn¡¯t quite finished.


    After a few moments, Kristian¡¯s voice came through again, more a statement than a question.


    ¡°You met with Gerard to get information from him?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Melvin¡¯s response was direct, with no attempt to hide the truth.


    ¡°Did he tell you anything?¡±


    ¡°He did.¡±


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    Kristian rubbed his temples in frustration.


    Gerard had always been dependable. If Kristian hadn¡¯t trusted him, he never would have kept him as his assistant.


    Gerard had been loyal all these years, and this had never been a concern¡ªuntil now.


    Kristian¡¯s heart grew heavy. He knew that even drunk, Gerard wouldn¡¯t have revealed anything easily. The only reason he would have done so was because of his trust in Melvin.


    ¡°Let¡¯s discuss terms. Name your price.¡± After a brief pause, Kristian finally spoke, though there was clear reluctance in his voice.


    ¡°Forget everything Gerard told you.¡±


    ¡°A billion.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Ten billion.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have that much liquid cash. I can offer you investment products like stocks and funds,¡± Kristian said without hesitation.


    He didn¡¯t want Freya to know¡ªhe feared it would upset her.


    If she found out, she would think he was meddling and tear up the agreement.


    He wasn¡¯t trying to prove anything, just doing something small for her. She had everything¡ªlove, care, and money. This was all he could offer.


    Melvin paused, surprised by how readily Kristian had agreed.


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 Chapter 519

    ?Chapter 519:


    ¡°Do you think this will make Freya change her mind?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian replied matter-of-factly.


    From the divorce to Lionel¡¯s birthday banquet, he had tried everything. He knew Freya wouldn¡¯t change her mind once she made a decision.


    ¡°What terms did you discuss with her grandpa?¡± Melvin¡¯s tone was colder than usual.


    Kristian narrowed his eyes. Was this supposed suitor of Freya¡¯s meddling too much?


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± he snapped, his voice turning steely. ¡°Let¡¯s stick to the terms. What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Melvin answered firmly.


    Kristian¡¯s demeanor shifted, his voice turning icy as he applied pressure through the phone.


    ¡°I suggest you reconsider.¡±


    ¡°I said nothing,¡± Melvin repeated, his voice resolute. ¡°I won¡¯t tell Freya what you did.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes darkened. He didn¡¯t believe that an ordinary employee like Melvin could turn down ten billion. Surely, he wasn¡¯t making that much at Briggs Group. After all, ten billion would set him for life.


    ¡°I need to take care of Gerard, so I¡¯ll end this here,¡± Melvin said, ncing over at Gerard, who was frowning in his sleep, clearly ufortable from drinking too much.


    Kristian was at a loss for words. He found Melvin hard to read.


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    ¡°By the way¡­¡± Melvin spoke again, breaking the silence.


    Kristian¡¯s lips parted. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Gerard is taking a leave tomorrow,¡± Melvin¡¯s voice was as cold as ever.


    ¡°He¡¯s too drunk to go to work.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t respond, just hung up the phone decisively. What kind of person was Melvin?


    Melvin gently set Gerard¡¯s phone down on the bedside table, his eyes catching the frown on Gerard¡¯s face. With quiet care, he lifted him and carried him to the bathroom.


    As a friend, Melvin disyed a remarkable level of consideration, his actions reflecting a deep, unwavering sense of loyalty. He bought Gerard a fresh set of clothes, carefully cleaned him up, and tucked him into bed before taking care of himself.


    Once finished, he settled into his own bed, ensuring that they both had their space.


    The next morning, when Gerard woke up, a dull ache throbbed in his head. He rubbed his temples and sat up, noticing the unfamiliar hotel bathrobe he was wearing. He paused for a moment, confused.


    ¡°I got you a leave,¡± Melvin said, already dressed, having patiently waited to inform Gerard. ¡°You don¡¯t have to go to work today. I gotta go now.¡±


    ¡°My boss didn¡¯t say anything?¡± Gerard asked, his concern shifting to his boss.


    As for being bathed and changed, Gerard didn¡¯t mind.


    They¡¯d known each other for so long that personal boundaries were no longer a concern.


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 Chapter 520

    Chapter 520:


    ¡°No,¡± Melvin replied after a brief pause, thinking back. Kristian hadn¡¯t said a word about Gerard¡¯s leave; he had simply hung up.


    Gerard sighed in relief.


    Just as Melvin was about to turn and leave, Gerard recalled something from the previous night. ¡°Wait.¡±


    Melvin looked back, his expression puzzled.


    ¡°You didn¡¯t answer my questionst night. Who¡¯s the girl you have a crush on? What¡¯s her name?¡± Gerard asked, his eyes filled with curiosity.


    Melvin fell silent, unsure of how to respond.


    Gerard had been drunk the entire night, yet somehow, he still remembered the events from the previous evening?


    ¡°No one,¡± Melvin replied finally, offering a vague answer, his tone impassive.


    Seeing Melvin¡¯s reaction, Gerard knew he wouldn¡¯t get any more information. If he couldn¡¯t drag it out of him while Melvin was drunk, he certainly wouldn¡¯t be able to now. So, he decided not to press further.


    ¡°How did we get back?¡± Gerard asked, his gaze scanning the room. He noticed the new clothesid out on the bedside table, still trying to piece together the events of the night.


    He had been drunk the night before. But Melvin had been just as drunk.


    So, how did they end up back here?


    ¡°The nightclub staff woke me up around 2 AM. Then I sobered up,¡± Melvin lied effortlessly, his expression unwavering, maintaining his usualposure. ¡°So, I brought you here.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Gerard asked, his eyebrows arching in surprise. Without his usual sses, his features softened, giving him a more approachable appearance.


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    Melvin maintained his usualposed demeanor. ¡°Indeed.¡±


    ¡°Fine,¡± Gerard conceded with a slight nod. He added, his voice tinged with concern, ¡°If you find yourself in a bad moodter,e and talk to me. It¡¯s important not to bottle everything up.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Melvin responded sinctly, his words as sparse as ever.


    He didn¡¯t stay much longer, swiftly grabbing his phone and exiting the hotel.


    Gerard watched the door close behind Melvin, a knowing smile ying at the corners of his mouth.


    Was Melvin under the impression he didn¡¯t catch on to his little interrogation?


    Choosing not to rise, Gerard massaged his temples, still clouded with sleepiness, and drew the nket up to his chin, deciding to get some more rest. After all, Melvin had already taken care of his leave arrangements.


    As he settled back against his pillows, his mind reyed the events of the previous night.


    Though intoxicated, he wasn¡¯t oblivious.


    He distinctly remembered Melvin¡¯s attempts to coax information from him. Normally, he would have mped up, divulging nothing.


    But this was Melvin, a friend from his younger days.


    Moreover, Gerard felt it wasn¡¯t right to keep silent about Kristian and Freya¡¯s issue. If Melvin inquired, he would share the details. Whether Melvin chose to inform Freya, however, was another matter entirely.


    Kristian would have his objections, and if it came to that, Gerard was ready to face them head-on. With these worries brushed aside, he surrendered to a deep sleep.


    .


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    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Good afternoon dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ( ? ? ¨C ) ?


    .

 Chapter 521

    ?Chapter 521:


    By the time Melvin reached his office, the clock had struck eleven.


    Freya had just finished her work when her eyesnded on him. ¡°Weren¡¯t you supposed to be off today?¡±


    Her earlier morning had involved approving Melvin¡¯s request for leave. ¡°It¡¯s resolved now,¡± Melvin said, his gaze locking with Freya¡¯s,den with unspoken thoughts.


    He wrestled with the idea of telling her the truth.


    He might¡¯ve made a drunken promise to Kristian not to tell Freya, but looking into her eyes now, the guilt made lying feel impossible.


    ¡°You seem off,¡± Freya remarked, catching the shift in his demeanor. ¡°If you¡¯re still feeling the effects ofst night, perhaps you should head home and rest. You can always return tomorrow.¡±


    Melvin remained silent for a moment before addressing her formally. ¡°Ms. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± she responded, puzzled.


    ¡°Do you truly want to know what was discussed between Kristian and your grandpa?¡± Melvin asked, his expression unreadable.


    ¡°I am just curious,¡± Freya confessed, her honesty unguarded. ¡°Were you unable to learn anything from Gerard?¡± Melvin remained tight-lipped.


    Unfazed, Freya shrugged slightly. ¡°You didn¡¯t have to go through the trouble. I¡¯ve been thinking, and it doesn¡¯t seem right to coax secrets out of Gerard just for my own curiosity.¡±


    Gerard had always shown her kindness and respect. If he¡¯d let something slip while drunk, the me would fall squarely on him, and she couldn¡¯t bear the thought of him suffering for something tied to her.


    Melvin finally broke the silence, his voice low and conflicted. ¡°I did get it out of him.¡± There was no attempt to sugarcoat it¡ªhe couldn¡¯t bring himself to lie to her face.


    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s, the heart of storytelling


    Freya blinked, brows lifting in mild shock. ¡°You did?¡±


    Her eyes narrowed slightly as she studied his face. ¡°You seem¡­ off. Is something bothering you?¡± She couldn¡¯t help but be curious.


    Melvin, typically a paragon of efficiency and emotional control, seemed uncharacteristically hesitant now.


    ¡°After much thought, I know what Kristian discussed with your grandpa,¡± Melvin finally said, his words measured. ¡°But I¡¯ve decided not to tell you.¡±


    Normally, such a revtion might have irked Freya.


    Why bring it up if he wasn¡¯t going to share?


    But this was Melvin, a steadfastpanion since the early days of Anita International Group, who had dedicated himself wholeheartedly to both thepany and her. His sincerity was undeniable; if he chose to keep it from her, he likely had apelling reason.


    ¡°No need to, then,¡± Freya said evenly, betraying no sign of agitation. ¡°Share it with me when you¡¯re ready. However, if their discussion brings anyplications, I¡¯m counting on you to help me navigate them.¡±


    ¡°You aren¡¯t upset with me?¡± Melvin¡¯s voice wavered slightly, a rare break in his usuallyposed fa?ade. This marked a shift from his years of unwaveringpliance with her directives. He had braced himself for any fallout.


    ¡°Why would I be upset?¡± Freya responded, her tone soothing. ¡°You clearly have your reasons. And now that you¡¯re in the know, should the need arise for me to be informed, you¡¯ll tell me, right?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Melvin affirmed with a nod. He had resolved not to disclose anything until she expressed a genuine need to know. After all, Kristian¡¯s actions were inconsequential, and sharing them would only burden her with needless worry.


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 Chapter 522

    ?Chapter 522:


    ¡°That settles it then,¡± Freya dered, her trust in Melvin palpable. ¡°Take a short break before you dive back into work.¡±


    ¡°Will do,¡± Melvin replied, though he had no real intention of resting.


    Once Freya turned her attention elsewhere, Melvin set about tackling a series of other, albeit minor, critical tasks.


    Just past midday, Melvin delivered the lunch he¡¯d ordered for Freya. As she was about to dig in, her phone rang. It was Gerard. She caught Melvin¡¯s eye before answering.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Is Melvin back at the office?¡±


    ¡°Yes, he¡¯s here.¡±


    A heavy silence followed her response.


    Remembering that Melvin had deliberately gotten Gerard drunk to pry secrets from him, Freya asked, ¡°Is there something you need from him?¡±


    As Melvin poured the water, his hand paused, surprise flickering across his face. So it was Gerard on the line?


    ¡°Kind of, yeah,¡± Gerard replied after a moment¡¯s hesitation. As memories of the previous night slowly came together, Gerard suspected that Melvin had orchestrated the whole scenario to coax secrets out of him. Yet, given Melvin¡¯s sincere anguish over a supposed unrequited love, Gerard found it hard to believe he had been acting. The Melvin he knew was no skilled deceiver.


    Freya observed Melvin¡¯s sharp profile. ¡°I¡¯ll hand him the phone,¡± she said, though a nagging thought crossed her mind about why Gerard hadn¡¯t called Melvin directly. Could something have gone wrong between themst night?


    ¡°No, no, it¡¯s not him I¡¯m searching for¡ªit¡¯s you, Ms. Briggs,¡± Gerard hastily rified, chalking up his awkward blunder to the remnants ofst night¡¯s alcohol.


    Freya furrowed her brow, puzzled. Before she could probe further, Gerard pressed on, ¡°Might you consider easing Melvin¡¯s workload for a bit? He¡¯s been rather out of sortstely.¡±


    Freya¡¯s confusion deepened. Her usual detachment wavered as she began to piece together the events of the previous evening. What could have possibly transpired between Gerard and Melvin? Why was Gerard insinuating that Melvin was out of sorts? Could it be¡­


    A fleeting suspicion darted through her mind, but she shook it off just as fast. It seemed far-fetched that anything untoward could have urred between the two men over a few drinks.


    ¡°What exactly happened?¡± she inquired, unable to mask her concern.


    ¡°Well¡­ he¡¯s dealing with some love problems,¡± Gerard admitted, struggling to articte the precise nature of Melvin¡¯s troubles. ¡°If it¡¯s possible, please lighten his workload. Should this affect his sry, I¡¯m prepared to cover the shortfall myself. Just ensure he remains unaware of this arrangement,¡± Gerard added, his tone earnest.


    Gerard had one simple thought spinning in his mind. No matter how much heartbreak Melvin might be carrying from a breakup, he¡¯d never let it show on his face. Working with a heart that¡¯s not in the right ce isn¡¯t easy, and even the smallest hup can push someone over the edge.


    Back when his grandfather passed, Gerard couldn¡¯t keep it together at work. When Kristian found out, he extended Gerard¡¯s three-day bereavement leave into a full month without hesitation. That was the reason Gerard had always stayed loyal to Kristian.


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 Chapter 523

    ?Chapter 523:


    Aside from being a little clueless when it came to love, Kristian was sharp and reliable in every other way¡ªor at least, that¡¯s how Gerard saw him.


    At first, Freya hadn¡¯t given the matter much thought. But Gerard¡¯s words had been far too pointed to brush aside.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, are you still there?¡± Gerard asked, his voice gently prodding after a long silence.


    ¡°Are you sure what you said is true?¡± Freya asked, her brows knitting together slightly.


    ¡°Yes. I¡¯m sure.¡±


    ¡°Did you cause it?¡±


    Gerard was too stunned to form a single word. His face was a picture of confusion. What exactly did she think he had caused?


    His silence read like guilt to Freya. She pinched the bridge of her nose and, in a tone muddled with emotions, murmured, ¡°I see.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Ms. Briggs.¡± Gerard didn¡¯t give the conversation much more thought after her reply. ¡°If you need to make adjustments to the sry, just let me know.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡± Freya wasn¡¯t even sure how she felt at that moment.


    After hanging up, she sat there, mulling over how to bring the matter up with Melvin. She had been curious¡ªbut she never imagined Melvin would pay such a steep price.


    More than anything, Gerard just didn¡¯t strike her as that kind of person. Melvin had noticed that since Freya ended the call, she had barely touched her food. The fork in her hand was untouched, her mind clearly lost in thought.


    Recalling the conversation, Melvin quietly ced a ss of water in front of her.


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    ¡°Was that Gerard on the phone just now?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°What did he say?¡±


    Freya paused mid-bite, her calm eyes flickering with a mix of emotions. No wonder Melvin had been so reluctant to talk about it earlier. If she were in his shoes, she wouldn¡¯t have wanted to discuss it either.


    ¡°Nothing much,¡± she replied, her voice measured. She knew Melvin got embarrassed easily. He came off as cold and aloof, but when it came to romance, he was honestly pretty clueless. ¡°He just asked if you¡¯de back to work.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Do I seem naive to you?¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Freya said with a genuine smile. ¡°You¡¯re smart.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you lie to me?¡± Melvin¡¯s voice shifted suddenly¡ªlow, edged with hurt. ¡°You two were on the phone for ages; that couldn¡¯t have been just a simple chat.¡±


    What bothered him the most was that he hadn¡¯t heard what Gerard said, but he had seen Freya¡¯s expression change.


    Freya was at a loss for words. How was she supposed to respond to that? Melvin waspletely in the dark. What on earth had Gerard told Freya? Why did she look like that afterward?


    ¡°He said you hit a rough patch in your rtionship,¡± Freya said, offering a half-truth. ¡°And asked me to lighten your workload a bit.¡±


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 Chapter 524

    ?Chapter 524:


    She left out the part about Gerard¡¯s offer to cover his sry. After all, she didn¡¯t need him to pay for it.


    Melvin thought back to the lie he had fed Gerard the night before. He figured Gerard was still as gullible as ever, unable to tell a fib from the truth.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry about him. I¡¯m fine,¡± Melvin said, deciding it was time to have a talk with Gerard himself. ¡°You go ahead and eat. I¡¯ll talk to him.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya nodded softly.


    Melvin walked toward the door. Freya hesitated for a moment before calling out, ¡°Melvin.¡±


    He turned, his expression open.


    ¡°In the future, you don¡¯t have to go to such lengths. Your well-being means more than any news report,¡± Freya said, trying to convey her concern without adding to his burden. ¡°If you ever need a break, just say the word.¡±


    Melvin paused, barely hearing anything after ¡°Your well-being means more than any news.¡±


    He didn¡¯t linger on it. ¡°Okay,¡± he said simply.


    Then, he stepped out, determined to set things straight with Gerard. Freya suddenly had no appetite at all. She never imagined something like this could unfold around her¡ªlet alone involve her own assistant. The more she thought about it, the more unreal it all felt.


    Meanwhile, Melvin called Gerard.


    As soon as the call connected, even before Gerard could speak, Melvin¡¯s calm, clear voice came through. ¡°I lied to youst night. I didn¡¯t actually go through a breakup.¡±


    Gerard blinked, baffled.


    Your favorite stories are on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m


    ¡°I made it up so you¡¯d tell me what Kristian Shaw and my boss¡¯s grandpa discussed.¡±


    Melvin was blunt, offering a quick apology. ¡°Sorry about that.¡±


    ¡°Hold up,¡± Gerard caught the key point right away.


    Melvin didn¡¯t say a word.


    Gerard adjusted his sses, now fully alert. ¡°Did you just say ¡®my boss¡¯s grandpa¡¯? Isn¡¯t Ms. Briggs your direct supervisor?¡±


    Sure, Freya was likely the sessor to the Briggs Group, but she hadn¡¯t officially taken over yet. So technically, she was a higher-up¡ªnot the actual boss.


    Melvin was at a loss for words, realizing he had slipped.


    ¡°I remember you telling me your boss took a two-year break and just came back to work,¡± Gerard¡¯s sharp instincts kicked in. ¡°Was the boss you¡¯ve been talking about all this time actually Freya Briggs?¡±


    All he knew was that Melvin worked for some top-tierpany, but the name had nevere up¡ªnot once. And he was pretty sure it wasn¡¯t Briggs Group.


    ¡°No,¡± Melvin replied smoothly. ¡°My former boss went on another leave. Now I¡¯m working part-time as Freya¡¯s assistant. She¡¯s my current supervisor. I only report to her¡ªnot thepany itself.¡±


    Gerard¡¯s eyes narrowed. Something wasn¡¯t adding up.


    Melvin had called her ¡°my boss¡± too naturally just now.


    The tone matched the way he always spoke about her.


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 Chapter 525

    ?Chapter 525:


    And more importantly, when Gerard had mentioned that Freya was some elite hacker, Melvin had said the same thing about his own boss. When Gerard praised her fighting skills, Melvin imed his boss could take on ten of him. How could that be a coincidence? It was starting to sound like Melvin had been talking about Freya all along.


    ¡°Then why don¡¯t you just take time off like before?¡± Gerard asked.


    ¡°There are still some loose ends at the office. I need to wrap things up before stepping away,¡± Melvin replied, his words as firm as ever.


    ¡°How did you meet Ms. Briggs?¡±


    Melvin didn¡¯t answer. He wasn¡¯t nning to. Was Gerard ever going to let it go?


    Gerard was nearly certain. ¡°Ms. Briggs is your boss all along, isn¡¯t she?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got it wrong.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got things to do. Gotta go now. You¡¯ll never guess who my boss really is,¡± Melvin cut the call abruptly, leaving Gerard no time to dig further.


    If they kept talking, Freya¡¯s identity would be out in the open. Gerard stared at his phone, dumbfounded.


    He had been seventy percent sure it was Freya. But the way Melvin handled the call¡ªso calm and sudden¡ªmade him question everything again.


    Now, he was only twenty percent sure. Had he gotten it all wrong? Then why was Melvin working part-time for her? Didn¡¯t his job pay well enough already?


    And then, a light bulb went off in Gerard¡¯s head. His eyes widened in disbelief. Could it be¡­ Melvin had a thing for Freya? Once that idea took root, it consumed himpletely.


    If Melvin really had feelings for Freya, then everything suddenly clicked into ce.


    New updates live on g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s


    Melvin, of all people? That emotionally unavable guy had faked his own breakup just to pry information out of Gerard? And on top of that, even with his cushy sry, he¡¯d still picked up a side job working with Freya?


    All those thoughts tangled in Gerard¡¯s head, stirring up aplicated mess of emotions.


    He¡¯d always assumed Melvin was clueless when it came to rtionships¡ªnever in a million years did he expect the guy to fall for someone before he did.


    Pushing his sses up the bridge of his nose, Gerard gathered himself and decided to head to work. Melvin might¡¯ve taken a leave of absence on his behalf, but Gerard figured the best way to clear his mind was to keep busy.


    While on his way to the office, it hit him¡ªhis reaction to Melvin¡¯s confession had been way too calm.


    After mulling it over, Gerard pulled out his phone and fired off a voice message, chewing Melvin out for getting him drunk just to dig for secrets.


    At that exact moment, Melvin happened to be wondering the same thing¡ªwas Gerard too chill about the whole situation? Seeing the message pop up, he felt a bit of relief wash over him and went right back to eating his lunch.


    Melvin spent the rest of the afternoon tied up in office matters. Meanwhile, once Gerard arrived at the office, he was summoned straight to Kristian¡¯s office.


    Kristian nced up from his desk and, in his usual deep baritone, asked, ¡°Sobered up?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


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    ?Chapter 526:


    ¡°How¡¯s it feel, being duped?¡±


    Caught off guard, Gerard¡¯s head snapped up. How did Kristian know?


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t I realize before that you¡¯re this easy to crack?¡± Kristian sounded unimpressed, like Gerard¡¯s defenses were paper-thin.


    ¡°It was¡­ an ident.¡±


    Gerard didn¡¯t even try to defend himself. Deep down, he knew he¡¯d kind of let it happen.


    ¡°How¡¯d you find out?¡±


    ¡°Melvin,¡± Kristian said inly.


    ¡°He told you?¡± Gerard was stunned. What was Melvin thinking? Why would hee clean to Kristian right after getting what he wanted?


    Kristian didn¡¯t respond.


    Right away, Gerard¡¯s gaze drifted, recallingst night¡¯s phone call.


    ¡°Do you really know him?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± Gerard blinked, then guessed based on the conversation, ¡°Melvin?¡±


    Kristian nodded.


    ¡°We¡¯ve known each other a long time.¡±


    Gerard didn¡¯t see a reason to lie. ¡°Same high school, same college. I actually wanted him to join Shaw Group at first, but he turned me down. He said he had other ns. He¡¯s not big on talking, kind of stiff, but honestly? He¡¯s a good guy.¡±


    What stood out most to Gerard was something from their school days¡ªhow Melvin had once stepped in to defend him.


    Back in high school, Gerard had been the quiet type¡ªgood-looking, soft-spoken¡ªnot like now, with his polished smile and easy confidence. Because of that soft image, he was often picked on. Before Gerard could even react, Melvin had jumped in, kicked the bullies aside, and stood in front of him like a wall.


    In that moment, Gerard had thought Melvin was being reckless¡ªhe was only making himself the next target. And yeah, Melvin did end up getting targeted. But he didn¡¯t care. One by one¡ªor even all at once¡ªhe took them on and knocked them down. After that, they became close friends. They¡¯d been tight ever since.


    ¡°What else?¡± Kristian pressed.


    ¡°What exactly are you trying to find out?¡± Gerard asked, sensing Kristian wasn¡¯t just asking for fun.


    Kristian didn¡¯t answer. He just stared, his silence loaded with pressure. Gerard shifted ufortably. What was happening here? Why was Kristian giving him that look?


    ¡°If Freya offered you a billion to spill what I said to her grandfather, would you take it?¡± Kristian asked, straight as an arrow.


    Gerard¡¯s eyes lit up, a grin tugging at his lips. ¡°A billion?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Not a million¡ªan entire billion?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re my boss. Your secrets are safe with me,¡± Gerard answered, putting on his best loyal-employee face. ¡°Not for a billion. Not even two.¡±


    ¡°Be honest,¡± Kristian¡¯s voice dropped, colder than before.


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 Chapter 527

    ?Chapter 527:


    ¡°I can¡¯t say no to money!¡± Gerard said quickly. Since his boss wanted the truth, he¡¯d give it. This was not the time to hesitate.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes narrowed.


    ¡°You did say it was Ms. Briggs who was buying¡ªnot someone else,¡± Gerard exined, worried that Kristian¡¯s icy tone was aimed at him. ¡°If it were anyone else, I wouldn¡¯t say a word, no matter what they offered.¡±


    ¡°Melvin didn¡¯t agree,¡± Kristian said calmly, but his wordsnded with weight.


    Gerard might sell Kristian¡¯s secrets to Freya, but Melvin¡­


    Gerard blinked, thoroughly lost now. ¡°What are you getting at?¡±


    ¡°Last night, I called you. He picked up,¡± Kristian said,ying it out inly. ¡°I knew he got something out of you, so I asked him to name a price to keep it from Freya.¡± Gerard listened intently.


    ¡°He asked for a billion,¡± Kristian said, eyes locked on Gerard.


    Gerard nearly choked. Melvin? A whole billion? What kind of guts did that guy have?


    ¡°I agreed. Then he asked for ten billion,¡± Kristian added.


    Gerard¡¯s mouth twitched.


    Ten billion? That was beyond greedy. That was delusional.


    Melvin had the nerve to ask, and Kristian had the nerve to y along.


    ¡°So¡­ did you agree?¡± Gerard asked, half-joking, unable to hide his nosy tone.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kristian replied, voice low.


    Gerard was stunned speechless. Was Kristian really that rich? So rich he could toss around ten billion so easily?


    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where dreams unfold


    ¡°Mr. Shaw,¡± Gerard started, suddenly feeling bad for all the cash flying out the window. ¡°If you¡¯re that worried about him bbing, you could just give me one billion and I¡¯ll keep him quiet.¡± It just felt too wild to be real.


    ¡°But he turned it down.¡± Kristian was now convinced something wasn¡¯t adding up with Melvin.


    ¡°Honestly, that¡¯s smart. Ten billion¡¯s no joke. Who knows if you¡¯d actually pay or try to trap him? Being cautious makes sense,¡± Gerard said confidently. ¡°Besides, he¡¯s not the kind of guy who¡¯d go against his conscience for money.¡±


    Wait. Melvin said no. That meant¡­ Freya might already know? But when Gerard called her earlier, she hadn¡¯t acted weird at all.


    ¡°He refused my money, but said he wouldn¡¯t tell Freya,¡± Kristian said, suspicion thick in his voice.


    ¡°That checks out. If he told her, he¡¯d only be making things worse for himself,¡± Gerard said, thinking back to the version of Melvin from that night. ¡°He probably just doesn¡¯t want you and Ms. Briggs to get back together.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s gaze darkened a shade. ¡°What do you mean by that?¡±


    ¡°He has feelings for¡­¡± Gerard froze, panic flooding him.


    What did he just say? Had he really just let that slip?


    The temperature in the office seemed to drop with Kristian¡¯s stare. ¡°He has feelings for Freya?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not entirely sure,¡± Gerard said, masking the faint unease that stirred beneath hisposed exterior.


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 Chapter 528

    ?Chapter 528:


    Kristian¡¯s gaze remained fixed on him, his presencemanding the room with an intensity that seemed to grow with every passing second. Gerard, adjusting his sses, couldn¡¯t shake the feeling of nervousness that clung to him.


    ¡°If you want to know, I¡¯ll try to figure it out,¡± Gerard added, his voice steady, but offering little reassurance.


    Kristian remained silent, his eyes still unwavering.


    From Gerard¡¯s hesitant response, Kristian had already pieced together that Melvin harbored feelings for Freya. While he had made up his mind not to interfere, choosing instead to quietly support her from the shadows, the knowledge that someone else desired her unsettled him deeply.


    Gerard fell into an uneasy silence, his thoughts racing. He knew better than to provoke Kristian, especially when the man¡¯s mood seemed to teeter on the edge of something dangerous.


    ¡°What¡¯s Melvin¡¯s background?¡± Kristian asked, his voice t, as if he were simply making an observation.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Gerard answered honestly. ¡°He never mentioned it.¡±


    Despite their long acquaintance, Melvin was a man of few words, and their conversations rarely ventured into anything personal. Gerard had never seen a reason to inquire.


    Kristian, lost in thought, was silent for a moment.


    After a brief pause, he dismissed Gerard, allowing him to return to work, while he stayed behind, deep in thought.


    Two days slipped by in a sh.


    During those two days, Freya had been tied up withpany business. Since there was nothing urgent happening at Briggs Group, she poured all her energy into her ownpany.


    Finish the chapters at g???????¦Í????s. ??o??


    One afternoon, Melvin stopped by the office to see her and said, ¡°I¡¯ve already quoted them a price.¡±


    ¡°How much?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°I filled in the maximum amount possible on the check,¡± Melvin replied inly.


    Freya paused what she was doing and looked at him with those striking eyes. ¡°What did they say?¡±


    ¡°They agreed and handed me these two items.¡±


    Melvin pulled out a hotel key card and a bottle of pills. ¡°They want me to find a chance to drug you with this and take you to that hotel.¡±


    Freya took the items and studied them. The pills were clearly something meant to knock a person out.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Freya twirled the card between her fingers before handing the pills back to Melvin.


    But Melvin didn¡¯t move, his icy gaze fixed on her.


    Freya lifted her eyes to him. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you walking?¡±


    ¡°Did you already forget what I told youst time?¡± Melvin¡¯s tone was serious.


    Freya blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be too quick to trust men.¡± He ced the pills back into her hand. ¡°If you ever cross paths with someone who really means you harm, giving them this would only put you in danger.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not someone who means harm.¡±


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 Chapter 529

    ?Chapter 529:


    Freya knew exactly who she could rely on and who she couldn¡¯t. ¡°Find out where these pills came from and report it to the police.¡±


    This kind of drug was usually used against women, and whoever was distributing it needed to be dealt with. Melvin nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°If you can¡¯t figure it out, ask Frederick for help,¡± Freya added. ¡°He¡¯s got free timetely.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Melvin always followed through with what Freya asked.


    The two left the office to grab a meal outside.


    Freya was determined to uncover whoever was targeting her. She had let things slide before the divorce, but now, she wasn¡¯t going to turn a blind eye.


    Coincidentally, they happened to run into Kristian.


    Just as Freya and Melvin stepped into their private dining room, Kristian appeared from around the corner with a group of people. When he spotted the two of them together, his steps came to a halt instinctively.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw? Is something wrong? Did we say something out of line?¡± someone beside him asked.


    Everyone else held their breath, afraid to speak, not wanting to offend Kristian.


    Kristian didn¡¯t respond to the murmurs around him; his eyes were locked on Freya and Melvin as they disappeared into the private room. He didn¡¯t look away until the door clicked shut.


    Last time, Freya had confessed that she and Melvin were just pretending. But this time, it seemed like Melvin might actually be chasing after her. Gerard noticed them as well and was the first to recover, nudging Kristian lightly.


    ¡°Sir, we should go in.¡±


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    Kristian radiated cold intensity. He threw onest nce at the closed door before entering the room to conduct business, though his thoughts were elsewhere entirely.


    Throughout the meal, Kristian barely said a word, making the atmosphere in the room feel suffocating. The people hoping to strike deals with him didn¡¯t dare breathe too loudly, afraid they¡¯d worsen the already grim mood. Gerard did most of the talking for Kristian, responding to all the questions andments.


    Kristian¡¯s mind was clearly elsewhere the entire dinner.


    In contrast, Freya¡¯s private room felt far more rxed. After sitting down, they began eating. After all the work, they were definitely hungry.


    ¡°We should head out early,¡± Freya told Melvin, offering an exnation. ¡°Just in case Kristian decides to show up and cause trouble.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t sure if he woulde looking for her afterward, but it seemed safer to leave first.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Melvin agreed without hesitation.


    Half an hourter, Melvin nced at the time and told Freya it was time to go. The hotel key card was for a room in this very building. All they needed to do was exit the private dining room and head up by elevator. Just as they were about to leave, Kristian¡¯s phone rang.


    His eyes narrowed when he saw the caller ID. He answered with a swipe.


    ¡°Talk.¡±


    As soon as his voice rang out, everyone at the table fell silent, holding their breath and freezing in ce.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw, I just got an update,¡± a man¡¯s voice came through the line. ¡°It¡¯s about Melvin Swain and Freya Briggs.¡±


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 Chapter 530

    ?Chapter 530:


    ¡°Go on,¡± Kristian responded, keeping his reply brief, as always.


    ¡°Melvin was bribed with close to one billion dors,¡± the man continued, his voice crisp and urgent. ¡°He¡¯s nning to drug Ms. Briggs tonight and take her to a hotel room where four dangerous men are waiting.¡±


    The frost in Kristian¡¯s tone turned to ice. His gaze sharpened like a de. ¡°Give me the address and room number.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s the hotel where you¡¯re dining tonight, Room 2309,¡± the man replied quickly.


    Kristian was about to hang up and storm out when the voice added, ¡°We don¡¯t know if there are any cameras in the room.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s voice was like ice. He ended the call and stood abruptly, walking away without a word to anyone. No one dared to make a sound in his wake.


    Even if someone had aint, they swallowed it. In this world, Kristian¡¯s word wasw, and no one wanted to cross him.


    Gerard, watching Kristian leave without so much as a nce back, forced a bitter smile. He had no choice but to follow, telling the others that Kristian had an urgent matter to attend to and the meeting would be rescheduled.


    No one objected and nodded along in agreement, one after another.


    Stepping out of the private room, Gerard trailed closely behind Kristian, talking as he walked. ¡°Mr. Shaw, next time you have an emergency and need to disappear, could you at least give me a little warning? You¡¯re making things really hard for me here.¡±


    ¡°Am I?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was ice-cold, his expression unreadable. Gerard blinked, caught off guard. Why did it feel like Kristian was particrly furious today?


    Read the rest on g??l nov els.????


    Still, Gerard didn¡¯t linger on it, chalking it up to one of Kristian¡¯s famously unpredictable moods. Trying to stay ahead of the storm, he asked, ¡°Was there something urgent you had to take care of?¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t reply. Instead, he strode directly toward the door of the private room Freya and Melvin had gone into earlier. Without hesitation, he raised his foot, clearly about to kick the door open.


    Gerard caught him just in time.


    ¡°You can¡¯t do that!¡± he blurted, panic creeping into his voice. He had jumped to conclusions, assuming Kristian was acting out of jealousy over Freya dining with Melvin. ¡°If you barge in like this, Ms. Briggs is going to hate you even more than she already does!¡±


    ¡°As if she¡¯s ever liked me.¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was t, edged with bitterness.


    Gerard stood there for a moment, stunned. Well, at least Kristian had some self-awareness.


    Still gripping Kristian¡¯s arm, Gerard tried to reason with him. ¡°Let me knock first. Just wait here, alright?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s brows furrowed, but he didn¡¯t object. Gerard sighed and knocked on the door, feeling a swirl of mixed emotions in his chest.


    Nothing.


    He knocked again. Still nothing.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs? Melvin?¡± he called out on the third knock, adding politely, ¡°Would it be alright if we came in?¡±


    Kristian shoved the door open with force.


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 Chapter 531

    ?Chapter 531:


    Gerard, who had his ear pressed against it, stumbled forward and nearly fell t on his face.


    Just as he opened his mouth to speak, Gerard caught sight of the empty room. No one was inside. Before he could voice his confusion, he saw Kristian¡¯s face darken, his expression colder than before.


    Without a word, Kristian spun on his heel and stalked off, tossing a singlemand over his shoulder. ¡°Call Melvin. If he so much as touches Freya, I¡¯ll show him what despair really feels like.¡±


    ¡°Melvin?¡± Gerard echoed, even more confused now.


    Kristian didn¡¯t answer. He was already heading toward the reception desk.


    Gerard stood frozen for a moment,pletely lost, but if Kristian was this serious, something must definitely be off.


    After a quick pause, he fished out his phone and called Melvin. Whatever this mess was, it needed clearing up. Surely, it was just a misunderstanding¡ªMelvin wouldn¡¯t dare hurt Freya.


    But after a few rings, Melvin declined the call.


    Gerard stopped in his tracks, stunned.


    Kristian turned, noticing. ¡°Did you get through?¡±


    ¡°I did,¡± Gerard replied, his stomach dropping. ¡°But he hung up.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s expression turned cial.


    With worry creeping in, he didn¡¯t care anymore about whether Freya might resent him for interfering. He kept walking, dialing her number.


    Just like Melvin¡¯s call, hers ended abruptly after a few rings.


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    He tried again. This time, her phone was switched off.


    Watching Kristian¡¯s face grow colder by the second, Gerard scrambled to send Melvin a message. ¡°Why¡¯d you hang up? Mr. Shaw is looking for you. Where are you?¡±


    Melvin replied, ¡°I¡¯m busy with Ms. Briggs. Tell your boss not to disturb.¡±


    Still not reassured, Gerard texted again, ¡°Just pick up the phone.¡±


    Melvin¡¯s reply came quickly, ¡°I¡¯ll call youter.¡±


    Seeing that Melvin sounded calm, Gerard felt a little bit of relief and followed Kristian toward the front desk.


    The hotel staff greeted them with perfect politeness.


    Kristian didn¡¯t waste words. ¡°I need a room on the 23rd floor. Any type will do.¡± Despite his apparent agitation, his voice remained cool and collected.


    The receptionist checked the system before responding, ¡°All rooms on the 23rd floor are currently booked.¡±


    ¡°Not even one left?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s correct, sir.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s gaze turned stormy.


    Still confused, Gerard asked, ¡°Sir, why do you need a room?¡±


    ¡°Unlock the elevator to the 23rd floor. I¡¯m heading up to find my friend,¡± Kristian said, brushing off the question.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir, but you¡¯ll need to provide your friend¡¯s name and room number,¡± the receptionist replied politely.


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 Chapter 532

    ?Chapter 532:


    ¡°Melvin Swain. Room 2309,¡± Kristian replied tly.


    Gerard¡¯s confusion deepened. Melvin?


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, sir, but we don¡¯t have any guest under that name staying in that room. If you can call your friend and confirm it, we¡¯ll unlock the elevator right away,¡± the receptionist said again.


    Kristian, dressed in a sharp, tailored suit, exuded an intimidating air.


    It hit him¡ªthe room must¡¯ve been booked under someone else¡¯s name. And the hotel¡¯s policies weren¡¯t going to bend for anyone, not even him. ¡°Keep trying to get a hold of Melvin. I¡¯ve got a call to make,¡± Kristian said curtly, turning away and pulling out his phone as he stepped aside.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Gerard agreed, stillpletely baffled.


    Kristian rubbed the bridge of his nose, pulled out his phone, and dialed another number.


    The call picked up instantly. ¡°Kristian! Do you have something against me?¡± Damon¡¯s voice was thick with irritation.


    Patti had just picked up his video call, only for it to be interrupted by Kristian¡¯s.


    ¡°Call your staff at the hotel yourpany owns and tell them to unlock the elevator to the 23rd floor,¡± Kristian snapped, not in the mood to exin.


    Damon was caught off guard.


    ¡°What hotel?¡±


    Kristian gave him the address.


    Though clearly annoyed, Damon still made the call. He knew Kristian wouldn¡¯t ask unless it was something serious.


    ????t??st ch??pt??rs in g??lno¦Íels.??????


    Three minutester, the receptionist received the updated instructions. Meanwhile, up on the 23rd floor, Melvin and Freya were standing in the hallway after receiving Gerard¡¯s message.


    Freya was pretending to be unconscious, a little trick to fool the security cameras and anyone else watching.


    Melvin frowned and whispered, ¡°Gerard and Kristian are looking for us. What should we do?¡±


    ¡°Ignore them,¡± Freya said softly.


    From her experience, she figured Kristian was just throwing a fit over her having dinner with Melvin. Frankly, she didn¡¯t see why that should matter to her.


    Seeing her unbothered attitude, Melvin let his worries go too.


    He figured he¡¯d just return Gerard¡¯s call once they were done. But just as he started guiding Freya toward Room 2309, the elevator dinged behind them.


    Melvin stayed cool on the outside, though something tightened in his chest.


    Freya leaned into him, still pretending to be out cold. If anyone spotted them like this, it could look really bad¡ªand mess up everything they¡¯d nned.


    He kept walking, steady and calm, but had barely taken a few steps when a voice rang out behind them.


    ¡°Melvin?!¡± It was Gerard¡ªhis tone full of surprise as he rushed over. ¡°It really is you.¡±


    Melvin froze.


    Freya stiffened too, caughtpletely off guard.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 533

    ?Chapter 533:


    ¡°Why are you here?¡± Gerard asked, his voice tight. He could feel the chill radiating from Kristian, a wave of unease creeping up his spine. ¡°Is that¡­ Ms. Briggs?¡±


    Gerard blinked in disbelief. What was Melvin doing here with Freya? And Freya¡­ she lookedpletely out of it¡ªdrunk or something even worse.


    ¡°Hand her over to me.¡± Kristian closed the distance with long, deliberate strides, his eyes sharp, his presence intimidating. Every inch of him radiated authority.


    ¡°No chance,¡± Melvin shot back. ¡°I¡¯ve got business with my boss.¡±


    ¡°What kind of business brings you to a hotel?¡± Kristian¡¯s tone was biting, a flicker of relief crossing his features as he realized he¡¯d arrived just in time. ¡°You think I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re up to?¡±


    Kristian knew exactly how much trust Freya ced in her assistant. And yet, Melvin had tossed it away¡ªfor cash.


    Melvin¡¯s confusion was written all over his face.


    Gerard, sensing the tension tightening, stepped in. ¡°Hold on, Mr. Shaw. Maybe this is just a mix-up?¡±


    ¡°Either walk away now, or I¡¯ll have you hauled off to the police station to sort it out,¡± Kristian threatened, his re as cold and sharp as a de.


    Melvin stood frozen, caught in the headlights. If he exined, the cameras would betray him. If he stayed quiet, he was headed straight for trouble¡ªwith his boss, no less.


    ¡°Call the police, Gerard.¡±


    ¡°Mr. Shaw¡­¡±


    ¡°Call the police!¡±


    Stories live now on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s.c¦Ïm


    ¡°There has to be a mistake,¡± Gerard said, reading the atmosphere and trying to keep the peace. ¡°Melvin¡¯s not that kind of guy.¡±


    Kristian turned that cutting re onto Gerard, making him break into a nervous sweat.


    All Gerard could do was tug at Melvin¡¯s sleeve. ¡°Come on, say something.¡±


    Kristian kicked Melvin square in the side, not holding back in the slightest.


    Caught off guard, Melvin stumbled back, and Freya slipped from his arms straight into Kristian¡¯s waiting hold.


    Just as Melvin opened his mouth, Freya, nestled against Kristian¡¯s chest, whispered something under her breath. She hated being held like that, but she¡¯de too far to drop the act now.


    ¡°Take me away. Don¡¯t make this harder for Melvin,¡± Freya murmured so only Kristian could hear. ¡°We¡¯re using this to trap whoever¡¯s behind all this.¡±


    Kristian froze for a second.


    Gerard, sensing the sudden shift in the air, panicked even more. ¡°Mr. Shaw¡­¡±


    ¡°Since you¡¯re Gerard¡¯s friend, I¡¯ll let this go¡ªfor now,¡± Kristian said coolly, keeping up the act. ¡°But you¡¯d better watch yourself.¡±


    With that, he scooped Freya up and walked out of the hotel.


    Freya was speechless. Was he doing this just to mess with her?


    ¡°Mr. Shaw.¡± Gerard made onest attempt to defend Melvin. He was convinced Melvin wouldn¡¯t do something like this. Kristian ignored him, tossing back a simple, ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Gerard hesitated, torn, but followed. As he passed Melvin, he whispered, ¡°Just exin everything tomorrow. I¡¯m sure this is all a misunderstanding.¡±


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 Chapter 534

    ?Chapter 534:


    Melvin didn¡¯t say a word. If it came to blows, he could hold his own. But he¡¯d seen Freya whisper something to Kristian, and right after, Kristian decided to let him go. It felt like Freya had changed the n and wanted them to split up for now.


    Five minutester, Kristian and Gerard exited the hotel with Freya, keeping up appearances the entire way.


    Just as Melvin turned to leave, a man emerged from a room on the 23rd floor. The same man who¡¯d handed him a check earlier.


    ¡°Mr. Swain, hold on a moment.¡± The man¡¯s tone was soft, almost pleasant.


    Melvin frowned and turned to face him. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°I came to see if you followed through on our arrangement.¡±


    ¡°Freya¡¯s with Kristian Shaw now.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± the man said with a slight smirk. ¡°But that¡¯s no issue. Freya doesn¡¯t get along with him. She trusts you far more.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Melvin yed dumb.


    ¡°Even though Kristian Shaw took her tonight, you just act like nothing happened tomorrow,¡± the man exined. ¡°If she asks, say you passed out too. When she tells you to investigate, we¡¯ll supply a food poisoning report. Then, whatever Kristian Shaw says will look like a lie¡ªand she¡¯ll believe in you even more.¡±


    Melvin¡¯s expression remained unreadable. He realized that the man clearly knew too much about the tension between Freya and Kristian.


    ¡°Of course, not everyone can afford to cross Kristian Shaw,¡± the man added when Melvin stayed silent. ¡°If you¡¯re not up for it, walk away¡ªbut that check bes worthless.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Melvin replied, turning to leave without another word. Once he was gone, the man made a call, quietly reporting everything that had just unfolded.


    Stay updated with g?ln¦Òv???s


    Meanwhile, Freya sat in the car with Kristian. Gerard, behind the wheel, was still unsettled. He didn¡¯t want Kristian to carry the wrong impression of Melvin. ¡°Sir, I really think you¡¯ve got this wrong. Melvin doesn¡¯t care about status or money. He wouldn¡¯t do something like this.¡±


    ¡°You trust him that much?¡± Kristian turned his gaze to Freya, the tension easing slightly.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Gerard said without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯d stake my future on it.¡±


    That got Freya¡¯s attention. She opened her eyes.


    Inside the car, safely away from any surveince, she didn¡¯t have to pretend anymore. She shifted in her seat, looking toward Gerard. ¡°Last time you offered to cover the shortfall, and now you stake your entire future? What exactly happened that night you two got drunk?¡±


    Gerard blinked in surprise, then caught on fast. ¡°Ms. Briggs?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re¡­ you¡¯re okay?¡± Gerard asked, visibly puzzled by how normal she looked.


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Freya answered. She wasn¡¯t trying to dig too deep, but Melvin was her assistant. ¡°So, what really happened that night?¡±


    Gerard instinctively nced at Kristian, and then, the realization hit him. He¡¯d been yed. What else could he say? ¡°Not much,¡± he replied, figuring Melvin hadn¡¯t filled her in. ¡°We just drank, got rooms, and crashed. The next day, back to work.¡±


    ¡°One bed?¡± Freya asked, a hint of suspicion in her voice.


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Gerard responded quickly. ¡°We each had our own.¡± But Freya¡¯s cool expression flickered with doubt. If that were true, how did his earlier reaction make any sense?


    .


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 Chapter 535

    ?Chapter 535:


    ¡°Please don¡¯t look at me like that,¡± Gerard pleaded, realizing how his earlier words might¡¯ve sounded. ¡°Seriously, nothing is going on between me and Melvin! We¡¯re just good buddies, that¡¯s all.¡±


    Freya¡¯s gaze shifted ever so slightly, a subtle flicker that spoke volumes.


    ¡°Just good buddies?¡±


    Gerard caught the silent message in her eyes, and his grin wavered. ¡°You don¡¯t believe that?¡±


    ¡°If it really was just friendship, then why did you tell me he hit a rough patch in his rtionship?¡± Freya asked, her confidence finally beginning to crack. ¡°And why did you tell me to lighten his workload¡­ even suggested you¡¯dpensate him?¡±


    Most telling of all¡ªwhen she had asked if he was the reason behind Melvin¡¯s problem, Gerard had fallenpletely silent.


    ¡°Because¡­¡± Gerard nced in Kristian¡¯s direction.


    Admitting Melvin had feelings for Freya now felt like stabbing Kristian in the back, didn¡¯t it?


    Besides, Melvin had called it a secret crush. If Gerard blurted the truth in front of Freya, Melvin would absolutely hold it against himter.


    Freya followed the direction of his gaze, her brows knitting together. ¡°Why are you looking at him?¡±


    ¡°I gave Melvin my word I¡¯d keep it private,¡± Gerard replied quickly, scrambling for a way out. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you.¡±


    Even though Melvin had confessed that the story was fabricated to dig for information, Gerard couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that something didn¡¯t sit right.


    Melvin wasn¡¯t the type to dangle his emotions like bait¡ªnot even to fish for answers.


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    Freya¡¯s stare turned sharper, narrowing slightly as she studied Gerard. Trying to rescue his own name, Gerard made one more attempt. ¡°Look, all you need to know is that Melvin and I are just good friends¡ªnothing more.¡±


    Freya responded with a nomittal, ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Kristian, who had been silently observing the entire exchange, locked eyes with Freya. That face¡ªhe had seen it in his dreams countless times. And now, here she was, right in front of him.


    ¡°What happened tonight?¡±


    ¡°Why were you even there?¡± Freya shot back instead of answering. Given how that mastermind usually operated with surgical precision, such a blunder seemedpletely out of character.


    If she were in his ce, she would have ensured there was no chance for her to slip away¡ªno loophole to call for help. The 23rd floor should have been locked down tight.


    Kristian pressed his lips into a thin, tight line. He couldn¡¯t possibly confess he¡¯d been investigating Melvin and had gone there out of fear Melvin might hurt her. If he admitted that, Freya would definitely demand to know why he was digging into Melvin¡¯s life. No matter how he exined it, it would sound like he was meddling. And she¡¯d despise him even more for it.


    ¡°Yeah, Mr. Shaw, why were you there?¡± Gerard added, his curiosity lighting up his face. ¡°And how did you know Melvin was in Room 2309?¡±


    The second he said it, Freya¡¯s entire demeanor shifted¡ªher guard shot right up.


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 Chapter 536

    ?Chapter 536:


    Kristian, for the first time tonight, felt a strong urge to send Gerard to the furthest edge of the. The man talked too much.


    Sensing the frost in Kristian¡¯s aura, Gerard swallowed hard and forced a grin, pretending he wasn¡¯t rattled. After all, Freya was his idol and his good friend¡¯s leader. If things went south with Kristian, maybe he couldnd a job with her instead.


    ¡°Did you follow me?¡± Freya asked outright.


    Kristian answered swiftly, ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then how did you know?¡± Her suspicion only deepened. She studied his expression closely, not letting a single twitch slip past her. ¡°Other than Melvin and me, only the person who booked the room would know it was Room 2309.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s chest tightened. ¡°You think I orchestrated this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not stupid,¡± Freya retorted coldly. ¡°I don¡¯t jump to conclusions without evidence.¡±


    Her sharp remark tugged at something inside him¡ªmemories he¡¯d buried. Back then, he had linked scattered clues and half-baked theories, pinning the me for Ashley¡¯s ident and the online chaos on Freya. Had Ashley¡¯s miscarriage been tied to Trent? Or, if he hadn¡¯t ced such unwavering faith in Liam, perhaps he would have questioned Freya back then as well.


    Lost in that haze of regret, Kristian spoke¡ªhis voice rough and barely audible. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Freya blinked in surprise. Gerard, too, looked baffled.


    Both wore identical expressions of confusion.


    Gerard, emboldened by the silence, asked, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ???? ?????????¦Í?????????????


    Why had he apologized now?


    ¡°You¡¯re not upset about earning a fat paycheck, are you?¡± Kristian thought Gerard had really been pushing his lucktely.


    Gerard promptly shut his mouth, stering on a tight smile and choosing silence.


    But Freya was still waiting¡ªstill expecting an exnation.


    ¡°I was looking into past incidents and just happened to follow the trail here,¡± Kristian lied smoothly. ¡°So I went upstairs.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t budge. She stared at him, unwavering.


    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Kristian asked.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya answered without hesitation.


    Her t response left a bitter aftertaste in his mouth.


    But what truly bothered him was the knowledge that this tiny lie was already cracking her trust. If this small deception felt this heavy, how must she have felt when he¡¯d wronged her before? No wonder she didn¡¯t want anything to do with him now.


    If their roles were reversed, he¡¯d probably hate himself too.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth,¡± Kristian insisted, still determined to keep his investigation on Melvin under wraps. He tried pivoting. ¡°Let me take you home. We can talk at my ce.¡±


    ¡°If you had really followed the trail, you wouldn¡¯t have said those things to Melvin¡ªor told Gerard to call the police,¡± Freya countered, not letting him steer the conversation away. ¡°You investigated Melvin, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    If Kristian had truly uncovered something, his usual method would¡¯ve been to detain Melvin on the spot and squeeze out whoever was pulling the strings. But he¡¯d acted hostile from the very beginning.


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 Chapter 537

    ?Chapter 537:


    His tone, his choices¡ªnone of it added up.


    ¡°Why would we investigate Melvin?¡± Gerard cut in, visibly confused.


    Freya took note of his reaction. So Gerard was out of the loop?


    ¡°I¡¯m not investigating him,¡± Kristian replied. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, check it out yourself. With your skills, it won¡¯t be hard.¡±


    ¡°Normally, it wouldn¡¯t be,¡± Freya said, her voice tinged with doubt. ¡°But if you¡¯re using your hidden resources, I might not be able to find anything.¡±


    She had always known that Kristian had ess to power and connections far beyond the public eye. Some trails simply couldn¡¯t be followed through ordinary channels.


    Kristian¡¯s expression darkened. ¡°Am I really that untrustworthy in your eyes?¡±


    ¡°Trust?¡± Freya scoffed. ¡°From a man who lies without blinking? What gives you the nerve to even ask?¡±


    Even though Kristian knew he was lying, hearing her say it so inly made his chest ache.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care why you¡¯re investigating Melvin. Just stay out of my business with him,¡± Freya said, her tone leaving no room for argument. She didn¡¯t want her ns derailed again. And she sure as hell didn¡¯t want more ties to Kristian.


    She wasn¡¯t concerned about Kristian targeting Melvin either. If push came to shove, Melvin had the full weight of Anita International behind him.


    Kristian¡¯s temper red. Hearing Freya speak up for another man with such conviction, something inside him snapped. ¡°You care about him that much?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I do.¡±


    ?????????????????? ???? ???????????????? ¡ú g???????¦Í????????????


    ¡°Do you love him?¡± The words tumbled out of Kristian¡¯s mouth before he could stop them.


    Freya stared at him, incredulous. ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    Noticing that Kristian was on the verge of saying something wildly inappropriate again, Gerard jumped in with a well-timed distraction. ¡°Anyway, Ms. Briggs¡ªwhy was Melvin with you there?¡±


    Freya replied coolly, ¡°Putting on a show.¡±


    With those few words, Gerard pieced it all together. Earlier, Freya had only exined things to Kristian in a hushed tone, leaving Gerardpletely out of the loop. Now that he understood, he didn¡¯t press any further. ¡°So, whose ce are we headed to now?¡±


    ¡°My ce,¡± Kristian and Freya spoke in unison.


    Gerard pressed his lips together, unsure who to follow.


    ¡°ording to your script, you¡¯re currently unconscious,¡± Kristian pointed out, clearly angling to take her home. ¡°Since I brought you out, I¡¯ll take you to my ce to keep an eye on you.¡±


    ¡°You should take me to my ce,¡± Freya countered tly. ¡°I don¡¯t have ess to your home.¡± Freya had no immediateeback for that.


    She furrowed her brows, her usual calm demeanor giving way to something more unsettled. She didn¡¯t want to go to Kristian¡¯s ce, but if she left now and was seen on surveince, the person orchestrating this would know that she and Melvin were faking it. And without herptop, there was no way to hack the system.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll head to Mr. Shaw¡¯s ce,¡± Gerard said, directing thement to Freya.


    When she gave a small nod, Gerard started the car and drove off.


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 Chapter 538

    ?Chapter 538:


    Kristian kept his gaze locked on the back of Gerard¡¯s head, silently deciding that they were due for a serious talk about who exactly signed Gerard¡¯s paycheck.


    They hadn¡¯t gone far when Freya¡¯s phone buzzed. It was Melvin. Without missing a beat, she swiped to answer. ¡°Hello, Mel.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s expression went cial.


    ¡°Mr. Briggs, who really knows the details of your rtionship with Kristian?¡± Melvin asked, the Bluetooth crackling softly as he drove.


    Freya hesitated. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°Right after you left, a man stepped out of the room on the 23rd floor and said a few things to me,¡± Melvin exined, his voice sharp and clear. ¡°It sounded like he knew a lot about you and Kristian.¡±


    ¡°What exactly did he say?¡±


    ¡°He told me toe find you tomorrow. And if you asked about tonight, I should say you fainted from food poisoning. They even said they¡¯d forge a report to back it up,¡± Melvin said. ¡°They were convinced you¡¯d believe me over Kristian.¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes flicked toward Kristian. Of course, she would believe Melvin over him. Whoever was behind this clearly understood her well enough to exploit that bias.


    ¡°What¡¯s our next move?¡± Melvin asked.


    ¡°Stick to their story,¡± Freya answered, already thinking several steps ahead.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Melvin said without hesitation. ¡°Where are you now? Should Ie pick you up?¡±


    ¡°NO,¡± Freya sighed, a dull throb building behind her temples. ¡°Your showing up might make things messier. Just pick me up from Kristian¡¯s ce in the morning.¡±


    At that, Kristian visibly rxed. He¡¯d genuinely been worried she might hurl herself out of the car mid-drive.


    M??? ?????????????? ???? g??l??ov?ls.??0??


    Melvin, on the other hand, wentpletely silent.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Freya prompted.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs,¡± Melvin said, all seriousness now.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Do you know what kind of rtionship is the most dangerous?¡± Melvin asked seriously.


    Freya blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Exes,¡± Melvin said without a shred of irony. ¡°If you go home with him, what if he takes advantage of you?¡±


    Freya paused but responded coolly, ¡°He can¡¯t touch me.¡±


    Kristian was skilled, sure, but if it came down to a fight, she¡¯d hold her own. She wouldn¡¯t lose.


    ¡°Men are unpredictable¡ªmore than you can guard against,¡± Melvin warned,pletely forgetting just how dangerous Freya herself could be. ¡°Especially someone like Kristian.¡±


    For a moment, Freya was at a loss for words. After a beat of silence, she replied, ¡°I¡¯ll have Frederick pick me upter. You go on home.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Melvin agreed at once.


    The moment she hung up, Kristian¡¯s brow furrowed, and an icy tension settled around him. She was leaving?


    ¡°You want to leave?¡±


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 Chapter 539

    ?Chapter 539:


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya said calmly.


    She pulled up Frederick¡¯s contact, gave him instructions along with an address, and ended the call.


    Watching her sort things out so efficiently, Kristian felt something press heavily against his chest, making it hard to breathe. Did she truly not want to stay with him, not even for a single night?


    ¡°After the third traffic light, drop me somewhere without cameras,¡± Freya instructed Gerard.


    Gerard followed themand instinctively. ¡°Okay.¡± Kristian¡¯s expression turned frigid.


    Gerard felt a chill run straight down his spine but said nothing, continuing to drive at a steady pace.


    ¡°If you get out now, what if it ruins the cover tomorrow?¡± Kristian tried reasoning onest time.


    ¡°It won¡¯t,¡± Freya replied without pause. ¡°As long as you don¡¯t say anything, no one will know.¡±


    She¡¯d already briefed Frederick on how to handle any loose ends. She could leave safely.


    ¡°You changing your mind because of Melvin?¡± It was the only exnation Kristian could think of.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied with her usual bluntness, her voice cold. ¡°I just don¡¯t want to spend the night with you.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s breathing grew heavy, and the tension in the car thickened like a storm cloud.


    Dive into tales at g¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,


    Gerard didn¡¯t even dare to exhale too loudly, terrified that one misced breath would set his boss off.


    The rest of the drive passed in absolute silence. When they reached the third traffic light, Gerard pulled over, and Freya stepped out without hesitation.


    This time, Kristian didn¡¯t stop her. He wasn¡¯t one to beg, and he knew that no matter what he said, Freya wouldn¡¯t budge. Once she made up her mind, no one could sway her.


    ¡°You guys go on ahead,¡± Freya said when she noticed Gerard still hadn¡¯t moved. ¡°Frederick¡¯sing soon.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. We¡¯ll wait until you¡¯re in the car,¡± Gerard offered.


    ¡°Go,¡± Kristian said curtly.


    Gerard hesitated. ¡°You sure?¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t respond, but one icy look from him said everything.


    Gerard shivered under the weight of it and, not daring to argue, told Freya to call if anything came up before driving off.


    Halfway through the drive, the tension snapped. Kristian turned on Gerard with a re. ¡°If you like Freya so damn much, why don¡¯t you go work for her?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you like her?¡± Gerard shot back, skillfully dodging the actual question.


    ¡°Have I been too soft on youtely? Made you think I¡¯m some pushover you can joke around with?¡± Kristian¡¯s head was spinning with the image of Freya¡¯s rxed expression while talking to Melvin. How much trust did she have in that man to look so at ease?


    Gerard nced at Kristian through the rearview mirror before speaking, his tone light but pointed. ¡°If you¡¯re this hesitant to let Ms. Briggs go, why don¡¯t you just ask her to stay?¡±


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 Chapter 540

    Chapter 540:


    Kristian shot back with a cool retort, ¡°Do you think I need your advice?¡± If simply asking her to stay could¡¯ve solved anything, he would¡¯ve done it ages ago.


    Gerard scratched the bridge of his nose and kept driving, choosing not to push further.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you mention Melvin was working as an assistant somewhere else?¡± Kristian finally had the presence of mind to dig into the situation. ¡°How did he end up hovering around Freya?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know the specifics,¡± Gerard admitted without hesitation. ¡°He said his boss went on vacation, so now he¡¯s helping Ms. Briggs out part-time.¡±


    ¡°Would you really take a part-time gig if you were in his position?¡± Kristian¡¯s gaze sharpened, and his voice dropped slightly.


    Gerard caught the chill in his expression and answered inly, ¡°No.¡± If his boss were off on vacation, he¡¯d be taking it easy too.


    The paycheck would stillnd in his ount regardless, and besides, Melvin wasn¡¯t strapped for cash¡ªhe¡¯d been squirreling money away for years, so he wasn¡¯t hurting financially.


    ¡°Then why would Melvin be working part-time for Freya?¡± Kristian¡¯s suspicion deepened.


    Gerard hesitated. How the hell was he supposed to answer that? He couldn¡¯t just blurt out that Melvin had feelings for Freya and was hoping to win her over by working close to her, could he?


    Kristian waited, his patience running thin. When no answer came, a line appeared between his brows. ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°What else could it be, if not because he¡¯s in love with her?¡± Gerard finally said, his heart beating a little faster. ¡°Haven¡¯t you already figured that out?¡±


    L§Ñt?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g?lnov?ls.?¦Ïm


    ¡°It¡¯s not that.¡± Kristian wasn¡¯t reacting emotionally¡ªhis head was clear.


    If it was really just about having a crush on her, there were better ways to get close to her. Being her assistant would barely give him any face time beyond delivering tasks.


    Gerard blinked, thrown off. ¡°Then what is it?¡±


    ¡°Could Freya actually be his boss?¡± Kristian voiced the thought that had been bothering him.


    Gerard looked mildly surprised. ¡°I considered that before, but it doesn¡¯t add up.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Melvin said his boss went on vacation again, but Ms. Briggs has been working this whole time.¡±


    ¡°Again?¡± Kristian caught on instantly.


    ¡°Yeah. His boss took a two-year vacation before, and Melvin got two years off with full pay. He just got back to work recently,¡± Gerard exined the situation.


    After a pause, he added, ¡°If you went on a two-year break, would you let me do the same with pay?¡±


    ¡°You must be dreaming,¡± Kristian replied tly.


    Gerard fell silent. He figured as much. Bosses like Melvin¡¯s didn¡¯te around often.


    ¡°Find out where Melvin used to work,¡± Kristian instructed, more convinced now that Freya might be involved. Gerard wasn¡¯t thrilled but had no choice. ¡°Alright.¡± The car kept rolling.


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    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Good night dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ( ? ? ¨C ) ?


    .

 Chapter 541

    ?Chapter 541:


    Eventually, Gerard dropped Kristian off at home.


    At the same time, Freya got into Frederick¡¯s car.


    The moment she sat down, Frederick started running his mouth. ¡°Freya, didn¡¯t you already divorce Kristian? Why are you still tangled up with him? Oh, and is what Trent said true? About that man showing up? Freya, why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± He¡¯d gone on for a bit without a peep from her, so he finally paused to ask.


    ¡°You¡¯ve fired off so many questions¡ªhow am I supposed to know which one to answer first?¡± Freya said, her tone rxed. She felt at ease around him.


    Frederick kept one hand on the wheel and looked a bit sheepish. He let the earlier topic drop and pivoted. ¡°By the way, have you heard about the Captain?¡±


    ¡°What happened to him?¡± Freya immediately perked up at the mention. Her mind instinctively jumped to thest time she called the Captain¡ªback then, it had been a way to cool down.


    Frederick gave her a look. ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡±


    Freya raised a brow. ¡°Know what?¡±


    ¡°Never mind.¡± Frederick swallowed whatever he was about to say. ¡°Forget I said anything.¡±


    ¡°A supercar,¡± shemented.


    ¡°Freya, this isn¡¯t about the car.¡±


    ¡°Two limited edition supercars.¡±


    Frederick hesitated. ¡°Trent said not to tell you yet.¡±


    ¡°Three.¡±


    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s takes you on a journey


    ¡°The Captain ising back.¡±


    Freya snapped to attention, sitting upright. ¡°Where did you hear that?¡±


    ¡°From Trent,¡± Frederick replied, then gave her the full scoop. ¡°He didn¡¯t tell you? I thought he was messing with me.¡±


    Freya¡¯s stomach tightened.


    The Captain was returning? Could it be to settle the score with her?


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Frederick asked as he drove into hisplex and pulled into the parking lot.


    Freya rubbed her temples, a faint trace of worry in her eyes. ¡°Nothing.¡± She got out of the car with him.


    After they went upstairs, she calmed herself with a ss of water. Standing by the bar, she looked over at Frederick lounging on the sofa. ¡°Did Trent say when the Captain¡¯sing back?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡± Frederick shook his head.


    Freya set down her ss, lost in thought. ¡°Text him and ask.¡±


    Frederick, sharp enough to catch on, said, ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Did you do something wrong?¡± His tone was serious now.


    ¡°No.¡± Freya took another sip, feigningposure. ¡°Just curious.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡±


    ¡°I do,¡± he said without hesitation.


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 Chapter 542

    ?Chapter 542:


    Freya gave a nod and signaled for him to message Trent.


    She figured that if Frederick called, Trent might catch on and say something he shouldn¡¯t¡ªespecially since he could easily be swayed. Following her lead, Frederick pulled out his phone and typed out a message. ¡°When exactly is the Captaining back?¡± Trent responded with a question. ¡°Why the sudden interest?¡±


    ¡°Why the sudden interest?¡± Frederick replied quickly, ¡°Thinking of throwing a wee party for him.¡±


    But after sending the message, the screen stayed silent.


    Frederick¡¯s heart pounded, and he instinctively looked over at Freya.


    ¡°Why isn¡¯t he replying?¡±


    Freya shook her head. She didn¡¯t know either.


    Not long after, Trent called.


    Frederick nearly jumped, nerves spiking. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ it¡¯s Trent.¡±


    ¡°Pick up,¡± Freya said calmly. ¡°Keep your cool. Don¡¯t let anything slip.¡±


    Frederick inhaled a few times to steady himself, then answered and put the call on speaker. ¡°Hey, Trent.¡±


    ¡°That question just now¡ªdid Mina put you up to it?¡± Trent¡¯s voice came through, low and direct. It sounded like a question, but it wasn¡¯t really one.


    Frederick nced at Freya instinctively. Had Trent already figured it out?


    Freya took the phone from Frederick, her voice cool and even. ¡°It¡¯s really hard to get secrets out of someone who knows me too well.¡± It was said that the one who knew you best wasn¡¯t yourself¡ªit was your enemy. But for Freya, the people who understood her most were Trent and the Captain.


    ¡°Do you know when the Captain¡¯sing back?¡± Freya asked, her voice cool and even.


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    Trent let out a soft chuckle. ¡°Not a clue.¡±


    ¡°Seriously? You have no idea?¡± Freya pressed, her tone edged with disbelief.


    ¡°Really no idea,¡± Trent said truthfully. ¡°He just said he¡¯d be back sometime, didn¡¯t give a proper time frame.¡±


    Freya fell silent.


    No wonder, during theirst phone call, the Captain insisted they¡¯d talk face-to-face.


    Trent started to specte aloud. ¡°Did you do something wrong?¡±


    Freya was stunned into silence. Why did everyone react like this? ¡°No,¡± she replied firmly. ¡°If he tells you when he¡¯sing back, give me a heads-up so I can be ready.¡±


    ¡°Ready to bolt?¡± Trent¡¯s deep voice rumbled through the phone.


    Freya said nothing.


    She had been seen through again.


    ¡°If you did tick him off, I¡¯d say just deal with it head-on,¡± Trent teased. ¡°If you try to run and he catches you, it won¡¯t end well.¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t upset him,¡± Freya stated firmly.


    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t,¡± she repeated, more firmly this time.


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 Chapter 543

    ?Chapter 543:


    ¡°I believe you.¡±


    Freya went silent again. Was that teasing tone actually meant to sound sincere?


    ¡°Anyway, if you hear anything about his return, let me know beforehand,¡± Freya reminded him again, worried he might forget.


    ¡°Got it,¡± Trent agreed.


    After hanging up, Freya returned the phone to Frederick, her thoughts still spinning on how she¡¯d exin things if the Captain brought up theirst conversation.


    Frederick, noticing the troubled look on her face, couldn¡¯t help but ask,


    ¡°Freya, what did you do to upset the Captain?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You into him or something? Want to sleep with the guy?¡±


    Freya was speechless. Did she reallye across that way?


    Frederick rubbed his chin thoughtfully. ¡°Have you ever had feelings for him?¡±


    ¡°Would you dare?¡± Freya snapped.


    Their captain was merciless during training¡ªwho would even dare catch feelings?


    She still remembered the brutal drills and punishments as though they¡¯d just happened.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to bed,¡± Freya said, standing up, not wanting to drag the topic out any longer.


    She had bought the apartment upstairs but had never actually lived in it. This trip gave her a reason to finally use it.


    Back in her apartment, Freya shook off the lingering thoughts, took a shower, and copsed into bed.


    The tales you love are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m


    She figured she should tackle the current issues first¡ªonly then could she deal with whoever was manipting Ashley.


    As for the Captain, she¡¯d deal with him when he came back.


    Morning arrived in the blink of an eye.


    By seven, Melvin had already shown up at Freya¡¯s home with breakfast in hand.


    After Freya finished eating, Melvin drove her to thepany. Once everything was in order, he headed to the hotel to collect the poisoning report.


    While he was out, Freya stayed busy handling work. Once that was done, she started piecing together the clues.


    Halfway through, her phone rang. It was a call from a bodyguard stationed at Farrah¡¯s ce.


    ¡°Mr. Yates stormed in with a group, trying to take Ms. Welch,¡± the bodyguard reported, wasting no time.


    Freya¡¯s brow furrowed. ¡°Stop them. I¡¯ming.¡±


    ¡°Understood!¡±


    She ended the call, shot Melvin a message saying something urgent hade up, and drove straight to Farrah¡¯s location.


    Meanwhile, Farrah had just finished breakfast and gone for a stroll when she spotted a group of people heading her way.


    From a distance, she thought it was probably just a few bodyguards getting in their morning run¡ªtypical for a high-end vi neighborhood like this one in Alerith.


    Ten minutester, as she was wrapping up her walk and heading back inside to listen to some piano music, she saw them getting closer.


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 Chapter 544

    ?Chapter 544:


    That¡¯s when she realized who was leading them.


    Felipe had brought people with him and was clearly nning to barge in, but the bodyguards Freya had assigned to her quickly blocked their way.


    The lead bodyguard immediately called Freya.


    ¡°Move,¡± Felipe ordered coldly, his presence sharp and unyielding.


    The bodyguard didn¡¯t budge. ¡°Ms. Briggs said you¡¯re not allowed in.¡±


    ¡°My wife¡¯s in there. Why the hell not?¡± Felipe snapped. ¡°Should I call the police?¡±


    Still, the bodyguard stood his ground.


    ¡°Call the cops!¡± Felipe barked.


    Farrah stepped forward.


    She knew that if the police showed up, they¡¯d probably chalk it up to a domestic spat. Things would get messy.


    Wearing loose clothes that concealed her pregnancy, she stood at the door and asked, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°I came to take you home,¡± Felipe said inly.


    ¡°Oh, really?¡±


    ¡°Come back with me,¡± he repeated.


    ¡°Come back for what? So you can force me into an abortion?¡± Farrah¡¯s tone was icy, her eyes devoid of warmth.


    Felipe stiffened at her words. He didn¡¯t step inside, but from the doorway, his voice carried a tangle of emotions. ¡°I know everything now.¡±


    Farrah¡¯s brows knitted, not quite understanding what he meant.


    Your story hub is g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???????


    ¡°I know the child¡¯s mine,¡± Felipe confessed, feeling like a ton of bricks had hit him when he uncovered the truth. ¡°And I know¡­ Jocelyn lied to me.¡±


    ¡°And then?¡± Farrah asked softly, her nose tingling as emotion crept in.


    ¡°Come home with me. I¡¯ll make it right,¡± Felipe pleaded, seeing the red in her eyes and feeling a deep wave of regret. ¡°I swear, I won¡¯t ever hurt you again.¡±


    He knew he¡¯d messed up¡ªbadly. He understood how he¡¯d let her down.


    But he couldn¡¯t bear life without her. Her absence had drained the joy from his world.


    ¡°Felipe, what do you take me for?¡± Farrah¡¯s chest ached. ¡°You think I still care about your so-called apology?¡±


    Their entire rtionship had been built on one ridiculous misunderstanding.


    She had once cared for him. But that had all shattered under the weight of his harsh words.


    ¡°You think I don¡¯t mind the fact that you were unfaithful while we were married?¡± Even now, the thought of it made her chest tighten.


    She wasn¡¯t like Freya; she couldn¡¯t just let go.


    She hated him¡­ but she couldn¡¯t deny his words still struck a chord.


    ¡°I never cheated,¡± Felipe said. ¡°Besides you, I¡¯ve never touched anyone else.¡±


    Farrah let out a bitterugh.


    How many nights had she smelled other women¡¯s perfume on him? Seen lipstick smeared on his cor? Did he really think she was that blind?


    ¡°Don¡¯t you trust me?¡± Felipe asked, his voiceced with hurt, as if Farrah¡¯s coldness had cut him deeply.


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 Chapter 545

    ?Chapter 545:


    ¡°Does it even matter?¡± Farrah responded, intentionally keeping him talking, buying herself time. Her voice remained steady, though tension simmered just beneath the surface. Only Freya¡¯s arrival could truly change things. ¡°You tried to force me into an abortion, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Felipe¡¯s mouth went dry. He remained silent, the weight of his mistake pressing on him, tightening around his chest like a vice.


    Still, he tried to justify himself. ¡°Jocelyn told me your health wasn¡¯t fit for a pregnancy. I didn¡¯t see any other option.¡±


    ¡°And someone else¡¯s words decide whether my baby lives or dies?¡± Farrah¡¯s voice was sharp, her tone unwavering. ¡°Don¡¯t you find that absurd?¡±


    ¡°Farrah¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not going back with you. Just go.¡±


    Felipe¡¯s patience snapped. Her growing resistance made his voice drop, tinged with threat. ¡°You should know exactly what happens when I¡¯m pushed too far.¡±


    A strange calmness settled over Farrah. She smiled faintly, her eyes meeting his without fear. ¡°If you¡¯re still like this, why would I ever go back to you?¡±


    Felipe faltered, momentarily speechless, struck by her rity.


    ¡°You want to drag me back just to make me suffer, right?¡± Her words stung, each one like ash. ¡°Every time I don¡¯t agree with you, you¡¯ll threaten me with the consequences of pushing your limits? Felipe, I¡¯m not interested in living a life of torment. I won¡¯t bow to your obsessive control.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re really staying here?¡± Felipe¡¯s temper frayed, his voice barely controlled.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Farrah¡¯s tone was icy¡ªcalm,posed, unshakable.


    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, where stories thrive


    Felipe clenched his fists, his eyes cold with fury. The tension in the air grew so sharp it almost felt like frost. He barked at his bodyguards, ¡°Take her away!¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The bodyguards moved swiftly, storming into the vi without hesitation.


    ¡°Miss Welch, head inside. We¡¯ll handle this,¡± one of Freya¡¯s bodyguards instructed urgently. ¡°Make sure all the doors are locked.¡±


    Farrah nodded quickly and retreated, knowing she¡¯d only be a hindrance now.


    Felipe tried to charge in after her, but the guards blocked his way. Farrah¡¯s side only had three men, one of whom had gone out that morning to buy groceries.


    The two groups collided. Though Freya¡¯s men were capable, Felipe hade prepared¡ªeight strong. That gave him the upper hand, allowing him to break through and charge at the vi, kicking the door with relentless fury.


    But ten minutester, the door remained shut¡ªstubborn, solid, and unyielding.


    His face flushed with frustration. What kind of ridiculous door was this? Why wouldn¡¯t it budge? Was it built like a damn vault?


    Watching his futile struggle, Freya¡¯s bodyguards paused. One of them snickered. ¡°Mr. Yates, stop wasting your breath. Ms. Briggs said that door¡¯s top-tier. Without a key or code, you¡¯re not getting through.¡± Truth be told, he hadn¡¯t believed it. But after watching them kick, shove, and even try to tamper with the lock¡ªall to no avail¡ªhe had to admit it: Freya had taste.


    ¡°You think I won¡¯t call the cops?¡± Felipe shouted, sweat dripping from his temples.


    One of the guards raised an eyebrow. ¡°Go for it.¡±


    Earlier, they might¡¯ve worried about police interference. But now? Felipe and his men had tried to storm a private residence. He¡¯d be the one in the wrong. And Freya was on her way. Once she arrived, everything would fall into ce.


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 Chapter 546

    ?Chapter 546:


    Felipe was fuming, his blood boiling. Kristian¡¯s ex-wife was a menace¡ªan absolute nightmare.


    ¡°Farrah, you think hiding up there changes anything?¡± His voice cut through the air, loud and direct. ¡°We¡¯re still married, legally. You¡¯re still my wife.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Briggs said she¡¯ll help Miss Welch file for divorce in a month,¡± one of the guards chimed in.


    Felipe turned toward him sharply, his eyes like des. Why the hell did this guy talk so much? Didn¡¯t he know when to shut up?


    ¡°You think just because Freya¡¯s Hugh Briggs¡¯s daughter, she gets to interfere in my personal life?¡± His irritation was reaching its peak. The guard shot back without missing a beat. ¡°It¡¯s called doing what¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Do you want to lose your job?¡± Felipe snapped.


    ¡°Mr. Yates, I work for the Briggs family, not you.¡±


    Felipe saw red. There wasn¡¯t a decent soul among Freya and her crew.


    ¡°Felipe, just go,¡± Farrah¡¯s voice rang out from an upstairs window. ¡°I¡¯ll return to Jeucwell and get the divorce sorted soon.¡±


    Her words cut through him like a de, twisting slowly in his heart. Was he really making her life this miserable?


    ¡°If you want me to keep quiet about this with your parents, then go ahead and divorce me,¡± Felipe threatened, lowering himself to his ugliest tactic.


    He knew exactly what her parents were like¡ªleeches through and through.


    But he hadn¡¯t minded. He had money. As long as they stayed out of his way, he could send them a fat check every month.


    But if they found out she wanted a divorce? Chaos. They would flip her world upside down.


    g?????0¦Í??????.?????? ¨C Continue reading


    Farrah¡¯s reputation would take a hit, and her career would crumble under the weight of it.


    And once she had nothing left, she¡¯d have no choice but to return to him.


    Farrah¡¯s face went pale in an instant. He¡¯d struck her one true weak spot.


    ¡°Farrah, you¡¯re smart. You know what¡¯s best for you,¡± Felipe said, trying to soften the blow. His chest ached seeing the color drain from her cheeks, but he pressed on. ¡°Stay with me, and I¡¯ll shield you from them. I¡¯ll let you act, give you whatever you want.¡±


    Farrah¡¯s hands curled into fists at her sides.


    Before marrying him, her parents hadn¡¯t caused much trouble as long as she sent money.


    But after the wedding, Felipe had pampered them far too much.


    ¡°I swear I¡¯ll treat you right. I won¡¯t ever let you down again. I won¡¯t doubt you just because someone else says something,¡± Felipe promised.


    Farrah¡¯s lips curled, bitter and tight.


    A dull ache settled in her chest, heavy and inescapable.


    Right now, she felt helpless. She had no status, no connections, no money.


    In Felipe¡¯s world, she was just something to possess. When he was in a good mood or full of guilt, he¡¯d coax her sweetly.


    But when he was suspicious or upset, he¡¯d turn cold and cruel.


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 Chapter 547

    ?Chapter 547:


    Felipe saw it too¡ªthe shift in her expression. A sharp panic stabbed through him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going back,¡± Farrah said, her voice clear and resolute. ¡°And I won¡¯t be with you again.¡±


    ¡°You really mean that?¡± His voice wavered slightly, panic growing with each passing second.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to be unsure about?¡± A smooth, confident voice cut in suddenly. Freya had arrived. Dressed sharply in her tailored suit, car keys in hand, she strode forward without hesitation. ¡°Anyone with a shred of sense would want to stay as far away from you as possible.¡±


    The moment Freya stepped into view, all eyes instinctively shifted to her.


    By the window, Farrah stood still, a breath of relief catching in her chest, softening the weight that had anchored her heart. Her eyes shimmered with unshed tears.


    ¡°Freya!¡± Two bodyguards greeted Freya in unison.


    Freya casually tossed them her car keys.


    Then, turning her gaze to Felipe, she asked coolly, ¡°Are you leaving on your own, or will I have to make you?¡±


    She put a deliberate edge on the word ¡°make,¡± ensuring he caught the warning behind it.


    Felipe understood¡ªthis wasn¡¯t a suggestion. It was a threat.


    For a brief moment, he toyed with the idea of pushing back, but deep down, he knew that if things escted, Freya wouldn¡¯t waste time with his guards. She¡¯de straight for him. And he didn¡¯t stand a chance!


    Right then, he bitterly regretted turning down Kristian¡¯s offer to train him in hand-to-handbat. If only he had¡ªmaybe he¡¯d have a shot against her!


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    ¡°Do you always have to be this much of a headache?¡± He was clearly annoyed with her interference. ¡°This is between me and Farrah. Do you really have to butt in?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s my friend,¡± Freya said sharply, no exnation needed.


    She wasn¡¯t the type to stick her nose in other people¡¯s drama. But Farrah mattered to her, and she wasn¡¯t about to sit back while Felipe pulled his usual stunts. It was only natural¡ªwomen stood up for each other.


    ¡°If I were you, I¡¯d go find the best damnwyer money can buy,¡± Freya¡¯s tone dripped with mockery. ¡°Might help you lose a little less embarrassingly in court.¡±


    Felipe seethed, his jaw tight, but had no outlet for his frustration. He couldn¡¯t rival her fighting skill, her status, or the way shemanded the room.


    ¡°I just wanted to talk things over with Farrah,¡± he tried to sound reasonable. ¡°I know I messed up before, and I came to make it right.¡±


    ¡°Make it right?¡± Freya repeated with a hint of a scoff.


    He missed the sarcasm entirely. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You think making it right means digging at her wounds?¡± she shot back without a flicker of mercy.


    Felipe couldn¡¯t answer. What could he even say? Farrah had refused to return to him, so this was the only tactic left to try and force her hand.


    ¡°I used to think you and Kristian were equally awful,¡± Freya admitted, genuinely surprised Felipe had fallen this far. ¡°But now? I think you¡¯re even worse.¡±


    At least Kristian never stooped to these tactics. He¡¯d only treated her like a fool.


    ¡°You go on about making amends and giving her the life she deserves, but all I see are your threats and cruelty.¡± Her words cut right into Felipe¡¯s chest. His temper snapped.


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 Chapter 548

    ?Chapter 548:


    ¡°What gives you the right to judge?¡±


    ¡°What do you even know about love?¡± Her question struck deeper than he cared to admit.


    Felipe opened his mouth but found no words.


    For once, he was truly shaken.


    ¡°So what¡ªkeeping Farrah chained to your side is your way of loving her? Spoiling her, shielding her, giving her some illusion of happiness?¡± Freya¡¯s eyes never wavered. ¡°And you call that love?¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t it?¡± he shot back.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya¡¯s answer was steady. ¡°You never once asked her what she wanted.¡±


    Felipe fell silent, stunned. He had arguments ready, but he knew that whatever he said, Freya would tear it down and leave him looking worse than before.


    ¡°I want to speak with Farrah.¡± After what felt like an eternity, he finally spoke again.


    ¡°Fine,¡± Freya replied.


    Ten minutester, Felipe walked into the living room and sat across from Farrah. Freya remained close by her side.


    Freya had nned to give them space, thinking it best to step away. But Farrah had quietly asked her to stay.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already said everything I needed to,¡± Farrah said firmly, her confidence bolstered by Freya¡¯s presence. ¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, then say it.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not giving me even a sliver of a chance?¡± Felipe asked.


    Farrah didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°No.¡±


    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs in g??lnovels.??????


    ¡°You really don¡¯t want to be with me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Felipe¡¯s voice carried genuine confusion. ¡°I never meant to hurt you. I¡¯m not going to let others sway my decisions anymore. You¡¯ll alwayse first.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m tired.¡± Farrah¡¯s tone was calm but resolute. She had never liked the extravagant life tied to Felipe¡¯s world.


    He was handsome, intelligent, and exceptional at managing thepany. But ever since their marriage, she had endured snide remarks and venomous res from women who saw her as just another actress wing her way into high society.


    She had never spoken of it¡ªnot to Felipe, not to anyone. But through it all, she had been deeply unhappy. The world outside was cruel, and inside their home, Felipe¡¯s indifference only made things worse. It had worn her down.


    Just a few days ago, when she found out that Freya was a member of the powerful Briggs family, it felt like a boulder had been lifted off her shoulders.


    Until then, she had lived with the fear that Felipe might go after Freya¡ªand she had even braced herself to sacrifice everything if he did. She couldn¡¯t let Freya pay the price. But fate had surprised her.


    ¡°Let¡¯s give it another month.¡± Felipe was still holding on. ¡°If you still want a divorce then, I won¡¯t stop you.¡±


    ¡°NO.¡± Farrah¡¯s answer was clear and final.


    Her resolve made him realize she meant every word.


    He stared at her for a long moment, then finally rose from his seat. As she watched him walk away, she felt a sharp ache twist inside her chest.


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 Chapter 549

    ?Chapter 549:


    It hurt because she had once loved him¡ªtruly. But now, she knew what she had to do.


    ¡°One more thing,¡± Felipe said suddenly, stopping at the door.


    Farrah turned her head slightly, her expression guarded. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to go all the way to Jeucwell to file the divorce.¡± His voice was tight, heavy with emotion. ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll have the papers drawn up and sent to you. If you have any conditions, let Freya know. I¡¯ll include them.¡±


    He didn¡¯t want this divorce. But he understood now¡ªdragging it into a legal battle would only leave a bitter aftertaste. It was better to walk away now, while there was still a shred of decency between them.


    At least she wouldn¡¯t leave hating him entirely.


    Farrah was momentarily stunned by his words. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll speak to your parents myself.¡± Felipe was surrendering everything, knowing he couldn¡¯t go up against Freya and win. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Farrah said again, quieter this time.


    Felipe nced at her onest time, parted his lips as if to say something more¡ªbut said nothing.


    They locked eyes across the room, their gazes tangled in unspoken thoughts.


    ¡°Let me be clear.¡± Felipe turned to Freya, his tone edged with warning. ¡°If anything happens to Farrah while she¡¯s under your roof, I won¡¯t let it slide.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t dignify him with a response. She figured he just wanted to gain Farrah¡¯s attention.


    Felipe swallowed the bitter sting in his chest, took a long step forward, and left¡ªlike a man whose pride and fire had just been snuffed out.


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    The heaviness that had clung to Farrah¡¯s heart finally drifted away, but in its ce lingered a quiet, hollow ache that refused to budge. Her chest tightened as she reached for Freya, her voice barely above a whisper. ¡°Freya, can you give me a hug?¡±


    Freya pulled her into a warm, reassuring embrace, wrapping her arms around her with silentfort.


    Farrah clung to her, unwilling to let go, so Freya simply kept holding her.


    Time blurred, and after a long, indistinct stretch, Farrah spoke, her voice still raspy from emotion. ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Do you think there¡¯s something wrong with me?¡± Farrah rested her chin on Freya¡¯s shoulder, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. ¡°He treated me so terribly, and yet¡­ hearing him agree to the divorce still hurts a little.¡±


    ¡°Everyone¡¯s heart has its own twisted maze,¡± Freya murmured, offering her a soft constion. ¡°You¡¯ve done incredibly well.¡± Love and hatred often walked hand in hand. There was no need to feel ashamed of that. After all, emotions were never obedient¡ªthey came and went as they pleased.


    ¡°I wish I could be as lighthearted as you,¡± Farrah confessed, clearly worn down. ¡°But I just can¡¯t seem to.¡±


    Freya said nothing more. She held her friend, steady as a rock, letting the silence cradle them both.


    Time, after all, had its way of mending things that felt unfixable.


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 Chapter 550

    ?Chapter 550:


    She had once loved Kristian deeply. Back then, he¡¯d been so gentle, patient, and attuned to her emotions that she¡¯d fallen for him quickly andpletely.


    At least before he received Ashley¡¯s call, he¡¯d genuinely been good to her.


    In the six months that followed that phone call, they¡¯d lived apart, and on the outside, she seemed fine. But only she knew what those days had really been like. Alone in the house, she¡¯d often stare at nothing until hours slipped by unnoticed.


    Or she¡¯d run for miles, or box until she couldn¡¯t lift her arms¡ªjust to let something out.


    She never cried in front of Kristian, never begged him to stay. Those days were suffocating and brutal, but she knew if she could endure them, she¡¯de out stronger.


    Time dulled everything eventually¡ªmaking even the biggest wounds feel smaller.


    And that¡¯s how she became who she was now.


    ¡°Farrah,¡± Freya suddenly said.


    Farrah answered, ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Have you made a decision about the baby?¡± Freya¡¯s tone was serious. ¡°Once you give birth, it¡¯s all on you. From the first cry, you¡¯ll have to do it all yourself.¡±


    She didn¡¯t mention that Felipe¡¯s family might want toy im to the child if they ever found out.


    If that happened, she¡¯d step in. But even so, raising a kid wasn¡¯t something money could magically fix.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already decided,¡± Farrah said, settling back into the couch. ¡°It¡¯s going to be tough, but I¡¯ve saved enough. I¡¯ll manage.¡±


    ¡°Being a single mom isn¡¯t easy.¡±


    ????????¡¯?? ?????? ??????????: ???????????¦Í??????????????


    ¡°I¡¯m not scared,¡± Farrah said, a faint smile tugging at her lips. She¡¯d already made peace with her choice.


    Freya felt a wave of relief. Since Farrah had truly thought it through, she had no issue pitching in to help raise the child. She liked kids anyway.


    With that settled, she moved on to something else.


    She looked straight at Farrah. ¡°Does anyone know you¡¯re staying here?¡±


    Farrah shook her head.


    She hadn¡¯t told a soul¡ªdidn¡¯t want Felipe catching wind of her whereabouts.


    Even on social media, she was careful. No location tags. No identifiable photos. Just vague captions and the asional stock image.


    ¡°Take care of yourself while you¡¯re pregnant. Don¡¯t stress about Felipe,¡± Freya said, hoping to ease her worries. ¡°If you need fresh air, let the bodyguards escort you. No need to worry about being spotted.¡±


    Farrah might not have been an A-list star, but she was recognizable. Still, the ces Farrah and the bodyguards would visit were private clubs and exclusive venues. Even if someone did recognize Farrah, they likely wouldn¡¯t react. After all, most guests were big shots in their fields.


    Farrah nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Freya lingered for a bit longer.


    As she was preparing to leave, Farrah suddenly called out, ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Do you think I¡¯m your little secret?¡± she asked, grinning yfully.


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 Chapter 551

    ?Chapter 551:


    ¡°No,¡± Freya said. ¡°Not?¡±


    ¡°Because you¡¯re my¡­ treasure.¡±


    ¡°Pfft!¡± Farrah couldn¡¯t help it. She burst intoughter.


    Freya looked at her, confused. ¡°Did I say something weird?¡±


    ¡°No, not weird,¡± Farrah said, poking Freya¡¯s cheek with a teasing smile. ¡°Just didn¡¯t expect something that cheesy from you. It¡¯s too cute.¡±


    Freya gave her a light flick on the forehead. ¡°You really need to work on yourpliments.¡±


    Farrah just giggled.


    Freya didn¡¯t linger any longer after that.


    She gave some final instructions to both Farrah and the bodyguards before heading out.


    By the time she arrived back at herpany, it was already noon. Melvin had wrapped up his tasks and ordered lunch.


    As they ate together, Melvin looked like he had something on his mind.


    He kept pausing, starting to speak, and then stopping.


    Freya caught on quickly. ¡°You¡¯ve got something to say, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Gerard¡¯s been digging into me,¡± Melvin said, his face serious. ¡°Actually, it¡¯s Kristian doing the digging.¡±


    Freya set her utensils down. ¡°I know.¡±


    Thest time Kristian had shown up like that, it was clearly after checking into Melvin¡¯s background. But she couldn¡¯t quite figure out what Kristian was really looking for.


    ¡°No, you don¡¯t,¡± Melvin corrected her. ¡°He¡¯s not snooping around my personal life. He¡¯s investigating whichpany I used to work for.¡±


    g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s has it all


    Freya¡¯s eyes narrowed slightly. Then, without hesitation, she made a decision. ¡°Let him dig if he wants to.¡±


    ¡°No confidentiality concerns?¡±


    ¡°None. Just let him find what he¡¯s looking for.¡±


    Kristian probably wanted to know where Melvin had worked in order to see if she¡¯d been his boss.


    But at this point, whether he found out or not didn¡¯t matter to her. Since Freya hadn¡¯t taken any steps to block it, Gerard¡¯s investigation went off without a hitch.


    Within a few days, he had all the information on Melvin.


    When Kristian learned that Melvin had worked for Anita International Group, he instantly made a bold conclusion: Freya owned thepany. Gerard was a bit thrown off by how quickly he jumped to that.


    ¡°What made you so sure Ms. Briggs owns Anita International?¡±


    Kristian answered without missing a beat. ¡°Freya¡¯s mom¡¯s name is Anita.¡±


    If Melvin were just some part-timer, he wouldn¡¯t have that kind of understanding with Freya.


    The clincher was Gerard¡¯s mention of Melvin¡¯s boss being on a two-year sabbatical, which lined up perfectly with the two years Freya had been married to Kristian.


    ¡°So what now?¡± Gerard asked, cutting straight to the point.


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 Chapter 552

    ?Chapter 552:


    Kristian¡¯s gaze was ice cold. ¡°What do you mean, ¡®what now¡¯?¡±


    ¡°Now that we know Melvin works at Anita International and Ms. Briggs is the owner,¡± Gerard said earnestly, ¡°what¡¯s your n?¡±


    The simple question hit Kristian like a punch to the gut, leaving him utterly speechless.


    He had started digging into Melvin purely out of curiosity, just to figure out who Melvin and Freya really were¡ªbut now that he had those answers, everything felt even murkier than before.


    For once, Gerard stood there without a word, his usual banter nowhere to be found.


    Kristian eventually said, ¡°Nothing specific¡ªjust trying to clear up the doubts gnawing at me.¡±


    Sometimes, people did things just to find a little peace in their own heads.


    After a beat, Gerard asked, ¡°When are you heading back to Jeucwell?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll decideter,¡± Kristian muttered vaguely.


    Gerard picked up on his boss¡¯s half-hearted tone and could tell the regret over the divorce from Freya was creeping in stronger by the day. But what was done was done. Some mistakes couldn¡¯t be undone. There was nothing Kristian could do now to rewrite the past.


    In the days that followed, Freya went on with her life, while Kristian, aside from sending her flowers daily, would drop by the Briggs Group now and then to catch a glimpse of her.


    He knew she didn¡¯t want to be bothered, but he also knew he had to make it look like he was still pursuing her¡ªfor the sake of that mysterious mastermind.


    L§Ñ¦Ó??¦Ó ch?¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?ls.??????


    He¡¯d already failed her once as a husband; he couldn¡¯t afford to blow it again.


    Soon enough, September rolled toward its end.


    It had been five days since Melvin received the first mysterious contact. Then, on September 29th, someone reached out to Melvin again, instructing him to initiate the second phase of the n during thepany¡¯s end-of-month retreat.


    The objective was simple: to make Freya¡¯s rtionship with Melvin public within the Briggs Group. Melvin ryed the update to Freya.


    That afternoon, they were both at the Briggs Group headquarters. Afterying out the details, Melvin asked, ¡°How do you want to handle this? Looks like quite a few people are involved in the retreat.¡±


    Even if Freya gave the green light, he¡¯d never go through with it¡ªeven if it was all just for show.


    Reputation meant something. And he couldn¡¯t let her go off the rails.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry,¡± Freya told him, her voice firm. ¡°I already know who¡¯s behind this. I¡¯ll meet with herter.¡±


    Before the incident with Farrah, she hadn¡¯t been certain, but now she was.


    Now that she was sure, it was time to confront the truth.


    Melvin didn¡¯t push for more answers. ¡°Want me to go with you?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯ll go alone,¡± Freya declined.


    Later that afternoon, in a quaint caf¨¦ humming with warmth and soft chatter, Freya sat across from a polished young woman. It was Norah, the same woman who had called her when Farrah was dragged to the hospital for an abortion.


    As the barista set down their drinks, Norah blinked at her in surprise and said, ¡°Honestly, didn¡¯t expect you to ask me out for coffee. You need something from me?¡±


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 Chapter 553

    ?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¡ªmade 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¡ªcut 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¡ªcalm, unflinching, and resolute.


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 Chapter 554

    ?Chapter 554:


    Atst, Norah gave in. She sank back into her seat, letting her purse fall onto the table with a sharp thud, her frustration thinly veiled. ¡°Spit it out already. After this, I¡¯m erasing you from my life.¡±


    ¡°You missed your calling,¡± Freya remarked, unfazed. ¡°You¡¯d have made one hell of an actress.¡±


    If Ashley had been half as clever, things back then could¡¯ve turned out a lot worse.


    Freya rarely let her guard down¡ªbut even she had almost been fooled by Norah.


    ¡°Cut the sarcasm and get to the point,¡± Norah snapped, visibly irritated. Her reaction was wless¡ªexactly how someone wrongly used would behave.


    ¡°Ashley¡¯s car crash, the photo leak, the attack on me, the setup at the hotel with Trent, and the bribe to Melvin¡ªall your handiwork, right?¡± Freya¡¯s voice was calm,posed, with an edge of finality.


    Norah stared at her as if she¡¯d lost her mind. ¡°Why the hell would I do any of that?¡±


    ¡°From the moment you realized Kristian would divorce me for Ashley, you began spinning your web,¡± Freya said, her tone calm but sharp enough to cut ss. ¡°In your mind, if Ashley and I shed, Kristian would wash his hands of both of us.¡±


    Norah¡¯s face remained a mask of confusion, as though Freya were speaking in riddles.


    ¡°But when your n unraveled after the car crash, you didn¡¯t hesitate¡ªyou arranged for someone to rape Ashley,¡± Freya continued, each word delivered with icy precision. ¡°Yet Kristian turned a blind eye, and so, once again, you reworked your scheme.¡±


    ¡°Wait a minute,¡± Norah cut in, and Freya paused, nodding slightly to let her speak.


    ¡°Are you sure this isn¡¯t the plot of some dramatic TV series?¡± Norah said dismissively, a smirk tugging at her lips.


    Discover more on g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the luxury to entertain jokes,¡± Freya replied, her voiceced with frost.


    ¡°I truly have no idea what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Norah said, visibly eager to end the conversation. ¡°And if anything you¡¯ve said holds water, then go to the police. They¡¯re quick to act.¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes narrowed, reading Norah like an open book¡ªevery reaction too perfect, every word too polished. Had Kristian been here, he might have used her of framing Norah.


    ¡°For thest time, I don¡¯t have feelings for Kristian,¡± Norah said, rising from her seat with a huff of impatience.


    ¡°If that¡¯s true, then why do you still keep that stuffed toy he gave you in high school?¡± Freya asked, her gaze unflinching. ¡°And why is it still sitting in your bedroom after all these years?¡±


    Norah¡¯s brows creased slightly.


    Freya didn¡¯t stop. ¡°With your family¡¯s wealth, you could have filled a room with toys. Why hold on to something from someone who supposedly means nothing to you?¡±


    ¡°How do you even know about that?¡± Norah¡¯s voice dipped in temperature, her posture tightening.


    Freya leaned in slightly. ¡°So, are you ready to talk?¡±


    If she hadn¡¯t uncovered that detail, breaking through Norah¡¯s defenses would have been impossible. The woman was a virtuoso at ying innocent.


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 Chapter 555

    ?Chapter 555:


    ¡°It¡¯s just a toy. It doesn¡¯t mean anything,¡± Norah shrugged. ¡°Can¡¯t a girl hold on to a keepsake from the first man who once felt like a hero?¡± But as the words left her lips, her mind wandered.


    She had been waiting for her brother outside school when trouble found her. Kristian had appeared like a scene from a movie¡ªdriven by instinct, scaring off the bullies. Then, he¡¯d bought her that toy, a smallfort for her tears.


    She knew Kristian only saw her as his friend¡¯s younger sister¡ªnothing more.


    But for a young girl, admiration easily blossomed into infatuation when a man was both righteous and striking.


    Before she knew it, Kristian had taken root in her heart.


    ¡°If it was just a keepsake, then why did your grandpa approach Lionel with a marriage proposal once you came of age?¡± Freya¡¯s tone was smooth, but cool as ice.


    Norah¡¯s brows twitched ever so slightly. Was Freya out of her mind, dredging up something from that far back?


    ¡°What exactly are you trying to say?¡± Norah asked, cutting to the chase.


    ¡°I dug deep and followed the threads,¡± Freya said. ¡°And what I found was chilling. Every incident was carried out by men infatuated with you. But let¡¯s be real¡ªwould they have moved without your nod?¡±


    People who pulled strings from behind the curtain always made sure the puppets fell when the show ended.


    Norah quickly collected herself. ¡°You¡¯re not making any sense.¡±


    ¡°Do you truly believe that walking away without evidence makes you untouchable?¡± Freya asked, unflinching.


    g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls has fresh updates for you


    Every carefully staged moment, including arranging Melvin¡¯s betrayal, had Norah¡¯s fingerprints all over it¡ªjust hidden beneath a pair of gloves.


    If Freya hadn¡¯t yed detective,bing through events with a fine-toothedb, she might never have guessed Norah was the spider behind the web.


    After all, Norah¡¯s facade was that of a woman with a heart wrapped in silk.


    Norah let out a soft chuckle. ¡°I¡¯ve always followed thew. Whatever usations you¡¯re tossing around, I won¡¯t wear a criminal¡¯s crown.¡±


    ¡°And what do you think Damon will do if he hears about all this?¡± Freya asked bluntly.


    Some people skate through the cracks of justice, immune to legal punishment forck of proof¡ªbut they¡¯re not safe from judgment by conscience or loved ones.


    Norah and Damon had once been close, but time and distance had worn away their bond.


    ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ve nothing to hide from something I didn¡¯t do,¡± Norah said, her eyes locked on Freya¡¯s. ¡°Besides, Damon has enough fires to put out. He won¡¯t waste time on baseless theories.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s see if you still say that when the storm hits,¡± Freya replied.


    Norah shot her onest look, then picked up her purse and walked out.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Freya called after her.


    ¡°What now?¡±


    ¡°Stay out of my way. Kristian and I are divorced,¡± Freya said firmly. ¡°If you keep stirring the pot, next time won¡¯t be as civil as this casual chat.¡±


    If Freya decided to retaliate, Norah might find herself in over her head.


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 Chapter 556

    ?Chapter 556:


    Norah didn¡¯t respond. She left the caf¨¦, cool on the outside, stormy within.


    Once in her car, the mask fell. Worry etched itself across her face. She locked the doors, rolled up the windows, and ced a call.


    ¡°Miss Russell, awaiting your instructions,¡± a male voice responded.


    ¡°Cut off all contact with Melvin. He¡¯s pretending to switch sides and betray Freya,¡± Norah said, rubbing her temples, surprised by how sideways things had gone. ¡°Cancel tomorrow¡¯s ns too.¡±


    There was a moment of stunned silence, but then came the reply: ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Dig into Freya Briggs,¡± Norah added, a flicker of panic rising beneath her words. ¡°I want every bit of information on her. Fast.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Once the call ended, Norah rolled down the window and reclined her seat.


    Shey there, lost in thought, trying to trace where the dominoes had started falling. Everything had once been tightly stitched, and now it was unraveling thread by thread.


    She had painted herself as harmless, even letting Kristian be with Freya and Ethel during that chance mall encounter¡ªyet none of it had curbed Freya¡¯s suspicion.


    Even during their conversation, Norah had believed Freya was fishing for a confession¡ªuntil she brought up the past.


    Still, Norah hadn¡¯t cracked.


    Freya might have had a recorder tucked away, and if she admitted to anything, it would¡¯ve been her own undoing.


    After leaving the caf¨¦, Freya didn¡¯t head back to the office right away. She called Farrah instead, eager to share what had unfolded.


    The rest of the chapters at g??ln o vels.???? ??


    Farrah had long wanted to thank Norah for a favor from the past but had never found the right moment.


    Of course, Freya didn¡¯ty everything bare¡ªshe just touched on Ashley¡¯s car ident and the bribe involving Melvin.


    Upon hearing everything, Farrah was utterly stunned. ¡°Wait¡ªher? That doesn¡¯t make any sense. I always thought she was genuinely kind, especially since she was the one who helped me make that call back then.¡±


    It was baffling. Truly beyond belief.


    ¡°I was a little taken aback myself,¡± Freya admitted honestly.


    ¡°I just don¡¯t get it.¡± Farrah¡¯s mind couldn¡¯t grasp it. ¡°If she was trying to mess with you, why would she go out of her way to help me?¡±


    ¡°There are two possible reasons,¡± Freya had already given this plenty of thought.


    Farrah asked, ¡°What are they?¡±


    ¡°The first is that she only shows her cruel side to the women involved with Kristian, but aside from that, she¡¯s still got a decent heart,¡± Freya exined slowly, choosing her words with care.


    If she had a choice, she would rather believe Norah had simply helped Farrah out of kindness.


    Farrah clutched her phone tightly and continued, ¡°What¡¯s the second possibility?¡±


    ¡°She did it on purpose¡ªshe wanted me to have a good impression of her, so that even if anyone ever figured out she was behind it, I¡¯d refuse to believe it,¡± Freya replied, her voice steady. ¡°She really did seem like a good person when we first met.¡±


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 Chapter 557

    ?Chapter 557:


    Farrah didn¡¯t say a word.


    ¡°You said before that if it weren¡¯t for that call, you would¡¯ve done anything to protect your baby. No matter what, you¡¯ll keep the baby,¡± Freya said. She didn¡¯t want to believe the worst in people. ¡°She probably saw thating and decided to make you feel indebted to her.¡±


    After all, it happened at a hospital. No one really intended for things to go too far.


    If things hade to a head, the medical staff would¡¯ve had no choice but to contact Felipe, and at that point, things would¡¯ve taken a very different turn.


    A cold shiver ran down Farrah¡¯s back. ¡°Why would she pull something like that? Shees from a wealthy family. She¡¯s got everything.¡±


    Farrah had always assumed the entertainment industry was full of scheming.


    Only now did she realize it wasn¡¯t just showbiz¡ªthis kind of darkness existed everywhere. Human nature was fickle and full of shadows.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Freya said, not wanting to dwell on it. It wasn¡¯t something worth her time.


    ¡°So what are you going to do now?¡± Farrah was visibly worried for her. Thankfully, Freya had been sharp enough; if she hadn¡¯t, things might¡¯ve taken a terrible turn. ¡°There¡¯s basically no way to catch her in the act.¡±


    Freya went quiet for a moment, then said, ¡°I¡¯ll talk to her grandpa, Josiah.¡±


    She had told Farrah earlier that she¡¯d go to Damon, but that had just been a red herring.


    Matters like this weren¡¯t usually resolved between peers. Even though Josiah doted on his grandchildren, he was a just and level-headed man. And, of course, the real reason she chose him¡ªFreya had a certain connection with him. If she brought it up with him, Norah wouldn¡¯t get off easy.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard Josiah holds quite a high position,¡± Farrah said, clearly uneasy. ¡°Can you even get a meeting with him?¡±


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    There were plenty of rumors about the Russell family in their circle.


    Josiah had two sons¡ªone was in the army, the other in business. Some executive from apany had tried to meet him once but was politely rejected. Word had it Josiah wasn¡¯t fond of businessmen. Farrah knew Freya was from the Briggs family, but even so, she wasn¡¯t sure if Freya could get ess to him.


    ¡°I can set it up,¡± Freya assured her without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯ve got the right contacts.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± Farrah finally rxed a little.


    Before they ended the call, Freya reminded her again to take good care of herself.


    Farrah quickly agreed, ¡°Yeah, yeah, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    ¡°You¡­ don¡¯t have even the slightest doubt in me?¡± Freya looked a little surprised.


    ¡°You¡¯re my friend¡ªwhy would I ever doubt you?¡± Farrah said it inly and with conviction. ¡°I know exactly the kind of person you are.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Freya¡¯s heart felt lighter.


    She had often heard from older people that the friends made at school were the most genuine. And once you left school, the ones you met were usually shallow and fleeting.


    But Farrah was truly one of a kind. Even before Farrah knew who she really was, she had looked out for her, treated her with warmth and care.


    Now that Farrah knew Freya was part of the Briggs family, nothing had changed.


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 Chapter 558

    ?Chapter 558:


    ¡°What are you thanking me for?¡± Farrah teased, as she often did. ¡°Silly girl.¡±


    Freya let out a quietugh.


    After ending the call with Farrah, Freya dialed Josiah.


    When he answered, his voice was full of warmth. He chatted with her about everything under the sun. When Freya brought up that she wanted to visit him, his joy was unmistakable.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting for you,¡± Josiah said with his usualmanding tone, softened by his affection for her. ¡°No matter when, I¡¯ll make time.¡± Hearing that, Freya subconsciously touched the tip of her nose, suddenly feeling a little guilty about bringing bad news to someone who was weing her so warmly.


    ¡°Let¡¯s set it for the sixth of next month,¡± Freya confirmed the date.


    ¡°Perfect!¡± Josiah responded with enthusiasm.


    Among all the elders Freya knew¡ªLionel, Winslow, Josiah¡ªthey all adored her. Only Miguel remained indifferent.


    Once he hung up, Josiah, still smiling ear to ear, picked up his phone and dialed another number.


    The man who answered had a rich, maic voice.


    ¡°Ellis, just so you¡¯re aware, Freya¡¯sing to see me on the sixth next month,¡± Josiah said, his tone still serious but with an oddly gossipy undertone. ¡°Whether you show up or not is up to you.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯sing to see you? That¡¯s rare.¡± Ellis Lambert¡¯s voice lifted slightly¡ªhe was none other than Freya¡¯s captain.


    Josiah instantly snapped into his stern tone. ¡°Don¡¯t go stirring things up, you little rascal.¡±


    Your escape begins with ga ln ov els .


    ¡°Got it.¡± Ellis chuckled, his voice smooth as ever. ¡°I¡¯ve got some gifts for you anyway¡ªI¡¯ll bring them then.¡±


    ¡°Now that¡¯s more like it.¡±


    ¡°Just don¡¯t tell her I¡¯ming,¡± Ellis made sure to remind him. Josiah gave a brief reply and ended the call. There was none of the warm chatting he had shared with Freya. It was clear he was just passing along a message.


    Ellis stared at his phone screen, a small smile tugging at his handsome lips.


    Meanwhile, on Kristian¡¯s end, just as he finished signing the documents, he was about to have Gerard deliver them when Gerard rushed in, his expression a tangle of hesitation and urgency.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve found out what you asked me to look into,¡± Gerard said, holding a stack of files, looking troubled.


    Kristian shot him a look, signaling him to speak.


    ¡°The one really behind everything¡ªit¡¯s Norah Russell.¡± Gerard knew all too well how close his boss was with Damon. ¡°She gave out subtle hints or slipped information to push others into doing it for her.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, as though he didn¡¯t quite understand. Gerard pressed his lips together and handed over the documents. ¡°Take a look for yourself.¡±


    Kristian epted them, flipping through one page at a time. Gerard asked quietly, ¡°What do you n to do about this?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s brows creased ever so slightly as he stared down at the pile of documents spread before him¡ªjust enough to betray the quiet storm of disbelief brewing inside him. He hadn¡¯t expected Norah to be so cunning and calcting.


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 Chapter 559

    ?Chapter 559:


    In that instant, everything snapped into focus. He realized, painfully, that he had misjudged Freya all along.


    ¡°Set up a meeting with Norah Russell,¡± Kristian blurted, his voice sharp with urgency.


    Gerard gave a quick nod. ¡°Alright.¡±


    As Gerard exited the room, Kristian¡¯s gaze stayed locked on the thick stack of paperwork in his hands.


    The weight of the revtions hit harder than anything he¡¯d ever faced. He couldn¡¯t wrap his head around how Norah had managed to keep such a perfect mask in ce.


    Norah was Damon¡¯s little sister. She was thest person Kristian ever thought capable of something like this. He never imagined she would go to such great lengths to set Freya up.


    The two women had no visible connection at all.


    His thoughts spun in chaos as he lifted a hand to his forehead, the regret seeping out of him like a slow bleed.


    Scenes from the past came rushing back¡ªevery doubt he¡¯d thrown at Freya, the harsh words, the way he¡¯d dismissed her pleas. She had tried to exin. And how had he treated her? He¡¯d never trusted her. The more he thought about it, the tighter his chest became, until it felt like he couldn¡¯t draw in a full breath.


    He realized Freya had been right. All along. It was he who had changed, not her. She had remained constant¡ªtrue to herself from beginning to end.


    The heaviness in his chest sank lower, dulling into a lingering ache.


    When Gerard returned to give his report, he found Kristian seated with his head bowed low, eyes still fixed on the stack of damning papers. The air in the room felt suffocating, thick with unspoken regret¡ªlike a child quietlymenting a mistake that couldn¡¯t be undone.


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    Gerard exhaled softly and slipped out without saying a word, gently shutting the door behind him, leaving Kristian alone with the consequences.


    Life has a way of bncing itself. Gains and losses, cause and effect. Every decision carries its cost. Sooner orter, everyone pays. Kristian and Freya¡ªtwo souls meant to cross paths, but never meant to walk the same road.


    For the next hour, Kristian didn¡¯t move from his office chair. He sat steeped in silence, buried in thought.


    Gerard kept watch outside, intercepting those looking for signatures or direction, scribbling down their questions and bundling up the paperwork forter.


    Freya¡¯s heartbreak had likely happened six months ago. But for Kristian, it started today.


    Thankfully, he didn¡¯t drown in the misery for long. By six o¡¯clock, he had finished reviewing the documents and called Gerard back in.


    ¡°How¡¯s the contact going?¡± Kristian asked, his voice steady but rougher than usual, the rasp unmistakable.


    ¡°Miss Russell hasn¡¯t picked up,¡± Gerard responded.


    Kristian didn¡¯t flinch. His tone stayed even as he gave his next order. ¡°Get in touch with Josiah Russell. Tell him I need to speak with Norah.¡± Norah¡¯s father was abroad¡ªnot that he¡¯d be of much help anyway.


    As for Damon, he had his own mess to sort through.


    ¡°Understood,¡± Gerard replied, making a quick note of the instruction. He then offered a stack of files and a list. ¡°Here are the documents needing your signature, along with the questions from the senior execs.¡±


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 Chapter 560

    Chapter 560:


    Kristian epted the files wordlessly, skimmed through them, and signed without hesitation.


    He answered the questions in short, clipped sentences.


    By the time he was done, it was already past seven.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to wait up for me. Head home,¡± Kristian said, his tone t and detached.


    Gerard lingered for a second. ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Mhm.¡±


    Their exchange was brief¡ªdevoid of their usual rhythm. Kristian wasn¡¯t in the mood for small talk today.


    Gerard couldn¡¯t help but feel a flicker of sympathy. Still, he knew better. Kristian had brought this on himself. Even so, Gerard gave him a silent three seconds of pity.


    Before heading out, he paused. ¡°Should we loop in Ms. Briggs? She¡¯s been digging into this as well.¡±


    ¡°Not yet,¡± Kristian answered firmly. ¡°Once I¡¯ve taken care of everything, you can tell her. Think of it as¡­ my way of making things right.¡± He knew Freya was more than capable of uncovering the truth on her own.


    But this time, he wanted to take responsibility.


    It was Norah¡¯s meddling that had sparked so many of their misunderstandings.


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    ¡°Understood,¡± Gerard replied, then took his leave.


    That evening, Kristian made ns to meet up with Zander, who was in Alerith for a shoot, and the two caught up over drinks. In the dim, private room of a nightclub, Kristian downed ss after ss, finishing off an entire bottle with practiced ease.


    When he reached for another, Zander gently ced a hand over his. ¡°You know drinking won¡¯t fix anything. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t respond. His gaze was unreadable, distant.


    He opened the second bottle anyway and poured himself another drink. Zander didn¡¯t try to stop him again. He simply toyed with the rim of his ss and mused aloud, ¡°You¡¯ve never failed at work. And even if you had, you wouldn¡¯t let it get to you. Your family¡¯s fine, everyone¡¯s healthy. So it¡¯s not that.¡±


    Kristian emptied his ss but didn¡¯t refill it this time. ¡°So it¡¯s either Freya or Ashley,¡± Zander guessed.


    He¡¯d been too busy filming to keep up with Kristian¡¯s personal life. He had no idea how things had ultimately turned out.


    ¡°What kind of person do you think Freya is?¡± Kristian asked suddenly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know her well,¡± Zander replied. He never formed opinions without reason. ¡°But from what little I¡¯ve seen, she seems like a good soul.¡±


    Kristian let out a dry, bitterugh.


    Even someone who barely knew her seemed to understand her better than he had.


    ¡°Divorced,¡± he said after a pause, his voice raspy and worn.


    ¡°Then you should focus on your future with Ashley,¡± Zander said without judgment. ¡°We all have to live with the choices we make. No use dwelling on the past.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s fingers tightened around his ss. ¡°We never got back together.¡±


    .


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    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Good evening dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?(?? ? ? )??


    .

 Chapter 561

    ?Chapter 561:


    Zander turned to him, a look of quiet confusion spreading across his face.


    ¡°She came back to me under false pretenses,¡± Kristian muttered, his voice rough. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t been so stubborn¡ªso obsessed with holding on to my first love¡ªand had chosen to value Freya instead¡­ would things have ended differently?¡±


    He pictured a life where he and Freya built a quiet,forting home together¡ªa ce untouched by chaos or doubt.


    She would be free to chase her dreams, unburdened, while he took on the weight of providing for their shared life.


    There would be no fights, no distance between them¡ªonly the gentle rhythm of a family in perfect harmony.


    ¡°If you were so smitten with your first love, you should¡¯ve never gotten involved with Freya in the first ce,¡± Zander said, his tone frank.


    Kristian didn¡¯t reply. He couldn¡¯t find the words to capture the mess inside his chest. All he felt was an overwhelming sense of misery.


    ¡°Do you regret divorcing Freya?¡± Zander asked quietly.


    ¡°I hurt her more than I can even exin,¡± Kristian confessed, his voice thick with remorse. ¡°And today¡­ I finally saw the truth. From the very beginning, I¡¯ve been wrong. Sopletely wrong.¡±


    ¡°Go and apologize to Freya¡ªsincerely.¡± Zander always approached things with a calm, logical perspective. ¡°Just try making amends.¡±


    Kristian gave a t response. ¡°She won¡¯t ept it. She doesn¡¯t care about my apologies anyway.¡±


    ¡°Whether she epts it or not is up to her. But if you believe you were wrong, you should still say sorry,¡± Zander said gently.


    Read the next part at ?????????¦Í??????o??


    Kristian didn¡¯t say anything. He looked deep in thought.


    ¡°Or is this about trying to win her back?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s not going to give me that chance.¡±


    Zander¡¯s expression shifted, his gaze softening with emotion at the sound of Kristian¡¯s words. What had happened between Kristian and Freya? He was curious.


    Kristian ced his ss down and leaned back into the sofa, his eyes locked on the dim ceiling light above.


    His emotions seemed like they were about to spill over, desperate for a release.


    ¡°Kristian.¡± Zander had never seen him like this¡ªso breakable, like ss that might shatter if touched.


    Kristian closed his eyes, as if to hide everything he was feeling. Once he had his emotions under control, he murmured in a hoarse voice, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    ¡°Do you regret divorcing Freya?¡± Zander finally asked the question Kristian had avoided earlier, his eyes never leaving him.


    Kristian kept staring at the ceiling.


    Just when Zander thought he wasn¡¯t going to answer, Kristian finally said, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Not only did he regret it, but he also wished he could turn back time¡ªgo back six months, to when everything was still intact.


    He would¡¯ve ignored Ashley¡¯s calls, stayed by Freya¡¯s side, cherished her, loved her, and made her happy.


    ¡°Then don¡¯t forget this feeling,¡± Zander, the kind of friend who didn¡¯t sugarcoat the truth, made sure his words hit where they needed to. ¡°So you won¡¯t make the same mistake again.¡±


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 Chapter 562

    ?Chapter 562:


    He had warned Kristian before. But some lessons can¡¯t be taught with words. People only really learn once they¡¯re forced to deal with the consequences.


    Kristian didn¡¯t argue. He took every word without flinching, epting it all.


    By the time they left, it was already midnight.


    Although Gerard had gone home earlier that evening, he was still worried about Kristian. So when Zander called, Gerard didn¡¯t hesitate toe pick them up.


    Kristian and Zander took the back seat. From the moment they got in, Kristian seemed drunk, though he wasn¡¯t¡ªhe just didn¡¯t feel like talking and didn¡¯t want to open his eyes.


    Gerard didn¡¯t know what was going on. It was the first time he¡¯d ever seen Kristian so out of it.


    While driving, he nced in the mirror and asked Zander, ¡°Mr. Loftus, how much did Mr. Shaw drink tonight?¡±


    ¡°Not much.¡±


    ¡°Not much? And he¡¯s like this?¡± Gerard looked genuinely surprised.


    Zander gave Kristian a quick nce, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°It¡¯s not the alcohol¡ªit¡¯s the emotions.¡±


    Gerard got it instantly. Kristian wasn¡¯t drunk. He was just drowning in feelings.


    ¡°You guys here on business?¡± Zander asked.


    ¡°Not exactly. Mr. Shaw¡¯s been chasing his ex-wife,¡± Gerard answered sincerely. ¡°He¡¯s even relocated the office to the branch in Alerith.¡±


    Zander raised an eyebrow, a little taken aback. ¡°Do you know what happened between him and Freya?¡±


    Stay tuned at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s


    Gerard didn¡¯t answer right away. He checked the rearview mirror, and seeing no objection from Kristian, he went ahead and told the truth.


    ¡°He thought she would always love him no matter what. But she doesn¡¯t believe in getting back with exes,¡± he said clearly, with a vivid sort of honesty.


    Zander chuckled under his breath.


    Kristian was left speechless. The heavy mood he¡¯d been in took a hit from Gerard¡¯s blunt honesty.


    He couldn¡¯t believe the guy never ran out of ways to provoke him.


    Half an hourter, Gerard dropped them off at home.


    While Zander headed for a shower, Kristian, still slumped on the sofa and clearly not in great spirits, called Gerard over.


    Gerard looked at him with his usual straightforwardness. ¡°What did you mean by what you said in the car?¡±


    ¡°Exactly what it sounded like.¡±


    ¡°Who told you that¡¯s what I was thinking?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you just banking on your good looks and assuming Ms. Briggs would never walk away from you?¡± Gerard asked inly, striking the nerve without hesitation.


    Kristian had nothing to say to that.


    He didn¡¯t want to see Gerard¡¯s face anymore. ¡°Get out and close the door behind you. I don¡¯t want to see you right now.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Gerard turned and left.


    Kristian watched the door shut, a storm of emotions swelling in his chest.


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 Chapter 563

    ?Chapter 563:


    Maybe it was the liquid courage, or maybe something else, but he pulled out his phone and found Freya¡¯s contact. He typed, ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    His thumb hovered over the send button, caught in hesitation. Eventually, he erased it and typed something simpler. ¡°Are you sleeping?¡±


    He waited. A few minutes passed, feeling like centuries.


    When Freya didn¡¯t respond, he found her number and dialed.


    This time, he didn¡¯t hang up.


    Freya had been replying to n¡¯s message when she saw Kristian¡¯s name light up her screen.


    Without a second thought, she declined the call. But Kristian wasn¡¯t giving up tonight.


    She declined once¡ªhe called again. She declined again¡ªhe called a third time.


    On the third try, Freya was about to decline again but paused. Maybe it was better to answer than let him keep calling.


    She didn¡¯t scold him like she usually would. Her tone was calm, measured. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    Silence greeted her on the other end.


    After a couple of seconds, just when she was about to hang up, Kristian finally asked, ¡°Do you hate me?¡±


    Freya blinked. She had no idea why he was dragging their past up again. ¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, say it. I¡¯m busy.¡±


    She considered blocking him but didn¡¯t want to give him a reason to keep pestering her.


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    ¡°If Ashley hadn¡¯te between us, would we still be happy?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was quieter than usual.


    Freya didn¡¯t respond. What was the point of such what-ifs?


    She answered inly, ¡°I don¡¯t have time for pointless chatter. If you called to talk about nonsense, I¡¯m hanging up.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t reply. So Freya hung up. This time, he didn¡¯t call again. He stared at the ended call, watching thest shred of hope slip away. The call had been a test. Now he knew the answer.


    As for Freya, after the call ended, she felt surprisingly calm. Kristian hadn¡¯t shaken her.


    n, perhaps frustrated by her slow replies, rang her up directly to get to the point. ¡°Have you decided whether you¡¯reing to thepany¡¯s team-building retreat?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not,¡± Freya answered tly.


    She wasn¡¯t into big group events.


    Besides, she was only a part-time investment advisor for Briggs Group, not a full-time staff member.


    ¡°Next year, you¡¯re stepping into the big shoes at Briggs Group¡ªready or not.¡± n dropped the bomb like it was just another casual remark. ¡°If you skip the corporate retreat and don¡¯t meet the team, how will you even know who¡¯s running what?¡±


    Freya blinked, genuinely thrown off. ¡°Who even said I¡¯m taking over thepany?¡±


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 Chapter 564

    ?Chapter 564:


    ¡°Uncle Hugh,¡± n replied with the breezy ease of someone delivering weather updates. ¡°He¡¯s already made up his mind¡ªyou¡¯re it.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brows tightened in disbelief. Hadn¡¯t she already made it clear that thepany wasn¡¯t in her ns? ¡°Aren¡¯t you managing it just fine?¡±


    ¡°Everyone deserves to live life how they want,¡± n¡¯s voice carried an edge of sincerity. ¡°Think about it¡ªhow long have I been steering this ship for you? Don¡¯t I deserve a shot at a normal life? To date someone? Maybe even get married?¡±


    Freya replied, her tone firm, ¡°It¡¯s not like there¡¯s much to manage anyway.¡±


    ¡°If you show up to tomorrow¡¯s team-building retreat, I might stick around for another year.¡±


    Freya said nothing.


    ¡°Come if you feel like it.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    She ended the call, realizing she was left with no real choice but to go to the retreat this time.


    What she didn¡¯t know was that, moments after the call, n turned to the people with him.


    He was sitting with Ethel and Hugh.


    ¡°Mina said she¡¯ll join the corporate retreat tomorrow.¡± He let out a slow breath, a flicker of relief passing through him. Ethel lit up with a smile. ¡°n, you¡¯re amazing!¡±


    Hugh asked, ¡°She didn¡¯t sound upset, did she?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± n replied, sounding a bit uncertain. ¡°She seemed calm. But she might corner youter to ask about this wholepany handover.¡±


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    ¡°That¡¯s fine,¡± Hugh didn¡¯t seem bothered in the least.


    ¡°Mina doesn¡¯t care for big groups,¡± Ethel noted. ¡°Tomorrow, don¡¯t pair her with anyone outside her usual circle.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got it handled,¡± n assured smoothly.


    Freya, of course, knew nothing about their little nning session. Once the call ended, she went straight to bed, worn out.


    The next morning, Freya headed into the office.


    It was the end of September, and she and Melvin made their way to Briggs Group.


    On the way to thepany, Freya nced at Melvin. She¡¯d given him time off, but he¡¯d insisted on tagging along. She didn¡¯t argue. At Briggs Group, they only worked until midday before getting ready for the team-building retreat.


    Each department handled its own events, since thepany was so big. Outside of the annual party, team-building was typically a department-by-department affair meant to boost morale and connections.


    So, after lunch, n came looking for her.


    Freya received the retreat location from him and told him to head over first¡ªshe had a few things left to wrap up. n didn¡¯t protest. He simply nodded and left.


    By the time Freya finished her tasks, it was already 1 P.M.


    After lunch with Melvin, the two strolled out together, not expecting to bump into Norah on their way out of the building.


    Freya cast her a brief nce and moved on.


    But Norah froze internally. She¡¯d tried digging into Freya¡¯s background the day before, but she got nothing about her past.


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 Chapter 565

    ?Chapter 565:


    There was no mention of being Kristian¡¯s ex-wife or the daughter of Hugh Briggs.


    It made Norah suspicious¡ªwhat other identities might Freya be hiding? Why was her information sealed so tight?


    Freya, oblivious to Norah¡¯s spiraling thoughts, wouldn¡¯t have cared even if she¡¯d known.


    They left for the resort n had mentioned.


    They arrived just past three in the afternoon.


    While Melvin parked the car, someone called out, ¡°Freya?¡± Freya turned, mildly surprised.


    Felipe had just stepped out of his vehicle.


    Before she could react, he popped his car door open again, grabbed something, and walked up to her. ¡°Good timing. I¡¯ve been meaning to talk to you about something.¡±


    ¡°Go on,¡± Freya said coolly, just as she always did.


    ¡°It¡¯s about Farrah. I want to go over something in detail,¡± Felipe exined, holding up a divorce agreement.


    Freya nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Felipe led her away.


    When Melvin followed, Felipe¡¯s brows knit slightly, his expression unreadable. ¡°And this is¡­?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s my assistant,¡± Freya replied tly, offering no extra context.


    Felipe eyed the two of them, realizing it might not go over well if he asked Melvin to leave. So, he let him tag along.


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    Soon enough, Felipe brought them to a private room in the resort. He handed the divorce papers to Freya. ¡°Take a hundred thousand. If it all checks out, please pass it along to Farrah.¡±


    Freya took the documents.


    As she flipped through them, Felipe hesitated, unsure how to start the real conversation.


    ¡°Fifty million?¡± Freya noted the figure aloud.


    Felipe confirmed, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t react much, idly flipping through more pages. She didn¡¯t seem all that invested in the document.


    Felipe noticed her disinterest and asked directly, ¡°Do you think it¡¯s not enough?¡±


    ¡°Legally speaking, marital assets are shared equally. In divorce, that means fifty-fifty,¡± Freya said inly. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t you agree?¡±


    Felipe didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°Half is doable¡ªbut I have one condition.¡±


    ¡°And what¡¯s that?¡±


    ¡°I want custody of the child.¡±


    ¡°You must be joking,¡± Freya shot back without pause.


    ¡°The kid won¡¯t have a stable life with Farrah,¡± Felipe said bluntly, his tone firm. ¡°She¡¯s juggling a job and raising a child. Her parents aren¡¯t going to help.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t respond, waiting to hear what else he¡¯d say.


    ¡°But if the child¡¯s with me, I can give them a stable home and top-tier education,¡± Felipe continued. ¡°They¡¯ll never have to worry about money.¡±


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 Chapter 566

    ?Chapter 566:


    ¡°Sure. No money worries,¡± Freya agreed. ¡°But raising a kid well? That¡¯s another story entirely.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Felipe frowned.


    Freya didn¡¯t sugarcoat it. ¡°I¡¯m just not convinced your household is the best environment for a child¡ªespecially considering they raised you, and let¡¯s just say your personality¡¯s got some¡­ rough edges.¡±


    ¡°Freya!¡± Felipe snapped, clearly offended.


    ¡°I can help Farrah with those so-called issues you mentioned,¡± Freya replied confidently. ¡°I¡¯ll support her while she bnces motherhood and her career.¡±


    ¡°You say that, but do you even believe it?¡± Felipe sounded like he thought she was putting on an act. ¡°Won¡¯t you eventually feel like Farrah¡¯s only hanging around you for the money?¡±


    Freya gave Felipe nothing more than a calm, ¡°She¡¯s my friend.¡±


    Felipe scoffed, unconvinced. ¡°So what if she¡¯s your friend?¡±


    ¡°Do you really think Kristian and Zander stick around because of money?¡± Freya shot back with a pointed look. ¡°If they lost everything tomorrow, would you cut ties with them?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not that shallow,¡± Felipe replied, his tone defensive.


    Freya didn¡¯t say anything more. Her gaze stayed locked on his, steady and unreadable.


    She¡¯d pushed herself for years¡ªlearning new skills, stacking up money¡ªnot for status or show, but so if her friends ever needed her, she could offer her help without relying on her family.


    And she had achieved that.


    M??? ?¦Ñ?¦Á??? ?? ?¦Á??¦Ò¦Í???.?¦Ò?


    To her, Farrah was someone worth going to the ends of the earth for.


    ¡°Friendships that aren¡¯t based on personal gain tend tost longer,¡± Felipe remarked. ¡°But you and Farrahe frompletely different worlds. That kind of difference always leads to problems.¡±


    ¡°The problems you¡¯re so worried about will never exist between us,¡± Freya said sharply. ¡°You just need to divorce her and stop clinging to her.¡±


    Farrah was everything he wasn¡¯t¡ªambitious, kind-hearted, full of dreams. Felipe didn¡¯t deserve her.


    ¡°Forget about the baby,¡± Freya added coolly, tossing the divorce papers back at him. ¡°And sort out the asset division on your own.¡±


    If it ever came down to a fifty-fifty split, Farrah would turn it down without hesitation.


    She wasn¡¯t the type to want her hands in anyone¡¯s money, especially not Felipe¡¯s.


    ¡°Wait,¡± Felipe called just as Freya turned to leave.


    She paused, turning her head slightly, her expression unreadable. ¡°It¡¯s not me who wants the baby,¡± Felipe exined, his voice low. ¡°It¡¯s my parents. They found out.¡±


    ¡°They want the baby. If they don¡¯t get what they want, they¡¯ll destroy Farrah¡¯s career.¡± He wasn¡¯t even sure how they found out, but the fact was, he couldn¡¯t shield Farrah from them.


    Even the idea of dividing the assets equally was his own desperate attempt to soften the blow. If his parents found out, they¡¯d lose their minds. They¡¯d always had it out for Farrah¡¯s career.


    ¡°What did she ever do to your family?¡± Freya asked, her voice tight. ¡°Why treat her like this?¡±


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 Chapter 567

    ?Chapter 567:


    ¡°The baby stays with me. I¡¯ll raise them well,¡± Felipe said suddenly, his voice softening. ¡°She can visit whenever she wants. I won¡¯t stop her.¡±


    ¡°Fuck off,¡± Freya spat.


    Both Felipe and Melvin stiffened.


    Melvin cleared his throat and stepped forward. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time you met with your father. I¡¯ll take care of things here.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Freya replied tly, her voice as sharp as ever. ¡°If they want to ruin Farrah¡¯s career, let them try. Do they seriously think Farrah is someone they can push around?¡±


    She didn¡¯t believe in using power to crush others. But if the Yates family dared smear Farrah¡¯s name, she¡¯d burn everything they stood for to the ground. In the end, they¡¯d be the ones humiliated.


    ¡°Melvin, let¡¯s go,¡± she said, already turning away.


    Melvin nodded with his usualposed calm. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Watching them walk out, Felipe seethed, his frustration boiling over.


    He mmed his fist onto the table in a blind rage.


    He didn¡¯t believe Freya could truly protect Farrah.


    Outside, Melvin noticed a heaviness in Freya¡¯s steps. Quietly, he pulled a candy from his pocket and held it out to her. ¡°Have a sweet. Might help lift your mood.¡±


    Freya hesitated for just a beat.


    She nced at the hand extended toward her, and her expression softened slightly.


    She took the sweet without a second thought. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Continue at ?a????o¦Í?????????????


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to carry the weight of Farrah and the Yates alone,¡± Melvin said gently. ¡°I¡¯ll handle it. That¡¯s what I¡¯m here for.¡± It was his job to smooth out the bumps in her path, to handle the mess so she wouldn¡¯t have to lift a finger.


    ¡°That¡¯s not it,¡± Freya murmured. ¡°I¡¯m not worried. I just think¡­ it¡¯s all so unfair to Farrah.¡±


    She deserved better than someone like Felipe.


    Melvin¡¯s gaze lingered on her, and for once, his typically emotionless eyes showed something more. ¡°It¡¯s unfair for you.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°I said, it¡¯s unfair for you, too,¡± Melvin said, his tone sincere.


    In his eyes, she deserved nothing short of the very best this world had to offer.


    Freya was caught off guard. Then a faint smile tugged at her lips, warming her heart.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs,¡± Melvin said, slipping back into his usual tone of quiet reverence.


    ¡°What is it?¡± she asked.


    ¡°I know I¡¯ve said this before, but I want to say it again,¡± Melvin said. ¡°If you ever decide to get married, please think it through thoroughly. Let me help you weigh your options.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya agreed.


    The moment she said it, something shifted in Melvin¡¯s expression, almost imperceptibly. But within seconds, his calm mask returned. Without lingering any longer, they headed toward the ce n had arranged.


    It turned out to be aid-back, scenic resort.


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 Chapter 568

    ?Chapter 568:


    When Freya and Melvin arrived, they found only n, Ethel, Hugh, Trent, and Frederick there.


    Freya was genuinely surprised.


    ¡°Why are you all here?¡± she asked, eyes narrowing at n. This was supposed to be a simplepany retreat. So why were Trent and Frederick here too?


    Trent and Frederick exchanged a nce, and Trent spoke first. ¡°n invited us.¡±


    Freya turned to n, waiting for an exnation.


    ¡°Thepany retreat was just a cover,¡± n admitted, dressed casually and looking annoyingly handsome. ¡°She and Uncle Hugh noticed you haven¡¯t been yourselftely. They figured this would cheer you up.¡±


    They all knew her too well. If they¡¯d told her directly to take a break, she would¡¯ve brushed it off with a stoic ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± But no one came out of a divorce untouched.


    They hadn¡¯t brought it up earlier because the timing wasn¡¯t right. She wouldn¡¯t have been in the mood anyway.


    Now felt like the right time.


    ¡°Mina, since you¡¯re here, might as well enjoy yourself today,¡± Ethel chimed in.


    ¡°Mina, you really need to loosen up,¡± Hugh added.


    ¡°Freya, your sister rarely gets this sentimental about you. Don¡¯t let her down,¡± Frederick teased.


    Ethel shot back, ¡°Frederick, what¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    ¡°Exactly what it sounds like!¡± Frederick grinned.


    Soon, the two were at it, throwing yful jabs andughing as they bickered like old friends.


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    Hugh and n exchanged knowing looks and quietly stepped aside.


    ¡°I¡¯ll check on She. You guys carry on,¡± Hugh said.


    ¡°Okay,¡± the rest replied.


    Hugh left without a fuss.


    He¡¯d considered taking Freya¡¯s assistant with him but decided against it.


    She clearly had a close bond with him.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go. There¡¯s a flower field nearby,¡± Trent suggested. ¡°The view¡¯s nice, and there¡¯s a gazebo where we can rest.¡±


    Everyone agreed and followed along.


    At first, Trent and n chatted with Freya, cracking a few jokes and sharing mundane stories.


    Little by little, she let herself rx.


    Eventually, the attention shifted to Melvin, who hadn¡¯t uttered a single word since they arrived.


    ¡°By the way,¡± Trent remarked, adjusting his sses in that habitual, absentminded way that gave him an almost professorial charm, ¡°Melvin, what made you decide to be Mina¡¯s assistant back then?¡±


    Melvin hesitated, the cool sharpness in his eyes flickering with a rare hint of uncertainty, as though the question had genuinely caught him off guard.


    ¡°The opportunity came up, and I couldn¡¯t pass it up,¡± he replied swiftly, his tone effortlessly smooth, the answer polished to perfection.


    Trent¡¯s gaze lifted slightly, a knowing smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth, though he chose not to borate.


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 Chapter 569

    ?Chapter 569:


    Freya caught his reaction, confused by whatever unspoken meaning lingered there, but unable to grasp it fully.


    She let it go without pressing, continuing to chat with her friends in an easy, offhand way.


    n noticed the sky slowly shifting into dusk. After checking the time, he said, ¡°You guys keep chatting. I need to get a few things ready.¡±


    This was the moment they¡¯d been building toward all evening, and he couldn¡¯t afford a single misstep.


    Freya didn¡¯t think much of it and waved him off without question.


    Once he disappeared, Freya finally asked the question she¡¯d been biting back ever since n arrived, ¡°Has the Captain mentioned when he¡¯sing back?¡±


    ¡°Why so curious?¡± Trent asked, eyebrows raised with genuine interest.


    ¡°Did you do something to tick him off?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Freya¡¯s denial came quick and firm.


    Trent adjusted his sses again, the skepticism in his expression hard to miss.


    Mina¡¯s behaviortely had been far too unlike herself.


    Freya knew better than to run her mouth. ¡°Just tell me if he¡¯s gotten in touch with you.¡±


    ¡°He has,¡± Trent admitted without hesitation.


    Freya¡¯s eyes widened, caught off guard. ¡°Seriously? What¡¯d he say?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s nning a surprise return on the 7th,¡± Trent answered, pulling out his phone to show her the chat. ¡°He mentioned he wants a gathering.¡±


    Freya scanned the screen.


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    It was there, in as day: the 7th, with strict instructions not to let her know.


    She had ns to meet Josiah on the 6th. If all went smoothly, she could wrap things up and catch a flight immediately after.


    Once the Captain was gone again, or too preupied, she¡¯d make her return without giving him time to dredge up the past, keeping herself in the clear.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the look?¡± Trent asked, watching her expression shift.


    Freya fibbed with practiced ease. ¡°Nothing. Just wondering what we¡¯ll even talk about when the Captain¡¯s back. Without those four around, the vibe might get a little¡­ quiet.¡±


    She was calm by nature. So was Trent. And the Captain? Even quieter. Frederick was the only one who could talk a mile a minute.


    But in their captain¡¯s presence, even Frederick would tone it down¡ªfor a bit, at least.


    ¡°We don¡¯t need chatter,¡± Trent replied, fully aware of the dynamic. He and Frederick were just supporting characters. Their captain¡¯s eyes were only ever on Freya.


    But Freya still hadn¡¯t figured that out.


    She didn¡¯t think too deeply. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll probably make us do a fitness check,¡± Trent said with a teasing glint, half-joking. ¡°That alone will bring the energy back up.¡±


    ¡°I see¡­¡±


    The conversation never really left Melvin out. He was in the know¡ªat least a little¡ªbut rarely said anything unless necessary.


    ¡°Just messing with you, don¡¯t take it too seriously,¡± Trent said with a chuckle, noticing her slight frown. ¡°It¡¯ste. Let¡¯s eat and chat over dinner.¡±


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 Chapter 570

    ?Chapter 570:


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya agreed.


    The three of them stood and left the gazebo, making their way across the vast, openwn.


    As Freya approached, she spotted n in the distance, seemingly deep in conversation with Ethel and Frederick, surrounded by strange, square-shaped objects.


    It was dark, and they were a good thirty meters away¡ªtoo far to make anything out clearly.


    Just as she was about to step closer, Trent gently held her back. ¡°Here¡¯s good.¡±


    Freya blinked at him, confused.


    The next second, the meaning behind his words revealed itself in spectacr fashion.


    Each of them held something sparking with me, walking steadily toward the boxes.


    Then came a thunderous crack, and vibrant fireworks exploded into the night, bathing the sky in color and light.


    More bursts followed in rapid session.


    The fireworks painted the heavens like a masterpiece.


    Freya stood rooted, her eyes gleaming with awe, the colors mirrored in their depths.


    While she watched the sky, Melvin was watching her.


    Another firework went off with a resounding bang, this one enormous, blooming into a glowing message. ¡°Mina, we love you!¡±


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    The words lingered for a long moment before shattering into a cascade of shimmering lights, like shooting stars tearing across the dark. ¡°Mina! I love you!¡±


    ¡°Freya, I love you!¡±


    ¡°Mina, we love you!¡±


    Ethel, Frederick, n, and Hugh stood by theunchers, shouting derations of love without the slightest bit of shame.


    Freya¡¯s chest tightened, her throat prickling with emotion.


    She wasn¡¯t one to cry easily, but seeing them run toward her, her eyes turned ssy.


    Trent reached out and gently ruffled her hair, his touch affectionate and warm. ¡°Mina, wee back.¡±


    ¡°Wee back.¡± Melvin¡¯s normally stoic face softened, his voice quiet but heartfelt.


    Freya turned away, eyes welling up with tears.


    Ethel sprinted over and flung herself into Freya¡¯s arms. ¡°Mina!¡±


    Freya caught her in a tight hug.


    n, Frederick, and Hugh followed close behind.


    ¡°When did you guys n all this?¡± Freya asked once she¡¯d managed to collect herself.


    ¡°Ever since you came back, we¡¯ve been trying to figure out how to help you unwind,¡± Ethel said, stepping back with a glowing smile. ¡°Then I remembered you said you liked fireworks, so¡­ we did this.¡±


    The ce was stunning, secluded from the city, a perfect little haven for peace and quiet.


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 Chapter 571

    ?Chapter 571:


    Freya felt her heart bloom with gratitude. ¡°Thank you, all of you.¡±


    ¡°Mina,¡± Ethel said, producing a petite bouquet of daisies and offering it with both hands, her eyes filled with nothing but admiration. ¡°This is for you. I¡¯ll always love you.¡±


    Then, one by one, the rest handed Freya their own small daisy bouquets, even Melvin.


    Freya epted each with care, feeling all the weight she¡¯d been carrying melt away.


    ¡°These may not be the prettiest flowers, Freya,¡± Frederick said, beaming with both fondness and admiration, ¡°but they say everything we feel. We¡¯ll always love you.¡±


    Ethel¡¯s grin deepened, her eyes curving like half-moons. ¡°I¡¯ll always love you, Mina!¡±


    Daisies¡ªeternal love made tangible.


    Freya embraced them all. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°The surprises aren¡¯t done yet,¡± Ethel said brightly, tugging Freya along. ¡°We¡¯ve got dinner set up over there. And I made the cutest cake just for you.¡±


    ¡°Are you seriously calling that cute? Looks more like nightmare fuel to me.¡±


    ¡°You want a smack or something?¡±


    ¡°Freya, 100k at Ethel¡ªI¡¯m not even allowed to tell the truth anymore.¡±


    ¡°Mina, Frederick¡¯s being mean to me again!¡±


    Watching the two mischief-makers go at it, Freya reached out and affectionately tousled Ethel¡¯s hair, a gentle smile curving on her lips. ¡°She¡¯s creation is the most adorable thing I¡¯ve ever seen.¡±


    ¡°Did you catch that, you bumpkin?¡± Ethel and Frederick were always squabbling like that.


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    Frederick let out a loud snort in response.


    In the cheerfulmotion, the group made their way to the dinner venue.


    It was a charming outdoor setup, with avish dinner already arranged on the table. In the very center sat a cake.


    To be exact, it was a perfect miniature replica of Freya¡¯s beloved stuffed pillow, Charlie.


    That night, Freya had a genuinely good time.


    After the meal, the group gathered and chatted around the table.


    Looking at the six familiar faces around her, Freya felt such an overwhelming sense of warmth that she blurted out, ¡°Tell me your wishes¡ªI¡¯ll see what I can do.¡±


    ¡°We wish for your happiness,¡± they all chimed in at once.


    Freya¡¯s smile grew even brighter, her eyes glinting with delight. That evening, she smiled more than she had in an entire month.


    ¡°I¡¯m already happy,¡± Freya insisted, her voice light. ¡°Now tell me your own wishes.¡±


    ¡°I wish I could stay far away from anything that has to do withpany management,¡± Ethel said quickly.


    Freya looked at her fondly. ¡°Granted.¡±


    Then n added, ¡°I wish I wouldn¡¯t have to deal with thepany after this year either.¡±


    Freya shot him down without hesitation. ¡°Denied.¡±


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 Chapter 572

    ?Chapter 572:


    The whole table erupted intoughter.


    Freya¡¯s gaze turned to Melvin, the quietest one of the bunch, and she asked, ¡°Melvin, what about you?¡±


    ¡°To always stay by your side as your assistant,¡± Melvin said evenly, his tone steady. ¡°To handle all your problems and worries.¡±


    ¡°I meant your own wish,¡± Freya said with a small shake of her head.


    ¡°That is my own wish,¡± he replied simply.


    His quiet deration stirred up a wave of curiosity around the table.


    Frederick, being the nosiest of them all, went straight to the point. ¡°You¡¯re not secretly crushing on Freya or anything, right?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s generous, offers excellent benefits, and she¡¯s a remarkable person,¡± Melvin replied earnestly. ¡°If I let this job slip away, I won¡¯t find another like it.¡±


    Frederick stared hard at him, but Melvin¡¯s expression didn¡¯t budge an inch.


    No matter how much Frederick probed, Melvin¡¯s calm stayed intact.


    ¡°Granted,¡± Freya said with a smile, then turned to Hugh. ¡°Dad, what about you?¡±


    She already knew what she¡¯d do.


    If Hugh said he wanted to marry Cheryl, she¡¯d say yes.


    Even if Cheryl had any bad intentions, once she revealed her true face, Freya would help her father handle it.


    Hugh had spent his life under his father¡¯s thumb or worrying about his daughters. Now it was his turn to live a life of his own.


    ¡°I just want you and She to be happy and safe,¡± Hugh said softly.


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    He understood what Freya was hinting at.


    But this was what truly mattered to him. As long as Freya and Ethel were alright, that was all he needed.


    Freya caught the meaning in his eyes and smiled. ¡°Okay.¡±


    No one left that night. The resort had enough rooms for everyone, and Freya shared one with Ethel.


    After that night, everyone noticed Freya seemed lighter, more cheerful than usual.


    The following day, after they all returned home, Freya moved back into Hugh¡¯s ce.


    With several days off, Freya didn¡¯t need to work, and Ethel was free from school. The family enjoyed rare, peaceful moments together.


    Before they knew it, three days had slipped by.


    On the third afternoon, Freya was lounging on a swing in the backyard, soaking up the sun, when her phone rang.


    Eyes closed, face tilted toward the warmth, she answered, ¡°Hello, Farrah.¡±


    ¡°Freya, I¡¯ve made up my mind,¡± Farrah¡¯s words hit Freya like a jolt.


    She sat up immediately, her eyes wide open. ¡°Why?¡±


    Farrah had been so deeply attached to her child¡ªthat much was clear from everything she¡¯d done before. Why the sudden shift?


    ¡°Jocelyn called and yed a recording for me,¡± Farrah exined. ¡°It was of her telling Felipe¡¯s parents I was pregnant.¡±


    Freya froze, her mind shing back to what Felipe had said that day.


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 Chapter 573

    ?Chapter 573:


    ¡°Then Felipe¡¯s mother called me too,¡± Farrah added. She didn¡¯t share the exact words, but she revealed her heart. ¡°I don¡¯t want my baby to be caught in some tug-of-war after they¡¯re born. I don¡¯t want them growing up in a world full of scheming and conflict.¡±


    She understood thew¡ªchildren under two stayed with their mothers. And the father wouldn¡¯t be able to take them away once they grew up. But she didn¡¯t trust the Yates family one bit.


    Too many unknowns, too much danger. She was terrified the child would one day hate her for bringing them into this mess.


    ¡°Do you love this child?¡± Freya asked quietly.


    Farrah stayed silent. Of course, she did. How could she not love her first baby?


    ¡°I can help you deal with the Yates family,¡± Freya said sincerely, hoping she¡¯d reconsider. ¡°But you have to think everything through for yourself. No matter what you decide, I¡¯ll stand by you.¡±


    As a woman, the thought of ending a pregnancy twisted Freya¡¯s heart. It was a life, after all.


    But from a practical standpoint, giving birth to this baby meant Farrah would forever be tied to Felipe. He was, after all, the biological father.


    Still, whatever Farrah chose, Freya would support her.


    ¡°Take a few days to think,¡± Freya said gently. ¡°Don¡¯t let that one phone call cloud your judgment. You¡¯re too emotional right now.¡±


    ¡°Freya¡­¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be scared. Forget the outside noise. Just listen to your heart, Farrah.¡±


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    Farrah didn¡¯t know what to do.


    Part of her wanted to keep the child. But the fear that they might resent her in the future gnawed at her.


    The words Felipe¡¯s parents had said still echoed in her mind. Would the child feel bitter knowing they could have been a wealthy heir but ended up with an ordinary life instead?


    ¡°I¡¯m scared they¡¯ll me me for bringing them into this world,¡± Farrah finally confessed.


    Pregnancy came with too many thoughts, too many anxieties.


    She was genuinely afraid.


    ¡°The moment they ended up in your belly, it became their choice to stay,¡± Freya said firmly. ¡°If they really didn¡¯t want toe to you, they had nine whole months to leave.¡±


    Those words lit something inside Farrah, like a light flicking on in a dark room.


    ¡°You really think so?¡± she asked cautiously.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Freya said with certainty, then added something else to ease Farrah¡¯s doubts. ¡°Children are shaped as they grow. If you raise them well, they¡¯ll turn out fine.¡±


    Kids were purer than adults. Freya truly believed Farrah could raise a wonderful child.


    Farrah fell quiet for a beat, but in the end, she chose to take Freya¡¯s advice to heart. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Just take it easy and take good care of yourself,¡± Freya said gently, her voice reassuring. ¡°Forget all the Yates family nonsense. Just think about whether you truly want this child and if you¡¯re ready to step into motherhood.¡±


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Farrah¡¯s voice wavered, heavy with emotion.


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 Chapter 574

    ?Chapter 574:


    Freya had always had a soft spot for her female friends, always offering warmth and support.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it,¡± Freya replied with a soft smile. Then she added, ¡°Once you divorce Felipe, I¡¯ll help you find a new ce and a different agency. That way, you can finally put some distance between you and the Yates family.¡±


    ¡°Okay. Thanks again,¡± Farrah murmured.


    Freya offered a few more words offort before hanging up the call.


    She knew better than most that pregnant women needed to be surrounded by love¡ªand if Felipe couldn¡¯t give that, she certainly would.


    Life could be rich and full with family, true friends, and a little self-love. Romance wasn¡¯t the only path to happiness.


    Once the call ended, Freya went back to soaking up the sun.


    It wasn¡¯t until dusk that she finally made her way to the study to organize the pile of dirt she had gathered on Norah, ensuring it would be neat and easy for Josiah to go through.


    By the time she wrapped everything up, it was already past nine. After wishing Ethel and Hugh a good night, she took a rxing bath and headed off to bed.


    Her days usually ran on a well-kept routine.


    The next morning, as Freya shared breakfast with Hugh and Ethel, Hugh¡¯s phone rang. It was Vivien.


    The gist of the call? She wanted to meet with Hugh and his family.


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    He put the phone on speaker, and after hearing her request, he instinctively nced at both Freya and Ethel. ¡°Not today, I¡¯ve got a few things to take care of.¡±


    ¡°But today¡¯s Morn¡¯s birthday,¡± Vivien¡¯s voice came through the speaker, sounding just a touch pitiful. ¡°Are you really noting?¡±


    Hugh hesitated, caught in the middle.


    If he went, he¡¯d be breaking his promise to spend quality time with his daughters.


    But if he didn¡¯t go¡­ well, it was Cheryl¡¯s birthday.


    ¡°Mom went out early this morning to buy tons of groceries, all to cook something special for you and the girls,¡± Vivien added, her voiceced with disappointment. ¡°If you don¡¯te, it¡¯ll all just go to waste.¡±


    Just as Hugh was about to turn her down, Freya spoke up. ¡°We¡¯ll head overter.¡± Hugh was stunned, so was Ethel.


    Vivien, too, was caught off guard by Freya¡¯s unexpected agreement. She was well aware of how much Freya resented her, and yet¡­ Freya had said yes.


    ¡°Mina?¡± Hugh asked, his tone uncertain.


    ¡°We don¡¯t have much going on today, and it won¡¯t take long,¡± Freya exined calmly. Her outlook had shifted.


    Once upon a time, she had selfishly believed their father belonged only to her, Ethel, and their mother.


    But after uncovering the truth about her parents¡¯ past, her heart had softened. She had learned to let go.


    As long as Cheryl and Vivien didn¡¯te after the Briggs Group or mess with her family, she could live with the rest.


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 Chapter 575

    ?Chapter 575:


    The Briggs Group was built from the ground up by her parents¡¯ partnership, and Freya wasn¡¯t about to let anyoney a finger on it.


    Ethel¡¯s eyes gleamed with surprise. ¡°Are we really going?¡±


    ¡°For real?¡± Hugh echoed.


    Freya nodded firmly. ¡°Yeah. For real.¡±


    Seeing that she meant it, Hugh gave Vivien his answer. ¡°We¡¯ll be thereter.¡±


    ¡°Great! Mom and I will be waiting,¡± Vivien responded quickly.


    Once she hung up, she passed the news along to Cheryl.


    Cheryl was just as taken aback. Her tone turned light. ¡°Did Freya really agree to this?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Vivien replied truthfully. ¡°After she said yes, Mr. Briggs and¡­¡±


    Ethel agreed too.¡±


    Cheryl didn¡¯t respond right away.


    Vivien stood quietly, knowing better than to speak out of turn with her mother.


    ¡°From now on, you need to get along with Freya and Ethel,¡± Cheryl said seriously. ¡°But don¡¯t overdo it.¡±


    ¡°As long as Freya doesn¡¯t object, I can marry Hugh.¡±


    ¡°But¡­ I¡¯ve already upset her before,¡± Vivien said nervously.


    ¡°Everyone makes mistakes. Just behave properly from now on,¡± Cheryl told her firmly. ¡°This time, don¡¯t mess things up.¡±


    Vivien fidgeted, gripping her sleeves. ¡°Okay.¡±


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    Cheryl nced at her, as if she had more to say, but ended up releasing a long, weary sigh.


    She didn¡¯t linger, and got to work preparing lunch for five¡ªsomething that would take a while.


    Back at the breakfast table, Freya was still sipping her drink. Ethel, unable to contain her curiosity, asked softly, ¡°Mina, didn¡¯t you really dislike them before? Why go now?¡±


    Hugh turned toward Freya too, clearly wondering the same thing.


    ¡°Ms. Newman is Dad¡¯s current partner,¡± Freya replied inly. ¡°It¡¯s only right for him to be with her on her birthday.¡±


    Ethel¡¯s gaze softened, a flicker of understanding in her eyes, while Hugh felt a quiet ache in his chest. If only Freya didn¡¯t always have to be the mature one.


    ¡°I won¡¯t stay long,¡± Freya added. ¡°I¡¯ll leave right after lunch.¡±


    Normally, she wouldn¡¯t have bothered going. But this time, she intended to have a word with Cheryl.


    She knew things couldn¡¯t drag on like this. Eventually, people would start whispering about Cheryl being Hugh¡¯s kept woman, and that kind of gossip wouldn¡¯t do any favors for his name.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to go, you really don¡¯t have to. Don¡¯t force yourself,¡± Hugh told her after a moment of thought.


    ¡°I¡¯m not forcing anything,¡± Freya said, finishing thest of her milk. Then she looked at Hugh and gave him a heads-up. ¡°I¡¯m mostly going to talk to her about your situation. She needs to make a decision¡ªeither stay or go.¡±


    Hugh nodded. He trusted Freya not to act rashly. ¡°Alright.¡± He understood exactly what she meant.


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 Chapter 576

    ?Chapter 576:


    Some conversations were better had by Freya than by him.


    Ethel, seeing how serious things had gotten, chose to stay quiet about what she¡¯d wanted to say.


    She¡¯d find another time to bring it up. Now wasn¡¯t the right moment¡ªespecially not with both her father and Freya likely to disagree.


    After breakfast, Hugh made a quick call to have Cheryl¡¯s birthday gift delivered ahead of them.


    Around ten o¡¯clock, a driver came to take them to Cheryl¡¯s house. When they arrived, Vivien came running out like an eager child, her face lit up with excitement. ¡°Mr. Briggs, Freya, Ethel¡ªyou¡¯re here! Please,e in.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brows knitted together slightly, still uneasy with Vivien¡¯s enthusiasm.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ethel said brightly, her smile innocent as ever. ¡°Calm down a little.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Vivien replied.


    Freya quirked a brow, caught off guard by Ethel¡¯s directness.


    Ethel sneaked a nce at Freya, eyes sparkling with mischief, as if to say, ¡°Don¡¯t you think I¡¯m being considerate?¡±


    Freya let out a soft chuckle and ruffled Ethel¡¯s hair with affection.


    The three young women strolled in through the main gate.


    It was a quaint little vi, standing all on its own¡ªthe very one Hugh had gifted to Cheryl and her daughter.


    When it came tofort and convenience, Hugh had never cut corners with them; he made sure they had everything they could possibly need, even going as far as hiring a housekeeper to ease their daily load.


    As Hugh stepped inside alongside the Briggs sisters, the rich, savory aroma of freshly prepared food floated through the air.


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    Before long, Cheryl appeared, carrying a pot of steaming soup in her hands.


    ¡°There you are, Hugh,¡± she said as she set the pot down on the table, her eyes shining with affection and cheer. ¡°Come, sit. The food¡¯s ready¡ªwe can start eating.¡±


    Vivien gestured for them to take their seats, adding, ¡°Everything on the table is homemade¡ªmy mom¡¯s signature dishes.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you have a housekeeper?¡± Hugh asked, raising an eyebrow in confusion.


    He¡¯d hired one specifically so they wouldn¡¯t have to worry about cooking, ensuring they had bnced meals and a lighter routine.


    ¡°I gave her the day off,¡± Cheryl replied softly. ¡°I wanted to cook for you myself¡ªsomething special, since you rarelye by.¡±


    Her simple words struck a chord in Hugh¡¯s chest, bringing with them a flicker of guilt.


    It was true¡ªhe hadn¡¯t visited much these days.


    ¡°Come on now, let¡¯s eat,¡± Cheryl urged gently.


    The meal stretched on for over half an hour, the table crowded with dishes Cheryl had lovingly prepared.


    Throughout the lunch, Vivien fluttered between pouring fresh juice and pointing out her mom¡¯s best dishes to Freya and Ethel.


    Even Ethel, normally poised andposed, found Vivien¡¯s energy to be a bit much.


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 Chapter 577

    ?Chapter 577:


    Cheryl, on the other hand, while making sure Freya and Ethel were cared for, spent most of her time serving Hugh.


    Once the meal had ended, Cheryl headed off to slice some fruit.


    Hugh sat there, quietly grappling with emotions he couldn¡¯t quite name. He hadn¡¯t realized Cheryl had dismissed the housekeeper or how much effort she had poured into preparing such a feast.


    They sat for a while, snacking on fruit and exchanging idle chatter, letting the minutes drift by for over twenty minutes.


    Freya nced at the clock, sensing it was time to steer things toward the real matter at hand. ¡°Ms. Newman, I¡¯d like to talk to you in private, if that¡¯s alright?¡±


    Cheryl blinked, momentarily surprised, then looked toward Hugh before replying, ¡°Of course.¡± ¡°Pleasee with me.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Cheryl¡¯s demeanor remained warm and approachable.


    As she rose to follow Freya, she called out, ¡°Vivien, please entertain Hugh and Ethel.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Vivien replied smoothly, keeping her tone polite andposed. But for Hugh, things were different now. He no longer trusted her. Every time he looked at her, memories of her past lies and wild assumptions about him and Freya resurfaced.


    Despite his growing dislike for her, as her future stepfather, he kept his feelings carefully hidden.


    ¡°Mr. Briggs.¡±


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    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I want to apologize sincerely for what I¡¯ve done before,¡± Vivien said, her gaze steady and full of remorse. ¡°I¡¯m going to find a job and work hard. I hope you won¡¯t think less of my mom because of me.¡±


    Hugh hesitated, caught off guard by her words.


    Vivien continued, ¡°My mom really cares about you.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Hugh replied, his expression shadowed with uncertainty.


    Vivien didn¡¯t press the matter, only saying, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Hugh studied her quietly, emotion stirring under the surface, unsure of what to say.


    Meanwhile, Ethel, having kept her distance from Vivien ever since the earlier incidents, treated her coldly.


    She nced outside toward the yard, wondering how much longer her sister and Cheryl¡¯s conversation would go on.


    Since everything that had happened, she had shifted from calling Cheryl by her first name to ¡°Ms. Newman¡±¡ªa subtle but firm disy of detachment.


    Out in the yard, Freya and Cheryl sat across from each other on patio chairs, a small round table between them.


    Cheryl seemed a little cautious, her tone carefully neutral. ¡°What would you like to talk about?¡±


    She had thought about calling her Mina, but sensing Freya¡¯s cool demeanor, she decided it was best to stick to the point.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a big issue, and since it¡¯s just the two of us, I¡¯ll be blunt,¡± Freya said, her voice calm and even. ¡°Why did you choose to be with my dad?¡±


    Cheryl was visibly caught off guard.


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 Chapter 578

    ?Chapter 578:


    To her, Freya had always seemed aloof and indifferent¡ªcertainly not someone who would pry, even if she knew something.


    Yet now, face-to-face with that question, Cheryl found herself at a loss. Freya asked, ¡°Is the question too hard?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Cheryl replied, opting to take a more measured route. ¡°It¡¯s just that my rtionship with your father isplicated. It¡¯s not as simple as what you saw back then.¡±


    ¡°Byplicated, do you mean you and my dad were in love once?¡± Freya asked without hesitation.


    Cheryl froze,pletely thrown by how much Freya already knew.


    Freya exined, ¡°I know about it. My dad told me everything.¡±


    ¡°If you already know, then you should understand why I¡¯m with him¡­¡± Cheryl tried to hold onto herposure, but her heart was anything but steady.


    Freya gave her a look¡ªsubtle, but piercing enough to make Cheryl¡¯s pulse skip.


    Cheryl couldn¡¯t quite understand how a woman so young could exude such calm authority.


    She hurried to wrap things up, ¡°Is there anything else you want to ask?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve been apart from my dad for over two decades, and you had a daughter with another man,¡± Freya said, clearly unconvinced. ¡°Do you honestly expect me to¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you really believe that your feelings from back then are what brought you back to him?¡± Freya asked.


    Cheryl responded, ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Newman, I¡¯m asking you to be honest with me,¡± Freya said, holding her gaze.


    L??€$? ???t??§ñ? ?¦Ç g??l??ov?l??.??§àm


    ¡°Believe it or not, I¡¯m with your father because I care about him,¡± Cheryl said, keeping her toneposed. ¡°Seeing him again stirred feelings I never truly got over.¡±


    When Freya heard this, she knew Cheryl had no intention of dropping the act. To convince others, one must first convince oneself.


    Freya didn¡¯t give her the chance to continue. ¡°Is it really about old feelings, or are you drawn to his position as chairman of Briggs Group? You should know better than anyone.¡±


    ¡°What¡­ are you implying?¡± Cheryl¡¯s heart began to pound, though she kept her face unreadable.


    ¡°I know what you¡¯re after,¡± Freya said, piecing everything together from Cheryl¡¯s expression and behavior. ¡°You want to join the Briggs family by marrying my dad. If that happens, Vivien bes family too. As his stepdaughter, finding a well-matched marriage prospect wouldn¡¯t be hard.¡±


    As Freya spoke, Cheryl¡¯s hands curled into fists in herp. She had never imagined that Freya¡ªsomeone she had barely met twice¡ªwould see through her so effortlessly.


    ¡°Am I right?¡± Freya said coolly.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t like me, but that doesn¡¯t mean you have to go around making nasty assumptions about me and Vivien,¡± Cheryl replied, her voiceced with anger, though she controlled her temper¡ªlikely out of fear for Freya¡¯s status. ¡°I¡¯m simply in a rtionship with your father, and there¡¯s nothing shady about it.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Freya replied, her tone unreadable.


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 Chapter 579

    ?Chapter 579:


    ¡°Yes,¡± Cheryl answered firmly.


    ¡°In that case, I won¡¯t stand in the way of your marriage to my dad,¡± Freya said without batting an eye. ¡°You¡¯re free to pick a date for the wedding.¡±


    Cheryl blinked, clearly thrown off. She looked stunned. She hadn¡¯t expected Freya to switch gears so quickly. Hadn¡¯t she just been interrogating her a moment ago? How had a couple of sentences turned into a green light for marriage? Freya didn¡¯t strike her as someone who trusted easily.


    ¡°Why are you looking at me like that?¡± Freya asked lightly, noticing the reaction she¡¯d anticipated.


    Cheryl realized she¡¯d slipped but quickly rposed herself¡ªshe was always good at ying calm. ¡°You really approve of me marrying Hugh?¡±


    They hadn¡¯t gotten married yet because Hugh had wanted to wait until his daughters were on board.


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because, as you said, your rtionship is pure¡ªno hidden agenda,¡± Freya replied, finally steering the conversation to the point. ¡°But before you register the marriage, there¡¯s something I need to say upfront.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± By now, Cheryl was entirely under Freya¡¯s lead.


    Freya spoke clearly. ¡°After you marry my dad, Vivien won¡¯t be inheriting anything.¡±


    Cheryl froze.


    ¡°The Briggs Group shares have already been passed on to me and She,¡± Freya continued, fully aware of what Cheryl was after. ¡°And every other investment he owns has been legally documented to go to us too.¡±


    Every word that came from Freya¡¯s mouth was a fact.


    ???????? ???????????? ????????: g???????¦Í????????????


    After their mother died, Hugh had quietly arranged it all with hiswyer.


    Freya had only found out by chance not long ago.


    ¡°What?¡± Cheryl couldn¡¯t hide her shock anymore.


    Freya watched her closely.


    Sensing Freya¡¯s gaze, Cheryl pulled herself together, adjusting her emotions with practiced ease. Her gentle act faded noticeably. ¡°That¡¯s fine. As long as you¡¯re okay with me being with your father, the rest can be discussed.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Freya responded tly.


    Cheryl looked a little off bnce.


    Freya didn¡¯t want her father spending his remaining years with someone who only cared about his fortune, so she added a final warning. ¡°And don¡¯t even think about using Vivien for some strategic marriage. This isn¡¯t a fairy tale. In this kind of social circle, if she¡¯s got no real backing, she¡¯ll suffer even if she marries rich.¡±


    Hugh still had a ton of assets. His savings and properties were enough for Cheryl and Vivien to livefortably, as long as they didn¡¯t get greedy.


    ¡°Freya,¡± Cheryl suddenly called out.


    Freya had just turned to leave, her voice even as she answered, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Could you give Vivien some shares of Briggs Group?¡± Cheryl couldn¡¯t hold it back anymore. If there was nothing in it for her, why had she been sticking around Hugh? ¡°I want her to marry into a decent family.¡±


    With shares from Briggs Group, Vivien could secure a strong match, and no one would dare to look down on her.


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 Chapter 580

    Chapter 580:


    Freya looked at her, half-amused that she¡¯d dare to say such a thing. ¡°If you agree, I¡¯ll walk away from everything else and just grow old peacefully with Hugh,¡± Cheryl rushed to add.


    She didn¡¯t mind a modest life; Hugh had always treated her well. But she had to think about Vivien¡¯s future.


    Freya¡¯s tone chilled. ¡°No. I can¡¯t do that.¡±


    Briggs Group was her parents¡¯ legacy¡ªwhy should it go to someone outside the family?


    ¡°She will be your sister, after all.¡± Cheryl¡¯sposure finally cracked after hearing Freya¡¯s blunt words. ¡°Can¡¯t you spare a little?¡±


    ¡°You can ask my dad,¡± Freya said. ¡°See if he¡¯s willing.¡±


    Cheryl¡¯s spirit seemed to falter.


    Before leaving, Freya made onest thing clear. ¡°Also, I only have one sister¡ªShe.¡±


    With that, she walked away. She couldn¡¯t bring herself to feel sympathy or affection toward Cheryl and Vivien. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder how her father would feel if he found out Cheryl was chasing after hispany¡¯s shares.


    With those thoughts circling her mind, Freya returned to the living room.


    When Ethel saw her, she looked visibly relieved. Finally, the conversation had ended!


    ¡°Where¡¯s my mom?¡± Vivien asked, puzzled after waiting so long.


    Freya remained indifferent. ¡°Outside.¡±


    Vivien stood up and left the room.


    Find new stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m


    Now only the Briggs family remained. Hugh asked, ¡°How did the talk go?¡±


    ¡°You should go talk to her. She probably has something to say,¡± Freya replied, not quite sure how to exin. ¡°She and I will wait for you in the car.¡±


    Hugh hesitated, then nodded. ¡°Alright.¡± They headed outside.


    Before Hugh could find Cheryl, she and Vivien appeared on their own. Vivien looked lost, unaware of what had just gone down, while Cheryl looked noticeably worn out.


    ¡°What happened?¡± Hugh asked. He wasn¡¯t used to seeing her like this.


    ¡°Hugh¡­ let¡¯s just call it off,¡± Cheryl said softly, her voice tight with emotion. ¡°Freya¡¯s right. The difference between us is too much. If you really marry me, people will talk. They¡¯ll mock you behind your back.¡±


    Ethel¡¯s jaw dropped. She leaned toward Freya and whispered, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t answer. She just gently squeezed Ethel¡¯s hand.


    Ethel stayed quiet, nning to ask more once they were in the car.


    ¡°Mom, what are you saying?¡± Vivien was confused, not understanding why her mother was backing out now. Hadn¡¯t she just told her to behave today? Why wasn¡¯t she marrying Hugh?


    Cheryl didn¡¯t reply. Her eyes stayed fixed on Hugh, red and full of conflict and hesitation.


    ¡°Tomorrow, Vivien and I will pack up and move out,¡± Cheryl said, her eyes lowered, her tone heavy with emotion. She bowed her head slightly. ¡°Thank you for everything you¡¯ve done for us.¡± Her expression made it seem like she had no other choice.


    Hugh¡¯s gut told him there had been a misunderstanding somewhere.


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    Message from Noah: Time flies, dear ones! gaInoveIs was born on December 14th and we¡¯ve now celebrated over 6 months of existence. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?


    .

 Chapter 581

    ?Chapter 581:


    ¡°Wait,¡± he said, stopping her. ¡°Did something happen between you and Mina?¡±


    Cheryl nced at Freya, her eyes red, but said nothing, as if determined to milk every drop of pity from the moment.


    Watching her, both Ethel and Hugh instinctively assumed Cheryl had misunderstood Freya¡ªwhen in reality, she was simply putting on a show.


    Cheryl had always treated him and his daughters with genuine warmth¡ªat least, that¡¯s how Hugh felt.


    Freya stood to the side, quietly watching it all unfold, choosing not to step in. She turned to Hugh and said lightly, ¡°She and I are heading back first. Take your time and talk things through.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Hugh replied, his voice calm and firm, not a hint of hesitation in his tone. This wasn¡¯t something to be brushed off. It needed a proper, honest conversation.


    It was one thing if he had been misunderstood¡ªbut for Freya, someone so sincerely kind, to be wrongly used? That just didn¡¯t sit right with him.


    Once Freya and Ethel were in the car and driving away, Ethel immediately turned, curiosity brimming. ¡°What were you two talking about? And why did Ms. Newman react like that?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t hold back. She gave her a brief rundown of what she and Cheryl had discussed.


    Five minutes was all it took for Ethel to piece the puzzle together in her mind. ¡°So, she was faking it in front of Dad just now?¡± Ethel was stunned. She never would¡¯ve imagined Cheryl being that kind of person. ¡°Why would she pretend like that? She wasn¡¯t always like this.¡±


    ¡°When people¡¯s interests are threatened, their true selves tend toe out,¡± Freya said inly. ¡°After what I told her, she probably realized all the illusions she built hade crashing down.¡±


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    ¡°But she didn¡¯t have to pin all the me on you,¡± Ethel said, her temper ring.


    She used to really believe in Cheryl. If Freya hadn¡¯t returned, she might¡¯ve fallen right into that mother-daughter duo¡¯s trap¡ªand even ended up feeling bad for Vivien, maybe even giving her shares in thepany.


    Seeing Ethel pout, frustrated and upset, Freya reached out and gave her cheek a yful poke. ¡°What¡¯s going on in that little head of yours?¡±


    ¡°I just feel so stupid for not seeing them for who they really are,¡± Ethel murmured, leaning in closer. ¡°If you hadn¡¯te back, I¡¯d probably still think they were good people.¡±


    Freya gently patted her on the head. ¡°They were real smooth with the act. You had no reason to suspect them¡ªit¡¯s nothing to me yourself for.¡±


    It was pure coincidence that Freya had bumped into Vivien at the office and started to connect the dots.


    Ethel, still young and full of trust, wasn¡¯t the type to suspect anyone easily.


    ¡°I¡¯m still so mad!¡± Ethel huffed, puffing out her cheeks once more. Freya couldn¡¯t help but ruffle her hair. She told her not to stress over it too much.


    When they got home, Ethel headed straight for her room, her phone pressed to her ear, chatting away with her boyfriend.


    Freya saw herpletely swept up in her little bubble of romance and let her be. At that age, a sweet, innocent love like that was something to be cherished.


    Evening rolled in before they knew it.


    While they were getting ready for dinner, Hugh called to say he wouldn¡¯t being home tonight.


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 Chapter 582

    ?Chapter 582:


    Once the call ended, Freya and Ethel sat down to eat together.


    All throughout dinner, Ethel kept sneaking nces at Freya, her lips parting now and then like she wanted to say something, but always holding back at thest second.


    Freya noticed. ¡°Go on, what¡¯s been eating at you all day?¡±


    Ethel¡¯s eyes widened in surprise. ¡°How did you know?¡±


    ¡°You kept staring at me over breakfast¡ªand again while we were watching TV this morning,¡± Freya said, familiar with her every little quirk. ¡°So, what¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not that big of a deal. I just¡­¡± Ethel fumbled for words, her cheeks turning pink.


    Freya gave her a look and made a wild guess. ¡°Is it about your boyfriend?¡±


    Ethel blinked like she¡¯d just seen a ghost. How did Freya always know?


    ¡°Yeah¡­ it¡¯s about him,¡± she admitted atst, deciding to just say it. ¡°He wants to meet you.¡±


    Freya lifted an eyebrow. ¡°Meet me? What for?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s still too nervous to face Dad,¡± Ethel confessed, sheepish. ¡°He figured it¡¯d be better to meet you first¡ªthen talk to Dad after graduation.¡±


    ¡°When?¡± Freya asked without missing a beat.


    ¡°You¡¯ll meet him?¡± Ethel¡¯s whole face lit up with joy.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Ethel beamed.


    If Freya agreed, talking Hugh into it would be a thousand times easier. She was sharp, that one.


    ¡°Don¡¯t thank me just yet,¡± Freya said, lifting a hand. ¡°If it¡¯s on the sixth, I might not be able to make it. I¡¯ve got something to take care of.¡±


    g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s takes you away


    ¡°It¡¯s not the sixth,¡± Ethel said quickly, grinning. ¡°It¡¯s on the seventh.¡±


    Freya¡¯s chopsticks froze halfway to her mouth.


    The seventh?


    Wasn¡¯t that the day her captain was supposed toe back?


    Ethel caught the shift in her expression. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Freya said smoothly. She didn¡¯t want to ruin Ethel¡¯s excitement. ¡°Just let me know where it¡¯ll be once you¡¯ve decided.¡± She was already nning it all out¡ªon the evening of the sixth, she¡¯d tell Trent she had to take a business trip, meet up with Ethel and her boyfriend on the seventh, and then go straight to the airport afterward. Alerith was a massive ce. The odds of running into her captain were slim to none.


    With the n set, Freya felt more at ease.


    By noon the next day, Hugh was back. Neither of them brought up Cheryl¡ªnot even in passing. They just slipped back into their routine like nothing had happened.


    Time didn¡¯t wait for anyone. Before long, the sixth had arrived.


    Freya was up early, packing up some documents and a gift she¡¯d prepared for Josiah.


    This time, she didn¡¯t bother calling the driver¡ªshe decided to drive herself.


    She texted Josiah with her license te number and took the familiar route toward his house.


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 Chapter 583

    ?Chapter 583:


    The guards, already informed, waved her in without a hitch.


    She arrived shortly after nine.


    Josiah met her with a bright grin. ¡°You finally made it. Do you even remember how long it¡¯s been since youst dropped by?¡±


    ¡°My bad,¡± Freya said, handing him the gift. ¡°I¡¯m here to make up for it.¡±


    ¡°No need to bring gifts when you¡¯re visiting!¡± Josiah scolded yfully, though his eyes twinkled. ¡°Come on, y a few rounds of chess with me. I¡¯m sick of those same old geezers.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Freya agreed with a soft chuckle.


    A soldier brought over the chessboard and pieces.


    Normally, Josiah hated any kind of distraction while ying. If someone talked too much, he¡¯d bark at them without batting an eye¡ªeven his oldest friends weren¡¯t spared. But today, he broke his own rule.


    After a few moves, his mind drifting, he nudged his knight forward and said casually, ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡± Freya answered, moving her rook across the board.


    ¡°Do you have a crush on someone?¡± he asked, sliding a pawn and sneaking a nce at her face.


    Freya kept her focus on the board, assuming it was just the usual nosy concern from an elder. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°How about I introduce someone to you?¡± Josiah offered, thinking of Ellis, who¡¯d just arrived but left again to visit other old-timers.


    Freya paused mid-move.


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    Josiah wasn¡¯t letting it go. ¡°I promise he¡¯s dependable.¡±


    ¡°I was married before¡ªand I just got divorced not long ago,¡± Freya said, her voice steady. ¡°I¡¯m not looking to get into another rtionship anytime soon.¡±


    Josiah¡¯s face fell. He blinked, clearly taken aback. His brows knit together. ¡°What? When did that happen?¡±


    ¡°Why is everyone hiding this from me?¡± Josiah¡¯s tone brimmed with genuine concern.


    He¡¯d finally taken a liking to a junior¡ªsomeone who truly stood out to him¡ªonly to find out that something as monumental as her marriage had beenpletely swept under the rug.


    Freya halted her move on the chessboard, trying her best to ease the old man¡¯s surprise. ¡°It wasn¡¯t just you. My whole family didn¡¯t know about my marriage either.¡±


    Josiah¡¯s confusion only deepened. What kind of man would have the audacity to marry Freya and not inform her family? It was, frankly, unthinkable.


    ¡°Who is this man?¡± Josiah¡¯s indignation red. His voice sharpened with frustration. ¡°I need to give that fellow a piece of my mind!¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all in the past now. I¡¯ve already cut ties with him.¡±


    ¡°No, absolutely not! You have to tell me who he is.¡± Freya kept quiet, uncertain how to exin.


    She knew that Josiah and Kristian had crossed paths more than once, shared a certain familiarity. Bringing it up just didn¡¯t feel right.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you see me as family?¡± Josiah¡¯s voice softened with sincerity. He wanted nothing more than to protect her. She was a gem¡ªhow could anyone not treasure her?


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 Chapter 584

    ?Chapter 584:


    Freya turned the chess piece in her hand, then finally said, ¡°Kristian Shaw.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Kristian Shaw?¡±


    ¡°Kristian Shaw,¡± Freya repeated with quietposure.


    Josiah was reeling. He couldn¡¯t wrap his mind around it. Wasn¡¯t Kristian the courteous, upstanding young man he¡¯d always known? ¡°You mean the current president of Shaw Group in Jeucwell? That Kristian Shaw?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya nodded.


    ¡°That can¡¯t be! Every time I¡¯ve met him, he¡¯s been nothing but polite and well-mannered. How on earth¡­¡± Josiah shook his head in disbelief.


    In Josiah¡¯s eyes, Kristian had always seemed above reproach. He treated elders with respect and employees with generosity. Even when he yfully threatened Gerard¡¯s bonuses, he never actually docked them. But a man like that, failing to value Freya? Josiah couldn¡¯t make sense of it.


    Still, he trusted Freya¡¯s word. She wouldn¡¯t lie.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t tell him about my family back then,¡± Freya exined quietly. ¡°He wanted to meet my father, but I refused.¡±


    Josiah looked even more perplexed. ¡°Well¡­¡±


    ¡°Josiah, it¡¯s your turn,¡± Freya shifted the conversation, hoping to bring him back to the game.


    But Josiah couldn¡¯t focus. His thoughts were tangled in Freya¡¯s revtions.


    It made sense now, why Kristian had mentioned to him the other day that Norah had been cruel to Freya. Josiah had thought it was just out of business-rted concern. He¡¯d never imagined they had once been a couple.


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    Freya, noticing his daze, gently called his name, ¡°Josiah?¡±


    ¡°Would it be alright if I asked why you divorced?¡±


    ¡°We weren¡¯tpatible.¡±


    Those simple words spoke volumes.


    Clearly, much had unfolded between her and Kristian. Otherwise, how could two such capable individuals end up apart?


    Josiah let out a soft sigh.


    For the next twenty minutes, he yed in a haze, too distracted to truly engage in the match.


    He kept thinking about setting Freya up with Ellis. But would Ellis mind her past?


    Josiah didn¡¯t care¡ªFreya was exceptional¡ªbut Ellis¡¯s opinion was a mystery.


    The more he dwelled on it, the heavier his mind became.


    ¡°Josiah,¡± Freya called out, pointing at his nearly checkmated pieces. ¡°You need to concentrate.¡±


    Josiah nced up and made his move.


    After a few more turns, another question bubbled up. ¡°Does your captain know about this?¡±


    Freya blinked, momentarily caught off guard. She wasn¡¯t sure why her captain hade up now.


    Still, she replied, ¡°Yes, he knows.¡±


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 Chapter 585

    ?Chapter 585:


    After Frederick had found out, the gossip had spread among their group. Naturally, their captain had heard as well. Given recent events, he was aware of everything.


    ¡°For real?¡± Josiah¡¯s eyes lit up with a flicker of hope.


    Freya nodded. ¡°Yes.¡±


    That one word seemed to lift a weight from Josiah¡¯s shoulders, and he finally settled into the game.


    Although he didn¡¯t have many pieces left, hested several dozen moves before Freya imed victory.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go another round,¡± Josiah said with a newfound cheeriness.


    Freya smiled and agreed without hesitation.


    In the past, ying with Josiah had demanded her full attention. But thatst game had been an easy win, given how distracted he¡¯d been.


    Thankfully, in the second round, they both brought their focus, and over an hour passed before Josiah emerged as the victor.


    ying chess with elders was never about winning. Whether with Lionel or Josiah, Freya always aimed for an engaging match, sometimes even letting them win.


    When the game ended, Josiah nced at the clock. It was nearing eleven.


    He frowned slightly, wondering what had be of Ellis. It was almost noon, yet he still hadn¡¯t shown up. Had those old coots roped him into another game of chess?


    The thought made Josiah want to go have a firm word with his friends.


    Today was too important for them to be this clueless.


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    ¡°Josiah, do you have other ns today?¡± Freya asked, catching him checking the time repeatedly and worrying she was holding him up.


    ¡°Not at all. I¡¯m quite free,¡± Josiah replied, masking his thoughts. He added, half-truthfully, ¡°Someone was supposed to visit today, but it¡¯s gettingte. Maybe they won¡¯t show.¡±


    ¡°Would you like me to call and check for you?¡± Freya offered kindly, having no suspicion.


    She couldn¡¯t have guessed Ellis might be nearby. She believed their meeting was scheduled for the following day.


    ¡°No, no need.¡± Josiah waved it off and smoothly switched topics. ¡°Let¡¯s talk about you. Did youe here today for something else?¡± He¡¯d noticed the bag she brought.


    Usually, when Freya visited just to y chess and keep himpany, she came empty-handed. So, something was definitely on her mind.


    Freya knew Josiah was sharp. Still, she hesitated.


    Bringing up her reason foring might dampen his good mood.


    ¡°Just tell me what¡¯s on your mind. There¡¯s no need to hold back with me,¡± Josiah said, his voice warm with affection.


    Freya wavered. If it were Norah¡¯s father, she¡¯d have just handed over the documents and gotten straight to business. But with Josiah¡­


    Seeing her pause, Josiah guessed, ¡°Do you need a favor from me?¡±


    ¡°Kind of.¡±


    ¡°Are you rmending someone for the military?¡±


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 Chapter 586

    ?Chapter 586:


    ¡°No.¡±


    Josiah just couldn¡¯t figure it out¡ªhe kept watching Freya in silence, waiting for her to say something.


    The more he tried to guess, the more ridiculous his thoughts became.


    ¡°Let¡¯s talk after lunch,¡± Freya murmured, trying not to ruin his appetite.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing urgent.¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t tell me, I¡¯ll just keep overthinking,¡± Josiah said with a sigh, putting on a dramatic ir. ¡°When something¡¯s on my mind, I lose my appetite. Might not even want lunch.¡±


    Freya was suddenly at a loss for words. Quite the performer.


    She chose not to drag it out any longer and spoke inly. ¡°It¡¯s about Norah.¡±


    ¡°Norah?¡± Josiah¡¯s whole demeanor shifted in a heartbeat.


    He instantly recalled the conversation he¡¯d had with Kristian a few days ago. Could they possibly be talking about the same thing?


    Freya nodded. ¡°Right.¡±


    She got up and pulled some documents from her bag, handing them to Josiah after steadying herself. ¡°She¡¯s made quite a few mistakes. Just¡­ please don¡¯t be upset when you read through them.¡±


    Josiah took the documents and began to read, his expression calm and unreadable the whole time.


    He didn¡¯t even say a word, just silently flipped through every page. The more quiet he became, the more anxious Freya felt, fearing he was bottling everything up inside.


    ¡°I found out about this a few days ago,¡± Josiah said, his voice steady, not angry¡ªjust heavy with a quiet seriousness. ¡°It¡¯s my fault and my son¡¯s, for not raising her properly. It¡¯s brought you far too much trouble.¡±


    L?t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ¦Én g??l??ov§Ö???.????


    Freya blinked, caught off guard.


    She quickly gathered herself and asked, ¡°How did you find out?¡± Until now, only she and Melvin had known. And Melvin would never have gone to Josiah with it.


    Josiah looked at her, emotions flickering in his eyes, before he finally said, ¡°Kristian came to see me a few days ago and brought it up.¡±


    ¡°Kristian?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Freya¡¯s thoughts scattered slightly. How had Kristian learned the truth?


    ¡°When he left, he asked me not to confront you about it and apologized. He said he¡¯d make sure Norah paid for what she did.¡±


    Josiah still couldn¡¯t wrap his head around why the two of them had divorced. Wasn¡¯t Kristian thoughtful when it came to Freya? Freya¡¯s eyes widened.


    Josiah went on, ¡°I nned to discipline Norah, but she vanished without a word¡ªtook a flight abroad on the night of the third. Nobody¡¯s been able to reach her since.¡±


    Upon hearing that, Freya remembered seeing Norah outside the Briggs Group building not too long ago. Was she afraid of facing her? Had she run off in advance?


    ¡°Freya,¡± Josiah said, sounding remorseful.


    Freya answered softly, ¡°Yes?¡±


    .


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    .

 Chapter 587

    ?Chapter 587:


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for all the chaos my family has caused. If I¡¯d known sooner about her reckless behavior, I would¡¯ve corrected it.¡± Josiah wasn¡¯t one to make empty promises. ¡°I¡¯ve already told Brady about it. Once she¡¯s back, we¡¯ll definitely take action.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to apologize. The me¡¯s hers¡ªnot yours,¡± Freya reassured him, seeing that his mood was holding steady.


    Josiah genuinely meant every word. Freya believed him.


    In truth, Josiah felt deeply disappointed¡ªhe never imagined his granddaughter would turn out like this. Norah must have been far too coddled.


    ¡°Josiah,¡± Freya said, bringing up another issue.


    Josiah had always treated her with kindness. ¡°Go ahead, say what¡¯s on your mind.¡±


    ¡°If Norah ever tries toe after me again, and I¡¯m certain it¡¯s her¡­ I might retaliate directly,¡± Freya warned him,ying her intentions bare. Norah was too calcted in her moves, always covering her tracks. Because of that, Freya felt she had no other choice but to handle things herself.


    ¡°Do whatever you have to,¡± Josiah said firmly. ¡°You¡¯ve got my full support.¡±


    If his son tried to defend Norah, he would step in himself.


    If only Norah¡¯s father had raised his child with the same discipline Brady had, she wouldn¡¯t be like this.


    Mack might be yful, but he understood boundaries and wouldn¡¯t cross the line into anything uwful. ¡°If it¡¯s something minor, go to Mack. Brady¡¯s been going easier on him since thatst training,¡± Josiah added.


    He left out the most important part.


    Stay updated on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m


    Now that Ellis had retired, if Freya were ever mistreated, he¡¯d be the first one to step in.


    Freya replied, ¡°Alright.¡±


    With that matter settled, she felt a small sense of relief.


    Noticing they hadn¡¯t started lunch yet, Josiah invited Freya to a game of chess.


    Before they began, he sent a message to Ellis. ¡°If you don¡¯t show up soon, Freya might leave.¡±


    Ellis, busy ying chess with a circle of retired old-timers, nced at his phone.


    ¡°Hold her there. I¡¯lle after this round,¡± he texted back.


    ¡°Ellis, it¡¯s your turn¡ªwhy are you staring at your phone?¡±


    ¡°Come on, move already.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m next, don¡¯t even think about skipping me.¡±


    ¡°Has Ellis actually improved all these years?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the point? No one¡¯s ever pushed him hard enough.¡±


    ¡°This one¡¯s a genius.¡±


    The group of older men chatted animatedly.


    Draped in a long ck coat, Ellis gave a faint smile. ¡°Once we finish this round, you old fogies better head back for lunch. Don¡¯t keep your wives waiting.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nearly noon already!¡±


    ¡°Time flies. We¡¯ve only yed two rounds.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t care¡ªI¡¯m first after lunch.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 588

    ?Chapter 588:


    ¡°Nope. It¡¯s my turn.¡±


    The group bickered lightheartedly.


    Ellis¡¯s eyes were deep and intense. His elegant fingers danced across the chessboard with precision and grace.


    He sped up his pace, curious to see how Freya would react when she saw him.


    Back at Josiah¡¯s ce, Freya focused fully on the chessboard, aware that when he yed seriously, he was no easy opponent.


    Twenty minutes ticked by. Their game reached a tense, pivotal moment, just as Ellis finished his own match.


    Freya and Josiah were so locked into their game that they didn¡¯t notice the tall, striking man in a ck coat andbat boots walking quietly along the garden path.


    Freya leaned in, checking Josiah¡¯s piece.


    Right then, Ellis came to a stop behind her.


    His mesmerizing gaze swept over the back of her head, then dropped to the chessboard, a faint smile curling on his lips.


    Freya sensed someone standing behind her but thought nothing of it, assuming it was someone from the Russell family or a curious neighbor.


    Josiah, equally absorbed, didn¡¯t nce up.


    Another twenty minutes passed.


    The game finally ended.


    Josiah exhaled, thoroughly impressed. He felt a growing fondness for Freya. ¡°Youid out one clever move after another, nearly¡­¡±


    But before he could admit she¡¯d almost beaten him, his eyesnded on Ellis¡ªand he paused.


    ???????????? ???????????? ????????: ??????????????????[?]??????


    That rascal! When did he sneak in?


    Freya rarely saw Josiah make such a face and instinctively turned to follow his line of sight.


    When Freya caught sight of the person standing behind her, she froze for a moment, her expression a mixture of confusion and surprise.


    Her captain?


    ¡°You little rascal.¡± Josiah¡¯s voice snapped her out of her trance. ¡°I thought you weren¡¯t showing up.¡±


    ¡°When have I ever broken a promise to you?¡± Ellis¡¯s voice was low and rich, pleasing to the ear. He was tall, striking, and undeniably attractive.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Josiah said with a grin, not wanting to y third wheel. ¡°Save the pleasantries. I¡¯ll go check if the food¡¯s ready. You two catch up.¡±


    Ellis gave a slight nod, carrying himself with effortless grace. ¡°Alright.¡±


    The moment Josiah left, silence settled over them like a nket. Freya wasn¡¯t the type to get flustered¡ªshe¡¯d kept herposure even when meeting Kristian¡¯s parents. But right now, she was genuinely rattled.


    ¡°Am I really making you that nervous?¡± Ellis teased, catching her slightly stunned look.


    Freya didn¡¯t respond. How could she not be nervous?


    .


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    .

 Chapter 589

    ?Chapter 589:


    Ellis stepped forward and sat down where Josiah had just been. ¡°Sit.¡±


    Freya sat down without protest. She still couldn¡¯t wrap her head around it¡ªwasn¡¯t he supposed toe back on the seventh? But today was only the sixth.


    ¡°Feel like sweating it out with a hardcore workout?¡± Ellis handed her a ss of water, his tone light and easy. ¡°Might help you loosen up.¡±


    Freya stayed quiet. She didn¡¯t need it!


    ¡°Freya,¡± Ellis called out to her.


    She instinctively answered, ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s y a game.¡±


    ¡°But we¡¯re about to eat.¡±


    ¡°Josiah didn¡¯t say it was ready,¡± he pointed out.


    Normally, Freya could handle situations with ease, but her mind was racing. She couldn¡¯t stop worrying that Ellis might bring up herst phone call.


    It felt like there was a de hanging over her neck, and she was just waiting for it to fall.


    Ellis started setting up the chessboard, his eyes sharp as he noticed how distracted she was. ¡°So, do you want to talk about how you used me to calm yourself downst time, or would you rather y chess?¡±


    ¡°Chess,¡± Freya replied instantly.


    Ellis looked at her, his eyes unreadable. ¡°Did getting married make you lose your nerve?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


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    ¡°You used to be pretty bold,¡± he said with a sly grin.


    ¡°Anyone would feel intimidated in front of you,¡± Freya muttered, then quickly shifted gears. ¡°Didn¡¯t Trent say you¡¯d be back on the seventh? Why are you here now?¡±


    Ellis pressed his lips together. With his short-cropped hair and tall frame, he looked rugged and polished all at once. The crisp white shirt added a schrly charm to his usual quiet intensity.


    Freya blinked, a sudden thought crossing her mind¡ªEllis wasn¡¯t bad-looking at all. If Frederick and n ever heard her say that, they¡¯d definitely roast her. Not bad-looking? He was clearly drop-dead hot!


    ¡°Just a little trick,¡± Ellis said coolly.


    Freya frowned. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°To stop you from slipping away,¡± Ellis replied, eyes gleaming with insight. ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, your original n was to talk to Josiah, then hightail it out of Alerith, right?¡±


    Freya rubbed her temples. Of course¡ªEllis always saw through everything.


    ¡°Are you embarrassed?¡± His voice was easy, but she knew he was fishing.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya said honestly. She never figured Ellis, with his stern and aloof nature, would be the romantic type. ¡°I just didn¡¯t want to get roped into another brutal workout session.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s eyes twinkled with understanding. Seemed like he¡¯d need to take it slow.


    Freya sensed danger in the direction this was heading, so she switchednes. ¡°Why are you back? On leave?¡±


    ¡°Retired,¡± Ellis said tly.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 590

    ?Chapter 590:


    Freya¡¯s hands froze mid-motion. ¡°Retired?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    Ellis had always been one of the top operatives, leading elite teams, pulling off impossible missions, and racking up medals like they were nothing. More than that, his future had looked bright. So why walk away?


    ¡°A year ago, I got seriously injured on a mission. Doctor said I shouldn¡¯t be doing high-intensity training every day.¡± Ellis didn¡¯t sugarcoat it. ¡°My recement¡¯s been prepped, so I called it quits.¡±


    Freya¡¯s chest tightened. She wanted to ask why he¡¯d kept it quiet, but remembered some missions were ssified. Maybe he hadn¡¯t had a choice. So she just asked, ¡°How¡¯s the injury now?¡±


    ¡°All healed, just can¡¯t push it too hard every day,¡± Ellis said, sensing her concern.


    Freya let out a small breath of relief and asked another question. ¡°Did the organization agree to let you go?¡±


    Ellis was nothing short of exceptional. Even if he couldn¡¯t push himself with grueling daily training anymore, staying on would¡¯ve been a breeze. The organization would¡¯ve bent over backward to hold onto him¡ªunless, of course, Ellis had made up his mind to walk away.


    Ellis smiled then, his tone casual as ever. ¡°I told them I¡¯d transfer to their division, and they all freaked out.¡±


    Freya wisely held her tongue. Of course they did. They were scared of being toyed with. Ellis was friendly off the field, but he had a talent for setting traps like it was second nature. Even Trent had picked up a few of his tricks and turned into a real handful.


    ¡°So now you¡¯re¡­¡± Freya started.


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    ¡°Between jobs,¡± he said.


    Freya stared at him. If he wanted to, the world was practically throwing job offers at his feet. Yet here he was, saying he was between jobs.


    ¡°Yourpany hiring?¡± Ellis¡¯s mind always ran a little deeper than she could follow. ¡°What if I became your bodyguard? Or maybe your secretary?¡±


    Freya nearly choked on her water. Ellis¡¯s retirement perks were probably outrageous, and she had a feeling his family wasn¡¯t hurting for cash either. She didn¡¯t know the full scope of his family business, but Josiah had hinted before that they were far from broke.


    ¡°Scared I won¡¯t be able to protect you?¡± Ellis¡¯s voice stayed cool, his thoughts impossible to read.


    Freya didn¡¯t know how much longer she could keep it together. She needed to get serious. ¡°Captain.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not a captain anymore. Call me by my name,¡± he said.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Call me Ellis.¡±


    Freya took a sip of coffee. Right now, she desperately wished someone else was around to bail her out. She was almost certain Ellis hadn¡¯t forgotten what she¡¯d done thest time¡ªusing him to calm down.


    ¡°If you won¡¯t agree, I might just show up at Anita International on the eighth and submit an application,¡± Ellis said as he casually picked up a chess piece, his every move full of poise. ¡°With my skillset, I shouldnd the job easily.¡±


    Freya went quiet. Not only would he get the job¡ªHR would probably promote him to head of security on the spot. He could crush both Melvin and her in one go.


    .


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 Chapter 591

    ?Chapter 591:


    ¡°Are you seriously job hunting?¡± she asked. She had no idea what his family was involved in¡ªand she wasn¡¯t about to start digging.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± There was a stillness in Ellis¡¯s gaze, the kind that made it impossible to tell if he was dead serious or just messing around. ¡°I¡¯m turning thirty next month. If someone asks what I do for a living on a date, I can¡¯t exactly say I¡¯m unemployed.¡±


    The simplicity of the remark somehow struck a chord in Freya, sparking an unexpected worry.


    Without thinking, she blurted, ¡°That¡¯s true. You¡¯re not getting any younger.¡±


    Ellis let out a soft, exasperatedugh. Was she seriously calling him old?


    ¡°I don¡¯t have the youthful stamina you do,¡± Ellis said evenly, unbothered.


    Freya scrambled to rify, ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re saying I¡¯m not old?¡±


    Freya opened her mouth, but no words came out.


    Ellis chuckled under his breath.


    Compliments were never Freya¡¯s strong suit, but she gave it a try anyway. ¡°Thirty is when life really begins. You¡¯re still young.¡±


    ¡°And how does it feel to say something you don¡¯t actually believe?¡±


    ¡°Captain¡­¡±


    Why did he always have to call her out like that?


    Ellis moved his piece with finality. ¡°Freya, you¡¯ve lost.¡±


    Freya snapped back to the present.


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    One nce at the chaos on the chessboard, and she knew¡ªher captain was a sly one. He¡¯d pulled out every trick in the book: distracting her, throwing her off bnce, all just to win a game of chess.


    ¡°You really need to work on bncing offense and defense,¡± Ellis rose to his full height, those long legs of his impossible to ignore. ¡°Have you all been cking off for the past two years?¡±


    Freya was at a loss for words. She had known this was a trap!


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat,¡± Ellis said simply.


    This time, Freya didn¡¯t protest.


    She understood¡ªmental resilience was everything, no matter where you were. With a strong mind, she could push forward or hold the line, survive anything thrown her way.


    When her heart was in pieces, that same resilience had carried her through.


    She knew her captain meant well. But did he have toe down on her so hard the very first time they met again? She felt slightly overwhelmed.


    Over lunch, Josiah and Ellis chatted like old friends.


    As they talked, Josiah caught the odd look on Freya¡¯s face and asked,


    ¡°Freya, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°Did Ellis make things hard for you?¡±


    Freya instinctively nced at her captain and shook her head. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not your captain anymore. You don¡¯t have to be scared of him,¡± Josiah said knowingly. ¡°If he gives you trouble, just say the word and I¡¯ll help you knock him down a peg.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Freya allowed herself a small smile.


    .


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 Chapter 592

    ?Chapter 592:


    Ellis stayed quiet, letting the two of them have their fun at his expense. After lunch, Josiah kept them around for a bit longer.


    If Ellis hadn¡¯t shown up, Freya would¡¯ve made an excuse to leave early¡ªshe had to get back to pack up her things for her departure tomorrow. But now that she¡¯d seen Ellis, the urgency had faded.


    They ended up spending the whole afternoon with Josiah, passing time over chess.


    At first, Ellis went up against Josiah, but when the older man got tired, he handed the board over and watched as Freya took his ce. Before they realized it, it was already past five in the afternoon. Freya nced at the time, ready to head out, but wasn¡¯t sure how to bring it up.


    Ellis noticed the movement and, still ying with Josiah, said, ¡°Josiah, Freya and I have a few things to take care of. After this round, we¡¯ll have to head out. We¡¯lle back to visit soon.¡±


    ¡°Dragging poor Freya into your business, huh?¡± Josiah huffed. ¡°That girl always ends up as the scapegoat.¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t respond, just smiled quietly, his eyes on the board.


    Freya felt a small wave of relief. It was always tough for her to turn down an elder¡¯s invitation.


    And if they didn¡¯t leave soon, she worried Josiah might invite them to stay the night after dinner¡ªand worse, that Ellis might bring up that awkward phone call again. He had only mentioned it briefly before, never expanding on it. Freya was still uneasy.


    Not long after, they wrapped up the game.


    Uncover your next story on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,


    Ellis smoothly packed away the chessboard and pieces himself, bidding Josiah farewell with polished grace.


    Freya offered her goodbyes as well.


    Though Josiah was reluctant, he knew better than to hold the younger ones back.


    ¡°Captain, how are you getting back?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll walk out and catch a cab.¡±


    Josiah looked surprised. His gaze flicked over to the nearby SUV, clearly wondering how Ellis could lie with such a straight face. Still, he didn¡¯t call him out¡ªjust watched the little performance unfold. He was curious to see what Ellis had up his sleeve.


    ¡°It¡¯s a pretty long walk, and you won¡¯t find a cab nearby,¡± Freya said, holding up the car keys. ¡°Where are you headed? If it¡¯s not too far, I¡¯ll drive you.¡±


    Ellis had always looked out for his team members. Freya couldn¡¯t just let him wander off on foot.


    His expression stayed calm, his voice warm and light. ¡°Would it be too much trouble?¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Freya said. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Ellis followed her with a secret smirk.


    Josiah¡¯s lips twitched. What a crafty young man.


    Freya led Ellis to her car, started the engine without hesitation, and drove out of the residential area.


    She didn¡¯t suspect a thing¡ªafter all, when she arrived, there had only been three cars in the garage, and Ellis had walked in. It never crossed her mind that he might¡¯ve shown up earlier.


    .


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 Chapter 593

    ?Chapter 593:


    Josiah didn¡¯t give anything away, either.


    Sitting in the passenger seat, Ellis sent a message to Josiah, letting him know someone woulde by tomorrow to pick up his car.


    ¡°Freya,¡± he said, turning his head once the message was sent.


    Freya kept her eyes on the road. ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°That job I mentioned earlier. Have you thought about it?¡± Ellis absentmindedly toyed with his phone, his posture rxed, voice casual, almostzy, as he turned to look at her.


    Freya paused. ¡°You weren¡¯t joking?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°You really want a job?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°What kind?¡±


    ¡°Anything that puts me in the same office as you, or something connected to your work.¡± His voice was quiet, his eyes flicking back to his phone as a message popped up.


    It was from his father, Caldwell Lambert.


    Caldwell asked, ¡°Did you really retire from the army?¡±


    Ellis quickly replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Freya still couldn¡¯t wrap her head around it. She didn¡¯t understand why he wanted a job. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never worked outside the military,¡± Ellis answered sincerely, every word smooth and unshaken. ¡°It¡¯s always been training, missions, or teaching others.¡±


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    Freya gave it some thought. That checked out.


    Life in the military was nothing like life outside of it.


    Even though Ellis had plenty of skills, adjusting to civilian life wasn¡¯t instant. Everyone needed a buffer at the start.


    ¡°Come to my office the day after tomorrow. I¡¯ll get you a contract,¡± said Freya.


    Ellis¡¯s lips tugged upward in the faintest smile. He nced over at her.


    ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Alright then,¡± Ellis agreed.


    Just then, his phone lit up with another message from his father. Caldwell asked, ¡°When are youing back to take over the family business? Your mom and I want to travel.¡±


    Ellis responded, ¡°I¡¯ve got no ns toe back anytime soon.¡±


    Caldwell was stunned. ¡°You little rascal. Your mother and I barely catch a glimpse of you once in a blue moon, and now that you¡¯re retired, you¡¯re telling me you¡¯re not evening home? I swear, if you don¡¯t show up, your mom and I are having another kid!¡±


    Ellis stared at the message, then replied without skipping a beat, ¡°If you¡¯re not concerned about Mom¡¯s health, go for it.¡±


    That single line sent Caldwell into a fury, and he blocked Ellis on the spot. He¡¯d see if Ellis had the nerve to stay away forever. Ellis added, ¡°I¡¯m busy trying to win over my future wife.¡±


    He hit send¡ªonly to realize it hadn¡¯t gone through. Caldwell had already blocked him.


    .


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 Chapter 594

    ?Chapter 594:


    Ellis paused and thought his father was still so childish.


    ¡°Captain, we¡¯ve arrived at your destination,¡± Freya announced, pulling up beside a sprawling mall that blended shopping and dining in one sleekplex.


    Ellis gave it a nce. ¡°Let¡¯s head to the parking lot.¡±


    Freya blinked, confused.


    ¡°Let¡¯s grab a meal together,¡± Ellis said, his tone light, his chiseled features rxed. ¡°It¡¯s the perfect opportunity to make a good impression on my future boss.¡±


    Freya hesitated. ¡°Captain¡­¡± She felt like he was teasing her.


    Still, she turned the car toward the lot.


    To keep his phone from blowing upter, Ellis sent a friend request to his dad, then texted his mother, Kendra Lambert.


    Kendra responded almost immediately, ¡°Alright, just focus on your business. Don¡¯t worry about us.¡± With that settled, Ellis felt at ease.


    The meal passed without much fuss.


    Freya had nned to cover the bill, but Ellis beat her to it without a word.


    Afterward, Freya considered giving him a lift home, but he shook his head. ¡°My ce isn¡¯t in this district, and I¡¯m not nning on heading back yet. I need to find somewhere to stay first.¡±


    ¡°You need a new ce?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be working at the office soon, so I need an apartment nearby.¡± Ellis wasn¡¯t making it up. His home was far from Anita International, andmuting meant battling gridlock every day.


    ¡°You can stay at my apartment,¡± Freya offered, her concern for him clear. ¡°The apartment next door is mine too, and it¡¯s close to the office.¡±


    Chapter updates at g??ln ov els.????????


    Ellis didn¡¯t know how to respond. He reached out and gently tapped her forehead.


    She looked up at him. ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go trusting men too easily.¡± A cocktail of emotions stirred within Ellis. She was a little too trusting for her own good. It worked in his favor, sure, but he didn¡¯t want her to get hurt someday.


    ¡°I know,¡± Freya replied. ¡°But you¡¯re different. You¡¯re our captain.¡±


    Whether it was her, Trent, or Frederick, they¡¯d always rally behind their captain whenever he needed them¡ªjust as he had stood by them in the past. To them, he wasn¡¯t just a leader. He was family.


    Because of that bond, there was never the slightest trace of romantic tension between her and Trent¡ªand as for Ellis, Freya had never once believed their captain harbored any feelings for her beyond camaraderie.


    Ellis took in her words, his gaze deepening. Should he be grateful for her unshakable trust¡­ or disappointed that she didn¡¯t see him as a possible partner?


    ¡°Get in the car.¡±


    Freya caught the flicker in his expression but didn¡¯t think much of it. It never urred to her that he had a crush on her.


    Ellis stood with one hand tucked in his pocket, tall andposed. After a pause, he got into the car.


    Freya drove him to her apartmentplex. She handed him the key to the unit next door and helped him set up the fingerprint lock.


    ¡°There are fresh towels and toiletries in the guest room,¡± she said, always prepared. ¡°Bring your clothes tomorrow and move in properly.¡±


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 Chapter 595

    ?Chapter 595:


    Ellis¡¯s lips quirked into a faint smile. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Seeing everything in ce, Freya turned to leave. She stepped out, just reaching for her door when her phone buzzed. A bank notification lit up the screen.


    She had just received one hundred thousand dors.


    Frowning, she checked the sender¡ªEllis.


    She turned back and knocked on his door.


    He opened it almost instantly, now in just a white shirt¡ªrefined and effortless. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°This.¡± Freya held out her phone.


    Ellis nced at it, then said coolly, ¡°Rent.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Just take it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not short on cash or apartments,¡± she said, her tone sincere. Ellis had money, that much was clear. But that didn¡¯t mean he should be throwing it around like that.


    He smiled slightly.


    Without another word, Freya pulled up her banking app and sent the money right back. ¡°Don¡¯t try that again. It¡¯s a waste leaving the ce empty anyway. You bring life to it.¡±


    ¡°Does that make me a kept man?¡± Ellis asked lightly.


    Freya froze.


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    ¡°Just take it,¡± he added. ¡°If you really don¡¯t want to, then call it six months¡¯ rent.¡±


    The apartment was in one of Alerith¡¯s better neighborhoods, a short walk from Freya¡¯spany. A spacious four-bedroom, two-bath unit with a balcony like that easily went for tens of thousands per month.


    ¡°I¡¯m your teammate. Supporting you is something I can afford to do,¡± Freya said withposure. ¡°You¡¯re not a kept man¡ªit¡¯s mutual support.¡±


    ¡°Wanna do some jumping jacks?¡± Ellis offered, still with that same easygoing tone.


    Freya didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Or weighted runs?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to bed.¡± With that, Freya walked away, leaving the money untouched. She¡¯d just bump up his sryter and throw in more bonuses.


    Back in her room, she stared at the hundred-thousand-dor transfer, deep in thought.


    Then she picked up her phone and called Trent.


    When the line connected, she got straight to the point. ¡°Do you know what the Captain¡¯s family does?¡±


    ¡°Not really. I never asked,¡± Trent said evenly. ¡°Why the sudden interest?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing¡­¡± Freya murmured. ¡°He¡¯s back.¡±


    ¡°You saw him?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°You sound distracted,¡± Trent noted.


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking about what position to assign him,¡± she said, hoping Trent might offer some insight. ¡°He¡¯s starting at Anita International on Monday.¡±


    Trent raised an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. Was Ellis really that bold when it came to pursuing Freya?


    .


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    .

 Chapter 596

    ?Chapter 596:


    ¡°Any suggestions?¡± she asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s not too familiar with office work. Keep him close to you for now. Let him get a feel for thepany and see where his strengths lie,¡± Trent advised. ¡°Once you know what he¡¯s good at, you can figure out the right role for him.¡±


    Freya listened to Trent¡¯s words and found them reasonable enough. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Once the call ended, she made her way to the study to draft the special employment contract for Ellis, while Trent picked up his phone and started dialing.


    It was hard to say who Freya would end up with in the end¡ªKristian or Ellis. Even though she trusted Ellispletely and never had her guard up around him, there wasn¡¯t a shred of romance between them. As for Kristian¡ªTrent, for one, sincerely hoped she wouldn¡¯t get entangled with him again.


    Whatever affection or trust she¡¯d once had for Kristian had been shattered by his actions. Once her heart had been broken, it was nearly impossible to piece it back together.


    Just as these thoughts crossed Trent¡¯s mind, the call connected, and Ellis¡¯s voice came through, low and steady. ¡°Hello, Trent.¡±


    ¡°You really don¡¯t waste time.¡±


    ¡°Last time, I held back for too many reasons and let her slip through my fingers. I¡¯m not making that mistake again.¡± When Ellis spoke with Trent, his tone was rxed, his deep voice smooth andposed.


    Trent asked, ¡°So, you¡¯ve made up your mind?¡±


    ¡°I have,¡± Ellis replied, calm as ever.


    ¡°If you need anything, just say the word.¡± Trent adjusted his sses, his voice steady. ¡°Frederick and I are ready to back you up whenever.¡± That was exactly the kind of assurance Ellis needed.


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    ¡°If she ever asks about my job, make it sound awful. The worse, the better. I¡¯d rather not be sent elsewhere.¡±


    Knowing Freya, if Ellis spent even a month working by her side, she¡¯d figure out his true capabilities. If she kept him close, that¡¯d be fine¡ªbut if she reassigned him, all of it would¡¯ve been pointless.


    ¡°Got it,¡± Trent replied, sharp as always.


    The call ended.


    Ellis headed off for a shower and changed into his pajamas.


    Trent, phone still in hand, fell into a thoughtful silence, letting out a quiet sigh over Ellis¡¯s bumpy road to love.


    When Ellis had first heard from Frederick about Freya¡¯s marriage andter divorce, he¡¯d called Trent and said, ¡°If I hadn¡¯t overthought everything back then, would she have been happier?¡±


    In that moment, Trent knew Ellis regretted holding back because of his position. What caught Trent off guard was realizing Ellis had feelings for Freya at all. Even he hadn¡¯t noticed.


    Ellis had always treated everyone with the same measured distance during training¡ªno favoritism, no hints. With those thoughts, only one quiet hope settled in Trent¡¯s heart: Freya would truly find happiness.


    Freya had no idea the two people she trusted most were quietly pulling strings behind the scenes. After preparing and printing the employment contract, she grabbed thepany seal and added her signature. Once Ellis signed it, it would be official.


    By the time everything was done, it was already past ten. She cleaned up, washed up, and went to bed, sticking to her usual routine.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 597

    ?Chapter 597:


    The next morning, she received the address from Ethel.


    Just as she was about to head out, she opened the door and saw Ellis standing there with breakfast in hand. For a second, her brain froze.


    After sleeping on everything, it all still felt a bit unreal.


    Ellis handed her the breakfast, his long fingers looking oddly graceful.


    ¡°Breakfast.¡±


    Freya wasn¡¯t sure how to describe what she was feeling. Ellis, who had once been so distant, was now bringing her food and asking her out to meals. It made her uneasy.


    Ellis caught the shift in her expression and said simply, ¡°You don¡¯t want to eat?¡±


    ¡°You should go back to how you used to be,¡± Freya replied. ¡°There¡¯s no need to be overly kind. I¡¯m your employer now, but I¡¯m also still your teammate and friend.¡±


    Ellis withdrew his hand and gave her a helpless smile. ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Do you really think I¡¯m trying to suck up to you?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t about sucking up¡ªbut it definitely felt off.


    ¡°Just take it and eat.¡± Ellis pushed the breakfast into her hands without hesitation. ¡°I seriously don¡¯t know what¡¯s going on in that head of yours!¡±


    Freya was speechless, inwardly grumbling. Clearly, he was the one acting out of character.


    Back in training, if she showed upte, Ellis wouldn¡¯t let her eat at all. And if she didn¡¯t meet her goals? No food and extra penalties. But now? He was hand-delivering breakfast. How could she not overthink this? Maybe he was still holding a grudge fromst time, and this was all part of some long game¡ªpretend kindness followed by revenge. The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became.


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    She blurted out, ¡°Captain, just get to the point and stop dragging out my suffering.¡±


    She truly believed¡ªthis was Ellis¡¯s way of getting back at her. Because of what happened before, he was using this to apply mental pressure. And it was working.


    Ellis clenched his jaw, sorely tempted to knock some sense into Freya. Could she not twist his good intentions?


    ¡°What are you even talking about?¡± he asked.


    Freya looked up at him, lips pressed together, and finally forced out two words. ¡°You know it in your heart.¡±


    ¡°Go eat,¡± Ellis said, one hand tucked in his pocket, still looking ridiculously good. ¡°Stop with the wild guesses.¡±


    Freya took a few steps back, stood there at the doorway for a few seconds, and then raised her hand to close the door.


    Ellis was left standing there, caught somewhere between amusement and frustration. He had to admit, Freya was really a piece of work.


    Freya¡¯s thoughts were a tangled mess.


    For her, overthinking came naturally. The Captain she remembered was apletely different person from the one in front of her now. The Ellis she remembered was the one who used toy traps for her. The man who had just handed her breakfast? That felt like someone else entirely.


    Lost in her thoughts, she looked down at the breakfast he¡¯d practically shoved into her hands and took out her phone to make a call.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 598

    ?Chapter 598:


    Frederick answered, voice groggy and soft, clearly not awake yet. ¡°Freya? What¡¯s up so early?¡±


    ¡°What would you think if our captain brought you breakfast?¡± she asked.


    Frederick¡¯s eyes snapped open. ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Our captain.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I¡¯ve been behaving myselftely,¡± Frederick stammered, suddenly wide awake, a wave of panic washing over him. ¡°I haven¡¯t done anything wrong!¡±


    Could it be that the guys had snitched on him forining Ellis was too strict? Oh god. A bunch of traitors. Was there still time to book a flight and run?


    ¡°Where is he now?¡± Frederick asked urgently, already halfway dressed, ready to flee. ¡°Is heing to deliver it to me today?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Frederick felt slightly more at ease¡ªbut still packed his bag in a hurry.


    Then Freya finished her sentence. ¡°He already delivered it. To me.¡±


    A loud thud came from the other end of the call.


    Frederick froze, ignoring the fallen photo frame, and suddenly grew serious. He said to Freya, ¡°You might wanna grab a ticket and get outta town. Don¡¯t go to the gathering tonight.¡±


    ¡°Is it that bad?¡± Freya frowned, thinking he was overreacting.


    ¡°I¡¯ll drop a message in the group chat. You¡¯ll see how bad it is when you read their replies.¡± Frederick suddenly felt a wave of sympathy for Freya. How on earth had she managed to offend the Captain?


    Freya was still a little out of it. She¡¯d expected Ellis to act weird, sure, but she hadn¡¯t braced herself for Frederick¡¯s over-the-top reaction. Frederick typed in their group chat, ¡°Ellis is back and even brought breakfast for Freya.¡±


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    Greta, Riley, Cade, and Moss¡ªyes, even the two who rarely bothered to chime in¡ªall responded with a flurry of question marks.


    Greta immediately followed up with, ¡°Freya, listen to me¡ªrun. Get out of town, now!¡±


    Cade backed her up, ¡°I still have nightmares about when Ellis brought me food. That was the beginning of the end. Trust me¡ªget out while you can.¡±


    Moss added his piece, ¡°I drank a bottle of water Ellis handed me once and ended up doing a ten-kilometer run¡ªwith weights.¡±


    Freya was at a loss for words.


    Trent scrolled through the messages and finally dropped a reply. ¡°Is it really that bad?¡±


    And just like that, Cade kicked off a group call.


    The call connected.


    Seven faces lit up the screen.


    The moment Freya joined, Cade jumped in. ¡°Freya, no joke¡ªEllis suddenly acting nice is a red g the size of a house. Last time he ¡®felt sorry¡¯ for me and gave me food, I ended up with triple the training. Know what he told me? He said if I still had the strength to eat, then clearly, I hadn¡¯t been punished enough! Is that even human? Absolutely not!¡±


    Cadeunched into his rant without mercy.


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 Chapter 599

    ?Chapter 599:


    Freya vaguely recalled that episode. Cade had faked a stomachache to get out of training and got hit with an even worse punishment. If just one lie led to that kind of wrath, what kind of hell would she face if Ellis thought she once tried to use him?


    ¡°Don¡¯t scare Mina,¡± Trent cut in, clearly trying to smooth things over. He didn¡¯t want them ruining Ellis¡¯s chance of wooing Freya. ¡°Ellis is retired now. And Freya hasn¡¯t done anything to provoke him. Maybe he¡¯s just¡­ being nice?¡±


    ¡°Impossible!¡±


    ¡°Trent, say that with your hand on your heart.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s not an ounce of humanity in Ellis!¡± Three voices fired back instantly.


    Since Ellis¡¯s retirement had alreadye up inst night¡¯s eight-person group chat, everyone was in the loop.


    The more Freya listened, the more her stomach twisted. ¡°Actually¡­ I did offend Ellis once.¡±


    Silence fell. Even Trent went quiet for a second.


    ¡°Mina, juste stay with me.¡± Greta finally broke the silence, her voiceced with concern. After all, they were best friends. ¡°Your life is more important.¡±


    Riley added simply, ¡°Agreed.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t respond right away. After a pause, she said, ¡°Let me handle this first. Ellis probably doesn¡¯t even have a ce to train me anymore.¡±


    After reassuring them, she ended the call.


    Back in the chat interface, she noticed a bunch of new messages from Greta and Riley in their three-person group chat. They were already grilling her about how she¡¯d offended Ellis. These two had known her since they were kids. Between the three of them, secrets were practically nonexistent.


    Freya had intended to keep this one to herself, but honestly, she knew she couldn¡¯t take on Ellis solo. So she told them. Greta responded, ¡°One word: run.¡±


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    Riley said, ¡°Two words: run fast.¡±


    Greta added, ¡°A call with Ellis might cool things down at first, but after that, you¡¯re doomed.¡±


    Riley sighed. ¡°My poor Mina.¡±


    Freya pressed a hand to her forehead. Yeah, there was no way this would be simple.


    Greta wasn¡¯t done. ¡°Don¡¯t even try to outsmart him. When he¡¯s in the room, nobody¡¯s brain is sharp enough.¡±


    Riley echoed her, ¡°No one can survive his mind games.¡±


    Freya promised she got the message. Then she turned her gaze to the breakfast sitting on the table in front of her and zoned out.


    Half an hour passed. She finally shook off the cloud of thoughts and told herself to take things one step at a time.


    She couldn¡¯t ignore the situation with Ashley¡¯s mysterious backer. That person wasn¡¯t just connected to Kristian¡ªthere were others involved too.


    With that in mind, she headed out to meet Ethel and her boyfriend.


    Ellis, meanwhile, had been lounging in the living room the whole time. He knew Freya had left, but this time, he stayed in, casually chatting with Trent.


    At eleven on the dot, Freya arrived at the private room in the restaurant they¡¯d reserved.


    ¡°Mina!¡± Ethel¡¯s face lit up the moment she saw her. Her eyes sparkled with excitement. ¡°You¡¯re finally here!¡±


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 Chapter 600

    Chapter 600:


    Freya had already gathered herself. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°This is my boyfriend, Jarrett Warren.¡± Ethel¡¯s nerves showed a little, but she tried to keep the mood upbeat. ¡°Jarrett, this is my sister¡ªFreya.¡±


    ¡°Hello.¡± Jarrett greeted her, visibly nervous.


    Freya was calm as ever. ¡°Hello.¡±


    She nced at the two of them. One looked adorable, the other cheerful and bright¡ªthey actually looked like a good match.


    Ethel nudged Jarrett with her elbow.


    He quickly passed the menu to Freya, visibly anxious. ¡°Take a look. Order whatever you like¡ªit¡¯s my treat!¡±


    Freya epted the menu and picked a few dishes that Ethel liked. She never really fussed over food herself.


    Throughout the meal, she ate with quietposure, as if it were just another ordinary lunch. But Ethel and Jarrett? They barely touched their food.


    They were too busy watching Freya¡¯s expression, worried that something might go wrong.


    Ethel knew how much Freya loved her. Growing up, Freya always gave her whatever she wanted. But when it came to boyfriends? That was a different story. What if Freya thought Jarrett wasn¡¯t good enough?


    ¡°Freya, how do you like the ce?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°And the food?¡±


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    ¡°Tastes okay.¡±


    ¡°What do you think of my boyfriend?¡± Ethel tried to slip thatst one in with the same casual tone as the others, hoping Freya wouldn¡¯t catch on.


    But Freya never brushed off Ethel¡¯s questions or concerns. As soon as she heard it, she paused mid-sip and set her eyes on them.


    Jarrett kept a smile stered on his face, but internally, he was scrambling. Why did Ethel¡¯s sister have such a powerful aura? He mused silently to himself.


    ¡°You want the truth?¡± Freya¡¯s eyes locked on Jarrett, unreadable.


    Ethel¡¯s heart stuttered. Did that mean her sister didn¡¯t approve? Jarrett tensed, but he managed to keep hisposure. ¡°Yes¡ªif something¡¯s wrong, just tell me and I¡¯ll work on it!¡±


    ¡°Mina¡­¡± Ethel tried to act cute.


    Freya looked at their nervous faces and let out a faint smile. ¡°Why are you both acting like I¡¯m about to tear you apart? I never said I disapproved.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡ªyou agree?!¡±


    ¡°Based on appearances alone, you two look well-matched.¡±


    Ethel blinked. So¡­ was she implying they weren¡¯tpatible in other ways?


    ¡°Jarrett, right?¡± Freya wanted to make sure she had the name right.


    Jarrett¡¯s hands were mmy, but he nodded quickly. ¡°Yes, yes!¡±


    ¡°Take good care of my sister. She¡¯s the star of our family.¡± Freya didn¡¯t want to make them feel pressured.


    .


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    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Nice sunday dear ones, hope you liked the chapters. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (=?=) /


    .

 Chapter 601

    ?Chapter 601:


    When Freya was done talking, Jarrett and Ethel both stared at her, as if genuinely stunned she¡¯d say something like that.


    Ethel hesitated for a second. ¡°Mina, you¡­¡±


    ¡°Mmm?¡± Freya drew out the sound, lifting a brow.


    ¡°Thank you for your blessing!¡± Jarrett suddenly shot up, offering a deep, earnest bow in her direction. ¡°Please trust me¡ªI¡¯ll take care of her with everything I¡¯ve got. I won¡¯t let her go through anything unfair!¡±


    ¡°Good.¡± Freya¡¯s expression eased a touch, softening around the edges.


    Ethel instantly broke into a grin. She stepped forward and wrapped her arms around Freya, murmuring with a tiny sniffle, ¡°I love you so much.¡±


    Freya cared deeply for her. There was simply no way Freya could oppose her rtionship. Ethel, all of a sudden, felt a sting of guilt for having doubted Freya earlier.


    ¡°I love you too.¡± Freya¡¯s heart settled a little more.


    From the second she walked in, she¡¯d been sizing up Ethel¡¯s boyfriend, and she had to admit¡ªhe really did seem to love her sister. He knew her preferences, her aversions, and all the small, thoughtful things he did showed that his feelings weren¡¯t just for show.


    After dinner, Freya decided to give them some space. They were at that age where dating was only natural.


    ¡°Jarrett, I¡¯m gonna pass on hanging out this afternoon.¡± Ethel had some things she needed to go over with her sister. Jarrett understood right away. ¡°Alright.¡±


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    As they were heading out, Freya made her way to the front to settle the bill.


    With her around, there was no way she¡¯d let Ethel or Jarrett pay a cent. Once they¡¯d parted ways with Jarrett, Ethel slid into the passenger seat of Freya¡¯s car. On the drive home, she nced over and asked again, ¡°Mina, you really don¡¯t mind me being with Jarrett?¡±


    ¡°If I were against it, would that actually stop you two from being together?¡± Freya rarely joked around, but her tone was yful.


    ¡°Yes, it would!¡± Ethel nodded confidently.


    She trusted her sister wholeheartedly. If Freya didn¡¯t approve of someone, it would definitely be for a reason.


    ¡°Now I¡¯m kind of starting to feel bad for your boyfriend,¡± Freya teased, smirking.


    Ethel puffed out her cheeks. ¡°Mina!¡±


    ¡°That kind of thinking isn¡¯t healthy. Whether it¡¯s me or Dad, even if we disagree, you should still form your own opinions,¡± Freya told her calmly. ¡°We¡¯re not always right, and we can¡¯t possibly understand everything that goes on between the two of you.¡±


    Ethel blinked. ¡°So should I listen to you and Dad or not?¡±


    ¡°If there¡¯s a difference in opinion, we just need to sit down and talk things through,¡± Freya replied. ¡°Understand each other, weigh things out properly, then decide.¡±


    ¡°What do you think of my boyfriend?¡± Ethel genuinely valued her sister¡¯s judgment.


    ¡°He¡¯s fine. He treats you well. But he¡¯s a little on the timid side,¡± Freya answered bluntly. ¡°As for the rest, I can¡¯t say yet.¡±


    Ethel twirled her fingers in herp. ¡°He¡¯s not really timid.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°He just got nervous meeting the family.¡±


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 Chapter 602

    ?Chapter 602:


    Freya didn¡¯t say anything. Even if Jarrett got nervous meeting his girlfriend¡¯s family, shouldn¡¯t that only apply to the parents? Why was he jumpy around her, Ethel¡¯s sister?


    Ethel had no idea what was going through Freya¡¯s head, so she added her own theory, ¡°I think meeting Dad wouldn¡¯t even make him as nervous as meeting you did.¡±


    ¡°Am I that scary?¡±


    ¡°Not scary. Just that you¡¯re, like, a strong, capable woman¡ªyou¡¯ve got that vibe, you know?¡±


    Freya remained quiet.


    Ethel feltpletely reassured now. ¡°With you backing me, Dad¡¯s approval is pretty much in the bag. My rtionship is basically safe.¡±


    ¡°Dad hasn¡¯t even met him yet.¡±


    ¡°Dad listens to you!¡± Ethel said with conviction.


    At that, something finally clicked for Freya. She nced at her sister, her eyes warm with affection, before driving her back to her own apartment.


    At 1:30 in the afternoon, Freya and Ethel pulled into the apartmentplex.


    Just as they stepped out of the car and started walking toward the elevator, they spotted a tall, striking man stepping out of another vehicle, dressed in a sleek ck coat and carrying two suitcases.


    ¡°Oh my god!¡± Ethel¡¯s eyes went wide. ¡°Freya, there are guys that good-looking in this building?¡±


    He was right up there with Kristian!


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    Freya had just locked up the car and didn¡¯t look too closely. ¡°Don¡¯t forget, you have a boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scouting for you, not me,¡± Ethel said cheekily. ¡°Look at that guy¡ªtall, great posture, and that whole presence? He¡¯s totally your type!¡±


    Freya turned her head, curious who¡¯d managed to earn such glowing praise from Ethel.


    Freya had a thing for good looks, and so did Ethel. If someone didn¡¯t look stunning, Ethel wouldn¡¯t be handing outpliments like that.


    ¡°Mina!¡± Ethel grabbed Freya¡¯s arm, her voice lowered in a dramatic whisper. ¡°I think he¡¯s looking over here! Do you know him? Is he checking you out?¡±


    Could it be love at first sight? That would be sweet!


    Just as she said it, Freya caught sight of the man Ethel was talking about.


    Her body tensed slightly, and all she could do was mentally curse her bad luck. Why did it have to be Ellis?


    ¡°The elevator¡¯s closing. Youing or not?¡± Ellis, spotting Freya frozen in ce, gave her a casual reminder.


    Freya was about to say she¡¯d wait for the next one, but Ethel tugged her forward. ¡°Let¡¯s go, hurry!¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t have a choice, but she made sure not to look like she was dodging him. If Ellis picked up on it, he¡¯d definitely think she was trying to run away.


    ¡°Thanks, sir,¡± Ethel said sweetly once they were inside, stars practically shining in her eyes.


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 Chapter 603

    ?Chapter 603:


    ¡°No worries.¡± Ellis¡¯s gaze flicked over to Freya, who¡¯d been calm and collected since stepping in. ¡°I¡¯m your sister¡¯s friend. Just call me Ellis.¡±


    He¡¯d heard Ethel¡¯s voice when he got out of the car. The resemnce to Freya,bined with their familiarity, made it clear.


    Ethel¡¯s eyes practically gleamed with gossip.


    Friend! That meant there was a chance¡ªsome real romantic tension between him and Freya!


    ¡°Alright, Ellis!¡± Ethel beamed at him.


    Ellis gave a polite nod.


    Ethel was more determined than ever to y matchmaker!


    Compared to Kristian, Ellis seemed way more easygoing. He hadn¡¯t said much, but he already gave off an approachable vibe.


    Ethel was ready to make it happen!


    ¡°Ellis, do you know how to cook?¡± she asked brightly, striking up a casual chat.


    Freya raised her brows at that.


    Before she could interject, Ellis answered, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°My sister¡¯s not exactly a whiz in the kitchen.¡± Ethel nced at the elevator disy and realized it was stopping on the same floor as Freya¡¯s. ¡°If you¡¯re cooking sometime, would you invite her over? I¡¯ll even cover the cost of ingredients!¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t even know what to say¡ªshe tapped Ethel lightly on the forehead. ¡°Quit it. Don¡¯t go bothering others.¡±


    ¡°Ellis isn¡¯t any random man,¡± Ethel whispered slyly, not missing the way Ellis looked at her sister the moment they got inside. She didn¡¯t believe they were just friends.


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    Freya shot her a look, clearly thinking Ethel was being way too bold today. ¡°Ethel Briggs.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright, I get it.¡± Ethel stuck out her tongue and offered a quick apology.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a few meals. No need to make a fuss about them.¡± Ellis broke the silence with a voice as smooth as ever. ¡°Or do you think I¡¯m so strapped for cash I can¡¯t even spring for dinner?¡±


    ¡°Captain¡­¡± Freya once again found herself contemting an immediate getaway.


    And in that moment, she finally understood why her friends had insisted she leave town. Ellis had a knack for putting her under relentless mental strain.


    The elevator chimed.


    Freya felt the air shift subtly as she stepped out, with Ethel closely on her heels. Ellis, suitcase in hand, followed behind, his eyes trailing her retreating figure with the faintest flicker of amusement¡ªgone as quickly as it had appeared.


    Once inside, Ethel picked up on something in the atmosphere. ¡°Mina, do you not get along with Ellis? Or did he offend you?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then why do you seem to steer clear of him?¡±


    Freya paused mid-step as she changed into her slippers. ¡°Do I?¡±


    ¡°You do!¡±


    ¡°Maybe my usual coolness is throwing you off.¡±


    ¡°No, it¡¯s not that.¡± Ethel, ever observant, pressed on. ¡°You¡¯re different around him. With others, you¡¯re reserved butposed. With him, you seem to keep your distance, like you¡¯re avoiding too much interaction.¡±


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 Chapter 604

    ?Chapter 604:


    Freya moved further into the room, her thoughts unsettled by Ethel¡¯s sharp observations. Ellis knew her well. If even Ethel had caught on, surely he had too. Hopefully, he wouldn¡¯t read too much into it.


    ¡°Are you two actually at odds?¡± Ethel suddenly grew uneasy, guilt creeping in as she realized she might have made things worse. If there was friction between Freya and Ellis, her earlier remarks could¡¯ve just made everything moreplicated.


    She silently berated herself.


    ¡°There¡¯s no conflict. We get along fine and trust each other,¡± Freya replied, filling a ss of water for She while catching Ethel¡¯s guilt-ridden expression. ¡°It¡¯s just¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a while since west saw each other, and I¡¯m not exactly sure how to deal with him right now.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Relief washed over Ethel¡¯s face. She leaned in with a glint of curiosity in her eyes. ¡°Is there a chance¡­¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°That you have a crush on him.¡± Ethel was clearly fishing. ¡°When you secretly have a thing for someone, that¡¯s exactly how it shows¡ªyou suddenly don¡¯t know how to act around them.¡±


    Freya was caught off guard. She handed over the ss, shooting Ethel a sidelong nce.


    She¡¯d rather choose Trent over Ellis. Unless she wanted to get scolded, she¡¯d have a thing for Ellis.


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    Ethel took the ss in both hands, still brimming with questions. Freya didn¡¯t have a thing for Ellis? Then why was her behavior so out of the ordinary?


    ¡°I¡¯m heading out tonight. Are you staying for dinner or heading back?¡± Freya thought about the evening¡¯s gathering, her chest tightening a little.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go home.¡±


    Ethel was only there for a brief visit.


    After hearing her response, Freya called the family driver toe get herter.


    With that settled, the sisters passed the time watching TV together.


    Freya sat in front of the screen, but her thoughts were miles away. She was seriously considering skipping tonight¡¯s event. After all, it was just to wee Ellis¡ªand they¡¯d already crossed paths. Her absence wouldn¡¯t change a thing.


    She could just meet up with her friends afterward.


    And so, Freya made up her mind.


    But ns rarely hold against reality.


    Just as Freya was thinking up excuses, Ellis knocked on her door, already urging her to leave.


    He stood there in a sleek, mid-length ck coat, exuding an effortless charm.


    Ethel couldn¡¯t help sneaking in a few more nces.


    ¡°Trent and Fred just called,¡± Ellis said in that calm, low voice of his.


    ¡°They¡¯re asking us to head over now.¡±


    Freya remainedposed. ¡°I still have a bit¡­¡±


    ¡°Freya,¡± Ellis cut her off, seeing through her fib in a heartbeat. Freya instantly felt exposed.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 605

    ?Chapter 605:


    After all, Ellis was her captain, and thest person who tried lying to him¡ªCade ke¡ªhad ended up with extra drills.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go change,¡± Freya muttered.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    She returned shortly after, dressed far more casually.


    She¡¯d picked the outfit strategically¡ªif Ellis did make her do jumping jacks or any other punishment, this would be easier to move in. Ellis¡¯s eyes paused on her, seemingly surprised by the shift in her look. But he said nothing. As long as she wasfortable, that was enough. Before heading out, Freya gave Ethel a few parting instructions.


    Seated in the passenger seat of Ellis¡¯s car, Freya, for the first time, felt the space was far too small. The silence was so thick she could hear them breathing.


    One second.


    Two seconds.


    Three seconds.


    Time ticked on, and the engine remained still.


    Freya nced at him, her expression steady, and asked casually, ¡°Captain, why haven¡¯t we moved yet?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m thinking.¡±


    ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°About why some people keep dodging me.¡±


    The rest on g?l????¦Í?????????????


    Freya went quiet. Outwardly, she stayed calm, but her thoughts were racing. Why had she asked that? Ellis always set traps like this.


    ¡°If you need more time to think, maybe we should switch seats,¡± she suggested, trying to shift the mood. ¡°I¡¯ll drive, and you can focus. Frederick and Trent won¡¯t be kept waiting.¡±


    Ellis gave her a look¡ªelegant, amused¡ªthen allowed a slight curve to touch his lips before finally starting the engine.


    The entire ride, Freya stayed on edge. She swore it was the most nerve-wracking drive of her life.


    Thankfully, once Ellis started the car, he kept his thoughts to himself and didn¡¯t set any more traps.


    When they arrived, Trent and Frederick were already there. The venue was a leisureplex, offering everything from entertainment and rxation to sports¡ªtennis courts, golf courses, and more.


    Freya, along with Ellis, followed the staff¡¯s guidance to the tennis court where the others waited.


    Unexpectedly, they crossed paths with Kristian.


    Near the court, Trent and Frederick had been about to greet Ellis when they saw Freya run into him.


    Their eyes met.


    One pair calm and unreadable, the other filled with conflicted emotion. Ellis stood close beside her, and noticing the unspoken tension between them, broke the silence with a smooth, measured tone. ¡°You two know each other?¡±


    ¡°My ex-husband,¡± Freya said with the steadyposure she¡¯d finally mastered.


    Kristian had never felt such a powerful sense of threat.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 606

    ?Chapter 606:


    His gaze flickered from Freya to Ellis¡ªand at the sight of that impable face, his heart clenched.


    Nearby, Gerard couldn¡¯t help sneaking a few looks at Ellis.


    That face, that vibe. This man could absolutely rival Kristian.


    ¡°Good day, Ms. Briggs,¡± Gerard greeted with curiosity. ¡°And who¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°A friend of mine,¡± Freya replied coolly.


    She deliberately avoided mentioning that Ellis was her captain. No need to invite assumptions or unnecessary chatter.


    Still, Freya had no idea just how deeply those words had struck Kristian.


    A friend of hers? Was he Freya¡¯s boyfriend? Wasn¡¯t she the one who always imed she couldn¡¯t stand getting too close to any man? So why hadn¡¯t she pulled away from this man who stood beside her like he belonged there? Did she actually have feelings for him?


    Kristian¡¯s thoughts spun like a hurricane inside his head.


    Had logic not kept his emotions in check, he might¡¯ve stormed up to her and dragged her away on impulse, demanding to know what was going on between them¡ªjust like he had before.


    But now, he wasposed, painfully aware of his ce.


    To her, he was nothing more than an ex-husband. He had no right to bother her anymore.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Ellis cut through the tension. ¡°Trent and Frederick are still waiting over there.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Freya replied.


    g???????¦Í??????.??0??; ???????? ????????????????


    She didn¡¯t spare Kristian a second nce, brushing past him like he was just another stranger on the street. The space between them stretched wide, until it felt like they no longer existed in the same world.


    Kristian stayed rooted in ce, unable to move, lost in thought. The image of Freya¡¯s cold, distant face as she passed him kept reying in his mind, like a slow, haunting reel.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw? Mr. Shaw? Mr. Shaw!¡± Gerard called out several times.


    Finally, he raised his voice.


    Kristian didn¡¯t so much as flinch. ¡°I can hear you.¡±


    ¡°Should we go now?¡± Gerard asked gently. He knew Kristian was hurting, but some things couldn¡¯t be soothed with sympathy.


    Kristian said nothing.


    Gerard didn¡¯t dare say another word.


    Moments passed. Then, without warning, Kristian turned and started walking in the direction Freya had gone.


    Gerard blinked in surprise and hurried after him, lowering his voice. ¡°You¡¯re divorced. Even if she has someone new, you¡¯ve got no right to interfere.¡±


    Kristian stopped cold in his tracks, the air around him instantly chill.


    Gerard¡¯s heart skipped a beat.


    Damn it. He¡¯d hit a nerve.


    ¡°You think that¡¯s someone she likes?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was eerily calm, detached¡ªbut his eyes betrayed him, brimming with turmoil.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 607

    ?Chapter 607:


    ¡°I can¡¯t say for sure,¡± Gerard admitted, ¡°but they seem close.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t respond. He just kept walking.


    When the group returned dressed in their sports gear, they spotted someone already sitting on a bench nearby.


    It was Kristian. His gaze never wavered from Freya.


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Frederick asked nosily, ¡°Is your ex-husband seriously here just to see you?¡±


    ¡°It has nothing to do with me,¡± she said coolly, her voice t.


    Frederick was ready to keep poking for more gossip but got dragged off to y the opening match.


    Ellis stayed behind with Freya, the two of them chatting casually, nothing too personal.


    And yet, even that sight was enough to stir a twinge of jealousy in Kristian¡¯s chest.


    He couldn¡¯t hear what they were talking about, but watching her speak so patiently made his heart grow unbearably heavy.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw, out of sight, out of mind,¡± Gerard muttered, unable to handle the gloomy atmosphere. ¡°If it hurts to see her with someone else, maybe we should leave.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t answer.


    Right now, at least he could still look at her.


    If he left, he wouldn¡¯t even have that.


    Time passed. Frederick eventually wore himself out, and Ellis stepped in to rece him.


    ???????? ?????????? ???? g??????¦Í????????????


    As Kristian watched the game intensify, he realized it was time. He told Gerard to stay put and then got up, making his way toward Freya.


    Frederick, noticing him approach, leaned over and whispered nervously, ¡°Freya, your ex¡¯s walking over.¡±


    Freya¡¯s heart dropped. Something wasn¡¯t right. ¡°Where are you now?¡±


    ¡°On the road, heading home.¡±


    ¡°Turn off your phone. Don¡¯t do anything else. Wait for me there.¡±


    Ashley could sense the seriousness in her voice and panicked. ¡°Okay.¡±


    She hung up and powered down her phone without dy.


    She wasn¡¯t about to take any chances.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡± Kristian asked. He¡¯d never seen her like this.


    ¡°Can I use Gerard¡¯sptop?¡± For the first time, Freya was visibly tense, her nerves stretched taut.


    ¡°Follow me,¡± Kristian said at once.


    Freya gave a quick look toward Ellis and Trent, informed Frederick she¡¯d be gone for a while, and went to change clothes, grabbing Gerard¡¯sptop before leaving.


    She got into Kristian¡¯s car, and Gerard drove them straight to Ashley¡¯s ce.


    Inside the vehicle, Freya¡¯s fingers flew across the keyboard.


    She essed the phone she had set up for Ashley and spotted clear signs of a breach.


    The system had been attacked, then deliberately destroyed.


    Kristian watched as she swiftly shut down every page. ¡°What happened?¡± he asked.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 608

    ?Chapter 608:


    ¡°That man must really believe Ashley¡¯s turned her back on him.¡± Freya¡¯s chest felt unbearably tight, like a weight she couldn¡¯t shake off.


    She¡¯d always figured that if she helped Ashley set up her phone right¡ªhid their chats and calls¡ªit would be enough. But she hadn¡¯t thought the man might do some digging of his own.


    There was nothing for him to find¡ªno calls, no messages between her and Ashley.


    Still, Freya had gone all out, securing Ashley¡¯s phone with top-level encryption. And let¡¯s be honest, no regr phone had that kind of hacker-grade protection.


    Kristian tried to steady her. ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just breathe.¡± But Freya didn¡¯t say a word.


    She didn¡¯t want Ellis tangled up in this.


    If he stepped in now, the fallout would be endless. She wanted him far away from this chaos¡ªsafe, untouched.


    There was one small thing that gave her a sliver offort.


    Back when she set up Ashley¡¯s phone, she¡¯d thought ahead¡ªdisguised her number, just in case Ashley ever swapped devices.


    So as long as Ashley was out in public, her phone¡¯s IP address was virtual, not traceable.


    That mastermind wouldn¡¯t be able to track their previous meetups.


    ¡°Drop me off a little further up,¡± Freya said, her voice calm despite everything. ¡°You and Gerard need to stay back.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because your phones aren¡¯t cloaked. If you show up near Ashley¡¯s ce now, it¡¯ll look like she¡¯s been secretly meeting you.¡± Freya was precise, her logic wless.


    Discover updates g?l¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s


    Since Ashley¡¯s old phone couldn¡¯t work now, it meant the mastermind had been keeping tabs on her ever since.


    What a pain.


    Kristian flung his phone onto the seat beside him, making his decision clear. ¡°Then I¡¯m going with you, phone-free.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s easier if I go alone,¡± Freya said inly. She¡¯d only gotten into Kristian¡¯s car to tell him all of this. ¡°If youe with me, it¡¯ll justplicate things even more.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t have aeback.


    Gerard piped up, ¡°Sir, best listen to her.¡±


    Kristian wanted to argue but held back. Thest thing he wanted was to make Freya upset.


    Freya hopped out of the car, bought aptop on the way, then hailed a cab to Ashley¡¯s apartment.


    About thirty minutester, Freya arrived, skillfully dodging all the nearby cameras.


    Ashley opened the door, her eyes red and puffy like overripe plums. ¡°Freya! What do I do now? Did he find out I betrayed him?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t freak out,¡± Freya told her gently. She nced around the room, making sure Ashley¡¯s phone andptop were powered down before she rxed. ¡°Tell me everything you said to him today.¡±


    Ashley spilled everything, not holding anything back.


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying he started getting suspicious after you mentioned me and Kristian?¡± Freya rified. Ashley nodded quickly. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 609

    ?Chapter 609:


    ¡°Rx. It¡¯s not the end of the world.¡± Freya felt better once she pieced the situation together.


    She¡¯d been terrified of being exposed. If that happened, bringing that man to justice would be a thousand times harder.


    ¡°Check the phone you used to talk to him. He probably called.¡± Freya¡¯s mind wasser sharp now.


    Ashley¡¯s report wasn¡¯t the problem. Her panic, her fear¡ªit all felt understandable.


    The only odd part was the sudden shutdown of her new phone. With that in mind, Freya powered up her newptop and dove into the work.


    After confirming that their call hadn¡¯t been picked up by any surveince, she edited the audio, tweaking it to sound like Ashley had been chatting with a telemarketer.


    ¡°He¡­ he called me three times,¡± Ashley stammered, hands shaking. ¡°What do I do now?¡±


    Freya stayed calm. ¡°Call him back. If he asks why you didn¡¯t pick up, say your main phone suddenly shut down and you had to go buy another one.¡±


    ¡°You think he¡¯ll buy that?¡± Ashley asked, clearly doubtful.


    ¡°He will,¡± Freya assured her. ¡°If he asks who you called after getting the new phone, say it was a telemarketer. If he asks why it was off, say the battery died.¡±


    As she talked, Freya hooked Ashley¡¯s phone to theptop with a data cable, draining the battery fast.


    She waited until it hit five percent, then started charging it again.


    ???????? ???????? ????????: ?????????¦Í?????????????


    Every little detail mattered.


    Ashley¡¯s new phone wasn¡¯t online, so they couldn¡¯t monitor it. Fortunately, Freya had the foresight to bring a newptop and a data cable. Otherwise, they¡¯d be in trouble.


    ¡°He won¡¯t find any record of our call,¡± Freya exined carefully, walking Ashley through every step. ¡°And don¡¯t forget¡ªyou lost your phone for a day when you came back from abroad.¡±


    Ashley looked confused, caught off guard, but didn¡¯t press for answers. Heart pounding, she dialed that man¡¯s number, dread rising with every ring.


    ¡°Why did it take you so long to answer?¡± The man¡¯s voice was cold, t.


    ¡°My main phone cked out,¡± Ashley replied, sticking to the n. ¡°I went out to get a new one and forgot to bring the old one along.¡±


    ¡°Oh, really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Why was the new one off?¡± the man asked sharply. ¡°Who called you before it shut down?¡±


    Ever since he attacked herst phone, he¡¯d been tracking her usual number. When a signal finally popped up, he sent someone to investigate. But there was no connection¡ªnothing useful.


    So he called the number again, only to find it was busy.


    That little detail¡ªmaking a call right after getting a new phone¡ªmade him suspicious.


    Ashley¡¯s heart nearly stopped.


    She looked at Freya in disbelief.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 610

    ?Chapter 610:


    How did he know?


    ¡°Ashley, you know what happens to those who betray me,¡± the man said, voice disturbingly calm and smooth, like poison in honey.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t betray you¡­¡± Ashley¡¯s voice cracked with fear. ¡°The battery died. I turned it off. The call was from a telemarketer.¡±


    ¡°Power on your new phone and get it online. Now.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Ashley obeyed without hesitation.


    Once it was on, she quickly reported, ¡°It¡¯s online now.¡± The man didn¡¯t answer.


    In front of him sat a phone on speaker. He listened closely, then looked at the woman across from him.


    At his signal, she began typing rapidly on her keyboard.


    Momentster, Ashley¡¯s call logs appeared on the screen.


    The woman listened carefully,paring the content, then gave him a nod.


    That single nod made his eyes narrow with suspicion.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling the truth,¡± Ashley said anxiously, her voice shaking in the silence. It sounded like she truly feared being misunderstood.


    The man¡¯s gaze darkened, and something in him shifted. He no longer looked at her the same way. ¡°Why are you scheming behind my back with other people?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Ashley¡¯s voice faltered, her mind drawing aplete nk. She couldn¡¯t tell whether she¡¯d been caught red-handed, or if¡ªas Freya had warned¡ªhe was just fishing, bluffing his way through.


    The man¡¯s voice slithered through the speaker, low and threatening. ¡°You should know¡ªI¡¯m not exactly the patient type.¡±


    g???????¦Í??????.??0??; ????????  novels


    ¡°I honestly have no idea what you¡¯re talking about¡­¡± Ashley managed to say, struggling to keep her voice steady.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand? Then, care to exin why there¡¯s a system fortified by ¡®K¡¯ embedded in your phone?¡± There was a heavy malice in his presence¡ªsomething cold and suffocating. ¡°Since you¡¯re staying quiet, maybe your little brother and grandmother can help convince you to talk.¡±


    ¡°I really don¡¯t know anything!¡± Ashley¡¯s voice cracked, trembling near tears. ¡°Please, don¡¯t hurt them!¡±


    His tone turned icy, like steel about to snap. ¡°This is your final shot. Aside from you, who else has touched your phone? Tell me, and I¡¯ll reward you. Don¡¯t, and you¡¯ll find out what happens.¡±


    Thosest words slithered into her like venom, sending a shiver down her spine.


    Her limbs went rigid, and even breathing felt like a task too great.


    ¡°Still refusing to speak?¡± The man¡¯s voice came again, dark and coiled like a devil in the shadows.


    Ashley jerked instinctively, her body reacting with a deep, involuntary fear.


    Freya caught that and gently reached for Ashley¡¯s free hand, her grip warm, her gaze calm.


    In that instant, Ashley¡¯s panic began to ease, if only slightly.


    Her eyes, swollen with emotion, turned toward Freya. Her lips were pale, as if one more word might make her cry.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 611

    ?Chapter 611:


    ¡°I haven¡¯t given it to anyone, I swear. It¡¯s always been with me¡ªexcept¡­¡± Ashley trailed off, her eyes unfocused like she was sifting through memories.


    The man immediatelytched onto it.


    ¡°Except what?¡± he pressed.


    ¡°I lost it once, not long after I got back from overseas,¡± Ashley said slowly, her words soaked in hesitation. ¡°But other than that, it¡¯s always been in my hands.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯d you lose it?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­ I went out for a bit, and when I got back, it was just gone. After I told Kristian, he managed to retrieve it for me.¡±


    After that, the line went dead quiet.


    Freya gave her a sidelong nce, taken aback by how quick Ashley had been to think on her feet.


    Ashley caught Freya¡¯s look and waved frantically, like she¡¯d been misunderstood.


    Freya looked confused.


    ¡°Every word I¡¯ve said is the truth, I swear. Just¡ªplease don¡¯t hurt my grandma and brother,¡± Ashley pleaded, her voice growing desperate.


    The man simply responded, ¡°Whether they stay safe depends on whether you¡¯re lying.¡±


    And with that, the call ended before Ashley could even utter a word. He sat there, slowly rolling his phone between his fingers, his narrow eyes unreadable.


    He turned to the woman still typing in front of theptop and asked in a smooth tone, ¡°Check the surveince near Ashley¡¯s ce. I want to know if anyone¡¯s been snooping around.¡±


    ?????????? ???????????? ????????: g???????¦Í?????????????


    She nodded, got to work, and soon reported back, ¡°Nothing. No one unusual.¡±


    ¡°Are you certain that her phone was rigged with K¡¯s system?¡± the man questioned.


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± the woman replied, her long hair cascading over one shoulder, her beauty sharp andmanding. ¡°She taught me herself. I know her style inside and out.¡±


    The man fell silent, deep in thought.


    Atst, he said, ¡°Keep tabs on Ashley¡¯s phone. Wherever she goes, whoever she meets¡ªI want to know immediately.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡± The woman gave a brisk nod.


    Meanwhile, back on Freya¡¯s end, she made a quick gesture, signaling Ashley to move their conversation to the living room¡ªlikely to avoid any hackers listening in through the phone. Ashley didn¡¯t question it and followed her lead.


    Once there, before Freya could say a word, Ashley blurted, ¡°I brought up Kristian because he¡¯d have the skills to back up the story. That way, it¡¯d sound more convincing. Don¡¯t take it the wrong way.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Freya replied coolly, a knowing look shing in her eyes.


    Ashley exhaled, relieved, then recalled something from the call. ¡°Oh, right.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°He mentioned someone.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    Freya paused, her expression unreadable.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 612

    ?Chapter 612:


    Ashley exined, ¡°He asked why my phone had a fortified system installed by K.¡±


    ¡°Hand me your phone,¡± Freya said.


    ¡°Sure. Here you go.¡±


    Ashley obediently fetched her new device.


    Freya plugged it into herptop with a data cable, ran a program, and after everything was set up, handed it back to Ashley, motioning for her to stash it away.


    ¡°What was that about?¡± Ashley asked as she returned.


    ¡°From now on, only use that app to reach me,¡± Freya said. ¡°No calls, no texts.¡±


    Ashley nodded. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Freya responded with a simple grunt.


    The app was her own creation, cloaked underyers of encrypted code.


    Even if someone tried to hack into the phone, they¡¯d never find it.


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°How¡­ how does he even know about my situation? And how did he know I was on a call just now?¡±


    ¡°Probably just dumb luck,¡± Freya guessed. ¡°He might¡¯ve called the moment we started talking.¡±


    Ashley hesitated, then checked her screen.


    Once she calmed down, she noticed a missed call notification shing. Earlier, in her flustered state, she¡¯d dismissed it as another system pop-up on her new phone.


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    ¡°What about the screen going ck?¡± Ashley asked.


    ¡°That was his hacker.¡± Freya didn¡¯t sugarcoat it. ¡°Given the way he operates, he probably just reviewed the cameras near your ce, too.¡±


    Ashley blinked, startled. ¡°A hacker?¡±


    She¡¯d only ever seen that stuff in movies.


    Her thoughts snapped back to something from the call. ¡°And the ¡®K¡¯ he brought up?¡±


    ¡°Another hacker.¡± Freya didn¡¯t say more.


    But Ashley¡¯s eyes said it all¡ªshe¡¯d put two and two together. She knew the ¡°K¡± he meant was Freya.


    Freya offered no confirmation. ¡°Just carry on like normal. Pretend you don¡¯t know a thing.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Ashley mumbled, still in a daze.


    Freya stood, getting ready to leave.


    Ashley, remembering what mattered most, asked, ¡°Will he hurt my grandma and brother?¡±


    ¡°Whether he ns to or not, it¡¯s not something you need to worry about now,¡± Freya assured her. ¡°I¡¯ve already made arrangements to keep them safe. They¡¯ll be alright.¡±


    ¡°Thanks, Freya.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 613

    ?Chapter 613:


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it.¡± After a brief exchange, Freya gave her a few more precautionary tips before heading out.


    Just like when she arrived, she avoided all surveince and caught a cab.


    Inside the car, she pulled out her phone, nning to message Trent to check if they¡¯d left yet. If not, she¡¯d go straight there. But then she noticed several new messages.


    Kristian had texted, ¡°Let me know when you¡¯re done. I¡¯ll drive you home.¡±


    Ellis had asked, ¡°What¡¯s the rush? Noting back?¡±


    Frederick had written, ¡°Get back here! I swear, Ellis is acting so weird. He was like a beast when we were ying¡ªI didn¡¯tnd a single shot!¡±


    Scrolling through the messages, Freya replied to each one, even Kristian¡¯s.


    She had barely hit send on thest reply when Kristian¡¯s call came through.


    ¡°Where are you?¡± he asked.


    ¡°In the car,¡± she answered coolly, then added, ¡°If anyone asks if you ever helped Ashley find her phone, just say you did.¡± She always made sure everything was wless.


    Maybe no one would dig that deep¡ªbut she wasn¡¯t taking chances.


    Kristian wanted to ask more, but knowing Freya, he figured she had her reasons.


    ¡°Alright,¡± he said.


    Freya blinked, mildly surprised.


    With his personality, wasn¡¯t this the part where he started questioning everything?


    Explore fresh updates on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s


    ¡°Did Ashley really get exposed?¡± Kristian¡¯s concern was obvious.


    ¡°No, just some suspicion,¡± Freya said, her eyes dimming slightly. ¡°As always, act clueless and go on with life like normal.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kristian replied.


    ¡°That¡¯s all,¡± Freya said, wrapping it up. ¡°I¡¯m hanging up.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Kristian stopped her.


    It had been ages since he had had a proper talk with Freya, and this calm little exchange somehow eased something in his chest.


    Freya¡¯s voice was t. ¡°Anything else?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I want to see you. Let¡¯s have a meal together,¡± he said.


    ¡°I¡¯m busy. I gotta go.¡±


    This time, she ended the call without a shred of hesitation.


    Kristian stared at the dark screen, the usual chill in his eyes reced by a faint trace of loneliness.


    From the driver¡¯s seat, Gerard couldn¡¯t help chiming in, ¡°That¡¯s not how you ask someone out¡­¡±


    Kristian nced up at him.


    ¡°You should book a nice restaurant ahead of time, maybe throw in some flowers,¡± Gerard said with a straight face. ¡°Thene up with an excuse to get her there. Wouldn¡¯t that work better?¡±


    .


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 Chapter 614

    ?Chapter 614:


    ¡°She wouldn¡¯t like it,¡± Kristian replied without missing a beat.


    She didn¡¯t want to see him now, didn¡¯t even like him.


    Doing all that would just make her pull away more.


    Gerard offered casually, ¡°She wouldn¡¯t dislike it unless she didn¡¯t like the one asking.¡±


    Kristian went quiet.


    This guy really had a death wish.


    ¡°You want me to tell Melvin you gave me advice on chasing after Freya?¡± Kristian¡¯s icy stare fixed on the back of Gerard¡¯s head, irritation sharp in his gaze.


    Gerard froze.


    Crap!


    He¡¯d forgotten all about Melvin¡¯s interest in Freya.


    ¡°I was just messing around to lift your mood,¡± Gerard said quickly, shing his usual grin. ¡°Don¡¯t take it seriously.¡±


    Kristian knew Gerard¡¯s usual antics and finally said, his voice frosty,


    ¡°Drive.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    Gerard fell in line and started the car.


    On the drive back, he kept sneaking nces at the rearview mirror, catching sight of his boss sitting in stony silence, eyes fixed on the passing scenery outside the window. A flicker of sympathy stirred in his chest.


    Ever since Kristian learned Norah was the one pulling the strings, it was like something had shifted in him. He looked at things from a whole new angle.


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    After hanging up on Kristian, Freya wasted no time and called Frederick.


    When he saw her name pop up, Frederick lit up so much his voice jumped an octave. ¡°Freya!¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t say anything.


    He barreled on, ¡°Freya, where are you now? Are you back already?¡±


    ¡°In the car,¡± Freya replied bluntly. ¡°You still there?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°Alright, I¡¯m heading over now.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Frederick ended the call with a beaming grin.


    Wiping the sweat from his face, he rushed to tell Trent and Ellis, ¡°Freya¡¯s wrapped things up and is on her way back.¡±


    Trent nced between him and Ellis, adjusted his sses, and kept quiet.


    Ellis had beenzily watching Frederick ever since he answered that call like an excited puppy.


    Frederick was confused.


    What¡¯s with this weird vibe?


    Why weren¡¯t they saying anything?


    ¡°Why do you both look so weird?¡± Frederick asked,pletely lost, as he made his way over.


    Just as he grabbed a water bottle, Ellis casually asked, ¡°You close with Freya?¡±


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 Chapter 615

    ?Chapter 615:


    ¡°Of course!¡± Frederick answered proudly, missing the trap entirely. ¡°I was the first to know about her marriage and divorce¡ªway before Trent and Riley.¡±


    Trent coughed softly, hand to his mouth.


    Frederick paused mid-sip, concern flickering across his face. ¡°Trent, you feeling sick?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Trent replied.


    Now Frederick was truly stumped.


    What the hell was going on today? Why was Trent acting so strange?


    ¡°Let¡¯s y a few more rounds,¡± Ellis said as he stood up, grabbing a racket. ¡°By the time we¡¯re done, Freya should be here.¡±


    ¡°Trent, your turn,¡± Frederick said.


    ¡°He probably wants you to y,¡± Trent replied smoothly.


    ¡°I just yed with him.¡±


    Frederick looked baffled. ¡°You go.¡±


    ¡°Trent¡¯s in better shape than you, so it¡¯s you who needs more exercise,¡± Ellis cut in. ¡°With those skinny arms and legs of yours, you could use the exercise.¡±


    Frederick felt a chill crawl down his spine. Why did it feel like he was walking into a trap?


    No way.


    He hadn¡¯t done anything to tick Ellis off.


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    Find great reads at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s


    As they started the match, Frederick was already feeling the burn. He could return every shot, but each one was like a full-body workout, and after just a few rounds, he was already gasping for air.


    Sweat drenched his face as he bent over, hands on his knees. ¡°I can¡¯t ¡ª I¡¯m wiped.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s only been, what, two or three years since Ist saw you, and you¡¯re already this weak?¡± Ellis looked genuinely surprised.


    Frederick had always ranked at the bottom physically, but he hadn¡¯t been this bad. Now, a short match had him dead on his feet.


    Frederick¡¯s face fell.


    This was bad.


    ¡°Come train at my base for a bit,¡± Ellis suggested, genuinely worried about his condition.


    Frederick and Trent both turned at once, confused. ¡°Base?¡±


    ¡°A training base I got approved,¡± Ellis exined quietly. ¡°Some retired team members train there too.¡±


    Frederick looked like he might cry.


    Looked like more hellish workouts were in his future.


    ¡°What did Freya say before she left?¡± Ellis asked.


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°What was she going to do?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡± Frederick stammered, eyes darting around at the sudden question. ¡°Why not ask her yourself when she gets back?¡± Freya had told him not to breathe a word to Ellis.


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 Chapter 616

    ?Chapter 616:


    He had to keep quiet!


    Ellis¡¯s sharp gaze pinned him in ce. ¡°You really don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°Really¡­ I don¡¯t¡­¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Captain, please! Freya specifically told me not to tell you.¡± Cracking under pressure, Frederick finally gave in. ¡°If you want to know that badly, ask her! I can¡¯t say!¡±


    In front of others, he¡¯d never spill Freya¡¯s secrets. But under Ellis¡¯s stare, he folded instantly.


    ¡°Trent.¡± Ellis flicked his gaze sideways.


    Trent didn¡¯t flinch, keeping thatposed, gentlemanly air about him. ¡°I¡¯m not sure. Mina only mentioned it to Frederick.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s head snapped toward him, eyes wide with disbelief. How shameless!


    ¡°You know it too!¡± he barked.


    Trent tilted his head, faceced with confusion. ¡°About what?¡±


    ¡°You know Freya left because¡ª¡±


    Frederick suddenly mped his mouth shut.


    In that split second, realization crashed over him like a wave. He spun toward Trent, furycing his words. ¡°Trent, how could you throw me under the bus like this?¡±


    Trent, aware he couldn¡¯t let Ellis catch wind of the truth, yed dumb to the end. It was unbelievable.


    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s makes every story special


    ¡°What?¡± Trent asked again, still donning that bewildered look.


    ¡°Nothing!¡± Frederick snapped, his chest heaving. ¡°I¡¯m the only one who knows the reason!¡±


    Trent¡¯s expression didn¡¯t budge, barely reacting at all.


    That made Ellis take a moment to think.


    What none of them realized was that this was the first time Trent had dared lie to Ellis¡ªand his heart was practically jackhammering in his chest. He just had to make it believable.


    A few momentster, Freya appeared.


    The second Frederick spotted her, he bolted like she was hisst hope, practically whining, ¡°Freya, Trent was really awful to me!¡±


    Freya blinked, confused, holding aptop in her arms.


    She nced briefly at Trent, then asked, ¡°What exactly did he do to you?¡±


    ¡°Our captain asked why you left. I told him to ask Trent, but Trent said you only told me, not him.¡± Frederick dumped the whole mess in a breathless rush. ¡°Back me up here, will you?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t give it much thought. ¡°I didn¡¯t tell him.¡±


    ¡°Freya!¡± Frederick looked scandalized. ¡°You¡¯re really gonna lie like that?¡±


    Freya¡¯s face scrunched slightly. What was this about?


    ¡°You told all of us, remember?¡± He suddenly leaned in, his voice dropping low. ¡°How can you say Trent doesn¡¯t know?¡±


    .


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 Chapter 617

    ?Chapter 617:


    Now Freya was truly thrown off.


    She replied, her voice even, ¡°When I left, I only told you. No one else.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m talking about that man,¡± Frederick rified under his breath.


    And now Freya got it.


    She shot him a look, a mix of sympathy and resignation. Now it made sense¡ªwhy he was always caught in messes. He really didn¡¯t know how easy it was to twist his words.


    ¡°All done?¡± Ellis strolled over, his voice casual and easy.


    Freya nodded softly. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Go have a seat and wait a bit. We¡¯re just going to rinse off and change.¡± Ellis wiped some sweat from his brow as he spoke.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    He and the others headed off for a quick shower, changing back into their clean clothes.


    Ten minutester, they were ready and made their way to the parking lot with Freya in tow.


    ¡°I¡¯ll ride with Trent,¡± Freya said firmly, just as Trent started the engine.


    ¡°I need to talk to him.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡± Ellis didn¡¯t argue.


    Trent pressed his lips together, a faint trace of helplessness in his expression.


    Once they were inside the car, Trent nced at Freya in the passenger seat. ¡°Why are you avoiding Ellis?¡±


    ¡°Was it that obvious?¡± Freya hadn¡¯t realized Trent had taken Ellis¡¯s side, so she didn¡¯t hold back.


    ¡°As obvious as the nose on your face.¡± His tone was light, almost teasing. ¡°To a stranger, it might look like you have beef with him.¡±


    Freya was caught off guard. Her mind shed to what Ethel had told her. Ellis hadn¡¯t said much earlier¡ªdid he think she had beef with him?


    ¡°Did you do something to upset him?¡± Trent asked.


    ¡°You could say that.¡±


    Freya sighed, already feeling a headacheing on. What she feared most were Ellis¡¯s unpredictable traps.


    Trent¡¯s eyes flickered with thought. ¡°He isn¡¯t as strict as you think. Sometimes, he¡¯s genuinely concerned¡ªnotying traps.¡±


    ¡°You might think so.¡± Freya gave him a pointed look. ¡°But for the rest of us? It¡¯s like a minefield.¡±


    Trent didn¡¯t say anything after that. Suddenly, he wasn¡¯t so sure Ellis¡¯s pursuit of Freya would go as smoothly as he¡¯d hoped.


    Meanwhile, Frederick¡¯s nerves were shot¡ªmostly because of Ellis¡¯s sharp question.


    ¡°Tell me¡ªwhat are you lot scheming behind my back?¡± Ellis followed behind Trent¡¯s car, his voice breaking the silence from the driver¡¯s seat. Though his tone was light and easygoing, Frederick couldn¡¯t help but feel a chill crawl down his spine.


    He sat frozen, gaze shifting restlessly. ¡°Nothing! Seriously!¡±


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    .

 Chapter 618

    ?Chapter 618:


    ¡°Nothing?¡±


    ¡°Captain, aren¡¯t you overthinking this?¡± Frederick tried to y it off. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing going on, then why did Freya ask Kristian for aptop before she left?¡± Ellis, ever the hawk, missed nothing.


    ¡°She probably needed it to wrap up some light work,¡± Frederick offered weakly.


    ¡°In that case, why would she buy a new one?¡± Ellis shot back without missing a beat.


    He knew how particr Freya was with electronics¡ªand the one she brought back screamedst-minute grab.


    Frederick had nothing.


    Ellis kept casting sidelong nces at him, never saying much¡ªbut the silent pressure was excruciating. Eventually, Frederick couldn¡¯t take it.


    He dialed Freya, using the first excuse that popped into his head. ¡°Freya, can we switch cars? I¡¯m really not used to our captain¡¯s driving. I¡¯m getting carsick.¡±


    Both Freya and Ellis fell into a speechless silence.


    ¡°We¡¯re almost there. Just hang in there.¡± Freya clearly had no interest in switching.


    ¡°I can¡¯t take it anymore, ugh!¡± Frederick groaned dramatically, adding a few fake gags for effect. ¡°Freya¡­ please¡­ I¡¯m begging you¡­¡±


    ¡°Fine.¡±


    The moment Freya said the word, Frederick finally exhaled.


    Ellis looked at him sideways. ¡°You coward.¡±


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    Frederick kept quiet. Cowardice didn¡¯t matter. Escaping the car¡ªand the interrogation¡ªthat¡¯s what mattered. After tonight, he needed to vanish for a while and stay off Ellis¡¯s radar.


    As those thoughts swirled, Trent¡¯s car blinked its turn signal and pulled over.


    Frederick made his move. Just as he reached the front passenger door, Freya rolled down the window. ¡°Sit in the back.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not going with Ellis?¡± he asked.


    She really didn¡¯t want to. But if she stayed in Trent¡¯s car, Ellis might overthink things.


    ¡°Next time, even if you feel like throwing up¡ªno switching cars.¡± She got out, bracing herself mentally. ¡°Hold it in.¡±


    Frederick stared at her, wide-eyed. Wasn¡¯t that a bit much?


    Freya didn¡¯t even nce back. She walked toward the car behind them, calm andposed.


    As for theptop, she left it in Trent¡¯s back seat.


    She opened the door, slid in, and clicked her seatbelt into ce when Ellis¡¯s voice, low and deliberate, reached her. ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t meddle in your affairs.¡± Ellis turned to look at her, his eyes steadier than usual. ¡°But if there¡¯s danger, I don¡¯t want you hiding it from me.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t,¡± Freya said smoothly, her voice calm as ever.


    Ellis shot her a few sidelong nces, clearly suspicious, before finally starting the car and pulling out behind her. He wasn¡¯t fooled¡ªhe knew damn well Freya was hiding something from him.


    .


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 Chapter 619

    ?Chapter 619:


    The rest of the day passed uneventfully. The four of them had dinner, lounged around for a bit, and then went their separate ways.


    Normally, an evening like that would¡¯ve involved a few drinks, but Ellis abstained.


    He knew Freya was a lightweight when it came to alcohol, and if she ended up drunk, he wouldn¡¯t be able to stop himself from poking around for answers.


    That wasn¡¯t the way he wanted to find out about her secrets.


    After nine that night, Freya and Ellis returned together. Before leaving, she grabbed herptop.


    When they arrived, Freya was just about to unlock her front door when she remembered to bring up the contract with Ellis.


    ¡°Captain, when you wake up tomorrow, just go straight to Anita International. I¡¯ll have Melvin handle it all for you.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ellis said with a nod.


    Freya grunted her acknowledgment, opened her door, and stepped inside.


    But instead of heading straight to bed, she went to her study, still restless from the day¡¯s chaos.


    She flipped open her personalptop and quickly typed up a summary of what had happened at Ashley¡¯s ce, circling a bold letter K on the screen.


    The fact that someone had instantly recognized Ashley¡¯s phone had been tampered with meant only one thing¡ªthey knew her style. Not even Frederick would have figured that out. Only her apprentice could¡¯ve guessed.


    Once Freya had gathered her thoughts, her fingers moved swiftly across the keyboard, pulling up an encrypted chat window. She typed, ¡°It¡¯s you, right, Natasha?¡±


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    Halfway across the world, a stunning woman with long flowing hair raised one perfectly arched brow at the message. She picked up herptop and strolled.


    Outside, Natasha called over to the man reclining on the sofa with a wine ss in hand. ¡°She messaged me.¡±


    ¡°Who?¡± he asked without moving.


    ¡°My mentor. ¡®K¡¯,¡± Natasha Sugden replied.


    That made him pause.


    Natasha passed him theptop and exined, ¡°This is how wemunicate. Our own way.¡±


    ¡°Message her back,¡± he said with a sly little smirk. ¡°Get her talking. Try to figure out where she is.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll give it a shot,¡± Natasha replied crisply.


    She set theptop on the table and typed out her response: ¡°I really can¡¯t hide anything from you. Why¡¯d you mess with Ashley Bradley¡¯s phone?¡±


    Freya read the message and decided there was no point dancing around it. ¡°You should know better than anyone else why I did it.¡±


    Natasha frowned. ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡±


    Freya replied, ¡°I¡¯m going after the person you¡¯re helping.¡±


    Natasha stopped typing and repeated the message to the man beside her.


    He didn¡¯t seem the least bit rattled. His expression stayed unreadable. ¡°If she could catch me, she¡¯d have done it years ago.¡±


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 Chapter 620

    Chapter 620:


    Natasha sent his words back in her reply.


    Freya¡¯s response came swift and sharp. ¡°Back off before yound yourself in deep trouble. When I catch him, I¡¯lle for you too.¡±


    Natasha typed, ¡°You¡¯re in Yham, aren¡¯t you?¡±


    Freya saw that and immediately pulled up a satellite map in her browser, captured their precise location, and sent it straight back. Then she added, ¡°Looks like you¡¯ve still got a long way to go. Can¡¯t even tell the difference between a virtual IP and a real one.¡±


    That made Natasha¡¯s face tighten. It was hard to believe.


    ¡°She¡­ she knows we¡¯re here,¡± Natasha said quietly, her tone suddenly serious.


    The man didn¡¯t even blink. ¡°She¡¯s ¡®K¡¯. Of course she knows. Doesn¡¯t matter. Even if she does, she can¡¯te here.¡±


    Natasha felt a twinge of defeat.


    She¡¯d spent three long years grinding, studying like hell to catch up¡ªand she still couldn¡¯t measure up.


    Even so, she couldn¡¯t help but admire her mentor.


    ¡°K¡± really was something else.


    Natasha typed again, ¡°How¡¯d you break through my virtual IP and find the real one?¡±


    Freya¡¯s reply was brutally blunt. ¡°Did you forget who trained you?¡±


    Natasha had nothing to say to that. The sting of humiliation hit hard. She tapped out onest message: ¡°Honestly, if he hadn¡¯t told me ¡®K¡¯ was a woman, I¡¯d still think you were some scruffy male hacker.¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes darkened at that. She knew exactly who Natasha meant. Even though she¡¯d disguised herself for that mission, it should¡¯ve been obvious she was a woman.


    Back then, she went by the codename ¡°K¡±.


    Freya didn¡¯t reply after that. She ended the chat and casually dropped a virus into Natasha¡¯sptop and server.


    Once that was done, she shut down herptop, washed up, and went to bed. The virus would buy her some time¡ªat least Ashley¡¯s side would stay quiet for now.


    As for Natasha, when she realized what had happened, she leaned her head on one hand. ¡°My mentor doesn¡¯t even spare myptop.¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± the man asked.


    ¡°Virus attack. The other room¡¯s server got hit too,¡± Natasha said, sounding surprisingly calm. ¡°The entire database is gone.¡±


    The man stared at her,pletely thrown.


    ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right?¡±


    ¡°Would I joke about this?¡±


    ¡°I thought you said it was locked down.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, well¡­ that was before I pissed her off.¡±


    The man was speechless.


    ¡°Give me half a month. I¡¯ll try to crack it and recover what I can,¡± Natasha said.


    The next morning arrived in the blink of an eye.


    .


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    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Have a great week dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ????(? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?


    .

 Chapter 621

    ?Chapter 621:


    Freya, fresh off her vacation, got up early and headed straight to work. By the time she arrived at the office, Melvin already had her task list waiting and all the necessary documents lined up neatly for her signature.


    After flipping through the files, she handed over the contract prepared for Ellis. ¡°Someone new will be joiningter. Take him to HR to finish the onboarding.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Melvin replied, casually skimming through the paperwork like he always did when vetting her hires.


    He was just about to move on, but then his eyes stopped cold at the sry and position section.


    Freya had just opened another file, pen in hand, when she noticed Melvin¡¯s usual poker face break into a deep frown, as if he¡¯d just been handed a loaded problem.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked.


    Melvin tapped the document. ¡°You¡¯re hiring him as your assistant?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Ms. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°I can handle everything on my own. There¡¯s no need to waste money bringing someone else in.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Freya acknowledged hispetence without hesitation. ¡°But you¡¯re overloaded. Bringing him in will help lighten the load.¡±


    Melvin didn¡¯t say a word.


    Freya had never seen him like this.


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    She set down her pen and looked up at him with those bright, striking eyes of hers.


    Just as she was about to offer some reassurance, Melvin finally spoke.


    ¡°Are you trying to rece me?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya answered inly, her tone honest and direct.


    Melvin stood there, looking aloof, but the defiance in his eyes reminded her of a child terrified of losing his favorite toy.


    Freya found herself a little thrown off.


    By all logic, Melvin had no reason to be insecure.


    He owned so many shares in thepany that he could quit tomorrow and never worry about money again.


    Why was he reacting like this over an assistant?


    ¡°Actually¡­ he¡¯s a friend,¡± Freya admitted quietly. ¡°He¡¯s switching careers and doesn¡¯t really know what he wants yet. I figured I¡¯d let him try working with me. After a month, I¡¯ll help him find a role that suits him better.¡±


    ¡°Seriously?¡± A glint shed in Melvin¡¯s eyes.


    Freya gave a gentle nod. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Alright then.¡± Melvin snapped right back to his usual self, lifting the contract as he addressed her. ¡°I went through all the paperwork during the break. Everything¡¯s in order¡ªready for your signature.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for handling that.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mention it. I am your special assistant, after all.¡±


    Freya smiled softly, a quiet warmth blooming inside her chest. Only then did it dawn on her why Melvin had been so prickly about her bringing on a new assistant.


    .


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 Chapter 622

    ?Chapter 622:


    To him, it probably felt like an interloper had crashed a well-oiled duo. She found it natural, of course¡ªshe knew Ellis well. But Melvin didn¡¯t, so his instinct was to put up his guard.


    At ten sharp, Ellis arrived at thepany.


    Freya had already given the receptionist a heads-up, so he was sent straight upstairs to her office without a hitch.


    He¡¯d been expecting to see Freya¡ªbut was met with Melvin instead.


    Inside the lounge, Melvin eyed Ellis¡¯s striking features and silently thought that Ellis really looked like someone Freya would be into. His brow creased slightly, remembering Gerard¡¯s message from yesterday. ¡°I saw Ms. Briggs with a ridiculously handsome guy. Is that yourpetition?¡± Melvin had already told Gerard the whole heartbreak story was made up, but the guy was still convinced¡ªand had cooked up the idea that the person Melvin liked was none other than Freya.


    ¡°Hi, I¡¯m Melvin Swain, Ms. Briggs¡¯s assistant,¡± he said, shoving the thought aside and keeping his tone crisp. ¡°Are you Ellis Lambert?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ellis responded with ease.


    ¡°Great. Sign here and I¡¯ll walk you through the onboarding,¡± Melvin said in his usual brisk, professional manner. ¡°After that, I¡¯ll take you to Ms. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Ellis replied calmly.


    Melvin walked him through the whole process, which didn¡¯t take more than ten minutes, and then they headed off to find Freya.


    She had just wrapped up hertest task and was flipping to her next schedule item when a knock echoed from the door. ¡°Come in.¡±


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    ¡°Ms. Briggs, your friend¡¯s here,¡± Melvin announced as he entered, Ellis a step behind him.


    Freya froze for a moment, surprised, but quickly regained herposure and gave instructions. ¡°Show him around and introduce him to the rest of the secretarial team.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Melvin replied without hesitation.


    ¡°And you handle his assignments,¡± Freya continued, her tone precise. ¡°He doesn¡¯t have much background in our field, so start him off with the basics.¡±


    Melvin gave a nod. ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°You can go now.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Melvin turned and led Ellis out.


    As they exited, Ellis threw Freya a look loaded with meaning, but shepletely missed it.


    Thankfully, the day zipped by, and Freya, neck-deep in tasks, managed to keep her emotions shelved for the time being. Time moved on, and before long, Friday arrived.


    After giving Melvin the day¡¯s assignments, Freya made her way to Briggs Group for work.


    She wasn¡¯t expecting to run into Kristian that day.


    But since the Briggs Group was coborating with Shaw Group, Kristian had free rein toe and go¡ªjust like n could now walk into Shaw Group¡¯s office without a fuss.


    .


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 Chapter 623

    ?Chapter 623:


    Out in the parking lot, Freya slid into her car with Kristian taking the passenger seat beside her.


    She didn¡¯t start the engine. Instead, she turned to him and asked calmly, ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been a month.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s been almost a month since Grandpa¡¯s birthday,¡± Kristian said, his eyes softer than usual. ¡°You should be on your period by now, but you¡¯re not. So¡­ you should pretend to be pregnant.¡± His words jerked Freya¡¯s mind back to the present.


    The man who had told Ashley to keep an eye on Freya¡¯s signs of pregnancy clearly had an agenda behind it.


    Freya¡¯s brows pinched slightly before she replied, ¡°I¡¯ll tell Ashley.¡±


    ¡°Freya,¡± Kristian¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he swallowed down a tangle of unspoken words.


    He felt a weight pressing down on him, dreading that Freya might see him as just another stranger.


    Even if sheshed out, he¡¯d rather that than this cold, indifferent distance.


    Freya met his eyes. The loneliness and confusion behind them hit her with a jolt, stopping her heart for a beat.


    She pushed past the sensation and asked lightly, ¡°What is it that you want to say?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was rough, his hair tousled and casting shadows across his eyes, making him lookpletely wrecked.


    He finally admitted what he had never wanted to face¡ªthat he regretted everything. Regretted the choices he made, regretted letting Freya go, regretted not treasuring her when he had the chance.


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    Freya hesitated, her gaze drifting unfocused for a second.


    She didn¡¯t know what she was feeling. Kristian had said those words before, but they had never carried the same gravity.


    Before the divorce, all she¡¯d wanted was to prove him wrong¡ªto force him to see his mistake and regret it.


    But now, watching him crumble beneath the weight of his apology, she didn¡¯t feel the triumph she once craved.


    Instead, she felt eerily calm. Maybe even a bit sympathetic.


    It was tragic, really, that someone as gifted as Kristian had been so utterly lost in matters of the heart. He was meant to be wless.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Kristian murmured again, his head hanging low.


    Freya nced at him. If she still loved him, this sight might have shattered her. She might¡¯ve wrapped her arms around him, told him she¡¯d always be there.


    But now, aside from that trace of pity, all she felt was detachment.


    Remembering the affection shown to her by Melinda, Isaac, and Lionel, Freya finally spoke, her voice light with release.


    ¡°It¡¯s okay, Kristian.¡±


    He stirred slightly at the sound.


    But before he could reply, Freya continued, ¡°I forgive you. I forgive you for not believing me, for choosing to divorce me because of Ashley.¡±


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 Chapter 624

    ?Chapter 624:


    What she didn¡¯t say was that she no longer loved him.


    Maybe her heart was still too soft, afraid he might truly break. Afraid Lionel, now fragile with age, and the rest of the Shaw family, who had shown her nothing but kindness, would be burdened.


    Kristian sat frozen, fingers pausing mid-motion, pain twisting in his chest like a tight knot.


    He wanted to look up and speak, but the sheer weight of those words¡ª¡±I forgive you¡±¡ªcrushed him. He couldn¡¯t breathe through it.


    His nose stung, and before he realized it, his vision blurred.


    They sat in silence inside the car, a thick stillness wrapping around them like fog.


    Kristian¡¯s phone buzzed again and again, but he didn¡¯t move. He rested his head against the window, as if he couldn¡¯t even hear it.


    When it rang for the fifth time, Freya reminded him gently, ¡°Kristian, someone¡¯s calling you.¡±


    Kristian straightened up, his eyes still lowered, carefully hiding whatever was left of his pride.


    He took out his phone and answered it.


    ¡°Where¡¯ve you been? Took you long enough to pick up!¡± Liam¡¯s carefree voice rang through. ¡°Did you forget what day it is today?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s voice was scratchy,ced with a hollow kind of sorrow. ¡°What day is it today?¡± he muttered.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on with you?¡± Liam asked, picking up on the shift in his demeanor. ¡°You sick or something?¡±


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    ¡°No,¡± Kristian replied tly.


    Still, Liam couldn¡¯t shake the sense that something wasn¡¯t quite right.


    ¡°You sure you¡¯re okay?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Kristian looked worn thin¡ªhis voice steady, but devoid of strength. ¡°Let¡¯s talk business.¡±


    ¡°You do realize today¡¯s your birthday, right?¡± Liam blurted it out, his voice tinged with earnestness. ¡°Happy 28th¡ªyou¡¯re creeping up on thirty.¡±


    Kristian froze. Freya, having overheard, paused too. Her eyes shimmered with an unreadable blend of emotion.


    Was it really the 14th already?


    ¡°I figured you¡¯d forget,¡± Liam continued. ¡°For the past few years, with your wife around, I didn¡¯t have to worry. But now that she¡¯s divorced you, someone¡¯s gotta step up.¡±


    Thatnded like a sucker punch, mming into Kristian¡¯s already bruised heart and leaving it cold and numb.


    ¡°You still at the office?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Hurry back. Mom and Dad are outside your home. We¡¯ve got a cake and everything.¡±


    The emotions Kristian had fought so hard to lock away began to rise again, pressing against his throat. He forced out a muffled, ¡°Okay.¡±


    After ending the call, he silenced his phone and sent Liam the door code. It was the date of his wedding to Freya.


    Once he managed to pull himself together, he looked over at Freya. The moment their eyes met, it was like something inside him cracked wide open. Emotion surged and tangled in his chest.


    He parted his lips, trying to speak, but no words seemed fitting. Nothing would do justice to the storm in his heart.


    .


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 Chapter 625

    ?Chapter 625:


    If not for sheer willpower, tears might have welled in his eyes and blurred the world again.


    ¡°Happy birthday,¡± Freya said, her voice soft,yered withplicated feelings. His expression clearly took her by surprise.


    Her words sent a flicker of warmth through the chill in his chest. He looked at her intently, as though he was trying to memorize every detail of her face.


    After a long, weighted pause, he murmured, his voice rough and low, ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Their eyes stayed locked, the world around them momentarily dissolving into silence.


    Eventually, Kristian stepped out of the car.


    The soft thud of the door closing felt like the end of something. Like a curtain falling. Freya drove forward.


    As she pulled out of the parking lot, she rolled down the window. The rush of cold air grounded her, helping her gather herself.


    So this was what it felt like¡ªwhen someone who once meant everything finally said sorry.


    But when the worst had already passed, apologies started to lose their power. Life pushed forward. As for the past, Freya had already made her peace with it.


    From this moment on, she let it gopletely.


    Freya might have let go, but Kristian couldn¡¯t.


    He sat quietly in the back seat, eyes closed, mind reying every moment that had just unfolded.


    She had said ¡°I forgive you¡± and ¡°Happy birthday.¡±


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    And her eyes¡ªeyes that once held warmth¡ªnow only held a calm, final kind of goodbye.


    Gerard had no idea what had happened. All he knew was that Kristian was in a dark ce. He wasn¡¯t joking like usual, nor did he say anything cutting.


    The silencested about half an hour before Gerard¡¯s phone rang.


    He nced at the screen. Liam was calling.


    He picked up. ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Is my brother still at work?¡± Liam asked. Gerard nced at Kristian in the back seat and answered in his usual tone, ¡°There¡¯s ast-minute issue¡ªsomething urgent came up. He might need another hour.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Liam replied. ¡°Tell him to hurry up. We¡¯re all waiting.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°By the way.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Is something going on with him?¡± Liam¡¯s voice held a rare note of concern. No matter the teasing, Kristian was still his older brother. ¡°When I called earlier, he didn¡¯t sound like himself.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s probably just worn out,¡± Gerard covered for his boss without blinking. ¡°He¡¯s been swamped since morning and hasn¡¯t eaten a thing.¡±


    ¡°Then I won¡¯t keep you. Let him finish up and get home,¡± Liam said. He knew Gerard well¡ªalways the one reminding Kristian to eat, to rest, to take care of himself. So what could be tying him up like this?


    After hanging up, Gerard silenced his phone.


    He nced at Kristian, who looked as though he were silently bleeding inside, and said, ¡°Mr. Shaw, you¡¯ve only got one more hour.¡±


    ¡°Drive,¡± Kristian rasped.


    If it were just Liam, he might¡¯ve kept him waiting. But his parents were waiting. He couldn¡¯t keep them all waiting for him.


    .


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 Chapter 626

    ?Chapter 626:


    Gerard pressed his lips together and started the engine, weighed down by a heaviness in his chest.


    A pang of guilt surfaced.


    Why hadn¡¯t he pushed harder back then¡ªinsisted they sit down and talk things through?


    Kristian never even liked Ashley. And yet he still divorced Freya for her. Wasn¡¯t that utterly senseless?


    Lost in thought, Gerard pulled into the parking lot.


    When Kristian stepped out of the car, Gerard called out and handed him something. ¡°Mr. Shaw.¡±


    Kristian paused. Even in his suit, looking every bit the man of prestige, his mood gave him away. He looked less aloof and more like someone burdened by quiet sorrow.


    ¡°Happy birthday.¡± Gerard offered the item with a faint smile. ¡°I hope this year brings you everything you¡¯ve been hoping for.¡±


    Kristian epted the gift box, his voice low and hoarse. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Go on up.¡± Gerard tried to lift the mood with a bit of warmth. ¡°Your family is waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°Come with me.¡±


    ¡°No, thank you.¡±


    ¡°Come on. Juste.¡± Kristian¡¯s eyes wereyered with something unreadable, something aching. For thest two years, it had always been Freya and Gerard who nned his birthday surprises.


    Freya wasn¡¯t here this time. But Gerard should be. After a pause, Gerard nodded. ¡°Alright.¡± His reason was simple.


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    Kristian was in no state to hide how he felt, and his forced smiles might give him away. Gerard could help soften the edges.


    But he underestimated Kristian. From the time he was young, unless it was love, Kristian never let his family see him fall apart.


    By the time they reached the door, he¡¯d pulled himself together.


    All the emotions were buried deep beneath the surface. He looked like a maning home from a regr day at work, like nothing in the world was weighing him down.


    Watching him, Gerard felt something twist inside.


    So even someone like Kristian masked his pain to keep from worrying his parents. Maybe that¡¯s just what adults do.


    Kristian stared at the door, hesitated for a breath, then lifted his hand and opened it, stepping inside as if it were just another ordinary night.


    ¡°You¡¯re back so quickly?¡± Liam blinked in surprise. ¡°Didn¡¯t Gerard say there was somest-minute issue and you¡¯d be dyed by an hour?¡±


    Kristian replied, his voice carrying a chill. ¡°I let others handle it.¡±


    Liam didn¡¯t ask any further questions. He grabbed both Kristian and Gerard, pulling them along. After a bit of buzzing around, it was finally time for the main event¡ªblowing out the candles.


    The lights went off. Two candles shaped like the number 28 flickered on the cake.


    Liam began singing the birthday song with a grin. Kristian, who usually rushed through this part without much care, found himself strangely at ease tonight.


    He closed his eyes and made a wish. He hoped Freya would stay happy and healthy, free from all worries.


    He didn¡¯t wish for her toe back to him. All he wanted was her happiness, even if it cost him everything.


    .


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 Chapter 627

    ?Chapter 627:


    Then he opened his eyes and blew out the candles.


    It was the most honest wish he¡¯d ever made. And the one he wanted toe true more than anything else.


    The cake was cut, gifts were opened. By the time the celebration ended, it was past nine. Liam joked as he helped tidy up, and Gerard lent a hand before heading out.


    Isaac called Kristian to the rooftop terrace.


    The autumn air was crisp and sharp.


    Kristian gazed at the busy traffic and glowing city lights below. He shifted his eyes and asked calmly, ¡°Why did you call me up here?¡±


    Isaac raised a brow. ¡°Have you been crying?¡±


    Kristian looked stunned.


    He turned away, his eyes wandering over the streets. ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    Isaac smirked. ¡°Is it because Freya didn¡¯t celebrate your birthday with you?¡±


    Kristian remembered her forgiveness.


    For some, being forgiven brought peace. But to him, it felt like a tighter chain around his heart.


    Forgiveness hurt more than punishment.


    After a pause, he spoke. ¡°You¡¯re overthinking. She wished me a happy birthday.¡±


    Isaac narrowed his eyes. ¡°So you¡¯re upset because she¡¯s really moved on?¡± Isaac saw through him instantly, always getting to the heart of the matter in the shortest time.


    Kristian stayed quiet.


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    For the first time, he wanted to shove cake into Isaac¡¯s mouth just to shut him up.


    Isaac¡¯s tone softened. ¡°I know you regret it.¡± He patted Kristian¡¯s shoulder. ¡°But she doesn¡¯t have a ce for you in her heart anymore.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t respond. He knew that better than anyone.


    Isaac spoke with a sigh. ¡°You reap what you sow.¡±


    Kristian muttered, ¡°Are you sure I¡¯m not adopted?¡±


    Isaac chuckled. ¡°Let¡¯s make sure Liam learns from your mess. He needs to know that it¡¯s smart to listen to his elders instead of charging in blind.¡±


    Kristian stayed silent.


    Isaac turned a little serious. ¡°Can I ask you something, as your father? Does it hurt to face your mistakes?¡±


    Kristian couldn¡¯t tell. Each time he remembered his past, he wanted to turn back time and stop himself.


    Freya¡¯s cold, distant eyes felt like needles in his chest.


    Isaac watched his face and understood without another word. He patted his shoulder. ¡°Your mom¡¯s been worried. Since the day you came back, she could tell you weren¡¯t really happy.¡±


    A mother always knew. No matter how much you hid, they could see through it all.


    Kristian said with a faint look in his eyes, ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Isaac asked softly, ¡°Aren¡¯t you in pain?¡±


    Kristian looked out at the night sky. ¡°This pain is nothingpared to what Freya went through.¡± The city lights sparkled, but no light could match the sun.


    Just like that, only Freya could ease the storm in his heart.


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 Chapter 628

    Chapter 628:


    Isaac saw the weight behind his words and said nothing more.


    Children grow up. Some storms, they have to face alone.


    That night, under the glow of city lights, Kristiany in bed feeling hollow.


    He tried to sleep. He couldn¡¯t.


    For three nights, the same feeling haunted him. On the third day, he copsed from exhaustion and fever.


    If Gerard hadn¡¯t noticed in time, things could¡¯ve taken a dark turn. Gerard rushed around the hospital, paying bills, getting medication, talking to doctors.


    By dusk, after a day of IV drips, Kristian finally opened his eyes. Gerard let out a heavy sigh.


    ¡°Sir, you¡¯re finally awake. You scared me half to death.¡±


    Kristian looked up at the ceiling, then around the room. His eyesnded on the IV. He frowned. ¡°What happened?¡±


    Gerard¡¯s voice was tight. ¡°You had a high fever for over four hours. The doctor said it could¡¯ve caused brain damage.¡± It had nearly reached the point of organ failure.


    Gerard had been on edge the whole time.


    Kristian looked indifferent. ¡°You didn¡¯t tell my parents, did you?¡±


    Gerard nodded. ¡°No. I figured you¡¯d say that. But you really can¡¯t treat your body like this anymore. Your family will worry.¡±


    Kristian sighed in relief. He had sent his family off at the airport the morning after his birthday. If they knew, they¡¯d be worried.


    Gerard spoke up suddenly. ¡°By the way¡­¡±


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    Kristian¡¯s face was still pale, his lips dry. The fever wasn¡¯t fully gone.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Gerard hesitated.


    Kristian¡¯s voice was low. ¡°Just say it.¡±


    ¡°I got a call from Ms. Briggs this afternoon. Your phone rang when I came back with the meds,¡± Gerard said cautiously.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes flickered with light.


    ¡°Give me my phone,¡± he said in a hoarse voice.


    Gerard shook his head. ¡°You need rest.¡±


    Kristian insisted. ¡°Give it to me.¡±


    Gerard had no choice. He handed it over.


    Kristian unlocked it with one hand and quickly called the number Freya had used. He adjusted his voice, just in case.


    After a few rings, she picked up.


    Kristian spoke calmly. ¡°You called this afternoon. What was it about? I was in a meeting and didn¡¯t hear it.¡±


    Freya replied without pause. ¡°Ashley informed me that the man is making his move. If nothing changes, someone wille for me tonight.¡±


    Kristian shot upright. The IV needle tugged painfully, drawing blood.


    .


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    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Great Sunday for you dear readers, sorry for being a bitte. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?(^?^ )? ¡ä-


    .

 Chapter 629

    ?Chapter 629:


    Gerard stood frozen, stunned by the weight of what he¡¯d just heard. He wanted to speak, to say something, but the fear of Freya overhearing kept him silent. Instead, he carefully adjusted Kristian¡¯s hand.


    ¡°Wait for me¡ªI¡¯m on my way,¡± Kristian murmured anxiously.


    ¡°Just listen first,¡± Freya¡¯s voice came over the phone, calm but firm. ¡°Don¡¯t rush into anything.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s heart thundered in his chest, his breathing faster. ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t be in danger if they take me. The one they¡¯re after is you,¡± she exined clearly. ¡°Once I¡¯m taken, he¡¯ll definitely reach out and demand that youe save me.¡± She hadn¡¯t anticipated things escting this quickly.


    She had no idea what that man was nning.


    ¡°You can¡¯t be taken,¡± Kristian said, his voice trembling with dread.


    ¡°I have to. It¡¯s the only way to make our n work,¡± Freya exined. ¡°But there¡¯s one thing I need you to remember.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Trust me,¡± she said softly.


    Kristian fell silent, his thoughts spinning.


    Freya stared down at the ns marked A, B, and C, the weight of it all settling heavily on her. ¡°I know it¡¯s hard for you, but whatever happens, I need you to follow my lead and always trust me.¡±


    ¡°Will you be in danger?¡± Kristian could only manage to ask.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied tly. ¡°But that man might try to scare you with false information. I need you to promise you won¡¯t give in.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s mind was already a mess. The fever he hadn¡¯t quite shaken off made everything feel heavier, and now this¡ªit was too much.


    It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t trust Freya. He just couldn¡¯t bear the thought of leaving her with that mysterious man.


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    ¡°Kristian, are you listening?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    ¡°Will you trust me?¡± she asked again.


    ¡°I will.¡±


    ¡°All you need to do is confront him and buy me two days. I¡¯ll take care of the rest. My friends are backing me,¡± Freya exined, doing her best to make everything clear.


    Kristian could barely form the words. ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°Just trust me,¡± Freya repeated.


    ¡°I will.¡±


    He didn¡¯t even know how the call had ended.


    Freya was about to walk into danger, and he was powerless to stop it. He wanted to intervene, but doing so would ruin her n. But if he didn¡¯t, what if something went wrong?


    His mind raced with thoughts.


    After what felt like an eternity of inner turmoil, he picked up his phone, found a number, hesitated, and then hit call.


    After a few rings, a voice answered with a yful edge. ¡°Mr. Shaw? What¡¯s got you calling me out of the blue?¡±


    ¡°Does your offer still stand?¡± Kristian asked, cutting straight to the point.


    ¡°Of course.¡±


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 Chapter 630

    ?Chapter 630:


    ¡°If you help me with one thing, I¡¯ll ept your terms.¡± Kristian¡¯s face turned all business, his tone colder than ever. ¡°But if you screw up, the deal¡¯s off.¡±


    ¡°No problem. Just tell me what needs to be done.¡±


    Kristian silently apologized to Freya, thenid out his request with precision.


    The person on the other end of the phone agreed instantly.


    The call ended.


    Kristian set the phone down.


    It felt hot¡ªwhether from the call or his feverish skin, he wasn¡¯t sure.


    ¡°Sir.¡± Gerard was watching him closely, sensing something was off.


    ¡°Get Colson White here,¡± Kristian ordered, his gaze as dark as night. ¡°Tell him toe now.¡±


    Gerard had no idea what Kristian was nning, but he didn¡¯t question it and went to contact Colson, thewyer.


    Half an hourter, Colson walked into the hospital room.


    Seeing Kristian hooked up to an IV, his brows rose. ¡°You¡¯re actually sick?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s get straight to it,¡± Kristian cut in, wasting no time.


    Colson sat down, cing his briefcase beside him.


    Gerard, realizing a serious conversation was about to unfold, quickly grabbed water for them.


    But when he returned and saw what Colson had pulled out, his eyes went wide. Was that a will?


    Gerard¡¯s mind raced. ¡°Why are you drafting a will all of a sudden?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious,¡± Kristian replied, his voice faint and his lips barely moving. ¡°It¡¯s something that needs to be done eventually¡ªso why not now?¡±


    Gerard waspletely shocked. Kristian didn¡¯t even have kids, and he was already thinking about a will?


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    Even though it baffled him, Gerard knew better than to pry too much. What shocked him most was seeing that Kristian had divided his assets¡ªhalf for Freya, and the rest for Isaac and Melinda.


    An hourter, Kristian signed the documents.


    Everything was finalized.


    Once Colson left, Gerard couldn¡¯t hold it in any longer. ¡°Did something happen?¡±


    Was it tied to that call from earlier?


    ¡°You didn¡¯t make a life-for-life deal with that person, did you?¡± The very idea made Gerard feel a shock to his core. If that were the case, he needed to stop him.


    ¡°Use your brain,¡± Kristian said tly, clearly unimpressed. ¡°If it were a life-for-life deal, I would¡¯ve just made it with the one kidnapping Freya. Why go through all this extra trouble?¡±


    ¡°Then why¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just future nning,¡± Kristian answered simply.


    Gerard¡¯s lips twitched. Since when did a will be part of future nning?


    Kristian paid no attention to his expression. The IV was finished, but he stayed seated on the bed.


    His phone was fully charged, just in case that person tried to reach him once Freya was taken.


    He had made a deal¡ªto give Freya an extrayer of protection.


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 Chapter 631

    ?Chapter 631:


    Whether her n had holes or not, this way, she¡¯d be safe.


    Gerard suddenly recalled something important, panic creeping into his voice. ¡°Did you say someone kidnapped Ms. Briggs?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°But you did.¡±


    ¡°It was just a what-if situation,¡± Kristian muttered, barely moving his lips. The conversation was over. ¡°From now on, forget everything you heard and saw.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Gerard was genuinely worried.


    He deeply admired Freya. If anything happened to her, it would be a disaster.


    Kristian didn¡¯t budge. ¡°Leave. I need rest.¡±


    Gerard had no choice but to quietly leave and sit outside in the hallway.


    He thought about calling Melvin, but he didn¡¯t want to mess up Kristian¡¯s n.


    He kept wavering¡ªunsure if Freya was truly in danger or not.


    Meanwhile, Freya had already arrived at Anita International to meet with Trent and Frederick.


    Right after finishing her call with Kristian, she brought them into the most secure meeting room, locked the door behind them, and then called her four friends overseas.


    Once the group video call connected, Freya beganying out the details of her n.


    ¡°Is there anything else we need to add?¡± Freya asked her friends, her tone steady.


    Everyone fell quiet, mulling it over.


    ¡°No,¡± came the collective reply, resolute and assured.


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    ¡°You¡¯ve practically covered every angle in that n of yours¡ªand you¡¯ve got not one, but two backup ns lined up,¡± Greta said, her voice tinged with admiration. She¡¯d never once questioned the razor-sharp precision of Freya¡¯s mind. ¡°There won¡¯t be any surprises we haven¡¯t ounted for.¡±


    ¡°But there¡¯s still one thing I haven¡¯t thought through,¡± Freya confessed, her words slipping out in a low murmur.


    They hade face-to-face with that man before. They knew the way he moved, the way he thought.


    But knowing someone¡¯s patterns didn¡¯t mean you understood their depths.


    Trent leaned forward, curiosity sparking in his eyes. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°The chance that he might try to drag us down with him,¡± Freya said after a small pause, her voice hushed but unwavering.


    ¡°Impossible,¡± someone blurted out.


    ¡°He values his own life more than anyone else ever could.¡±


    ¡°Whether that¡¯s possible or not, it doesn¡¯t change a thing now,¡± Cade said seriously, his tone heavy with warning. ¡°If he really breaks and spirals, not even the bestid ns will hold up.¡±


    That man¡¯s intelligence matched theirs blow for blow. He was nothing short of brilliant.


    Freya gave a slight nod, acknowledging the truth in Cade¡¯s words.


    ¡°There¡¯s something else I don¡¯t understand,¡± someone said.


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°How could Kristian¡ªjust a businessman¡ªend up on his bad side?¡± It was a question that still baffled Freya. ¡°Why would he target Kristian specifically?¡±


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 Chapter 632

    ?Chapter 632:


    ording to Ashley, the man¡¯s first n was to destroy the Shaw Group, make Kristian¡¯s empire crumble from the inside out.


    And when that failed, he went straight for the jugr¡ªKristian¡¯s life. What kind of hatred ran that deep?


    ¡°Only Kristian would know,¡± Riley murmured, resting her chin in her hand, her expression thoughtful and uncertain.


    Freya was just about to remind them that their own lives took precedence¡ªthat rashness wouldn¡¯t serve them¡ªwhen a knock came at the door.


    Then another. And another. Someone was knocking repeatedly now.


    Freya and everyone on the video call froze, silent as stone.


    Just as she opened her mouth to ask who it was, a voice rang out from the other side.


    The group stiffened. Oh no! It was their captain.


    Panic surged. No one knew what to do.


    Freya acted fast¡ªcut the video call, switched off the iPad, and swept the documents out of sight before rising to open the door.


    When she saw Ellis standing there, her heart jumped. ¡°Captain? I thought you left?¡±


    She¡¯d only called Frederick and Trent over after watching him walk out the door. So why was he back now?


    ¡°I forgot something,¡± Ellis said simply, his gaze sweeping across her face and then shifting past her shoulder.


    Freya quietly stepped out and shut the door behind her.


    She looked him square in the eye. ¡°Is there something you need from me?¡±


    ¡°What were you discussing with Frederick and Trent?¡± Ellis asked without skipping a beat, catching herpletely off guard.


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    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Trent¡¯s car is in the lot.¡±


    Freya silently cursed herself for the oversight.


    She thought about bluffing, but Ellis wasn¡¯t the type to fall for a smooth lie. No matter how airtight it sounded, he¡¯d see right through it.


    ¡°Nothing serious,¡± she replied coolly, keeping herposure intact.


    Ellis, with one hand stuffed in his pocket, didn¡¯t look like his usualid-back self anymore. The easygoing air was gone. What remained was the sharp-edged authority of the man he used to be.


    His stare locked onto her. ¡°Nothing serious? And yet Cade and the others are here too?¡± Freya¡¯s chest tightened.


    He¡¯d heard that as well?


    ¡°Captain¡­¡±


    ¡°Captain.¡±


    Frederick and Trent stepped out then, standing still.


    Ellis walked inside, his eyes scanning the room like a hawk. He zeroed in on one spot, strode over, and pulled out a stack of documents. Freya, Trent, and Frederick shut their eyes for a moment, all thinking the same thing. They were doomed.


    They didn¡¯t need to say it out loud. In such a tight space, with so few hiding spots, they¡¯d have chosen the same ce.


    The best hiding spot¡ªit was one of the hard lessons they¡¯d learned in training.


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 Chapter 633

    ?Chapter 633:


    ¡°What is this?¡± Ellis mmed the documents down on the table, tapping them with long, sharp fingers. ¡°Do you even understand who Brendan Hoffman is? You think it¡¯s wise to go up against him with no weapons, no gear? Are you out of your minds?¡±


    He was livid. He never imagined they¡¯d keep this from him.


    ¡°It¡¯s not a reckless attack,¡± Freya rified, trying to soothe the rising tension. She knew Ellis well enough to tread carefully. ¡°It¡¯s a calcted move.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t thest time teach you anything?¡± Ellis¡¯s voice turned ice-cold, and the air around them seemed to drop ten degrees. ¡°I¡¯m not letting you do this.¡±


    ¡°Captain!¡± Freya¡¯s voice cracked slightly as it rose.


    Ellis looked ready to lecture them into the ground¡ªbut then his eyesnded on Freya¡¯s face, and something stopped him.


    He averted his gaze, forcing down the fury wing its way up. ¡°That¡¯s enough.¡±


    ¡°But¡ª¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re so determined to go, wait until I get the damn report approved.¡±


    The room fell silent. They hadn¡¯t expected that.


    ¡°Even though I¡¯ve stepped down as captain, because of my past position, I¡¯m not allowed to leave the country for a few more years,¡± Ellis exined, his voice quieter now. He didn¡¯t want to say it, but he couldn¡¯t keep it in. ¡°If I want to go abroad, I have to submit a report and get clearance first.¡±


    ¡°But we don¡¯t have time,¡± Freya said, frustration heavy in her voice.


    Ellis red up again. ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just listen to me for once?¡±


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    ¡°It¡¯s really toote,¡± Freya replied, softer now. She knew exactly why she hadn¡¯t wanted him to find out in the first ce. ¡°Why don¡¯t you look over the n before you say no?¡±


    Ellis gave her a cial look but picked up the documents and began to read through them with precision.


    As he read, his face darkened with each page.


    Then he looked up, asking the question Freya herself had once asked. ¡°How did Kristian get mixed up with Brendan?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Freya answered truthfully. ¡°But this is our best shot. Brendan doesn¡¯t know who I really am. To him, I¡¯m just a face in the crowd. He won¡¯t be watching me closely.¡±


    That was what gave her the edge¡ªwhat gave her the nerve to go through with it.


    As for ¡°K¡±, neither Brendan nor Natasha had the faintest idea who she really was. Only Ellis and Frederick knew.


    Ellis read on, his expression unreadable, his thoughts spinning as he tried to fit the puzzle pieces together.


    ¡°Do you really have to do this?¡± he finally asked, his tone calmer now.


    Freya, Trent, and Frederick looked at one another and gave a firm nod. ¡°We have to.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll make a call,¡± Ellis said, walking over to the window with the documents in hand. He dialed up an old contact.


    If he hadn¡¯t stepped down, he could¡¯ve filed the report himself. But now, he had to depend on someone else.


    Unfortunately, the call didn¡¯t go through. The number was off.


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 Chapter 634

    ?Chapter 634:


    Which meant his contact was likely out on a mission.


    Ellis¡¯s chest sank. He¡¯d have to dig around and try someone else.


    ¡°Here, take this.¡± He handed Freya a small, discreet device. ¡°Hide it in the safest spot on your body. No matter what kind of jamming equipment they¡¯re using, this signal won¡¯t cut out. I¡¯ll be able to track you at all times.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Freya paused for a beat, wondering if Ellis would object¡ªbut she epted it anyway. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t respond. His eyes, dark and unreadable as a starless night sky, remained fixed on her, weighed down with thoughts he didn¡¯t speak aloud.


    He wanted nothing more than to shield her from harm. But he understood that Brendan remained their shared objective. After a long, tense silence, Ellis finally said, ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Stay safe,¡± he told her, his tall frame looming gently over her, his voiceced with something almost unspoken.


    ¡°I will,¡± Freya replied without hesitation.


    Ellis turned his gaze toward Frederick and Trent, giving each a firm pat on the shoulder.


    Afterward, Freya gave Frederick a few precautionary instructions, telling him to contact Kristian if anything unexpected happened. Once that was done, they left the meeting room.


    Ellis took the three of them out to dinner, only parting ways after the meal.


    As Freya unlocked the door to head inside, Ellis spoke once more. ¡°When you return, I¡¯ll promise you one thing¡ªwhatever you want.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± she said softly.


    She hoped that maybe, just maybe, Ellis would finally let go of what had happened before.


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    Lately, she had been walking on eggshells.


    The second she shut the door behind her, an unsettling chill crept up her spine. Someone had been inside¡ªshe was almost sure of it. Brendan must have sent them.


    As for how they got in, it had to be Natasha¡ªshe must have cracked the passcode and let them in.


    Freya had barely paid attention when installing the lock. Security hadn¡¯t been her priority.


    Pretending not to notice anything out of the ordinary, she stepped into the living room without changing her shoes, dropped her phone onto the end table, and sank into the couch, looking drained.


    She¡¯d left her shoes on, deliberately. If someone jumped herter, she didn¡¯t want to be stumbling around in slippers.


    Those things would only slow her down.


    She didn¡¯t linger on the sofa long. After a quick breather, she got up and headed to her bedroom.


    The moment she crossed the threshold, she sensed them¡ªthree people lying in wait. She picked up on their positions but didn¡¯t let it show. Instead, she casually strolled in and even gave them the perfect opening.


    She didn¡¯t know where Brendan was taking her. It could¡¯ve been within the country, or somewhere far away.


    So she stepped into the trap alone, inching closer to him by using his hatred for Kristian.


    Suddenly, a wooden stick sliced through the air behind her, fast and hard.


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 Chapter 635

    ?Chapter 635:


    Her instincts screamed to grab it and strike back¡ªbut she crushed that impulse.


    After all, she was just an ordinary girl now.


    The blownded on the back of her head.


    Her brows twitched in pain, but she slumped forward, ying unconscious as she hit the floor.


    It hurt like hell, but she didn¡¯t cry out. She didn¡¯t flinch.


    Deep down, she swore she¡¯d repay them for that hit.


    ¡°Is she out?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, she¡¯s out.¡±


    Two male voices drifted through the room.


    There was the sound of rustling, then her body was dragged. Her arms and legs were tied, and tape was pped across her mouth.


    ¡°She¡¯s already out cold. Why tie her up?¡± Ashley¡¯s voice rang out suddenly. ¡°What if her limbs go numb?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not your concern,¡± one of the men replied tly. ¡°You just need toe with us.¡±


    Ashley bit her bottom lip, saying nothing, a deep, instinctive resistance ring in her chest.


    She didn¡¯t want to go back to that awful ce, but she had no choice. A little over ten minutes passed before one of the men received a phone call. It was Natasha.


    ¡°Surveince is handled. The left elevator leads straight to the underground garage,¡± she said briskly. ¡°No one wille through for the next ten minutes. Move now.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    As soon as the call ended, they carried Freya away.


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    Meanwhile, Ellis sat in his study, discussing Brendan¡¯s situationpletely unaware of the chaos erupting on Freya¡¯s side.


    The study was separated from the living room. There was no way he could¡¯ve heard a thing.


    All through the night, Freya kept her eyes shut, staying limp as they moved her¡ªfrom car to boat to private jet.


    By the time the jet was ready tond, the sky above Alerith was beginning to lighten. Yet the ce where they touched down was still cloaked in 10 P.M. darkness.


    There was an eight-to-nine-hour time difference.


    Sitting in the aircraft, Freya figured it was finally time to ¡°wake up¡± after faking it for so long. She cracked her eyes open slowly, blinking like she was justing to. Once the tape was removed from her mouth, she yed the part, asking a string of questions:


    Where was she?


    Who were they?


    How did she end up here?


    What did they want?


    Their answers were rehearsed. ¡°Our boss will tell you everything when you see him.¡±


    Freya acted outraged, struggling and demanding answers. She even argued with Ashley, who caught on instantly and yed her part.


    And just like that, the ¡°wake-up¡± act passed.


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 Chapter 636

    ?Chapter 636:


    After disembarking, the rope on Freya¡¯s ankles was cut, and both she and Ashley were escorted to a sleek car. Freya¡¯s eyes were blindfolded; Ashley¡¯s weren¡¯t.


    But the blindfold didn¡¯t matter. A tracker stitched into Freya¡¯s clothes broadcasted her exact location to Ellis and the rest of the team, documenting every twist and turn.


    Still, it was useless¡ªthey wouldn¡¯t be able to catch Brendan here.


    About thirty minutester, the vehicle pulled up to an estate. Freya and Ashley were led inside.


    As they stepped in, Freya clearly noticed the fear in Ashley¡¯s eyes.


    ¡°Boss,¡± one of the men said, ¡°we brought the two you asked for.¡±


    ¡°Lock Freya Briggs in the basement,¡± Brendanmanded, holding a wine ss and dressed impably. ¡°Ashley stays here.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡±


    The men moved at once.


    Ashley¡¯s face went pale.


    Before she could speak, Freya stepped forward and cut Brendan off, her tone icy. ¡°Who are you? Why did you bring me here?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s an honored guest of mine. How can you treat her like this?¡± Brendan let out a slow, wicked grin. ¡°Take off her blindfold.¡±


    Immediately, the men removed it.


    As the world came back into view, the lights were too bright. Freya instinctively narrowed her eyes.


    Once she adjusted, her gaze locked on Brendan, unimpressed and unyielding. She demanded an answer with a silent fury.


    And in that moment, she confirmed what she had suspected all along¡ªhe was indeed her target.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as you behave, no harm wille to you,¡± Brendan said, gently swirling his wine ss. His lips curled into a smile that was both beautiful and cruel.


    He was undeniably handsome¡ªsharp brows, eyes like stars, carrying an air of effortless elegance.


    But even so, Ashley trembled in his presence, terrified, desperate to flee.


    Freya was naturallyposed, so she neither screamed nor flinched.


    ¡°I want to know why.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re that curious?¡± Brendan arched a brow, mildly amused.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya said without hesitation.


    ¡°Thene here. Give me a kiss¡ªor find some other way to entertain me,¡± he murmured. His smile was nothing short of enchanting, but there was an unmistakable edge to it. ¡°Maybe then I¡¯ll feel generous enough to tell you.¡±


    ¡°Is it money you¡¯re after?¡± Freya dismissed his nonsense with a cool voice.


    Brendan didn¡¯t harbor genuine affection for women. This current flirtatious persona was just one of his most practiced masks.


    ¡°Who doesn¡¯t want money?¡± Brendan casually set his wine ss aside, his legs still crossed in effortless elegance. ¡°But right now, it¡¯s the least of my priorities. Compared to that, I¡¯d much rather have¡­¡± He purposely trailed off.


    Freya¡¯s brow twitched faintly. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You.¡± His grin was so dangerously captivating, it seemed to draw the whole world into silence.


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 Chapter 637

    ?Chapter 637:


    Freya said nothing. She didn¡¯t press him further.


    She already knew what he was after; the questioning was simply a performance, ayer of civility to avoid arousing suspicion.


    Brendan was every bit as wary as Ellis¡ªif not worse.


    Seeing her indifferent expression, Brendan asked, ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡±


    ¡°If you had any real feelings for me,¡± Freya replied evenly, ¡°you should have gone to Alerith to confess, rather than abducting me here just to unt your indulgence.¡±


    Brendan rose with unhurried grace, his eyes brimming with amusement and interest as they settled on her.


    Freya held his gaze, utterly unshaken.


    ¡°No wonder Kristian still hasn¡¯t gotten over you after the divorce.¡± He inched closer, his scent fresh and alluring. ¡°With a temperament like yours, even I¡¯m starting to feel tempted.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    ¡°Then why haven¡¯t you untied my hands yet?¡± Her tone remained steady, clearly unimpressed by his charm.


    Brendan¡¯s lips curled into a wickedly attractive smirk. ¡°If I untie you, what if you make a run for it?¡±


    ¡°Then just tie me up again,¡± Freya shot back.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, you really are something else.¡± Brendan picked up the wine ss beside him, gave it a gentle swirl, then held it out to her. ¡°How about this? Drink it, and I¡¯ll undo the ropes. Sound fair?¡±


    Freya cast a nce at the ss but didn¡¯t budge.


    If his words held even a grain of truth, then pigs might as well sprout wings and soar across the sky.


    ?????? ?????? ?????????????????? ??????????: g???????¦Í??????????????


    ¡°Since you¡¯re not interested, I suppose you¡¯ll have to get some rest, Ms. Briggs.¡± Brendan¡¯s gentlemanly manner returned as he spoke. ¡°We can chat again tomorrow.¡±


    And with that, one of the men escorted Freya down to the basement. When they arrived, Freya wrinkled her nose at the sight¡ªchains, dried blood, and a number of snakes.


    A chill spread through her chest. Suddenly, fragments of old memories came rushing back. Could this have been where Ashley was held?


    In that instant, it felt as though she could see Ashley¡¯s tear-streaked face, the girl trembling, pleading, and receiving only silence in return.


    Freya inhaled deeply and shut her eyes. She would get Ashley out of this horror.


    ¡°What are you standing there for, Ms. Briggs?¡± Brendan had followed, his lips still curled into that disarming arc. ¡°Not resting?¡±


    ¡°Is this what you call a resting ce?¡± Freya snapped.


    ¡°Of course. Ashley stayed here quite a while.¡±


    Freya¡¯s hands curled into fists. She hadn¡¯t expected his cruelty to run so deep.


    Brendan¡¯s smile didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The snakes have had their fangs removed. Completely harmless.¡±


    Freya remained rooted to the spot.


    Brendan didn¡¯t linger.


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 Chapter 638

    ?Chapter 638:


    After one final nce at her, he turned and left with the man, the basement door swinging shut behind them.


    The sound echoed, heavy and jarring.


    Not long after, Ashley burst in, her face written with rm. ¡°Why did you lock Freya in the basement?¡±


    ¡°You feeling sorry for her?¡± Brendan lifted her chin with cold amusement. Ashley froze.


    She remembered¡ªshe and Freya weren¡¯t supposed to be on friendly terms. In front of Brendan, any concern would be dangerous.


    ¡°If you¡¯re so worried she¡¯s frightened, I could send you in to keep herpany.¡± His voice was soft, but it sent a shiver up her spine. ¡°Do you want that?¡±


    Yes.


    The answer screamed in Ashley¡¯s mind.


    But she couldn¡¯t say it out loud.


    Freya had warned her¡ªdon¡¯t give anything away and treat her like before.


    ¡°N-no¡­ that¡¯s not necessary,¡± Ashley stammered, trembling.


    ¡°You did well this time.¡± Brendan reached past her for a clean ss, poured some wine, and handed it to her. ¡°Drink. Get some rest. There¡¯s more work waiting for you tomorrow.¡±


    Ashley epted the ss with icy fingers and obediently took a sip.


    Brendan patted her head with an approving air.


    But Ashley shuddered beneath his touch.


    He was gentle, yes, but there was no warmth in his eyes.


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    ¡°Go on up.¡± Ashley hesitated. She looked back a few times, but eventually climbed the stairs to the spare room she sometimes stayed in.


    Not long after she left, a striking woman strode in from outside, still wearing a motorcycle jacket¡ªclearly just arrived from somewhere.


    Brendan reclined on the couch, every move dripping with ease and refinement. Upon seeing her, he set his wine ss aside. ¡°Did K follow?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea.¡± Natasha dropped herself onto the couch without ceremony.


    Brendan raised an eyebrow. ¡°You don¡¯t know?¡±


    ¡°Her whereabouts aren¡¯t something I can track.¡± She poured herself a ss of water. ¡°I still haven¡¯t cracked the virus she buried in myputer and serverst time.¡±


    A shadow passed through Brendan¡¯s expression, his brows drawing in faintly.


    Natasha tilted her head, curious. ¡°How can you be so sure my mentor wille?¡±


    ¡°If she tampered with Ashley¡¯s phone, she might already know I¡¯m using Freya to threaten Kristian,¡± Brendan mused aloud. ¡°And knowing her, she won¡¯t pass up a chance like this.¡±


    ¡°What kind of grudge do you have with my mentor, anyway?¡± Natasha genuinely wanted to know.


    ¡°I tricked her once. Nearly got them all killed.¡± A faint smirk yed on Brendan¡¯s lips. ¡°But she managed to escape.¡±


    Natasha was at a loss.


    Then she added, ¡°Well, you¡¯re screwed. She never lets go of grudges.¡±


    ¡°Whether she can get revenge is another story.¡± Brendan¡¯s tone wasyered with implication.


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 Chapter 639

    ?Chapter 639:


    Natasha clicked her tongue.


    She took another sip of water before ncing his way. ¡°Where¡¯s Freya?¡±


    ¡°In the basement.¡±


    ¡°You threw a woman into your dungeon?¡± Natasha looked incredulous, then shot him a look that said, you¡¯re on your own. ¡°If Kristian finds out, you¡¯re toast,¡± she said with augh.


    Brendan said nothing. The moment Kristian¡¯s name was mentioned, his gaze darkened slightly.


    Natasha didn¡¯t press. She told him she was going to check on Freya and left the room, heading toward the basement. Brendan didn¡¯t stop her. That in itself said a lot.


    Though Natasha often lent Brendan a hand with affairs elsewhere, she knew theyout of his house like the back of her hand.


    She arrived at the basement door, punched in the password, and stepped inside without hesitation.


    Her purpose was simple: to help Freya deal with those snakes. After all, Freya wasn¡¯t just Kristian¡¯s ex-wife¡ªNatasha¡¯s mentor would be visiting soon, and if fate yed its cards right, perhaps a small act of kindness would earn her some favor.


    But the moment she stepped in and took in the sight before her, she froze. Her jaw nearly hit the floor as she stared at the basement. One step at a time, she descended the stairs, her eyes widening at the heap of lifeless snakes. ¡°You did all this?¡±


    Freya cast her a nce but kept her silence.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± Natasha asked, clearly puzzled.


    ¡°Is there anyone else in this basement besides me?¡± Freya replied coolly. She didn¡¯t know who this woman was, and in a ce like this, words were more dangerous than silence.


    Loose lips sink ships¡ªespecially in murky waters.


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    Who was to say this woman wasn¡¯t one of Brendan¡¯s subordinates?


    ¡°There¡¯s no need to be so bristly with me,¡± Natasha said, lowering herself onto the stairs. Her long hair framed her delicate face, making it appear even smaller. ¡°I¡¯m nothing like the man you met today.¡±


    Freya gave her another 100k nce, the same thought crossing her mind for the umpteenth time¡ªdid this woman really take her for a fool? This woman walked in freely, used a password to get inside, and then had the gall to im she wasn¡¯t with that man.


    ¡°He helped me once,¡± Natasha added, her gaze thoughtful. ¡°Now I¡¯m just repaying a debt.¡±


    Natasha found Freya striking¡ªso much so that she had the sudden urge to pinch her cheek.


    And before she could think better of it, she stood, walked over, eyes twinkling with mischief, and gently pinched Freya¡¯s cheek.


    Freya blinked, stunned.


    She opened her mouth to speak, but Natasha cut in with a grin. ¡°Your skin is so soft.¡±


    Freya tried to swat her hand away but quickly realized her wrists were still bound. She could have untied herself¡ªbut doing so would reveal too much.


    Natasha chuckled. ¡°You¡¯re adorable.¡±


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 Chapter 640

    ?Chapter 640:


    She¡¯d never met Freya before, but somehow, she felt an odd sense of fondness for her.


    ¡°Let go,¡± Freya said coldly.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be upset; it was just a pinch,¡± Natasha said, withdrawing her hand and sitting on the floor opposite Freya. ¡°I came down to tell you not to worry. Brendan won¡¯t harm you. His target is Kristian Shaw.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t flinch. She waited for her to go on.


    ¡°He¡¯s only keeping you here to lure Kristian out,¡± Natasha added. ¡°Once he shows up, you¡¯ll be set free.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t believe a word of it.


    Knowing Brendan, cruelty came as naturally to him as breathing. He wouldn¡¯t let her go just because Kristian showed up.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already divorced Kristian. Even if you tell him, he won¡¯te,¡± Freya said slowly, every word deliberate.


    ¡°Whether he does or not isn¡¯t my concern¡ªthat¡¯s Brendan¡¯s headache.¡± Natasha kept her eyes on Freya, still puzzled by how someone could be both so cold and so breathtaking.


    Part of her wanted to take Freya home and never let go.


    Freya could feel Natasha¡¯s gaze burning too brightly.


    Just as she was about to tell her to leave if she had nothing else to say, Natasha smiled and introduced herself.


    ¡°Let¡¯s make this official¡ªI¡¯m Natasha Sugden.¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes flickered.


    Natasha Sugden? That name rang more than a few bells. Wasn¡¯t this her own disciple?


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    Despite the jolt of recognition, Freya kept a poker face. ¡°Freya Briggs,¡± Freya replied calmly.


    ¡°I know,¡± Natasha said, inexplicably eager to continue the conversation. ¡°Are you scared being alone down here? I¡¯ll grab a couple of nkets and keep youpany.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll need them.¡±


    Not giving Freya a chance to argue, Natasha rose to her feet and walked out.


    When she asked Brendan for two nkets, it finally snapped him out of his thoughts. He stared at her, bewildered. ¡°What are you doing with those?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s freezing in the basement. I¡¯m going to stay there with Freya,¡± Natasha replied, matter-of-factly, her face expressionless¡ªnothing like the warm grin she wore in Freya¡¯s presence.


    Brendan¡¯s brow creased.


    He arched an eyebrow. ¡°Do I need to remind you why Freya is down there tied up?¡±


    ¡°You just want a video of her looking terrified, right? I¡¯ll put together a fake one for youter,¡± Natasha said, already knowing his game.


    Brendan seemed on the verge of arguing but held back.


    Kristian hadn¡¯t shown up yet, so Freya was still useful.


    But once Kristian came, Brendan had every intention of making him watch her die¡ªso Kristian could savor the taste of the unbearable ache of losing someone dear.


    Back in the basement, Natasha spread one nket across the cold floor and used the other as a cover. She also brought two pillows.


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 Chapter 641

    ?Chapter 641:


    She knew full well that Brendan wouldn¡¯t let Freya leave this space¡ªso she brought the necessities in.


    ¡°Lie down and rest. I¡¯ve got something to take care of and I¡¯ll be back,¡± Natasha said, untying the ropes around Freya¡¯s wrists.


    Freya said nothing. What was Natasha up to?


    After leaving, Natasha headed to Brendan¡¯s study. She grabbed aptop, edited footage of Freya being led into the basement, and sent the clip to Brendan.


    ¡°This is your idea of panic?¡± Brendan asked, suspicious. He knew Natasha had a weakness for beautiful women.


    And now, of all times, she chose to act like this?


    ¡°Kristian¡¯s spent time with Freya. He knows her nature,¡± Natasha exined, her tone thoughtful. ¡°Instead of forcing a scene with snakes, why not start with this and test how he reacts?¡±


    Brendan rewatched the clip.


    The final shot showed Freya alone in the basement. From an outsider¡¯s perspective, it wasn¡¯t hard to imagine her being frightened or on the verge of breaking.


    ¡°When he responds, I¡¯ll prepare the next clip,¡± Natasha said, her voice slow and deliberate.


    Brendan¡¯s eyes narrowed, danger gleaming in their depths. He clearly didn¡¯t appreciate Natasha calling the shots.


    ¡°Freya is key to my n,¡± he warned. ¡°Don¡¯t mess it up. No matter how much you like that face, keep it together this time.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Natasha said, brushing him off.


    Brendan pinched the bridge of his nose, irritation rising.


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    He¡¯d considered recing her before. But apart from K, Natasha was the most capable operative he had. And in their line of work, trust was worth more than gold.


    Back in the basement, Freya hadn¡¯t expected Natasha to return. The moment she saw her, her brow furrowed instinctively.


    Natasha still didn¡¯t know her true identity¡ªbut if they stayed together much longer, the risk of discovery would grow.


    With that in mind, Freya¡¯s demeanor turned frosty. ¡°What are you doing back here?¡±


    ¡°Keeping youpany, of course,¡± Natasha said, settling beside her like they were old friends. ¡°I guess you¡¯ve probably never stayed somewhere this bleak before. You don¡¯t have to put on a brave face with me. If you feel like crying, let it out.¡±


    She even patted her own shoulder. ¡°You can lean on me if you want.¡±


    Freya found herself utterly speechless.


    She had always known Natasha was easy-going, but she had never imagined the woman could be this incessantly talkative in person.


    Was she always this annoyingly forward with people?


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? You look like I¡¯ve frightened you or something,¡± Natasha asked, narrowing her eyes when she noticed Freya wasn¡¯t saying a word.


    ¡°I don¡¯t needpanionship, and I certainly don¡¯t need a shoulder to cry on,¡± Freya replied coolly, her gaze drifting away with pointed disinterest. ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯d like you to leave.¡±


    Natasha leaned in, closing the distance with a sigh. ¡°Freya, don¡¯t be so cold to me.¡±


    Freya felt a migraine pulsing behind her eyes.


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 Chapter 642

    ?Chapter 642:


    If she hadn¡¯t done such a good job hiding herself all this time, she would¡¯ve suspected Natasha had already figured her out.


    ¡°Are you scared Kristian won¡¯t show up and you¡¯ll end up in danger?¡± Natasha asked, as if they were old friends with years of history.


    Freya stayed silent.


    Natasha carried on without missing a beat, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. He¡¯lle. We brought you here today for a reason¡ªwe¡¯re sure he cares. Come on. Give me a smile, will you?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Even if you won¡¯t think of yourself, at least think about the little one you¡¯re carrying. Stress isn¡¯t good for her.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brows furrowed as she turned sharply to her. ¡°How do you know I¡¯m pregnant?¡±


    Despite the confrontation, all she could think was how badly she wanted Natasha to just leave. Pretending all the time was downright exhausting.


    ¡°I know everything about you. Just hand me aputer, and I can dig up whatever you want,¡± Natasha said, full of smug pride. Seeing Freya finally speak, she lit up with renewed energy.


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Freya said evenly, beginning to bait the trap.


    ¡°Of course. If you don¡¯t believe me, ask me anything. I guarantee I can find the answer,¡± Natasha dered, brimming with confidence.


    Freya¡¯s expression didn¡¯t change. ¡°How long are you going to live?¡± she asked.


    Natasha blinked, speechless.


    ¡°How many hairs are on your head?¡± Still no answer.


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    ¡°Where is the edge of the universe?¡± Natasha couldn¡¯t reply.


    ¡°How many cells make up your body?¡± Freya rattled off, one question after another.


    Natasha mmed uppletely.


    She stared at Freya and blurted, ¡°You know, your weird questions remind me of someone.¡±


    Freya arched a brow, confused.


    ¡°My mentor,¡± Natasha said absentmindedly.


    ¡°When she used to teach me, I¡¯d chat her ear off about real-life stuff,¡± Natasha recalled. ¡°She didn¡¯t like talking either. She¡¯d just throw sarcasm at me and move on.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t respond, her expression steady and unreadable.


    Natasha poked her cheek. ¡°Why are you quiet again?¡±


    ¡°Your mentor did the right thing,¡± Freya said, calmly praising her.


    ¡°What? I really don¡¯t understand people who hate talking,¡± Natasha muttered, resting her chin on her hand with a pout. ¡°Not talking, no interaction¡­ Don¡¯t you find that painfully boring and¡ª¡±


    Before she could finish, she noticed Freya had already curled up on the nket and drifted off, ignoring herpletely.


    Natasha was left with a whirlwind of questions tumbling through her mind. She hadn¡¯t even gotten to finish what she was saying.


    She¡¯d originally nned to drag Freya into a heart-to-heart about life, but remembering the baby, she bit her tongue.


    That night, Natasha stayed in the basement.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 643

    ?Chapter 643:


    Freya considered kicking her out, but since Natasha wasn¡¯t actively doing anything, she decided to let it slide for now.


    Meanwhile, Kristian had been anxiously waiting for Brendan¡¯s call, from dusk to the break of dawn.


    He hadn¡¯t dared to let his guard down for even a second. Just when he started suspecting that something was wrong with his phone, Gerard arrived with Frederick in tow.


    The moment Kristian saw him, he knew it had been arranged by Freya. He didn¡¯t object and let Frederick in.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw, that man will likely be reaching out to you soon,¡± Frederick said, carrying aptop with him. Despite his youthful looks, his demeanor was steady. ¡°No matter what you receive, please remain calm and rational.¡±


    ¡°Is Freya in danger?¡± Kristian asked, picking up on the implications.


    Sticking to Freya¡¯s earlier instructions, Frederick answered evenly, ¡°No.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t buy it. If she wasn¡¯t in danger, why would she send Frederick to babysit him?


    As the conversation lingered in the air, Kristian¡¯s phone lit up. He assumed it was some junk notification and almost dismissed it, but then realized it was an email.


    A sudden wave of dread hit him like a punch to the gut. He opened it and clicked on the video attachment.


    The second the footage loaded, his chest tightened¡ªFreya was in a basement, hands bound.


    Forcing down his panic, he passed the phone to Frederick. ¡°This is what you call not being in danger?¡±


    ¡°Freya¡¯s not afraid of snakes,¡± Frederick replied evenly. ¡°Chances are, the video cuts off because she¡¯s already killed every one of them.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s jaw clenched. He said nothing.


    Your next journey starts at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o??


    Just as he was about to ask where Freya was being held, a call came through¡ªan unknown number.


    He nced at Frederick, then picked it up and put it on speaker.


    ¡°Kristian, did you enjoy the video I sent?¡± The voice on the other end was distorted¡ªunrecognizable, run through a voice changer.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°Who are you?¡±


    ¡°I am isn¡¯t important. What matters is that if you want Freya and her baby safe, you¡¯ll do exactly as I say,¡± Brendan drawled, his toneced with something that urged deeper reflection. ¡°Your child will be the first to go.¡±


    ¡°What child?¡± Kristian kept his cool when it mattered most.


    Hearing the question, Frederick exhaled in relief.


    They hadn¡¯t been exposed.


    ¡°You should be thanking me.¡± Brendan felt a wave of reassurance wash over him the moment he confirmed that Kristian was genuinely unaware of Freya¡¯s pregnancy. ¡°If I hadn¡¯t nned something on your grandfather¡¯s birthday, you wouldn¡¯t even have a child on the way.¡±


    Kristian said nothing.


    The well-timed silence made the caller believe he was processing the truth.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, check your email. There¡¯s a pregnancy report attached. After that, you can decide if you want to follow my instructions.¡±


    And with that, the call ended.


    .


    .


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 Chapter 644

    ?Chapter 644:


    If Freya hadn¡¯tid the groundwork beforehand, Kristian might have been sent into a full-blown panic.


    Even knowing it was all part of the n, he still couldn¡¯t shake his worry for her.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. Freya¡¯s safe,¡± Frederick assured him again.


    Kristian remained silent. He opened the new email and clicked on the attached image.


    He had to admit¡ªFreya had truly thought of everything. She¡¯d even prepared the report in advance.


    After viewing the photo, he noticed a message beneath it.


    It read, ¡°If you don¡¯t want Freya to be harmed, go sit on the beach overnight before 6 PM today. You may only wear a shirt on your upper body. If you refuse, I¡¯ll throw her into ice water for the night. And if you call the police, she dies.¡±


    Kristian read the message in full, then took his phone and headed out.


    Frederick stopped him. ¡°Where are you going?¡±


    ¡°To the beach,¡± Kristian replied without hesitation.


    ¡°You¡¯re not going.¡± Frederick grabbed Kristian firmly, his face etched with urgency. ¡°He¡¯s just using scare tactics. Freya can handle herself. You¡¯ve got to trust her.¡±


    ¡°But what if something goes wrong?¡± Kristian¡¯s presence was cold andmanding, his tailored suit only amplifying the intensity of his aura. He couldn¡¯t afford to take that kind of risk.


    Soaking in icy water was dangerous¡ªespecially for a woman¡ªand he couldn¡¯t stand by and let that happen.


    ¡°Freya knows what she¡¯s doing. You¡¯ve got to believe in her,¡± Frederick insisted again.


    ¡°How exactly is she supposed to handle it?¡± Kristian lowered his eyes, his voice calm but razor-sharp. His question struck Frederick dumb. ¡°She¡¯s not going in there as your teammate¡ªshe¡¯s going as my ex-wife. What do you expect her to do in a ce she doesn¡¯t know, surrounded by strangers? You think she¡¯s going to blow her cover?¡±


    Frederick stood frozen under the barrage of questions, words caught somewhere in his throat.


    F??ll ?????????? ??????i?????????? ???? g??l??ov?ls.??????


    If Freya didn¡¯t want to expose her identity, then she wouldn¡¯t use her skills. That much made sense.


    Because if she did, Brendan would know she was K.


    But¡­


    ¡°You¡¯ll get sick sitting out there all night in just a shirt,¡± Frederick tried again, switching tactics. ¡°That ce he told you to go? It¡¯s two, maybe three degrees Celsius at dawn.¡±


    Even bundled in a heavy coat, it¡¯d be bone-chilling. And Kristian wasn¡¯t even dressed for it.


    Kristian paused, considering, then muttered, ¡°It doesn¡¯t matter what happens to me. I just want her to be safe.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t Freya ask you to trust her?¡± Frederick threw out hisst card. ¡°If you go now, you¡¯re telling her you don¡¯t. Aren¡¯t you afraid she¡¯ll walk away for good?¡±


    Was he? Kristian asked himself that very thing. He was afraid. Terrified.


    But deep down, he knew¡ªFreya had already walked away. The fact that she¡¯d forgiven him proved it.


    ¡°She¡¯s already moved on.¡± Something in his tone shifted, as though he¡¯d finally epted it. ¡°No matter what I do, she¡¯s noting back, is she?¡±


    Frederick¡¯s voice caught in his throat.


    .


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 Chapter 645

    ?Chapter 645:


    His lips parted, but no words came out.


    Kristian turned without another word and drove straight to the location Brendan had given him. He didn¡¯t understand why Brendan was going against him.


    He didn¡¯t think about it. All he cared about was Freya. He regretted agreeing to her n.


    Even if she had a personal vendetta against Brendan, he never should¡¯ve let her go through with it. It should¡¯ve been him from the beginning.


    Frederick couldn¡¯t stop Kristian, so he called Trent right away. After taking in everything Frederick ryed, Trent merely advised him to stayposed and keep tracking Freya¡¯s whereabouts.


    As for Kristian¡­


    There was no controlling him.


    He was the kind of man who did what he wanted, no matter what anyone said.


    It was a little after nine in the morning in Alerith, but one in the morning where Brendan was.


    After hisst call with Kristian, Brendan went to bed. He got upter, had breakfast, went about his day¡ªand by the time everything was done, it was ten in the morning.


    Back in Alerith, it was six in the evening.


    Brendan checked the time, then had Freya brought up from the basement. This time, he treated her more like a guest than a hostage.


    He didn¡¯t tie her up and even offered her a seat politely.


    Freya eyed him warily. ¡°How long do you n on keeping me here?¡±


    ¡°Not much longer. I¡¯ll be taking you away soon,¡± Brendan replied with a charming smile. ¡°But before we leave, there¡¯s something I want you to see.¡±


    Stay tuned for more g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í??s.c¡ðm


    Freya didn¡¯t reply.


    He handed her an iPad without exnation.


    She took it, hesitant, but curious enough to look.


    A live feed popped up¡ªsomeone in a white shirt was sitting quietly on a beach.


    The camera didn¡¯t capture his face clearly, but Freya knew that silhouette.


    ¡°Why are you showing me this?¡± she asked, her voice t.


    ¡°It seems your ex still has some lingering feelings,¡± Brendan said, arching a brow. ¡°I gave him two options¡ªeither sit by the sea all night or let you soak in ice water all night. He chose the first.¡±


    Freya frowned. So Frederick hadn¡¯t been able to stop Kristian.


    Brendan wasn¡¯t hurting her far from Kristian¡ªhe wanted to do it close, where it would sting more for Kristian.


    When he said she¡¯d soak all night, she figured it¡¯d probably be no more than an hour. She could handle that.


    ¡°You don¡¯t love him anymore, do you?¡± Brendan asked when she stayed quiet. ¡°Doesn¡¯t this feel a little like revenge?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your grudge against him?¡± Freya asked, going straight to the point.


    Brendan¡¯s face soured. He didn¡¯t like the question and quickly lost interest. ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡±


    ¡°Natasha.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Natasha looked up.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 646

    ?Chapter 646:


    ¡°Pack up. We¡¯re heading to Dora Isle in three hours,¡± Brendan ordered.


    Natasha nced at Freya. ¡°What about them?¡±


    ¡°Take them with us.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    With that, Brendan headed upstairs.


    Freya, still confused, asked Natasha, who was packing up aputer, ¡°Where¡¯s Dora Isle?¡±


    ¡°Used to be Butterfly Ind,¡± Natasha exined casually. ¡°Brendan bought it and renamed it Dora Isle.¡±


    Butterfly Ind? Freya immediately recalled the location. It was within the country.


    She finally felt some relief.


    ording to the n, if Brendan had wanted to move Kristian overseas, she would¡¯ve needed to redirect him somewhere domestic.


    Luckily, it was all working out.


    ¡°Why is he taking me there?¡± she asked again, to avoid suspicion.


    ¡°Probably to meet Kristian,¡± Natasha answered as she continued to pack. ¡°I¡¯m not totally sure. He just told me to bring you and Ashley.¡±


    Freya thought hard while she waited.


    Three hourster, Brendan came down, pulling a pink suitcase behind him.


    He gave Natasha and the others a few quick instructions, then climbed into a car. Natasha loaded Freya and Ashley into another and followed. After a series of transfers, Freya was taken onto a ship.


    Brendan nestled the pink suitcase into a carefully chosen corner, his movements meticulous, almost reverent¡ªlike the slightest jolt might shatter something delicate inside.


    Once it was safely in ce, his expression shifted back to its usual indifference.


    Updates loaded at g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe??s


    ¡°Curious where I¡¯m taking you?¡± He lounged in a seat nearby, legs crossed as if they were on a yacht trip.


    ¡°Are you going to tell me?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Brendan casually slipped an arm around Ashley, his smile so dazzling it could light up the room. ¡°You¡¯re someone I rather enjoy.¡±


    Freya said nothing.


    ¡°In six hours, you¡¯ll see your ex-husband,¡± Brendan said slowly. ¡°Excited?¡±


    ¡°You should let me go now. Once the police arrive, there won¡¯t be a way out,¡± Freya said, following the typical script of a kidnapping victim. ¡°I¡¯ve been missing for twenty-four hours. My family¡¯s bound to report it.¡±


    Natasha cleared her throat gently.


    Freya turned her head.


    Natasha¡¯s gaze flicked around nervously as she scratched her cheek.


    ¡°Your family probably isn¡¯t looking for you.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Freya yed along, keeping her tone innocent.


    ¡°I¡¯ve messaged your dad and sister. I told them you were off on a short trip,¡± Natasha said, her voice carrying a thread of unease.


    She wasn¡¯t sure if Freya would see her as the enemy. Because truthfully, she really liked Freya.


    ¡°Give me my phone.¡± Freya demanded, sounding just frustrated enough.


    .


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 Chapter 647

    ?Chapter 647:


    ¡°I didn¡¯t take it. I essed it remotely,¡± Natasha replied quickly.


    Freya let her anger show¡ªbelievable, but measured. She already knew Natasha could tap into her phone because she¡¯d given her that ess herself.


    If she hadn¡¯t, Natasha¡¯s sharp instincts would¡¯ve sniffed out the truth that Freya was K.


    Ashley stood off to the side, quietly stunned by Freya¡¯s performance. Despite her skills, she waspletely convincing as someone vulnerable.


    ¡°Ashley.¡± Brendan¡¯s voice cut through the tension.


    Ashley flinched, still scared of him. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Your grandma and your brother are in my hands. Tell me where K is, and I¡¯ll release them. Refuse, and they die,¡± Brendan said coolly.


    Ashley¡¯s first instinct was to look at Freya, but she stopped herself. If she so much as nced at her, Brendan would know something was off.


    Freya also tensed up, though her expression stayed calm and detached.


    She was ready to act the second it became necessary. Thankfully, Ashley held firm.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know anything about this K person,¡± Ashley said, eyes wide with panic. ¡°Still lying?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡±


    Brendan leaned in, his hand gently cupping her cheek, the touch so soft it made her tremble. ¡°You haven¡¯t changed in two years. Still stubborn as ever.¡±


    Ashley¡¯s chest tightened.


    Right in front of her, Brendan made a call. ¡°Kill the old woman.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Ashley lunged for his phone, her voice cracking.


    But he¡¯d already hung up. His cold eyes cut into her like ice. ¡°Disobedient pets are easily dealt with. Got it?¡±


    Your favorite tales live at g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??????


    Tears welled up in Ashley¡¯s eyes. She wanted to rip him apart, but she couldn¡¯t risk it¡ªnot when her brother¡¯s life was still at stake.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t talk, your brother will be next,¡± Brendan said softly, his calm tone only making the threat more terrifying.


    Ashley broke. Tears streamed down her face. ¡°I really don¡¯t know!¡± Then a notification dinged.


    Brendan¡¯s phone lit up.


    Ashley¡¯s heart stopped.


    And then she saw it¡ªa photo that made her blood run cold.


    Her eyes locked on the image: an elderly woman, shot in the heart. She froze, her mind nk.


    Grandma¡­


    ¡°What did you do to her?!¡± Ashley screamed, grabbing his phone, wing at his cor. ¡°What did you do?¡±


    Brendan said nothing. He simply stared at her, eyes devoid of warmth, his gaze sharp enough to chill her to the bone.


    Ashley trembled. She didn¡¯t know what to do.


    Freya had promised she could be trusted¡ªbut now her grandma was dead. What was she supposed to do now?


    Freya had also seen the photo.


    It looked real, but not real enough. A gunshot wound wouldn¡¯t look like that. The scene was staged. She was sure of it¡ªAshley¡¯s grandma and brother were safe.


    .


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 Chapter 648

    ?Chapter 648:


    Before Freya was captured, she¡¯d warned Ellis about this exact possibility. Anyone Ellis protected was beyond Brendan¡¯s reach. No way Ellis¡¯s people could get in that ce, let alone carry weapons. But she couldn¡¯t let Ashley know that¡ªnot even a nce could be spared. Brendan was watching everything.


    ¡°You¡¯re out of time.¡± Brendan calmly pulled her hand from his clothes. ¡°Your brother¡¯s life is in your hands. One minute.¡±


    Ashley felt like she¡¯d been tossed back into the dark basement¡ªfrozen, hopeless, trapped in that same nightmare.


    She was now even with Freya.


    Fresh streams of tears slipped down her cheeks.


    She bit her lip, staring up at Brendan, wondering how someone could be so cold-blooded.


    ¡°If I tell you, will you let my brother go?¡± she asked, her voice small and fragile.


    Brendan looked up at her. ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    He believed K would surely act this time. But ever since Freya had been taken, there¡¯d been no movement. Nothing from K. That silence was strange.


    Even with Brendan¡¯s lockdowns, someone like K should¡¯ve found a way in or at least left a trace.


    Unless¡­ Unless something had gone wrong.


    That idea made Brendan uneasy. He hated variables.


    On the sidelines, Natasha and Freya remained still.


    Natasha watched like she was observing a drama. Freya¡¯s fingers quietly wrapped around a custom poker card in her right palm.


    She watched Ashley closely.


    Read more at g??lnovel s.??????


    If Ashley betrayed her, she wouldn¡¯t me her.


    Brendan was a master maniptor. Ashley had no way of knowing what a real gunshot wound looked like. She had every reason to believe her grandmother was dead.


    If Ashley broke¡ªand Brendan came for her¡ªFreya would act instantly.


    She¡¯d injure him and take him hostage if needed.


    But there¡¯d be no escape.


    Not on this ship, not surrounded by Brendan¡¯s elite guards.


    ¡°How do I know you¡¯ll keep your promise?¡± Ashley¡¯s voice shook as she tried to hold on.


    She wanted to save her brother. But not at the cost of Freya¡¯s life.


    She had no idea what to do.


    ¡°You have no choice.¡± Brendan checked his watch. ¡°Three seconds. After that, say goodbye to your brother.¡±


    ¡°Three¡­ Two¡­¡±


    Ashley¡¯s mind spun. Her heart pounded. She didn¡¯t know what to do.


    Then Brendan gave the final blow. ¡°One. Toote. He¡¯s dead.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s her.¡± Ashley suddenly pointed at Freya, her voice trembling. ¡°She¡¯s K.¡±


    Both Brendan and Natasha turned to Freya at the exact same time. Freya¡¯s face didn¡¯t shift in the slightest; she wasn¡¯t about to give anything away¡ªnot until the final moment arrived.


    ¡°Or maybe she¡¯s K,¡± Ashley snapped, pointing her finger at Natasha with a shrug that said she had nothing left to lose. ¡°If you¡¯re still not convinced, you can say I¡¯m K.¡±


    Brendan let out a quiet chuckle. ¡°Are you really that eager to get your brother killed?¡±


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 Chapter 649

    ?Chapter 649:


    ¡°I¡¯ve already told you,¡± Ashley said sharply. ¡°You¡¯re the one who refuses to believe me.¡±


    Brendan studied her.


    Ashley met his gaze head-on, and for once, the fear that had been gnawing at her seemed to recede. ¡°You want me to name someone I¡¯ve never seen or heard of? How the hell am I supposed to do that? Go on, kill me. Maybe K will swoop in and rescue me.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got a death wish, don¡¯t you?¡± Brendan murmured, idly lifting her chin between his fingers.


    Ashley¡¯s heart thudded in her chest. ¡°It¡¯s you who wants me dead!¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t know, just admit it. Why get all worked up?¡± He let go of her chin and casually drew her into hisp. ¡°How could I ever not trust you?¡±


    Ashley didn¡¯t flinch.


    She knew his moods too well. One second he was cold and cruel, the next he was ying the tender lover. He waspletely unhinged.


    ¡°If you listen to me, your brother stays alive.¡± Brendan gently tucked a loose strand of her hair behind her ear. Ashley¡¯s body quivered ever so slightly, a chill running down her spine as sweat soaked the back of her blouse.


    Freya, watching it all unfold, wasn¡¯t fooled for a second. That so-called tender touch? It wasn¡¯t affection¡ªit was a calcted check for any hidden earpiece.


    His mind worked in twisted, meticulous ways.


    ¡°Ashley,¡± Brendan said sweetly, his voice coated with charm, like he was in unusually high spirits.


    The sound sent ice straight through her veins. Any warmth she had left was gone.


    Brendan grabbed her chin again, forcing her to look at him. ¡°Are you mad at me?¡±


    See full story at g???????¦Í???????co??


    ¡°I dare not.¡±


    ¡°How about I let you bite me to vent your anger?¡± He coaxed her, his tone as patient and gentle as a lover¡¯s.


    To someone watching, he might¡¯ve passed for a doting boyfriend.


    But Ashley only felt dread.


    She¡¯d seen firsthand just how fast he could flip.


    ¡°I¡¯m only trying to protect you,¡± Brendan said, his long fingers pinching her waist with a smile that looked more like a threat. ¡°K is bad news. If you tangle with her, you¡¯ll end up in a world of pain.¡±


    ¡°More like the pain wille from you!¡± Ashley didn¡¯t say it out loud, but she thought it anyway.


    Brendan started counting her fingers. ¡°Your grandma¡¯s in pain, old and frail. I¡¯m doing this for her sake. Can¡¯t you see I mean well?¡±


    Her heart gave a sharp twist, and that awful scene she¡¯d just seen sprang back into her mind.


    Someday, she¡¯d make him pay¡ªeveryst drop of blood he owed¡ªfor what he did to her grandmother.


    ¡°Do you understand?¡± he asked again, noticing the flicker in her eyes.


    He pinched her harder this time.


    A wave of dread surged through her. Forcing the words out, she muttered the thing she most didn¡¯t want to say. ¡°I understand.¡±


    ¡°Good girl,¡± Brendan purred, clearly pleased.


    Natasha, having watched enough, shot Brendan a re. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you, scaring a woman like that?¡±


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 Chapter 650

    Chapter 650:


    ¡°I enjoy it. What¡¯s it to you?¡± Brendan repliedzily. ¡°You just focus on finding K.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t find her,¡± Natasha snapped, one of the few who dared talk back to him. Then she turned to Ashley. ¡°Your grandma¡¯s fine. He was lying.¡±


    ¡°What¡­¡± Ashley froze.


    ¡°That photo? It was edited. He paid someone to make it look real,¡± Natasha exined, and Brendan didn¡¯t bother stopping her. ¡°Your grandma¡¯s alive and perfectly safe.¡±


    Panic gripped Ashley.


    Brendan was beyond terrifying.


    The picture had looked so real, not a single w. If she had turned on Freya back there, she would¡¯ve betrayed her all over again.


    She nced at Natasha, though her eyes briefly flicked toward Freya. Freya had kept her promise after all.


    ¡°Is it true?¡± Ashley asked, eyes darting back to Brendan. ¡°She¡¯s not dead?¡±


    ¡°In your heart, do you really think I¡¯m the type to kill for no reason?¡± Brendan poured himself a ss of wine with that infuriating air of sophistication that never quite matched the madness in his eyes.


    She did think that.


    But she¡¯d never say it aloud, so she just muttered.


    Brendan smiled, but it was empty. His gentleness never warmed the air around him¡ªhe was a gentleman in appearance, a lunatic underneath. She knew better than to provoke him.


    The memories were carved into her bones, and she was afraid.


    He didn¡¯t call her bluff, sipping his wine slowly.


    Fear kept herpliant.


    ???????????????? ???????????????? @ g??????¦Í??????©q?????


    Fear would keep her from trying to escape and ensure she stayed leashed at his side.


    A whileter, Brendan pulled out an iPad.


    When he saw Kristian sitting alone on the beach in nothing but a shirt, something strange stirred in his chest.


    Kristian owed him. And he would pay for it¡ªevery bit.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs,¡± Brendan said, handing the iPad to Freya. ¡°Take a look at your ex-husband. Doesn¡¯t he look pathetic?¡±


    Freya looked.


    In that bleak setting, Kristian sat on the sand, the sea wind cutting into him like knives. Even from a screen, the cold seeped through. He was stubborn to the end, refusing to believe in her. He didn¡¯t have to be suffering like this.


    ¡°What exactly do you have against him?¡± Freya asked for the second time.


    ¡°He stole you, the person I loved most. And then he treated you like nothing,¡± Brendan said smoothly.


    Freya didn¡¯t buy a word of it. ¡°If you hadn¡¯t sent Ashley to him, would this even have happened?¡±


    ¡°I only told her to test him. How was I supposed to know he¡¯d actually divorce you for her?¡± Brendan spoke as though narrating a fairytale. ¡°A man like that¡ªshould he be dumped in the ocean, or should I cut out his heart?¡±


    ¡°Whatever happens to him isn¡¯t my concern,¡± Freya said, her voice steady. ¡°I just want to know when you¡¯ll let me go.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you go when he¡¯s dead,¡± Brendan said without hesitation.


    .


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    Message from Noah: Wishing you, dear loved ones, a great day. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ????(? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?


    .

 Chapter 651

    ?Chapter 651:


    Freya¡¯s brows drew together.


    Roughly half an hour passed before Freya confirmed the ship¡¯s course was set toward Butterfly Ind.


    While Natasha and Brendan were distracted, she covertly activated the small device she¡¯d hidden in advance.


    It had three buttons¡ªone for international, one for domestic, and one for unknown locations. She pressed the second.


    Butterfly Ind was domestic territory.


    Once the signal was sent, she remained seated, staring at the scenery drifting past outside the ship.


    The message with the domestic coordinates was on its way, but the ind was so far off the beaten path that no one ever went there casually.


    If Freya¡¯s friends followed the tracker, Brendan¡¯s people might notice right away. She had to find a way to warn them about the exact location¡ªbefore it was toote.


    Lost in thought, Freya came up with an idea¡ªthough she wasn¡¯t entirely sure it would work.


    She rose to her feet, but before she could take a single step, Brendan¡¯s eyesnded squarely on her.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, where do you think you¡¯re going?¡±


    ¡°To the restroom,¡± Freya answered crisply.


    Brendan turned to Natasha and said, ¡°Go with her.¡±


    ¡°Is that really necessary?¡± Natasha asked,zily sipping her juice through a straw. ¡°It¡¯s not like she can jump ship.¡±


    g???????¦Í??????.?????? ¨C ???????????? ????????


    ¡°She can¡¯t run, true, but hiding¡¯s a different story on a vessel this size,¡± Brendan replied, casting a pointed nce at Freya. ¡°Besides, she doesn¡¯t know her way around. What if she gets lost?¡±


    Setting down her juice, Natasha stood and followed Freya toward the restroom.


    Along the way, she kept up a friendly chatter,ced with concern. ¡°Any preference for dinner? I can talk to the chef for you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not picky.¡±


    ¡°You remind me of my mentor,¡± Natasha said, ncing sideways at her.


    To deflect suspicion, Freya asked casually, ¡°Is that why you¡¯re being so nice¡ªbecause I remind you of her?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± Natasha retorted with a softugh. ¡°I just think the two of you would¡¯ve hit it off. Quiet types, not fussy about food.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re reading too much into it,¡± Freya said with a shrug, her tone breezy.


    When they reached the restroom, Freya went through the motions and stepped out wearing a hesitant expression.


    Natasha noticed immediately and asked bluntly, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I want to take a shower,¡± Freya admitted. ¡°I didn¡¯t get tost night, and I¡¯m feeling ufortable.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Natasha said, not nearly as strict about such things as Brendan. ¡°I¡¯ll take you.¡±


    Freya followed along, thinking to herself that having a former apprentice who had switched allegiances could actually be quite handy.


    Natasha led her to the room, gave a few brief instructions, then locked the door and returned to Brendan.


    Freya casually scanned the room to check for cameras. Finding none, she slipped on a few fingerstalls and opened Natasha¡¯sptop. She knew it was wrong to use someone else¡¯s things without asking, but given the situation, she had no choice.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 652

    ?Chapter 652:


    The moment the device powered on, Natasha received a notification. Freya spotted it but stayedposed, her fingers flying across the keyboard.


    In no time at all, she sent a message about their destination¡ªButterfly Ind¡ªto Greta and the rest, including Ellis.


    She thought about messaging Kristian too, but knew he¡¯d act on his own terms regardless. In the end, she just typed, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, I¡¯m safe.¡± Once the messages were sent, she essed Frederick¡¯s system and nted a virus into Natasha¡¯s machine.


    Just as she finished, a chat box popped up on the screen. ¡°Is that you?¡± Frederick was clearly excited, but didn¡¯t dare call her Freya in case it wasn¡¯t really her on the other end.


    Freya knew her time was limited, and that Natasha would likelye check after receiving the notification.


    She quickly typed back, ¡°Yes. Open the program I sent to yourputer and hit Enter every ten minutes. I just uploaded a virus to Natasha¡¯sptop. Pressing Enter will upgrade it.¡±


    Frederick, ever dependable, replied, ¡°No problem.¡±


    Freya closed the chat, wiped all traces, and powered theptop down. Making sure there were no fingerprints, she stepped into the bathroom, turned on the water, and began to undress.


    When Natasha returned, the first thing she did was check herptop. Seeing it off, she frowned slightly. What was this? How could there be a power-on alert when the device was shut down?


    Her first instinct was to suspect Freya, but then again, if Freya had turned it on and then off, there should¡¯ve been a shutdown notification too.


    Puzzled, she switched on theptop. And what she saw left her utterly stunned!


    She couldn¡¯t think about anything else, dragging over a chair and diving into the code to crack the virus.


    L?t??¦Ó ch¨»¦Ñ¦Ó?rs ¦Én g??l??ov?????.??????


    Just when she was on the verge of breaking it, the virus upgraded. At first, Natasha suspected Freya¡ªif she were K, she might know how to turn theptop off without triggering any alerts.


    But after the upgrade, her doubts faded.


    Something felt off.


    Natasha froze at the keyboard.


    What if Freya was only pretending to shower while attacking her system from inside?


    With that chilling thought, she ignored the virus.


    It was just code¡ªit might fry herptop, maybe even reveal her location.


    Nothing she couldn¡¯t handle.


    Tiptoeing to the bathroom door, she listened to the water, bit her lip in determination, then pushed the door open and barged in.


    Startled by the noise, Freya immediately grabbed a towel, her eyes sharp and wary.


    She¡¯d figured Natasha might hover by the door, trying to catch the sound of running water and confirm she was actually showering¡ªbut barging in like that? That hadn¡¯t even crossed her mind.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Freya asked, brows furrowing.


    ¡°N-Nothing,¡± Natasha stammered, her face turning beet red. ¡°I just¡­ wanted to make sure things were safe in here.¡±


    Freya shot her a look and said simply, ¡°Out.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 653

    ?Chapter 653:


    ¡°We¡¯re both women. No need to be shy,¡± Natasha replied, though her gaze flicked to Freya¡¯s flushed skin, and her own cheeks darkened. ¡°I¡¯ll just¡­ leave. Take your time¡­¡±


    She shut the door awkwardly behind her and covered her face with her hands.


    What was wrong with her? Why had she even thought Freya was faking a shower?


    Freya must think she was some kind of creep now!


    Her mentor always said to take responsibility for one¡¯s actions¡ªbut how was she, a woman, supposed to take responsibility for walking in on another woman? What now? That virus had truly messed her up.


    Meanwhile, Freya had no idea her apprentice was spiraling outside the door.


    Still uneasy, she rinsed off quickly. Before she could leave, Natasha was already there, waiting with a bag in hand, saying she¡¯d brought some clothes.


    Freya epted, changing into them while drying her own garments.


    After getting dressed, she discreetly hid the miniature tracker Ellis had given her in the most¡­


    She found a secure ce she could manage, then strapped the poker and another device to her body.


    Once she was set, she stepped out.


    And right there, Natasha was waiting, ncing back with an awkward look on her face.


    ¡°Freya¡­ wait for me,¡± Natasha said. ¡°Once everything¡¯s over, I promise I¡¯ll make amends.¡±


    Freya found herself utterly tongue-tied. She instinctively dismissed Natasha¡¯s words without giving them a second thought.


    After ncing at Natasha¡ªstill hunched over theptop, diligently trying to crack the virus¡ªFreya stepped away to dry her clothes. The outfit Natasha had handed her resembled a pair of soft, loose pajamas. While it was decent enough to wear indoors, it certainly wasn¡¯t ideal forbat or any sort of rigorous activity.


    Thankfully, Freya¡¯s own clothes dried quickly, and she slipped back into them while Natasha remained absorbed in her work. Everything else had been neatly restored to its original ce.


    G a lno v els  is packed with thrilling adventures


    When Natasha finally finished, she looked up and noticed Freya had already changed. ¡°Freya, don¡¯t you like the clothes I gave you?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re not suitable for going out.¡±


    ¡°You could just stay here and sleep in this room. I¡¯ll speak to Brendan.¡±


    ¡°He won¡¯t agree.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ve got other clothes. You can pick whatever you like.¡±


    ¡°No, thanks,¡± Freya declined calmly. ¡°I¡¯m heading out now. Thank you.¡±


    Seeing Freya act so distant made Natasha feel a pang of difort. She couldn¡¯t shake the feeling that Freya¡¯s coldness stemmed from viewing her as some sort of creep.


    Luckily, the virus had been dealt with, so Natasha simply followed along.


    Brendan, noticing the two women had taken longer than expected, furrowed his brows slightly. ¡°What took you so long?¡±


    ¡°It was my fault,¡± Natasha confessed. ¡°My mentor nted a virus in myptop and just now tracked my location. She probably knows exactly where we are.¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Brendan instinctively turned his gaze toward Freya.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 654

    ?Chapter 654:


    Right after Natasha had stepped away from theptop, it hade under attack. Could that really be a coincidence?


    ¡°Myptop got hacked while she was beside me,¡± Natasha exined tly, choosing not to borate. ¡°It wasn¡¯t her.¡±


    If sheid everything bare, they¡¯d all definitely think she was being shady. Natasha decided to withhold certain details.


    Ashley, overhearing bits of their exchange, nced over in surprise¡ªastonished by how Freya had managed to pull it off.


    Freya had never openly admitted she was K, but based on everything that had happened, Ashley was certain.


    ¡°Did you find her location?¡± Brendan asked.


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t find her,¡± Natasha said with conviction. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you? I can beat anyone else, but if it¡¯s my mentor, I absolutely lose.¡± K was on another level.


    Brendan¡¯s eyes remained unreadable, but he didn¡¯t say anything more. No one could surpass K in the world ofputing¡ªbut without aputer, she was just a regr person.


    With that thought in mind, Brendan discreetly sent out a message from his phone.


    While things on Brendan¡¯s end had be rtively calmer, elsewhere the mood was entirely different.


    After receiving Freya¡¯s message about Butterfly Ind, Greta and her friends immediately set off. Trent and Frederick began making their own preparations.


    Ellis had started contacting his connections.


    As for Kristian, he received a text from an unlisted number. It was clearly a virtual line, but he immediately knew it was Freya who had sent it.


    Just seeing that she was safe made him breathe easier.


    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s©qc??m has it all


    The sea breeze was sharp at this hour, and with only a thin shirt on, Kristian shivered but didn¡¯t move.


    After reading Freya¡¯s message, he made a call. When the other line picked up, he asked, ¡°Have you pinpointed Freya¡¯s location?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± came the quick reply. ¡°She¡¯s on Brendan¡¯s ship. Based on their current trajectory, there are three possible destinations¡ªButterfly Ind, Cloud Ind, and Graham. It¡¯s unclear where they¡¯re ultimately headed.¡±


    ¡°No matter which ce it ends up being, I just want her safe,¡± Kristian stressed.


    The person on the other end of the phone replied, ¡°No problem.¡±


    After ending the call, Kristian felt a small wave of relief settle over him. Brendan¡¯s men were monitoring his every move, so the moment he ended that call, it was reported.


    Brendan turned to Natasha and ordered her to check who Kristian had contacted.


    But they came up empty.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say no one could beat you except K?¡± Brendan¡¯s tone hinted at skepticism, as though he thought Natasha was ying games.


    ¡°The person Kristian called is either my mentor or someone¡¯s phone she created encryption for,¡± Natasha stated firmly. ¡°Based on the interception I encountered, the phone owner is likely someone who utilized her top-tier secure phone system.¡±


    Brendan was stunned.


    Meanwhile, Freya remained pensive.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 655

    ?Chapter 655:


    She had once sold a highly secure phone system to five individuals.


    Could Kristian be connected to one of them?


    ¡°Are you certain the person he contacted isn¡¯t K?¡± Brendan pressed.


    ¡°Positive,¡± Natasha replied without hesitation. ¡°If it were my mentor, she¡¯d likelymunicate through text.¡±


    ¡°Look into everyone she sold that system to. Find out who they are,¡± Brendan ordered at once. ¡°When you¡¯ve got names, give them to me.¡±


    Natasha was speechless.


    Brendan arched a brow. ¡°Why aren¡¯t you searching?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t dig up anything about my mentor,¡± Natasha answered candidly. ¡°No one can trace her transactions.¡±


    Brendan regarded her silently, swirling the wine in his ss. After a while, he seemed to ept it.


    ¡°If we can¡¯t find her, then so be it. Once we get to Sweet Ind, whether she shows up or not won¡¯t change anything.¡± By then, his attention would be focused on executing his n.


    Even if K did appear, she wouldn¡¯t be able to stop him.


    ¡°Natasha.¡± Brendan set down his ss. ¡°Come with me for a moment.¡±


    Natasha stood and followed him out to the deck. She leaned on the railing, letting the wind clear her mind, and asked, ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡±


    ¡°When we get to Sweet Ind, take a yacht and leave,¡± Brendan said, eyes fixed on the open sea. No one could guess what he was truly thinking. ¡°I¡¯ve already arranged everything. Whatever happens next won¡¯t concern you.¡±


    ¡°Can I take Freya with me?¡±


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Natasha didn¡¯t argue or press him further. That was exactly why Brendan had kept her around all this time.


    ?????????? ???????????????? ???????? ???????? ????: g???????¦Í?????????????


    Ashley stood at a distance, watching them near the edge of the ship, biting her lower lip. Finally, she managed to get Freya alone for a moment.


    ¡°Freya¡­ I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°You did well,¡± Freya murmured, just loud enough for her to hear. Even in that kind of situation, Ashley had still thought of her. That was rare.


    Ashley¡¯s eyes went red instantly. She was afraid Brendan might set his sights on Freya and eventually uncover who she really was.


    ¡°If things get dangerous, don¡¯t worry about me. Just go,¡± Freya instructed quietly. She didn¡¯t know what she was walking into, but she wouldn¡¯t let Ashley get caught in it.


    ¡°What about you?¡± Ashley asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got someone who¡¯ll help,¡± Freya assured her.


    Ashley still felt uneasy but knew better than to argue.


    Freya had already thought about taking Brendan down right here on the ship and forcing his crew to reroute toward her friends. It would be clean and efficient.


    But then she thought of Brendan¡¯s nature.


    He¡¯d sooner blow up the ship than let anyone foil his ns.


    Time dragged its feet and flew all at once, thick with a tension that clung like fog¡ªan uneasy anticipation that refused to lift.


    While they were still at sea, Brendan made a call to Kristian, instructing him to head somewhere discreet, where someone would guide him to Freya.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 656

    ?Chapter 656:


    Freya, of course, had no clue this call had even taken ce.


    She stayed aboard the ship, and when she tried to wander and explore, Brendan swiftly shut her down.


    Over an hour passed before they were just five minutes out from Butterfly Ind, and that was when Brendan had someone blindfold both Freya and Ashley.


    The vessel crept slowly toward the ind, its hull slicing through the water like a whisper.


    Had Freya been able to see, she would have caught sight of massive towers cutting off all signals and armed men in ck standing guard across the ind, sealing it off like a fortress.


    But she didn¡¯t. She was blind to it all.


    She had no inkling that whaty ahead was far worse than anything she could have imagined¡ªnor that Brendan had finally lost all grasp on reality.


    When the ship finally docked at Butterfly Ind, Freya and Ashley were led away, while the rest of the passengers gradually began to disembark.


    In the end, only Natasha and Brendan remained on board.


    Brendan stood on the deck, eyes fixed on a distant yacht, and said to Natasha, ¡°Whatever happens here, don¡¯te back.¡±


    Natasha stared at him. She¡¯d never seen him like this before. ¡°What are you nning to do?¡±


    ¡°To settle things with Kristian once and for all.¡± His lips curled into a strange smile. ¡°For your own safety, stay away. I might not be able to hold back this time.¡±


    Natasha¡¯s brow furrowed in quiet concern.


    Brendan motioned toward the yacht, silently urging her to go. She didn¡¯t argue. She grabbed herptop and paused at the edge of the ship. ¡°And if Kristian doesn¡¯t love Freya anymore, then what?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll kidnap his entire family,¡± Brendan answered.


    Feel the magic on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s


    Coolly, his tone detached though his expression remained eerily calm. ¡°One by one, I¡¯ll make him watch them die right in front of him.¡± He regretted not thinking bigger.


    Just taking Freya had been too tame¡ªtoo dull. He should¡¯ve taken the whole lot when the divorce papers were signed.


    That would¡¯ve been truly satisfying.


    ¡°You¡¯re insane,¡± Natasha said tly.


    Brendan let out a lowugh. ¡°Aren¡¯t you, too?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m leaving.¡± She didn¡¯t bother responding to that. With her back turned to him, she waved a hand and climbed onto the yacht.


    He wasn¡¯t wrong. They were both out of their minds.


    But she wasn¡¯t like him. Her wild streak had been softened when she met K. Now, she was more carefree.


    She could walk away from anything, anyone, without looking back. Just like now. She knew the risk Freya faced on Butterfly Ind, and still, she left her behind.


    It was 9:30 AM in Alerith. The time on Butterfly Ind was exactly the same.


    From the moment Freya stepped off the ship, blindfolded, she¡¯d beenmitting every detail around her to memory.


    Now, with the wind brushing her cheeks and the waves crashing violently below, she guessed they were close to a cliff.


    She was right. The guards led both Freya and Ashley to the ind¡¯s highest point¡ªa sheer cliff¡ªbefore removing their blindfolds.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 657

    ?Chapter 657:


    As her vision cleared, Freya¡¯s eyes darted across the scene.


    Armed guards stood stationed nearby, and she quickly scanned her surroundings.


    Only then did it hit her.


    The entire ind was crawling with Brendan¡¯s guards in ck.


    A chilling thought seized her.


    Her friends must note.


    Brendan had deployed so many men across the ind that even if her friends showed up, it wouldn¡¯t make a damn bit of difference.


    A small handful of them couldn¡¯t possibly take on hundreds of armed guards without being noticed. And knowing Brendan¡ªhow he snapped at the slightest¡­


    Loss¡ªif he so much as saw one man go down, he¡¯d strike back without hesitation. Freya couldn¡¯t risk that. The fallout would be far too great.


    Thinking fast, she slipped out the tiny micro-tracker Ellis had once given her.


    Without hesitation, she popped it into her mouth, bit down, and swallowed it whole.


    There was no crushing it by hand, no smashing it on the rocks¡ªit was too delicate. Any attempt to destroy it openly would only alert Brendan. This was the only safe way.


    Meanwhile, on Ellis¡¯s end, he was in a car beside a friend¡ªone d in a military uniform.


    They were in the middle of reviewing precautions when Ellis suddenly noticed something off.


    The red dot on his watch¡ªthe one marking Freya¡¯s tracker¡ªhad vanished.


    Immediately, Greta called. ¡°Captain¡­ why is Mina¡¯s signal gone?¡±


    They understood what it meant. Everyone else¡¯s signals had vanished when they entered a zone with jammers, but Mina¡¯s was supposed to be advanced. It wasn¡¯t supposed to be blocked by anything.


    ???????? ???????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í?????????????


    ¡°Return to Alerith,¡± Ellis ordered without a hint of doubt.


    He was their former captain, and staying calm was second nature.


    Still, the team hesitated. ¡°Why?¡± they asked in unison.


    ¡°There¡¯s trouble on Butterfly Ind. Without equipment, it¡¯s too risky. Wait in Alerith.¡± Ellis¡¯s voice was calm, but hisst words carried weight. ¡°I¡¯ll bring Freya back.¡±


    Freya wasn¡¯t reckless.


    She wouldn¡¯t have destroyed the tracker unless she believed the danger was far worse than anyone imagined.


    That foolish girl. Without the signal, how could he even find her?


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± the man beside him asked, picking up on the tension in his voice.


    ¡°Brendan must¡¯ve yed his final card,¡± Ellis muttered. They had to capture him. ¡°This won¡¯t be easy.¡±


    ¡°When has it ever been?¡± the man beside him chuckled. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. The higher-ups already gave the order¡ªBrendanes back with us.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s palms were slick with sweat.


    They were still thirty minutes out from Butterfly Ind.


    Thirty long minutes.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 658

    ?Chapter 658:


    He shut his eyes, trying topose himself, running through every possible oue if Brendan had truly yed his trump card. The worst-case scenario? The ind locked down entirely¡ªBrendan¡¯s men everywhere. No way in or out.


    If that happened, Freya would be in real danger.


    From the moment she destroyed the tracker, Ellis knew she hadn¡¯t nned on making it out.


    If she were alone, she¡¯d have already wounded Brendan and hurled herself off that cliff.


    But Ashley was there now. And Kristian was on his way.


    She couldn¡¯t be reckless. They were innocent. And she needed Brendan alive. He had answers her organization couldn¡¯t afford to lose.


    Freya¡¯s mind raced with possibilities. But with so many armed men and Brendan¡¯s vtile temperament, there wasn¡¯t a single path that felt safe. Not one.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, are you pleased with your new surroundings?¡± Brendan stood tall, dressed in a sleek camel coat, one hand casually gripping a pink suitcase.


    Freya¡¯s eyes drifted to the suitcase.


    Something told her the grudge Brendan held against Kristian had everything to do with whoever that pink suitcase once belonged to.


    Keeping her voice even, she met his gaze and replied, ¡°Illegal weapons, a private army¡ªyou do know those charges alone could lock you away for a long, long time, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m aware,¡± Brendan replied, utterly unfazed, ¡°but what of it?¡±


    Freya¡¯s brow tensed just slightly. This was going to be difficult.


    ¡°Sir, he¡¯s arrived,¡± a guard announced, approaching briskly.


    Brendan¡¯s lips curled, a subtle smirk tugging at the corners. ¡°Bring him.¡±


    And just like that, Kristian was led forward.


    He wore nothing but a white shirt, pale from the cold, yet he carried himself with the kind ofmanding presence that made the entire space feel like it belonged to him.


    Freya¡¯s eyes locked onto his. Kristian looked back.


    No words passed between them.


    After confirming Freya was unharmed, Kristian turned to Brendan and cut to the chase.


    Even though he was the one taken hostage, he carried himself with the quietmand of a man still in control, as if the entire room answered to him. ¡°I¡¯m here now. Care to exin what this is all about?¡±


    ¡°dly,¡± Brendan answered, smiling.


    But just as Kristian opened his mouth again, he caught sight of a gun being raised¡ªaimed directly at Freya¡¯s head.


    His eyes darkened, and his voice cut through the tension like ice. ¡°Let her go.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Brendan said smoothly, twirling a dagger in his other hand before offering it to him. ¡°Take this and cut your left wrist. The blood needs to cover that stone over there. Only then will she be released.¡± He pointed at a spot outlined in red.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes followed the motion. ¡°And if I do it, she walks free?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the deal,¡± Brendan nodded.


    Without hesitation, Kristian reached for the dagger.


    Freya suddenly understood something and tried to stop him. ¡°Kristian, don¡¯t do it!¡±


    .


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 Chapter 659

    ?Chapter 659:


    The pink suitcase. The wrist-cutting. Dora Isle.


    It all came together.


    This wasn¡¯t about power or politics¡ªBrendan was after revenge. For a girl.


    ¡°Brendan, I know what this is really about,¡± Freya said sharply. ¡°And honestly, don¡¯t you think this is all just a little childish?¡±


    ¡°Calling it childish just proves you¡¯ve misunderstood,¡± Brendan replied coldly. He clearly didn¡¯t buy it. His gaze shifted to Kristian, whose hand hovered uncertainly in mid-air, and he added, ¡°I¡¯ll count to three. If that de doesn¡¯t slice, Freya¡¯s the one who¡¯ll pay the price.¡±


    Kristian looked at Freya again.


    She saw Natasha returning from the sea, and in that split second, a bold, dangerous idea shed in her mind.


    She met Kristian¡¯s eyes.


    That look¡ªit made him second-guess his instincts. Could he really be reading her right?


    ¡°Three!¡± Brendan began the count.


    Freya kept signaling with her eyes.


    At that moment, Kristian understood her meaning. He reached for the dagger in Brendan¡¯s hand.


    Then, in one fluid motion, he flipped it around and drove the de right up to Brendan¡¯s throat.


    ¡°Mr. Hoffman!¡± the guards cried, panicked.


    Brendan lifted his hand to halt them, that sly smile of his twisting into something a little more unhinged¡ªwild, almost manic.


    He ran his fingers along the handle of the pink suitcase with unsettling ease, his voice low and mocking as he drawled, ¡°You really think this little stunt can shake me? Kristian Shaw, you¡¯re far too naive.¡±


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    Brendan spoke each word with slow, deliberate rity.


    He didn¡¯t even flinch at the dagger pressed against his throat¡ªhis voice cold andmanding as he barked, ¡°Break Freya¡¯s legs!¡±


    ¡°If anyone touches her,¡± Kristian said through gritted teeth, ¡°I¡¯ll kill him on the spot.¡±


    Kristian shoved the de even closer.


    But his threat didn¡¯t shake the bodyguards in the slightest.


    Like lifeless machines, they raised their guns and aimed straight at Freya¡¯s legs.


    In a sh, Freya sprang into action¡ªsnatching the gun from the man beside her and knocking him to the ground with a swift kick. Seizing the chaos, she shoved Ashley toward the cliff and shouted down to Natasha, ¡°Get her safely back to Alerith!¡±


    ¡°What about you?¡± Natasha cried out, startled. That was when it hit her¡ªFreya was K.


    The moment Natasha had stepped outside the signal-blocked zone on the yacht, she¡¯d opened herptop to track her mentor¡ªonly to stumble across a letter that left her stunned.


    That¡¯s when the truth dawned on her: Freya was K, the mentor she¡¯d been searching for.


    Haunted by Brendan¡¯s words, Natasha had rushed back to save Freya. But now, Freya had shoved Ashley down toward her, yet hadn¡¯t followed.


    Natasha called her name again, but all she got in return was the fading outline of her figure.


    .


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 Chapter 660

    ?Chapter 660:


    Natasha dragged Ashley out of the water. The yacht kept drifting away as she stared up at the figures on the cliff, finally yelling, ¡°K!¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t look back.


    She knew escape wasn¡¯t an option.


    If either she or Kristian tried to leave, Brendan would give the order and everyone would be shot.


    But Ashley had no part in this, and Natasha had once helped Brendan.


    That favor might be enough for him to let them go.


    And in truth, Brendan was thinking the same.


    He had briefly considered dragging Ashley down with him, but now that she was out of reach, he let it go.


    ¡°I should¡¯ve guessed you were K,¡± Brendan said with a broader, almost gleeful smile. ¡°You ought to be d you didn¡¯t try escaping earlier, or you¡¯d be riddled with bullets by now.¡±


    ¡°Brendan Hoffman, if you call off your men, you might still get a lighter sentence,¡± Freya said, her voice firm and every syble sharp.


    ¡°Dragging everyone down with you is pointless.¡±


    Brendan looked down, a gravellyugh rumbling from his chest.


    He actually looked amused.


    ¡°Sentence?¡± he echoed. ¡°No one has the power to sentence me.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brow furrowed with unease.


    Brendan didn¡¯t resist as Kristian held the de steady at his throat.


    ¡°You¡¯d better be real careful with that dagger,¡± he warned. ¡°If you slip and kill me, the entire ind¡¯s going up in mes.¡±


    Step into fiction with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???o??


    ¡°What did you do?¡± Freya asked, a cold wave of dread rushing through her.


    ¡°Oh, nothing too dramatic,¡± Brendan said with a casual shrug. ¡°Just had a bunch of explosives rigged all over this ind. If my vital signs tline, they¡¯ll trigger the st.¡±


    Freya genuinely thought he was out of his mind.


    Brendan kept talking, disturbingly calm.


    ¡°Kristian, do you know why I had you wait by the sea all night?¡±


    ¡°Because of Dorothy.¡± For the first time, emotion flickered across Brendan¡¯s face. ¡°The night they sentenced her boyfriend to death, she sat by the sea in a thin white dress¡­ and never moved, not even once.¡±


    Kristian couldn¡¯t make sense of it. What did that have to do with him? He was only trying to buy time¡ªbuy time for his reinforcements to arrive.


    ¡°It all started with you,¡± Brendan said, voice low and venomous. He flicked his eyes to Kristian, the dagger now slicing a fine thread of blood along his neck¡ªhe didn¡¯t even seem to notice.


    ¡°You went to the police. You gave them the clues.¡± Brendan¡¯s voice was sharp as a de. ¡°You got her boyfriend killed. And you got her killed too.¡±


    If Reece Wright hadn¡¯t gotten caught and sentenced to death, Dorothy Sampson wouldn¡¯t have been so heartbroken¡ªand she definitely wouldn¡¯t have ended her own life.


    If that hadn¡¯t happened, Brendan wouldn¡¯t have lost the only sister he had left in the world.


    And it all came back to Kristian.


    Brendan¡¯s thoughts spiraled into something darker, something far more twisted, though he still wore that same unsettling smile. ¡°If she hadn¡¯t spent that night by the sea, she wouldn¡¯t have caught a fever. And she never would¡¯ve told me she wanted toe here to clear her head.¡±


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 Chapter 661

    ?Chapter 661:


    Freya¡¯s thoughts were spinning, scanning everything she knew, trying to piece it together.


    Dorothy?


    Her boyfriend who¡¯d been sentenced to death?


    And Brendan Hoffman.


    She kept digging through memories until the pieces snapped together. Uncertain, but needing to know, she asked, ¡°Your sister¡­ is she Dorothy Sampson?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re quick, K,¡± Brendan replied, giving a roundabout confirmation. He¡¯d taken his father¡¯sst name, but his sister had used their mother¡¯s.


    After their parents died, Dorothy was all he had left. But Kristian had ruined even that.


    ¡°Her boyfriend got caught because of what he did. Kristian helping the police wasn¡¯t wrong,¡± Freya said inly. ¡°If you want to point fingers, start with yourself. You knew what her boyfriend was involved in.¡±


    ¡°I should me myself?¡± Brendan shot back.


    Freya still hadn¡¯t looked at Kristian.


    ¡°Right. I should me myself,¡± Brendan repeated, his tone suddenly soft. ¡°That¡¯s why I brought her enemy here¡ªto die with me. A fitting tribute to her memory.¡±


    Brendan turned his eyes on Freya, still speaking with that maddeningly calm tone. ¡°Today, it¡¯s you, me, and Kristian. We¡¯re all going to die here¡­ and join Dorothy on the other side.¡±


    That was why he¡¯d said no one could ever sentence him.


    Freya nced down at the sea, then at the setup around them. Jumping meant almost certain death. Staying meant a hundred percent chance of getting blown up. It was, quite literally, a dead end.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes met hers. He said, ¡°I¡¯m not going to let anything happen to you.¡±


    ¡°How romantic,¡± Brendan sneered. ¡°But have you heard the phrase ¡®Too little, toote¡¯? You think any of this still matters?¡±


    ¡°Name your terms and let her go,¡± Kristian said firmly.


    He¡¯d been there long enough to understand exactly what Brendan was thinking. Now that the man had aired every dark thought in his twisted head, it was only a matter of time before he destroyed the entire ind.


    If that happened¡­ what would happen to Freya?


    Kristian had to stall¡ªhad to give the others more time. And the best way to do that was to make Brendan fixate on him. That way, the man wouldn¡¯t suspect a thing, and Kristian might just pull this off.


    ¡°You really want to save her, huh?¡± Brendan asked.


    Kristian said, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then stab yourself in the heart,¡± Brendan replied smoothly. ¡°If you can hang on for ten minutes, maybe I¡¯ll think about letting her go.¡±


    ¡°I want her released. Not your maybe,¡± Kristian said tly.


    Brendan gave azyugh, then turned to Freya. ¡°Freya, your ex-husband¡¯s quite the character. Running a fever and still daring to stand up to me. Where does he get the nerve?¡±


    Freya¡¯s gaze instinctively shifted to Kristian, and at the same moment, he looked at her.


    That split second was all Brendan needed. He suddenly snatched Kristian¡¯s hand and drove an elbow into his chest.


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 Chapter 662

    ?Chapter 662:


    With Brendan¡¯s strength, if that blownded, Kristian¡¯s ribs would¡¯ve snapped like twigs.


    But Kristian blocked it just in time.


    Brendan seized the opportunity and darted away from Kristian, slipping from his grasp in a blink.


    The space between them stretched in an instant.


    In the next second, Freya raised the gun she¡¯d taken earlier and aimed it directly at Brendan. ¡°Try moving again, and I swear I¡¯ll shoot.¡± Her words lit a fire under everyone nearby. They raised their weapons, aiming straight at her and Kristian.


    Brendan was dangerous, skilled, and unpredictable. She¡¯d always known that. If he hadn¡¯t been, her team wouldn¡¯t have suffered so badly before.


    ¡°You think that scares me?¡± Brendan asked, not the least bit rattled. ¡°If you shoot me, they¡¯ll shoot you. Simple.¡±


    Freya held her stance, yanking Kristian behind her.


    The moment her hand touched him, she found he was burning up.


    ¡°I might get shot,¡± Freya said, her tone steady. But she knew how to mess with Brendan¡¯s head. ¡°You, on the other hand, will definitely die first. And when you see Dorothy in the afterlife, she¡¯s going to ask if Kristian¡¯s dead. What will you tell her?¡±


    That jabnded. Brendan faltered.


    Freya pushed further. ¡°Want to bet? Let¡¯s see what happens first¡ªyour ind going up in mes, or Kristian getting rescued by my team.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t even love him, do you?¡± Brendan was thrown.


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Freya said coolly. ¡°But that doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t save him. And it doesn¡¯t mean I won¡¯t take you down.¡±


    If she could, she would¡¯ve put a bullet in him right then and there. But if he died, her team would lose crucial information, and worse¡ªthe whole ind would go up.


    Stay tuned galnov??????.co??


    ¡°I¡¯ll let you go,¡± Brendan suddenly offered, like he¡¯d given it genuine thought. ¡°Just hand Kristian over.¡±


    Neither Freya nor Kristian said a word.


    Brendan raised an eyebrow. ¡°What? Don¡¯t trust me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Freya replied without hesitation.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be your hostage. Tie me up. Drag me to the ship.¡± Brendan kept throwing out ideas. ¡°Once you¡¯re far enough away, you can give him back. Deal?¡±


    ¡°You rigged the ship, didn¡¯t you?¡± Freya¡¯s suspicion was instant.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Brendan said with a chuckle, stepping closer. ¡°I loaded it with explosives. Once you¡¯re on board, boom.¡±


    Freya immediately backed up. ¡°Don¡¯te any closer!¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright. I won¡¯t,¡± Brendan said smoothly, his tone casual as ever. ¡°But here¡¯s my advice¡ªdon¡¯t bother struggling. The moment you stepped foot on this ind, you were already dead.¡±


    Freya felt strangely calm. Thank God she hadn¡¯t made a move on that ship. If she had, Natasha, Ashley, and the crew might¡¯ve died with her.


    She stared Brendan down, her mind racing for a way out.


    Behind him, Kristian was thinking too, taking in every detail. As frustration built inside him over how useless their backup seemed, he spotted someone waving at him from below the cliff.


    In that instant, hope red.


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Kristian said her name.


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 Chapter 663

    ?Chapter 663:


    She stayed focused on Brendan, not daring to let her guard down.


    ¡°Speak,¡± she replied.


    ¡°Live on,¡± Kristian said simply.


    Before she could respond, he yanked her forward¡ªand pushed her off the cliff.


    Freya had backup waiting below, so she would be fine.


    As for what was unfolding atop the cliff, Kristian would handle Brendan and his crew.


    He had promised her she would be safe.


    The instant Freya spotted the yacht gliding below them, realization struck like lightning. As her body plunged downward, she instinctivelytched onto Kristian with the hand still gripping the gun, yanking him along with her.


    At that moment, her other hand emerged with a fanned-out deck of ying cards, which she expertly whipped through the air toward Brendan and his men. The entire sequence unfolded in the blink of an eye¡ªtoo fast for anyone to react.


    Brendan hadn¡¯t seen iting. As Freya and Kristian fell, one of the razor-edged cards sliced across his cheek, leaving a thin, stinging trail of blood.


    Several of his armed men weren¡¯t as fortunate, taking sharp hits from the whirling cards.


    A thunderous ssh echoed below as Kristian and Freya crashed into the sea in dramatic unison.


    The people aboard the yacht wasted no time pulling them out.


    Just as Kristian climbed onto the deck and reached down to help Freya, his eyes locked on Brendan at the cliff¡¯s edge, gun drawn.


    More precisely, it was aimed straight at Freya.


    A single shot rang out.


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    The bullet screamed through the air with blistering speed.


    Kristian didn¡¯t have the luxury of thought; instinct kicked in as he leaned forward, shielding Freya with his own body. The bullet mmed into his back, and his crisp white shirt bloomed red with blood.


    Despite the burning pain tearing through him, he forced his expression to remain calm, lifting Freya onto the yacht without flinching. Brendan was already preparing another shot when Freya raised her gun, leveling it directly at him.


    But before she could fire, a sudden force knocked the weapon from Brendan¡¯s grip.


    A team of soldiers in uniform emerged from the trees behind him,pletely surrounding him. At the head of the group stood Ellis. The moment Freyaid eyes on him, a wave of relief surged through her.


    She didn¡¯t bother instructing the yacht to stop. There was no point. The towering cliffs left no way to climb back up. More urgently, Kristian was burning with fever; he needed to get to a hospital. As for Brendan, Ellis could deal with him.


    Brendan clicked his tongue as Ellis stepped forward. ¡°Captain Lambert. Been a while.¡±


    Ellis spared him the briefest nce before turning to his men. ¡°Take him into custody,¡± he ordered. ¡°Seal off the ind. No onees near it until the explosives are disabled.¡±


    ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m heading out.¡± Ellis didn¡¯t linger.


    He wasn¡¯t sure if Freya was hurt, but judging by the scene he had just walked into, Kristian had taken a bullet. The blood-soaked fabric clinging to his back made that crystal clear¡ªand it could very well be fatal if left untreated.


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 Chapter 664

    ?Chapter 664:


    He thought about calling Freya but remembered she had noms on her.


    So, he set off to find them himself.


    Meanwhile, on the yacht, Freya¡¯s attention had shifted entirely to Kristian once Brendan and his men were apprehended. ¡°Brendan fired earlier. Did you get hit?¡± she asked, concerned.


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian replied, though his lips were drained of color. ¡°The yacht was rocking. He missed.¡±


    Freya let out a breath she hadn¡¯t realized she was holding.


    She was just about to examine him herself when Kristian cut in, turning to the man steering the vessel. ¡°Give me a jacket. It¡¯s getting chilly.¡±


    The man immediately peeled off his ck windbreaker and handed it over.


    Kristian, who normally wouldn¡¯t touch something that wasn¡¯t spotless, slipped it on without hesitation, hiding the crimson-streaked back of his white shirt.


    He had only asked for the jacket to keep Freya from seeing his wound. Freya didn¡¯t dwell on it. Her eyes shifted to the man at the helm, her brows drawing together in faint recognition. ¡°Lawrence?¡±


    ¡°You know me?¡± Lawrence Hayes had a clean-cut look, with a smile like spring sunlight¡ªwarm and deceptively charming.


    Freya¡¯s frown deepened.


    Lawrence came from influence and wealth, known for being both noble and unnervingly unpredictable. He rarely helped anyone for free. What kind of arrangement had Kristian made with him?


    ¡°Did you strike some kind of deal with him?¡± Freya asked, her gaze now firmly on Kristian.


    But before he could answer, Lawrence chimed in, his voice breezy,


    ¡°Actually, I should be the one thanking you. If it weren¡¯t for¡ª¡±


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    Kristian swiftly cut him off. ¡°Just steer the yacht.¡±


    Lawrence mimed zipping his lips.


    The interaction only stirred Freya¡¯s suspicions further. ¡°Did you make a deal with him?¡±


    Lawrence had a strange obsession with studying human psychology, often dabbling in theology. His favorite phrase? ¡°¡®Science leads to spiritual rity.''¡±


    ¡°No, I didn¡¯t,¡± Kristian lied, his gaze softening with warmth. ¡°He owed me a favor and came to repay it. Feels like he got the raw end of it, so he asked me to return er. Nothing major.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not lying to me, are you?¡± Freya asked, something still not sitting right.


    Kristian gave a faint smile. ¡°I¡¯m not.¡±


    That answer seemed to satisfy her.


    There were boundaries between them, and certain truths were better left untouched.


    ¡°Thanks for helping me back there,¡± Freya said after a moment. ¡°I owe you one. If you ever need help investigating something or breaking into a system, let me know.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t owe me anything. Brendan was after me from the beginning.¡± Kristian¡¯s breathing had grown slow andbored.


    Freya parted her lips to speak, but before she could get a word out, Kristian softly called her name. ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Her tone gentled, warmth blooming behind the single syble.


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 Chapter 665

    ?Chapter 665:


    Kristian didn¡¯t follow up. He simply gazed at her¡ªher flushed cheeks, the curve of her lips, the tenderness in her eyes that, at that moment, saw only him.


    If this was how he died, it wouldn¡¯t be the worst way to go.


    That thought brought a faint smile to his lips, and the pain in his back dulled ever so slightly.


    ¡°What is it?¡± Freya asked when his silence lingered.


    ¡°Nothing. I just felt like saying your name.¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was as soft as silk, his eyes never leaving hers. ¡°After everything I¡¯ve done to you, we haven¡¯t had a single quiet moment like this.¡±


    Freya pressed her lips together, unsure how to respond. Words weren¡¯t her strong suit.


    Kristian could feel the strength leaving his limbs, his eyelids growing heavier by the second. But he wouldn¡¯t let them close¡ªnot yet. He was afraid if he did, he might never see her again.


    Freya noticed the color draining from his face. ¡°You should rest. We¡¯ll talk after your fever breaks.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristian murmured, his voice raspy.


    Time crept by.


    Roughly ten minutester, Lawrence brought the yacht to a gentle stop. Standing onshore, he addressed Freya with practiced ease. ¡°Ms. Briggs, your ride¡¯s ready. You can head back to Alerith now.¡±


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Freya replied.


    She turned to help Kristian toward the car, intending to get him to a hospital immediately.


    But the second she touched him, Lawrence blocked her with a raised hand. ¡°From this point on, he¡¯s in my care. You don¡¯t need to worry about him.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s running a high fever,¡± Freya shot back.


    ¡°I¡¯ll bring in the best doctors avable,¡± Lawrence assured her.


    Freya met his gaze, unyielding. She didn¡¯t want to walk away.


    Kristian pushed himself upright, silently grateful for the fever. If not for it, his pale face might¡¯ve given him awaypletely.


    Kristian waved Lawrence off with a dismissive gesture, silently telling him to move aside, then turned to Freya. ¡°You should go on ahead. I have a few things I need to settle with him.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s nothing but trouble,¡± Freya warned, her eyes narrowing.


    Lawrence gave a dry chuckle, slipping one hand into his pocket. ¡°Ms. Briggs, isn¡¯t it a tad impolite to badmouth someone right to their face?¡±


    Freya met his smirk with a cool stare. ¡°And isn¡¯t it worse to kick someone when they¡¯re already down?¡±


    Lawrence quirked a brow, genuinely intrigued by Freya, who seemed to speak as though she knew him. ¡°Have we met before?¡±


    ¡°No. We haven¡¯t.¡± She had no intention of engaging with him any further. There was no need to reveal her true identity as K.


    ¡°Then why the hostility?¡± His voice lingered in the air. ¡°Didn¡¯t I just save your life?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t respond. As much as she loathed the idea, he wasn¡¯t wrong.


    ¡°You think you saved her life?¡± Kristian suddenly cut in.


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 Chapter 666

    ?Chapter 666:


    Lawrence kept up his easy smile, though he rolled his eyes at Kristian inwardly.


    ¡°I was wrong. It was he who saved her.¡±


    ¡°You should head back, Freya,¡± Kristian said. A sudden wave of dizziness overtook him, his vision beginning to blur, a sharp ringing rising in his ears. ¡°I¡¯ll reach out once I¡¯m better. He still needs a favor from me¡ªhe won¡¯t just leave me to die.¡± He nudged Lawrence with his elbow.


    Though uncertain of Kristian¡¯s angle, Lawrence still yed along.


    ¡°He¡¯s telling the truth.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really noting with me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got other things to handle.¡± In that moment, Freya caught the distance in Kristian¡¯s gaze.


    She wanted to drag him into the car herself, take him to the hospital, but given everything between them, she knew she couldn¡¯t force it.


    He was adamant, and she couldn¡¯t push further.


    Arguing now would only dy Lawrence from getting him the help he needed.


    So, she gave in. ¡°Call me if anythinges up. And don¡¯t go trusting Lawrence too easily¡ªhe¡¯s quite sly.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Kristian could barely keep himself upright. ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡±


    Freya gave a small nod, followed by a quiet grunt of acknowledgment. She hesitated, lingered for a moment, then finally turned and walked away.


    Though Lawrence specialized in psychiatry, he had strong connections in the medical world. Kristian¡¯s fever was burning dangerously high, but he could still be saved.


    ¡°Your ex-wife¡¯s quite the character,¡± Lawrence remarked, slipping his hand back into his pocket. ¡°She¡¯s got no issue insulting me to my face.¡±


    ¡°Mm,¡± Kristian murmured indifferently, his eyes following Freya until she vanished from view.


    Lawrence let out augh, about to make a snidement. ¡°You really¡ª¡±


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    But before he could finish, Kristian¡¯s body gave out.


    ¡°Kristian!¡± Lawrence caught him just in time.


    He opened his mouth to say something, but stopped when he felt something wet where he held him. The mention of a gunshot from earlier shed in his mind.


    An uneasy feeling surged through him.


    He pulled his hand back and found it stained with blood.


    A quick nce at the deck showed small, scattered drops where Kristian had been standing.


    Lawrence muttered under his breath, teeth clenched, ¡°You really know how to cause me trouble, do you? No wonder you were so desperate to get her out of here.¡±


    He had thought Kristian was just being considerate, sticking to their original deal. But now, he realized¡ªKristian had been bluffing to get Freya to leave.


    Lawrence frowned, took out his phone, and made a call.


    Kristian was soon taken away.


    Meanwhile, on Freya¡¯s side, she refused the people Lawrence had arranged to escort her. She was about to borrow a phone to call Ellis when she saw a familiar car pull up, headlights cutting through the fading light.


    Ellis stepped out, his face tight with worry.


    He walked up to her, his eyes sweeping over her quickly. ¡°Are you hurt?¡±


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 Chapter 667

    ?Chapter 667:


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Freya said.


    ¡°Where¡¯s Kristian?¡± Ellis pressed.


    With a wound like that, time was critical.


    ¡°Lawrence Hayes took him,¡± she exined calmly. ¡°He said he¡¯d find the best doctor to treat him.¡±


    Ellis felt a bit of tension ease from his chest.


    He knew Lawrence. If he said he¡¯d handle it, it meant Kristian was in capable hands.


    ¡°Good.¡± Ellis gave a nod, his posture rxing. ¡°Get in the car.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Once inside, Freya asked if Ellis had been injured. After he assured her he hadn¡¯t, she let out a soft breath of relief.


    The car headed towards Alerith.


    It would take five to six hours to get there by road from Butterfly Ind. With no nearby airport or high-speed rail, the highway was the fastest option.


    Almost as soon as she sat down, an unshakable sense of unease crept in, intensifying as the miles passed.


    Ellis caught the shift in her expression. ¡°Something wrong?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya said, inhaling deeply and forcing herself to refocus.


    ¡°The situation on Butterfly Ind has been handled. Brendan and his men have been captured,¡± Ellis said, thinking she might be worried about that. ¡°The bombs on the ind and on the ship¡ªthose switches were destroyed. They¡¯ll find all of them.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± she said, though her tone remained quiet.


    She didn¡¯t ask how he knew about the bombs.


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    Their organization had state-of-the-art drones capable of micro-terrain scanning. It would¡¯ve taken mere minutes to uncover any hidden explosives.


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Were you scared?¡± Ellis nced at her while keeping his eyes on the road.


    Given her past, fear didn¡¯t seem like something that would touch her easily. But something was clearly off.


    Freya realized she wasn¡¯t acting like herself and shook her head. ¡°Not scared. Just wondering what kind of deal Kristian struck with Lawrence. A guy like that doesn¡¯t offer help without getting something big in return.¡±


    She remembered that the reinforcements Lawrence brought were nearly equal in number to Ellis¡¯s. Without both sides, things wouldn¡¯t have ended so cleanly.


    ¡°We¡¯ll look into it once we¡¯re back,¡± Ellis replied, concerned about her state. ¡°You should try to get some rest. I¡¯ll wake you when we¡¯re close.¡±


    She wanted to refuse, but after two sleepless days, her body was giving in. The tension began to fade, and exhaustion took over.


    ¡°Alright,¡± she murmured, finally closing her eyes.


    Throughout the five to six-hour drive, Ellis focused on the road. At some point during the drive, he received a call from Frederick confirming that Freya was safe and on her way back. The call was brief.


    By the time they reached Alerith, it was past five in the afternoon.


    Freya hadn¡¯t slept long¡ªshe woke around two¡ªbut it helped.


    She and Ellis took the elevator up in silence. Maybe it was the weight of everything they¡¯d been through, or maybe their minds were just too full. Either way, neither spoke.


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 Chapter 668

    ?Chapter 668:


    As the elevator doors slid open, Freya stepped out¡ªonly to be wrapped in a sudden embrace. ¡°Freya!¡±


    ¡°Mina!¡±


    One after another, the rest of the group gathered around her, encircling her in a collective hug that radiated warmth.


    Freya paused, her eyes scanning the familiar faces. ¡°Greta, Riley?¡±


    ¡°Freya! Don¡¯t forget about us!¡± Frederick interjected, clearly miffed that her greeting had stopped short. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried Cade and Moss might start getting jealous?¡±


    All seven members of the group, Seven Little Warriors, had assembled.


    Freya frowned, puzzled. ¡°Why are you all here?¡±


    ¡°When your signal vanished, the Captain told us to return to Alerith and wait,¡± Greta, as graceful as ever and always kind to Freya, exined gently. ¡°He gave his word¡ªhe¡¯d bring you back.¡±


    ¡°You nearly gave us a heart attack!¡± someone chimed in.


    ¡°No kidding.¡±


    ¡°Why did you cut off the signal like that?¡±


    ¡°There were too many hostiles. Butterfly Ind was crawling with enemies,¡± Freya answered calmly. ¡°If you had followed me, I would¡¯ve been too worried.¡±


    She didn¡¯tplete the thought, but the silence that followed said it all.


    ¡°It¡¯s behind us now. The important thing is you¡¯re safe.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    Ellis, standing just behind them, scanned the group. He could tell Freya still had matters weighing on her mind. ¡°Alright, that¡¯s enough for today,¡± he advised. ¡°Freya needs proper rest. You can all catch up tomorrow.¡±


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    ¡°Alright.¡± Greta nodded, setting the tone. ¡°We¡¯lle find you first thing.¡±


    ¡°But no sneaking into the office.¡±


    ¡°Promise you¡¯ll spend time with us.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t forget that!¡±


    Each voice joined the chorus, firm yet affectionate.


    Freya smiled faintly, recognizing their concern. ¡°I promise.¡±


    With that assurance, they finally let her be. Knowing she was safe was enough for now.


    Freya offered to walk them out, but they waved her off.


    After they left, Ellis remained¡ªtall, broad-shouldered, and watching her with quiet intensity. He had a thousand thoughts, but they all condensed into a few simple words. ¡°Go get some rest. It¡¯s all over now.¡±


    Freya gave a small nod. ¡°You should get some sleep too.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Ellis replied, his voice low.


    Freya turned, opened her door, and stepped inside. Just before closing it, she nced back at him onest time¡ªthen shut it gently. Brendan was in custody. Peace, one would think, should follow. And yet, since parting ways with Kristian, unease had taken root in her chest¡ªquiet but relentless, growing by the hour.


    Pinching the bridge of her nose, she sighed, bone-tired, her mind already circling around Kristian and Lawrence.


    As she moved deeper into the apartment, something felt off.


    Had someone been here?


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 Chapter 669

    ?Chapter 669:


    She approached the sofa, where her phone had rested untouched for two days. Unlocking it, she opened an app and activated the lights in every corner of the house with one tap. In an instant, her home shone like midday.


    She didn¡¯t move deeper in. Instead, she sat calmly on the couch and spoke into the open air. ¡°Will youe out on your own, or shall I call security to drag you out?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so harsh.¡± A voice floated out from the bedroom. It was Natasha. ¡°I was only hiding to surprise you.¡±


    Freya froze for a beat.


    Natasha?


    She stared, taken aback. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you ask me to get Ashley back to Alerith safely?¡± Natasha plopped down opposite her. ¡°I dropped her off and figured you might be returning, so I came to wait.¡±


    Freya eyed her with suspicion.


    When Natasha had left with Ashley, Freya and Kristian were still in a precarious situation. How could Natasha have known she would make it back?


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that,¡± Natasha sighed. ¡°When I left with Ashley, I saw someone rounding up Brendan¡¯s men. That¡¯s why I stayed. I had a feeling you¡¯d return.¡±


    Freya¡¯s tone was soft but edged. ¡°And if I hadn¡¯te back?¡± At that final, desperate moment¡ªwithout Kristian¡¯s intervention¡ªshe might not have.


    Natasha didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°No way you wouldn¡¯te back. You¡¯re my invincible mentor, remember?¡±


    Freya said nothing.


    She got up, filled two sses with water, and handed one to Natasha before sitting down with hers.


    ¡°Well¡­ uh¡­¡± Natasha faltered.


    Freya arched a brow. ¡°Spit it out.¡±


    ¡°Have you given any thought to¡­ you know, the baby?¡± Natasha scratched her head, hesitant. Ever since discovering her mentor was a prettydy, she couldn¡¯t help but care more. ¡°You¡¯ve divorced Kristian. If you have the baby, what if he tries to take it from you?¡±


    Freya blinked. ¡°What baby?¡±


    Natasha pointed¡ªcasually, as if it were obvious¡ªat Freya¡¯s belly. ¡°That one.¡±


    Freya was at a loss for words. There was no need to lie. And no use hiding.


    Natasha mistook her silence for contemtion. ¡°So¡­ do you want to¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not pregnant,¡± Freya said tly. With Brendan out of the picture, she no longer needed the ruse.


    ¡°No way!¡± Natasha protested, eyes wide. ¡°Ashley told me herself¡ªand I even checked!¡±


    If that had been false, Brendan wouldn¡¯t have taken the bait.


    ¡°What you found out was exactly what I wanted you to find,¡± Freya replied, a lessonced in every word. ¡°As for Ashley¡ªafter Brendan sent her to kill Kristian, she began working with me.¡±


    Natasha stared at her, utterly stunned.


    Everything she¡¯d believed suddenly turned on its head. ¡°But Brendan always said Ashley was the least likely to betray him¡­¡±


    That was why he flew into such a rage when he discovered her phone system had been fortified by K. He couldn¡¯t stomach her betrayal.


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 Chapter 670

    Chapter 670:


    ¡°He was wrong,¡± Freya said coolly. ¡°Ashley was the most likely. But without the strength to fight back and under constant threat, she stayed put.¡±


    ¡°What happened between them?¡± Natasha asked, curiosity piqued. She didn¡¯t usually poke around in Brendan¡¯s private affairs. Unless assigned, she kept her nose out.


    Freya didn¡¯t borate. ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t make sense. Knowing Brendan, if he realized Ashley turned on him, he wouldn¡¯t have let her walk free.¡± Natasha¡¯s eyes widened with realization.


    ¡°When you asked me to take Ashley away, didn¡¯t that raise a red g?¡±


    ¡°He couldn¡¯t see it,¡± Freya said.


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t answer.


    To Brendan, Freya was still K, operating under Ellis¡¯s orders.


    And in their line of work, duty reigned above all else¡ªobedience, protection, and protocol. Suspicion had no ce when the rules were clear.


    ¡°Thanks for helping with Ashley,¡± Freya added, still mentally wading through thoughts of Kristian and Lawrence. ¡°Given that you didn¡¯t cross any major lines¡ªand even saved someone in the end¡ªI won¡¯t turn you in. But next time you go rogue, don¡¯t expect mercy.¡±


    ¡°How can you be so cruel to me?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m still your apprentice, aren¡¯t I?¡±


    Silence again.


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    ¡°I¡¯m clearly attractive¡ªdon¡¯t I even get a second nce?¡± Natasha kept prattling.


    Anyone who knew her would be stunned to see this side of her.


    Freya stood and walked toward her study. But just before diving into her work, she turned and said, ¡°Beauty, Natasha, can be a dangerous thing.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got something to do. You should head back first,¡± Freya said calmly.


    But Natasha didn¡¯t move. She stayed rooted in ce, clinging to Freya like a shadow.


    Freya didn¡¯t have time for this. She turned her focus to the deal between Lawrence and Kristian. But the deeper she looked, the more she ran into a wall¡ªone she had built herself.


    She had once sold the phone system involved, and with it, she¡¯d locked herself out.


    It was only fair. Buyers wouldn¡¯t want her snooping around, just like no one wants phone developers digging into their private lives. She could¡¯ve broken in with ease. But her principles held her back.


    Lost in thought, she picked up her phone.


    If anyone knew something, it would be Kristian¡¯s assistant¡ªGerard.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs?¡± Gerard sounded surprised to hear from her.


    ¡°It¡¯s me. I want to ask something about Kristian. If it¡¯s a bad time, just say so,¡± Freya said, keeping it brief.


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°In the past few days, has he met with anyone strange or struck any deal outside work?¡±


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    Message from Noah: Hope you have a great weekend dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?


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 Chapter 671

    ?Chapter 671:


    ¡°He has¡­¡± Gerard admitted.


    Freya¡¯s chest tightened. ¡°Who was it? What did they talk about?¡±


    Gerard answered, recalling that day, ¡°I¡¯m not sure who it was. Right after Mr. Shaw spoke with you, he made a call. He asked if their old agreement still stood.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡± Freya asked, feeling a sense of dread.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know. But after that, he asked the person for a favor. He promised to agree to their earlier request if they helped,¡± Gerard replied, still uneasy.


    Freya¡¯s thoughts shed back to Lawrence. His words had been cut off that day¡ª¡±I should thank you; if it weren¡¯t for you¡­¡±


    A thought struck her. ¡°Did Kristian ask that person to save me?¡±


    Gerard froze. ¡°How did you know?¡±


    Only Kristian and Gerard had been there. Colson cameter¡­ wait¡ª


    Awyer and a will.


    Panic stirred in Gerard¡¯s chest. He asked quickly, ¡°Ms. Briggs, is Mr. Shaw in danger?¡±


    ¡°He has a bad fever. After we got off the yacht, Lawrence Haynes took him. But don¡¯t worry¡ªLawrence has the best medical resources. Kristian will be fine.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a relief.¡± Gerard let out a breath.


    Freya hesitated. She wanted Gerard to call Kristian and check on him. But something told her not to interfere.


    Kristian had asked her to leave, after all.


    ¡°By the way, I think Mr. Shaw might be in serious danger,¡± Gerard suddenly said.


    ¡°Do you think so?¡± Freya¡¯s voice sharpened.


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    Gerard spoke honestly. ¡°After that call, he asked awyer toe over to draft a will. He arranged all his assets.¡±


    He didn¡¯t say who the will was for. If he did, Kristian might never forgive him.


    ¡°A will?¡± Freya was stunned.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Gerard confirmed.


    Her heart dropped.


    Kristian wouldn¡¯t write a will for no reason. He must¡¯ve felt something wasing.


    And if he wrote it right after the call, it had to do with Lawrence.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone, including Kristian¡¯s family. Just keep an eye on thepany. I¡¯ll handle the rest,¡± Freya said.


    If Kristian had made a deal with Lawrence just to protect her¡­ It was reckless.


    Freya knew Lawrence well. He never moved unless there was something big in it for him.


    Kristian was such a fool.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Gerard agreed.


    After the call, Freya stood still, trying to settle her emotions.


    Natasha saw her walk in from the balcony, looking worried. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Nothing. I need to go out for a bit. Find something to keep you busy, and don¡¯t wander into people¡¯s homes without permission.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you!¡± Natasha said quickly.


    Freya didn¡¯t respond. She only looked at her.


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 Chapter 672

    ?Chapter 672:


    That was enough. Natasha backed down right away. ¡°Then you have toe find me when you get back. I still want to learn from you.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya said, before going to make arrangements.


    Seeing that Freya was truly busy, Natasha left reluctantly.


    Ashley was free now, so there was no need to worry about her.


    As for her ownpany, Melvin was still there.


    With that thought, Freya called him and gave him a rough rundown. She told him she¡¯d be tied up for a while and asked him to watch over things.


    Melvin¡¯s first words were, ¡°Are you getting married?¡±


    Freya sighed. ¡°No¡­ Just handling something personal. Make thepany decisions as needed. As for Ellis, observe him and assign tasks that suit him.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Melvin replied.


    ¡°Perfect,¡± Freya said. She felt more at ease.


    Just as she was about to hang up, Melvin stopped her. ¡°Ms. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Nothing. Juste back soon. It¡¯s going to get colder. Dress warm when you go out. And if you need anything, tell me. I¡¯ll prepare it.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya said softly, feeling a warmth inside.


    She was truly grateful for Melvin. Whenever trouble came up, he held the fort withoutint.


    After the call, she couldn¡¯t help but notice the time. It was already 8 PM. She thought of grabbing something to eat when a knock came at the door.


    Assuming Natasha had forgotten something, she opened it¡ªonly to find Ellis there, the smell of food drifting in.


    ¡°Captain?¡± she blinked in surprise. She wondered what he was doing there at this time.


    Your next favorite is on g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s£®??o??


    Ellis didn¡¯t step inside. ¡°Come over for dinner,¡± he said.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°No ¡®what.¡¯ I don¡¯t care how busy you are, skipping meals is not an option,¡± Ellis said firmly.


    Before she could say anything, Ellis had already turned to lead the way.


    At the table, with two tes already set, she realized something.


    Even if she had refused, he would¡¯ve brought her here anyway.


    ¡°What are you waiting for? Dig in,¡± Ellis remarked casually, catching sight of Freya standing motionless beside the table.


    For the first time, Freya found the simple act of eating to be an arduous task.


    Her thoughts weighed so heavily on her that each bite felt dyed, her appetite dulled beneath the burden.


    Ellis nced over at the dishes¡ªones he considered rather decent¡ªand asked, ¡°Not quite your taste?¡±


    ¡°They¡¯re fine,¡± Freya answered, her voice quiet.


    Basic etiquette dictated that a guest shouldn¡¯t nitpick their host¡¯s food. Besides, she had never been particrly fussy to begin with.


    ¡°Ethel was only teasing earlier,¡± she said after a slight pause. ¡°You really don¡¯t need to factor me in when you cook next time. Just make whatever you feel like.¡±


    Ellis raised an eyebrow in response. He set his utensils down and turned his gaze toward her.


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 Chapter 673

    ?Chapter 673:


    Freya braced herself and met his eyes, feeling a ripple of difort stir within her under his silent scrutiny¡ªeven though she was no longer under training.


    ¡°Freya,¡± Ellis said her name with an unhurried lilt.


    Freya blinked, puzzled. ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Less overthinking. More eating,¡± he said, half exasperated, half amused.


    Freya stared at him, confused.


    What exactly was he implying?


    She considered asking, but one nce at his expression¡ªapathetic and clearly unwilling to borate¡ªmade her hold her tongue.


    ¡°Captain,¡± Freya began, her mind already calcting theplications that might ariseter. If she had to remain on guard for Ellis¡¯s tricks on top of everything else, she wasn¡¯t sure her brain could handle the load. Ellis looked at her calmly.


    Freya clutched her utensils, unmoving, and asked, ¡°Do you still mean what you said before?¡±


    ¡°What did I say?¡±


    ¡°You promised me something when I came back.¡±


    Ellis paused, clearly caught off guard by the sudden shift. ¡°I stand by it.¡±


    ¡°Can you really let go of the fact that I called you to help me calm down?¡± Freya kept her expression neutral, though her heart thudded faster beneath the surface.


    Ellis arched a brow. ¡°When did I ever throw a fit about that?¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re okay with it?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    A quiet breath of relief escaped Freya.


    Exclusive updates avable at g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m


    With that weight lifted, her shoulders felt lighter, and her pace quickened ever so slightly as she resumed eating.


    Ellis had been about to ask her something, but seeing how heartily she ate now, he reconsidered.


    After the meal, Freya offered to do the dishes, but Ellis stepped in and took over. He hadn¡¯t invited her just to make her work.


    ¡°Did you find out anything about Kristian and Lawrence?¡± Ellis asked after clearing up, handing her a ss of water as he sat down beside her on the sofa.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Freya replied, her tone suddenly more serious. ¡°I n to go and speak with Lawrence myself.¡±


    A flicker of shadow passed through Ellis¡¯s gaze.


    Freya, still in work mode, decided she should let him know ahead of time. ¡°I¡¯ve asked Melvin to handle your assignments. You can reach out to him for anything¡ªhe actually knows more about Anita International than I do.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ellis agreed after a thoughtful pause.


    There were still matters he needed to settle here. And though Lawrence could be slippery, he wasn¡¯t a malicious man. Freya would manage.


    They sat together a while longer before Freya stood to leave. But instead of diving headfirst into locating Lawrence, she sent him an email requesting a meeting.


    Once it was sent, she decided to freshen up.


    As for Lawrence, he had been waiting outside the operating room ever since sending Kristian in for emergency treatment.


    Hours had trickled by without any definitive word, and he was growing more and more agitated¡ªhe even began contemting the possibility of transferring Kristian back to Freya.


    ¡°Mr. Hayes, why the long face?¡± his assistant asked.


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 Chapter 674

    ?Chapter 674:


    ¡°That¡¯s the president of Shaw Group in there,¡± Lawrence replied airily, though the concern in his voice betrayed him. ¡°If he dies on my watch, both his family and Freya Briggs will rip me apart.¡±


    More than anything, securing a deal with Kristian had taken tremendous effort. Lawrence had done his part, but now the man teetered on the edge of death.


    Lawrence felt like he¡¯d been dealt a raw hand.


    Soon, a doctor emerged from behind the doors, a thin sheen of sweat on his brow.


    ¡°How is he?¡± Lawrence asked immediately.


    ¡°His condition is critical,¡± the doctor said inly. ¡°His body temperature won¡¯t stabilize, and he¡¯s lost a significant amount of blood. The bullet is lodged dangerously close to his heart. Extraction would be extremely risky.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯re saying there¡¯s no hope?¡± Lawrence asked bluntly.


    ¡°Not necessarily,¡± the doctor hesitated. ¡°If you can get in touch with Dr. Jacob Prescott, then there might be a way.¡±


    ¡°Jacob Prescott?¡± Lawrence stilled.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    A deep frown settled on Lawrence¡¯s face. He suddenly had the sinking feeling that he had made a truly poor trade.


    Everyone knew Jacob had a vtile temperament.


    Lawrence was the type to lend a hand if the returns were worthwhile. But Jacob? He acted solely on whims. His ability to snatch lives from death¡¯s grip was beyond dispute, but whether he chose to act was another matter entirely.


    The real problem? Lawrence and Jacob didn¡¯t exactly get along.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t reach Dr. Prescott within twelve hours, even a miracle won¡¯t save Kristian Shaw,¡± the doctor warned.


    ¡°Understood.¡± Lawrence felt the sting of regret all over again. ¡°Just keep him stable¡ªI¡¯ll handle the contact.¡±


    Finish reading at ?????????¦Í????????????


    With that, he stepped out, phone in hand, pacing the corridor several times before making the call.


    It rang twice, then was abruptly declined.


    He called again. Hung up on again.


    He kept calling. On the twelfth attempt, the line finally connected, and a cold voice snapped, ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°I need you to save someone,¡± Lawrence said tly, though his tone softened. ¡°Name your price.¡±


    ¡°Not interested.¡± The call cut off like a p.


    Lawrence exhaled slowly, gazing down at the number for a few moments before calling yet again.


    Had he been cursed to owe Kristian some karmic debt? This deal had been more costly than he¡¯d imagined.


    No matter how many times he tried, Jacob refused to pick up. At some point, Lawrence started to wonder why the man hadn¡¯t simply blocked his number already.


    After more than a dozen ignored calls, Lawrence started firing off messages¡ªbut none received a reply. Half an hourter, he was close to despair.


    Without Jacob, Kristian was as good as gone.


    Just then, a new email notification lit up on his phone.


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 Chapter 675

    ?Chapter 675:


    Lawrence frowned, ready to dismiss it as junk¡ªuntil he spotted the sender: K.


    All the tension in his face melted away, reced with relief. How could he have forgotten?


    Jacob and K shared a bond unlike any other. Lawrence didn¡¯t need to convince Jacob¡ªhe only had to persuade K. And Jacob would always listen to K.


    With that realization, Lawrence¡¯s frustration finally began to ebb. Using the link in the email, he dialed the number. It was the only way to reach K¡ªa virtual line, their sole channel of contact.


    Freya had just shut down herptop and was about to freshen up when her phone buzzed to life.


    She nced at the screen¡ªLawrence. With a sigh, she answered, ¡°Hello.¡±


    Her voice caught Lawrence off guard for a beat.


    To him, the voice sounded somewhat familiar.


    ¡°K?¡± he asked, as he always did.


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Freya replied tly.


    ¡°I got the email you sent.¡± Lawrence didn¡¯t bother with pleasantries. He cut straight to the chase. ¡°Meeting¡¯s fine. You pick the time and ce. But I need a favor first¡ªhope it¡¯s not too much trouble.¡±


    From what Lawrence knew of K, she was never the type to sugarcoat things.


    She didn¡¯t y games, didn¡¯t lure anyone into traps, which was why he didn¡¯t hold back.


    In the past, Freya would¡¯ve agreed without a second thought. But knowing Kristian had a deal with Lawrence, she simply said, ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s a guy here¡ªhe¡¯s got a bullet lodged near his heart and a raging fever. Doctors are hesitant to operate,¡± Lawrence said briskly. ¡°Can you reach out to Dr. Jacob Prescott and ask for his help? Of course, you can name your price.¡±


    Freya froze. A gunshot? A fever?


    F0r more, visit g??l??ovels.??o??


    At once, Kristian¡¯s face shed through her mind.


    Her thoughts flew back¡ªleaping off the cliff, their rushed parting, Brendan¡¯s gun raised and firing.


    She¡¯d been boarding the yacht, and when the shot rang out, Kristian had seemed to stumble toward her. She hadn¡¯t thought much of it then¡ªjust assumed the yacht had rocked beneath them.


    Looking back now, that must have been him reacting to the bullet Brendan fired.


    The memory looped relentlessly in her mind.


    When she¡¯d asked if he was alright, he had casually steered the conversation away¡ªand borrowed a coat from Lawrence.


    Kristian, of all people, borrowing a coat? He was too particr for that. Unless¡ªhe¡¯d wanted to hide something.


    And suddenly, all those overlooked moments surged back with rity. Freya felt a sharp pang twist in her chest. No wonder she¡¯d thought he looked paler on the yacht than he had on the cliff. She¡¯d brushed it off as a trick of lighting against Lawrence¡¯s ck coat.


    Lawrence waited a beat, heard only silence, and tried again, ¡°K? You still there?¡±


    ¡°You owe me,¡± Freya said evenly. ¡°When I ask for something, you¡¯ll have to agree. No questions.¡±


    Lawrence hesitated. What was this now? Was K ying games too?


    Freya didn¡¯t push. She wanted Kristian safe more than Lawrence did¡ªbut she needed that guarantee first. Without it, even if Kristian recovered, Lawrence might still drag him into trouble.


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 Chapter 676

    ?Chapter 676:


    ¡°Alright,¡± Lawrence said after a pause. ¡°As long as you get Jacob to treat him, I¡¯ll agree to anything.¡± He believed K wouldn¡¯t trick him.


    ¡°Address?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve emailed it to you. You¡¯ve got twelve hours to get there, or it¡¯s toote.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Freya ended the call.


    Once she saw that the address was in Alerith, she grabbed her keys and headed out, calling Jacob as she drove.


    When he saw her name, Jacob picked up with azy, half-asleep drawl, ¡°Mina.¡±


    ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°Alerith.¡±


    ¡°Help me save someone.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    That was all.


    After hanging up, Freya sent him the address and sped off to pick him up.


    She kept the windows down during the drive.


    The biting wind snapped at her skin, keeping her focused, reminding her how easilyposure could slip in a crisis.


    Normally, if Kristian had a fever, she¡¯d have known something was wrong¡ªespecially if he¡¯d been shot. But this time, she¡¯d missed itpletely.


    No wonder he¡¯d kept pushing her to leave, insisting he had things to do. Freya couldn¡¯t quite untangle her feelings¡ªguilt, remorse, worry¡ªall tangled in her chest.


    She understood why he¡¯d done it, why he¡¯d hidden it from her. But to her, none of it had been worth his life.


    She¡¯d already forgiven him.


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    With that storm of emotions tightening in her chest, she pressed harder on the gas, picked Jacob up, and drove toward the location Lawrence had given.


    Jacob was striking in his own way¡ªor more precisely, he was a lethargic-looking heartthrob.


    With messy hair and a sideways nce, he asked, ¡°Who got hurt?¡±


    ¡°Kristian Shaw.¡± Freya didn¡¯t bother hiding it.


    Jacob blinked, momentarily thrown off.


    Kristian Shaw?


    He searched his memory until the name clicked. ¡°Your ex-husband?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Standard fee¡ªhe pays.¡±


    ¡°Lawrence Haynes pays,¡± Freya replied smoothly.


    Jacob, remembering the deluge of calls earlier, connected the dots and nodded. ¡°Fine.¡±


    He grabbed a piece of paper and a pen from the sidepartment and, after asking for a few details, jotted everything down. Besides the favor Lawrence owed Freya, Jacob demanded a billion dors.


    They pulled up outside Lawrence¡¯s private hospital.


    Jacob, holding the paper loosely between his fingers, handed it over. ¡°Take a look. See if anything¡¯s missing.¡±


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 Chapter 677

    ?Chapter 677:


    ¡°A billion dors?¡± Freya raised a brow. ¡°Did you forget Lawrence is notoriously stingy?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯ll pay,¡± Jacob said with a yawn, his tone indifferent. ¡°We¡¯ve been rivals for years, and he¡¯s never called me once. This time, he called nonstop.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got nothing else to add.¡± Freya handed it back. ¡°Have him sign it first. I¡¯ll get out of the car once he does.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t show her face until Lawrence agreed.


    If he saw her, he¡¯d dump Kristian on her without a second thought. If Kristian died, she¡¯d bear the me. If he lived, Lawrence could still wring out the original deal.


    Jacob gave azy nod, taking the paper and pen as he stepped out. He was dressed in a loose-knit sweater, looking every bit as unbothered as ever.


    Lawrence had been pacing in the corridor since the call, unsure when K or Jacob would appear.


    He waited. And waited.


    Then finally, footsteps echoed.


    As he turned to see who it was, a papernded before him, and a voice followed¡ªdry and devoid of emotion, ¡°Sign, and I save him. Refuse, and I walk away. You¡¯ve got one minute.¡±


    Lawrence frowned in confusion.


    He took the paper and saw Jacob standing in front of him, still looking infuriatingly casual.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got fifty seconds,¡± Jacob reminded him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll sign,¡± Lawrence said, grabbing the pen¡ªthen froze at the figure on the page.


    He pointed at it, stunned. ¡°A billion?¡±


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    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s daylight robbery!¡± Lawrence gaped, incredulous at how bold the man was.


    When Jacob finally addressed Lawrence, his voice carried a biting chill. ¡°You can refuse. No one¡¯s twisting your arm.¡±


    Lawrence clenched his jaw, a wave of frustration crashing over him, but he kept it under control.


    He had half a mind to hurl the paper and pen right at Jacob¡¯s smug face and shout, ¡°I refuse.¡±


    But deep down, he knew that giving in to that impulse would spell disaster for Kristian, and everything he¡¯d done to lock his deal with him would unravel in seconds.


    He couldn¡¯t let that happen.


    ¡°Can we bring it down a bit?¡± Lawrence asked, trying to sound more agreeable than he felt. ¡°Say¡­ half a billion?¡±


    Without hesitation, Jacob yanked the paper from his grasp and strolledzily toward the door, his posture dripping with dismissal.


    ¡°I¡¯ll sign,¡± Lawrence muttered atst, feeling utterly backed into a corner.


    ¡°Ten seconds left,¡± Jacob said, handing the paper back to him, his tone clipped and disinterested, eyes barely awake. ¡°Or it¡¯s off the table.¡±


    Lawrence choked down his irritation.


    Someday, he swore to himself, he¡¯d make sure this smug bastard paid for everyst thing he¡¯d taken.


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 Chapter 678

    ?Chapter 678:


    With resentment simmering under the surface, Lawrence gripped the paper tightly, his gaze fixed on it for what felt like an eternity. ¡°Can¡¯t we shave off a little more?¡± he asked again, though the hope in his voice was fading.


    ¡°Three seconds,¡± Jacob replied coolly.


    Lawrence had no words. He hadn¡¯t felt this tangled up in conflicting emotions in a long time.


    With heavy reluctance, he signed his name, his mind already set on reiming every cent from Kristian.


    He handed the paper over and said, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ll stick to my end of the deal.¡±


    Jacob gave the page a quick nce and replied with a cutting, ¡°I don¡¯t trust you.¡±


    Lawrence was left speechless once more.


    Damn it. They really couldn¡¯t see eye to eye.


    ¡°The person you need to save is inside,¡± Lawrence said, regaining his focus. ¡°The situation¡¯s urgent. Follow me.¡±


    ¡°Hold on,¡± Jacob replied, his tone utterly unbothered. Lawrence frowned.


    Now what?


    Without offering an exnation, Jacob waved the document toward the exit.


    Lawrence followed his line of sight, curious to see who could possibly warrant that kind of attention, and spotted Freya stepping out from the driver¡¯s seat, her expression unreadable.


    ¡°Freya?¡± Lawrence turned to Jacob, eyebrows raised. ¡°Why¡¯d you bring her?¡±


    Jacob didn¡¯t so much as blink, his silenceden with indifference.


    Freya gave the paper in his hand a quick nce, then looked at Lawrence¡¯s now-controlled expression. ¡°He signed it?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Jacob replied, passing her the document. ¡°Keep it safe.¡±


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    Freya epted it, gave it a cursory inspection, then tucked it away. The whole exchange left Lawrence scratching his head. He looked back at Jacob and asked, ¡°Are you two a thing now?¡±


    Jacob didn¡¯t answer.


    He simply walked inside, cutting to the point. ¡°Where is the patient?¡±


    ¡°Are you and Freya in love?¡± Lawrence asked again.


    Jacob¡¯s tone remained detached, his demeanor businesslike. ¡°Am I treating the person or not?¡±


    That shut Lawrence up.


    He swallowed hard, ncing between Jacob and Freya before finally saying, ¡°This way.¡±


    Jacob disinfected his hands and changed into surgical gear.


    Lawrence led him into the operating room.


    The door slid shut behind them, sealing them offpletely.


    Freya tucked the contract away and sat quietly in the corridor, waiting. She didn¡¯t bother asking Lawrence how Kristian was doing. If things weren¡¯t dire, he wouldn¡¯t have forked over that kind of money just to bring Jacob here.


    Only someone on the brink would warrant Jacob¡¯s involvement.


    While she waited, Lawrence came over and sat beside her.


    Neither of them said a word.


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 Chapter 679

    ?Chapter 679:


    After a long silence, he finally turned and asked, ¡°What¡¯s your rtionship with Jacob?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re friends,¡± Freya answered calmly.


    ¡°Is he your boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then why¡¯d he bring you here?¡± Lawrence¡¯s chest tightened, though he kept his face neutral, as if they were chatting about the weather. At this hour, a man and woman alone¡ªwho would buy the ¡®just friends¡¯ story?


    Especially when that man was Jacob, known for keeping everyone at arm¡¯s length. If she weren¡¯t important to him, there¡¯s no way they¡¯d be together thiste.


    That could only mean that when K reached out to Jacob, he had already been with Freya.


    Freya looked puzzled by the sudden interrogation.


    Lawrence, however, misread her silence. A faint smile curved his lips, and he kept his tone gentle. ¡°Ms. Briggs, you sure move on fast. Barely two months since the divorce, and you¡¯ve already found someone you fancy?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean, someone I fancy?¡± Freya asked, her mind still anchored to the operating room.


    Lawrence didn¡¯t push further, though something flickered in his eyes. If it weren¡¯t for the voice of reason¡ªand a few painful lessons¡ªhe might¡¯ve said something he¡¯d regret.


    Time dragged on.


    An hour passed. Then two. Still, the operating room door stayed shut. Freya started to worry that Kristian¡¯s condition was worse than she¡¯d thought.


    Again, neither of them spoke. Each lost in their own thoughts.


    At four in the morning, the door finally opened, and Jacob stepped out. Freya sprang to her feet, while Lawrence merely cast a nce in his direction.


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    ¡°How is he?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°Not good. The bullet¡¯s out, and the bleeding¡¯s stopped,¡± Jacob answered inly. ¡°But his central nervous system took a serious hit. Whether he wakes up in the next forty-eight hours will tell us a lot.¡±


    ¡°How could it get this bad?¡± Freya¡¯s heart sank.


    ¡°He probably had a previous high fever before this one,¡± Jacob exined without softening the blow. ¡°The first fever never fully subsided. Add that to severe blood loss and a gunshot wound¡ªit¡¯s a miracle he¡¯s alive at all.¡±


    If that bullet hadnded even slightly off, Kristian might¡¯ve died on the spot.


    Freya stood frozen.


    Jacob went on, ¡°Even if he wakes up, he could have trouble speaking, sensory damage, or partial paralysis. His nervous system took a hit.¡± The words felt like lead in Freya¡¯s chest.


    She didn¡¯t know what she¡¯d do if those possibilities became reality.


    ¡°We¡¯ll monitor him for now,¡± Jacob said calmly. ¡°Maybe he¡¯ll get lucky.¡±


    Kristian was moved to the ICU.


    To give him the best shot at recovery, Jacob advised against any visits.


    Freya stood outside his room, staring through the observation window at the machines surrounding him, her chest tight with unspoken emotion.


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 Chapter 680

    ?Chapter 680:


    He had taken that bullet for her, hadn¡¯t he?


    The more she thought about it, the heavier her limbs felt, her legs weighted down as if they no longer belonged to her.


    ¡°It¡¯s better if you don¡¯t look,¡± Jacob said, now in clean clothes. ¡°The hospital staff will keep an eye on him. You need to rest. If anything goes wrong, you¡¯ll be the one who has to notify his family.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the likelihood of him pulling through without anyplications?¡± Freya asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    Jacob didn¡¯t sugarcoat the truth. ¡°Less than one in a thousand.¡±


    That single remark sent Freya spiraling into despair.


    Less than one in a thousand¡­ It meant Kristian might never wake again¡ªor worse, survive with irreversible damage to his central nervous system.


    The very thought was a bitter pill to swallow, even for her¡ªlet alone for his family.


    They might lecture him often, but deep down, she knew they all held a genuine affection for him.


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to be so anxious. Lawrence is one of the best in the field,¡± Jacob added, his tone more conversational than usual when speaking to her. ¡°With his prior research, there¡¯s a chance Kristian might actually make it.¡±


    Freya said nothing. Lawrence had certainly made notable strides in both psychiatry and neurology.


    But Kristian¡¯s condition¡­ she couldn¡¯t help but worry.


    Lawrence, who had been standing a short distance away, listened in silence. After letting out a heavy breath, he stepped forward. ¡°Thanks for your help today. You two can head back now. I¡¯ll take it from here.¡±


    ¡°Are you confident you can save him?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°No.¡± His response was curt, almost cryptic. ¡°But at the moment, you don¡¯t really have any other option but to leave him in my hands.¡±


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    Freya remained silent.


    He wasn¡¯t wrong.


    Now was the time for Lawrence to prove his worth¡ªand frankly, no one else came close.


    Noticing the apprehension clouding her expression, Jacob spoke up on her behalf. ¡°Be honest, Lawrence. How confident are you?¡±


    Lawrence didn¡¯t want to reply.


    ¡°If you tell the truth, the one billion we discussed could be halved,¡± Jacob remarked coldly, as though addressing a stranger.


    Lawrence wanted to snap back, but given the amount was still significant, he answered, ¡°Fifty percent. Though I can¡¯t say how long the treatment will take.¡±


    ¡°Truly fifty percent?¡± Freya asked, seeking reassurance.


    Lawrence gave a firm nod. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°As long as you can cure him, name your price,¡± Freya said earnestly, hoping more than anything that Kristian would recover. ¡°Let me know if you need anything.¡±


    ¡°One billion dors,¡± Lawrence said with a nce at Jacob, a touch of sarcasm in his voice.


    Freya agreed without a second thought. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Lawrence was taken aback.


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 Chapter 681

    ?Chapter 681:


    He chose to hold his tongue, suddenly feeling like he¡¯d been pegged as someone obsessed with money.


    ¡°Kristian still owes me a deal,¡± Lawrence said, refusing her offer. He didn¡¯t want Kristianughing at him when he eventually regained consciousness. ¡°So for that reason, I¡¯ll see to it he recovers. Just leave it to me.¡±


    ¡°But,¡± Freya hesitated before continuing, ¡°I can¡¯t make that call.¡± Something so significant couldn¡¯t be handled without Kristian¡¯s family¡¯s knowledge.


    If the treatment only took a few days or even a couple of months, that would be one thing¡ªbut if it stretched on for half a year or longer, they had to be told.


    ¡°If he makes it through the next forty-eight hours, I¡¯ll speak with his family,¡± Freya dered, ¡°and ask for their opinion.¡±


    Lawrence didn¡¯t respond.


    He pulled out a family consent form and handed it to her. ¡°Once you¡¯ve spoken with them, have someone sign this.¡±


    ¡°All right,¡± Freya said, taking it from him.


    For the next two days, Freya remained at the hospital.


    As the forty-eight-hour mark drew near, her nerves frayed; her palms were slick with cold sweat.


    The waiting was brutal¡ªeach minute dragging out like an eternity.


    When Lawrence came to brief her, he saw the dread written all over her face. ¡°If you¡¯re this concerned, then why¡¯d you divorce him back then?¡±


    His voice snapped her out of her thoughts.


    Freya turned to him. ¡°How is he?¡±


    ¡°The critical window has passed. The good news is, he won¡¯t be a vegetable,¡± Lawrence said, his tone far more serious than before. ¡°The bad news is, damage to the central nervous system might bring about a number ofplications¡ªincluding, but not limited to, what Jacob mentioned earlier.¡±


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    Freya felt as if a hammer had struck her chest; her heart clenched with unease. ¡°When will he wake up?¡±


    ¡°In a day or two,¡± Lawrence answered. ¡°In the meantime, get that family consent form signed. Once he¡¯s conscious, I¡¯ll transfer him to my own facility. The equipment there is better suited for his treatment.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Freya nodded.


    Seeing her still standing there, Lawrence raised an eyebrow. ¡°If you don¡¯t leave soon, it could dy the best timing for his care.¡±


    ¡°I want to see him,¡± Freya said quietly.


    Lawrence granted her permission.


    Freya stepped into the hospital room.


    Kristiany still, his eyes closed, his face pale and drained of its usual stoic pride. That spark of vitality he always carried¡ªgone. Now, he just looked¡­ lifeless.


    The sight of him like this made her chest tighten.


    She lingered by his bedside for a while, then quietly turned and exited the room.


    After collecting Kristian¡¯s medical files from Lawrence, she booked a flight to Jeucwell.


    Things had gotten far moreplicated than she¡¯d imagined.


    Originally, she thought they¡¯d part ways peacefully after the divorce.


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 Chapter 682

    ?Chapter 682:


    If not for Brendan¡ªif she hadn¡¯t proposed working with Kristian¡ªwould all of this have even happened?


    The more she dwelled on it, the more her thoughts unraveled. Her usualposure splintered.


    In that fog of turmoil, she boarded the ne to Jeucwell.


    Staring out at the vast blue sky and drifting clouds, memories of her and Kristian washed over her. She remembered the tenderness and patience that defined the early days of their marriage¡ªthe respect, the quiet understanding. Then came the doubts, the cracks in trust, the harsh words¡ªand now, his sacrifice to protect her. It all reyed in her mind like a vivid reel of yesterday.


    Only now did she truly grasp that, in the grand scheme of things, nothing mattered more than life and death.


    At three in the afternoon, the nended.


    Freya exited the airport, intending to go straight to the Shaw estate. But the thought of Lionel¡¯s age and Melinda¡¯s gentle nature made her pause.


    Breaking the news bluntly might be too much for them to bear.


    With that in mind, she hailed a taxi away from the airport first. Once inside the cab, she messaged Isaac¡ªworried that if she called, Melinda might overhear.


    Freya wrote, ¡°Are you free now?¡±


    Isaac replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Freya continued, ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯d like to speak to you about privately.¡±


    Isaac hesitated, casting a nce at Melinda, who sat watching TV beside Lionel.


    ¡°Why are you looking at us like that?¡± Lionel barked impatiently. ¡°Can¡¯t you find something better to do than gawking at your wife all day?¡±


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    Isaac sighed.


    Maybe it was time for Kristian to return¡ªso he could stop getting scolded all the time, even as a grown man with a child.


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°Well, since you know I¡¯m right, go out and make more money,¡± Lionel snapped, not missing a beat. ¡°You just sit around reading the paper all day, doing absolutely nothing!¡±


    Isaac was utterly speechless.


    His mind kept looping back to how Kristian always reacted whenever he was reprimanded.


    Every time, without fail, Kristian would change the subject, sidestep the confrontation with the subtlety of a seasoned diplomat.


    Then, wordlessly, Isaac set the newspaper on the side table, rose from his seat, and said, ¡°Let me get you some fruit.¡±


    ¡°Get out of here,¡± Lionel said dismissively.


    Without protest, Isaac turned and walked off, phone in hand.


    He stepped into the backyard and dialed Freya¡¯s number. His voice, as ever, was calm andposed,ced with quiet authority. ¡°Hello, Freya.¡±


    ¡°Hello, Isaac.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m alone right now. Melinda¡¯s not with me.¡±


    Isaac had always treated Freya with kindness.


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 Chapter 683

    ?Chapter 683:


    She had so much bottled inside her, aching to be spoken aloud, but at that moment, the words simply wouldn¡¯te.


    Isaac and Melinda were genuinely kind people. If she were to bring them such grim news, wouldn¡¯t that be too cruel?


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Isaac¡¯s voice filtered through again, steady and gentle. ¡°Could I meet with you?¡±


    Her voice trembled with hesitation. ¡°This isn¡¯t something I can exin over the phone.¡±


    Isaac was a perceptive man. The tone of her voice, the phrasing¡ªhe pieced it together quickly. ¡°Did something happen to Kristian?¡±


    At those words, a knot rose in Freya¡¯s throat.


    She couldn¡¯t even understand why that one sentence hit her so hard.


    Struggling to keep herposure, she managed a faint, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Where are you?¡±


    ¡°In Jeucwell.¡±


    ¡°Send me the address. I¡¯lle over.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Once the call ended, Freya sent him the address.


    Isaac lingered in the backyard for a moment, then turned and went back inside. In the kitchen, he sliced up a te of fruit with methodical precision and carried it out with his usual quiet grace.


    Lionel remained unimpressed, grumbling, ¡°Get out of here. Don¡¯t get in our way.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got something to take care of. I¡¯m heading out,¡± Isaac said, picking up a piece of fruit and offering it to Melinda. ¡°Coming with me? Or would you rather stay and watch TV with Dad?¡±


    ¡°Just go ahead,¡± Melinda replied, unbothered as always by his ns. Isaac paid Lionel no mind. As was his habit, he gave Melinda a light kiss on the cheek and headed out.


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    She epted it withoutment, her eyes glued to the television drama.


    Lionel shot Isaac a disdainful nce, then turned his attention back to the screen.


    Neither of them noticed anything out of the ordinary.


    Isaac walked to the garage, got into his car, and drove himself to the address Freya had sent.


    They had arranged to meet at a quiet caf¨¦.


    Freya arrived first. She stared at the item in her hand, heart pounding.


    Though her face remainedposed, her insides were in knots.


    After twenty minutes, Isaac arrived.


    He entered wearing a sleek ck overcoat, his short hair and tall frame exudingposed authority.


    The moment he stepped in, his eyesnded on Freya, seated quietly in a corner. She looked the same as ever, only a little more worn around the edges.


    Seeing her like that, Isaac had a sinking feeling that things were worse than he¡¯d feared.


    When Freya looked up, she saw Isaac walking toward her.


    She rose, meaning to greet him, but the words caught in her throat.


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 Chapter 684

    ?Chapter 684:


    ¡°Sit,¡± Isaac said, already easing into the seat across from her.


    Freya pressed her lips together, and as she sat down, finally managed to greet him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so nervous.¡± Isaac¡¯s voice was soft, reassuring. ¡°What happened to Kristian?¡±


    Freya opened her mouth to exin but instead handed over the medical file she¡¯d received from Lawrence. ¡°Please look at this first. Kristian just had surgery and hasn¡¯t woken up yet. His condition¡­ isn¡¯t good.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s heart gave a subtle jolt, but his hand remained steady as he took the file.


    Hisposure was unshaken throughout.


    ¡°So, when he wakes up, there¡¯s a chance he might be paralyzed or¡­ be even more impaired?¡± Isaac¡¯s gaze flickered as he read, but he recovered swiftly, his voice almost teasing.


    Freya didn¡¯t soften the truth. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Isaac kept flipping through the file.


    With every page, the weight in his chest grew heavier.


    But outwardly, he was all business¡ªmethodical, detached, like he was reviewing a stack of reports.


    When he reached the final page, Freya spoke up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°Kristian ended up like this because he took a bullet for me.¡± She didn¡¯t sugarcoat it. ¡°He was hurt protecting me. I feel responsible.¡±


    Isaac paused, and for a moment, a flicker of real emotion passed through him. ¡°A bullet?¡±


    Freya recounted everything¡ªBrendan¡¯s trap, how Kristian had shielded her and taken the shot,ying out all the crucial facts.


    Lawrence had shown her the wound. Given its location and timing¡ªif Kristian hadn¡¯t stepped in, there was a ny percent chance she would have been hit.


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    Looking back now, it was clear: Brendan had aimed for her.


    He wanted Kristian to suffer just as he had.


    Isaac listened in silence. When Freya finished, he gave her a small, reassuring smile, just like always. ¡°Don¡¯t take all the me. He made his choice¡ªto protect someone he cares about. That¡¯s something to be proud of.¡±


    Her guilt was etched all over her.


    ¡°You need my signature, right?¡± Isaac had already spotted the consent form she was holding.


    Caught slightly off guard, Freya handed it over. ¡°Yes.¡±


    Isaac opened it, gave it a quick once-over, borrowed a pen from the caf¨¦ owner, and signed with practiced ease.


    He handed the form back without the slightest change in tone. ¡°Focus on his recovery. I¡¯ll hide it from Melinda and my dad.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Freya felt the guilt settle even deeper.


    ¡°Freya.¡± Isaac spoke her name gently.


    She looked up, her eyes shadowed with guilt and a storm of unspoken thoughts.


    His smile was calm and kind. ¡°Don¡¯t carry this alone. It¡¯s not your burden to bear. If you¡¯re alright, he¡¯ll be alright too.¡±


    She had so much to say, but the words wouldn¡¯te.


    ¡°You should head back,¡± Isaac said, cing the consent form in her hand. ¡°Don¡¯t waste any more time.¡±


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 Chapter 685

    ?Chapter 685:


    Freya nodded.


    She left the caf¨¦ with him.


    As Isaac was about to get into his car, Freya finally gathered the nerve to say what had been weighing on her. Her voice wavered with regret. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to apologize for.¡± Isaac looked every bit thepassionate elder. ¡°Your happiness has always been Kristian¡¯s priority. I should be the one thanking you¡ªfor helping me keep this from Melinda and my dad.¡±


    Melinda and Lionel were fiercely protective of Kristian. If they found out what had happened, who knew how they¡¯d react.


    ¡°Oh, and don¡¯t tell Liam about this either,¡± Isaac added before stepping into his car.


    Given Liam¡¯s nature, there was always the chance he¡¯d slip up and blurt everything out without meaning to.


    As long as there was still a flicker of hope for Kristian¡¯s recovery, Isaac knew he had to keep this under wraps¡ªfor now, his family couldn¡¯t be allowed to find out.


    Freya agreed, her voice quiet but steady. ¡°Alright.¡±


    She slipped into the car and set off toward the airport.


    Whatever became of Kristian from here on out would hinge entirely on luck¡ªand Lawrence¡¯s skill.


    Freya¡¯s chest ached with worry, and Isaac was just as torn up. After watching her leave, he slumped back in his seat, fingers kneading his temples, weighed down by a storm of unease.


    The news of his son¡¯s ident had hit him like a gut punch.


    Aside from his messy rtionships, Kristian had never once caused trouble growing up. He was the kind of son other parents could only dream of.


    But now, with damage to his central nervous system that severe, there was no telling what might follow.


    Isaac was truly afraid.


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    If his mind suffered, at least they could care for him at home. But if he lost the ability to walk, speak, or even see or hear¡ªIsaac feared Kristian himself wouldn¡¯t be able to take it.


    Kristian had always carried himself with pride. Isaac was terrified this would crush himpletely.


    As for Freya¡ªIsaac had never, not once, med her.


    After all, she was the very person his son had risked everything to protect. He couldn¡¯t find it in himself to hold her responsible.


    All he wanted was for Freya to be able to live with herself. Kristian had made his own decisions; none of this was her doing. He couldn¡¯t bear to see her drown in guilt for the rest of her life.


    With that thought, he unlocked his phone and typed out a message. ¡°Don¡¯t carry this burden¡ªyou¡¯ve already done more than enough.¡±


    After sending it, he quietly deleted part of their message history.


    Melinda wasn¡¯t one to snoop, but still¡ªif she ever stumbled across those chats and started asking questions, he didn¡¯t know if he could lie his way out of it.


    Once everything was taken care of, he turned the car toward home.


    When he got there, he lingered for a moment, collecting himself before stepping out. By the time he crossed the threshold, he was once again the man everyone knewposed, impossibly polished, and strikingly self-assured.


    When he came inside, Lionel and Melinda were no longer in front of the television.


    They were chatting quietly.


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 Chapter 686

    ?Chapter 686:


    ¡°All done?¡± Melinda asked, her voice gentle as she looked up at him. Isaac draped a shawl over her shoulders, worried she might be cold.


    ¡°Yes. What was it about?¡±


    ¡°Kristian.¡±


    At that, Melinda¡¯s gaze sharpened slightly. Even though she¡¯d just celebrated Kristian¡¯s birthday with him days ago, she couldn¡¯t help but worry.


    Even Lionel looked over.


    Isaac strolled over and poured himself a cup of coffee, his manner casual. ¡°Since Kristian went to Alerith, he hasn¡¯t been handling any of the head office¡¯s business. The secretary¡¯s office just asked me to fill in for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Then you should help him more,¡± Melinda replied, as if it were the most obvious thing in the world. ¡°Kristian¡¯s been working himself half to death. He¡¯s earned a break.¡±


    ¡°So you care about your son, but not your husband?¡± Isaac raised an eyebrow, amused.


    Before Melinda could respond, Lionel cut in, ¡°What¡¯s wrong with her caring about Kristian? If it weren¡¯t for him, do you honestly think you¡¯d have won Melinda¡¯s heart back in the day?¡±


    Isaac stayed unbothered.


    ¡°Kristian asking you to help run thepany just proves he trusts your abilities,¡± Lionel went on, praising his grandson while taking a jab at his son. ¡°At your age, you should be grateful he still wants you involved.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you used toin about him constantly?¡± Isaac¡¯s voice remained calm, his expression unchanged.


    ¡°That depends on who you¡¯reparing him to. Next to Freya, of course, he falls short,¡± Lionel snorted, entirely serious. ¡°Butpared to you, he¡¯s miles better.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s gaze flicked upward.


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    Just as expected. If only Kristian had been here.


    After brushing the conversation aside, Isaac began fretting about how he¡¯d exin everything to the rest of the family at Christmas.


    Ever since Kristian had taken the reins of thepany, he¡¯d been managing a slew of partnerships, both at home and abroad, constantly running himself into the ground.


    And yet, he always made it home for the holidays.


    If things were truly as bad as Freya had said, there was no way Kristian would make it home for Christmas, and Isaac had no idea what kind of excuse would be believable enough.


    While Isaac wrestled with his thoughts, Freya had already made it to the airport.


    As she waited for her flight, her phone rang¡ªit was Lawrence. He¡¯d given her his number before she left so they could stay in touch.


    ¡°Has the family consent form been signed?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s done. I¡¯m at the airport now, waiting for my flight back.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Has Kristian woken up?¡± Freya asked, her hand tightening slightly around her phone without realizing.


    Lawrence¡¯s voice was calm. ¡°He regained consciousness briefly¡ªmaybe half an hour. But then he slipped back into aa. His condition¡¯s still unstable.¡±


    ¡°What about symptoms?¡±


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 Chapter 687

    ?Chapter 687:


    ¡°It¡¯s too early to tell. We won¡¯t be able to run a full assessment until his external injuries have healed.¡± He didn¡¯t sugarcoat it.


    Freya told him she¡¯d be there as soon as she could, then ended the call. By the time shended, it was already past nine.


    She headed straight to the hospital where Kristian was being treated, hoping Lawrence could get him transferred to his own facility right away.


    But when she got there, Kristian¡¯s room was empty. Her stomach dropped. She checked every room in the ward, but found no trace of him.


    Panic rising, she pulled out her phone and called Lawrence.


    She heard the ringtone echoing faintly down the corridor.


    As she followed the sound, Lawrence appeared at the end of the hallway, casually dressed, a faint smile on his lips. ¡°Ms. Briggs, over here.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Kristian?¡± Freya asked sharply.


    ¡°He¡¯s already been transferred. He should be arriving at my facility shortly,¡± Lawrence said, unbothered.


    Freya¡¯s brows drew together. She didn¡¯t buy it. ¡°Then why are you still here?¡±


    He smiled. ¡°Had to wait on the family consent form. And¡ª¡± He paused, his eyes shifting, a shadow of something else flickering behind them.


    Freya didn¡¯t budge. ¡°And what?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a message for you. From Kristian,¡± Lawrence said slowly.


    Freya didn¡¯t respond, but she didn¡¯t look away either.


    Something told her this wouldn¡¯t be easy to hear.


    Or worse, that she wouldn¡¯t be able to ept it.


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    ¡°He wanted me to tell you¡ªit¡¯s all settled between the two of you,¡± Lawrence said, hands shoved in his pockets. ¡°All the misunderstandings, the broken trust, whatever debt he owed you¡ªhe¡¯s repaid it with his life.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not possible. He¡¯d never say that,¡± Freya answered instantly. Kristian might¡¯ve hurt her, but she knew his pride. A man like him wouldn¡¯t say something like that. If he did, he wouldn¡¯t be Kristian.


    ¡°He said it. Why is that so hard to believe?¡± Lawrence replied lightly, almost mocking.


    Freya¡¯s expression didn¡¯t falter. ¡°Let me see him. I want to hear it from him myself.¡±


    She had every reason to believe Lawrence was just trying to keep her out of the picture for his own benefit. She couldn¡¯t afford to risk Kristian waking up only to be manipted by him again.


    But Lawrence just kept ying his part. ¡°He doesn¡¯t want to see you. How else would you hear it?¡±


    ¡°And how exactly do you know he doesn¡¯t want to see me?¡± Freya shot back.


    ¡°The way he¡¯s shut you outpletely? That alone should tell you he doesn¡¯t want to see you.¡± Lawrence shifted his tone, more matter-of-fact now. ¡°When he finally came to this afternoon, he told me to pass along that message. From here on out, you two should be like strangers¡ªno contact, no interference.¡±


    Freya couldn¡¯t quite wrap her head around it.


    Still, she unlocked her phone and typed out a message to Kristian, only to discover she was already blocked.


    A flicker of disbelief crossed her face. What was happening?


    Perplexed, she tried to call him, but the line wouldn¡¯t connect¡ªblocked there, too.


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 Chapter 688

    ?Chapter 688:


    She stood frozen, her phone clutched in her hand, thoughts spinning in a fog. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn¡¯t make sense of it¡ªwhy would Kristian suddenly cut her off like this? Was he trying to spare her pain?


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, I know this probably isn¡¯t what you want to hear,¡± Lawrence said carefully, his voice edged with a hint of caution. ¡°But Kristian is the president of Shaw Group¡ªadmired, envied, chased after by more people than I can count. He chased you for months, and you never gave him the time of day. That kind of rejection¡ªit stings.¡±


    He added, ¡°I¡¯m not totally in the dark about your situation. He left you for someone else, and things between you turned ugly after that. But believe it or not, there was never a mistress. And he¡¯s already risked his life trying to make things right. Or do you expect him to spend the rest of his life making amends?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya murmured softly.


    ¡°Then why won¡¯t you let him go?¡± Lawrence snapped. ¡°He¡¯s already made amends. He tried to fix your rtionship, and you turned him away. Now, just like you said you wanted, you¡¯re strangers. But you still insist on seeing him¡ªdon¡¯t you think that¡¯s crossing a line?¡±


    He was right.


    Freya answered him in her mind.


    But still, something in her gut told her it wasn¡¯t as cut-and-dry as Lawrence made it seem.


    ¡°If you really need to hear it from him to finally let go, then fine,¡± Lawrence said, recognizing her unwillingness to back down. He pulled out his phone.


    Freya¡¯s eyes shifted toward it.


    Her palms had gone slick with sweat, and she gripped her phone like it might anchor her, her body taut with tension.


    ¡°Good thing I came prepared,¡± Lawrence said, tapping the screen. ¡°Here¡¯s your proof.¡±


    ???????? ?????? ???????? ???? g???????¦Í??????©o?????


    As soon as he said it, a recording began to y.


    ¡°Please tell Freya that I¡¯ve already repaid what I owed her. From now on, we¡¯re like strangers¡ªno more contact, no more interference.¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was faint, but every syble was razor-sharp. ¡°I don¡¯t want any more ties to her. I don¡¯t need her to do anything for me, and I don¡¯t want to owe her anything else. I¡¯m tired. Our rtionship ends here.¡±


    When the recording ended and Freya didn¡¯t respond, Lawrence hit y again.


    She stood there, still as stone, listening. Every word seemed to carve into her, cutting deeper with each pass, leaving her reeling.


    After the second yback, Lawrence reached for his phone once more.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Freya said, her voice steady but low. ¡°I heard him.¡±


    ¡°Not curious to hear it a few more times?¡± Lawrence asked with a shrug. ¡°What if I faked it?¡±


    But by the second listen, she already knew¡ªit was real.


    That was Kristian¡¯s voice. Unfiltered, unchanged.


    He had said those words.


    The two of them stood in silence, tension humming between them like a live wire.


    Freya couldn¡¯t find the words.


    Kristian¡¯s message¡ªhis insistence on cutting ties, his refusal to be indebted¡ªwas clear: he didn¡¯t want her involved anymore.


    But there was still a deal between him and Lawrence, and she was the reason for it. Should she step back? Or step in?


    .


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 Chapter 689

    ?Chapter 689:


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, if there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll need that medical consent form,¡± Lawrence said. ¡°You can go after that¡ªI need to return to my patient.¡±


    Freya dropped her gaze, pulling herself together. When she lifted her eyes again, they were calm.


    She handed over the form, her voice even. ¡°Let me know when his condition stabilizes.¡±


    ¡°He said he doesn¡¯t want you involved,¡± Lawrence answered, his tone professional.


    Freya met his gaze head-on. ¡°One update, ten million.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not that kind of guy.¡±


    ¡°A hundred million.¡±


    ¡°Deal.¡± Lawrence gave a cool smile. ¡°Since you¡¯re just asking about my patient¡¯s condition, and not trying to interfere¡­ ask away.¡±


    Freya nodded and turned to leave.


    Lawrence called after her, ¡°If you¡¯ve got questions, just ask. I¡¯ll give you the full picture.¡±


    For the right price, he would do anything.


    Freya climbed into her car and drove off without looking back.


    By the time she got home, midnight had crept in. She didn¡¯t head straight to bed. Instead, she pulled up Kristian¡¯s phone records. Even after hearing his voice, a part of her still wondered¡ªhad Lawrence manipted something?


    She checked the exact time she¡¯d been blocked. Just after six in the evening. Lawrence had contacted her close to seven.


    That meant he was telling the truth. Kristian had done it himself.


    A pressure settled in her chest.


    The words from Kristian echoed in her mind like a haunting refrain.


    Exclusive updates g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??s.c?m


    Logically, she should¡¯ve felt relieved. Kristian had said his piece. They were done. But instead of relief, she felt heavy¡ªburdened by emotions too tangled to name.


    Freya sank onto the sofa, rubbing her brow.


    Lost in the whirlwind of it all, she made up her mind.


    She wouldn¡¯t walk away until Kristian was truly out of danger. She had to help him settle things with Lawrence.


    Only then¡ªonly when all debts were cleared¡ªcould she step away in peace.


    With her thoughts set, she rose to get ready for bed. Until Kristian recovered fully, he was safe in Lawrence¡¯s hands. Even if something unexpected came up, Lawrence would manage it.


    Her role now was to steady thepany. In Jeucwell, Isaac was holding things down. But in Alerith, Gerard was struggling to maintain control.


    She saw this as a small repayment¡ªfor the life Kristian had once risked to save her.


    While Freya was sorting through her thoughts, Lawrence was having a rougher night.


    With the consent form in hand, he headed straight for his private facility, irritation simmering the whole drive.


    Kristian always knew how to stir up a mess. If he couldn¡¯t milk some profit off Freya because of this, he¡¯d have dly dragged Kristian out and smacked some sense into him.


    ¡°Mr. Hayes, what do we do about Kristian?¡± his assistant asked, hands on the wheel.


    ¡°Let him recover first,¡± Lawrence grumbled, clearly sour about the whole arrangement. ¡°And keep this under wraps. No leaks.¡±


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 Chapter 690

    Chapter 690:


    ¡°Understood,¡± the assistant replied.


    Lawrence owned medical facilities both domestically and overseas. Given Kristian¡¯s fragile state and the time needed for healing, he¡¯d only brought him to the local facility.


    Looking in at Kristian, still reliant on supplemental oxygen, Lawrence sighed¡ªprobably for the hundredth time that night.


    There was no real improvement.


    He had lied to Freya. Kristian wasn¡¯t out of the critical window yet.


    If Freya had been a little calmer back then¡ªsharper, more attentive¡ªshe might¡¯ve picked up on the gaps, the odd bits that didn¡¯t quite add up.


    But people weren¡¯t machines. Even the smartest, most logical minds could miss things, and sometimes, life didn¡¯t hand you a second chance to double-check.


    Over the next two days, Freya got things in order at Anita International before meeting up with Jacob.


    Kristian¡¯s bullet had already been removed, and technically, Jacob¡¯s role was done. Still, she wanted to see things for herself.


    She and Jacob had always been tight, and he answered all her questions without holding back. He also agreed to the favor she asked before he left.


    Lawrence spent every waking hour glued to Kristian¡¯s case¡ªtracking his vitals, digging through his medical records.


    Then one day, he finally caught a lead. Just as he did, his assistant burst in, clearly rattled.


    ¡°Mr. Hayes, someone¡¯s here to see you.¡±


    ¡°Just send them away. No need to lose your head,¡± Lawrence said.


    ¡°This one¡¯s¡­ different,¡± the assistant muttered, his expression uneasy. ¡°You¡¯ll want to see him.¡±


    R?????? ???????????????? ???????? g??l????¦Í??????.??o??


    That caught Lawrence¡¯s attention. ¡°Who is it?¡±


    ¡°Dr. Prescott,¡± the assistant replied, eyes cast down.


    Lawrence went quiet.


    Jacob had never liked him. Every time they crossed paths, Jacob was sarcastic. Why was he suddenly here now?


    ¡°Mr. Hayes?¡±


    ¡°I heard you.¡±


    Lawrence set down what he was working on, straightened his white coat, and stepped out.


    His face was nothing like the casual one he wore around Kristian, or the easygoing version he showed Freya. He looked like a man walking into a room to face someone he¡¯d rather not see.


    When Lawrence stepped out, he found Jacob lounging in the waiting room¡ªa space as polished and high-tech as the rest of the facility, all clean lines and the quiet hums of machinery.


    As Lawrence drew near, the ss doors parted with a soft hiss, revealing Jacob slouched on the couch, wearing the same half-drowsy look he always did, as if he¡¯d just rolled out of bed.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    Jacob didn¡¯t reply. He was in a pale gray knit sweater, every inch of him exudingzy indifference.


    ¡°You wanted to see me?¡± Lawrence asked again when the silence dragged on.


    .


    .


    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Good night dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?


    .

 Chapter 691

    ?Chapter 691:


    ¡°Why did you lie to Freya?¡± Jacob¡¯s eyes were deep and emotionless.


    Lawrence froze, caught off guard for half a second.


    But his mind snapped back quickly. After a beat, he pulled on a mask of confusion. ¡°Lie about what?¡±


    ¡°Kristian,¡± Jacob answered tly.


    ¡°She told you I lied?¡± Lawrence let out a short, dryugh, though something in him twisted. ¡°Believe it or not, I told her everything. I didn¡¯t leave anything out.¡±


    And if there was something missing, well, that was on Kristian¡ªnot him.


    Jacob¡¯s lips tightened into a thin line.


    Lawrence¡¯s smile was faint and a little sad. ¡°Jacob, in your eyes, does nothing I say ever weigh as much as one word from her?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± He didn¡¯t miss a beat. That one wordnded like a blow.


    Lawrence just stared at him, looking into those deep, steady eyes.


    Jacob didn¡¯t blink. Didn¡¯t look away.


    Lawrence¡¯s gaze flickered with emotion¡ªanger, sadness, resignation¡ªbut Jacob¡¯s remained ice cold.


    In the end, it was Lawrence who looked away first. He dropped his eyes and gave a bitter smile. When he looked up again, his expression was back to neutral. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I can¡¯t give you the answer you¡¯re looking for. Whatever Freya chooses to believe, I¡¯ve told her the truth about Kristian.¡±


    ¡°I want to see him,¡± Jacob said.


    Lawrence¡¯s voice turned razor-sharp. ¡°No visitors.¡±


    ¡°What are you hiding?¡± Jacob cut straight through him.


    ¡°I¡¯m not hiding anything.¡± Lawrence met his eyes squarely. ¡°Kristian is my patient. It¡¯s my job to make sure he recovers quietly, without disruptions.¡±


    ¡°And what if I don¡¯t back down?¡± Jacob¡¯s calm finally cracked.


    Lawrence gave a cool smile. ¡°You still won¡¯t get in. There are three locked doors between here and Kristian¡¯s room. Each needs its own password.¡±


    Jacob rose slowly, his hair still a mess, his movements unhurried. He nced at Lawrence once, then walked out of the lounge.


    Lawrence thought he was finally leaving¡ªthat he was done with this ce, like he always wanted. But Jacob walked straight toward the first security door.


    Facial recognition, iris scan, fingerprint, password¡ªjust one needed to work.


    Jacob¡¯s pale gaze rested on the panel. After a moment¡¯s pause, he typed something in.


    First attempt¡ªdenied.


    Second attempt¡ªdenied.


    Lawrence listened to the cold voice reporting failed entries, a strange mix of relief and weariness curling in his chest. Jacob couldn¡¯t get in.


    Then the voice spoke again.


    ¡°Password epted. Please enter.¡± The door slid open.


    Jacob stepped through, untouched by emotion, moving like he belonged there.


    Lawrence stood frozen. Password epted?


    His eyes widened as the realization mmed into him¡ªJacob remembered everything.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 692

    ?Chapter 692:


    He remembered!


    Forgetting all else, Lawrence darted after him. By the time he caught up, Jacob had already opened the second door and was heading toward the third.


    ¡°Jacob!¡± Lawrence called.


    Jacob didn¡¯t slow down.


    Lawrence lunged forward, blocking his path, his expression still clouded with emotion. ¡°You remembered the password. Does that mean¡ªI¡­¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Jacob cut him off coldly.


    Lawrence wanted to say more, but¡­


    But Jacob cut deeper. ¡°I remember it because I was stupid enough back then, so I made sure I¡¯d never forget the lesson.¡±


    ¡°Jacob, back then¡ª¡± Lawrence started.


    But the look Jacob gave him was colder than anything. Colder than a stranger¡¯s re. Lawrence couldn¡¯t speak. Jacob had never cared for his exnations.


    To him, they were just excuses.


    Brushing past, Jacob walked up to the third door and entered the same code.


    This time, password incorrect.


    Lawrence didn¡¯t move. Didn¡¯t stop him. Didn¡¯t speak. He just stood there, strangely hollow.


    Every time they met, things only got worse. If Kristian hadn¡¯t been in such a dangerous state, he never would¡¯ve contacted K, and he definitely wouldn¡¯t have asked her to bring Jacob into it. That thought lingered as he watched Jacob keep typing codes.


    ¡°Don¡¯t waste your time,¡± Lawrence leaned against the wall. ¡°You¡¯ll never guess that one. Not in a lifetime.¡±


    Jacob looked at him.


    Lawrence didn¡¯t budge.


    ?????????? ???? ???????? ??????????: g???????¦Í????????©q?????


    ¡°Go back and tell Freya¡ªKristian still owes me. I¡¯ll fix him up, whether she asks me to or not.¡± He said every word slowly, clearly, and thest part he delivered while looking Jacob dead in the eye. ¡°But if she sends you again, I¡¯ll make sure Kristian forgets herpletely.¡±


    Jacob lifted his gaze, his expressionposed and untouched by emotion as his eyes settled on Lawrence. There was something almost amused in his look, as though he found Lawrence¡¯s immaturity ratherughable.


    Lawrence turned away, refusing to meet his gaze. ¡°Just go.¡±


    ¡°If you dare wipe her from Kristian¡¯s memory, she¡¯ll make your life a nightmare you¡¯ll never wake up from.¡± Jacob offered the warning gently, though his face remained as still as stone.


    ¡°Her? You¡¯ve got to be joking.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± Jacob replied tly.


    ¡°I know she¡¯s Hugh Briggs¡¯ daughter, and yeah, she¡¯s got strings to pull.¡± Lawrence¡¯s tone was flippant. ¡°But iming she could ruin my life¡ªdon¡¯t you think you¡¯re giving her too much credit?¡±


    If she were still married to Kristian, maybe Lawrence might have believed it, if only a little.


    To Lawrence, she was just another pampered socialite.


    Jacob didn¡¯t waste his time punching in the password again. He simply turned around and walked out.


    .


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 Chapter 693

    ?Chapter 693:


    Without knowing why, Lawrence followed him. He was well aware that Jacob didn¡¯t like him, but he couldn¡¯t seem to hold himself back.


    ¡°If, as Hugh Briggs¡¯s daughter, she doesn¡¯t cut it, then how about K?¡± Jacob threw the line out with casual ease as he neared the base¡¯s entrance, ncing over his shoulder.


    Lawrence froze mid-step.


    A sharp unease tightened in his chest. He asked, carefully, ¡°You mean Freya is K?¡±


    Jacob didn¡¯t answer, but the look in his eyes gave him away. Lawrence¡¯s thoughts spun out of control.


    Was this some kind of absurd joke?


    ¡°K is practically elusive¡ªhow could Freya possibly be her?¡± Lawrence felt his entire sense of reality shift. ¡°Isn¡¯t K supposed to be a total shut-in? Always holed up indoors, glued to a screen?¡±


    With that kind of money behind her, why on earth would Freya ever need to hack anything?


    A girl born into that kind of wealth would¡¯ve spent her childhood drowning in etiquette sses and piano lessons¡ªhow would she even find the time to be a hacker?


    ¡°You¡¯re not serious?¡± Lawrence asked again, wanting to be sure.


    Jacob didn¡¯t dignify the question with a response. He walked away with long, determined strides, making it clear he had no interest in conversation. Lawrence rushed after him. He couldn¡¯t let Jacob disappear before he had answers.


    Just as Jacob slid into the driver¡¯s seat and reached to close the door, Lawrence swung open the passenger side and slipped in.


    ¡°Get out.¡± Jacob shot him a look that could¡¯ve frozen steel.


    Lawrence felt the chill in his bones but shamelessly stayed where he was. ¡°Just a couple of questions. Once I understand, I¡¯ll leave. I swear, I won¡¯t bother you again.¡±


    ?????????????? ????????: g???????????????????????


    Jacob¡¯s demeanor stayed icy, a wall that warned people to keep their distance.


    ¡°So, that night¡­ it was Freya who took you to the hospital?¡± Lawrence had meant to ask something else¡ªsomething more direct about Freya¡¯s identity¡ªbut that¡¯s what ended up slipping out.


    Jacob said nothing.


    In that moment, all of Lawrence¡¯s swirling emotions quieted.


    Everything became painfully clear.


    He had misunderstood. Jacob was still single.


    ¡°How did you find out Freya¡¯s K?¡± Lawrence tried again.


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern,¡± Jacob said.


    Lawrence fell into silence.


    Jacob was still as distant and imprable as ever.


    ¡°She asked me to pass along a message¡ªif you¡¯re hiding anything from her and she finds out, you can forget about getting any of those custom devices you¡¯ve been begging for.¡± For once, Jacob said more than expected. ¡°And she¡¯ll cklist you, too.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s pretty cold, don¡¯t you think?¡± Lawrence¡¯s coolposure finally cracked.


    He could afford to offend a rich girl with a famousst name. He didn¡¯t need her world.


    .


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 Chapter 694

    ?Chapter 694:


    But K¡­


    K wasn¡¯t just some hacker. She had clout and resources that blew theirs out of the water.


    If he got on her bad side, he¡¯d be finished.


    Jacob noticed the shift in him and cast a suspicious nce his way.


    Lawrence¡¯s mind worked fast. When he caught Jacob¡¯s attention, he realized something had slipped. ¡°Tell her I¡¯d never keep anything from her. Whatever she wants to know, I¡¯ll hand over everything. I just hope she sticks to her promise.¡±


    ¡°What promise?¡± Jacob¡¯s attention snapped to Lawrence.


    To Jacob, Freya wasn¡¯t just K. She was a friend¡ªsomeone he genuinely cared about.


    Even knowing her real identity, he still saw her as an ordinary girl¡ªkind, generous, sincere.


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Lawrence stepped out of the car on his own. ¡°Drive safe.¡±


    Jacob kept his eyes trained on him.


    Lawrence had always been slightly wary of Jacob. But now that he knew Freya was K, that anxiety doubled. ¡°Seriously, it¡¯s nothing!¡±


    Jacob kept staring.


    ¡°Kristian wants nothing to do with her anymore, but she still wants updates on him. So I told her, every time I give her a new piece of information, she gives me a hundred million dors.¡± Lawrence finally broke, hoping it would win back some goodwill.


    ¡°When was this?¡±


    ¡°A few days ago, at the hospital. She brought over the family consent form, and we talked in the hallway.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    With that, Jacob pulled the door shut and drove away.


    Your imagination starts at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s?conn


    Lawrence waspletely thrown.


    What did that ¡°alright¡± even mean?


    He gave up trying to decipher it and instead focused on the bigger shock¡ªFreya was K.


    He stared at her number on his screen, hesitated outside the base, then finally dialed.


    Freya was at Shaw Group¡¯s office when the call came through.


    She gave Gerard a nod and stepped aside to answer it.


    ¡°Good morning, Ms. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°You really know how to keep secrets, don¡¯t you?¡± Lawrence slipped back into his usual sly, polished tone, his voice tinged with a smile. ¡°If you¡¯d just told me you were K from the beginning, I would¡¯ve handed over everything you wanted. No payment necessary.¡±


    Freya sounded even colder than usual. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Lawrence paused.


    ¡°That¡¯s right, I¡¯m K,¡± Freya said, introducing herself.


    Lawrence was speechless. Wasn¡¯t K supposed to scoff at money? With her old temperament, she¡¯d have insisted on keeping things strictly transactional, never owing anyone anything.


    Was Jacob lying to him after all?


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 695

    ?Chapter 695:


    Hearing nothing from the other end, Freya asked, ¡°Is there anything else? If not, I¡¯m hanging up.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± Lawrence wanted onest confirmation. ¡°That ten million you mentioned in yourst email¡ªwhen will it hit my ount?¡±


    ¡°With your memory and vision, I¡¯m not sure you¡¯re even fit to handle Kristian¡¯s treatment.¡± Freya saw right through his little test.


    ¡°Just kidding.¡± Lawrence groaned internally. ¡°You get back to work. I¡¯ll go check in on Kristian.¡±


    He ended the call quickly, already regretting ying the hero earlier.


    Why did he have to act like money didn¡¯t matter? He¡¯d just lost the best deal of his life¡ªa hundred million bucks for one piece of news¡ªgone.


    Freya nced at her phone after the call ended, just about to speak to Gerard again when Jacob called.


    He never wasted time. ¡°Lawrence is keeping something from you. I didn¡¯t get to see Kristian.¡±


    ¡°I figured as much.¡± Freya¡¯s tone was heavy.


    She had spent thest couple of days painstakingly sifting through every detail, but something still didn¡¯t sit right.


    She couldn¡¯t quite put her finger on what it was, so she had roped Jacob in to help her test the waters.


    ¡°If you really want to know, help me break the third door¡¯s code tonight, and I¡¯ll show you,¡± Jacob offered.


    ¡°No need.¡± Freya was never one to push. ¡°As long as Lawrence can save Kristian, whatever secrets he¡¯s hiding don¡¯t matter.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for helping.¡±


    Discover what¡¯s next on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s???o??


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    The call disconnected.


    Only then did Freya turn back to her conversation with Gerard.


    Under normal circumstances, if Gerard had discovered she was K, he would¡¯ve been practically buzzing, probably shoving a notebook in her face for an autograph.


    But right now, aside from that brief flicker of emotion when the truth came out, his mind was still tangled up in thoughts of his boss.


    ¡°Is Mr. Shaw really doing that badly?¡± He nced at Freya, who was seated just ahead and to his right, his expression clouded with concern.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Freya didn¡¯t borate. She swiftly signed the documentid out before her.


    ¡°If anything worries you during this time, juste to me.¡± She signed a confidentiality agreement on Gerard¡¯s behalf.


    Given her dual identity as the head of Anita International and an investment advisor for Briggs Group, she wanted to spare Gerard from any unnecessary burden.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t have to do this,¡± Gerard said, sincerity in his voice.


    ¡°I trust you.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡± Freya had always known Gerard was a decent man. ¡°That¡¯s exactly why I should give this to you.¡±


    Gerard felt a tangle of emotions he couldn¡¯t quite name.


    Freya really did have a good heart.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 696

    ?Chapter 696:


    If not for what happened back then, she and Kristian would¡¯ve been the kind of couple people envied.


    Freya paused for a moment before continuing. ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯d like you to do for me.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Gerard said.


    ¡°When Kristianes back, don¡¯t tell him I had anything to do with Shaw Group¡¯s affairs. Don¡¯t mention a thing.¡± Freya didn¡¯t want to get into another argument with Kristian. ¡°Just say it was all you.¡±


    Gerard looked puzzled. ¡°Why?¡±


    Shouldn¡¯t Kristian know who helped him?


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t want anything to do with me. He doesn¡¯t want to owe me.¡± Freya didn¡¯t sugarcoat it, even though she knew Gerard wouldn¡¯t fully understand. ¡°If he finds out after he recovers, it¡¯ll only cause more conflict.¡±


    She was done fighting. She just wanted Kristian to get better, and when that day came, they¡¯d go back to being strangers¡ªjust the way he wanted.


    Gerard pressed his lips into a thin line, wanting to speak but holding back. All he managed was, ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°If you need anything, call me,¡± Freya said, handing him the signed agreement. ¡°Anytime.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Gerard epted it.


    Once Freya left, Gerard finally made his way to Kristian¡¯s office.


    Lately, he had taken over most of the responsibilities in the office himself. There was no way he could pass the reins back to the branch leader¡ªone wrong move and everything could unravel.


    With Kristian still undergoing treatment, Gerard had to stay sharp and keep a tight grip on everything.


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    More than anything, he couldn¡¯t let word get out about Kristian¡¯s condition. Isaac had been crystal clear¡ªno leaks, not even a whisper.


    Truthfully, Gerard didn¡¯t need to stress so much. The moment it became apparent that Kristian wouldn¡¯t recover anytime soon, Freya had already put online safeguards in ce. Anything concerning Kristian was blocked before it even had a chance to surface.


    She¡¯d done all of it to keep Melinda and Lionel in the dark, to spare them the worry.


    After leaving the office, Freya returned to her car. She dropped into the driver¡¯s seat, leaned back, and let her thoughts drift aimlessly. It was only today, through Gerard, that she pieced together what Jacob meant about Kristian¡¯s earlier fever before thest one.


    She hadn¡¯t known that her forgiveness had affected him so deeply, or that on the day she told him she was being taken away, he had still been lying in a hospital bed, burning with fever and hooked up to an IV.


    He had been running a dangerously high fever for days, and before it finally broke, he had sat on the beach, enduring the cold sea breeze all night, making things only worse.


    If not for that, perhaps the gunshot alone wouldn¡¯t have caused such damage.


    The thought left a knot in Freya¡¯s chest.


    She didn¡¯t know how it had all unraveled like this. If she had known, from the moment she signed those divorce papers, she should¡¯ve disappeared somewhere quiet¡ªnoptop, no phone, nothing.


    Maybe then things wouldn¡¯t have spiraled this far.


    A soft tap on the window pulled her from her thoughts.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 697

    ?Chapter 697:


    Freya opened her eyes to find Ellis standing outside, a shadow of concern flickering in his gaze.


    She straightened and rolled the window down.


    ¡°Get out first. I want to take you somewhere,¡± Ellis said, one hand tucked in his pocket, his voice easygoing and warm.


    Freya wasn¡¯t exactly in the mood to go anywhere, so she steeled herself and said, ¡°It¡¯s work hours. If you skip out without a reason, I¡¯ll have your pay docked.¡±


    ¡°Keeping the boss happy is part of my assistant duties,¡± Ellis replied with a deadpan expression, though his teasing tone betrayed him.


    Freya was speechless.


    Still, she stepped out of the car.


    She knew Ellis well enough to know¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t ask if it wasn¡¯t important.


    Ellis shut and locked her car, then led her to his.


    Once inside, Freya nced around the vehicle, her brows drawing together in faint confusion.


    Ellis caught it. ¡°Something wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± Freya had too much on her mind to dwell on it. ¡°This car just looks familiar, like I¡¯ve seen it somewhere before.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s eyes shifted slightly, but his voice stayed even. ¡°It¡¯s not a rare model. You¡¯ve probably seen it around.¡±


    Freya gave a nomittal hum and let the thought go.


    The car had only cost a few million¡ªnot exactly exclusive. Plenty of people in Alerith drove one, and many had them customized. But something about it tugged at her memory.


    Still, she didn¡¯t think much of it. She sat there in silence, not even actively thinking¡ªher mind simply reyed everything on its own.


    Ellis could tell she wasn¡¯t in the best headspace, so he didn¡¯t try to make small talk. He simply drove, calm and steady.


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    The ride stretched on for over an hour. Freya¡¯s thoughts wandered the entire way. Eventually, they reached a wide, t mountaintop. All around them was lush green forest, and just past the edge, clouds driftedzily through the mountain peaks like something out of a dream.


    ¡°Why did you bring me here?¡± Freya asked.


    Was he about to make her shout her troubles into the wind?


    The idea crossed her mind but was quickly dismissed.


    Ellis preferred his team to sweat out their emotions during training¡ªnot something like this. Once people were exhausted, they had no energy left to dwell on anything.


    Ellis took out his phone, typed a quick message, and slipped it back into his pocket before responding to Freya¡¯s question, a yful glint in his eyes. ¡°Didn¡¯t you always say you wanted to try paragliding?¡±


    Freya¡¯s mind wandered, reying snippets of past conversations.


    She had mentioned it once, years ago. She¡¯d told him how she longed for the sensation of flight¡ªthe feeling of being alone with the wind, suspended in the sky with nothing holding her back. No noise, no chaos. Just freedom.


    But it had been four long years since she¡¯dst soared.


    Ellis continued, his eyes bright with excitement as he gestured expansively. ¡°This ce is a premier paragliding destination. The weather couldn¡¯t be better¡ªclear skies, a steady breeze. It¡¯s perfect. We have the whole ce to ourselves. You¡¯re free to fly or not. Totally up to you.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 698

    ?Chapter 698:


    Freya hesitated.


    ¡°Go on, get suited up,¡± Ellis urged, his voice firm but encouraging, as he epted the paragliding gear from a young instructor who had approached them. ¡°Just have fun. Don¡¯t overthink it.¡±


    Freya looked out at the breathtaking view¡ªrolling hills, sunlight glistening on the waves in the distance¡ªand nodded slowly. ¡°Okay.¡±


    As she disappeared behind the changing area, the instructor strolled over to Ellis, giving his arm a yful nudge. ¡°Trying to impress her, huh?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get any ideas,¡± Ellis replied evenly, sidestepping the bait before it could be a full-blown rumor.


    ¡°Really now?¡± The instructor raised an eyebrow, his grin both teasing and knowing. ¡°Then what¡¯s the special asion for bringing her here? Didn¡¯t you once say, ¡®no outsiders allowed¡¯? Looks like someone¡¯s breaking their own rules.¡±


    Ellis shot him a sharp sideways nce and snatched the equipment out of his hands.


    Unfazed, the instructor trotted after him, still poking for answers. ¡°Whoa, hold up¡ªwhat¡¯s the rush? Seriously, spill. What¡¯s going on between you two?¡±


    ¡°You should consider giving TED talks. You have so much to say!¡± Ellis retorted, his toneced with a dismissive edge.


    The instructor was momentarily speechless, taken aback by the sudden rebuke.


    He inhaled deeply, his resolve strengthening as he decided to drop the matter, valuing their longstanding friendship over his curiosity. ¡°Fine,¡± he conceded with a reluctant sigh. ¡°I promise, my lips are sealed.¡±


    Ellis paused, his back still turned, weighing his words carefully. ¡°I¡¯m working for her,¡± he finally admitted, though his answer danced around the truth. ¡°She needed a break, so I figured this ce might help her clear her head.¡±


    Under normal circumstances, Ellis wouldn¡¯t have bothered with evasions. But the instructor¡¯s notorious nosiness was a factor he couldn¡¯t ignore.


    Admitting the full scope of his intentions would only lead to Freya facing a barrage of unwee questions. He had brought her here to find peace, not to endure an inquisition.


    Your next adventure is at g  al n ovels . con


    The instructor squinted at him, clearly not buying the story.


    He ced a firm hand on Ellis¡¯s shoulder, his voice dropping to a more serious tone. ¡°You sure you want to stick with that story?¡±


    Ellis turned slightly, meeting the instructor¡¯s gaze with steely resolve. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°Come on, man. Don¡¯t y dumb. You know what your family does, right?¡± The instructor¡¯s face twisted into a yful sneer. ¡°So, you¡¯re working for her now? If you¡¯re not trying to win her over, I¡¯ll eat my hat right here.¡±


    Ellis shot back with a grin. ¡°I¡¯d rather not witness that.¡±


    The remark caught the instructor off-guard, hisughter sputtering into a cough.


    Unbelievable! Was Ellis actually tossing barbs his way with such sly wit?


    Fully suited up, Ellis stood confidently beside Freya, who was simrly decked out in her pilot¡¯s gear¡ªflight suit, gloves, and goggles, ready for the skies.


    As the wind picked up and the ridge buzzed with the thrill of flight, the instructor called out to Ellis, his tone more serious now. ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want me to take her up?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got it,¡± Ellis said curtly, tightening thest strap on his vest.


    The instructor raised an eyebrow. ¡°You sure about that?¡±


    .


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    .

 Chapter 699

    ?Chapter 699:


    Ellis didn¡¯t even nce at him. ¡°She¡¯s just as skilled as any instructor here. Probably more. She doesn¡¯t need you.¡± He knew Freya¡¯s limits¡ªand more importantly, he knew how much she hated being hovered over. She wanted freedom, not someone clutching the controls. ¡°Go focus on your own ride.¡±


    Though skeptical, the instructor shot a questioning nce toward Freya, who echoed Ellis¡¯s sentiment with a decisive shake of her head. Convinced by their resolve, the instructor reluctantly geared up, deciding to join them in the air rather than remain on the ground. The engines roared to life, promising an exhrating ascent.


    Reluctantly, he had to give Ellis credit¡ªhe wasn¡¯t reckless, just stubborn. If Ellis vouched for her, she was probably more than capable.


    The moment they soared into the air, Freya peered down at the craggy mountains shrouded in a silvery mist, the world unfurling beneath her like a vast, mysterious tapestry. The persistent tension that had knotted her muscles began to dissolve, her burdened heart gradually shedding its heaviness for a newfound lightness and freedom.


    During their flight, Freya was utterly captivated by the experience. Ellis remained attentively by her side, observing as the stress melted from her features.


    A subtle smile tugged at his lips, and a warmth flickered in his eyes¡ªa silent reassurance only she could feel.


    The weather was impable that day, enhancing the serenity of the flight. Freya remained airborne for a blissful two hours, and by the time she touched the ground again, the swarm of worries that had clouded her mind had dispersed. Shended feeling serene,pletely at peace with the world.


    ¡°That was insane!¡± the instructor eximed, his charm not dimming in the slightest as he shed his flight gear. Seizing the opportunity, he drifted closer to Ellis, eager to chat. ¡°How did you get to know her? She¡¯s stunning, and she flies like she was born to it. Tell me she¡¯s got a sister. Hook me up, man.¡±


    Ellis responded with cool detachment. ¡°Even if she did, it has nothing to do with you.¡±


    ¡°Oh, don¡¯t be like that,¡± the instructor whined, yfully throwing an arm around Ellis¡¯s shoulders. ¡°We¡¯ve been through so much together. You¡¯re really okay with me being miserable and single forever?¡±


    Just as Ellis caught sight of Freya approaching them, he quippedzily, ¡°Her younger sister isn¡¯t keen on older men.¡±


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    The instructor¡¯s jaw dropped. ¡°Older?¡±


    He retorted with a mock scowl, ¡°Coming from you? That¡¯s rich.¡±


    The jab hit Ellis hard, casting his thoughts back to a moment when Freya had poked fun at his age, injecting wry humor into the memory. His irritation with the instructor swelled, coloring his perception with a shade of annoyance.


    ¡°Compared to you, I¡¯m practically young,¡± Ellis retorted with his characteristic nonchnce, his voiceced with mock superiority. A hint of amusement flickered across the instructor¡¯s face, his lips barely concealing a smirk.


    They were barely days apart, yet Ellis spoke as if the instructor were years ahead. Not even a hint of shame.


    Just then, Freya strolled up, catching the tail end of their yful jabs. Before she could get a word in, Ellis turned to her and announced, ¡°Let¡¯s go. We¡¯re heading back.¡±


    ¡°Already?¡± Freya raised an eyebrow, her tone light but curious. It was obvious Freya knew Ellis and the instructor were friends. ¡°You two looked like you were having a nostalgic moment.¡±


    ¡°Nostalgic?¡± Ellis arched a brow, feigning ignorance. ¡°I¡¯ve only known the guy a few days longer than you.¡± He delivered the lie with such a straight face that it was almost convincing.


    Freya cast a quick nce around, suspicion flickering in her eyes. Was that so? It didn¡¯t feel like that at all.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 700

    ?Chapter 700:


    ¡°They¡¯ve been asking in the group chat when we¡¯re all meeting up again,¡± Ellis added smoothly as he started walking toward the car, neatly steering the conversation away. ¡°Apparently, you¡¯re the hot topic in the chat.¡±


    Freya blinked, caught off guard.


    Thest time they¡¯d tried to meet, the n was scrapped entirely¡ªeverything turned upside down the moment news broke that Kristian had been shot.


    She¡¯d missed her catch-up with Greta and Riley too¡ªone more thing swept away in the chaos.


    ¡°If you¡¯re not feeling up to it, I can cover for you,¡± Ellis offered, ncing at her with a faint softness in his voice. ¡°I¡¯ll handle the excuses.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Freya assured him, her voice lighter now, as if a weight had finally been lifted. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to them once we¡¯re back.¡± Ellis gave a small nod, satisfied. ¡°Alright then.¡±


    They slipped into the car, falling into easy small talk as the engine purred to life.


    On the sidelines, the instructor remained where he stood, utterly bbergasted by their apparent disregard for him.


    With a scowl, he whipped out his phone and dialed Ellis¡¯s number. He was done holding back. That heartless, woman-chasing traitor was about to get an earful.


    After all, he had lent them the whole damn ce, and all Ellis had promised in return was a meal.


    And yet¡­ where was that promised meal?


    Ellis hadn¡¯t even bothered with a goodbye¡ªjust sped off with Freya like the world owed him nothing. What an absolute jerk!


    Inside the car, Ellis turned the key in the ignition, ready to leave. However, just as he was about to pull away, his phone vibrated against his thigh.


    With a quick nce at the caller ID, a flicker of annoyance crossed his dark eyes. Without a second thought, he declined the call and quickly sent a dismissive text. ¡°Do us all a favor and quit being the third wheel.¡±


    Find your favorite stories at g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s., conn


    After shooting off the message, Ellis powered down his phone and tucked it away, resolute in his mission to avoid any unnecessary distractions.


    He¡¯d finally coaxed Freya out for a breath of fresh air. There was no way he was about to let anyone mess that up.


    The instructor stared nkly at the message lighting up his screen,pletely at a loss.


    Without wasting a second, he hit the call button and tried Ellis. But all he got was Ellis¡¯s voicemail.


    He was left speechless. He narrowed his eyes at the car that had just driven off, jaw tight with irritation. ¡°Fine. Let¡¯s see how long youst without turning your phone back on.¡±


    Ellis, on the other hand, couldn¡¯t care less about ruffling his friend¡¯s feathers. They¡¯d been pulling tricks on each other since childhood.


    To be fair, they only ever reached out when it suited them.


    By the time they rolled into the city, the clock had already ticked past four in the afternoon.


    Ellis drove Freya straight home.


    There was no use heading to the office at this hour. Besides, he and Melvin had already squared away everything that mattered. Freya had nothing left to stress about.


    Once they arrived, Freya unlocked the door.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 701

    ?Chapter 701:


    ¡°Thank you for today,¡± she said, ncing back with a rare flicker of sincerity in her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a raise next month.¡±


    Ellis replied in his usual nonchnt drawl, ¡°Much appreciated, my dear boss.¡±


    Freya was momentarily struck dumb. She still wasn¡¯t used to being called that.


    ¡°Go on in and rest up. I¡¯ll holler when dinner¡¯s ready,¡± Ellis said in that familiar, protective tone, one that bordered on brotherly. ¡°Especially after that raise you promised me.¡±


    Freya started, instinctively ready to decline.


    But the look in Ellis¡¯s eyes stopped her short.


    She swallowed her protest and changed her answer. ¡°Alright.¡± After they parted ways, Freya reached out to Trent.


    Compared to her, Trent probably knew Ellis even better. The two of them were like peas in a pod¡ªsharp, cunning, and full of tricks.


    Once the video call connected, Freya made small talk for a bit before cutting to the chase. ¡°How do you turn down Ellis¡¯s dinner invitations?¡±


    ¡°Dinner invitations?¡± Trent asked, adjusting his sses.


    ¡°He keeps inviting me over to eat,¡± Freya admitted, a little uneasily. Even though Ellis had said he didn¡¯t hold grudges, she couldn¡¯t shake the worry. ¡°With the way he¡¯s always operated, when he¡¯s nice to you, it usually means you¡¯re in trouble.¡±


    Aside from that one embarrassing phone call, she couldn¡¯t think of any reason she¡¯d gotten on his bad side. But hadn¡¯t they already moved past that?


    Trent smiled faintly, quietly marveling at how rocky Ellis¡¯s journey to win her heart had be.


    Freya caught the look. ¡°What¡¯s so funny?¡±


    ¡°Have you ever considered the fact that Ellis is retired?¡± Trent tried to shift the narrative.


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    Freya looked confused. Hadn¡¯t Ellis already said that?


    Trent went on, ¡°Since he¡¯s no longer that ¡®devil captain,¡¯ maybe it¡¯s time to stop seeing him through the same lens.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Freya was puzzled.


    ¡°Maybe he¡¯s just trying to be nice,¡± Trent exined, gently setting the stage. ¡°Or maybe living in your ce and collecting that generous paycheck makes him feel like he owes you something.¡±


    ¡°Would he really think like that?¡± Freya always felt unguarded around her teammates.


    ¡°He used to be our captain¡ªalways one step ahead of the rest of us,¡± Trent continued, nudging her a little more. ¡°But now that we¡¯re all out in the real world, he¡¯s probably noticed that,pared to the rest of us, some folks¡ªlike youe from pretty privileged backgrounds. That might make him feel a little¡­ out of ce.¡±


    Freya frowned.


    A bit out of ce? That just didn¡¯t sound like Ellis.


    ¡°Look, Mina. Men have their pride. Especially Ellis,¡± Trent said, his tone turning sincere as he wove the tale on Ellis¡¯s behalf. ¡°If he invites you to dinner, just go. It might ease that pride a little.¡±


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Freya still found it hard to believe.


    Ellis didn¡¯t seem like that kind of person. But Trent¡¯s words held a strange sort of logic.


    Trent nudged her onest time. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, ask other guys. Just don¡¯t say it¡¯s about Ellis.¡±


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 Chapter 702

    ?Chapter 702:


    Freya nodded thoughtfully. After a bit more casual chatter, they ended the call.


    She sat still, sifting through her thoughts, and came to one conclusion.


    Ellis really did have a whole lot of pride.


    But she didn¡¯t dwell on it.


    Remembering what Ellis had said about the group chat, she opened it¡ªthe one with all eight of them, Ellis included¡ªand typed, ¡°I¡¯m free these days. Any time works for a get-together.¡±


    Freya had already handled what Gerard couldn¡¯t in the Shaw Group. As far as thepany went, everything was set. She really was free now.


    Greta chimed in, ¡°How about tomorrow night?¡±


    Riley added, ¡°No objections.¡±


    Trent echoed, ¡°Me too.¡±


    Frederick and the rest threw in their affirmatives as well. The only one who stayed quiet was Ellis.


    Greta and Riley kept tagging him in the group, but he didn¡¯t respond.


    Just then, there was a knock at Freya¡¯s door.


    She opened it to find Ellis standing there, phone in hand, looking like he¡¯d just been the butt of some grand cosmic joke. ¡°Can you help me out?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°My phone¡¯s got a virus.¡±


    Freya stepped aside and let him in, suddenly remembering¡ªhe¡¯d gotten that phone after retiring, and she¡¯d never secured it for him.


    ¡°Don¡¯t turn it on,¡± Ellis said quickly as he saw her hand move toward the power button.


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    But he was a second toote.


    The moment she pressed it, the phone started vibrating like mad, ring a painfully cheerful tune.


    ¡°I¡¯m Ellis Lambert, dancing like a chicken.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Ellis Lambert, dancing like a chicken.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Ellis Lambert, dancing like a chicken.¡±


    The line kept ying on repeat, the words dancing across the screen.


    Even Freya was left momentarily dumbfounded.


    Ellis, with his clean-cut hair and sharp, striking features, stood tall and unbothered. Not a flicker of embarrassment on his face. Raising a brow slightly, he asked, ¡°Can you fix it?¡±


    ¡°I can,¡± Freya replied.


    She took the phone into her study.


    This was child¡¯s y for her. She wiped out the virus with ease and even reinforced the phone¡¯s security system.


    When she was done, she handed it back and asked, ¡°Did you piss someone off?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Want me to help?¡±


    Ellis paused, then a faint smirk yed at his lips. ¡°Then I¡¯ll trouble you to help me out. nt a message in Ethan Pearson¡¯s phone so that every time he turns it on or off, it ys ¡®Mom,e and give me a good punch.''¡±


    Freya was speechless. Was Ellis always this childish?


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 703

    ?Chapter 703:


    ¡°Can¡¯t you do it?¡± Ellis¡¯s tone was teasing, almost boyish.


    Freya hesitated a beat, then nodded. ¡°I can do it.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll call him first. Wait half an hour before you nt it,¡± Ellis instructed. When Ellis decided to prank someone, no one ever escaped.


    Freya couldn¡¯t help but feel a twinge of guilt for Ellis¡¯s friend.


    Out of all the reckless things he could¡¯ve done, he just had to go and pick a fight with Ellis. What on earth was he thinking?


    Ellis didn¡¯t bother dodging Freya. Right there in the study, he pulled up his contacts and dialed the paragliding instructor without a second thought.


    The call connected, and Ethan¡¯s unhingedughter came ring through the speaker, along with his smug, self-satisfied voice. ¡°Yo! How about that little tune I left you? Catchy, huh?¡±


    Ellis switched the call to speaker mode. ¡°Feeling proud of yourself?¡±


    ¡°You tell me! Take me out for a fancy meal and say you¡¯re sorry. Admit you messed up, and maybe I¡¯ll have someone fix your phone for you. Otherwise, that thing¡¯s toast.¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t say a word. He simply waited, letting Ethan finish strutting around like a peacock.


    He knew some people only learned when they were teetering on the edge of disaster.


    ¡°Oh, and FYI? Resetting or shing the phone won¡¯t do squat. Virus is here to stay.¡± Ethan just kept bragging.


    In that deluded head of his, Ellis had probably yanked out the SIM card and was calling using another phone.


    It never even crossed Ethan¡¯s mind that Ellis had someone on his side who could solve his problem.


    Ellis asked, ¡°Where are you right now?¡±


    Read thetest updates at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s


    ¡°North Avenue. Why,ing to beat me up?¡± Ethan sounded positively giddy. ¡°Too bad for you¡ªI¡¯m heading out soon. No way you¡¯re catching me.¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Ellis ended the call.


    He did a quick calction, then told Freya, ¡°Set it to trigger at six. And besides what he just said, add another line: ¡®Too bad. You can¡¯t catch me. Hahaha.''¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s the paragliding instructor from earlier, right?¡± Freya thought the voice rang a bell.


    Ellis nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°You told me you¡¯d only met him a few days before I did.¡± Freya shot him a look, calling him out without hesitation.


    Ellis answered smoothly, ¡°Let¡¯s just say I never wanted to meet him at all.¡±


    Freya was at a loss for words.


    From their earlier exchange, it was pretty clear. They weren¡¯t just old friends. They were childhood buddies, practically joined at the hip.


    ¡°So the message is, ¡®Mom,e and give me a good punch. Too bad. You can¡¯t catch me. Hahaha,¡¯ right?¡± Freya confirmed while prepping the update.


    ¡°Yeah.¡± Ellis added, ¡°And make it sound just as irritating as he does.¡±


    Freya¡¯s fingers flitted over the keyboard like a pianist in concert. In no time, she¡¯d embedded the virus into Ethan¡¯s phone, set tounch right at six.


    Once done, Ellis messaged the group chat to confirm that he was free tomorrow night.


    That evening at six sharp, Ethan was seated at the dinner table with his folks. Just as he lifted his fork, his phone began to buzz.


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 Chapter 704

    ?Chapter 704:


    Thinking it was a regr call, he pulled it out¡ªonly for an obnoxiously smug voice to screech from the speaker.


    ¡°Mom,e and give me a good punch. Too bad. You can¡¯t catch me. Hahaha¡­¡±


    The second the voice echoed through the room, the middle-aged couple across from him snapped their heads toward him, eyes glinting with ice.


    Ethan¡¯s blood ran cold. He knew he was in deep trouble. ¡°Mom, I can exin¡­¡±


    But before he could finish, the phone piped up again.


    ¡°Mom,e and give me a good punch. Too bad. You can¡¯t catch me. Hahaha¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you whether I can catch you or not.¡± Ethan¡¯s mother seized a stick and came charging toward him.


    Ethan fumbled to shut off the phone, but it wouldn¡¯t respond.


    ¡°Mom! Let me exin!¡±


    ¡°Too bad. You can¡¯t catch me. Hahaha!¡± the phone kept heckling him. Panic set in. Damn it all!


    ¡°What¡¯s there to exin? You¡¯re not getting any younger, still no girlfriend, and all you do is loaf around the house!¡± His mother chased him in circles, clearly fed up. ¡°And now you¡¯ve got the nerve to rile me up!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not trying to rile you up, Mom!¡± Ethan dodged around the furniture like a man possessed.


    ¡°Hahaha!¡± The phone cackled in perfect imitation of his voice, driving him to the brink.


    He knew, beyond a doubt, that Ellis had orchestrated this prank. To stop things from getting worse, he hurled the phone to the floor, shattering it. Blessedly, the voice cut off.


    Ethan exhaled in relief, grateful he hadn¡¯t stored anything important on that phone.


    ¡°Mom, I¡ª¡±


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    The stick came down hard.


    Ethan shot up like a puppet on strings, looking utterly ridiculous.


    ¡°Ouch!¡± His bangs flopped into his eyes as his face scrunched in agony.


    ¡°Take it easy, please!¡±


    ¡°You dare smash things in front of me? Who do you think taught you that?¡± His mothershed him again.


    Ethan knew better than to talk back. His mother¡¯s temper was nothing to mess with. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mom!¡±


    ¡°Can I catch you or not?¡±


    ¡°You can!¡±


    ¡°Try something like this again, and I¡¯ll beat you till even your father won¡¯t recognize you.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re absolutely right.¡±


    With that quick surrender, the storm finally passed. Ethan wolfed down his dinner and bolted upstairs, clutching his SIM card.


    Thank goodness for backup phones¡ªat least now he could still curse Ellis out.


    Meanwhile, Ellis and Freya were having dinner.


    Freya honestly enjoyed Ellis¡¯s cooking. She wasn¡¯t picky, but she knew good food when she tasted it.


    ¡°Captain.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 705

    ?Chapter 705:


    ¡°What does your family do?¡± Freya couldn¡¯t help but ask it directly.


    ¡°They run a shop,¡± Ellis said inly. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    Freya wasn¡¯t sure if he was being honest. She¡¯d heard whispers about his wealthy background, but nothing solid.


    She wasn¡¯t about to pry, though. It wasn¡¯t worth the trouble.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Freya replied between bites. Then added, ¡°If you ever need to visit your parents, just say so. No need to apply for leave.¡± Since retiring, Ellis hadn¡¯t been home even once.


    ¡°They told me not toe back until I found a girlfriend. ssic parent move, right?¡± Ellis was clearly baiting her.


    And Freya walked straight into the trap. ¡°So you¡¯re not allowed home unless you¡¯ve got one?¡±


    ¡°Mm.¡± Ellis¡¯s voice turned yful. ¡°Could you be my girlfriend so I can finally go home?¡±


    ¡°Ask Riley.¡± Freyapletely missed the underlying meaning. She sincerely offered, ¡°She¡¯s bubbly and cute, and everyone likes her. She¡¯d make a great fake girlfriend.¡±


    Ellis pressed his lips together in a subtle smile, his gaze dropping with a touch of helplessness.


    Oh, Freya. She could be so clueless sometimes.


    He suddenly wondered how Kristian had ever managed to marry her.


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


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    ¡°How did you and Kristian meet?¡± Ellis feltpelled to know more. ¡°Youe off as pretty reserved.¡±


    At that, Freya paused.


    A flicker of memory crossed her eyes¡ªTheir first meeting.


    It had been two years ago, yet the image still burned bright in her mind.


    ¡°We first crossed paths at Nyx Club in Jeucwell.¡± Freya didn¡¯t bother to conceal the truth¡ªit was never much of a secret to begin with. ¡°At the time, my mom had just passed away. I needed to clear my head and breathe for a while, so I went to Jeucwell. That¡¯s where I met him.¡±


    A shadow of sorrow flitted through Ellis¡¯s eyes¡ªfleeting, subtle, invisible to anyone who wasn¡¯t looking for it. He forged ahead. ¡°And after that?¡±


    ¡°We had a few drinks and got to talking.¡± Freya could still recall their conversation with absolute rity. ¡°Afterward, I realized he was astonishingly well-read, and we shared the same principles, the same way of seeing the world. And he was undeniably good-looking. So when he proposed, I said yes.¡±


    Back then, Kristian had seemed like the dream. He was attractive, athletically built, educated, and aligned with her values. Even after they married, he was endlessly patient¡ªtender in every way.


    Though Kristian was frequently away on business or workingte into the night, he never broke his word. No matter how swamped he was, if he made a promise, he kept it¡ªand Freya was never left disappointed. With a man like that, she had fallen for him before she even knew what was happening.


    It wasn¡¯t until Ashley¡¯s call tore through those quiet, golden days that she finally understood one truth: no matter how much they had inmon, if their hearts weren¡¯t in sync, they would never truly belong together.


    ¡°A whirlwind marriage?¡± Ellis asked.


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 Chapter 706

    ?Chapter 706:


    Freya gave a small nod. ¡°Pretty much.¡±


    ¡°How did he treat you after the wedding?¡± Ellis hadn¡¯t meant to ask¡ªit slipped out¡ªbut he couldn¡¯t stop himself.


    At the very least, he wanted to learn from what she¡¯d been through. If fate ever gave him the chance to be with her, he wanted to know how to treat her right.


    ¡°Everything was fine¡ªuntil the past six months.¡± Freya could say it now without flinching, though a faint trace of regret still lingered in her voice.


    Ellis kept his tone light. ¡°Next time you¡¯re thinking of getting married,e to me first. I don¡¯t think I look too bad myself.¡±


    Freya blinked, caughtpletely off guard.


    For the first time, she looked at him carefully.


    He had that easygoing charm, an effortless coolness in the way he carried himself, with bold brows and striking eyes. His features were almost too perfect to be real.


    For a split second, an image red in her mind¡ªstunning and unfamiliar. But when she tried to grab hold of it, all she could see was Ellis¡¯s strict, serious face during training.


    ¡°You want to get married?¡± Freya assumed he was just caving to family pressure.


    ¡°I do.¡±


    In his heart, he added silently, ¡°I want to marry you.¡± But that part, he kept tucked away.


    ¡°How about I organize a masquerade for this year¡¯spany party?¡± Freya figured Ellis was simply eager to find someone, and as his team member, she wanted to help. ¡°We could invite all the single men and women at Anita International who are looking for a partner. What do you think?¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡± Ellis gave her a few lingering nces before finally agreeing.


    Freya thought it was a pretty decent idea, too.


    Both Melvin and Ellis were single. Maybe it¡¯d be their chance to meet someone.


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    When the conversation ended, they returned to their meal.


    Ellis had barely picked up his fork when his phone began buzzing relentlessly.


    He nced at the screen, and to avoid the caller throwing a tantrum, he swiped to answer. ¡°Did you get yourself beaten up?¡±


    ¡°Damn it!¡± Ethan¡¯s irritated voice exploded through the line. ¡°Ellis, you¡¯re such a jerk!¡±


    ¡°Watch your mouth,¡± Ellis replied, soundingpletely unfazed.


    ¡°A real man never lets a grudge go,¡± Ethan dered dramatically, clearly out for vengeance. ¡°Just wait till you get married. I¡¯ll install a virus on your phone that ys ¡®I do miss you, my love¡¯ every time you¡¯re alone with your wife.¡± Ellis was at a loss for words.


    ¡°I¡¯ll even use a voice changer to call you in the middle of the night and tell you I¡¯m pregnant with your child.¡± Ethan¡¯s threats grew increasingly absurd.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t learned your lesson yet?¡± Ellis answered casually, but his tone sent a chill straight down Ethan¡¯s spine.


    Ethan stiffened, a cold dread creeping up like a de to the throat.


    But he wasn¡¯t about to give in. He still had things he needed to know. ¡°Enough with the nonsense! Who cleared the virus off your phone? And what the hell happened to mine?¡±


    ¡°Call it karma,¡± Ellis said coolly, offering no further exnation. ¡°Do you really have to be this petty?¡±


    Ethan growled, not quite ready to drop it. ¡°Believe it or not, next time I see that girl, I¡¯ll tell her you¡ª¡± Ellis hung up and switched his phone to silent.


    .


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 Chapter 707

    ?Chapter 707:


    Freya remainedpletely unaware.


    If Ethan identally let something slip, who knew how she¡¯d react, how far she¡¯d pull away afterward. Freya saw him end the call and assumed the conversation was over. She didn¡¯t give it a second thought.


    Ellis was relieved the call hadn¡¯t been on speaker. If Freya had overheard, she might¡¯ve started to suspect something.


    After dinner, Freya went home.


    Ellis stayed behind on the sofa, running through every possibility in his head, searching for some way¡ªany way¡ªto win her over. At this rate, he could spend a lifetime trying and still never break through.


    Freya was just too oblivious when it came to feelings.


    She hadn¡¯t thought twice about it. Once she got home, she went straight to bed. She had considered calling Lawrence to ask about Kristian, but since she¡¯d already asked Jacob to look into it, she decided to leave it be.


    The next day, Freya got a call from Ashley. Ashley invited her out, and they met up at a restaurant.


    Once they¡¯d finished cing the order, Ashley got right to the point. ¡°All this time, I never properly thanked you, Freya.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t mention it,¡± Freya replied. Her emotions had dulled considerably from what they used to be.


    She used to crack jokes here and there, but now, nothing seemed to catch her interest.


    Maybe nothing could truly stir her heart anymore.


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Ashley said, her voice earnest. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for everything I did wrong in the past.¡±


    She owed Freya too much.


    Even if she hadn¡¯t had a choice back then, what she¡¯d done still caused Freya pain. And yet Freya had met her mistakes withpassion. On Butterfly Ind, Freya had even protected her.


    ¡°It¡¯s all in the past now.¡± Once Freya learned that Brenda had forced Ashley¡¯s hand, all the resentment inside her faded away.


    Ashley bit her lower lip, clearly torn, but eventually asked, ¡°Did¡­ did something happen to Kristian?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya said simply, choosing not to reveal the truth.


    Ashley had wanted to ask more, but worried that Freya might take it the wrong way, she kept her thoughts to herself and quietly finished the meal.


    After dinner, Ashley left Alerith.


    Freya didn¡¯t see her off.


    Where Ashley went, whether she kept modeling or did something else¡ªFreya didn¡¯t ask.


    To her, Ashley was just someone passing through her life.


    After the meal, Freya returned to her office. There wasn¡¯t much that required her attention, so after reviewing her schedule for the day, she called Melvin into her office.


    Ellis had already been at the office for nearly a month. It was about time to check in¡ªevaluate how things were going and hopefully steer him toward the path where he shined.


    .


    .


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 Chapter 708

    ?Chapter 708:


    Melvin stepped into the office, his sharply defined featuresposed. ¡°What can I do for you?¡±


    Freya let out a soft hum, not bothering with pleasantries. ¡°How¡¯s Ellis been doing at the office?¡±


    ¡°Pretty well,¡± Melvin answered without embellishment.


    Freya raised an eyebrow, mildly surprised. It was rare to get even that much out of Melvin.


    ¡°What would you say he¡¯s best at?¡±


    At the question, Melvin shot Freya a couple of nces, as if weighing his words, clearly hesitant to speak his mind.


    Freya remained poised, picking up on his silence. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s got real potential for leadership,¡± Melvin finally said, after a beat of thought. ¡°Everything I¡¯ve handed him, he¡¯s nailed. The guy¡¯s sharp, has an eye for strategy, and consistently turns in wless work.¡±


    ¡°I see,¡± Freya murmured.


    So Ellis really was capable. He¡¯d even adjusted to society with surprising ease.


    Melvin waited patiently, giving her time, never one to rush.


    ¡°Let him take charge of a few subsidiarypanies¡¯ business on his own,¡± Freya instructed. ¡°If he does a good job, we¡¯ll consider offering him a formal post in management at one of them.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Melvin replied.


    Freya kept things straightforward. She figured Ellis would prefer something closer to home¡ªmake life a little smoother for him.


    Once a suitable position came up nearby, she¡¯d arrange the transfer.


    That way, whatever ns he had would be easier to manage.


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    With that settled, she returned to her own work.


    The day went by in a blur.


    Remembering her promise to her friends, Freya didn¡¯t stayte. When the time came, she left the office with Ellis.


    As fate would have it, Melvin caught the scene. He stood there, watching as Ellis got into Freya¡¯s car, the two of them driving off together.


    Thinking it over, he pulled out his phone and fired off a message to Freya. ¡°I think your friend might be up to something with you.¡±


    Freya was behind the wheel, en route to meet her friends, so she didn¡¯t notice the message.


    They¡¯d made a reservation at an exclusive members-only club¡ªfavored by the city¡¯s elite and celebrities¡ªrevered for its privacy and tight security.


    By the time Freya and Ellis arrived, their friends were already there. Just as they reached the private room, Ellis got a call and told Freya to head in first.


    ¡°Come on over, Mina!¡±


    ¡°Freya, we¡¯re right here!¡±


    Greta and Frederick greeted her warmly.


    Freya made her way over and sat with Greta and Riley. A nce toward Cade and Moss stirred a memory of something Trent had once told her. She thought of bringing it up, maybe testing the waters, but this wasn¡¯t the time or ce.


    ¡°Freya, you should sit over here,¡± Frederick insisted, offering his reasoning, ¡°those three are already taken. We single folks ought to stick together.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t lump me in,¡± Greta interjected first. ¡°I¡¯m single now too.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 709

    ?Chapter 709:


    ¡°You broke up?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Oh, please! Greta probably scared him off. She¡¯s way too fierce for most guys.¡±


    ¡°Most guys wouldn¡¯tst a minute if she actually got mad.¡± The group dissolved into lighthearted gossip.


    Freya was curious too. ¡°So how¡¯d it end?¡±


    ¡°He said we came from different worlds,¡± Greta said casually, not seeming too bothered. ¡°Said it was stressful being with me. His friends imed he was mooching off me. He didn¡¯t like being the lesser one in the rtionship, so he ended it.¡±


    Riley and Freya exchanged baffled looks. Wasn¡¯t love just about being together if the feelings were mutual?


    ¡°He was a real idiot. He should¡¯ve told his friends they¡¯d be lucky to have someone willing to support them,¡± Moss blurted out, entirely unfazed.


    ¡°Not always that simple. Some guys have too much pride,¡± Cade added. ¡°If their girlfriend¡¯s family is way out of their league, it can mess with their ego.¡±


    At that, Freya paused.


    She couldn¡¯t help thinking of what Trent had said about Ellis.


    Seizing the moment, she asked, ¡°Would you guys feel that way?¡±


    ¡°I would,¡± Cade admitted without hesitation. ¡°If the gap wasn¡¯t too big, I¡¯d work hard to catch up. But if she waspletely out of my league, I¡¯d probably just walk away.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Riley looked genuinely puzzled, her soft features giving her an even more innocent air. ¡°Isn¡¯t love about two people loving each other?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s true when you¡¯re young,¡± Cade said seriously. ¡°But we have to be more realistic. If she¡¯s got way better options, why should I be the one holding her back? And if our families are worlds apart, her parents are bound to worry.¡±


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    ¡°You¡¯re lucky you¡¯ve got a solid background. Otherwise, the girls crushing on you would be out of luck,¡± Frederick chimed in, jumping into the mix.


    Freya pressed her lips together, unsure how to respond.


    Fortunately, the topic didn¡¯t drag on. After another round of chatter, Ellis finally walked in, as calm andposed as ever¡ªlooking devastatingly handsome.


    The get-together had been nned for him, after all. With his arrival, the group rxedpletely¡ªeating, drinking, and enjoying the night. By the end of the evening, empty bottles were stacked across the table. Most of Freya¡¯s friends were impressive drinkers. Even after several rounds, they held their own effortlessly.


    Freya wasn¡¯t so lucky. A few drinks in, and she was already feeling lightheaded.


    Recalling what had happened thest time she¡¯d gone overboard, she did her best to stay sharp. But by the night¡¯s end, the alcohol had taken its toll. Her head spun, her mind foggy.


    She wasn¡¯t making a fuss¡ªjust resting quietly, her head leaning against Greta¡¯s shoulder.


    ¡°Captain, are you taking Mina hometer?¡± Greta asked after assessing the situation.


    Everyone there trusted each other, so letting Ellis take Freya home wasn¡¯t a concern. If it had been anyone else¡ªor if trust hadn¡¯t run deep¡ªno one would¡¯ve allowed themselves to drink so freely. Just likest time, at the gathering Liam had arranged, Freya only let her guard down because Trent had been there.


    Ellis nced at the dazed Mina and answered, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Captain,¡± Riley piped up, feigning innocence, ¡°did Mina do something to tick you off?¡±


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 Chapter 710

    Chapter 710:


    She hadn¡¯t forgotten what was said in the group chatst time. Ellis had brought Freya breakfast. Who would believe he was just being nice? There had to be a trap for Freya.


    Ellis looked confused. His gaze swept the curious faces beforending on Riley. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Oh, please. We all know you brought Mina breakfastst time,¡± Riley said boldly. ¡°If she hadn¡¯t gotten on your nerves, would you really have done that?¡±


    Greta and Riley knew the real story but kept up the act. They just wanted Ellis to drop any idea of giving Freya a hard time.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with bringing her breakfast?¡± Ellis repliedzily, his tone as smooth as ever. ¡°Who says an employee can¡¯t bring their boss breakfast?¡±


    The group stared at him in silence. Ellis was a master of deflection. What a way to dodge the question.


    ¡°It¡¯s understandable for staff to bring their boss breakfast,¡± Moss remarked, tossing in his two cents. ¡°But Captain, be honest with yourself¡ªwere you really just being thoughtful when you brought breakfast for Mina? Or have you conveniently forgotten that time you handed me a bottle of water and then made me run ten kilometers strapped with extra weight?¡±


    ¡°And the time you gave me food, only to triple my training session right after?¡± Cade chimed in, not missing his moment to add fuel to the fire.


    Ellis leaned back in his chair, his tone light andced with mischief as he raised a brow. ¡°So what I¡¯m hearing is¡­ you two have a bone to pick with me?¡±


    Moss froze mid-breath.


    Cade went stiff as a board.


    Uh-oh!


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    A chill tiptoed down their spines, and their hearts thudded like warning drums. They¡¯d walked right into it¡ªhook, line, and sinker.


    ¡°So you are nning to put Mina through the wringer?¡± Greta concluded, narrowing her eyes.


    Before Ellis could respond, Freya¡ªhalf-asleep and only catching fragments of the chatter¡ªsat up abruptly. Her gaze was bleary, her voice soft and adorably indignant. ¡°Captain, didn¡¯t you say you¡¯d let it go? Why are you going back on your word?¡±


    Maybe it was the lingering buzz from the alcohol, but her sleepy defiance was so cute and earnest that both Greta and Riley couldn¡¯t resist the temptation to pinch her cheeks.


    In fact, they promptly did.


    ¡°All right, everyone. Let¡¯s wrap it up for tonight,¡± Ellis said, rising from his seat. His long frame seemed even moremanding as he stood tall. ¡°Head home safely. I¡¯ll take Freya back myself.¡± As he spoke, he made his way toward her.


    Just as he reached out, Freya turned to him and asked, ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll exinter,¡± Ellis murmured, gently taking her hand from Greta¡¯s side. His voice softened to a tender whisper. ¡°Do you want me to carry you or give you a piggyback ride?¡±


    Freya shook her head, her voice drowsy but stubborn. ¡°I can walk on my own.¡±


    ¡°All right.¡± Ellis nodded, indulging her without a fuss.


    Once satisfied she could manage, he turned to the others, offering some words of caution, his toneced with genuine care. ¡°Don¡¯t drive. You¡¯ve been drinking. Call a designated driver, and text in the group when you get home.¡±


    ¡°Oh, okay¡­¡± The others were still a bit dazed.


    .


    .


    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Hope you liked the chapters dear readers, this week I will release new novels in mass, so I hope you like the new content I bring to gal. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ?( ?? ? ?? )?


    .

 Chapter 711

    ?Chapter 711:


    Without another word, Ellis led Freya out.


    As soon as they disappeared through the door, those left behind exchanged nces like they¡¯d just witnessed something ghostly¡ªGreta and Riley in particr.


    ¡°Why do I feel like the Captain¡¯s acting a bit¡­ odd with Mina?¡± Greta was the first to voice what everyone else was thinking.


    Riley gave a slow nod. ¡°Since I¡¯ve known him, I¡¯ve never seen him act so¡­ soft.¡±


    ¡°Does that mean Freya¡¯s going to get it even worse than we did?¡± Frederick asked, his wide-eyed concern for Freya shining through. ¡°Worse than what Cade and Moss had to deal with?¡±


    Greta and Riley exchanged a nce. Something about that didn¡¯t sit right.


    ¡°Wait a second¡­¡± Moss hesitated, scanning everyone¡¯s expressions. ¡°Is it possible our all-business, stone-faced captain¡­ actually has feelings for Mina?¡±


    Cade thought back to what they¡¯d just witnessed. ¡°It¡¯s more than possible. If any of them had gotten drunk, Ellis would¡¯ve thrown them over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes and dumped them at their doorstep. No way would he have softly offered a choice between being carried or piggybacked. That kind of gentleness? Yeah, something was definitely up.¡±


    ¡°What do you think, Trent?¡± Moss tossed the question to him. Ellis and Trent were two peas in a pod when it came to being sharp. If anyone knew the truth, it¡¯d be Trent.


    Trent just smiled, a knowing gleam in his eye. ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you guys he was just being nice to Mina?¡±


    And just like that, the whole room clicked into understanding.


    ¡°You knew all along?¡± Cade asked, his voice tinged with disbelief.


    ¡°Don¡¯t breathe a word of this to Mina,¡± Trent cautioned, his tone as calm and steady as ever. ¡°No ying matchmaker¡ªand no throwing wrenches in the works.¡±


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    He turned to Greta and Riley, a pointed look apanying his gentle reminder. ¡°Especially you two.¡±


    Everyone knew how inseparable the three were¡ªGreta, Riley, and Freya were thick as thieves, joined at the hip and heart.


    Had he not said anything, the two would¡¯ve likely raced to Freya without a second thought, spilling everything in their rush. And considering how Freya felt about Ellis at the moment, she might¡¯ve gone cold and distant, perhaps even kept him at arm¡¯s length.


    ¡°He¡¯s really good at keeping his feelings under wraps,¡± Greta murmured, finally feeling reassured. ¡°But he didn¡¯t start liking Mina only after retiring, right? When did it even begin?¡±


    ¡°No clue,¡± Trent replied honestly.


    No one could pinpoint when Ellis¡¯s feelings had first taken root. What they did know was that he never let his emotions cloud his judgment. Even though he was into Freya, he never let up on her during training.


    Not once.


    But looking back, it all made sense now.


    Push her hard now, so she¡¯d be safer when it mattered.


    ¡°Honestly, that¡¯s probably for the best,¡± Riley sighed,forted by the thought. ¡°If Freya ends up with Ellis, nobody in their right mind would dare mess with her.¡±


    On that note, the group exchanged a silent pact. Just as Trent had said, no meddling.


    Out of all of them, only Freya remained blissfully unaware of the truth.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 712

    ?Chapter 712:


    After leaving the club, Ellis took a slow stroll with Freya through the quiet streets. She tried to walk on her own at first, but after every few steps, she¡¯d pause for ten seconds, swaying gently like a leaf caught in a breeze. Eventually, Ellis scooped her up in a piggyback without a word.


    ¡°Captain,¡± Freya murmured against his back, her eyes closed, her voice small but persistent. ¡°You still haven¡¯t answered me.¡±


    ¡°When did I ever say I held a grudge over the past?¡± Ellis replied, his voice smooth as flowing water¡ªeasy, steady, andced with warmth.


    Surrounded by the sound of his voice, Freya felt as though she were being wrapped in a nket of warmth, like a soft wind brushing against her skin. For a moment, everything else faded.


    She didn¡¯t think¡ªshe just spoke from the heart. ¡°Then why do you keep bringing me breakfast? Why do you invite me for meals?¡±


    ¡°You could say¡­¡± Ellis¡¯s voice trailed off.


    In his heart, he whispered, ¡°I have my reasons¡ªnone of them pure.¡± Though the alcohol dulled her edges, Freya wasn¡¯t so far gone that she wouldn¡¯t understand the implication. If he revealed the truth now, she might run the next day, iming work as a shield. Still, Freya waited. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just looking out for a team member going through a divorce,¡± Ellis said, slipping on a mask of nonchnce. ¡°Or maybe I¡¯m being kind to my boss¡ªit mighte in handy for my future.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think so,¡± Freya replied firmly, even in her haze, conviction anchoring her words.


    Ellis raised an eyebrow. ¡°Oh?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not that kind of person,¡± she insisted, confident in his character.


    Ellis gave a quiet smile and kept walking.


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    Freya¡¯s thoughts spiraled. Her mind was a tangled mess¡ªKristian¡¯s injury, Ellis¡¯s strange behavior¡ªall knotted like a ball of string wed by a curious cat.


    When they finally got home, Ellis made her a ss of honey water, worried she¡¯d wake up with a pounding headache. It wouldn¡¯t erase the hangover, but it would take the edge off.


    After making sure everything was in order, he messaged in the group chat to let their friends know they were back safely.


    Greta suggested, ¡°Make sure Mina drinks some honey water, so she won¡¯t have a headache tomorrow.¡±


    Ellis replied, ¡°Already done.¡±


    Greta paused halfway through her typing, fingers hovering above the keys, then decided it wasn¡¯t worth the worry anymore.


    Since Ellis was so naturally good at looking after Freya, they might as well stop worrying too much.


    Once she finished her honey water, Freya settled onto the spotless carpet. Her eyes shimmered with silent unease, her face shaded with quiet sorrow.


    Night was never ideal for making serious decisions¡ªor for drinking too much.


    Even someone asposed and level-headed as Freya found her thoughts spinning under the weight of alcohol.


    She didn¡¯t know why, but visions of Kristian¡¯s injuries, with his nervous system in serious jeopardy, kept reying in her mind, growingrger until they were impossible to ignore.


    ¡°Captain.¡± Her voice was barely a whisper, uncertain and small, like a child who¡¯d lost her bearings. To her, Ellis could do anything.


    No matter the problem, whether practical or emotional, he always managed to talk them through it, guiding them forward, earning their trust without them even realizing it.


    .


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 Chapter 713

    ?Chapter 713:


    Ellis eased down beside her, casting her a sideways nce. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°What if Kristian never recovers?¡± Freya wrapped her arms around her knees, resting her chin on top. ¡°How am I supposed to face his family?¡± Kristian was the sessor to Shaw Group, Lionel¡¯s most treasured grandson, and the cherished son of Melinda and Isaac.


    If Lawrence were to dere that Kristian would never recover, Freya truly didn¡¯t know what she would do.


    ¡°Lawrence hasn¡¯t reached any conclusions yet. Don¡¯t work yourself up,¡± Ellis said evenly, recognizing that emotion was clouding her thoughts. ¡°With his expertise, it¡¯s unlikely the oue will be too severe.¡±


    Freya lifted her gaze to him, her usually serene eyes now muddled with doubt.


    ¡°Really?¡± she asked.


    ¡°When have I ever lied to you?¡± Ellis shot back.


    Freya paused, thinking it through, then gave a small shake of her head. He had never lied to her.


    ¡°Go take a shower and get some sleep.¡± Ellis gave her hair a gentle tousle; his broad hand was warm and steady, offering a quiet kind of reassurance. ¡°Tomorrow morning, I¡¯ll go with you to see Lawrence and ask about Kristian¡¯s condition.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Freya nodded.


    ¡°Can you stand on your own?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    As she made her way toward the bedroom, Ellis couldn¡¯t help but think she was perhaps a bit too trusting for her own good.


    He called out to her. ¡°Freya.¡±


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    ¡°Hmm?¡± She turned around, still looking a little out of it.


    Ellis pressed his lips together, swallowing the words that nearly came out. ¡°Never mind. Go shower¡ªand wear something warm before youe back out.¡±


    After all, he was retired now. He could protect her. There was no need for her to carry so much on her shoulders.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Freya turned and stepped into the bedroom. She closed the door quietly behind her, gathered her clothes, and went to shower, needing a moment alone to collect herself.


    The hot water was sobering. As the steam curled around her, her skin took on a soft flush, droplets clung to her long, curledshes, and herplexion glowed with delicate rity.


    Ellis waited just outside the whole time.


    Roughly twenty minutester, Freya stepped out of the bathroom. She wore soft cotton pajamas, her damp hair wrapped up, the curve of her neck especially pale and graceful under the dim light.


    Most of the alcohol had faded from her system. She let her hair fall loose and gently patted it dry with a towel before stepping out the door. When Ellis saw her hair still wet, he frowned slightly. What was she thinking, wandering around like that on a chilly night?


    ¡°Captain, I¡¯m fine now.¡± Freya stood in the doorway, trying to lookposed. ¡°You should get some rest.¡±


    ¡°Come here,¡± Ellis said, his tone low and quiet.


    Freya blinked, confused. She hesitated, then walked over.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 714

    ?Chapter 714:


    Before she could figure out what was happening, Ellis picked up a hair dryer and started drying her hair.


    Freya stiffened, caught off guard, wondering if he even realized just how intimate this gesture was.


    ¡°Captain.¡±


    ¡°Is it?¡± Ellis asked, his hand moving gently through her hair as he worked, though inside he felt strangely nervous. It was his first time doing anything like this, and he wasn¡¯t sure if he¡¯d tugged her hair or if the dryer was too hot.


    Freya took the hair dryer from him and switched it off.


    The room fell into an immediate hush.


    ¡°I can do it myself, really,¡± she murmured, a trace of difort in her voice. ¡°You should get some sleep. It¡¯s been a long day for you, too.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Ellis didn¡¯t push it. ¡°Call me if anythinges up.¡±


    Freya nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    He gave her onest nce to make sure she was alright before getting up to leave. Freya walked him to the door, murmuring her thanks as he stepped into his own apartment.


    Once they were both back in their rooms, Freya shut the door behind her and quietly finished drying her hair alone.


    She had always thought that drying someone¡¯s hair was something reserved for loved ones¡ªparents, siblings, or a partner. Having Ellis do it just felt¡­ strange.


    Once her hair was dry, Freyay down in bed.


    Before sleeping, she checked her phone for missed messages and saw one from Melvin.


    Her friend might be up to something with her?


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    Who?


    She typed back without much thought, ¡°Who do you mean?¡±


    At that moment, Melvin was still at home, waiting for a response from Freya.


    Ever since Ellis joined the office, Freya hadn¡¯t needed Melvin to drive her around anymore. Many of the things he used to do for her had quietly been taken over by Ellis.


    That shift left Melvin feeling a little uneasy about his role.


    So when he saw her message pop up, he quickly typed, ¡°Ellis Lambert.¡± But right before hitting send, he hesitated. Freya seemed to treat Ellis awfully well.


    What if she liked him? Wouldn¡¯t he be handing over a confession on a silver tter?


    For a moment, Melvin wavered, uncertain if he should go through with it.


    Freya waited a while but got no reply. Figuring he¡¯d fallen asleep, she set her phone down on the nightstand and drifted off.


    In the end, Melvin didn¡¯t send the message. He decided to wait until the next day¡ªhe¡¯d find a way to bring it up at work.


    What he didn¡¯t expect was that neither Freya nor Ellis showed up at the office the next morning.


    Later that morning, Freya sent Melvin a message saying she wouldn¡¯t be in, then made a call to Lawrence, letting him know she was heading to the base.


    Lawrence wasn¡¯t thrilled. He¡¯d promised Kristian that Freya wouldn¡¯t get involved in any of this again. Letting her visit now would mean breaking that promise.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 715

    ?Chapter 715:


    He knew Kristian well. There was no telling what kind of mess that would stir up.


    But Freya wasn¡¯t just anyone. She was K, someone with a reputation Lawrence couldn¡¯t afford to antagonize.


    A migraine started to bloom behind his temples.


    After weighing his options, he gave her an alternative. ¡°How about this? I can show you Kristian¡¯s medical reports, but I can¡¯t let you visit him.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need to,¡± Freya replied coolly, phone in hand. She didn¡¯t want to make things difficult for him. ¡°Ellis Lambert will see him.¡±


    Lawrence froze. Could it really be the Ellis Lambert he knew?


    Lawrence didn¡¯t say a word on the other end of the line, so Freya asked again, ¡°Is Kristian awake now?¡±


    ¡°He woke up for a little while this morning, but he¡¯s out cold again.¡± Lawrence was fabricating the story as he spoke. There was no chance he¡¯d tell her what was really going on. ¡°I¡¯ll give you an update once his condition evens out. Maybe you can swing by then?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re hiding something from me.¡± Her voice was steady, unshakably certain.


    Lawrence kept the easy smile on his face as he held the phone to his ear.


    He knew better than anyone¡ªK was no ordinary person.


    ¡°How could I be?¡± His tone stayed calm, not a hint of tension in it. ¡°If my word¡¯s not good enough for you, you¡¯re wee to dig into it yourself. Someone with your talents wouldn¡¯t have any trouble finding the truth.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t say anything.


    Lawrence¡¯s palm was damp with sweat where it gripped the phone. He was ying a risky game, banking on the chance that Freya wouldn¡¯t resort to hacking that easily.


    The K he knew wouldn¡¯t pull those tricks unless the situation was truly dire. But if she did, she¡¯d unravel everything in seconds.


    ¡°How¡¯s he healing from the injuries?¡± she asked instead, dropping the earlier subject.


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    ¡°The stitchese out tomorrow. He¡¯s doing fine.¡± Lawrence didn¡¯t bother hiding this part from her. ¡°No need to worry. I¡¯ll make sure he¡¯s looked after.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯lle over,¡± Freya said.


    ¡°What?¡± That caught Lawrence off guard.


    Why was she stilling?


    ¡°I¡¯m just going as a representative of his family to check up on him,¡± Freya exined. ¡°Kristian¡¯s father needs regr updates on his condition.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Lawrence agreed, trying to sound casual.


    After the call ended, Freya and Ellis made their way straight to Lawrence¡¯s medical facility.


    Lawrence, meanwhile, got busy making a few swift arrangements.


    By the time Freya and Ellis pulled in, it was already eleven.


    Lawrence weed them with a pleasant smile, wearing a crisp white doctor¡¯s coat. He looked every bit the professional¡ªwarm, polished¡ªbut no one could ever read what was going on behind that smooth facade.


    When his gazended on Ellis standing beside Freya, that old feeling crept in again¡ªlike fate had dealt him the losing hand.


    Back on Butterfly Ind, he¡¯d assumed Ellis was just some guy on a mission. But clearly, there was more beneath the surface.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 716

    ?Chapter 716:


    ¡°Mr. Lambert, you¡­¡± Lawrence let the words trail off intentionally.


    Ellis, already familiar with Lawrence¡¯s reputation, didn¡¯t flinch.


    ¡°We¡¯re here to see Kristian Shaw. Is now a good time?¡±


    ¡°Of course. But Kristian¡¯s still in a fragile state, so you¡¯ll have to observe him through the ss. No entering the room,¡± Lawrence said, his voice calm and matter-of-fact.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ellis responded.


    A few momentster, Lawrence led the pair down a corridor that looked like something straight out of a science fiction flick. They passed through twoyers of security doors before reaching Kristian¡¯s room. Lawrence tapped a switch on the wall, and a wide panel of the wall slid aside to reveal arge window.


    Kristian looked more or less the same.


    Hisplexion wasn¡¯t as ghostly as before, but it stillcked any real color. His eyes were shut tight, sunken slightly into his face, as if locked in a heavy sleep.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs,¡± Lawrence said, noting they hadn¡¯t picked up on anything strange. ¡°Since Kristian seems to want a bit of distance now, it might be better if you contacted me directly for updates. I¡¯ll call if there¡¯s any news. Sound good?¡±


    Freya pressed her lips together but didn¡¯t answer.


    Even now, something about that day didn¡¯t sit right with her.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs?¡± Lawrence prompted again.


    ¡°Alright,¡± she finally said.


    A quiet relief swept through Lawrence.


    After lingering a bit longer, Freya asked him for Kristian¡¯s medical data.


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    Lawrence handed it over without a second thought.


    Through it all, neither she nor Ellis noticed anything amiss.


    As they were about to head out, Freya, her mind still on Kristian, said to Lawrence, ¡°If there¡¯s anything you need help with during his treatment, just say the word. I¡¯ll handle it.¡±


    ¡°What about the expenses?¡± Lawrence asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take care of it,¡± Freya replied.


    ¡°Perfect.¡± Lawrence was clearly satisfied. ¡°I admire generous people.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell Kristian about this,¡± she instructed firmly.


    Since Kristian didn¡¯t want any more ties to her, there was no reason for him to know. Once he was back on his feet, they could walk their separate paths without a backward nce.


    Lawrence was already rubbing his hands together in his mind at the thought of the cash rolling in. ¡°Of course.¡±


    ¡°And one more thing.¡±


    ¡°Yes, Ms. Briggs?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t even think about squeezing more money out of Kristian once he¡¯s better.¡± She saw right through him.


    Lawrence was momentarily at a loss for words. Had he been that transparent?


    Her sharp gaze told him she¡¯d hit the bull¡¯s-eye.


    Despite his impressive pedigree and sharp mind¡ªhe was unmatched in his field¡ªhis appetite for money really was something else.


    Sometimes, she genuinely wondered why he didn¡¯t just go home and enjoy the riches waiting for him instead of scheming for more wherever he went.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 717

    ?Chapter 717:


    But that was his business, and Freya had no intention of wasting thought on it.


    Once they left the base, Freya and Ellis went for lunch before heading over to Anita International headquarters.


    In the elevator on the way up, Ellis tried to put her at ease. ¡°From the way Lawrence was talking, he seems pretty confident about Kristian¡¯s treatment. You really don¡¯t need to stress.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Freya replied softly.


    When the elevator doors slid open, they stepped out together. Freya made her way to her office, while Ellis veered off to his own as the special assistant.


    The sight didn¡¯t go unnoticed by the secretarial staff¡ªor by Melvin, who happened to be coordinating with them at the time.


    Ever since Ellis had joined thepany, the gossip mill had been churning non-stop. Now, seeing Freya and the new assistant often together only added fuel to the fire.


    ¡°Melvin, is Ms. Briggs dating that new assistant, Ellis?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve noticed they¡¯re always together. And they seem pretty tight.¡±


    ¡°They look good together. You¡¯ve got the powerful CEO and her adorable assistant.¡±


    ¡°Adorable? Are you serious? He¡¯s so hot!¡±


    And so, the chatter continued.


    Melvin couldn¡¯t quite put his feelings into words.


    But he couldn¡¯t shake the sense of being pushed aside.


    ¡°Melvin?¡± someone from the secretarial department called out. ¡°You¡¯re awfully quiet.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t spread rumors that haven¡¯t been officially confirmed,¡± Melvin answered, professional as ever, his tone cool. ¡°Finish the work I assigned and take it to Ms. Briggs for her signature as soon as possible.¡±


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    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± they chorused.


    The second Melvin walked away, the gossip picked up again¡ªthis time, with him and Freya as the subject.


    Melvin tuned it out. When he saw Freya return, he headed straight over, arms full of documents and contracts needing her signature, and updated her on thetest project statuses while she signed.


    When it came to his job, Melvin never cut corners.


    To him, Anita International Group wasn¡¯t just apany¡ªit held a deeper meaning. He poured himself into every detail, driven by a quiet hope that his dedication would usher insting sess for both the business and its owner.


    In just thirty minutes, he¡¯d delivered a clean,prehensive report that left nothing out.


    As he wrapped things up, he was just about to make his exit when Freya called out, ¡°Mel, hold on a second.¡±


    He stopped mid-step.


    ¡°You messaged me yesterday. What exactly did you mean by that?¡± Freya had decided not to beat around the bush.


    Melvin faltered, caught off guard and seemingly unsure how to put it into words.


    But Freya didn¡¯t push.


    ¡°There¡¯s chatter going around about you and Ellis,¡± he said instead, steering the conversation slightly in another direction.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 718

    ?Chapter 718:


    His words threw her off for a moment.


    Melvin asked, a flicker of curiosity breaking through hisposed expression, ¡°Are you seeing Ellis? Lately, you¡¯ve been out on business trips with him a lot, and you haven¡¯t asked me toe along.¡± What bothered him most was how things used to be. He was always the one to drive her back and forth¡ªnow, she drove herself.


    Given her role, it was hardly typical. At theirpany, the CEO being her own driver was practically unheard of.


    ¡°Are you afraid that by giving Ellis more responsibility, I¡¯ll stop valuing your contributions?¡± Freya asked, her tone calm but perceptive, catching the flicker of feeling in his otherwise unreadable face.


    Melvin didn¡¯t respond, but the tension on his face spoke volumes.


    Freya had always treated him differently. She rose from her chair, poured him a coffee, and said gently, ¡°Don¡¯t worry. As long as you want to stay by my side, you¡¯ll always be my assistant. I¡¯ve only been taking Ellis along to help him get his bearings in the industry and understand the market.¡±


    There were still things she preferred to exin to Ellis herself.


    Melvin was more than capable, but he didn¡¯t know much about Ellis¡¯s background. And with the kind of man Ellis was, there were simply things he wouldn¡¯t open up to Melvin about.


    So, it made sense for her to guide him personally for a while.


    Once he caught up, she wouldn¡¯t need to be so hands-on.


    ¡°As for all the gossip floating around¡ªit¡¯splete nonsense,¡± Freya added, clearing the air. ¡°Ellis and I are just friends, nothing more.¡±


    Melvin heard her clearly¡ªand so did Ellis, who had just arrived to go over a few business matters.


    Standing outside the door, he didn¡¯t so much as blink.


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    He knew her well enough. After what Kristian had put her through, she kept her guard up. Maybe she had simply lost interest in rtionships altogether.


    Ellis wasn¡¯t in a rush. There was time. He¡¯d already made up his mind. When the moment was right, he¡¯d be more than willing to marry her. With that thought in mind, he raised his hand and knocked on the office door.


    Melvin opened it. The moment he saw Ellis, he hesitated briefly.


    Ellis gave a polite nod, then walked over to Freya with the documents she needed to sign. The entire interaction felt seamless, untouched by what he¡¯d just overheard.


    Watching him, Melvin couldn¡¯t help but wonder if maybe he¡¯d been reading too much into things.


    Once the papers were signed, Ellis left.


    And with his dutiesplete, Melvin quietly excused himself too. With work out of the way, Freya sank into her chair, her thoughts drifting back to Melvin.


    With his skill set and connections, starting his ownpany would¡¯ve been effortless. She¡¯d encouraged him before, but he¡¯d always turned her down, insisting he had no desire to be in charge.


    He had the talent, the resources, and thework¡ªyet he didn¡¯t want the title.


    In the finance world, that kind of modesty was practically a myth. He was the only one she¡¯d ever seen like that.


    Time slipped away without warning.


    Caught in the whirlwind of her schedule, more than two months passed in the blink of an eye.


    .


    .


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 Chapter 719

    ?Chapter 719:


    Kristian¡¯s injuries had fully healed during that time, and he had regained consciousness.


    Freya kept in contact with Lawrence about Kristian¡¯s condition, but each time she asked, the response was the same. Things weren¡¯t stable. He¡¯d let her know when they were.


    One evening, just as Freya arrived home from work, her phone rang. Isaac was on the other end, and as always, the conversation revolved around Kristian.


    ¡°How¡¯s Kristian doing?¡± Isaac¡¯s voice was light, careful not to burden her.


    Freya answered truthfully, ¡°Lawrence says he¡¯s still not stable. He¡¯ll let me know when things look up.¡±


    ¡°Just now, my father asked me when Kristian would be home for Christmas,¡± Isaac said casually. ¡°If he¡¯s not better by then, I might need your help pretending everything¡¯s normal¡ªfor the family¡¯s sake.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Freya agreed without hesitation.


    After a little more polite conversation, Isaac ended the call.


    Freya stayed seated on the couch, phone still in her hand, a heavy mix of emotions washing over her.


    After thinking it over, she decided to call Lawrence herself.


    When he answered, he was in the middle of speaking with Kristian. Seeing her name on the screen, aplicated look flickered across his face. He stepped to the window and answered, ¡°Hello, Ms. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°How¡¯s Kristian?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°Still unstable.¡±


    ¡°I need to know what that means, exactly.¡±


    Lawrence cast a nce toward Kristian, who was sitting silently nearby, and felt the onset of a headache. ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s better if you don¡¯t know.¡±


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    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡± Freya could sense there was more.


    Lawrence said nothing.


    He couldn¡¯t tell whether Kristian¡¯s situation was improving or getting worse.


    But one thing was clear¡ªkeeping him in his facility any longer would do more harm than good, both for Kristian and for the facility itself.


    Freya¡¯s heart dropped at his silence. Dread crept in. ¡°Lawrence?¡±


    ¡°Come see for yourself,¡± he said, then ended the call.


    Freya didn¡¯t waste a second. She grabbed her phone and car keys and rushed out the door.


    Meanwhile, Lawrence slipped his phone back into his pocket and turned toward Kristian, shing a cheerful smile. ¡°Your big sister¡¯s on her way to take you home. Are you excited?¡±


    ¡°With that look on your face, I can¡¯t help but think you¡¯re plotting something,¡± Kristian replied, his eyes fixed on Lawrence. The aloofness was gone, reced by a pure, almost childlike innocence.


    ¡°How could I be?¡± Lawrence¡¯s smile held. ¡°Do I really look like the scheming type?¡±


    ¡°You do,¡± Kristian said bluntly.


    Lawrence was speechless.


    He honestly couldn¡¯t bring himself to like Kristian.


    Even before the ident, he had been difficult. And now, with his memory fractured and his mind reverted to that of a five-year-old, Kristian was still just as good at getting under his skin. The two of them were just destined not to get along.


    .


    .


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 Chapter 720

    ?Chapter 720:


    At exactly nine o¡¯clock that night, Freya arrived at the facility. Lawrence was already outside waiting. When he saw her, he offered a courteous smile. ¡°Ms. Briggs, you¡¯re here.¡±


    ¡°Where¡¯s Kristian?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s inside.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong with him?¡±


    ¡°Nothing serious,¡± Lawrence replied, pulling out a folder and handing it to her. ¡°But if you want to see him, you¡¯ll have to sign this first.¡±


    Freya took the file and quickly skimmed through the short two-page document.


    Two things stood out.


    First, once she saw Kristian, she would be required to take him home. Second, she would be held responsible for all the damages caused by Kristian and the promise he failed to keep.


    Freya could read every word on the document, yet together, they felt strange¡ªlike something was off.


    She frowned and pointed to the first line. ¡°Did something happen to Kristian?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing serious. He¡¯spletely fine,¡± Lawrence said quickly, dodging the question. ¡°He¡¯s eating well and drinking normally. There¡¯s just a small issue I haven¡¯t figured out yet.¡±


    Freya eased a little at that.


    She didn¡¯t overthink it. She figured Kristian had simply found out Lawrence had been contacting her in secret.


    It didn¡¯t seem like a big deal. As long as Kristian was okay, she¡¯d call his father toe pick him up. The losses Lawrence mentioned?


    Those were not a problem.


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    ¡°All right,¡± she said and reached for the pen to sign.


    But just before the ink touched the page, she hesitated.


    Lawrence grew tense. He feared she might change her mind. Still, he kept his voice steady. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Are you hiding something from me?¡± Freya looked up, her eyes fixed on him.


    She remembered¡ªKristian had made a deal with Lawrence to rescue her. And knowing Lawrence, there was no way he¡¯d let Kristian leave before getting what he wanted.


    Something didn¡¯t sit right.


    Lawrence feigned confusion. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t answer. She just stared.


    He looked calm, but sweat clung to his palms. Inside, he was anything butposed.


    ¡°Oh¡ªright,¡± he said quickly, switching topics. ¡°Kristian is doing much better now. He¡¯ll just need a check-up every month.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya said quietly.


    Since Lawrence hadn¡¯t shown any clear signs of guilt, she signed the papers.


    Maybe Kristian still wasn¡¯t fully stable. Maybe Lawrence simply couldn¡¯t fix him. That would exin why he was so eager for her to take him.


    There were two copies of the contract.


    After handing Freya her copy, Lawrence looked like he had just dropped a heavy load off his back. The burden of caring for Kristian was finally lifted.


    .


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 Chapter 721

    ?Chapter 721:


    ¡°Please follow me,¡± he said with a sudden burst of cheer.


    Freya walked with him, but this time, they didn¡¯t head toward the medical ward. They went the other way.


    They passed through four secured doors. When thest door opened, Lawrence stepped in, speaking in the soft tone one uses with children.


    ¡°Kristian, your elder sister¡¯s here to take you home.¡±


    Freya blinked, confused.


    Kristian¡¯s elder sister?


    She stepped into the room, unsure of what to expect.


    Inside, Kristian was sitting in a chair, reading. He wore a patient¡¯s gown, but his skin was clear and full of color.


    He looked up when she entered.


    Their eyes met.


    Freya¡¯s brows drew together.


    Something about his gaze¡ªhis expression¡ªfelt wrong.


    ¡°My elder sister?¡± Kristian repeated, his voice uncertain, eyes filled with wonder.


    He didn¡¯t know why, but even though he usually disliked people¡ªincluding the doctor¡ªwhen he saw ¡°his sister,¡± he felt a strange warmth. Like they¡¯d known each other forever.


    Freya froze.


    In that moment, she understood everything. Kristian had lost his memory.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. She¡¯s your elder sister. You can go home with her now,¡± Lawrence said, stepping closer with a smile.


    Kristian looked at Freya, eyes locked on her face.


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    Then, slowly, he stood.


    He took two unsure steps forward, his voice trembling between hope and doubt. ¡°Are you really my elder sister?¡±


    Freya tried to speak.


    ¡°She is,¡± Lawrence cut in. ¡°Go pack your things. I need to talk to your sister for a bit.¡±


    He gestured for Freya to follow him outside.


    In the hallway, her thoughts were spinning.


    She¡¯d considered every symptom Jacob had mentioned, but this? This hadn¡¯t crossed her mind.


    ¡°What happened?¡± she asked quietly.


    ¡°He¡¯s lost all his memories. His mind is like that of a five-year-old.¡± Then Lawrence went over some precautions. ¡°It¡¯s not ideal, but it could¡¯ve been worse.¡±


    Thankfully, even with a childlike mind, Kristian was still unusually smart.


    That was exactly why Lawrence wanted him gone. If Kristian stayed, he might start pulling apart hisb piece by piece.


    ¡°You should be grateful he didn¡¯t lose everything,¡± Lawrence added.


    Freya¡¯s chest tightened. ¡°Can he get better?¡±


    ¡°He will. But I can¡¯t say when. For now, just keep things peaceful at home. Don¡¯t let anything upset him,¡± Lawrence said, ncing toward the room.


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t I take him to familiar ces? Help him remember?¡±


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 Chapter 722

    ?Chapter 722:


    ¡°Not yet. His mind¡¯s too fragile. If he gets overwhelmed, it might make things worse. Calm andfort are the best medicine right now.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya said softly.


    Lawrence paused, pressing his lips together.


    Then he said something out of ce, something he hadn¡¯t nned. ¡°I know what happened between you two. But please, set it aside. Take good care of him. When he¡¯s back to normal, you can both go your separate ways.¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes turned distant. She remembered everything.


    Lawrence looked uneasy. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t he say he wanted nothing to do with me? That we should live separate lives? If that¡¯s true, isn¡¯t me being around just making things harder for him?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a long story,¡± Lawrence said with a sigh. Freya had already signed the papers, and most of the loose ends were tied. ¡°But trust me.


    If I¡¯m letting you take him, it¡¯s for his good,¡± he said calmly.


    Freya wasn¡¯t buying it. ¡°Enlighten me.¡±


    ¡°It won¡¯t affect you. You want your life back, right? Once he recovers, he¡¯ll stick to his promise. And the rest? Knowing too much will only drag you down.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll decide what¡¯s necessary,¡± Freya said, her voice cold.


    It was just how she was. She couldn¡¯t ignore a loose thread once she noticed it. If things made sense, she wouldn¡¯t question them. But Kristian¡¯s messages through Lawrence had been strange. They kept tugging at her mind. Small, but persistent.


    Lawrence finally gave in. ¡°Okay. But if he asks about this after he recovers, you¡¯ll have to back me up.¡±


    Freya gave a nod. ¡°Alright.¡±


    With that single word, Lawrence finally let himself breathe. He trusted K would keep her promise.


    ¡°The things I told you at the hospital¡ªhe asked me to pass them along in advance,¡± Lawrence exined,ying it all bare. ¡°On the way to the hospital, he came to for just a moment. As soon as he opened his eyes, he told me to make sure you heard those words if things took a turn for the worse.¡±


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    Freya¡¯s brows drew together in a faint furrow.


    Lawrence continued, ¡°He didn¡¯t want you to carry guilt or me yourself. In his mind, he was just doing what he had to.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ he never really woke up in the hospital?¡± Freya put the pieces together herself.


    ¡°Not only did he not wake up,¡± Lawrence admitted, now that there was no reason to hold back, ¡°but his condition was critical. If I hadn¡¯t been the one treating himter, he¡¯d be buried by now.¡±


    Freya fell silent, unable to put the rush of emotion into words.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what exactly went down between you two,¡± Lawrence said, taking a step back from the situation, ¡°but judging by the way Kristian acted after he got hurt¡ªhe loves you, Freya. More than anything.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t help but respect Kristian. Even in that condition, Kristian had wed his way back to consciousness just to give out final instructions. It was downright miraculous.


    ¡°And what about blocking my contact?¡± Freya¡¯s thoughts circled back to that moment.


    ¡°He didn¡¯t want you to catch on. So he gave me his phone password,¡± Lawrence said inly. ¡°He told me exactly when to delete you¡ªand when to tell you the rest.¡±


    Freya nced at the closed door ahead, her heart a tangle of feelings, too messy to sort out.


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 Chapter 723

    ?Chapter 723:


    Lawrence added, ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry about him clinging on. From what he told me, if you don¡¯t want anything from him, he won¡¯t bother you again.¡±


    Sometimes, Kristian really was a walking contradiction. In business, he was razor-sharp, a man who never second-guessed himself. But when it came to love, he swung from one extreme to the other. He¡¯d either follow his own impulses or put someone else¡¯s feelings above all else. And strangely enough, with Freya, both extremes had manifested.


    ¡°Got it,¡± Freya murmured.


    ¡°So you¡¯re taking him with you by choice?¡± Lawrence asked, still a little wary.


    He didn¡¯t want Freya to think this had been some kind of setup.


    Better to y it safe¡ªnever know when he might need a favor, and holding a grudge was something K did well.


    Freya gave a soft hum in reply.


    She followed Lawrence to finish signing the discharge papers, then finally took Kristian away from Lawrence¡¯s medical facility.


    During the ride back, Kristian sat in the passenger seat in absolute silence. Every so often, though, he¡¯d steal a nce at her.


    His eyes flickered with tension, unease, and a touch of confusion. He acted just like a little kid.


    ¡°You are my sister, right?¡± he said quietly.


    Freya nced his way, keeping her focus on the road. ¡°Yes. What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    Kristian fidgeted with his hands, then asked in a soft, uncertain voice, ¡°Do you not like me?¡±


    Freya¡¯s heart gave a sharp little jolt. She shoved aside the tangle of thoughts crowding her mind and asked, ¡°Why do you say that?¡±


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    ¡°Just a feeling,¡± Kristian said in a low voice, the innocence in his tone almost childlike.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it,¡± Freya said, unsure how to respond. ¡°When we get home, take a shower and get some rest. I¡¯ll call your dad tomorrow toe pick you up.¡±


    Kristian said nothing. He simply lowered his head, quiet and withdrawn.


    One thought looped through his mind¡ªhis sister didn¡¯t like him.


    Freya didn¡¯t know how to handle Kristian anymore. After all, he¡¯d gotten hurt saving her. The least she could do was take care of him until he got better.


    But then came questions like that one. And she didn¡¯t know how to answer. If she treated him like a child and tried tofort him, what if he recovered and took it as¡­


    A sign she still had feelings? But if she stayed distant, he was so sensitive now. At that age, kids picked up on the tiniest things.


    Lost in thought, Freya drove them into the residentialplex. When she got out of the car, Kristian followed closely behind, carrying his belongings, silent as a shadow.


    They entered the elevator and rode it up to her apartment.


    As fate would have it, just as they stepped out, they ran into Ellis, who was seeing Frederick out at his door.


    Frederick¡¯s eyes widened in sheer disbelief. ¡°Freya, you¡­¡±


    What was going on? Why was Freya suddenly back with Kristian?


    ¡°I brought him back so he can recover,¡± Freya said simply.


    .


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 Chapter 724

    ?Chapter 724:


    Ellis¡¯s eyes swept over Kristian, observing his posture and expression. ¡°Lawrence couldn¡¯t fix him?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya answered, keeping her words clipped. ¡°Now we just wait and hope he gets better on his own.¡±


    Frederick looked like he¡¯d missed a chapter¡ªor ten.


    Freya nced at Kristian, who stood there silent, and decided to wrap things up. ¡°I¡¯m taking him in to rest.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ellis replied in his low, even voice. ¡°Let me know if you need anything.¡±


    Freya nodded and led Kristian into her apartment.


    As the door shut behind them, Frederick turned to Ellis with a look that could only be described as gleefully nosy. ¡°Captain, you¡¯re seriously not even a little worried?¡±


    ¡°Worried about what?¡± Ellis asked, cool andposed, his eyes unreadable.


    ¡°Oh,e on!¡± Frederick said, giving him a knowing look. ¡°We all know you have a crush on Freya.¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°And?¡±


    Frederick was momentarily speechless.


    And?


    Freya just brought her ex-husband home. Shouldn¡¯t Ellis at least act mildly concerned?


    ¡°The guy who just walked in with her¡ªthat¡¯s her ex. They were married for two years,¡± Frederick spelled it out. ¡°He even saved her life once.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s voice stayedpletely calm. ¡°I know.¡±


    From what he¡¯d just seen, Kristian clearly wasn¡¯t in his right mind. His gaze, his behavior¡ªit was nothing like the man he had met before.


    Frederick almost wanted to apud him.


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    Only Ellis could stay this zen with all that going on.


    ¡°Just saying¡ªkeep your eyes open,¡± Frederick said, not wanting to watch Freya fall back into old traps. ¡°If Kristian starts trying to win her back, you might find yourself on the sidelines.¡±


    ¡°Drive safe,¡± Ellis said.


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Frederick cast onest nce toward the apartment door as he walked to the elevator.


    He made a mental note to fill his friends in. If Kristian even thought about trying something with Freya again, they¡¯d all need to jump in and stop it.


    At that moment, Freya hadn¡¯t checked her phone. She had no idea that the group chat was already blowing up with gossip¡ªeveryone was buzzing about her bringing Kristian home.


    Freya had straightened up the guest room, and only once everything was in perfect order did she finally turn to Kristian and say, ¡°You¡¯ll sleep here tonight. There are fresh toiletries in the bathroom. If you need anything or have questions, don¡¯t hesitate to ask me.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Kristian stood there, nodding meekly in agreement. Freya told him, ¡°Go wash up and get some rest.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t move, still rooted to the floor.


    Recalling what Lawrence had mentioned, Freya asked gently, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have any clean clothes to change into.¡± Kristian dropped his gaze and fiddled with his fingers for a long time before he mustered the courage to say it aloud.


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 Chapter 725

    ?Chapter 725:


    He didn¡¯t want to be a burden to his sister.


    But still¡­


    ¡°You go freshen up first.¡± A flicker of concern crossed Freya¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯ll check if the neighbor next door has a spare pair of pajamas we can borrow.¡±


    Kristian and Ellis were roughly the same size, so pajamas wouldn¡¯t be an issue. As for everyday clothes, she nned to ask Gerard to bring a few sets over the next day.


    Just as the words left Freya¡¯s lips, a knock sounded at the door. She opened it to find Ellis standing outside, holding out a bag.


    ¡°You probably don¡¯t have anything that fits him. These are new. Never worn.¡±


    Freya was caught off guard. She hadn¡¯t expected him to be so considerate.


    Ellis offered a small, quiet smile. ¡°Go on. Give them to him.¡±


    After expressing her thanks, Freya turned to take the clothes to Kristian, only to find him already standing nearby.


    She passed the clothes to him, mentioning they were from Ellis.


    ¡°Thank you, mister,¡± Kristian mumbled innocently as he epted the bag.


    He wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk, not really, but he knew enough to show appreciation when someone helped him. Otherwise, his sister might think he was ungrateful.


    Ellis was shocked.


    So was Freya.


    Neither of them had anticipated that.


    Kristian took the clothes and went to shower, behaving with near-exaggerated obedience.


    Ellis watched him for a moment before turning to Freya. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    L¨»t?st ch¦Ápt?rs ??n g??l??ov????.§ã??m


    ¡°Lawrence said he¡¯s lost his memory. His mental state is about that of a five-year-old.¡± Freya led Ellis into the living room and exined more thoroughly, ¡°There¡¯s no medical treatment for it. We can only wait and hope he recovers naturally. Lawrence will see him every month for a check-up.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s expression grew slightly more serious. ¡°So what are you nning to do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll talk to Kristian¡¯s father tomorrow.¡± Freya spoke clearly, her voice calm. ¡°If Isaac wants to bring him home, Kristian will return to Jeucwell. If not, I¡¯ll look after him for now.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ellis agreed with her approach.


    ¡°Captain.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Have you ever taken care of a child before?¡± Freya couldn¡¯t help asking. ¡°With Kristian like this, I really don¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    ¡°Just treat him like a five-year-old,¡± Ellis said gently. ¡°If you need help, I¡¯ll be here.¡±


    Freya paused, then nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    That night, Kristian didn¡¯t sleep soundly.


    In his dreams, shadowy images drifted in and out¡ªhimself, and his sister, the one who had brought him home. Every time he tried to see more clearly, the vision would dissolve into a blinding sh of white, then vanish.


    Again and again, the dream repeated itself in that fleeting, fragmented way.


    As for Freya, after she washed up and crawled into bed, Lawrence¡¯s words kept echoing in her mind. ¡°He loves you, Freya. More than anything.¡±


    Did Kristian love her? Freya didn¡¯t think so. What she sensed felt closer to guilt, to a desperate need to make things right.


    .


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 Chapter 726

    ?Chapter 726:


    During that long, painful month before their divorce was finalized, arguments, endless and heated, had consumed them. And knowing Kristian¡¯s personality, once he realized how deeply he¡¯d hurt her, he would¡¯ve gone to great lengths to make amends.


    What had happened on Butterfly Ind was likely his attempt to do just that.


    Her thoughts spiraled, tangled and endless, and eventually, Freya gave up trying to make sense of it. Whether it was love, guilt, or some mix of both¡ªit no longer mattered.


    She fell into a deep sleep.


    The next morning, when Freya woke, faint sounds drifted from the living room. Rubbing at her temples, still groggy with sleep, she dressed and stepped out.


    As she entered the living room and caught sight of someone bustling around the dining table, she froze.


    What on earth¡­?


    Had Kristian recovered?


    As if sensing her presence, Kristian turned, his eyes clear and bright with hope. ¡°I made breakfast. Will you try some?¡±


    Freya, still half in a daze, wandered over to the table. She stared at the abundant spread and asked, ¡°You made all of this?¡±


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Kristian answered with a faint smile.


    Freya pressed her lips together. ¡°When did you get up?¡±


    ¡°Five o¡¯clock.¡± Kristian answered without hesitation. His dark eyes sparkled. ¡°I didn¡¯t know what you liked, so I made a little of everything I could think of.¡±


    Freya considered telling him not to go to such trouble¡ªbut then reminded herself that Kristian wasn¡¯t truly a child. In the end, all she asked was, ¡°Did Lawrence teach you to cook?¡±


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    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then how do you know?¡±


    ¡°I have no idea.¡± Kristian meant every word. ¡°As soon as I stepped into the kitchen, it just¡­ came to me.¡±


    Freya looked at him, unsure how to feel. ¡°You don¡¯t need to get up this early to make breakfast. If you¡¯re hungry, just call me and I¡¯ll order something for us.¡±


    For a fleeting moment, she wished he really had regained his memories and maturity.


    But as she studied the dishes on the table, she was certain he was telling the truth. After two years of marriage, she could recognize his culinary style and habits instantly.


    The breakfast had been made by a child¡¯s hands. But a child with a gift for cooking.


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was quieter now, the gleam in his eyes beginning to fade.


    Freya was still fixated on the food and didn¡¯t notice. ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Is it because you don¡¯t like any of this?¡± Kristian¡¯s shoulders drooped slightly, his eyes dim.


    He just wanted to do something nice for her¡ªanything that might make her like him a little more.


    But now, he worried he¡¯d failed.


    ¡°No.¡± Remembering his current state of mind, Freya tried to soothe him.


    ¡°I just want you to get a bit more sleep. That¡¯s all.¡±


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 Chapter 727

    ?Chapter 727:


    ¡°I already slept enough,¡± Kristian said quickly, the light springing back into his eyes. ¡°If you don¡¯t mind, I can make breakfast for you every morning.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s really not necessary.¡± Freya didn¡¯t want him going to such trouble. ¡°Just do as I say, alright?¡±


    Kristian wanted to protest, but worried he might upset his sister if he pushed too much. In the end, he simply bowed his head and muttered, ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°You go ahead and eat.¡± Freya wasn¡¯t quite sure how tofort him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll wash up and be back in a moment.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristian agreed, but waited for Freya to sit down before he touched his food.


    During breakfast, he kept watching her closely, noting which dishes she favored and which she barely touched.


    In his mind, he¡¯d already made a decision.


    Whatever his sister liked, he¡¯d learn to make it for her from now on.


    After breakfast, Freya told Kristian to go rest on the couch for a while as she loaded the dishes into the dishwasher.


    Once she¡¯d finished tidying up, she sent a message to Ellis and Melvin letting them know she wouldn¡¯t being to the office today.


    Kristian¡¯s situation couldn¡¯t be swept under the rug¡ªit had to be dealt with, one way or another.


    If Isaac made the call to take him back, Freya would have to drive them both to the airport. But if Isaac decided to let Kristian stay behind in Alerith, she¡¯d need to stop by Kristian¡¯s ce and gather up a few of his things.


    In the study, Freya tapped in Isaac¡¯s number, her nerves coiling tighter with every ring as she waited for him to pick up.


    With the way Kristian was now, she honestly didn¡¯t know if Isaac would be able to stomach it.


    The line clicked.


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    Isaac¡¯s voice came through, calm andposed.


    Freya didn¡¯t waste time dancing around the subject. She cut straight to it. ¡°Hello, do you have a moment? I need to talk to you about Kristian¡¯s condition.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m free. Go ahead,¡± Isaac replied, his voice low and even, almostforting.


    ¡°Last night, I brought Kristian back from Lawrence¡¯s facility,¡± Freya began, careful to keep her words clear and to the point. ¡°He¡¯s managing the basics, but there¡¯s something a little more serious¡­¡± She faltered. The next part wasn¡¯t easy to say.


    Amnesia and a childlike mind weren¡¯t exactly small matters.


    When Isaac heard Kristian was managing daily tasks, some of the weight he¡¯d been carrying lifted, and it showed in his voice. ¡°It¡¯s all right. Just tell me everything. If he¡¯s still himself, we can handle it.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s lost his memory,¡± Freya said.


    At that moment, Isaac was seated in the office at Shaw Group.


    When he heard her say that, his brows arched, and the words slipped out before he could stop them. ¡°Are you sure it¡¯s actual amnesia and not an act?¡±


    Knowing his son, it wasn¡¯t entirely off the table.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure,¡± Freya said simply. She nced out into the hallway.


    Kristian sat quietly on the sofa, flipping through a storybook. ¡°Besides, Lawrence said his mind¡¯s regressed to that of a five-year-old.¡±


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 Chapter 728

    ?Chapter 728:


    ¡°Anything else?¡± Isaac asked,pletely unfazed.


    ¡°That¡¯s all,¡± Freya answered. ¡°Just those two things.¡±


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get so nervous. As long as he hasn¡¯t turned into aplete fool, there¡¯s nothing to panic over,¡± Isaac said, genuinely relieved.


    As far as he was concerned, the fact that Lawrence had handed Kristian over meant the rest was up to Kristian himself.


    If that was the case, it just came down to memory and mental state.


    And if Kristian wasn¡¯t totally out of it, Isaac figured it wouldn¡¯t be hard to hide from his wife and father. No need to make a fuss.


    Freya was left speechless. What was she even supposed to say to that?


    ¡°Until Kristian gets better, I¡¯ll have to trouble you to keep an eye on him,¡± Isaac added. ¡°My father¡¯s not young anymore. We should spare him the stress if we can.¡±


    Freya bit her lip but gave a small nod. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re tied up, just leave him with Gerard,¡± Isaac said, always a few steps ahead. ¡°No need to go out of your way to cater to him.¡±


    ¡°His mind is only five years old,¡± Freya reminded him.


    ¡°That¡¯s not much of a problem,¡± Isaac replied with ease. ¡°A five-year-old ought to know how to behave.¡±


    Freya nced toward Kristian, still quietly reading where she¡¯d left him, no trouble at all.


    She went quiet, and Isaac brought up something else. ¡°One more thing to keep in mind, Freya.¡±


    ¡°Please, go on.¡±


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    ¡°He might be pretending.¡±


    Freya froze. Pretending?


    ¡°The way things stand, he¡¯ll recover eventually,¡± Isaac said, ever the realist. ¡°He might keep up the kid act just to stay in your good graces a little longer.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he would,¡± Freya said after a beat, sharing her honest view.


    Isaac let it go. Some things didn¡¯t need to be argued.


    Under normal circumstances, Kristian wouldn¡¯t fake something like this¡ªbut now that his memory was really gone and his mind had slipped back, once he starteding back to himself, he¡¯d likely keep up the act.


    A father knows his son. And Isaac had always trusted his own read.


    After the call, Isaac reached for his suit jacket and stepped out of Shaw Group headquarters to head home and update the family.


    Of course, he didn¡¯t tell them the entire truth¡ªjust enough to keep things calm, with a few harmless lies thrown in for good measure.


    Once Freya hung up, she rang Gerard to let him know she¡¯d be bringing Kristian over, then ended the call.


    With everything settled, she took Kristian and headed out the door.


    In the car, Kristian looked visibly uneasy.


    He didn¡¯t know where his sister was taking him¡ªor if this was the moment she left him behind for good.


    ¡°Kristian,¡± Freya called.


    He turned to her, his voice small and obedient. ¡°What is it, Freya?¡±


    .


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 Chapter 729

    ?Chapter 729:


    ¡°I¡¯m taking you to meet someone,¡± Freya said, deciding to prepare him gently. ¡°You can see if you like being around him. If you do¡­¡± She trailed off, trying to find the right words for someone with the mind of a five-year-old.


    Before she could figure it out, Kristian¡¯s voice cut through the silence, low, fragile. ¡°You¡¯re not going to leave me, are you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya said at once.


    Kristian¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, his eyes swimming with quiet dread. So, in the end, she didn¡¯t want him after all.


    Freya noticed the shift in his mood. Remembering his fragile mental state, she tried to ease him. ¡°I just want you to see who you feelfortable with. If you meet him and you like him, I can¡­¡±


    ¡°I only want to be with you!¡± Kristian broke in before she could finish.


    ¡°I don¡¯t like anyone else.¡±


    He hadn¡¯t been happy with that doctor before¡ªnot one bit. He wanted nothing to do with that man.


    Freya didn¡¯t say anything back. She figured it made sense¡ªKristian hadn¡¯t been around many people.


    Before meeting her, the only person he¡¯d spent much time with was Lawrence. And Lawrence was a doctor. For a kid, spending so much time with someone constantly poking and prodding could build natural resentment. Maybe that was all this was.


    They arrived at the apartment building where Kristian had been staying.


    Gerard was already waiting at the entrance¡ªhe¡¯d skipped work for the day.


    As soon as he saw Freya step out of the car, Gerard started to greet her¡ªthen spotted Kristian stepping out from the passenger side to stand beside her.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw, you¡­¡± Gerard started.


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    Kristian gave him a wary stare, then edged behind Freya, as if Gerard were some bad guy.


    Gerard blinked, confused. What on earth was happening?


    ¡°Ms. Briggs¡­ what happened to him?¡± he asked.


    ¡°He¡¯s lost his memory. Mentally, he¡¯s five,¡± Freya exined. She figured it was safe to be honest¡ªGerard was someone Kristian trusted. ¡°He¡¯s just a little shy with new people right now.¡±


    Gerard gave Kristian a few lingering nces.


    It sounded like something ripped from a soap opera¡ªamnesia and all. But he didn¡¯t push for more details on the doorstep. He punched in the code and led them upstairs.


    After pouring them each a ss of water, he leaned in and finally asked what was really on his mind.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs,¡± he said in a hushed tone, ¡°are you sure Mr. Shaw actually lost his memory and isn¡¯t just faking it?¡±


    Freya stared at Gerard, utterly dumbfounded. Why was everyone¡ªfirst Isaac, now Gerard¡ªreacting like this the moment she mentioned Kristian¡¯s condition?


    Her confusion only deepened. ncing at Kristian, who had been quietly well-behaved the entire time, she turned back to Gerard and asked, ¡°Why are you even asking that?¡±


    ¡°It just feels a little¡­ unreal,¡± Gerard admitted, scratching his head.


    ¡°He really has lost his memory,¡± Freya said firmly, her tone leaving no room for doubt. ¡°After I brought him homest night, I watched him closely. Trust me, there¡¯s no way he¡¯s faking it.¡±


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 Chapter 730

    ?Chapter 730:


    If Kristian was pretending, then someone should hand him an Oscar already.


    Sure, you could fake your expressions, your tone¡ªbut the tiny, instinctive reactions? Those were nearly impossible to counterfeit. After talking with Isaac, Freya had run her own tests, and she was convinced¡ªthis wasn¡¯t an act.


    Gerard shot a quick nce at Kristian, curiosity practically oozing from his eyes.


    Kristian frowned ever so slightly, shifting ufortably under the scrutiny. Why was that man staring at him like that? Didn¡¯t anyone teach him it was rude to stare?


    ¡°Kristian,¡± Freya said.


    His attention snapped to her immediately. ¡°What is it, my dear sister? What can I do for you?¡±


    Gerard blinked. Sister?


    ¡°Let me introduce you,¡± Freya said, trying to help Kristian familiarize himself with some people from his past. ¡°This is your assistant, Gerard Todd. You two were really close¡ªyou trusted him a lot.¡±


    ¡°Assistant?¡± Kristian tilted his head, looking adorably lost. He had no idea what that was supposed to mean.


    Freya paused, then simplified. ¡°He used to help manage your schedule and do tasks you assigned him. But you don¡¯t need to think about all that now. Just remember¡ªyou guys were good friends.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± Kristian nodded obediently, soaking in her every word.


    Gerard¡¯sst bit of hope crumbled. He stared in disbelief. Was this really his cold, decisive, untouchable boss? How did he turn into such a soft, clingy ¡°kid¡±?


    ¡°Do you want to visit the office with him?¡± Freya suggested gently.


    Kristian¡¯s fingers tightened in hisp, his thoughts spiraling. Was Freya nning to hand him off to someone else?


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    With a flicker of anxiety, he looked up and whispered, ¡°Can I not go?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Freya reassured him, noticing how quickly his mood had shifted. ¡°It was just a suggestion. You don¡¯t have to go if you don¡¯t want to.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to go.¡± Kristian spoke up, summoning a bit more confidence this time.


    ¡°Then would you rather stay here with Gerard, ore home with me?¡±


    ¡°Go home with you,¡± Kristian blurted out.


    He answered so quickly that Gerard couldn¡¯t help but give him another once-over.


    The way Kristian clung to Freya so naturally made Gerard wonder¡ªwas he really not faking?


    Since Kristian¡¯s mind was made up, Freya asked Gerard a few more things, then went off to pack Kristian¡¯s belongings.


    Gerard had initially intended to help, but since there wasn¡¯t much he could do, he ended up sitting beside Kristian instead. His eyes were filled with curiosity as he called out, ¡°Sir?¡±


    Kristian looked at him nkly.


    His gaze was just as sharp as always, but itcked the warmth he showed Freya. ¡°Are you talking to me?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just the two of us now,¡± Gerard said, watching him closely. ¡°You don¡¯t have to pretend. How long are you nning to keep up this act and fool Ms. Briggs? Need me to help with anything?¡±


    Kristian just stared at him. Was this really the guy Freya said he used to trust?


    Freya had exined that he was an adult, that he had gotten sick, and that¡¯s why he was like this now.


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 Chapter 731

    ?Chapter 731:


    But if that were true, would he really have hired someone this dense as his assistant?


    Gerard shifted ufortably under Kristian¡¯s silent scrutiny. ¡°What?¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t have the same intimidating aura as before, but somehow¡­ it was still unsettling.


    ¡°Can you move away from me?¡± Kristian asked bluntly.


    ¡°Why?¡± Gerard asked, still unsure if Kristian was just messing with him.


    ¡°Worried Ms. Briggs will overhear?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then what¡¯s the problem?¡±


    ¡°I read somewhere that stupidity is contagious. I don¡¯t want to be affected.¡±


    With that, Kristian stood up and wandered off toward Freya, leaving Gerard frozen in ce.


    Freya was packing his clothes when Kristian appeared beside her, looking like he wanted to say something but didn¡¯t know how.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Not enjoying your chat with Gerard?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t like him,¡± Kristian mumbled, tugging at her sleeve. ¡°He keeps asking weird questions, like he¡¯s trying to trick me.¡±


    Gerard, who had just walked into the room, nearly choked. Freya raised an eyebrow.


    She cast a quick nce in Gerard¡¯s direction, a flicker of instinctive curiosity in her eyes, wondering what on earth he could¡¯ve said to make Kristian react like that.


    Gerard came clean, his voice low but sincere, a tangle of emotions flickering behind his eyes.


    It was bing clearer now¡ªKristian¡¯s amnesia and the way his intelligence had regressed weren¡¯t some act. This was real, no question about it.


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    With a heavy sigh, Gerard let the truth settle between them.


    Once Freya had pieced everything together, she turned to Kristian with a soft look and reassured him gently, ¡°He just finds it hard to believe you¡¯re actually unwell, so he was checking in on you. That¡¯s how he shows he cares.¡±


    ¡°I get it,¡± Kristian murmured, clearly a bit put off.


    His sister always seemed to defend everyone else. Was he never enough? That thought cast a shadow over his face.


    Ten minutes ticked by, and Freya finally finished packing up Kristian¡¯s things.


    Now that he was about to leave the apartment, that heavy gloom that had been following him around seemed to lift. He even reached out first, taking the suitcase from Freya with surprising cheer. ¡°I¡¯ll carry it.¡±


    She opened her mouth, ready to say she could handle it herself, but he¡¯d already taken it from her grasp.


    It was right then that something caught her attention¡ªsomething she¡¯d never really noticed before.


    She reached for his hand and examined it closely, her delicate brows drawing together at the sight of the blisters scattered across his palm.


    ¡°When did you get these?¡±


    ¡°This morning,¡± Kristian admitted quietly, not daring to hide it. ¡°While making breakfast?¡±


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 Chapter 732

    ?Chapter 732:


    ¡°Yeah¡­¡±


    Would she think he was an idiot?


    Kristian pressed his lips together, doubt creeping in as he stood there, unsure of himself.


    Freya looked at the blisters again¡ªsome were raw, and two had already burst. They looked painful. ¡°Do they hurt?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Kristian blinked, thinking he must¡¯ve misheard her.


    ¡°These,¡± Freya said again, ncing down at his hand. ¡°Do they hurt?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s face lit up, like a kid handed his favorite candy. He shook his head right away, eyes bright. ¡°Not one bit.¡±


    Freya made a quick call, asking the bodyguard to take Kristian¡¯s luggage over to her apartment, then brought him to the hospital herself.


    On the way there, Kristian felt like he was floating¡ªhappier than if someone had handed him a whole bag of sweets.


    Just the memory of Freya¡¯s gentle concern made his chest bloom with warmth, and before he could stop himself, a smile crept across his face, joy flickering in his eyes.


    When Freya nced at the side mirror, she caught the tiny grin tugging at his lips.


    She blinked, puzzled. What was he smiling at?


    ¡°Something make you happy?¡± she asked, wondering if he might¡¯ve remembered some childhood memory.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes glimmered as he nodded, his lips pressing into a smile.


    ¡°Yeah!¡±


    ¡°Wanna tell me what it is?¡± Freya asked lightly.


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    She didn¡¯t read too much into it.


    If it really was some old memory, she could take him back to where he used to y, or maybe have Isaac spend time with him.


    Kristian¡¯s smile deepened as he answered, ¡°You just showed you care about me.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Freya blinked, certain she¡¯d misheard.


    ¡°We were about to leave just now, you held my hand and showed you care for me,¡± Kristian rified softly, a shy flush coloring his cheeks.


    Freya stared, caught off guard. Was he really this happy just because she¡¯d asked a few simple questions?


    Kristian had been quietly watching her every reaction. Noticing her silence, he gently called, ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve never seen you smile before.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just not the smiley type.¡±


    ¡°No one hates smiling,¡± Kristian said with quiet conviction. ¡°Unless they¡¯re unhappy¡­ or don¡¯t have anything to smile about.¡±


    Freya frowned slightly, unsure of what was running through his head. ¡°Where¡¯d you get that nonsense from?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not nonsense,¡± he replied, sounding every bit like a child exining something serious. ¡°I want to make you happy.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t say anything. There was no point continuing the conversation. He still had the mind of a child.


    Freya brought Kristian to the hospital. When the doctor used a sterile needle tonce therge blister and disinfect the wound, Kristian¡¯s face twisted in pain.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 733

    ?Chapter 733:


    Freya looked at him, puzzled.


    Wasn¡¯t he supposed to have a high tolerance for pain?


    In that moment, she forgot that mentally, Kristian was only like a five-year-old kid. Looking at him now, all she saw was a grown man.


    If he really had been a little boy, she might¡¯ve instinctively scooped him into her arms tofort him without a second thought. But appearances shape instinct more than we realize.


    ¡°Does it hurt?¡± the doctor asked.


    Kristian was about to nod, but when he caught Freya¡¯s gaze, he quickly shook his head instead. ¡°No, it doesn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no shame in saying it hurts,¡± the doctor said as he moved to pop another blister. Watching Kristian stiffen, he chuckled and added teasingly, ¡°Say it hurts, and maybe your girlfriend will fuss over you and kiss it better.¡±


    ¡°Girlfriend?¡± The term waspletely foreign to Kristian. Sitting nearby, Freya rified, ¡°I¡¯m his elder sister.¡± The doctor shot them a peculiar look.


    ¡°Elder sister? That young?¡±


    He nced at them again, then something seemed to click. His tone turned deliberately casual. ¡°You can still cry in your sister¡¯s arms.¡±


    From his perspective, these two were both strikingly attractive and had such effortless chemistry¡ªit was hard not to assume they were a couple. It seemed like she was annoyed with her boyfriend. He¡¯d seen this kind of situation before.


    Kristian blinked, processing. Could he really?


    ¡°I pop the next one, look at her like a sad puppy and say it hurts?¡± The doctor leaned in with a conspiratorial whisper and a knowing smirk. ¡°Whatever you did to tick her off, I bet she¡¯ll forgive you on the spot.¡±


    With a face like Kristian¡¯s, even grown men would hesitate to scold him when he looked that pitiful. Even for a grown man like the doctor, it was a tough sight to stomach. And with a child¡¯s mind, Kristian believed every word.


    ¡°Really?¡±


    .c¨®m is the source


    ¡°Try it. See for yourself,¡± the doctor whispered, one brow lifted yfully.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes darted between the doctor and Freya.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to pop it now,¡± the doctor warned, pressing the needle to the blister. This time, Kristian didn¡¯t hold back. The pain made him flinch as his whole face wrinkled up in difort.


    Freya turned to him. ¡°Does it hurt a lot?¡±


    ¡°It hurts¡­¡± Kristian whimpered, his eyes welling with tears, looking thoroughly wronged. Freya¡¯s heart softened.


    She had to admit, Kristian really was handsome. She¡¯d grown used to his usual cold, distant demeanor. Seeing him like this¡ªso vulnerable¡ªsparked a quiet urge tofort him.


    The doctor caught the change in her expression and cleaned the wound with a bit more force.


    Kristian was genuinely in pain. ¡°Ouch!¡±


    ¡°Hang in there. It¡¯ll be over soon,¡± Freya said gently, ruffling his hair as if calming a child.


    Kristian nodded, all seriousness. ¡°Okay.¡±


    The doctor blinked.


    .


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 Chapter 734

    ?Chapter 734:


    That wasn¡¯t the oue he¡¯d expected.


    Weren¡¯t girls supposed to tease their boyfriends when they whined about pain? How had it shifted into a grown woman soothing him like a mother would a child?


    He couldn¡¯t make sense of it, so he simply wrapped things up and handed them the ointment. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about the small blisters. Just let them heal naturally. Make sure to apply this.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, doctor,¡± Freya said, epting the medicine.


    Kristian followed closely as they left the hospital.


    Once they were in the car, he nced at Freya and asked cautiously, ¡°Freya, do you not like boys who cry when they are in pain?¡±


    Freya looked puzzled. What on earth was he talking about? She was utterly baffled, not quite grasping what he was trying to say.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be a real man,¡± Kristian added, his voice serious.


    Freya didn¡¯t think much of it. Her eyes stayed on the road. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Kristian let out a quiet sigh of relief. So she really didn¡¯t like boys whoined about pain.


    When they reached the residentialplex, Freya took Kristian upstairs. His clothes and other belongings had already been delivered by the bodyguards and ced inside. Freya unlocked the door, like always.


    Before she could set her keys down or even take off her jacket, someone rushed forward and threw their arms around her.


    ¡°Mina!¡±


    Ethel had missed her sister terribly. If they hadn¡¯t seen each other for a while, she was always this enthusiastic.


    Freya was taken by surprise. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯m on break, so I figured I¡¯de visit you,¡± Ethel exined cheerily, still rambling as she hadn¡¯t yet noticed Kristian behind the door. ¡°Didn¡¯t you see the messages I sent?¡±


    Freya said nothing. Would she get scolded for admitting she hadn¡¯t even checked?


    Ethel knew her too well. ¡°I knew you didn¡¯t!¡±


    ¡°I was busy and didn¡¯t notice,¡± Freya promised. ¡°I¡¯ll check next time.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re my big sister, after all. I¡¯ll let it slide just this once,¡± Ethel replied sweetly, her tone yful.


    Teasing and affectionate as ever, Ethel asked, ¡°By the way, are those suitcases in the living room yours? They don¡¯t really scream your style.¡±


    Freya¡¯s taste leaned toward silver or white, but the two suitcases sitting in the living room were ck.


    Could it be¡­


    Ethel¡¯s eyes widened as if she¡¯d just stumbled on some juicy gossip.


    ¡°Do they belong to that guy next door?¡±


    ¡°Nope,¡± Freya replied, setting her keys down and stepping aside, revealing Kristian standing quietly behind her.


    ¡°Whose¡­¡±


    Ethel¡¯s words died in her throat as her gaze locked onto the person behind her sister.


    She froze, stunned. Her mind buzzed with disbelief.


    Kristian?


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 Chapter 735

    ?Chapter 735:


    Without even saying hello, she grabbed Freya by the wrist, hauled her into the bedroom, and shut the door with a sharp click. ¡°Why on earth did you bring him here? Are those suitcases his?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s staying here?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Mina!¡± Ethel hissed in rm. ¡°Are you insane? Have youpletely forgotten what he did to you?¡±


    Kristian had divorced Freya for another woman.


    That alone was enough for Ethel to want him nowhere near Freya¡ªmuch less living under the same roof.


    ¡°It¡¯s not what you think. You¡¯ve misunderstood,¡± Freya said, her voice calm but edged with urgency. She hadn¡¯t been given the chance to exin the whole situation.


    ¡°Whether it¡¯s a misunderstanding or not doesn¡¯t matter. What matters is getting Kristian out of here,¡± Ethel insisted, her tone brimming with fierce resolve. She had no clue what had unfolded between Freya and Kristian on Butterfly Ind, nor did she know Kristian had nearly lost his life trying to save her sister.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to him,¡± she announced, flinging the door open and marching out, trying her best to sound authoritative¡ªbut managing toe off more adorable than intimidating.


    Freya reached out instinctively to stop her. ¡°She!¡± she called, but it was already toote.


    To Ethel, her sister was the whole world.


    Thest time Kristian had visited, neither she nor Hugh had any idea what had happened between Kristian and Freya. But now that she did, there was no chance she¡¯d let Freya suffer again. Even if Kristian came across as daunting, Ethel had already made up her mind¡ªhe had to go. Who knew what he might do to her sister if they were left alone together?


    Fueled by that thought, Ethel hauled over the suitcases and thrust them into Kristian¡¯s arms just as he finished setting down his jacket. Kristian blinked, bewildered. What in the world was happening?


    ¡°Take your things and leave,¡± Ethel dered, forcing a brave expression onto her face despite the fluttering nerves twisting in her gut. ¡°You¡¯re not wee here, and I hope you¡¯ll stop bothering my sister from now on.¡±


    In an instant, Ethel¡¯s words shattered the fragile happiness that had flickered inside Kristian from Freya¡¯s earlier concern. He turned toward Freya, who had just stepped out of the bedroom, his eyes clouded with helplessness and confusion¡ªsilently pleading for an answer. Hadn¡¯t Freya brought him here herself? Then why was he being asked to leave?


    ¡°She,¡± Freya murmured, tugging lightly at Ethel¡¯s arm.


    ¡°I have to do this!¡± Ethel insisted.


    ¡°He¡¯s lost his memory,¡± Freya exined curtly. ¡°He doesn¡¯t remember anything from before. Right now, he¡¯s just a child inside¡ªa five-year-old, mentally.¡±


    Ethel was utterly stunned. Amnesia? Five years old? No way. He had to be faking it. She was just about to protest when Kristian¡¯s soft voice cut through the tension.


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Kristian murmured, guilt creeping into his expression. ¡°Am I making things hard for you?¡±


    From the moment he¡¯did eyes on her, he¡¯d felt that she disliked him. And now, her little sister had outright said he wasn¡¯t wee. What on earth had he done in the past to deserve such coldness?


    Ethel felt her chest tighten with conflict. Kristian¡¯s tone¡ªso tentative, so boyish¡ªit really did sound like a child¡¯s.


    .


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 Chapter 736

    ?Chapter 736:


    ¡°No, you¡¯re not,¡± Freya replied gently, unable to bear the pain and guilt carved into his face. After all, he was just a child in every way that counted. ¡°She wasn¡¯t talking about you. She was referring to someone else¡ªsomeone who just happens to look a lot like you. She made a mistake.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Kristian asked, not daring to believe it.


    ¡°It¡¯s true,¡± Freya said, her voice reassuring.


    Kristian turned his gaze to Ethel.


    But Ethel had already drawn her own conclusions. She didn¡¯t care about this memory-loss tale. In her eyes, Kristian was just putting on an act¡ªlooking for a way to worm his way closer to Freya. Did he really think she would let it slide? In his dreams!


    Still, just as she was about to call him out, she caught a glimpse of the cautious, hopeful light in his eyes.


    Wait¡­ was this really Kristian?


    Ethel cleared her throat awkwardly, averting her gaze, suddenly feeling a bit sheepish. ¡°It¡¯s true. My bad.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s okay,¡± Kristian replied meekly.


    Ethel squirmed inwardly,pletely thrown by that look in his eyes. She just couldn¡¯t wrap her head around someone losing their memory like that.


    By lunchtime, the takeout they¡¯d ordered from a restaurant had arrived. Freya had never been much of a cook, and since she lived alone, she hadn¡¯t bothered hiring anyone to help in the kitchen.


    She was almost always away on business trips or buried in work at the office, and with Melvin constantly around, he made sure she never skipped a meal by ordering food for her every single day.


    Most days, she stuck with restaurants she knew well.


    During the meal, Ethel kept casting discreet nces at Kristian, trying to figure out whether this amnesia story held any weight. But from the small details she picked up on, this courteous, thoughtful man was nothing like the aloof, frosty figure she remembered. The amnesia was probably real.


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    After lunch, Freya headed to the study to work, leaving Kristian and Ethel alone in the living room.


    With Kristian like this, Ethel didn¡¯t feel intimidated at all, so she struck up a casual conversation. ¡°Why do you think my sister is your elder sister?¡±


    ¡°Lawrence Hayes told me she¡¯s my sister,¡± Kristian responded inly. As for why he didn¡¯t think of Lawrence as his elder brother¡ªwell, he simply didn¡¯t like the guy.


    Ethel shot him a frown. ¡°She¡¯s my sister, not yours. You can¡¯t just think like that.¡±


    ¡°Then what should I consider her as?¡± Kristian didn¡¯t argue or get upset. He¡¯d noticed earlier how well Freya treated Ethel. If he upset Ethel, Freya might kick him out, so he figured he should behave.


    If Freya knew what was running through his mind, she¡¯d seriously question her qualifications as a guardian. It hadn¡¯t even been a full day, and Kristian, stripped of his memories, was already acting like someone trying his hardest to be liked¡ªjust to secure a ce to stay.


    ¡°Think of her as a friend,¡± Ethel suggested after mulling it over for a moment.


    Kristian pressed his lips together, visibly displeased. ¡°I don¡¯t like that.¡± In his heart, Freya was his elder sister.


    Ethel was about to snap back that there wasn¡¯t even much of an age gap between Freya and him¡ªbut then remembered what Freya had said earlier. Kristian now had the mind of a five-year-old.


    ¡°How about this?¡± Ethel offered, brainstorming on the fly. ¡°Think of her as your aunt.¡±


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 Chapter 737

    ?Chapter 737:


    Kristian replied, ¡°But Freya looks young and pretty. She doesn¡¯t look like an aunt to me.¡±


    ¡°Just do as I say,¡± Ethel insisted.


    ¡°But she¡¯s my sister¡­¡± Kristian muttered.


    ¡°Do you want me to rough you up?¡± Ethel shot back, suddenly sounding like a bratty kid herself.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°If you hit me, does that mean I can still think of Freya as my elder sister?¡±


    Ethel was momentarily speechless.


    Those wide, sparkling eyes and that question left herpletely at a loss.


    Seeing her fall silent, Kristian assumed she had given in. He jumped to his feet, grabbed a baseball bat, and offered it to her with innocent earnestness. ¡°Go on. I don¡¯t mind the pain.¡±


    If he could still think of Freya as his elder sister, he didn¡¯t care how hard Ethel hit him.


    Ethel¡¯s lips twitched. She wasn¡¯t the kind to go around hitting people, and this man was the president of Shaw Group. Like hell she¡¯d actuallyy a hand on him. Besides, this amnesia wasn¡¯t going tost forever. What would happen once he remembered everything?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t make a sound,¡± Kristian said, pressing the bat into her hands, solemn as could be. ¡°I won¡¯t tell Freya either.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t think I won¡¯t actually do it!¡± Ethel retorted, waving the bat threateningly to scare him off.


    Kristian stood there obediently, as if waiting to be struck.


    Just then, Freya walked out of the study, a ss of water in her hand.


    ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ???? ??????????¦Í??????[.]??????


    When Freya caught sight of Ethel clutching a baseball bat, ring daggers at Kristian, she froze in disbelief. ¡°She, what on earth are you doing¡­¡±


    Ethel flinched, clearly caught off guard. On instinct, she whipped the bat behind her back, stammering, ¡°N-no, it¡¯s nothing. Really.¡± Right then, she began to suspect this was all a carefullyid trap by Kristian, just so Freya would barge in and assume she was about to take a swing at him. How utterly infuriating!


    ¡°She was just showing me how to protect myself in case a stranger breaks in,¡± Kristian piped up, feigning innocence with those wide, guileless eyes.


    Ethel blinked, momentarily at a loss for words.


    Freya stepped closer, her voice gentle. ¡°Even if I¡¯m out for work, the bodyguards will always be around to look after you. You¡¯ll never be left alone.¡±


    ¡°Thank you.¡± Kristian¡¯s tone softened with her. ¡°Freya,¡± he said, ncing up at her.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± she answered, meeting his gaze.


    ¡°Can I still think of you as my elder sister?¡±


    Freya looked puzzled, not responding right away.


    ¡°She said it¡¯s not proper for me to treat you like that, but¡­ I want to. I don¡¯t want to think of you as my aunt.¡±


    He didn¡¯t voice the rest, but something in his expression told Ethel that she wouldn¡¯t like what was left unsaid. Freya didn¡¯t seem to mind. ¡°That¡¯s fine.¡±


    Watching things escte far too quickly for her liking, Ethel interjected, ¡°Now he¡¯s just like a kid, you are too old to be his sister.¡±


    ¡°Then how should he call me?¡± Freya asked sincerely.


    ¡°I suggested ¡®aunt¡¯,¡± Ethel muttered after clearing her throat.


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 Chapter 738

    ?Chapter 738:


    Freya gave her a look. ¡°Seriously?¡±


    ¡°Think about it,¡± Ethel pressed, not backing down. ¡°If he keeps regarding you as his sister, once he recovers, he¡¯ll look back and think it was all sweet and touching.¡± She was determined to put a stop to the whole idea. ¡°But if he treats you as his aunt now, once he¡¯s back to normal, he¡¯ll be mortified.¡±


    The thought of him calling his ex-wife ¡°aunt¡± was beyond ridiculous.


    Freya raised a fair point. ¡°But what if he doesn¡¯t recover for a long time?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Ethel faltered, words catching in her throat. She couldn¡¯t exin it, but she had this strong gut feeling that Kristian would get better soon. He¡¯d always been sharp, decisive¡ªwless in business. There was no way his mind wouldn¡¯t bounce back just as quickly. She didn¡¯t know why she believed it, but she did.


    ¡°He can think of me however he likes,¡± Freya said lightly. ¡°It makes no difference to me.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°You silly girl.¡± Freya reached out and tousled Ethel¡¯s hair affectionately.


    Kristian observed the scene with sparkling eyes. Slowly, he ambled toward Freya and tilted his head forward, clearly angling for a pat.


    Freya blinked. Ethel, equally baffled, stared at him. Neither could figure out what he was up to.


    Ethel, always the first to speak, narrowed her eyes. ¡°What are you¡ª¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t say a word. He pressed his lips together and simply looked up at Freya, waiting patiently for that pat on the head.


    A strange tension filled the air.


    As Ethel reyed what had just happened in her mind, something clicked¡ªand an edge of jealousy slipped into her tone. ¡°You want my sister to pat your head?¡±


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    ¡°Is that okay?¡± Kristian asked softly, his voice as delicate as cotton, eyes brimming with hope.


    Even Freya was taken aback. That face and those eyes¡ªyet the expression and tone were so utterly transformed. It was like Kristian was someone else entirely. She found herself marveling at fate¡¯s odd sense of humor.


    ¡°No way!¡± Ethel clung tightly to Freya¡¯s arm, clearly refusing to yield. ¡°Don¡¯t push your luck!¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s basically like a five-year-old right now¡­¡± Freya murmured, coughing lightly as a reminder.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care,¡± Ethel¡¯s protectiveness was still as fierce as ever. ¡°Well, I¡¯m only three. If you pat his head, I¡¯ll cry!¡±


    Kristian might¡¯ve been Freya¡¯s ex-husband, but now he was like a clingy child vying for her affection. Ethel wasn¡¯t about to let him win.


    Freya chuckled and ruffled Ethel¡¯s hair again, her eyes softening into a smile. Some things never changed. Ethel was still irresistibly adorable.


    Kristian felt a twinge of disappointment, but the moment he saw Freya¡¯s smile, he couldn¡¯t help smiling too. ¡°Freya, you¡¯re smiling,¡± he said softly.


    ¡°That¡¯s because of me,¡± Ethel snapped back, unwilling to let go. ¡°It has nothing to do with you!¡±


    ¡°As long as Freya¡¯s happy, I¡¯m happy too,¡± Kristian replied simply, his thoughts pure.


    Ethel paused, staring at the earnest, innocent face before her. Her cheeks suddenly grew warm, and a whirlpool ofplex emotions stirred within her. This was still Kristian. But right now, he was like a five-year-old boy. Why on earth was she arguing with a kid?


    ¡°You two go on talking,¡± Freya said, treating them both like children. ¡°If you want snacks, call the bodyguard. If you want to watch TV, go ahead. I¡¯ve got work to do.¡±


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 Chapter 739

    ?Chapter 739:


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kristian responded sweetly.


    Once Freya grabbed her water and headed off to the study, Ethel and Kristian were left eyeing each other in silence.


    Before Kristian¡¯s ident, Ethel wouldn¡¯t have dared to even meet his gaze¡ªlet alone re at him.


    But now, things had shifted.


    Ethel demanded, still looking for a fight, ¡°Freya¡¯s busy now, so you have to listen to me.¡±


    Kristian nodded obediently. ¡°Okay!¡±


    Ethel was momentarily stunned into silence. A phrase she¡¯d once seen online echoed in her head. Sincerity really does work.


    Faced with someone so obedient, sweet, and eager to please, she just couldn¡¯t bring herself to be mean. ¡°Get me some water.¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°Grab me some snacks from the cupboard.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°I want some fruit.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go rinse them.¡±


    The two of them bantered and yed like children in the living room. Seeing they weren¡¯t squabbling, Freya finally turned her full attention to work.


    Christmas was just ten days away, andtely, Melvin had been swamped with preparations for thepany¡¯s annual party and masquerade ball.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, the hotel and schedule are finalized,¡± Melvin reported during their video call. ¡°The annual party will be held on the first and second floors. After that, single guests can head to the eighth floor for the masquerade ball. Everything¡¯s arranged.¡±


    Freya gave a brief grunt. ¡°What are this year¡¯s lucky draw prizes?¡±


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    ¡°Same asst year. Three first prizes¡ªtwo hundred thousand dors each. Five second prizes¡ªone hundred thousand each. Ten third prizes, fifty thousand. The rest get participation gifts like iPads,ptops, phones, or shopping cards, all given randomly,¡± Melvin rattled off casually.


    Anita International Group had always been generous with its employees, handing outvish gifts and hefty year-end bonuses every holiday season.


    The cash rewards and prizes rarely changed.


    Freya was silent for a beat. ¡°Let¡¯s add a grand prize this year.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°For Cap. For Ellis Lambert,¡± she said slowly.


    She¡¯d originally nned to transfer Ellis to a branch closer to his home, but he¡¯d declined, saying he wasn¡¯t ready for that kind of responsibility. So instead, Freya decided to reward him with an apartment. That way, he¡¯d stop feeling the need to keep sending her money out of gratitude.


    ¡°Put it in with the constion prize boxes,¡± Freya instructed, her tone crisp but deliberate. She was always meticulous in her nning. ¡°After the raffle, just announce that there¡¯s a mystery grand gift tucked among the constion prizes.¡±


    That way, it would not draw any unnecessary attention. And it would give her a legitimate excuse to hand the gift to Ellis.


    Melvin nodded along to everything without hesitation. ¡°Alright. Are you attending the annual party this year?¡± he asked, his voice casual. Freya had never shown up at previous ones¡ªhe usually managed everything himself.


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 Chapter 740

    ?Chapter 740:


    Freya shook her head lightly. ¡°No, I¡¯ll be at the masquerade party on the eighth floor.¡±


    If Ellis had not mentioned the masquerade party a few days ago, she probably would not have bothered with it. After all, since Anita International Group had been founded, Melvin had overseen most of its affairs.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Melvin hesitated, seeming to search for the right words, then simply said, ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Mel.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°You ought toe to the masquerade party tomorrow night as well.¡±


    Freya did not want him to spend the best years of his life shackled solely to thepany. ¡°After your speech at the annual party, just hand everything over to the secretarial team. Don¡¯t stress about the rest.¡±


    Melvin caught her meaning. ¡°I don¡¯t want to get married,¡± he said bluntly.


    ¡°It¡¯s just an event for making friends.¡±


    ¡°I am not interested.¡±


    ¡°You are not interested in dating?¡± Freya asked, genuine curiosity creeping into her voice.


    Melvin never struck her as the typepletely consumed by work. Why was he so against dating?


    Thinking ahead, Melvin decided to be straightforward. ¡°Not interested.¡± Freya wanted to say more but then remembered what Gerard had told her about Melvin¡¯s so-called heartbreak. Melvin had insisted it was just a story he had spun to get Gerard talking, but now¡­ it seemed that might not have been a lie after all.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya relented, offering him an understanding nod. ¡°If you ever need time off for personal matters, just tell me.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Melvin responded with a perfunctory nod.


    Once the video call ended, Freya immersed herself in other tasks.


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    While she was working, n called to ask if she would be attending the Briggs Group annual party. Freya turned him down¡ªEthel would be there, and that was good enough.


    Time slipped by, and before long, it was six in the evening.


    When Freya stepped out, she spotted Ethel and Kristian lounging on the sofa¡ªEthel munching on snacks as she watched TV, while Kristian sat silently at her side, simply keeping herpany.


    Just as Freya opened her mouth to ask what they wanted for dinner, Ellis arrived.


    He knocked lightly before stepping inside, greeting the three of them with the calm,posed authority of an adult. His voice was brief yet steady as he announced, ¡°Dinner¡¯s ready.¡±


    ¡°Coming!¡± Ethel chirped, hastily turning off the TV and hurrying over.


    Kristian, however, remained seated.


    Freya arched a brow in puzzlement.


    Catching Ethel by the arm as she rushed past, Freya asked, ¡°Since when are you two so chummy?¡±


    Given Ethel¡¯s personality, even if she were eager to gossip about her rtionship with Ellis, she would agree to dinner, but she would never rush over so eagerly. This seemed¡­ a little out of character.


    ¡°Two hours ago,¡± Ethel replied with an innocent blink. ¡°Ellis came and asked what we wanted for dinner.¡±


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 Chapter 741

    ?Chapter 741:


    Freya¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°What? How had I missed that?¡±


    ¡°I was about to say no, but he mentioned he promised you he¡¯d help look after Kristian, so I said okay,¡± Ethel exined matter-of-factly. ¡°Wasn¡¯t that how it was?¡±


    Freya pressed her lips together, a sense of unease settling in as the situation grew moreplicated.


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat first. We can talk about everything else after dinner,¡± Ellis suggested, giving a quick look toward Kristian, who sat still, before shifting his focus back to Freya. ¡°If we don¡¯t hurry, the food will get cold.¡±


    So, they all headed off to eat.


    Throughout the meal, Ethel kept praising Ellis¡¯s cooking. Everyone else ate quietly, the atmosphere thick with unspoken thoughts.


    Afterward, they all pitched in to clean up.


    Ellis stole a nce at Kristian, who remained slouched on the sofa, then turned to Freya. ¡°I need your help with something.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Freya said coolly, drying her hands on a towel.


    ¡°I want you toe home with me for Christmas,¡± Ellis said, his thin lips barely parting, his long, narrow eyes betraying little. ¡°And pretend to be my girlfriend.¡±


    Freya froze for a second. ¡°Me?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask Riley or Greta?¡± Freya blurted out, her response nearly identical to thest time. She hadn¡¯t given it much thought.


    ¡°I¡¯m not really good at that sort of thing.¡±


    Meeting parents, making good impressions¡ªit was important. She tended to be slow in warming up to others, her nature leaning toward reservation. Even when she married Kristian, it had taken a while for her to feel truly at ease with his family.


    ¡°Sometimes being too good at pretending can backfire,¡± Ethel chimed in slyly, having kept one ear on their conversation. ¡°It¡¯s better if you¡¯re not good at it.¡±


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    ¡°You don¡¯t have to stay overnight or talk much,¡± Ellis added casually. ¡°Just meet them, that¡¯s all.¡±


    Freya hesitated. Meeting Ellis¡¯s parents was not something she thought should be taken lightly.


    ¡°Or are you scared?¡± Ellis teased, raising an eyebrow.


    Freyapsed into silence. Not exactly.


    ¡°If you really are, I won¡¯t force you,¡± Ellis continued, relentless in his gentleness. ¡°Worst case, I get a lecture when I go home. No big deal.¡±


    ¡°I can only go with you at noon,¡± Freya finally said, keeping her voice steady. ¡°I need to be home for dinner.¡±


    She kept it simple and direct. Ellis was a good person who had always treated them well. It didn¡¯t feel right to let him face his family¡¯s ire alone on Christmas Eve.


    Besides, it was just pretending¡ªnothing more.


    ¡°You agree?¡± Ellis¡¯s voice lifted with a touch of surprise.


    Freya gave a small nod. ¡°Yes.¡±


    A subtle smile tugged at Ellis¡¯s lips, his eyes sparkling with a hint of amusement. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    Sitting quietly beside them, Kristian watched their easy rapport, a subtle frown creasing his brow. Summoning a burst of courage, he stood up abruptly. ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Freya turned toward him immediately.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 742

    ?Chapter 742:


    Kristian pressed his hand to his stomach, feigning difort. ¡°My stomach hurts.¡±


    Freya stood up and moved toward him to check, but found no sign of anything unusual. She assumed it was something internal. ¡°Does it hurt a lot?¡±


    ¡°Yes¡­¡± Kristian winced, his face contorting with feigned pain.


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to the hospital,¡± Freya said at once.


    Kristian¡¯s heart leapt in panic. If they went to the hospital, she¡¯d find out he was faking it. What should he do?


    ¡°No need for the hospital,¡± Ellis said calmly as he walked over. ¡°He probably just ate too much. He¡¯ll be fine after a little rest.¡±


    ¡°I checked already. It¡¯s not because he ate too much,¡± Freya insisted, worry clouding her features.


    Kristian¡¯s father had entrusted him to her care. She couldn¡¯t let anything happen to Kristian.


    Seeing straight through Kristian, Ellis pressed lightly on a spot on his abdomen. ¡°Does it hurt here?¡±


    Kristian remained silent.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t say yes, Freya¡¯s going to insist on taking you to the hospital,¡± Ellis whispered low enough that only Kristian could hear.


    Kristian gave Freya a pitiful look and reluctantly pretended to be in pain. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°He just ate too much,¡± Ellis concluded smoothly. ¡°I¡¯ll take him for a walk.¡±


    Ellis ushered Kristian out the door and rode the elevator downstairs. Meanwhile, Freya was still lost in thought, mulling over Kristian¡¯s condition. His symptoms seemed far too severe to be brushed off as a simple stomachache from eating too much.


    Ethel, seeing that everyone had cleared out, leaned closer and asked curiously, ¡°Be honest¡ªif Ellis ever pursued you, would you say yes?¡±


    Freya froze, caught off guard. Without missing a beat, she answered, ¡°No.¡±


    Step into fiction with  .


    Ellis was far beyond her reach, and she knew it. She still vividly recalled those brutal training days when everyone had been run ragged under his leadership. The idea of merely being invited to a meal felt surreal now, let alone the thought of a rtionship.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Ethel pressed, her brows furrowing in puzzlement. ¡°He¡¯s handsome, he treats you well, and he¡¯s gentle. Honestly, he would be perfect.¡±


    ¡°Some people are just meant to stay friends,¡± Freya said after a moment¡¯s reflection. It wasn¡¯t just her. Greta and Riley wouldn¡¯t dare to even dream about it either. Had Freya not endured Ellis¡¯s relentless training before, she might have found him charming. Only recently had shee to realize that underneath that cold exterior, he was a great man. But no matter how she looked at it, whenever she thought of Ellis, the first memory that surfaced was always of those grueling, unrelenting drills.


    ¡°What about Kristian? Would you consider him after he gets better?¡± Ethel asked, unwilling to let it go. ¡°Would you say yes then¡­?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied firmly, her voice leaving no room for doubt.


    ¡°Then you¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not interested in rtionships right now,¡± Freya stated inly, drawing a firm boundary. ¡°Just focus on your own love life.¡±


    ¡°Mina,¡± Ethel said, her voiceced with genuine concern. She worried that Freya had given up on love altogether because of her past heartbreak. Life was long¡ªwouldn¡¯t Freya feel lonely if she chose to stay single forever?


    ¡°Have you picked out a dress for the annual party?¡± Freya asked, smoothly steering the conversation away. ¡°Want me toe shopping with you?¡±


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 Chapter 743

    ?Chapter 743:


    ¡°I already have one,¡± Ethel replied, catching on quickly to Freya¡¯s attempt to change the subject.


    Meanwhile, Kristian and Ellis were strolling through the nearby garden. Noticing Kristian¡¯s uncharacteristic silence, Ellis asked casually, ¡°Why did you lie to Freya?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business,¡± Kristian retorted.


    Ellis slouchedzily onto a nearby bench. ¡°You don¡¯t like me, do you?¡±


    Kristian shot him a sidelong nce without bothering to answer. Why ask a question when the answer was so obvious? Were adults always this fond of teasing children?


    ¡°Let me guess,¡± Ellis continued, speaking in the tone one would use with a child, ¡°you¡¯re sulking because Freya talked to me and not you?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s childish emotions wereid bare. He red at Ellis, making no effort to hide his disdain.


    Ellis wasn¡¯t offended. If Kristian had been in his right mind, Ellis might have poked fun at him, but right now, he was no more than a five-year-old in an adult¡¯s body.


    ¡°Stop lying,¡± Ellis advised gently. ¡°Freya doesn¡¯t like liars.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your advice,¡± Kristian grumbled sullenly.


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to give it either,¡± Ellis replied, shing azy smile. ¡°But I promised Freya I¡¯d help look after you.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s face clouded with displeasure. Did Freya find him so troublesome that she needed to rely on Ellis for help?


    ¡°When we get back, I¡¯ll tell Freya to let me take care of you,¡± Ellis said, dragging out the words slowly. ¡°She should focus on herself.¡±


    ¡°No way!¡± Kristian eximed, his face twisting in protest.


    Ellis arched an eyebrow, amused. ¡°I¡¯m going to do it anyway.¡±


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    ¡°If you dare, I¡¯ll tell her you hit me,¡± Kristian threatened with a re.


    Ellis gave him a once-over, his look clearly saying, ¡°You don¡¯t even have a scratch.¡±


    Kristian, driven by a sudden impulse, acted recklessly. He threw himself onto the ground, scraping his already blistered hand until it bled anew.


    ¡°There are security cameras,¡± Ellis pointed outzily, unbothered. ¡°Even if you go back injured, Freya can check the footage.¡± Kristian sat there, stewing in frustration.


    Ellis stood, brushing off his pants as he said, ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want you looking after me,¡± Kristian said stubbornly, getting to his feet.


    ¡°If I end up with Freya, your opinion won¡¯t matter anyway.¡± Ellis, ever casual, added in a soft, indifferent tone, ¡°When that timees, I won¡¯t just be taking care of you¡ªI¡¯ll be Freya¡¯s husband too.¡±


    Kristian knew exactly what it meant to be Freya¡¯s husband. He had learned it from TV. Without thinking, he blurted out, ¡°Freya won¡¯t marry you. I¡¯ll marry her when I grow up.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s ambitious,¡± Ellis said truthfully. ¡°But you don¡¯t stand a chance.¡± Either way, he had already decided¡ªhe would never let Freya be with Kristian again. Even if people could change, he believed that in life, some chances never came twice. Once lost, they were gone for good.


    ¡°I do have a chance!¡± Kristian insisted, his fists clenching tightly. ¡°Why don¡¯t you go upstairs and ask her?¡± Ellis challenged, locking eyes with him. ¡°See what she says.¡±


    Kristian red at him for a moment before marching off determinedly. Even if Freya seemed distant now, he was convinced that someday, he would be someone she could truly love.


    Ellis followed behind at an unhurried pace.


    .


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 Chapter 744

    ?Chapter 744:


    Back in the living room, Freya and Ethel were waiting for them. Seeing them return, Freya asked gently, ¡°Are you alright?¡±


    Kristian nodded his head. ¡°I¡¯m fine now.¡± Freya let out a small sigh of relief.


    ¡°Freya,¡± Kristian said, his hand tightening at his side, his dark eyes swimming with nervousness.


    Freya, noticing his hesitation, asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Can I marry you when I grow up?¡± Kristian asked, his voice trembling between hope and fear.


    Freya froze, instinctively darting a nce at Ellis. What exactly had they discussed downstairs?


    ¡°You¡¯re already an adult,¡± Freya said softly. ¡°You only think like a child right now because of your injury.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s face twisted in confusion, but he pressed on stubbornly, ¡°So when I recover¡­ can I marry you?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± Ethel cut in sharply before Freya could answer.


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Because you used to¡­¡±


    ¡°Because marriage is built on mutual love,¡± Freya interrupted, choosing her words with care. ¡°You¡¯ll understand what that means when you¡¯re older.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s face remained nk, still struggling to grasp it.


    But deep down, he understood one thing¡ªher answer, gentle as it was, meant she didn¡¯t love him. An unfamiliar ache took root in his chest.


    ¡°Then will you be with him? Will he live with me?¡± Kristian asked, pointing at Ellis, his voice thick with hurt.


    Freya¡¯s eyebrows arched in disbelief. Where had that idea evene from?


    Discover more on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??¦Ï?? (uso de ¡°?¡± y ¡°¦Ï¡± griega)


    ¡°Will you?¡± Kristian persisted, his voice insistent as he sought rity.


    ¡°Those questions don¡¯t make sense,¡± Freya countered swiftly, steering the conversation away with a gentle shake of her head. ¡°Ask me again once you¡¯ve fully recovered. I¡¯ll exin it then.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t even with Ellis. Even if they were, there was no reason for Kristian to live with them. After all, she wasn¡¯t Kristian¡¯s sister, and they wouldn¡¯t live together indefinitely.


    At her deflection, Kristian¡¯s eyes lost their light, darkening with quiet hurt. His hands, which had been dangling loosely by his sides, balled into trembling fists, and an invisible weight of sadness seemed to press down on him.


    ¡°Go freshen up and get some rest, okay?¡± Freya suggested softly, her toneced with concern. ¡°Try to sleep a little earlier tonight.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s lips tightened into a thin line as he cast a sidelong nce at her. His gaze drifted across the room andnded on Ellis, who stood there, steady and unreadable as ever. Something flickered in his eyes, and almost on impulse, he called out softly, ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡± she responded, her attention redirected.


    ¡°It hurts¡­¡± he murmured, extending his hand toward her.


    The skin was raw and torn, revealing the tender flesh beneath. A trace of blood welled up from the wound.


    Freya¡¯s brows knitted instantly in concern the moment she saw the injury. ¡°What in the world happened?¡± she asked, stepping closer instinctively.


    ¡°I fell by ident,¡± Kristian muttered, his head bowed, voice so faint it almost disappeared into the silence.


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 Chapter 745

    ?Chapter 745:


    ¡°Captain, I¡¯ll take him to clean up that wound,¡± Freya dered, her brow furrowed with concern over potential infection, aware that wounds tended to heal slower in the chilly embrace of winter.


    Kristian visibly rxed, a faint sigh escaping his lips.


    He was grateful that she didn¡¯t pry for more details; had she asked, he would¡¯ve been at a loss for words.


    ¡°I¡¯ll handle it,¡± Ellis interjected, already striding toward them with the first aid kit in hand. He reached for Kristian¡¯s hand, intending to apply some iodine.


    Instinctively, Kristian jerked his hand away, his difort evident in the tight set of his shoulders.


    Freya opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, Kristian muttered, ¡°I¡¯ll just rinse it with water.¡±


    With those words, he swiftly exited, retreating to Freya¡¯s apartment before she could intervene.


    She stood there, puzzled and concerned, watching his retreating figure.


    Turning to Ellis, she sought answers, her voiceced with confusion. ¡°What were you two discussing downstairs? How did he end up falling?¡±


    ¡°Take a guess,¡± Ellis responded, a mischievous glint dancing in his eyes as his lips curled into a teasing smile.


    Freya was taken aback, her mind reeling. Since when had Ellis adopted such a yful demeanor?


    ¡°Don¡¯t let his innocent act fool you,¡± Ellis went on in anguid tone, the smirk never leaving his face. ¡°He¡¯s got a way of alwayspeting for your affection.¡±


    ¡°Competing for my affection?¡± Freya furrowed her brows, uncertain if she had heard right.


    ¡°You could say that,¡± Ellis replied with a shrug, the edge of amusement in his tone betraying his nonchnce. ¡°He gets jealous when you¡¯re with me. Or maybe¡­¡± He nced at herzily. ¡°He just doesn¡¯t want to share you.¡±


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    Freya paused, a puzzled look crossing her face. ¡°But he¡¯s practically a child, isn¡¯t he? His understanding is that of a five-year-old.¡±


    Ellis leaned back slightly, his expression unreadable. ¡°I think it might be wise to discuss this with Lawrence,¡± he suggested, his voice dropping to a soothing murmur. ¡°There¡¯s more to this than meets the eye. Haven¡¯t you noticed how clingy he is with you?¡±


    Freya paused, her mind reying the little moments between them¡ªKristian¡¯s possessiveness, the way his mood shifted when she gave someone else attention.


    ¡°Most five-year-old kids still cry for their parents,¡± Ellis added thoughtfully. ¡°But he doesn¡¯t. He clings to you like you¡¯re the only one in the world that matters. That¡¯s not normal.¡±


    ¡°Mina, perhaps he feels a sense of guilt towards you, prompting him to seek your presence more,¡± Ethel chimed in thoughtfully.


    ¡°That¡¯s a possibility,¡± Ellis conceded, analyzing the situation with clinical detachment. ¡°However, given his total memory loss and cognitive setbacks, it seems improbable.¡±


    If not for the unsettling encounters and discussions they had earlier, he might not have been so suspicious. But Kristian¡¯s reactions were peculiarly intense.


    ¡°There¡¯s more to it,¡± Ellis hinted, his expression growing serious. Freya¡¯s curiosity was piqued. ¡°What else is there?¡± she asked, her voiceced with intrigue and concern.


    ¡°Most children gravitate towards those who exude warmth and kindness,¡± Ellis remarked, his voice trailing off as if he were threading his thoughts carefully. ¡°Yet, you¡¯ve always maintained a certain distance from him.¡±


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 Chapter 746

    ?Chapter 746:


    Freya had not just been distant; she had consciously erected a boundary between them.


    There once was another child who initially clung to Freya. Back then, she would greet him with a bright smile, yfully ruffle his hair, and engage in games with him. Naturally, any child would be drawn to her charismatic, gentle demeanor.


    However, her interactions with Kristian were starkly different. Children, often more perceptive than adults, could intuitively sense whether someone was fond of them or not. Despite the noticeableck of warmth from Freya, Kristian continued to cling to her with an unusual persistence.


    ¡°Perhaps he fears I might abandon him,¡± Freya said, her mind flickering back to Kristian¡¯s past reactions. ¡°Is that what drives his behavior?¡±


    She wished to interact with him as she did with the other children.


    Yet, she was adamant about defining the boundaries of their rtionship. Getting too close couldplicate his recovery process. It was crucial to maintain a bnced approach¡ªcaring and attentive, yet with a distinct separation of their roles.


    ¡°We¡¯ll discuss this with Lawrence the day after tomorrow,¡± Ellis remarked, his tone stillced with uncertainty.


    Freya nodded in agreement. After their conversation drifted to a close, she and Ethel made their way back to their room.


    Upon their return, they discovered Kristian had locked himself in his bedroom. Freya motioned for Ethel to freshen up while she approached Kristian¡¯s door, her knocks gentle yet firm.


    She knocked several times, but the silence from the other side of the door remained unbroken. ¡°Kristian, it¡¯s me,¡± she called, keeping her voice calm and patient. ¡°Will you open the door?¡±


    Her voice lingered in the silence that followed, like a soft echo in an empty hall.


    She waited, her heart ticking in time with the seconds, but the silence remained unbroken.


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    Just as she raised her hand to knock once more, a soft click signaled the yielding of the lock. The door swung open slowly.


    Kristian stood in the threshold, his figure cloaked in a palpable aura of solitude. He greeted her with a low, somewhat sullen tone. ¡°Freya.¡±


    Peering at his hand, which was now a stark red, Freya¡¯s expression softened. ¡°Does your hand still hurt?¡± she inquired, concern threading her voice.


    Kristian¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line. He teetered on the brink of confession, but the memory of Freya¡¯s admiration for resilience spurred him to feign courage. He shook his head, dismissing the pain with a forced nonchnce. ¡°It doesn¡¯t hurt.¡±


    ¡°Come here, let me take care of it,¡± Freya insisted gently, guiding him inside.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kristian relented.


    As Freya carefully disinfected and bandaged his wound, she observed his subtle winces and the way he tried to mask his difort. In a casual tone, probing gently, she asked, ¡°Do you want to visit your parents soon?¡±


    With a quiet shake of his head, he kept his eyes on the floor.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Freya¡¯s voice was soft, encouraging him to open up.


    ¡°I just want to be with you,¡± Kristian murmured, his voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried your parents might be sad?¡± Freya¡¯s question hung between them, filled with unspoken concern.


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian replied, his voice firm.


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 Chapter 747

    ?Chapter 747:


    Freya held her gaze on him a moment longer, her expression tinged with a quiet intensity.


    Kids were naturally curious about their parents, weren¡¯t they? And yet, Kristian seemed to withdraw at the mention of his.


    With a soft, but firm tone, she called his name, ¡°Kristian.¡±


    She knew healing was a slow process, and while she hoped for his quick recovery, there were certain truths she feltpelled to rify right then.


    Kristian, lips pressed tightly together, betrayed a flicker of fear in his eyes as he braced himself. Was she mad at him? Why did she sound so cold all of a sudden?


    ¡°There¡¯s no one in this world who loves you more than your parents do,¡± Freya said gently, kneeling so she could meet his eyes. ¡°Even though I¡¯m the one looking after you right now, you can¡¯t forget about them.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s lips tightened as a small frown tugged at the corner of his mouth. ¡°Then why were you the one who came to get me? Why not them?¡± he asked, the words sharp with doubt.


    Freya hesitated for a beat, then let out a quiet sigh. ¡°Because I was the first person the doctors reached out to,¡± she exined carefully. ¡°Your parents didn¡¯t know you were injured.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t say a word. His lips pressed into a thin line as a single, aching thought took over¡ªshe didn¡¯t want him anymore.


    Was it because of the man next door?


    Freya noticed the sudden shift in his expression, the way his shoulders tensed and his gaze grew distant. Concern flickered in her eyes as she called out to him gently, ¡°Kristian?¡±


    He blinked slowly, as if snapping out of a daze. ¡°I understand,¡± he mumbled, voice low and guarded. ¡°I¡¯ll go to bed now. Good night.¡±


    Though he turned to leave, a flicker of unease clouded his eyes¡ªan emotion he didn¡¯t voice, but one that made his whole demeanor feel oddly unsettled.


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    Freya still wanted to keep talking to Kristian; she could feel, with an almost instinctive certainty, that something about him had shifted. However, Kristian clearly had no ns of dragging the conversation out any longer. The moment he finished speaking, he pushed himself up from his seat and stalked back to his room without sparing her another nce.


    Watching him retreat like that, Freya flicked her gaze to the clock. It was a little past eight in the evening. She tapped out a quick message to Isaac, ¡°Are you free right now? Can you share something about Kristian¡¯s childhood?¡±


    It hadn¡¯t even been a full minute before Isaac gave her a call.


    ¡°Hello, Isaac,¡± Freya said warmly when she answered.


    Isaac, standing casually on the balcony wrapped in a loose robe, let his voice carry through the phone, deep and smooth as ever. ¡°Did Kristian give you any trouble?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied earnestly. And it was true. Kristian had, for the most part, been remarkably well-behaved. ¡°I just wanted to ask what he was like when he was five.¡±


    ¡°Obedient and sensible,¡± Isaac said, the memory of his young son clearly vivid in his mind. ¡°He was lively back then, always such a little ball of sunshine for us, warming up the whole house with just a smile.¡±


    Lively? Freya shot a look at the firmly shut door across from her. The Kristian she knew now couldn¡¯t have been further from lively.


    ¡°And what¡¯s he like these days?¡± Isaac asked, his curiosity piqued.


    ¡°He¡¯s obedient but very quiet,¡± Freya answered, picking her words with care. ¡°And¡­ he seems like he¡¯s really insecure.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 748

    ?Chapter 748:


    Isaac lifted a brow in surprise. Insecure? His son, of all people?


    ¡°Are you sure he¡¯s not just putting on an act?¡± Isaac asked, his tone thick with doubt. What Freya described sounded nothing like the boy he remembered.


    ¡°I¡¯m sure he¡¯s not pretending. He¡¯s already asked me a few times if I don¡¯t want him anymore.¡± Freya hesitated, knowing full well that saying this might make Isaac think she hadn¡¯t been taking good enough care of Kristian, but honesty won out. ¡°I just get this strong feeling he¡¯s reallycking a sense of security.¡±


    If there was any truth to what Ellis had mentioned about Kristianpeting for her affection, then maybe his whole way of thinking needed to be examined a little more closely.


    ¡°Is he now?¡± Isaac asked.


    ¡°He went back to his room,¡± Freya said truthfully. ¡°Do you want to talk to him?¡±


    ¡°Put him on the phone,¡± Isaac said, his voice steady, giving nothing away. ¡°I¡¯ll have a little word with him.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    Freya took the phone with her as she headed toward Kristian¡¯s door. On the way, she thought to ask, ¡°By the way, was Kristian ever scared of pain when he was little?¡±


    ¡°Not at all,¡± Isaac answered immediately, recalling it without hesitation. Back in those days, whenever Isaac would fake an injury to win sympathy from his wife, Kristian would secretly grumble that his father wasn¡¯t tough enough. Isaac used to chalk it up to childish bravado, butter realized Kristian actually had an iron tolerance for pain. Unless something was seriously wrong, he wouldn¡¯t even bat an eye.


    ¡°Why do you ask?¡± Isaac quickly zeroed in on the key point. ¡°Is he pretending to be hurt just to get your attention?¡±


    Freya mulled it over for a second. ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s faking it. I think he¡¯s really scared.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s brows furrowed slightly in genuine surprise.


    Just then, Freya knocked softly on Kristian¡¯s door, which creaked open after a moment. Seeing her standing there again, Kristian instantly assumed she was back to lecture him. He was already scrambling for an excuse to avoid her when she quietly handed him the phone. ¡°Your dad wants to talk to you.¡±


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    Kristian didn¡¯t particrly want to take the call, but he was afraid Freya would get mad if he refused, so he reluctantly reached out and took the phone from her.


    Freya didn¡¯t linger. She left the space for Kristian and his father to speak privately.


    Kristian stepped out onto the balcony, slumped into a chair, and muttered in a less-than-enthusiastic voice, ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Is that how you talk to me?¡± Isaac said, azy smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Are you looking for a spanking?¡±


    Kristian kept his mouth shut. If it hadn¡¯t been for the thought that Freya would be upset if he hung up, he would have ended the call without a second thought. He didn¡¯t want to talk to anyone except her.


    ¡°Call me Dad,¡± Isaac said coolly.


    Kristian stayed silent. He wasn¡¯t having it.


    Isaac, not missing a beat, said, ¡°If you don¡¯t speak, I¡¯ll tell Freya you¡¯re being rude. If she gets upset and decides to send you away, you¡¯ll have no one to me but yourself.¡±


    Kristian stiffened. Freya was the only person he cared about now.


    ¡°Dad,¡± he muttered atst, the word dragged out of him against his will.


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 Chapter 749

    ?Chapter 749:


    ¡°Did you really lose your memory?¡± Isaac asked. Kristian didn¡¯t answer.


    ¡°Just how unlucky do you think Freya was to end up saddled with you?¡± Still, Kristian stayed silent.


    ¡°In a few days, I¡¯lle to Alerith and bring you home,¡± Isaac said lightly, testing the waters. ¡°You shouldn¡¯t be taking up all of Freya¡¯s time with her family.¡±


    ¡°No!¡± Kristian cried out instinctively.


    Isaac¡¯s tone was maddeningly casual. ¡°That¡¯s not really your decision to make, is it?¡±


    ¡°If youe to take me, I¡¯ll run away from home,¡± Kristian threatened, though his voice sounded more like a sulky child¡¯s than anything remotely intimidating.


    Isaac let out a low chuckle, thoroughly entertained. He gazed out at the golden wash of evening light and saidzily, ¡°You say that like you¡¯re actually at home now.¡±


    Kristian was left speechless. He was so frustrating! And yet, his father wasn¡¯t wrong.


    ¡°If you run off now, Freya will only like you even less,¡± Isaac said, every word hitting its mark. ¡°Actually, I¡¯d love to see you try. Need a few tips¡ªor some travel money from your old man?¡±


    Kristian fumed. He used to despise Ellis the most, but it looked like his dad had now imed that title without even trying.


    He blurted out, ¡°I don¡¯t like you.¡±


    ¡°As long as your mother does, that¡¯s all I care about,¡± Isaac replied smoothly, not a single ruffle in his calm.


    Kristian seethed inwardly, feeling wronged but having no one he could vent to. If he told Freya, she¡¯d probably just think he was being difficult again.


    ¡°Behave yourself these next few days. Don¡¯t give Freya any headaches,¡± Isaac offered onest piece of fatherly advice. ¡°I¡¯lle fetch you soon.¡±


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    ¡°But I¡­¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it. Gotta go,¡± Isaac cut him off without a shred of mercy, hanging up before Kristian could finish.


    Staring at the now-ck screen, Kristian scowled fiercely. He couldn¡¯t let his fathere and drag him away. If that happened, he wouldn¡¯t get to see Freya anymore.


    The thought tied his mind into knots. He felt utterly lost.


    He considered calling his father back, but when he stared at the screen, he realized he didn¡¯t even know how to unlock the phone, which only made him feel even smaller and more helpless. After standing there awkwardly for a moment, he finally mustered up the courage to go find Freya.


    ¡°Freya?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Could you help me call my dad again? I identally hung up just now.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Freya said with a soft smile. She took the phone, unlocked it effortlessly, and was just about to redial Isaac¡¯s number when a new message popped up. ¡°If Kristian asks you to call me again, just tell him no. We¡¯re done talking.¡±


    Freya hesitated slightly, thinking to herself that no matter how much Kristian changed, Isaac could still see right through him.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Kristian asked cautiously.


    ¡°Your dad said he¡¯s going to rest now,¡± Freya exined gently. ¡°If you want to talk to him again, we¡¯ll check tomorrow to see if he¡¯s free, alright?¡±


    .


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 Chapter 750

    ?Chapter 750:


    ¡°Don¡¯t bother, then,¡± Kristian said stiffly, his eyes clouded darker than a stormy sea, nearly impossible to read. When he realized Freya truly hadn¡¯t made the call, he turned on his heel and disappeared back into his room, shutting himself away without so much as a nce back.


    Freya couldn¡¯t help but wonder at his reaction. She itched to grab her phone and fire off a message to Isaac, asking what on earth he had said to him, but just as her fingers hovered over the screen, Isaac¡¯s name shed across it, calling her instead.


    ¡°Kristian went back to his room, didn¡¯t he?¡± Isaac wasted no time, his voice cutting straight to the heart of it.


    ¡°He did!¡± Freya cast a wary nce around the living room. For a split second, she genuinely wondered if Isaac had bugged the ce.


    ¡°I¡¯ll swing by to see him after thepany¡¯s annual party in a couple of days,¡± Isaac told her, his voice steady. ¡°He¡¯s really not the same kid he used to be.¡±


    Freya agreed easily, ¡°Alright. Just let me know when you¡¯reing and I¡¯ll send someone to pick you up.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    As soon as the call ended, Freya¡¯s heart began to stir with unease.


    If this were truly just a case of simple amnesia, maybe, like Lawrence had said, Kristian would heal with time. Maybe one morning he¡¯d wake up and be the man he once was.


    But right now, the Kristian in her ce felt so wrong.


    She had been nning to meet Lawrence the next day, but work obligations tied her hands, and with thepany¡¯s annual party and a masked partyter that evening, she had no choice but to postpone it.


    The next morning, Kristian rose early, determined to make breakfast. However, he was met with an unexpected obstacle¡ªthe kitchen door was firmly locked.


    He stood there, frowning at the door, trying the handle again and again, but it wouldn¡¯t budge.


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    The rattling sounds roused Freya from sleep. Just like the day before, she shuffled out in her pajamas, her hair a rumpled halo around her head. ¡°The door¡¯s locked.¡±


    Kristian froze at the sound of her voice. Instinctively, he turned and looked back at her.


    ¡°Your hands still haven¡¯t healed,¡± Freya said, her voice thick with sleep. ¡°Be good and go back to bed. I¡¯ve already ordered breakfast¡ªyou won¡¯t go hungry.¡±


    ¡°Is it because you don¡¯t like my cooking?¡± Kristian mumbled, his head drooping low.


    ¡°No, I¡¯m just afraid you¡¯ll hurt your hands even worse,¡± Freya replied gently.


    Kristian lifted his gaze slowly, his eyes searching her face as if asking, Really?


    ¡°I have to leave for workter. You stay here with She,¡± Freya continued, trying to soothe him. ¡°If you want anything or need anything, just tell her. She¡¯ll call the bodyguard for you.¡±


    ¡°Can I go to the office with you?¡± Kristian asked, voice small and hopeful.


    ¡°No, you can¡¯t,¡± Freya refused right away, not missing a beat. ¡°Given your situation, if you show up, people will start talking.¡±


    The situation with Kristian was still being kept tightly under wraps; the media hadn¡¯t gotten a whiff of it yet. But if he went outside, it would be impossible to hide the truth. His demeanor, his childlike mannerisms¡ªthey would give everything away in a heartbeat.


    Thest thing she needed now was another scandal.


    Kristian swallowed his disappointment hard and nodded. ¡°Okay.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 751

    ?Chapter 751:


    ¡°Good boy. Go back to sleep.¡±


    Dragging his feet and throwing a long, reluctant nce her way, Kristian eventually shuffled back toward his room.


    Mulling over her words, he picked up the phone Lawrence had given him and found Lawrence¡¯s number to call. At 5 A.M., Lawrence was still dead to the world, buried under his covers.


    Hearing the buzz and vibration from his nightstand, he groggily opened one eye, squinting at the screen. Seeing Kristian¡¯s caller ID, he swiped to answer and mumbled sleepily, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Do you know what happened between me and Freya?¡± Kristian asked, his voice serious.


    ¡°What do you want to know?¡±


    ¡°Everything.¡±


    ¡°I know nothing,¡± Lawrence said without hesitation. ¡°But your assistant probably does. He¡¯s been glued to your side almost twenty-four-seven, except when you¡¯re sleeping.¡±


    ¡°Gerard?¡± Kristian murmured, recalling the man.


    Lawrence perked up a little, more awake now. ¡°You remember him?¡±


    ¡°Freya took me to meet him once,¡± Kristian exined. More than anything, he wanted to remember. He just couldn¡¯t untangle the web of what had truly happened between him and Freya. Until tonight, he¡¯d believed everything Freya had told him. But now, deep down, his instincts screamed that Freya¡¯s younger sister genuinely disliked him. And it wasn¡¯t just because he resembled someone else.


    ¡°If you want to know about your history with Freya, you should ask Gerard,¡± Lawrence said bluntly. He really didn¡¯t know much himself; even the things he¡¯d told Freya before had been things Kristian had instructed him to say.


    Having gotten what he needed, Kristian hung up without a word. Lawrence didn¡¯t take offense. He set his phone back on the nightstand and drifted back to sleep.


    As for Gerard, getting a call from his boss at five in the morning made his heart leap in excitement. He was thrilled that his boss had gotten his memory back!


    But when he answered and heard Kristian¡¯s voice, it felt like a bucket of ice water had been dumped over his head. Every bit of his excitement shriveled up and died.


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    ¡°How much do you know about what happened between Freya and me?¡± Kristian asked.


    ¡°Your past with Ms. Briggs?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°I know most of it,¡± Gerard answered honestly. ¡°From when you two got married until the divorce, I was there the whole time.¡±


    ¡°Come pick me up now,¡± Kristian ordered. ¡°Think of a reason yourself.¡±


    With that, the line went dead. Gerard scratched his head in confusion. Somehow, Kristian seemed even harder to handle now than he had been before.


    Still, Gerard dragged himself out of bed, threw on some clothes, and drove to Freya¡¯s ce. Given Kristian¡¯s current childlike mindset, he made sure to give Freya a heads-up first before setting off.


    Freya was stunned when she heard. ¡°Are you sure he asked you to pick him up?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Gerard replied, just as bewildered. ¡°Maybe he wants to ask me about the past between you two. When he called, he asked how much I knew about you and him.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brows furrowed faintly. Why was Kristian suddenly so interested in the past?


    .


    .


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 Chapter 752

    ?Chapter 752:


    ¡°Is it okay for me toe over now?¡± Gerard checked.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Freya said after a beat.


    An hourter, Gerard arrived.


    Kristian opened the door himself and went to fetch Freya, informing her that Gerard was here to take him out.


    Freya and Gerard shared a quick look, pretending like they hadn¡¯t just been on the phone. Putting on an act, Freya asked with feigned confusion, ¡°What brings you here, Gerard?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something I need Mr. Shaw¡¯s help with¡ªface recognition stuff,¡± Gerard answered smoothly, shing his signature grin. ¡°I was hoping to borrow him for the day.¡±


    Freya shifted her gaze to Kristian.


    Keeping up his little act, Kristian tugged at her sleeve and muttered softly, ¡°Freya¡­ I don¡¯t want to go with him.¡±


    He knew if he agreed too quickly, Freya would immediately smell something fishy.


    Gerard nearly choked on his own tongue. Kristian really had the whole act down these days, ying the innocent card like a natural now that he¡¯d lost his memory.


    He had asked him toe, and was now pretending like Gerard was dragging him away against his will.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to go, you don¡¯t have to.¡± Freya, curious to see just how long Kristian could keep up his little charade, turned smoothly to Gerard and instructed, ¡°Figure out a solution for what you mentioned earlier. If you can¡¯t manage it, I¡¯ll shoulder the losses myself.¡±


    Gerard stiffened, his entire frame locking up. How was he even supposed to answer that?


    ¡°Go wash up,¡± Freya said coolly to Kristian, stepping neatly between him and Gerard to break their line of sight. ¡°I¡¯ll go wake She for breakfast.¡±


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Kristian faltered,pletely thrown off.


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    He tried to send Gerard some sort of signal, but Freya had positioned herself so he couldn¡¯t see Gerard¡¯s face. If this kept up, wouldn¡¯t Gerard¡¯s visit end up being for nothing?


    Still, Freya chose to y along with his little show. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Maybe I should just go with him,¡± Kristian said, acting as though he had carefully mulled it over, sounding surprisingly mature. ¡°He came so early. It must be something important.¡±


    ¡°Yes, exactly!¡± Gerard echoed quickly, seizing the chance.


    Freya turned to Kristian, her tone easy, as if they were just chatting. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you didn¡¯t want to go?¡±


    ¡°I was just afraid you¡¯d hand me over to him and leave me behind,¡± Kristian answered, his voice firm, his logic irrefutable. ¡°But now I know you wouldn¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°You really want to go?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡± He nodded obediently.


    Freya flicked a nce at Gerard before giving Kristian a few casual instructions. ¡°Alright. If you¡¯re not happy over there, call me. I¡¯ll send a bodyguard to bring you back.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristian agreed without a second¡¯s hesitation.


    After exchanging just a few words with Freya, Gerard took Kristian away.


    .


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 Chapter 753

    ?Chapter 753:


    To stay in the loop about Kristian¡¯s situation, Freya asked Gerard to keep her updated about whatever they discussed. Gerard agreed without objection.


    On the drive, Kristian sat quietly in the passenger seat.


    Gerard found himself utterly unable to guess what Kristian was thinking. Even though he had the mind of a five-year-old, Kristian carried an undeniable air ofmand.


    What struck Gerard most was how different Kristian had been around Freya earlier. With her, Kristian had been all sweetness and manners, acting like the perfect, well-behaved child. But now, the warmth from before hadpletely vanished, reced by a chill that made Gerard instinctively uneasy.


    ¡°Gerard,¡± Kristian said, sharp gaze cutting over to him. ¡°If you keep staring at me instead of the road, you¡¯re going to crash.¡±


    Gerard had been driving carefully all along, so there was no real danger. Still, he couldn¡¯t help but be intrigued by Kristian¡¯s sudden change. ¡°Did you remember something, Mr. Shaw?¡± he asked cautiously.


    ¡°Is that what you want?¡± Kristian shot back, stubbornness burning in his voice. ¡°Am I not as good as I used to be?¡±


    Gerard fell silent, at aplete loss for words. He said nothing for the rest of the drive, quietly steering them back to the apartmentplex they had stayed at before.


    All throughout getting out of the car, heading home, and getting ready to talk, Gerard¡ªwho was usually quick on the uptake¡ªkept his wits about him, carefully observing that Kristian¡¯s aura ofmand was very real. And it was a far cry from the way Kristian behaved around Freya.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw,¡± Gerard said as he poured him some coffee and finally sat across from him. ¡°What did you want to discuss?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want anyone else to know what we talk about today, especially Freya,¡± Kristian said coldly.


    Gerard¡¯s heart gave a violent lurch, but he forced himself to stayposed. He reassured himself that Kristian hadn¡¯t fully recovered yet and probably wouldn¡¯t notice anything amiss.


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    With a practiced smile, Gerard replied, ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Mr. Shaw. My lips are sealed.¡±


    ¡°Tell me everything about what happened between me and her,¡± Kristian demanded, ¡°especially the part about the divorce.¡±


    He understood the concept of divorce, but couldn¡¯t wrap his head around why he and Freya would have gone through it. Had he really been that unworthy of her love?


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Gerard hesitated, looking a little troubled. ¡°Even though you two were married for only two years, there¡¯s a lot to cover, and if I tried to cram it all at once, I might miss something. It¡¯d take more than a day.¡±


    More importantly, what was the point of telling all that to someone who thought like a five-year-old?


    ¡°Just tell me the important parts,¡± Kristian said, already growing impatient. For the umpteenth time, he wondered if Gerard really was his assistant. Why was he dragging out something so simple? He was nothing like Lawrence.


    Gerard studied him for a second, then, after thinking it over,unched into a recounting of everything¡ªhow Kristian and Freya met, married, talked about divorce, separated, and what had unfolded afterward.


    By the time he finished, it was already noon.


    He didn¡¯t notice that as he spoke, Kristian¡¯s expression, demeanor, and even the look in his eyes had shifted subtly and gradually.


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 Chapter 754

    ?Chapter 754:


    By the end, it was unmistakable that Kristian¡¯s mind was no longer that of a five-year-old.


    ¡°That¡¯s basically how everything happened,¡± Gerard said carefully, choosing his words with precision, his heart still pounding wildly. ¡°If you want to know more about anything, feel free to ask.¡±


    Kristian kept his gaze lowered.


    Now he realized the kind of rtionship he and Freya had.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw?¡± Gerard called hesitantly.


    ¡°You just said I got hurt saving Freya,¡± Kristian looked up, every shred of emotion wiped from his face. ¡°Is that true?¡±


    ¡°Yes, it is,¡± Gerard answered without hiding anything. ¡°But I don¡¯t know the exact details. Dr. Hayes probably would.¡±


    Kristian stood up. ¡°Got it.¡±


    Gerard blinked, utterly confused. What was happening? Why did it feel like Kristian¡¯s whole presence had shifted again?


    ¡°Gerard.¡± Kristian¡¯s eyes pinned him with a look that was utterly devoid of innocence.


    A chill ran down Gerard¡¯s spine, making him feel dangerously exposed.


    ¡°Yes, Mr. Shaw.¡±


    There was something very wrong.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what kind of temper I had before,¡± Kristian said, a faint, wicked smile curving his lips, ¡°but if you ever betray me and tell Freya what we talked about, you¡¯ll pay dearly.¡±


    ¡°I¡­ I¡­¡± Gerard stammered, panic setting in. Why did Kristian¡¯s smile send such a cold, bone-deep shiver down his spine? And even more chilling, he was nothing like the cold, indifferent man from the past. He seemed pleasant on the surface, but there was a real sense of danger lurking underneath.


    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, Freya probably asked you to tell her everything we discussed today, didn¡¯t she?¡± Kristian leaned in slightly, narrowing the gap between them.


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    Gerard, who had always prided himself on being a good actor, shook his head furiously. ¡°No, she didn¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then send her a message right now and tell her I¡¯m done talking with you.¡±


    ¡°Do it.¡± The words crackled with undeniable authority.


    No matter howposed Gerard usually was, he couldn¡¯t hide his nervousness now. ¡°She is probably busy right now. It wouldn¡¯t be good to disturb her.¡±


    ¡°Have you forgotten who¡¯s paying you?¡± Kristian arched a brow, his tone dripping with pressure.


    Gerard was trapped, stuck between a rock and a hard ce. Somebody¡ªanybody¡ªsave him!


    In the end, Gerard found himself cornered by Kristian¡¯s relentless insistence. With a heavy sigh, he finally relented and sent the message to Freya, his reluctance palpable in every tap of the screen.


    Freya was midway through her lunch when the notification buzzed. She considered calling but quickly reconsidered, suspecting Kristian might be looming over Gerard. Instead, she tapped out a cautious reply. ¡°What was your conversation about?¡±


    The message pinged on their end, and both Gerard and Kristian read it immediately.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 755

    ?Chapter 755:


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say she wouldn¡¯t pry?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was heavy with insinuation, his words drawn out with a hint of usation.


    Gerard was quick to defend himself, the words tumbling out in a nervous rush. ¡°It¡¯s a misunderstanding! It¡¯s not what you¡¯re thinking,¡± he assured, his voice tinged with urgency. ¡°Normally, when you receive such a message, the natural response is to inquire about the discussion¡¯s content.¡±


    Kristian considered calling him out on his bluff but paused, realizing Gerard might actually be making sense.


    He extended his hand imperiously. ¡°Give me your phone.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡± Gerard¡¯s protest was feeble.


    ¡°Hand it over,¡± Kristian stated firmly.


    ¡°Please, just don¡¯t send anything odd,¡± Gerard pleaded under his breath, his reluctance clear as he handed over his phone with trepidation.


    In that moment, a chilling thought struck him. Was Kristian exhibiting signs of a split personality? The man before him seemed utterly transformed, his demeanor unnervingly peculiar.


    Kristian paid no mind to whatever wild thoughts were swirling in Gerard¡¯s head. Instead, he kept tapping briskly on the keyboard, his fingers moving with casual ease as he fired off a message. ¡°He was asking about your history with him. Since his mental maturity is stuck at a five-year-old¡¯s level, I figured I¡¯d spare him the details about your marriage and divorce.¡±


    Freya responded with a curt, ¡°OK.¡±


    Another message popped up on her screen. ¡°Ms. Briggs, I find myself in need of a small favor.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Freya typed back, her curiosity piqued.


    Kristian¡¯s message continued with a tinge of concern, ¡°I believe Mr. Shaw might be harboring some deep insecurities. Just earlier, when I informed him that you two weren¡¯t actually rted by blood, his expression crumbled as if he¡¯d been left utterly alone in the world. Could you perhaps offer him a bit more of your attention?¡±


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    Out of the corner of his eye, Gerard caught a glimpse of the message. His gaze fixed on the screen, a mix of shock flickering across his face as he pondered Kristian¡¯s audacity.


    Was this really an act Kristian would stoop to?


    ¡°Mr. Shaw,¡± Gerard feltpelled to confront the issue. ¡°Don¡¯t you think this sort of maniption is inappropriate?¡±


    Kristian merely nced over, his expression untroubled. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with it?¡±


    Gerard countered with a frankness that brooked no argument. ¡°Deception is the very thing she despises most.¡±


    The old Kristian might have been harsh, but deceit was never his style. Even when he wanted to end their marriage to return to his first love, he had been brutally honest about it. His actions were always transparent, free of underhanded tactics. Yet this new version of him was as cunning as theye.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t tell her, how will she ever know I¡¯m behind it?¡± Kristian remarked, his smirk barely concealed. His eyes flickered with a mischievous glint, his lips curling into a faint smile. ¡°Or are you nning to rat me out to her?¡± His tone was light, yet edged with an unmistakable challenge.


    Gerard shrugged, his tone deliberately vague. ¡°You should know what kind of man I am by now.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s smile faded into something colder, more cutting. ¡°Honestly? I don¡¯t know you at all,¡± he said, his voice dropping to a frosty tone.


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 Chapter 756

    ?Chapter 756:


    Meanwhile, Freya hesitated, her finger hovering over her phone. Gerard¡¯s message had caught her off guard. Just as she was about to reply, another message popped up, diverting her thoughts.


    ¡°By the way, Mr. Shaw mentioned he left something at Dr. Hayes¡¯ ce and asked if I could take him there. Can you tell me his address?¡± Without missing a beat, Freya texted back the directions.


    She considered asking Kristian to postpone the visit until tomorrow, after her workday ended, but a sudden realization struck her. This could be a golden opportunity for Gerard and Kristian to reconnect. Maybe it would spark a memory or two. After all, Gerard had once been an integral part of Kristian¡¯s life.


    After securing the address, Kristian ordered Gerard to drive him to Lawrence¡¯s facility. For Freya¡¯s sake, he had to uncover how the injury had happened.


    As they departed, a storm of anxiety brewed within Gerard. He was teetering on the edge, torn between confession and silence.


    Revealing the truth to Freya was risky; Kristian¡¯s unpredictable nature could lead to unforeseen consequences.


    Yet, remaining silent felt like a betrayal, especially given Kristian¡¯s fragile mental state.


    Desperation wed at his insides. What was he supposed to do? He needed a way out.


    Kristian¡¯s voice was sharp,ced with impatience as he observed Gerard¡¯s sluggish pace. ¡°What¡¯s taking you so long?¡± he demanded, his eyes narrowing.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Gerard replied, his voice barely above a whisper, resignation tinging his words.


    A fleeting thought crossed his mind¡ªmaybe he could leave a clue behind for Freya to stumble upon when she eventually dropped by.


    But reality quickly sank in. Anything of real value Kristian might want had already been swept away by Freya. Chances were, she wouldn¡¯t even bother setting foot in this apartment again.


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    Besides, unless he left something blindingly obvious, it would slip right past her. This wasn¡¯t some mystery novel where every speck of dust held a clue¡ªnormal people didn¡¯t catch on to tiny, hidden details.


    Still caught up in his swirling thoughts, Gerard¡¯s eyes identally flicked toward the corner¡ªand there, tucked near the ceiling, was a security camera blinking silently.


    A flicker of desperate hope ignited in his chest. Thinking quickly, he casually turned his back to the camera and, with a subtle flick of his fingers, formed an ¡°X¡± shape behind him, silently praying the lens would catch the message.


    ¡°What on earth are you doing?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice sliced through the silence, suspicion threading his tone as he caught Gerard¡¯s slight movements.


    With a calm demeanor, Gerard adjusted his sses and turned to face Kristian, masking any hint of his internal panic. ¡°Nothing. Let¡¯s go,¡± he said smoothly, hoping hisposure would dispel Kristian¡¯s doubts.


    Kristian studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable.


    Then, his eyes shifted to the security camera, and a knowing smirk curled at the edges of his lips. ¡°nning to send the footage to her?¡± he asked, his voice dripping with casual usation.


    ¡°What?¡± Gerard put on an innocent front, his heart pounding. ¡°Who?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s smirk widened slightly as he casually slipped a hand into his pocket, his posture rxed yetmanding. ¡°Destroy the footage for me,¡± he instructed, the change in his demeanor signaling a shift from suspicion to an eerie calmness.


    Gerard was far from foolish. Even as the stakes rose, his mind raced with strategies. His voice held a tinge of skepticism as he asked, ¡°Are you absolutely certain about this?¡±


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 Chapter 757

    ?Chapter 757:


    ¡°Enough with the foolish questions,¡± Kristian snapped, his impatience fraying at the edges. If it hadn¡¯t been for Freya¡¯s assurance of Gerard¡¯s past loyalty, he would have dismissed him on the spot. ¡°Just follow my orders.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Gerard responded, his tone taking on a note of quiet obedience.


    With a dutiful air, he proceeded to dismantle the security system, erasing the digital traces from the cloud storage meticulously.


    Observing the intact camera casually ced on the coffee table, Kristian¡¯s voice hardened. ¡°Destroy it. We need this to look like a burry.¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Gerard affirmed, hispliance unwavering as he set about his task.


    A crease formed between Kristian¡¯s brows, his instincts whispering that Gerard¡¯spliance was overly perfect, almost rehearsed. Gerard, having swiftlypleted his tasks and disheveled the area for authenticity, escorted Kristian toward the car, his steps deliberate.


    Pausing just before the ignition turned, Gerard¡¯s voice was calm, almost innocuous. ¡°Mr. Shaw, have you considered your exnation to Ms. Briggs?¡±


    ¡°Regarding what?¡± Kristian¡¯s tone was terse, caught off guard.


    ¡°The security camera,¡± Gerard stated inly, crafting a believable tale with a straight face. ¡°She chose and installed it herself, remember?¡± Kristian¡¯s memory was like a sieve when it came to these details. Even if he made inquiries, answers would elude him.


    Gerard, with a hint of smugness, was relieved he¡¯d managed all this beforehand, clutching the receipts like trophies. Kristian¡¯s probing would hit dead ends everywhere he looked.


    ¡°Freya?¡± Kristian¡¯s brow furrowed in puzzlement.


    ¡°Yeah, it was thest gift she bestowed upon you,¡± Gerard said with a heavy, deliberate tone, his eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°You vowed to cherish everything she handed down to you. But now, look at what you¡¯ve done¡­¡± His voice trailed off,den with disappointment.


    Kristian noticed the calcted maniption in Gerard¡¯s demeanor, a dangerous sparkle igniting in his gaze. Yet Gerard continued his charade of innocence.


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    ¡°In a few days, tell Freya my apartment was broken into,¡± Kristianmanded, his words sharp and quick as he pieced together a strategy on the fly. ¡°Ask her to assist in selecting a new camera, and ensure she¡¯s the one to set it up.¡±


    If the old one got broken, well, that was just an unlucky ident. Now, this could be an opportunity for Freya to present him with a recement, wrapping it in the guise of generosity.


    Gerard feigned a moment of hesitation, his act nearly wless.


    Kristian¡¯s voice lifted ever so slightly, carrying a distinct note of warning. ¡°Is there a problem?¡±


    ¡°If you tell Ms. Briggs your apartment was broken into, she¡¯ll definitely call the cops andunch a full-blown investigation,¡± Gerard answered. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that blow everything wide open?¡±


    ¡°Couldn¡¯t you just say it¡¯s already been handled?¡± Kristian thought, not for the first time, how astonishingly thickheaded Gerard could be.


    Gerard nodded, looking visibly troubled. ¡°Alright¡­ Fine.¡±


    In truth, he was practically humming with excitement inside.


    As long as Freya pulled up the old surveince footage, she¡¯d discover that everyst cloud record had been wiped clean. Most people would be helpless, but for a world-ss hacker like Freya, restoring them would be child¡¯s y.


    When the moment arrived, he could slip in a casual hint, and she would uncover today¡¯s surveince footage.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 758

    ?Chapter 758:


    Once her eyesnded on it, she¡¯d immediately sense that something was amiss with his boss.


    That way, he wouldn¡¯t have to lift a finger.


    Basking in his own brilliance, Gerard felt like a bona fide mastermind.


    Thank God Kristian had forgotten Freya was a hacker!


    ¡°Mr. Shaw.¡±


    ¡°Speak.¡±


    ¡°How old are you¡­ now?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Kristian spoke honestly, no trace of falsehood in his voice.


    At first, Lawrence had told him his mental faculties were like those of a five-year-old. But after getting that strange call from someone iming to be his father, it felt as though something inside him had clicked into ce.


    The biggest shift, though, hade during his talk with Gerard. With each topic they touched on, he could feel himself evolving, until by the end, he knew he wasn¡¯t that naive kid anymore.


    But as for his real age, he hadn¡¯t the slightest clue. He¡¯d have to ask Lawrence about that.


    ¡°Do you remember anything about the past?¡± Gerard pressed.


    ¡°Remember you said Freya showed the evidence to confront me? Where did she get the evidence she used to call me out?¡± Kristian veered off-topic without warning.


    Gerard faltered for a moment. The answer was obvious: Freya had dug it up herself.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure. I think she called someone and then got the evidence on herptop,¡± Gerard lied smoothly, his expression giving nothing away. ¡°You know what happened after that.¡±


    Luckily, he hadn¡¯t gone into too much detail earlier. Otherwise, he¡¯d have tangled himself up by now. He silently sighed to himself.


    ¡°How stupid,¡± Kristian muttered under his breath, though who exactly he was calling stupid remained unclear.


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    Gerard looked puzzled but wisely chose not to press him. The way Kristian was now, he wasn¡¯t someone he wanted to casually argue with.


    By the time they reached Lawrence¡¯s ce, the clock had already ticked past one in the afternoon. Lawrence, who had just finished up his work and was about to dig into his lunch, spotted the unexpected visitor.


    What the hell was Kristian doing here?


    Gerard greeted Lawrence politely.


    Lawrence shot Kristian a quick nce, noting how rxed and casual he looked, and leaned in to whisper to Gerard, ¡°Did he get his memory back?¡±


    That shouldn¡¯t have been possible. In a state like Kristian¡¯s, regaining memory was nearly unheard of.


    ¡°No,¡± Gerard answered truthfully. After all, Lawrence was the doctor here. ¡°But he¡¯s acting a little¡­ different.¡±


    As they spoke, Kristian¡¯s sharp eyes drifted to Lawrence¡¯s meal. With a leisurely air, hemented, ¡°That lunch looks pretty good, Dr. Hayes.¡±


    Lawrence frowned, caught off guard by the formality.


    ¡°Mind if we join you for lunch?¡± Kristian asked outright, showing zero hesitation.


    .


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 Chapter 759

    ?Chapter 759:


    Gerard sighed inwardly in frustration. His boss had officially be thick-skinned.


    Lawrence gave Kristian a once-over, then asked, ¡°Have your mental faculties recovered?¡±


    Kristian shot him a look that all but screamed, ¡°Isn¡¯t that obvious?¡± Lawrence wisely didn¡¯t push. After calling for two more sets of tes, the three sat down and began to eat. Throughout the meal, Lawrence couldn¡¯t stop scrutinizing Kristian¡¯s every move, analyzing every subtle cue. By the end of it, he was convinced that something had definitely gone wrong.


    ¡°If you keep staring at me like that, I¡¯ll start thinking you have a thing for me, just like that guy,¡± Kristian said coolly, clearly annoyed at being gawked at, even by a doctor.


    Gerard waspletely at a loss for words. So was Lawrence.


    Lawrence shot a nce at Gerard. ¡°Freya didn¡¯te with you?¡±


    Gerard answered honestly. ¡°I¡¯m only here to pick up a cufflink I left behind,¡± Kristian announced grandly, making sure both of them heard him loud and clear. ¡°And Dr. Hayes just asked me a few routine questions. That¡¯s all that happened. Understood?¡± He swept his gaze between the two men.


    ¡°Got it!¡± Lawrence responded almost immediately.


    Gerard¡¯s mouth twitched. Compared to how he acted on the phone, Lawrence was acting like apletely different person around Kristian.


    ¡°If you want me to tell Freya the same story when she asks, you¡¯ll have to cooperate with me on one thing,¡± Lawrence added slyly, clearly not nning to let him off so easily. ¡°You¡¯ll need to do a full check-upter.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Kristian agreed without blinking.


    With the deal struck, both men shifted their focus onto Gerard, who froze mid-bite, caughtpletely off guard.


    ¡°Gerard,¡± Lawrence said, shing a warm, almost fatherly smile. ¡°Just in case you identally blurt something out, you¡¯ll stay here. No need for you toe inside.¡±


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    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Do you want to keep getting paid?¡± said Kristian.


    ¡°Alright. I¡¯ll wait outside,¡± Gerard said quickly, catching on fast. After lunch, Lawrence and Kristian slipped through three passcode-secured doors, heading deeper inside.


    Inside a private meeting room, Lawrence adjusted his sses and examined the man sitting before him. ¡°You¡¯re not quite the same as when you first woke up.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Is that a good thing or a bad thing?¡± Kristian asked lightly, as if it were casual conversation.


    Lawrence didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, he shifted topics as he began the full examination. When it was finally done, he had no choice but to conclude that Kristian¡¯s mental faculties had returned to normal. Kristian idly traced the rim of the report with his fingertip, lost deep in thought.


    Lawrence, still studying the report, asked, ¡°How have your mental faculties recovered?¡±


    ¡°Gerard told me a few things. I guess¡­ my mental faculties recovered without realizing it,¡± Kristian replied with a nonchnt shrug.


    Lawrence was still turning that over in his head when Kristian spoke again. ¡°Dr. Hayes.¡±


    ¡°Tell me about what happened between us. And tell me everything that happened between me and Freya, too,¡± Kristian said tly, making it clear he wasn¡¯t going to be brushed off. ¡°The more details, the better.¡±


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 Chapter 760

    ?Chapter 760:


    Lawrence hesitated. ¡°Didn¡¯t Gerard already fill you in?¡±


    ¡°I want to know how I saved her life,¡± Kristian said, each word dropping with weight.


    Lawrence met his gaze head-on, then lied without blinking. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but I don¡¯t know. When I found you, you were already injured.¡±


    ¡°Lying isn¡¯t good,¡± Kristian said, his tone darkening, danger shing across his eyes.


    ¡°I know,¡± Lawrence answered evenly, his calm smile never faltering. ¡°But I truly don¡¯t know. Why don¡¯t you ask Freya? She should know better than anyone.¡±


    Kristian let out a dry, almost mocking chuckle, his lips curling faintly. Lawrence furrowed his brows, struggling to decipher what was running through Kristian¡¯s mind.


    ¡°If I go and tantly ask, wouldn¡¯t that just be broadcasting my intentions?¡± Kristian remarked, his toneced with blunt honesty as he scrutinized Lawrence with a prating gaze. ¡°Besides, who really gives a second thought to the musings of a five-year-old?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not nning to reveal to Freya that you¡¯ve recovered?¡± Lawrence probed, his brow furrowed with concern.


    Kristian¡¯s expression hardened, his mind crystal clear. ¡°If she discovered that my mental faculties have returned to normal, she¡¯d abandon me without a second thought. She wouldn¡¯t need to fuss over me anymore.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t some naive fool. He knew exactly how things would y out. The moment he moved out of Freya¡¯s vi, that opportunistic neighbor would swoop in on her as soon as he was out of the picture.


    ¡°Or are you consideringing clean to her?¡± Kristian pressed, noticing Lawrence¡¯s hesitation.


    ¡°I generally steer clear of meddling in other folks¡¯ affairs,¡± Lawrence replied, his voice steady and resolute. He genuinely had no ns to stir the pot¡ªat least not at the moment. ¡°But bear this in mind: Freya despises deceit. If she learns you¡¯ve been ying her, she¡¯ll cut you off for good.¡±


    Kristian remained silent, his stoic facade barely concealing the flicker of concern that darted through his eyes.


    ¡°Onest piece of advice,¡± Lawrence added with a stern tone. ¡°We live in awful society. If you go around hurting or killing people on purpose, it¡¯s a crime. You¡¯d do well to control those reckless urges of yours.¡±


    Get lost in stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??????


    ¡°I don¡¯t need your reminders,¡± Kristian retorted, his voice cool and detached.


    The two exchanged a few more words, their conversation winding down atst.


    Gerard had been pacing anxiously outside. The moment he spotted Kristian emerging, he dashed over, his relief palpable.


    Lawrence gave him a brief nod, his tone dismissive. ¡°I¡¯ve ryed everything your boss needs to know,¡± he stated tly, sparing Gerard the usual runaround. ¡°There¡¯s no need for concern. Just carry on as you were.¡±


    Gerard paused, biting his lip. ¡°Well¡­¡± he began, uncertainty clouding his features.


    Lawrence arched an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    Gerard scratched the back of his neck, looking hesitant. ¡°How old¡­ um, mentally, I mean¡­ is my boss now?¡±


    Lawrence¡¯s eyes flicked toward Kristian, silently questioning whether to disclose more.


    With a shrug, Kristian jammed a hand into his coat pocket and responded with deliberate rity, ¡°Completely normal.¡±


    ¡°R-really?¡± Gerard¡¯s voice cracked, his surprise evident.


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 Chapter 761

    ?Chapter 761:


    If Kristian¡¯s mental faculties had returned to normal, might his memory also be on the brink of returning? The possibility allowed a sigh of relief to escape Gerard¡¯s lips.


    ¡°Just make sure Freya remains in the dark about today¡¯s events,¡± Kristian cautioned, his intense gaze locking onto Gerard¡¯s,den with an unspoken threat. ¡°Believe me, you don¡¯t want to be on the receiving end of what will happen if you slip up.¡±


    A cold chill crept down Gerard¡¯s spine. That look Kristian shot him was sharp enough to slice through bone, making the hairs on his neck stand on end. It was downright unnerving!


    Still, Gerard quickly straightened up and nodded, his expression solemn yet obedient. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. My lips are sealed.¡±


    Kristian gave a small, almostzy nod toward Lawrence. ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± His tone left no room for argument. ¡°And don¡¯t forget what you promised.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Lawrence responded with sinct gravity.


    With a fluid stride, Kristian exited, his usual attire of stern formality reced by rxed, all-ck casuals. There was an unmistakable shift in his demeanor¡ªan air of recklessness, a hint of newfound freedom that was entirely out of character.


    Noticing Gerard hesitating by the door, Lawrence allowed a wry, amused smile to y on his lips. ¡°Something on your mind, Gerard?¡±


    Biting his lip, Gerard nced toward the empty doorway where Kristian had vanished. ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯ve been meaning to ask,¡± he admitted, urgency creeping into his voice. ¡°Could my boss¡­ be suffering from a split personality or something of the sort?¡±


    Lawrence, caught off guard by the bluntness, paused only momentarily before regaining his poise. ¡°And what leads you to think that?¡± he inquired, his toneced with curiosity.


    Gerard¡¯s honesty poured forth. ¡°He¡¯s just so different now¡ªit¡¯s like he¡¯s not the same person. Even if someone loses their memory, their core personality shouldn¡¯t shift this drastically, should it?¡±


    ¡°What are you doing lingering there?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice echoed sharply from afar.


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    Gerard flinched, tension gripping him, yet his desire for answers held him firm. ¡°Dr. Hayes?¡±


    ¡°Better not keep him waiting,¡± Lawrence advised, his voice a mix of warning and sympathy, choosing not to delve deeper into Gerard¡¯s concerns.


    Confused and slightly frustrated, Gerard hesitated. Lawrence was well aware of Kristian¡¯s impatience, so why not just provide him with a straightforward answer? There was ample time after all. A simple yes or no would hardly take a moment.


    ¡°Gerard,¡± Kristian called out, his tone edged with a subtle urgency that filled the quiet space behind him.


    Gerard remained silent, his thoughts a whirlwind of doubt about Lawrence¡¯s integrity. Shaking off his hesitations, he approached Kristian, climbed into the car with a sense of obligation, and they drove off.


    As they distanced themselves from the medical facility, Kristian threw a sidelong nce at Gerard. ¡°What were you discussing with Lawrence Hayes?¡±


    ¡°Nothing significant,¡± Gerard responded, his voice nonchnt.


    ¡°That¡¯s how you address your boss?¡± Kristian¡¯s eyebrow arched in query.


    ¡°I¡¯ve always been this direct with you,¡± Gerard countered, maintaining aposed expression. ¡°You evenmended me for not being a yes-man, for speaking my mind freely.¡±


    Kristian fell into a thoughtful silence, his gaze lingering on Gerard with a newfound wariness. Had he really been so oblivious before?


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 Chapter 762

    ?Chapter 762:


    ¡°Are we heading back to my apartment, or to Ms. Briggs¡¯?¡± Gerard inquired, changing the subject. ¡°The Anita International Group is hosting their annual party tonight, so she likely won¡¯t return home untilte. How about joining me at my ce instead?¡±


    ¡°No, thanks.¡±


    ¡°Then, it¡¯s back to her ce?¡± Gerard confirmed, as they navigated the traffic.


    ¡°Take me to Anita International,¡± Kristian demanded firmly, his voice carrying a hint of defiance. The less Freya wanted him to be seen in public, the more he insisted on doing exactly that. He was adamant about making their appearance together, hoping to project the image of a charming couple. Ideally, their outing would be captured by the prying lenses of reporters, ensuring their photos spread like wildfire across the inte.


    Gerard, perplexed by Kristian¡¯s sudden insistence, couldn¡¯t help but question him. ¡°Why?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I want to see her,¡± Kristian responded curtly, his voice shutting down any chance of further probing.


    Undeterred, Gerard pressed on,ying bare the reality of the situation. ¡°Even if you go there, you¡¯re unlikely to see her.¡±


    ¡°And why is that?¡± Kristian challenged, irritation creeping into his voice.


    ¡°Because their party is at a hotel this year, not at thepany¡¯s office,¡± Gerard exined, his patience thinning.


    ¡°Then take me to that hotel,¡± Kristianmanded, his determination unwavering.


    ¡°I honestly have no idea which hotel,¡± Gerard admitted, wincing internally as he realized he had probably argued with Kristian more tonight than he had in his entire career. In the back of his mind, he couldn¡¯t help but dread the day Kristian¡¯s memories came back¡ªalong with a possible sry cut. All he could do was let out a silent, miserable sigh, burying his frustration deep down where Kristian wouldn¡¯t notice.


    Kristian shot him a sharp re, his eyes narrowing dangerously. ¡°Then figure it out.¡±


    He stared at Gerard in disbelief, as if questioning whether he was even slightly qualified to call himself an assistant.


    Every journey starts at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c????


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid that¡¯s impossible,¡± Gerard remarked, managing to keep a perfectly straight face as he lied through his teeth, shamelessly taking advantage of Kristian¡¯s spotty memory. ¡°Anita International Group is super secretive about their events. They never release the venue to the media. Even if you flipped the city inside out, you wouldn¡¯t find a clue.¡±


    ¡°Gerard,¡± Kristian growled lowly, his patience visibly thinning, like a tight rope ready to snap.


    Gerard responded with a cautious tone, ¡°Yes, Mr. Shaw?¡± His voice barely above a whisper.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes narrowed as he delivered his ultimatum. ¡°If you value your position, find out where that party is and take me there,¡± he said, his voice icy and sharp. ¡°Otherwise, consider yourself fired.¡±


    Gerard met his gaze steadily, the seriousness etched in every feature. ¡°Under the terms of my contract, terminating me without cause would necessitate a severance of over a million dors,¡± he noted, his tone unwavering. ¡°So, do you wish to dismiss me now, or shall we wait until tomorrow?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s gaze flickered momentarily, his initial anger dissipating as he processed Gerard¡¯s words.


    He absentmindedly fiddled with his phone, then tapped out a message with swift, decisive movements, sending it to his secretaries¡¯ group chat. ¡°Find out where Anita International Group is hosting their annual party tonight. A hundred thousand dors for the first person with the information.¡±


    The chat erupted into a frenzy, notifications buzzing like a hive disturbed.


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 Chapter 763

    ?Chapter 763:


    Gerard, initially mistaking the incessant pinging for a critical work alert, checked his messages only to be met with the chaotic flurry of responses.


    The corner of his mouth twitched involuntarily.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw, you¡­¡± He paused, searching for the right word.


    How utterly cunning!


    Kristian, leaning back, his features schooled into a mask of indifference, remarked evenly, ¡°Shaw Group doesn¡¯t revolve around you alone.¡±


    Despite the memory loss, he had already grasped the basics¡ªhis fingers scrolling with ease through his phone, quickly figuring out which group chats served what purpose.


    His memory might have been wiped clean, but his instincts remained razor-sharp now.


    Gerard reluctantly posted the party¡¯s location in the group chat.


    News of Anita International¡¯s annual party hadn¡¯t been hard toe by¡ªthepany had such a massive staff that all it really took was asking around.


    Gerard had refused to share the information with Kristian, not expecting him to be so cunning and pull a stunt like this. But now that he had no choice, he decided he might as well share the details and collect the reward.


    Kristian shot him a sideways nce, his hand hesitating just above the message he¡¯d sent moments earlier. Then, right before Gerard¡¯s eyes, he tapped the screen and withdrew it.


    Gerard squinted, shocked.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± Kristian said, a faint curl lifting the corners of his mouth as if he was quietly enjoying himself. ¡°Gerard.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a bit out of line? As the boss, aren¡¯t you supposed to be as good as your word?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t I tell you? If it¡¯s not in writing, don¡¯t believe a word.¡± Kristian seemed to take a strange sort of joy in Gerard¡¯s growing irritation. ¡°If it¡¯s not in your hands yet, don¡¯t count on it staying the same.¡±


    Fresh chapters live g?ln¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m


    Gerard bit back his response. He¡¯d heard that line before. But Kristian had never left him this stranded before¡ªit was usually someone else who ended up getting shortchanged.


    Drawing a slow, calming breath, Gerard finally turned the key and pulled out, heading toward the apartment building where he lived. After just one trip, Kristian already had the directions memorized.


    ¡°Go find Freya.¡±


    ¡°The party starts at ten tonight,¡± Gerard lied smoothly, keeping his face unreadable. ¡°If we show up now, we¡¯ll just be turned away. I¡¯ll take you to the hotelter.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s gaze cooled in an instant. ¡°Since when does an annual party kick off at ten at night?¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, ask your secretaries,¡± Gerard said, already bracing for impact.


    Kristian didn¡¯t seem to think he was bluffing, so he let it pass.


    That afternoon, Kristian returned to his apartment.


    He asked for aptop and dove straight into studying society, the markets, and Shaw Group¡¯s internal structure.


    At his insistence, Gerard was runpletely ragged¡ªwaiting on him, exining every little thing he didn¡¯t understand.


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 Chapter 764

    ?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¡ªand 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¡ªnot 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¡ªwho 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¡ªfiguring 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¡ªbut none of that¡¯s what I really want.¡± Ellis had never been the type to chase after material things.


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 Chapter 765

    ?Chapter 765:


    Freya turned to nce at him, a flicker of curiosity dancing in her gaze. ¡°So what do you want?¡±


    ¡°You.¡± The word slipped out before Ellis could stop it, his star-lit eyes locking with hers, full of a quiet, almost imperceptible tenderness.


    Freya froze. Her heart skipped a beat, jolted by that single, unexpected word. She stared at the man before her¡ªhandsome, with chiseled features and a kind of natural dignity¡ªand for a second, her mind went utterly nk.


    Maybe it was the noise from downstairs, or maybe it was the soft lighting up here, but Ellis didn¡¯t seem quite so far away anymore. He almost felt¡­ within reach.


    ¡°You¡­¡±


    Ellis added, ¡°Guess.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Freya blinked, caught off guard.


    ¡°You guess,¡± Ellis repeated lightly.


    Though he¡¯d just said what was truly on his heart, seeing her this flustered, he masked it with a yful twist. Freya had always been good at everything¡ªexcept when it came to matters of love, where she waspletely clueless.


    For a few seconds, Freya stood there, dazed. Why did she feel he had just confessed to her?


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± she admitted finally, shaking herself back to reality.


    ¡°Just say it. If it¡¯s something I can do, I¡¯ll give it to you.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Ellis arched a brow, that mischievous glint shing in his eyes.


    Freya blinked, an odd feeling creeping in. Why did it feel like Ellis was nning something? She didn¡¯t overthink it and said, ¡°Really.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ellis agreed, half-joking, half-serious. ¡°Then when we get back tonight, let¡¯s write it down. No backing out.¡±


    g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s©q??o?? is where stories live


    Freya waspletely thrown. Put it in writing? Why so serious? ¡°Captain¡­¡± She paused, a sudden thought crossing her mind. Could she really give him what he wanted?


    Ellis leaned casually against the railing, turning his head to nce at her. ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not about to ask for something from the National Museum or something wild like that, are you?¡± Freya asked cautiously, testing the waters.


    ¡°No,¡± Ellis replied with a soft, heart-melting smile. ¡°What I want is something I see almost every day, but it¡¯s not so easy to call mine.¡±


    ¡°I see it every day too?¡±


    ¡°Pretty much.¡±


    ¡°Would it take a lot of effort or time for me to get it?¡± Freya was racking her brain¡ªshe genuinely wanted to give the captain something meaningful.


    ¡°Not really,¡± Ellis answered easily, his dark eyes twinkling with quiet amusement. ¡°You could hand it over anytime, but giving it to me willingly¡ªthat¡¯s the tricky part.¡±


    Freya found his words impossibly vague. She could give it to him anytime, yet offering it willingly was the challenge. And it was something she saw almost every day.


    Freyabed through her thoughts, rifling through every detail of her daily routine, but nearly all of it struck her as petty, inconsequential. In the end, only one possibility seemed to pull all the loose threads together¡ªthe Anita International Group.


    The idea skimmed across her mind like a fleeting shadow. Her gaze instinctively darted toward Ellis, a tight, coiled tension forming in her chest.


    Anita International wasn¡¯t just some faceless corporation¡ªit was her legacy, her sweat, and soul. And Melvin¡¯s too. Surrendering it felt almost sphemous after everything they¡¯d poured into it.


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 Chapter 766

    ?Chapter 766:


    ¡°Captain.¡± Not in her wildest imaginings would she have guessed this was what he truly desired.


    Ellis caught the conflicted flicker in her expression and raised an eyebrow. ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°The thing you¡¯re asking for¡­ I can¡¯t give it to you for now.¡± Freya wavered¡ªnot out of selfishness, but because thepany bore too much weight. ¡°If there¡¯s something else you want, maybe you could pick another.¡±


    A sharp pang jabbed somewhere inside Ellis. Yet outwardly, he remainedid-back, basking in his usualzy charm.


    ¡°But what if that¡¯s the only thing I want?¡±


    ¡°You seriously can¡¯t choose something else?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brow furrowed, a faint line appearing between her eyebrows. She had never once seen Ellis show even a hint of interest in thepany before. Why now? Why this sudden fixation on it?


    Seeing her distress deepen, Ellis finally spoke, not wanting to pile on the pressure. ¡°I¡¯m just pulling your leg. Why¡¯re you taking it so hard?¡±


    Freya fixed her gaze on him. But she could tell¡ªhe wasn¡¯t joking. Not even slightly.


    ¡°Why do you always have to be so serious?¡± Ellis gave her a light flick on the forehead, chuckling as he teased, ¡°Didn¡¯t I just say I was kidding?¡±


    Freya pressed her lips into a thin, unreadable line, like she was bracing herself. ¡°I know you. You¡¯re not the type to joke about something like this.¡±


    Ellis paused, ever so briefly. Was she trying to shut him out?


    ¡°You must have your reasons for wanting mypany,¡± Freya said quietly, her tone hushed but sincere. ¡°But it¡¯s not just my hard work¡ªit belongs to everyone who built it with me. If you really need it, I can give you half of my shares. But giving up all of it¡­ I just can¡¯t.¡± In her view, Ellis had never been the kind of man drawn to wealth, fame, or status. He was someone who lived by principle, moved by a deep sense of justice. If he truly wanted thepany, it had to be tied to some project or patent that mattered to him. If that were the case, she wouldn¡¯t hesitate to hand it over.


    Ellis blinked in mild surprise, then let out a softugh. What a fool she was. When had he ever actually said he wanted thepany?


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    ¡°If half won¡¯t do, I can even give you most of it,¡± Freya added, her expression resolute.


    ¡°Freya,¡± Ellis said, his voice tinged with exasperated fondness, ¡°what am I going to do with you?¡±


    Freya hesitated. ¡°What?¡± Was he seriously reaching for something even higher?


    Noticing the confusion swirling in her wide eyes, Ellis gave her a yful knock on the head with his knuckles.


    Freya cradled her head in her palms, looking utterly bewildered.


    ¡°When did I ever say I wanted Anita International?¡± Ellis was practically grinning now, mischief twinkling in his dark eyes. ¡°Where in the world did you evene up with that idea?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say so yourself?¡± Freya shot back, clearly feeling wronged. ¡°You said it¡¯s something I see almost every day, something I could give, but something that¡¯d be hard to part with.¡± Wasn¡¯t that herpany?


    Everything else she owned was easy to give away. Most of it was cheap, receable.


    ¡°I did say that,¡± Ellis admitted, for the first time truly questioning her otherwise sharp instincts. ¡°But I wasn¡¯t talking about Anita International.¡±


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 Chapter 767

    ?Chapter 767:


    ¡°Then what were you talking about?¡±


    ¡°Take a guess.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°Then write your promise down. I¡¯lle collect it when the time¡¯s right.¡± Ellis clearly had no ns of dragging the conversation out any longer. If she kept this up, she¡¯d probably end up offering him Melvin next.


    ¡°I know what it is,¡± Freya suddenly dered.


    Ellis had a sinking suspicion, but he still asked, ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Melvin, isn¡¯t it?¡± Freya said seriously, backing up her hunch. ¡°I heard from Trent that you started a training center. Are you trying to start a business butcking experience?¡±


    If that was the case, it¡¯d be an easy fix. She had experience in spades.


    ¡°I did apply for a training center,¡± Ellis replied, still as casual and easygoing as ever. He had already made peace with the fact she¡¯d never guess it. ¡°But stop guessing. With how your brain works, you¡¯ll never figure it out.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t protest. Only Ellis could insult her in such a backhanded way.


    They lingered in silence a while longer, the earlier tension slipping into the background. By now, the first prize had already been drawn, and it was time to hand out the constion prizes. The host announced that hidden among the smaller gifts tonight, there was a surprise grand prize waiting to be imed. Soon after, Freya and Ellis¡¯s constion prizes were brought to them.


    ¡°What¡¯s the mysterious grand prize?¡± Ellis asked, his interest piqued.


    Freya responded evenly, ¡°No clue. Melvin handled everything.¡±


    Ellis reached into the bag and pulled out a gift box, casually chatting as he began to unwrap it. ¡°Yourpany¡¯s perks must be first-rate, huh?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t know.¡± Freya had never botheredparing. She didn¡¯t research otherpanies. Her rule was simple: make work efficient, cut down overtime, and offer real benefits¡ªkeep employees happy, and they¡¯d give their best.


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    Ellis peeked into the box. Inside was a brand-new iPad and two envelopes. One was a standard Christmas card¡ªeveryone got one. The other¡­


    He nced at the clean script on the envelope and handed it to Freya, his voice still aszy and unhurried as ever. ¡°Think this might be the mysterious grand prize the host mentioned?¡±


    Freya took it. On the front, printed neatly, were just a few words: ¡°IA fully paid, no mortgage apartment in Alerith.¡±


    ¡°Looks like it,¡± Freya replied coolly. ¡°So you¡¯re the lucky one?¡±


    Ellis¡¯s lips curled into a quiet, knowing grin, his eyes sparkling with mischief.


    If this wasn¡¯t rigged, he¡¯d eat his boots. It seemed he was being spoiled again. And this time, spoiled rotten.


    ¡°Have your documents ready tomorrow. I¡¯ll have someone assist you with the apartment paperwork,¡± Freya said inly. ¡°Which neighborhood were you thinking?¡±


    Ellis nced again at the note on the envelope and smoothly declined, ¡°I don¡¯t need this.¡±


    ¡°This is apany reward. No take-backs.¡±


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Are you into me or something?¡± Ellis asked bluntly, as he always did, even though he already knew what her answer would be.


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 Chapter 768

    ?Chapter 768:


    ¡°Uh?¡± Freya was caughtpletely off guard. How did this suddenly turn into a confession?


    Ellis picked up the envelope again, his fingers brushing lightly over the paper. ¡°Did you really think I wouldn¡¯t notice you arranged this whole thing on purpose?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t,¡± Freya said quickly, trying to defend herself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t be so good to a man,¡± Ellis said, his voice serious, though his gaze was soft with affection. ¡°Spoil him for too long, and he¡¯ll never want to work hard again.¡±


    Freya stopped in her tracks, her steady gaze locking onto Ellis.


    ¡°I had nothing to do with it,¡± she said calmly, ying her part with practiced ease. ¡°Melvin handles the awards. You just happened to be picked this time. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Ellis nced down at the sheet of paper in his hand. His lips tugged into a subtle, but undeniably charming smile. He didn¡¯t say anything right away.


    Then, finally, with a lightness that didn¡¯t quite mask the curiosity beneath, he asked, ¡°Am I supposed to just ept it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s apany gift. Why wouldn¡¯t you?¡± Freya replied with a level tone. ¡°The only way to return it is to cancel everyone else¡¯s, mix all the gifts together again, and draw names from scratch. That¡¯s hardly practical.¡±


    It was clear from her words¡ªshe wasn¡¯t about to give him a way out.


    What an adorable fool.


    ¡°Any apartment I want?¡± Ellis asked.


    Freya nodded.


    Ellis crumpled the paper slightly in his hand, his eyes glinting faintly as he spoke again. ¡°How about the one next to yours?¡±


    ¡°The one you¡¯re staying in?¡±


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    ¡°That¡¯s the one.¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡±


    She agreed without a moment¡¯s hesitation. She was entirely unaware of the quiet flicker of amusement in his eyes.


    Once, he thought she was oblivious to emotional cues¡ªdifficult to pursue because she never seemed to catch on. But now, he realized¡­ maybe that wasn¡¯t such a bad thing.


    If he stayed subtle, never too obvious, perhaps she wouldn¡¯t resist him. Perhaps she wouldn¡¯t even notice what he was doing¡ªnot until it was toote.


    ¡°Then have the documents ready tomorrow,¡± Freya said nonchntly, assuming he simply wanted to stay in a familiar ce. ¡°I¡¯ll make sure it¡¯s transferred to your name.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good,¡± Ellis replied with a nod.


    They chatted a little longer. When it was time, they made their way up to the masquerade ball on the eighth floor.


    The hotel¡¯s seventh floor had been set up with a wide selection of masks and costume essories for guests to choose from. Everyone picked out their own disguises before heading upstairs.


    Freya had never been a fan of such events. But knowing Ellis was worried she might get bored, and because he had gently encouraged her toe, she decided to make an exception this time.


    To stay out of the spotlight, she picked a simple ck tulle dress and a matching ck mask. Yet, her fair skin set off the in outfit beautifully, lending her an unexpected air of mystery.


    After changing and putting on her mask, Freya headed up to the eighth floor and quietly settled into an unobtrusive corner. She intended to wait the night out unnoticed.


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 Chapter 769

    ?Chapter 769:


    However, she had overlooked one important detail.


    She was only there because Ellis had asked her to be. And if he had personally invited her, he wasn¡¯t going to let her just hide away in a corner all night.


    The ballroom was bright and bustling, filled with people chatting, dancing, and mingling. The lively atmosphere buzzed with energy.


    Just then, a collective gasp rippled through the crowd, drawing everyone¡¯s attention toward the entrance. A wave of excitement followed.


    ¡°He¡¯s so hot!¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s that guy?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s from our department. We don¡¯t have anyone that tall!¡±


    ¡°Even with the mask, he looks incredible. Imagine what he looks like without it!¡±


    Curious, Freya turned her head in the same direction as everyone else.


    One nce was all it took¡­


    She froze.


    A man in a ck tailcoat stood at the entrance, tall andmanding, impossible to miss. Even with a mask covering part of his face, his chiseled features and otherworldly good looks shone through. He was breathtakingly charming.


    Freya searched her memory, but she couldn¡¯t recall anyone at herpany who looked anything like him.


    Who was he? Had he somehow wandered into the wrong event?


    As she wondered, the man in the ck tailcoat started walking toward her with smooth, elegant strides, carrying himself with the ease of someone born into nobility.


    All eyes followed him as he crossed the room and stopped directly in front of Freya.


    She stayed seated, her expression calm andposed.


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    The next moment, the man lifted a hand to his mask. His fingers were long, graceful¡ªthe kind one would expect on a concert pianist.


    For the first time, Freya found herself admiring a man¡¯s hands almost as much as his face¡ªthe only other exception being Kristian. This man was absolutely wless. Who could he be?


    ¡°May I have the honor of sharing a drink with you, miss?¡± Ellis removed his mask, revealing the striking elegance of his features and a quiet air of sophistication that drew every eye.


    For a moment, the room fell silent. Everyone stood transfixed, unable to look away.


    Freya was stunned too. Ellis?


    His lips curved into a faint, knowing smile as he reached for a ss of wine from a nearby table. With a casual grace, he offered it to her.


    ¡°May I?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Freya barely managed a word.


    Ellis raised a finger to his lips, a gentle signal for her to stay quiet. She was caught off guard, her mind nkingpletely. All she could see was Ellis¡¯s face¡ªhandsome, poised, and utterly unforgettable. Still holding the ss out to her, Ellis stepped closer. He leaned in and whispered, ¡°Mina, you wouldn¡¯t just stand there and let me be rejected in front of everyone, would you?¡±


    Almost without thinking, Freya took the ss, her thoughts trailing behind the moment.


    ¡°Ellis Lambert! Oh my god, it¡¯s him!¡±


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 Chapter 770

    ?Chapter 770:


    ¡°I always knew he was handsome, but in that outfit? He¡¯s unreal!¡±


    ¡°My goodness!¡±


    ¡°I need to know who that girl is. What department is she from?¡±


    ¡°Why does she look so much like our boss?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s stunning!¡±


    As the crowd pressed forward, Ellis set down Freya¡¯s ss, slipped his hand into hers, and led her out, shielding her from the attention.


    Others tried to follow, but they were quickly stopped.


    Freya¡¯s heart was in chaos.


    Yes, she was drawn to physical beauty¡ªbut appearance alone had never been enough to sway her.


    Even with Kristian, it had been their emotional connection over time, not just his looks, that made her fall. But now, she didn¡¯t know what was happening.


    The warmth of Ellis¡¯s hand around hers sent a jolt through her chest. Her heartbeat stumbled.


    And yet, she didn¡¯t pull away. She didn¡¯t speak. She simply followed him out of the ballroom and away from the lights of the eighth floor.


    Five minutes passed.


    They stood in the hotel¡¯s back garden, surrounded by silence and the dim glow of streetlights.


    Ellis had led her there. They stood together in the darkness, surrounded by the faint, golden halo of the nearby streetlights. Her thoughts were finally beginning to settle. Looking up at the man still holding her hand, she spoke, her voice unsure. ¡°Ellis¡­¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Ellis slowly released her hand, his voice soft, tinged with amusement. ¡°I was being rude.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Freya replied,posed but still uneasy.


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    Her mind drifted back to the ballroom, to the way he had called her Mina. And then, a thought surfaced without warning. Could he really have a soft spot for her?


    Before she could unpack it, Ellis spoke again, his tone light and unaffected. ¡°Shall we head back? There¡¯s not much else going on here anyway.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya murmured, her nod a soft gesture of agreement.


    Ellis led her through the dim evening light to the parking lot, coaxing her gently into the passenger seat before sliding behind the wheel to drive them back.


    As the city lights blurred past, he stole nces at her, trying to read her quietposure through the fleeting reflections in the window. She sat there, serene as ever, embodying the stillness of a calm sea. Yet, he felt a twinge of doubt creeping in.


    He had painstakingly crafted his image tonight, hoping to strike a chord with her, well aware of her appreciation for aesthetic appeal. However, his usual stern demeanor during training might have painted him more as a stern taskmaster than the charming figure he intended to be tonight.


    This effort was no small feat; it was a deliberate attempt to cast himself in a new light, to distance himself from the rigid captain she remembered.


    But now, watching her seemingly indifferent expression, he wondered if his efforts had been in vain.


    Ellis, usually so adept at gauging Freya¡¯s moods, found himself grappling with his misjudgment.


    On the surface, Freya appeared untroubled, a portrait of tranquility. Internally, however, she was far from calm. His presence, his voice, and particrly the unexpected use of her nickname earlier, had unleashed a torrent of memories that roiled beneath herposed exterior.


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 Chapter 771

    ?Chapter 771:


    Memories like the time he had offhandedly suggested she should be his girlfriend, or earlier that day when she inquired about his desires, and he had boldly replied, ¡°You,¡± without a moment¡¯s hesitation. Or his deration that he wanted something he could see daily, something she could grant him anytime¡ªthough her readiness to do so remained uncertain.


    For a fleeting moment, Freya nearly reached a resolute conclusion. Ellis had feelings for her.


    Yet, as swiftly as the thought emerged, she brushed it aside. Why would someone like Ellis be drawn to someone like her? Wouldn¡¯t he go for lively and adorabledies? She was the pr opposite.


    These conflicting thoughts tumbled through Freya¡¯s mind, stirring a wave of confusion that didn¡¯t go unnoticed.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ellis asked, his voice tinged with concern as he caught the subtle furrow of her brow. ¡°You seem troubled.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Freya replied, her voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Really?¡± His tone was gentle, probing.


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    Their conversation dwindled to a close, leaving an awkward silence hanging between them.


    Ellis, however, wasn¡¯t perturbed. He didn¡¯t mind if Freya stumbled upon his feelings for her; as long as she didn¡¯t spurn him outright, he was confident in his ability to smooth things over.


    As the car hummed along, the minutes stretched on. About ten minutester, Freya broke the silence. She hated lying awake with unresolved questions gnawing at her. It was better to confront them head-on.


    ¡°Captain,¡± she began tentatively.


    ¡°Yeah?¡± Ellis responded, his attention now fully on her.


    ¡°Do you¡­¡± Freya turned to face him, her eyes searching his for a hint of his feelings, but her words faltered.


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    ¡°What is it?¡± Ellis pressed, his voice steady and untroubled.


    ¡°Do you¡­ like me?¡± Freya finally blurted out, her cheeks tinged with a flush of embarrassment. Despite her usual poise, voicing such a personal question left her feeling unexpectedly vulnerable.


    Ellis¡¯s mouth tugged into azy, teasing smile, his voice smooth and unhurried. ¡°Come on, you¡¯re incredible¡ªhow could anyone not like you?¡±


    Freya bit her lip, hesitating. ¡°I meant romantically.¡±


    ¡°Do you want me to fall for you?¡± Ellis arched a brow, tossing back a question thatnded like a challenge.


    Freya¡¯s lips parted, but no words came. She stared at him, speechless. How was she even supposed to answer a question like that?


    ¡°If you ever feel like giving dating a shot, just say the word. I¡¯m avable,¡± Ellis said casually, his voice as easygoing as azy afternoon. ¡°But if not, no pressure. Life¡¯s too short to revolve around just finding someone special.¡±


    Freya shifted her gaze toward him, almost without thinking. From where she sat, his profile looked effortlessly sharp¡ªhis jawline, the slight curve of his lips, the way the light caught his features. When had he be this good-looking? Had he always been, and she¡¯d just never paid attention?


    Her fingers fidgeted slightly before she asked, keeping her voice even, ¡°Back at the hotel¡­ when you said there was something you wanted¡ªwere you talking about me?¡±


    Ellis, true to form, deflected with an easy grin. ¡°Are you calling yourself a thing now?¡± he teased lightly, lifting a brow in mock confusion.


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 Chapter 772

    ?Chapter 772:


    Freya faltered, the words tangling in her throat. No matter how she tried to respond, everything sounded absurd inside her head. That awkward exchange dulled the spark of her suspicion that he might actually be in love with her. If he really cared for her, wouldn¡¯t he speak more sincerely instead of ying games at every turn? With this realization, a sense of relief washed over Freya.


    She looked over at Ellis, her eyes glinting with a yful challenge. She began, her voiceced with a teasing tone, ¡°You know, if you ever fall for someone, you¡¯d better not talk to her the way you talk to me.¡±


    ¡°And why¡¯s that?¡± Ellis asked, his brow arching inquisitively.


    ¡°It¡¯s a vibe killer, you know?¡± Freya shot back with a smirk.


    Ellis pressed his lips together, a silent acknowledgment of her point, choosing not to delve into exnations.


    At that moment, it wasn¡¯t about the light-hearted jabs or the underlying tensions; it was about the weight of the question that hung between them, unanswerable and heavy.


    For the remainder of the drive, Ellis kept his eyes fixed on the winding road, while Freya, lost in thought and the soft glow of her phone screen, exchanged texts with her friends Greta and Riley.


    Freya typed, ¡°Is it just me, or is Ellis kind of good-looking?¡±


    Greta replied, ¡°Why, Freya, nning to make a move?¡±


    Riley chimed in, ¡°Got a crush on him, huh?¡±


    Freya hesitated, her thumbs hovering over the keyboard. After a brief pause, she finally typed out her response, a mixture of revtion and casual curiosity coloring her words, ¡°No, it just hit me that he is actually quite good-looking.¡±


    They were both quick to agree with her. They had always acknowledged that Ellis was strikingly handsome, but that was hardly the point. During his days as their captain, Ellis had been relentlessly tough on everyone, showing no favoritism.


    Greta teased, ¡°So, you¡¯ve got a soft spot for good looks, huh? Why not give dating Ellis a shot?¡±


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    Freya hurriedly responded, ¡°No way.¡±


    Riley prodded her. ¡°Why not?¡±


    Freya answered, ¡°Because I could never beat him.¡±


    Greta and Riley were taken aback by her reasoning.


    Freya, thinking back on everything that had unfolded today, gave a quick, colorful recap¡ªher hands waving animatedly as she spoke. After all, they weren¡¯t just her childhood friends; they knew Ellis just as well as she did.


    Afterying everything out, her next text came through. ¡°Be honest¡ªam I just overthinking everything?¡±


    Upon receiving her message, Greta immediately called Riley.


    As Ellis¡¯s unofficial advocates in matters of the heart, they knew they had to consider their response carefully. A careless word could easily disrupt Ellis¡¯s romantic prospects.


    Minutester, Greta texted back, ¡°Hard to say. We barely see him outside of training sessions. But hypothetically, if he did have feelings for you, what would your move be?¡±


    Freya answered honestly, ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡±


    She genuinely didn¡¯t.


    Her suspicion about Ellis¡¯s feelings for her lingered in the air, casting a shadow over her thoughts. The idea of dating him felt strangely off, like a mismatched puzzle piece.


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 Chapter 773

    ?Chapter 773:


    Riley queried, ¡°Are you still hung up on Kristian?¡±


    Freya quickly denied. ¡°No.¡±


    Greta probed further. ¡°Then why not give Ellis a chance? Imagine, if things work out, you¡¯d be our secret weapon against any mischief he might cook up!¡±


    Riley agreed enthusiastically. ¡°Exactly!¡±


    ¡°End of conversation,¡± Freya typed back, her fingers flicking the phone screen off as she dismissed the whole idea.


    Meanwhile, on Kristian¡¯s side.


    Kristian and Gerard were supposed to head to Anita International¡¯s annual party at 10 pm. Impatience gnawed at Kristian as the clock ticked closer to nine, an hour earlier than nned.


    Leaving the confines of the study, he found Gerard lounging in the living room and immediately instructed him to take him to the hotel where the annual party was being held.


    However, Gerard hesitated before finally revealing the truth¡ªthe event had already ended.


    The moment the words sank in, Kristian¡¯s expression froze over, his entire demeanor turning frigid. ¡°It¡¯s over?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Gerard murmured, his confidence waning under Kristian¡¯s piercing gaze.


    Kristian felt a surge of frustration so intense he could have throttled Gerard on the spot. Yet, he restrained himself, aware of Gerard¡¯s significance to Freya. Any harm to him would surely raise Freya¡¯s suspicions.


    ¡°Get Freya on the phone. Right now,¡± Kristian snapped, the sharp edge in his voice betraying his fraying patience. ¡°Tell her toe pick me up. And don¡¯t forget to mention that I skipped dinner. I only managed a few bites at lunch and haven¡¯t had a single decent meal since.¡±


    Gerard couldn¡¯t help himself¡ªhe pointed out with a slightly raised brow, ¡°But you did have your dinner.¡± Kristian had, in fact, eaten quite a bit.


    Kristian raised his eyes to meet his, his voice calm and measured but carrying a quiet, unmistakable threat. ¡°If I say I didn¡¯t, then I didn¡¯t.¡±


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    ¡°Unbelievable!¡± Gerard muttered under his breath, the frustration curling in his chest like smoke. His boss would bend over backwards just to get Freya¡¯s attention.


    ¡°And another thing,¡± Kristian reminded coolly, clearly determined not to let him slip up. ¡°Don¡¯t forget what I told you today, especially about me still being five years old mentally.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Gerard answered instinctively.


    With a reluctant sigh, he dialed Freya¡¯s number.


    Freya and Ellis were almost home when her phone rang. She said her driver would pick Kristian up, but Kristian wouldn¡¯t have it. Still thinking of him as just a child mentally, she let it go without a fuss.


    She was only moments from arriving home and heading out herself when Ellis took the keys and decided to drive them over instead.


    By the time they arrived, the hour had slipped close to ten.


    Gerard stood waiting outside beside his boss, and the instant he spotted Freya, he strode forward to greet her.


    ¡°Thank you so much¡ªI know it¡¯s been a long day for you,¡± Freya said politely.


    Gerard maintained a cheerful smile, though inwardly he sighed. It really had been a long day. If it were up to him, he¡¯d never agree to ¡°babysit¡± an amnesiac boss again. The man was utterly impossible.


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 Chapter 774

    ?Chapter 774:


    ¡°Just doing my job,¡± Gerard replied with his well-worn grin. He then added, as Kristian had instructed, ¡°By the way, Ms. Briggs, my boss hasn¡¯t eaten anything since noon. Said he didn¡¯t have an appetite.¡±


    ¡°He skipped two meals?¡± Freya¡¯s brow creased with concern.


    ¡°He picked at lunch, barely touched anything,¡± Gerard silently begged for forgiveness with his eyes but stuck to the script. ¡°I made all his favorite dishes for dinner, but he didn¡¯t take a single bite.¡±


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Kristian tugged gently at her sleeve, his expression woeful. Gerard nearlyughed. Kristian¡¯s performance was nothing short of theatrical.


    The way he could flip between childish innocence and mature calction¡ªhonestly, it was uncanny. ¡°Why didn¡¯t you eat?¡± Freya asked evenly.


    ¡°You weren¡¯t here. I didn¡¯t feel like eating,¡± Kristian dropped his gaze, his voice soft and muffled.


    ¡°What do you want to eat?¡± Freya asked, unwilling to let him go to bed hungry. ¡°I¡¯ll take you out for supper.¡±


    ¡°Anything¡¯s fine,¡± Kristian murmured. All he really wanted was to stay close to Freya. Nothing else meant a thing.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go home first,¡± Ellis said, stepping out of the car and casting a nce at Kristian. ¡°I¡¯ll cook for him.¡±


    Freya opened her mouth to protest¡ªit was her responsibility to care for Kristian, and she didn¡¯t want to trouble Ellis. But Ellis didn¡¯t give her the chance. He gently nudged both her and Kristian into the car.


    And with that, the three of them left.


    Kristian sat alone in the back seat, his eyes fixed on the pair in front. A shadow flickered through his gaze. At a sharp bend in the road, he shifted on purpose, trying to reach for Freya. But the sudden tilt of the car flung him sideways into the door. ¡°Ouch!¡± he cried, his voice high with pain.


    Freya turned to check on him. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°I slipped,¡± Kristian said intively, rubbing his head and arm. ¡°It hurts¡­¡±


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    Freya tried to reassure him. ¡°I¡¯ll check it when we get home. Just hang in there, we¡¯re almost there.¡±


    ¡°Freya¡­¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Can you ask him to drive slower?¡± Kristian really knew how to y the part. ¡°I¡¯m scared.¡±


    Ellis nced at him through the rearview mirror, his eyes darkening. Freya kept her voice level. ¡°The car isn¡¯t going very fast. Just sit still, and you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°I see.¡± Kristian lowered his head, looking properly chastised. He looked for all the world like a scolded child who had no idea what he¡¯d done wrong.


    Freya wanted tofort him but didn¡¯t know how. Ellis really wasn¡¯t driving fast.


    ¡°If you¡¯re scared, put your seatbelt on and stay still,¡± Ellis said suddenly, his tone clipped, nothing like the one he used with Freya. ¡°Even at the slowest speed, you¡¯ll fall if you keep moving around.¡± Freya hesitated. Was Ellis upset?


    ¡°Sorry,¡± Kristian mumbled, sounding genuinely downcast.


    ¡°If you¡¯re sorry, then buckle up,¡± Ellis replied curtly. ¡°Don¡¯t expect someone to sit beside you and hold your hand. You¡¯ve got the mind of a five-year-old, not the body.¡±


    ¡°Captain¡­¡± Freya murmured, caught off guard by the sharpness in his tone.


    Ellis¡¯s mood was unmistakably off. In all the years she¡¯d known him, she¡¯d never seen him like this.


    .


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 Chapter 775

    ?Chapter 775:


    ¡°When we get back, go wash up and change,¡± Ellis told her, offering no boration. ¡°I¡¯ll cook for him. You cane get him when you¡¯re done.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian cut in. ¡°I want to stay with Freya.¡± No one acknowledged him.


    Ellis kept his eyes on the road, while Freya sat quietly, trying to figure out what had shifted in his mood.


    Their cold dismissal only made Kristian cling harder. A single thought echoed in his mind. Freya belonged to him.


    It was nearly eleven when they reached their destination.


    Freya debated staying with Kristian, maybe even watching him finish his supper, but Ellis firmly insisted she go shower at her home first. Knowing just how resolute Ellis could be, Freya gently urged Kristian to eat properly and turned to go.


    ¡°Freya, I don¡¯t want to eat,¡± Kristian said, clinging to her hand, his gaze flicking nervously to Ellis. ¡°Don¡¯t leave me alone with him. I¡¯m scared.¡±


    Freya blinked. Scared?


    His behavior tonight struck her as odd, but she chalked it up to the stress of spending the day with Gerard.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be afraid of. Ellis is a kind person.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want it!¡± Kristian shook his head firmly, full of refusal. ¡°Just go. I¡¯ll make sure he eats,¡± Ellis told Freya, then leaned in and lowered his voice. ¡°If you keep caving in, he¡¯ll only demand more.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s only a five-year-old mentally,¡± Freya reminded him quietly.


    ¡°Do you want him to be dependent on you?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she answered instinctively.


    Ellis nced over at Kristian, who looked absolutely crushed, then whispered, ¡°If you don¡¯t want him clinging to you every second, trust me. Let me handle it, alright?¡±


    New chapters now on g@?¦Ç¦Òv???s.c§àm


    She did trust him. But she just didn¡¯t want Kristian to break down in tears.


    She looked from Ellis to the sullen figure beside her, then finally said, ¡°Go eat with Ellis first. I¡¯lle find you after I¡¯ve washed up.¡± Kristian looked ready to argue, but Ellis had already taken the lead, steering him inside before he had the chance.


    As the door shut behind her and Freya disappeared from view, Kristian turned to Ellis with a hard, petnt re. ¡°Let me out¡ªI don¡¯t want to be alone with you.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Ellis said as he locked the door with a click, ensuring Kristian had no way to slip out. ¡°Trust me, I¡¯m not exactly thrilled about being stuck here with you either.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you locking me in?¡± Kristian shot back, his voice rising with the petnce of a willful child.


    Ellis held his gaze, eyes steady.


    Their stares shed, like flint meeting steel. The tension was thick in the air.


    ¡°You are in love with Freya,¡± Kristian suddenly snapped, the words tumbling out in a deliberate attempt to get under his skin. ¡°Too bad for you¡ªwhile I¡¯m still breathing, I¡¯m not letting you get anywhere near her. Not in this lifetime.¡±


    ¡°Kristian Shaw,¡± Ellis said coolly, ¡°that¡¯s something you should be telling yourself.¡±


    He¡¯d already started piecing things together back in the car. From how Kristian had behaved earlier, it didn¡¯t add up¡ªhe would never defy Freya, not when he was so terrified she might send him away. At the time, Ellis had chalked it up to Kristian missing her after being apart so long.


    But now? He was almost certain. Kristian¡¯s mental faculties had probably recovered.


    Kristian didn¡¯t flinch under the scrutiny. Instead, he pressed on, ¡°Why are you suddenly so serious? That¡¯s horrible. Freya won¡¯t like it.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 776

    ?Chapter 776:


    ¡°Drop the act,¡± Ellis said tly, calling him out without missing a beat. ¡°I know you¡¯re back to normal.¡±


    Kristian wore a nk look, as if Ellis had started speaking in tongues. Did this guy really think he was a fool? If he admitted anything now, Ellis would run straight to Freya.


    And worse¡ªthere were security cameras everywhere.


    Until things softened between him and Freya, he had to keep pretending. Even in front of someone he couldn¡¯t stand.


    ¡°You still won¡¯t admit it?¡± Ellis raised a brow, caught a little off guard by how well Kristian was ying it.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about,¡± Kristian replied, his voice curt and indifferent. ¡°Let me out! I just want to be with Freya, and I don¡¯t want your food¡ªso stop forcing it on me!¡±


    ¡°Then you better spit it out,¡± Ellis said with a teasing smirk, his tone as casual as ever.


    Kristian red at him. And then, without warning, he started hammering on the door like a storm.


    ¡°Let me out! I¡¯m not staying here with you! Let me out now!¡±


    He threw a full-on tantrum, thrashing like a kid desperate to escape someone he couldn¡¯t stand.


    Ellis stepped in front of him, cutting him off and stopping him from beating the door again. ¡°It¡¯s the middle of the night. Keep that up and you¡¯ll wake the whole building.¡±


    ¡°Let me out of here.¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    They locked eyes. Neither budged.


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    Ellis wanted to see just how long Kristian could keep the charade going. Kristian, meanwhile, was calm beneath the chaos. He was putting on a scene, loud enough to draw Freya in, so he could y the poor, mistreated victim. He was intent on undermining Ellis¡¯s ce in her heart.


    Freya had to be his. Only his.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t let me out, I¡¯ll tell Freya you¡¯re up to something shady,¡± Kristian threatened, still clinging to the childlike facade.


    Ellis¡¯s lips curled into a slow, knowing smile. ¡°Go ahead. Saves me from making a confession. And when I marry her, you can be our flower ¡®kid¡¯.¡±


    Kristian stared at him, stunned speechless.


    This man was impossible!


    If he weren¡¯t stuck ying a part, he would¡¯ve given Ellis a serious piece of his mind right then and there.


    ¡°If you¡¯re somitted to acting like a kid around Freya, then you¡¯d better go sit on the sofa obediently,¡± Ellis saidzily, like he had all the time in the world. ¡°She doesn¡¯t like brats who throw tantrums.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t budge.


    Ellis added, ¡°Keep it up, and she¡¯ll just ship you off.¡±


    Kristian shot him a venomous look, then stomped to the sofa and plopped down like a sulking child.


    But inside, his mind was racing. He was already plotting his next move. Ellis watched himply, a faint frown flickering across his face.


    Had Kristian tried to challenge him directly, Ellis could¡¯ve told Freya everything¡ªor even pulled up the security footage. But the kid¡¯s little drama, while bratty, still looked just innocent enough.


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 Chapter 777

    ?Chapter 777:


    Which meant¡ªfor now¡ªhis theory was still just that: a theory. And a theory wasn¡¯t enough to go to Freya.


    With that thought, Ellis nced at Kristian one more time, then headed to the kitchen to make supper.


    The whole time, Kristian stayed quiet. Not a word slipped. He stayed sharp. He knew even the smallest slip-up could cost him everything.


    He was in unfamiliar territory, so he couldn¡¯t risk dropping his guard for even a moment¡ªFreya might see through him. He had to keep up the act.


    Half an hourter, Ellis served up a te of spaghetti that looked like it came straight from a five-star restaurant. Just as Kristian took his first bite, Freya walked in.


    ¡°Freya!¡± Kristian¡¯s eyes lit up. But then, remembering something, his joy flickered out. He nced at Ellis with wary eyes, then quietly picked up his fork.


    The transition was so smooth. It even caught Ellis off guard.


    Freya noticed it instantly. She¡¯d expected a cheerful greeting, but Kristian had suddenly gone quiet, stealing nervous nces at Ellis. Had something gone wrong while she was gone?


    ¡°Sorry for the trouble, Captain,¡± she said softly, dressed in cozy pajamas, her damp hair cascading over her shoulders.


    Ellis offered a small, easy smile. ¡°Since when did we start being so formal?¡±


    Freya paused, unsure how to respond.


    While Kristian ate, he kept ncing at her, like there was something he wanted to say but couldn¡¯t.


    Every look, every movement¡ªcrafted just for her.


    By the time he finished his spaghetti, Freya¡¯s instincts were on high alert. Something didn¡¯t feel right. It seemed Kristian looked genuinely afraid of Ellis.


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    ¡°What did you two talk about just now?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Nothing major,¡± Ellis replied, noticing Kristian¡¯s subtle theatrics but not thinking much of them. ¡°I told him to sit on the sofa, then went to cook.¡±


    Freya looked at Kristian.


    He hesitated, darted another wary nce at Ellis, and lowered his gaze in silence. ¡°Mm.¡±


    Freya frowned. What in the world was going on here? Had the two of them argued behind her back?


    ¡°Mister, I¡¯m done,¡± Kristian said, putting down his fork with exaggerated politeness. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    Ellis stared, momentarily speechless. This guy was reallyying it on thick.


    Freya blinked, even more confused now.


    Kristian was so well-behaved before Ellis? Kristian picked up his te and fork, then trotted off to wash them like the most well-behaved child in the world.


    While he was busy, Freya turned to Ellis, unable to hold back her concern. Kristian had been acting way too strange. ¡°What did you really talk about? He seemspletely different.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s changed,¡± Ellis replied carefully, keeping it vague. He didn¡¯t want to speak too soon¡ªnot without proof. ¡°But not in the way you think.¡±


    Freya was utterly at sea. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Ellis offered only a cryptic smile. ¡°Keep your eyes peeledter¡ªyou¡¯ll understand.¡± Without missing a beat, he shifted the conversation. ¡°Let me take over watching him for the next few days.¡±


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 Chapter 778

    ?Chapter 778:


    Kristian¡¯s decision not to tell the truth stemmed from the fact that the charade wasn¡¯t meant to be a long-running show. But if it dragged on, the mask might start to slip.


    ¡°No need,¡± Freya replied, brushing it off with ease. ¡°Things are quiet for me at the moment, and his family is due to visit soon. I need to take him with me anyway.¡±


    ¡°Listen, Freya.¡±


    ¡°Watch closely. The devil¡¯s in the details.¡± Freya faltered for a beat, puzzled.


    Still, she didn¡¯t pry. If Ellis had spoken, there had to be weight behind it. She gave a quiet nod.


    ¡°Mister, I¡¯ve finished doing the dishes,¡± Kristian said, approaching with visible nerves, his every movementced with caution. His lips were pressed thin as if holding something back. ¡°Can I go home with Freya?¡±


    ¡°You may,¡± Ellis answered simply, choosing silence over confrontation. He rose to his feet. He watched Kristian¡¯s disy with cool detachment, hand half-lifted to offer a reassuring pat on the shoulder. Then something unexpected shattered the moment.


    As his hand moved, Kristian suddenly ducked, dropping into a crouch and clutching his head tightly.


    His voice broke, shaking with dread. ¡°Please don¡¯t hit me! I¡¯ll do whatever you want!¡± Ellis stood dumbfounded.


    Freya was just as startled.


    They froze¡ªstatues caught in a moment neither could exin.


    Ellis had spent years in covert operations, danced with liars and maniptors, outwitted more than his fair share. But nothing in his experience prepared him for someone like Kristian. It was as though he hadid hands on Kristian only moments ago.


    Freya blinked in disbelief.


    She knew Ellis. He could be sharp-tongued, yes, but not violent. And with Kristian¡¯s mind trapped in a five-year-old¡¯s world, it was hard to imagine him fabricating such a tale for revenge. So, what in the world was this?


    ¡°He wasn¡¯t going to hit you,¡± Freya said softly, helping Kristian to his feet. ¡°Why are you so afraid?¡±


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was a fragile thread. ¡°Did he hit you?¡± she asked gently.


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian murmured, shaking his head.


    He couldn¡¯t lie¡ªcameras recorded everything. One false im and Ellis could clear his name in a heartbeat. Lying about something like that was pointless.


    ¡°Then why did you react like that?¡± Freya asked, her brows drawn together. ¡°And those things you said?¡±


    Kristian nced at Ellis, nerves eating away at hisposure. He dropped his gaze and said nothing more.


    As though to seal his performance, he added a few more perfectly timed gestures. It was seamless. An act worthy of the silver screen.


    Freya turned to Ellis. ¡°Captain,¡± she began, not in usation but in quiet search for the truth. ¡°What happened between you two after I left?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve told you everything I know,¡± Ellis answered without embellishment. ¡°If anything else is going on, it¡¯s something he hasn¡¯t shared with me.¡±


    But Freya didn¡¯t quite buy it.


    She felt it in her bones¡ªthere was a story tucked between the lines.


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 Chapter 779

    ?Chapter 779:


    Yet with both men tight-lipped, she let it lie.


    ¡°Alright, we¡¯ll get going then.¡± Her tone was calm, her poise unshaken.


    ¡°Thanks for tonight. Good night.¡±


    ¡°Good night.¡±


    And with that, the conversation came to a close.


    Freya led Kristian away.


    This wasn¡¯t how Kristian expected things to unfold. By all ounts, Freya should have pressed harder, especially when the pieces didn¡¯t fit together. If she couldn¡¯t pull the truth from them, she should at least be suspicious. After all, his performance had left no cracks. So what was she waiting for?


    As she walked him to his room, Freya noticed the unease still clinging to Kristian like a second skin. ¡°Kristian,¡± she began.


    He looked up.


    Her voice softened, the way one speaks to a child with a scraped knee. ¡°Don¡¯t be afraid of Ellis. He¡¯s not someone to fear. If anything ever bothers you,e to me. Promise?¡±


    ¡°¡­Okay.¡± His voice wasced with grievance, faint but heartrending. Freya didn¡¯t push further. She patted his shoulder. ¡°Go wash up and get some sleep. Tomorrow, we¡¯ll go see Lawrence for a check-up.¡±


    ¡°Freya.¡± Kristian raised his eyes to her again.


    ¡°Yes?¡± she asked.


    ¡°Can you promise not to leave me alone with the mister next door anymore?¡± His words trembled, full of crafted fear. ¡°I¡¯m scared.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya said without hesitation. She didn¡¯t want to trouble Ellis further anyway. If necessary, she¡¯d ask Gerard or a bodyguard to stay nearby.


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    ¡°Freya,¡± Kristian called once more.


    She turned to him.


    He hesitated, twisting his fingers nervously. ¡°What kind of person do you think that mister is?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s a good man,¡± Freya answered without missing a beat.


    Kristian looked away briefly, then asked again, ¡°And me?¡±


    For a split second, doubt flickered in Freya¡¯s mind¡ªan instinct without a name.


    But then their eyes met, and it faded away. His gaze was as unguarded and innocent as any child¡¯s.


    ¡°You¡¯re a good boy,¡± she said with gentle affirmation. ¡°Very well-behaved.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s mood lifted¡ªbut not for long.


    The words twisted in his mind. Ellis was ¡°a good man.¡± He was merely a ¡°well-behaved boy.¡± Was that Freya¡¯s way of showing who mattered more?


    ¡°It¡¯ste now. Time to rest. Good night,¡± Freya said. Consoling others wasn¡¯t her strong suit, and when it came to Kristian, the lines were always blurry.


    ¡°Good night,¡± he murmured.


    Once she saw he had settled, she turned and returned to her room. If Kristian were truly a child, she might have asked more, dug deeper, shown more care.


    But nothing about him was simple.


    He had once saved her life on Butterfly Ind. It was a debt written in blood, not easily erased.


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 Chapter 780

    ?Chapter 780:


    Shey in bed, eyes fixed on the ceiling, the past looping in her mind. But some questions, no matter how long she pondered them, offered no answers. Still, she believed it would be what it would be.


    While Freya drifted into sleep, Kristian sat awake.


    After washing up, he perched on the bed, the day¡¯s events ying like a reel in his mind. Then he picked up his phone and sent a message to Gerard. ¡°Find out everything you can about Ellis Lambert.¡±


    Gerard had been halfway to pouring a drink with Melvin when the message appeared.


    Melvin noticed the frown settling over Gerard¡¯s face. ¡°Something wrong?¡± he asked coolly.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing, just¡­¡± Gerard hesitated, then flipped the story. ¡°Spam again. No matter how often I block them, they just keeping.¡±


    ¡°Hand it over. I¡¯ll handle it,¡± Melvin said tly.


    ¡°No need.¡± Gerard shut off the phone and set it aside. ¡°Let¡¯s drink.¡± Like hell he would. If Melvin got wind of that message, Kristian¡¯s cover would be blown in a heartbeat.


    Kristian had be a wild cardtely¡ªhis behavior unpredictable, nothing like the man they once knew. Right now, keeping his head down and waiting for the storm to pass seemed like the only safe move.


    Gerard knew that if he ended up pushing Kristian too far, there was no telling what kind of mess might explode from it.


    With that thought gnawing at him, his hands moved with urgency as he twisted open the bottle, pouring out a generous ss before handing it to Melvin. ¡°Let¡¯s get this straight right now¡ªtonight doesn¡¯t end until we¡¯re both smashed. You¡¯re drinking too.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Melvin replied without the slightest hesitation. A lot had gone downtely. There were things weighing on him, nagging thoughts that left him feeling unsure.


    They nibbled on their food and drank as they chatted, their conversation light and aimless.


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    A few rounds in, the alcohol had already begun to show its colors.


    Normally, Melvin wouldn¡¯t dream of letting himself get drunk, but tonight was different¡ªtonight, he needed it. Some things could only be said after a few drinks.


    ¡°Melvin.¡± Already buzzed, Gerard leaned over and clutched Melvin¡¯s arm, blurting out, ¡°Is yourpany still hiring?¡±


    ¡°We are,¡± Melvin answered, his voice tinged with a slight slur, and his usually cool expression softening into something almost boyish. ¡°But no more openings for executive assistants.¡±


    ¡°What should I do?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°If I lose my job, then what? If I stick around much longer, Kristian¡¯s bound to kick me to the curb.¡±


    If he¡¯d been sober, Melvin would¡¯ve raised an eyebrow.


    Right now, Isaac was the one calling the shots at Shaw Group, and Gerard had full rein over its branch in Alerith. There was no way he was actually getting fired.


    But Melvin wasn¡¯t in the headspace to question it. ¡°I¡¯ve got you covered,¡± he said it like it was no big deal. ¡°I¡¯ve got plenty of cash.¡±


    ¡°That won¡¯t fly. If your girlfriend finds out, she¡¯ll definitely think there¡¯s something fishy going on between us.¡± Gerard pulled a face, pretending to be all upright and proper. ¡°I¡¯m squeaky clean.¡±


    Melvin sat bolt upright, his drunkenness stripping away his usualposure, and suddenly looked like a harmless puppy.


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 Chapter 781

    ?Chapter 781:


    Gerard had barely ever seen him like this and couldn¡¯t help but tease, ¡°Seriously though, for a guy, your skin¡¯s practically wless¡ªhow is that even fair?¡±


    Melvin blinked slowly.


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you, it¡¯s not just the pretty girls who need to stay on guard ¡ª pretty guys like you aren¡¯t safe either.¡± Gerard¡¯s tone was all sincere, though the liquor slurred his words. ¡°One time, Kristian and I were on a business trip and ran into apany male president who was into younger men. That guy made our skin crawl.¡±


    Even now, Gerard still couldn¡¯t stomach the memory. He had no beef with anyone¡¯s preferences, but that guy had crossed a line.


    Melvin¡¯s brows drew together, his gaze sharpening. ¡°Was he after you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m Kristian¡¯s right-hand man. That creep wouldn¡¯t dare.¡± Gerard spoke with pride. ¡°After we stepped into the VIP room for talks, he brought in a whole bunch of eye candy¡ªyoung men and women, all in their early twenties.¡±


    Melvin gave him a t look. Frankly, he felt a little nauseated. Nothing like that had ever happened when he went out with Freya. People knew better. At Anita International, Melvin had a reputation¡ªno one messed with him.


    ¡°That guy even told Kristian to take his pick, said there were more where they came from.¡± Gerard was dead set on telling the whole tale. ¡°Kristian walked, and the deal blew up.¡±


    He could still remember how, when Kristian found out the guy had forced people, he had him locked up without blinking.


    Back then, Kristian had his ws, but at least he knew right from wrong.


    But now¡­


    How had he fallen so far? Lying to Freya? ying dirty?


    ¡°Point is, you¡¯ve got to watch yourself,¡± Gerard tacked on. ¡°Especially when you¡¯re drinking. Look at you¡ªyou¡¯re delicate as a doll right now.¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯m a man,¡± Melvin said firmly. ¡°Nobody¡¯s going to mess with me.¡± Anyone foolish enough to try would regret it. In this crowd, there weren¡¯t many who could take him on.


    ¡°Yeah, yeah, sure,¡± Gerard saidzily, not even pretending to mean it.


    Melvin just gave him a look.


    They kept chatting for a while.


    Eventually, Melvin came out with the question that had been sitting heavy on his chest all night. ¡°Gerard, do you know what it¡¯s like to love someone?¡±


    ¡°To love someone?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°No clue. I¡¯ve never been in a rtionship.¡± Gerard waspletely sincere. ¡°But from what I¡¯ve seen, when you are in love with a girl, she¡¯s stuck in your head morning to night. You want to buy her things, and she¡¯s the first one you want to call when something good happens.¡±


    Melvin paused. None of that quite fit.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you into Freya? Don¡¯t you know how you feel?¡± Gerard asked bluntly, catching him off guard.


    Melvin hesitated. He didn¡¯t know. He didn¡¯t feel what Gerard described, but he did want her to be happy.


    ¡°If you¡¯re not sure, there¡¯s one easy way to tell.¡± Gerard suddenly took on the tone of a seasoned love guru, his face serious despite the alcohol. ¡°When she¡¯s with someone else, does it bother you?¡±


    Sometimes, yeah.


    Melvin didn¡¯t say it out loud, but the answer echoed in his mind.


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    .

 Chapter 782

    ?Chapter 782:


    When he found out Freya had married and divorced, he¡¯d only been pissed at Kristian for not treating her right. But beyond that, he hadn¡¯t felt much.


    Yet when he saw her spending so much time with Ellis, making that man her assistant¡ªhe had felt something then.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Gerard poked at his cheek when he noticed him zoning out.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Melvin answered, unsure how to even start.


    Still stuck in guru mode, Gerard pressed, ¡°Alright, then here¡¯s the deal. Ask yourself this: if she ended up with another guy, would that be okay? Would you be cool handing her off to someone else, or do you want to be the one looking after her forever?¡±


    ¡°Either¡¯s fine,¡± Melvin said with zero hesitation,pletely serious.


    That sobered Gerard up just a bit. Either was fine?


    ¡°If that guy can take care of her, treat her well, make sure she has a happy life¡ªthen I¡¯m fine with it,¡± Melvin finally admitted, the booze loosening his tongue. ¡°But if he can¡¯t, then yeah, I¡¯d be pissed.¡± Maybe even enough to break them up.


    He kept that part to himself, thinking it sounded a little much.


    Gerard blinked, then muttered, ¡°Sounds more like you¡¯re just a protective brother.¡±


    Love wasn¡¯t like that¡ªit could be selfish.


    If Melvin really loved Freya, even if he stepped aside for her happiness, it would still hurt. He¡¯d still wonder why it couldn¡¯t be him.


    But Melvin was calm. No ache. No jealousy. Clearly, it wasn¡¯t love¡ªit was more like a bond of family.


    ¡°But I don¡¯t want her to leave me, or push me away,¡± Melvin said softly.


    ¡°That¡¯s normal. You two aren¡¯t blood,¡± Gerard replied, assuming he was still talking about Freya. ¡°If you two split, that¡¯s it¡ªthere¡¯s no bond left. Of course you don¡¯t want to lose her.¡±


    Melvin¡¯s eyes flickered. Was that really all there was to it?


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    ¡°One more question¡ªhave you ever imagined holding hands with her? Cuddling? Or even kissing her?¡± Gerard asked out of nowhere, his curiosity getting the better of him.


    Melvin hesitated for a brief second before blurting out, almost too quickly, ¡°No.¡±


    Freya was his superior¡ªentertaining such notions would be a gross breach of respect and basic decency.


    Besides, what he felt wasn¡¯t a desire to possess her for a fleeting moment, but a quiet longing to care for her across a lifetime.


    ¡°Seriously? No?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Oh,e on. We¡¯re close enough¡ªno need to dance around it.¡± Gerard leanedzily on one hand, his gaze fixed on Melvin. ¡°Even if you did love her, I wouldn¡¯tugh.¡±


    ¡°Unless Freya¡¯s hurt, asleep, or in some kind of unusual situation, I wouldn¡¯t hold her close. Otherwise, I just wouldn¡¯t.¡± Loosened up by the alcohol, Melvin spoke with a rare bluntness. ¡°As for kissing¡ªit never crossed my mind.¡±


    Gerard studied him a little longer. He could tell Melvin wasn¡¯t pretending. He really meant it.


    ¡°In that case, I can say withplete certainty¡ªwhat you feel for her isn¡¯t love,¡± Gerard said, his tone slightly drawn out from the alcohol. ¡°It¡¯s more like the way you¡¯d care for family.¡±


    The moment those words hit, Melvin¡¯s mind drifted back to all the moments he¡¯d shared with Freya.


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 Chapter 783

    ?Chapter 783:


    ¡°Or maybe it¡¯s like the kind of concern an older brother has for his little sister,¡± Gerard mused further.


    Melvin replied, ¡°But when I see her always with Ellis, practically glued to his side, it makes me uneasy. I just want to shove him away.¡±


    ¡°I already exined¡ªthat¡¯s because you and Freya aren¡¯t actually rted,¡± Gerard reasoned, his voice still sharp despite the alcohol dulling his senses. ¡°For the longest time, you were the only one assisting her at Anita International. It¡¯s natural to feel threatened.¡±


    Melvin didn¡¯t say anything, lost in thought.


    Gerard stood, clearly done with drinking for the night. ¡°Let it go. Trust me.¡±


    Melvin didn¡¯t answer. He ignored Gerard¡¯s advice. After sobering up a little, he got up to wash and get ready for bed.


    Both men retreated to their separate rooms, freshened up, andy down for the night.


    Melvin didn¡¯t overthink it. As soon as his head hit the pillow, he was out like a light. Gerard, however,y awake, his mind restless. Knowing Melvin had no romantic feelings for Freya gave him some relief.


    Given how things stood, Freya was stuck between Kristian and Ellis. If Melvin had a crush on her, he¡¯d only be setting himself up for heartbreak.


    Kristian had hurt her before, but Ellis had earned her trust. After all that time spent together, it was only natural for her feelings to shift.


    If only Melvin weren¡¯t so emotionally tone-deaf, if he could just express himself clearly, maybe things would¡¯ve yed out differently.


    But s, Melvin was emotionally aware.


    Thankfully, his feelings for Freya were purely protective.


    Gerard rubbed at his aching temples and reached for his phone. Just as he was about to respond to Kristian¡¯s earlier messages, he saw a missed call notification. It was from Kristian himself. Gerard sobered instantly, hit with a jolt of panic.


    Discover the rest on ??????o¦Í?????????????


    He sat up straight in bed and returned the call without dy.


    It was already 1:30 a.m.¡ªhe wasn¡¯t sure if Kristian would still be up. As the dial tone echoed through the stillness, Gerard¡¯s heart thudded in his chest.


    After about seven or eight agonizing seconds, the call connected.


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Shaw,¡± Gerard said cautiously, his voice edged with apprehension.


    ¡°Getting bold, are we?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was low and ice-cold, dangerously calm. ¡°Did you turn your phone off on purpose?¡±


    Gerard rushed to exin, ¡°No, not at all! I was just having dinner with Melvin and didn¡¯t notice the battery died.¡±


    ¡°Send me a screenshot of your phone,¡± Kristian ordered tly, cutting right through the lie.


    He had seen Gerard¡¯s phone fully charged earlier that evening. Only two hours had passed¡ªno way the battery drained that fast.


    If Gerard wanted to lie, he should¡¯ve at least picked something less pathetic.


    Gerard was left speechless. He nced down at his phone¡ªstill over 80% battery life. He felt at a loss. Why couldn¡¯t he have Freya¡¯s uncanny talent for crafting wless fake screenshots? If he did, he¡¯d have sent one already.


    ¡°Actually, I was worried Melvin might see your messages,¡± Gerard said, mixing fact with fiction. ¡°He was right next to me. If I kept replying or answering calls, he would¡¯ve known it was you.¡±


    That was part of it. But mostly, Gerard just didn¡¯t want to deal with Kristian. Not tonight. And that, of course, he¡¯d never admit.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care what your excuse is. You have three days. Find out everything about Ellis Lambert.¡± Kristian¡¯s voice was frigid.


    .


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 Chapter 784

    ?Chapter 784:


    ¡°Understood,¡± Gerard answered immediately.


    Kristian didn¡¯t say another word. He hung up and sank back into the icy bathtub.


    The following morning, Freya rose early and began making breakfast.


    When she noticed Kristian hadn¡¯t woken yet, she found it strange.


    He was always up before her. This was the first time he¡¯d slept in.


    ¡°Kristian, breakfast is ready.¡±


    ¡°Kristian.¡±


    She called twice, but got no response.


    Frowning, she announced, ¡°I¡¯ming in,¡± and pushed the door open. She found Kristian was still out cold, his breathing heavy. She walked over and touched his arm.


    The moment her fingers brushed his skin, her stomach dropped.


    He was burning up.


    She pressed her palm to his forehead¡ªscorching.


    Her mind shed to the two previous times he¡¯de down with a high fever. Both had nearly killed him, especially given his past injuries.


    ¡°Kristian!¡± Freya called, trying to wake him.


    Kristian stirred, his breath ragged and hot.


    When he opened his eyes and saw her hovering by the bed, her face etched with worry, he felt an oddfort. Maybe the cold bathst night hadn¡¯t beenpletely pointless.


    ¡°Freya¡­¡±


    ¡°Get up. We need to go to the hospital. You¡¯ve got a fever,¡± Freya said, her voice edged with panic. She was genuinely terrified. If his fever triggered something worse, something permanent, she¡¯d never be able to face his family again.


    ¡°No.¡± Kristian shook his head, the pain splitting through his skull. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go to the hospital.¡±


    He ached all over, his head throbbed, but none of it mattered¡ªas long as she stayed by his side. Nothing else was worth caring about.


    He wasn¡¯t about to let Ellis take her away.


    ¡°You¡¯re burning up. If you don¡¯t see a doctor, it could cause permanent damage,¡± Freya tried to reason with him.


    But no matter how much she coaxed, he wouldn¡¯t budge.


    Realizing he wouldn¡¯t listen, she grabbed the medicine kit and gave him a fever reducer.


    Then she called their private physician, exined Kristian¡¯s condition, and asked him toe immediately.


    The doctor would need about thirty minutes. In the meantime, Freya checked Kristian¡¯s temperature. She then began cooling him down, worried sick that his condition might spiral.


    ¡°Freya¡­ I feel awful¡­¡± Kristian muttered, his voice heavy with misery. Freya continued working to lower his fever, her tone gentle and calming.


    ¡°Hang in there a bit longer; the doctor¡¯s almost here.¡±


    Kristian clutched her hand with a grip that trembled, his breath ragged and burning against the cool air.


    Freya hesitated, letting him hold on, though a creeping unease stirred in her chest. ¡°Did you not dress warmly enough when you were out with Gerard yesterday?¡±


    ¡°I did.¡±


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 Chapter 785

    ?Chapter 785:


    ¡°Then why do you have a fever?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know¡­¡±


    Freya could only wait for the doctor to arrive. Even after giving him medicine for the fever, his temperature refused to drop.


    She mentally retraced yesterday¡¯s events, but no exnation surfaced for why he had fallen ill. He¡¯d always been healthy. Had his previous fevers chipped away at his immunity?


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Kristian¡¯s fingers tightened again, unwilling to let her go.


    She turned her gaze to him. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Will you promise not to leave me?¡± he asked quietly, his pallor tugging at her heart.


    ¡°I¡¯m right here; I won¡¯t leave your side,¡± Freya said softly. ¡°Just rest. No more talking.¡±


    Kristian felt utterly ufortable, his body aching all over. But he didn¡¯t say anything else. With Freya near, it was somehow bearable.


    Twenty minutester, Ellis knocked and stepped in. Spotting Kristian still in bed, he arched a brow and turned to Freya. ¡°When are we going to see Lawrence?¡±


    ¡°Later,¡± she replied, casting a nce at Kristian. ¡°He¡¯s running a fever. We¡¯ll wait until it breaks and he¡¯s better.¡±


    ¡°A fever?¡± Ellis looked at Kristian, suspicion flickering across his features.


    Doubt rose immediately.


    He walked over and ced his hand on Kristian¡¯s forehead. It was unmistakably hot.


    He checked again, feeling the heat. So Kristian wasn¡¯t faking? Though Kristian¡¯s eyes remained shut, he could feel Ellis¡¯s skepticism and had gone out of his way to ensure his fever was genuine.


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    ¡°Should we take him to the hospital?¡±


    ¡°No need. I¡¯ve already called a doctor.¡±


    Ellis exhaled in relief at that.


    Soon, the doctor arrived, examined Kristian, and set up an IV drip. Freya stepped into the living room with Ellis while the doctor got to work.


    ¡°How did he get sick?¡± Ellis asked, sensing something odd behind the illness.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Freya sifted through the memory of yesterday. With Gerard¡¯s usual caution, Kristian shouldn¡¯t have caught a chill.


    ¡°When he¡¯s better, talk to Lawrence,¡± Ellis said. ¡°There¡¯s something off about Kristian¡¯s condition.¡±


    Freya hesitated. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not sure,¡± Ellis chose his words carefully. ¡°But he¡¯s seemed different sincest night. Like he¡¯s grown up a little.¡±


    ¡°You mean mentally?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°Something like that,¡± Ellis replied slowly. ¡°But talk to Lawrence. He¡¯ll know.¡±


    Freya tried to recall anything useful but grew frustrated at her own limited understanding of mental development.


    After a moment¡¯s thought, she called Gerard.


    He had been with Kristian yesterday and had also seen Lawrence. Knowing Lawrence, there was always a chance he¡¯d examined Kristian without asking.


    She waited, thoughts churning, until Gerard picked up.


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 Chapter 786

    ?Chapter 786:


    After the usual greetings, Freya got straight to the point. ¡°Yesterday at Lawrence¡¯s, did you only pick up the cufflink?¡±


    Gerard was alert. Why was she asking that all of a sudden? Had she figured something out? What should he do? What could he say?


    ¡°Yes,¡± he answered, following his boss¡¯s lead. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°How long were you there?¡± she continued.


    ¡°A few hours,¡± Gerard replied, knowing full well Freya could dig up the truth if she wanted to. ¡°Dr. Hayes was having lunch when we got there, so we joined him. Then he took my boss inside. I don¡¯t know what they did.¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t go in?¡±


    ¡°Dr. Hayes told me to wait outside.¡± That was the answer he gave.


    And it confirmed Freya¡¯s hunch¡ªLawrence had definitely done something with Kristian. Retrieving a cufflink didn¡¯t require excluding Gerard. Kristian¡¯s ward wasn¡¯t some fortress, so asking Gerard to stay out was strange.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, is something wrong?¡± Gerard asked nervously, his heart hammering.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Freya replied, already preparing to confront Lawrence. ¡°Kristian has a fever, and I¡¯m trying to figure out why.¡±


    Gerard blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    A fever? There was no way Kristian had caught a chill yesterday. How had this happened?


    Then, it suddenly hit him.


    Last night, when he was on the phone with Kristian, he had faintly heard water running in the background. Could Kristian have been taking a cold bath at that hour? That had to be it. Given Kristian¡¯s unpredictable moodstely, it was usible.


    ¡°How much did Kristian eat at Lawrence¡¯s?¡± Ellis asked abruptly.


    Gerard cut himself off mid-sentence. His pulse spiked.


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    That was close!


    He¡¯d almost said ¡°arge serving¡±.


    ¡°A little,¡± he corrected quickly. ¡°He didn¡¯t have much appetite. Seemed out of it the whole time.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s face darkened. That hesitation earlier made Gerard¡¯s words ring false.


    If Kristian had eaten so little, there wouldn¡¯t have been that pause. Freya noticed it too. After a beat, she asked, ¡°Did Kristian tell you to say that?¡±


    Gerard froze, his nerves fraying. Had she caught on?


    Freya recalled Kristian crouchingst night, pleading with Ellis not to hurt him. A suspicion rose, and she said to Gerard, ¡°I know Kristian¡¯s your boss, and even now, you still treat him with respect, despite what¡¯s happened to him. Let me ask you something. If he didn¡¯t want you to tell me something, you can stay quiet. You can just listen to me. But if I¡¯m wrong, feel free to correct me.¡± She added with quiet conviction.


    Gerard surrendered. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Did Kristian eat both lunch and dinner yesterday?¡± she asked directly. ¡°And that thing you told me before you left¡ªdid he tell you to say it?¡±


    Gerard didn¡¯t answer.


    As expected, nothing slipped past Ms. Briggs.


    After thirty long seconds of silence, Freya had her answer.


    .


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 Chapter 787

    ?Chapter 787:


    Freya couldn¡¯t quite find the words to describe what she was feeling.


    Kristian had always been someone she ced her trust in¡ªwithout question. Even when his mind had faltered and his memories slipped away, his sincerity had never wavered.


    Until now, she found he was a liar. And that was something she simply couldn¡¯t abide.


    ¡°Aside from this, is there something else he¡¯s keeping from me?¡± Freya asked once more.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs,¡± Gerard finally spoke, aware that if she kept probing, she would piece everything together on her own. ¡°I can tell you everything¡ªbut could you help Kristian pick out a security camera first?¡± He would never go against Kristian¡¯s wishes, but deceiving Freya wasn¡¯t something he was willing to do either.


    So this was the onlypromise he could offer. A fragile middle ground he had to maintain.


    ¡°A security camera?¡± Freya echoed, a bit perplexed.


    ¡°The one at his apartment isn¡¯t functioning properly,¡± Gerard rified, dropping the excuse he had leaned on the day before. ¡°He wants to rece it.¡±


    ¡°Just get the same model as before and install it for him,¡± Freya responded casually, barely sparing it a second thought.


    Gerard hesitated, trying to convey more without crossing a line. ¡°If I choose it, it won¡¯t serve the purpose. Why don¡¯t you pick one instead?¡±


    Freya paused. She didn¡¯t know how to respond. She had just uncovered Kristian¡¯s lies, and now Gerard was handing her the task of choosing a security camera? This was strange.


    ¡°If I pick one, will you tell me what you know about Kristian?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll have Melvin select one and send it to youter,¡± Freya said, treating the matter as routine. ¡°Just pretend you don¡¯t know it was Melvin who picked it.¡±


    Verified and published at g ??ln ovels.??????


    That wasn¡¯t the oue Gerard had hoped for. If that was how things would y out, then none of this made any difference.


    ¡°How about you pick one yourself and bring it over?¡± he suggested again.


    ¡°I¡¯m busy,¡± Freya replied, clearly showing she had no intention of handling it herself.


    After a few more brief words, Freya hung up the call. Her thoughts weren¡¯t on the camera¡ªher mind was tangled in Kristian¡¯s deception.


    This was something she needed to confront him about.


    ¡°Captain, did you know Kristian was lying?¡± Freya asked.


    If he hadn¡¯t suspected something, he wouldn¡¯t have asked that question.


    ¡°I had my doubts,¡± Ellis admitted with a nod. ¡°Last night, when I watched him eat, I started to suspect. Anyone who hadn¡¯t eaten all day would have devoured their food. But if his appetite really was poor, he wouldn¡¯t have reacted the way he did.¡±


    Freya let out a long, heavy breath.


    Ellis gave her shoulder a gentle pat, urging her not to stress too much.


    ¡°I¡¯m going to talk to him,¡± Freya said, her eyes following the doctor as he exited the room. ¡°And¡­ I¡¯m sorry aboutst night.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s lies were¡­


    The more she dwelled on it, the more unsettled she became.


    She walked straight into the room, her eyesnding on the man lying on the bed. Her gaze wasplicated.


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    .

 Chapter 788

    ?Chapter 788:


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Kristian murmured weakly, his voice touched with vulnerability. He pointed toward the IV drip with a pitiful look. ¡°Can you make it stop? It¡¯s ufortable.¡±


    ¡°Do as the doctor says, if you want to get better quickly,¡± Freya replied, her voice noticeably cooler than before.


    Kristian immediately sensed the difference in her tone. He also noticed the shift in her demeanor.


    Thinking back to the moment Ellis had pulled Freya out of the room, suspicion stirred in his mind. Had Ellis said something to her about his mental condition?


    It didn¡¯t matter to Kristian. Ellis had no solid proof, and he could keep pretending in front of Freya.


    ¡°Kristian Shaw,¡± Freya called his full name.


    She didn¡¯t speak with warmth, only a quiet detachment, as if she were addressing a stranger.


    Kristian¡¯s hand clenched under the nket, though his expression remained carefullyposed. ¡°What is it, Freya?¡±


    ¡°Why did you lie?¡±


    ¡°Lie?¡±


    Kristian looked as if she¡¯d struck him¡ªhis face the perfect picture of innocence, as though he hadn¡¯t the faintest clue what she meant. He was ying the role wlessly, every inch the misunderstood child.


    ¡°Yesterday, you clearly had lunch and dinner. Why did you say you hadn¡¯t eaten?¡± Freya asked, her voice lined with quiet reproach. ¡°Andst night, why did you falsely use Ellis of hitting you?¡±


    A twinge of frustration twisted inside Kristian. Was Freya ming him now?


    ¡°Answer me,¡± she demanded, her tone not unlike that of a parent scolding an unruly child.


    Kristian looked at her, then yanked out the IV, grabbed the nket, and turned his back, cocooning himself inside.


    M??r? ??ont?nt ??????: g??l??ov?ls.??¡ð??


    He had wanted to blurt out that it wasn¡¯t his idea¡ªthat Gerard had told him to do it. But then he remembered that Freya knew Gerard too well. If he said the wrong thing now, Freya might actually send him away. He needed to keep calm and think of something foolproof.


    Seeing his reaction, Freya didn¡¯t yank the nket off or try to soothe him. Instead, her voice was firm. ¡°If you don¡¯t give me a real exnation for both things, I¡¯ll call your dad and have him take you home.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t move.


    ¡°Kristian Shaw,¡± Freya called him again.


    ¡°If you want to send me away, just do it,¡± came Kristian¡¯s muffled voice from beneath the nket, steeped in sorrow. ¡°You don¡¯t like me anyway. You don¡¯t want me around.¡±


    Freya stared at the curled-up figure beneath the nket. ¡°It¡¯s not like that. I just need you to understand that lying is wrong. I don¡¯t know why you would lie like that.¡±


    Kristian remained silent.


    Freya circled to the other side of the bed and pulled the nket off his head.


    She had intended to say more¡ªbut froze when she saw his face. His eyes were brimming with tears, his lip caught between his teeth. He was curled into himself like a child who had been cast aside¡ªfragile, frightened, but stubbornly trying not to show it.


    Her cold facade softened ever so slightly. She couldn¡¯t stand seeing tears like that.


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 Chapter 789

    ?Chapter 789:


    ¡°Tell me¡ªwhy did you lie?¡± she asked, trying to keep her voice steady.


    Kristian nced at her, then averted his gaze with quiet defiance, unwilling to speak.


    His act was wless. Anyone watching would have given him top marks.


    ¡°If you won¡¯t tell me, I¡¯ll leave,¡± Freya said, hoping he would finally offer an exnation. ¡°I want to know the truth. Don¡¯t lie to me.¡±


    ¡°I lied because¡­ if I didn¡¯t, you wouldn¡¯t notice me or care about me,¡± Kristian said atst, his voice low and muffled. ¡°If you knew I¡¯d eaten yesterday like I was supposed to, you wouldn¡¯t have said much after bringing me home. You wouldn¡¯t have cared.¡±


    Freya frowned. She couldn¡¯t follow his reasoning.


    ¡°I know you don¡¯t want me. You think I¡¯m a burden,¡± Kristian went on, his voice quivering. ¡°But I¡¯ll be good. I¡¯ll listen to you. I¡¯ll behave.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it,¡± Freya said, unsure of how else to respond. She could only speak inly. ¡°I was the one who brought you back from Lawrence, and I¡¯ll take care of you, no matter what. But you owe Ellis an apology. We¡¯ll do that, okay?¡±


    ¡°If I say sorry to him, will you promise to like me again?¡± Kristian asked, biting his lip.


    ¡°You have to promise not to lie or deceive anyone anymore,¡± Freya replied, neatly dodging the question.


    Kristian gave a small nod. ¡°I promise.¡±


    Freya gazed at Kristian, a weight pressing against her chest like a stone sinking in still water.


    Given his recent behavior, it was evident he¡¯d grown increasingly paranoid. If no one stepped in to guide him, things might spiral out of control.


    It would be a relief if his memories returned swiftly¡ªbecause the Kristian she once knew would never behave like this.


    ga??????¦Í??????.k??n ¨C ???????? ???????????????? ????


    But reality offered no such grace; he had no recollection of who he used to be, and healing would onlye with patience and time.


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Kristian murmured, gently holding her hand, his face etched with sorrow and guilt. ¡°Do you think I¡¯m awful now?¡±


    Yes. That was Freya¡¯s knee-jerk reaction.


    But as she mulled over her attitude from the past few days, it dawned on her that she wasn¡¯t meless either. He was merely like a child¡ªa boy lost in amnesia, mentally adrift and vulnerable. She should have shown more care.


    ¡°So long as you own up to your mistakes and start changing from now on, then no, you¡¯re not awful,¡± Freya replied, each word slow and weighted. ¡°But if you keep acting like this, then you are.¡±


    ¡°Will you still want me?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Will you send me away?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Those words soothed Kristian¡¯s anxious heart, offering him a sliver offort.


    He pushed himself upright on the bed, clung to her arm, and with an almost innocent sincerity, promised, ¡°Freya, I¡¯ll listen to you from now on¡ªI won¡¯t lie anymore.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Freya noticed the blood seeping from his IV site and quickly tended to it.


    After securing the drip again, she told him to rest, and once he felt well enough, he needed to apologize to Ellis.


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 Chapter 790

    Chapter 790:


    Kristian nodded dutifully, agreeing without resistance.


    Everything he did felt so effortlessly genuine that Freya missed any deeper signals, brushing it off as the result of a neglected ¡°child¡± craving love.


    When Ellis saw her emerge, he rose and asked, ¡°How is he?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯vee to realize I haven¡¯t been around enoughtely, and that might be why he¡¯s been clinging more,¡± Freya exined softly. ¡°He admitted he was wrong and said he¡¯ll apologize to you once he feels better.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Ellis sounded a bit taken aback. Was Kristian¡¯s acting really that convincing?


    Freya gave a slight nod.


    Since they weren¡¯t going to visit Lawrence that day, Ellis didn¡¯t stick around. He told Freya he¡¯d prepare lunch, then turned and left.


    Once home, Ellis made a phone call.


    The person on the other end picked up with obvious excitement in their voice. ¡°Mr. Lambert! You finally called! Are you nning to return and take over the family business?¡±


    They¡¯d been waiting ages for this moment. Persistence, atst, seemed to have paid off.


    ¡°Not exactly,¡± Ellis answered slowly.


    Locke Cullen¡¯s enthusiasm deted. ¡°No?¡±


    ¡°Can you dig into Kristian Shaw from the Shaw Group for me? Focus on his personality,¡± Ellis said, his voice casual as he reclinedzily on the couch. ¡°Also, find out what Lawrence Hayes has been researchingtely.¡±


    Freya and Frederick had managed to unearth some of that information. Still, there were things only people¡ªnot algorithms¡ªcould properly understand. Web data was just cold, hard, lifeless fact. No nuance, no instinct.


    ¡°Why the sudden investigation?¡± Locke asked, curiosity piqued.


    ¡°Just testing yourpetence,¡± Ellis replied, his voice steady with calcted intent. ¡°Seeing if you¡¯re fit to be my secretary.¡±


    Locke lit up.


    ¡°Seriously?¡± he asked, the questionced with hope and anticipation.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Ellis¡¯s tone carried more weight than usual.


    ¡°I¡¯ll get everything to you within a week,¡± Locke said quickly, filled with fresh determination.


    Ellis responded with a simple ¡°Mm.¡±


    But just as he was about to end the call, Locke¡ªhis appetite for gossip overpowering¡ªcalled out, ¡°Mr. Lambert.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°I heard from your parents that you¡¯ve been lying low because you¡¯re chasing a girl?¡± Locke¡¯s curiosity burned. ¡°Is it true?¡± He¡¯d never seen Ellis take interest in women before.


    After Ellis joined the service, his visits home became scarce. This rumor felt almost too wild to be true.


    ¡°You want to know?¡± Ellis asked, his voice tinged with amusement.


    Locke replied withical enthusiasm. ¡°Yes, yes!¡±


    Of course, he did. He wanted to know what kind of woman had captured Ellis¡¯s interest¡ªwhether she was a goddess or a warrior queen.


    He even recalled when Ellis was a boy, a girl once followed him around relentlessly, and Ellis had asked her, ¡°Can you protect me?¡± The memory still made Locke cringe.


    .


    .


    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Hope you have a great day dear readers. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. ??(£Þ?£Þ)??


    .

 Chapter 791

    ?Chapter 791:


    How could a boy ask a girl that? It had been painfully awkward.


    He wanted to deny ever knowing Ellis if anyone brought that story up.


    When the girl heard Ellis¡¯s question, she¡¯d said instinctively, ¡°Shouldn¡¯t boys protect girls?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not like them. I only like people who can defeat me and protect me.¡±


    That was Ellis¡¯s infamous reply. Locke remembered every word of it. And the sheer deadpan delivery made it even worse. It was absolutely mortifying.


    ¡°Finish your tasks first¡ªthen we¡¯ll talk,¡± Ellis said, giving nothing away.


    Locke was speechless.


    Just as he¡¯d suspected, Ellis was as cryptic as ever.


    ¡°Is the woman stronger than you?¡± Locke tried a different tactic. ¡°Does she have eight-pack abs, biceps like rocks, and bench presses cars? Could she toss you over her shoulder?¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t even bother replying. What kind of nonsense was that?


    ¡°You¡¯re serious, aren¡¯t you?¡± Locke took the silence as confirmation, his imagination running wild. ¡°Mr. Lambert, your taste is¡­ quite something.¡±


    The mental image was too much. What if Ellis and that woman stood side by side? He would look like a fragile husband next to a battle-hardened heroine.


    Locke couldn¡¯t even begin to guess how Ellis¡¯s parents would react to that.


    ¡°Focus on the task,¡± Ellis cut in sharply. ¡°Don¡¯t overthink. Fail this, and the test¡¯s over.¡±


    ¡°Consider it done!¡± Locke¡¯s confidence soared.


    After ending the call, he immediately passed the news on to Ellis¡¯s parents, Caldwell and Kendra.


    It took the couple half an hour to absorb the information.


    ???? ?????????? ???? ???????????? ¡ª ???????? ???? ?????????¦Í????????????


    At precisely nine o¡¯clock, Ellis received a video call from his parents.


    After a quick greeting, the couple exchanged loaded nces, and Caldwell finally blurted, ¡°You brat, I¡¯ve got a question for you.¡±


    ¡°Ask away,¡± Ellis replied, suspecting it had something to do with holiday ns.


    ¡°Locke just told us you¡¯re chasing someone?¡± Caldwell asked, cutting straight to the point. This was news to him.


    Thest time Ellis had texted, Caldwell had already blocked him, and Kendra hadn¡¯t mentioned a word.


    Ellis arched a brow slightly, but didn¡¯t bother denying it. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Kendra hesitated. ¡°The woman you¡¯re chasing¡ªdoes she really like what Locke mentioned?¡±


    ¡°What did he say?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s strong and tall, built like a Greek statue, and could sling you over her shoulder without breaking a sweat.¡±


    Ellis pressed his lips into a thin line. When he got back, he was going to have a serious word with Locke.


    ¡°I¡¯m not against it,¡± Kendra picked her words carefully, trying to cushion the blow for her son. ¡°But have you really thought this through? She¡¯s stronger than you.¡±


    Her son had always been proud, brave, and full of justice since he was little. Could he really be okay with his partner being stronger than him?


    ¡°That¡¯s his preference,¡± Ellis replied, without going into detail, deliberately ignoring his father¡¯s disapproving scowl. ¡°Not mine.¡±


    Caldwell blinked in confusion. Kendra mirrored him.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 792

    ?Chapter 792:


    They both paused, clearly taken aback by what Ellis had just revealed.


    ¡°Have you won the woman over yet?¡± Kendra asked, genuinely curious.


    Caldwell¡¯s face took on a grim seriousness. ¡°He has a crush on someone?¡±


    ¡°You didn¡¯t know?¡± Kendra asked.


    ¡°You knew?¡±


    ¡°I did. Ellis texted me about it,¡± Kendra said, answering Caldwell¡¯s question.


    After that line was dropped, Caldwell¡¯s usuallyposed, handsome features twisted in obvious irritation as he red at Ellis. ¡°You¡¯re something else!¡±


    What kind of son was this? Keeping his father in the dark.


    ¡°Not my fault you never epted my friend request,¡± Ellis replied casually.


    Caldwell nearly snapped back¡ªcouldn¡¯t you just call me with a new number?


    But he bit his tongue.


    He had his pride.


    ¡°Still working on it,¡± Ellis answered Kendra¡¯s earlier question.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t even win her over after all this time, don¡¯t call yourself my son. It¡¯s pathetic,¡± Caldwell muttered disapprovingly.


    But the moment those words left his mouth, he caught Kendra giving him a pointed look. He immediately fell silent.


    The rest of the call went on quietly as Kendra and Ellis continued chatting. They asked Ellis about his job and daily life.


    When the conversation ended, there was one thing that left both Kendra and Caldwell surprised.


    ¡°Ellis,¡± Kendra hesitated, worried she might bruise her son¡¯s pride. ¡°Isn¡¯t it a bit inappropriate to be living at her ce and relying on her for work?¡±


    ¡°Why sugarcoat it?¡± Caldwell finally jumped in. ¡°He¡¯s freeloading without a shred of dignity. It¡¯s disgraceful.¡± Kendra fell silent.


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    Ellis remainedpletely unfazed. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m living off a woman.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t go around iming you¡¯re my son. I swear, I¡¯ll donate every asset we have tomorrow! I won¡¯t leave you a penny!¡± Caldwell barked, his face dead serious.


    ¡°Go ahead, I won¡¯t stop you,¡± Ellis saidzily. ¡°Even if I don¡¯t work, she¡¯ll support me. But if you donate everything, how are you nning to take Mom on those trips you keep promising her?¡±


    Caldwell, so furious he couldn¡¯t hold back, abruptly ended the video call.


    Kendra, still eager to talk, red at him, clearly displeased by his dramatic behavior.


    ¡°This son is beyond saving. Let¡¯s adopt one from an orphanage and start fresh,¡± Caldwell dered solemnly, his hand twitching as if he longed to discipline Ellis. ¡°Living off a woman and acting proud about it¡ªshameful!¡±


    ¡°You can adopt if you want, but I only have one son, and that¡¯s Ellis,¡± Kendra replied firmly.


    The earlier revtion had certainly caught her off guard, prompting her concerns. But upon reflection, she realized that once Ellis inherited the family fortune, he¡¯d have more money than he could ever spend. He was probably only living off that woman for now to stay close to her.


    Ellis knew his parents would surely discuss things once the call ended, but he didn¡¯t offer any further exnation.


    Regardless of the wealth he possessed, he was indeed relying on Freya at the moment.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 793

    ?Chapter 793:


    With that thought, he sent a message to Kendra. ¡°I¡¯ll bring her home for Christmas to meet you.¡±


    Time slipped by and afternoon arrived.


    After lunch, Freya checked on Kristian¡¯s condition. Seeing that his fever had fully subsided, she finally rxed.


    Kristian hadn¡¯t eaten lunch and had been drifting in and out of restless sleep. Now that the fever had passed, he woke up with a grumbling stomach.


    ¡°Freya, I¡¯m hungry.¡±


    ¡°Get up and eat.¡±


    Ellis had intentionally set some food aside for him.


    Freya had considered making something light once Kristian was feeling better or even ordering takeout, but Ellis had already taken the initiative. The moment Kristian woke up, a meal would be ready. When Kristian sat at the table and spotted the dishes, he immediately recognized Ellis¡¯s handiwork.


    After sharing several meals, he¡¯d be familiar with Ellis¡¯s cooking style.


    ¡°Eat up,¡± Freya urged. ¡°Then go apologize to Ellis.¡±


    Kristian stared at the food, visibly reluctant. Eating something prepared by his rival? He didn¡¯t want it.


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± he drawled out, trying to dy the inevitable.


    Noticing hisplexion still hadn¡¯t fully recovered, Freya softened her voice. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want this,¡± he blurted out. Though Ellis¡¯s cooking was undeniably good, he only wanted food made by Freya. ¡°I want some oatmeal.¡±


    Freya paused, recalling what Ellis had said during lunch. Had he anticipated Kristian¡¯s reaction?


    ¡°Freya?¡± Kristian called her name when he noticed her staring. Why was she still watching him? What if she started to suspect something?


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    ¡°You want oatmeal?¡± Freya asked, echoing the instructions Ellis had left her with earlier.


    Kristian hesitated for a second.


    Based on what he¡¯d observed over the past few days, Freya¡¯s cooking was average at best. If he asked for anything fancy, she probably wouldn¡¯t manage. After thinking it through, he replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Freya was taken aback. How had Ellis seen thising?


    After lunch, he¡¯d told her Kristian might not like the food and even left her with suggestions on what to do if that happened.


    It was bing clear¡ªEllis understood Kristian far too well.


    She headed to the kitchen,dled out a bowl of oatmeal porridge that Ellis had prepared in advance, and brought it over to Kristian. Kristian was a little surprised, but since the oatmeal was already there, he reluctantly ate it. Freya might start getting suspicious.


    Twenty minutes passed. Kristian finished eating and leaned back, full. Though the taste was in, the fact that Freya had served it made him feel content.


    ¡°Kristian,¡± Freya spoke as she cleared the table.


    ¡°Yes, Freya?¡±


    ¡°You really don¡¯t like Ellis?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t,¡± Kristian answered without hesitation.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 794

    ?Chapter 794:


    It wasn¡¯t just dislike. If he had his way, Ellis would disappear entirely.


    ¡°But he¡¯s been good to you, and he understands you.¡± Freya¡¯s words nearly cracked hisposure. ¡°He prepared some dishes for you. Thought you might not like them. He even made the oatmeal in advance.¡±


    Kristian blinked. ¡°Ellis made it?¡±


    ¡°Can you just tell me why you don¡¯t like him?¡± Freya asked, her brow furrowed, confusioncing her voice.


    Kristian didn¡¯t respond. He sat there in silence. What other reason could there be? If Ellis lingered around Freya for too long, it was only a matter of time before he whisked her away. And before Kristian had the chance to truly im her heart, he couldn¡¯t risk letting that happen.


    Still waiting, Freya pressed again, ¡°Is it that hard to answer?¡±


    ¡°Before I give you an answer, can I ask you something first?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°If that man and I were in danger, and you could only save one person, who would it be?¡± Kristian asked seriously.


    Freya blinked, taken aback. What kind of question was that?


    Seeing her hesitate, Kristian leaned in slightly, his gaze unwavering.


    ¡°You¡¯d save him, wouldn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d save you,¡± Freya replied without pause.


    She owed him her life. If a situation like that ever really happened, she¡¯d choose him first. After that, she would try to save Ellis, too. But realistically, she didn¡¯t think it woulde to that. Ellis was far more capable than she was. He likely wouldn¡¯t need saving at all.


    Kristian stiffened. His heart gave a sudden jolt.


    If he hadn¡¯t kept his emotions in check, he might¡¯ve let slip that his mental faculties had long since returned.


    Check exclusive content g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked, almost like a curious child. ¡°Aren¡¯t you close with him?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s your second question,¡± Freya shot back coolly, her eyes narrowing slightly. She had a nagging suspicion that Kristian¡¯s mental faculties were beginning to recover. ¡°Now it¡¯s your turn to answer mine.¡±


    Kristian locked his eyes on her.


    All at once, it felt as though she had be aplete mystery to him. Based on what Gerard had told him, he was convinced Freya didn¡¯t love him. But if that was true, then why had she picked him? Was it just tofort him? Or was it because he¡¯d once saved her on Butterfly Ind?


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll end up with him,¡± Kristian said, the lie slipping effortlessly from his lips. ¡°If you two end up together, you¡¯ll have children, and then you¡¯ll forget all about me.¡±


    Freya blinked, thoroughly puzzled. Where was thising from?


    ¡°Who told you that?¡±


    ¡°No one.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not how things work,¡± Freya replied, exhaling as she did. The thought of raising kids sounded exhausting. ¡°Even if I were with Ellis¡ªwhich I¡¯m not¡ªand even if you hadn¡¯t gotten better yet, I¡¯d still do my job and take care of you properly.¡±


    Kristian lowered his head. His shoulders sagged, and the light in his eyes dimmed. Was she trying to reassure him?


    Freya couldn¡¯t help but feel that the more time Kristian spent under her care, the more headstrong he became. ¡°Don¡¯t let this make you resent Ellis. He¡¯s always been really thoughtful toward you.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 795

    ?Chapter 795:


    Kristian¡¯s eyes clouded over. Thoughtful? He saw straight through Ellis. That man¡¯s motives were transparent as ss. Ellis was trying to edge him out of the picture¡ªtrying to keep Freya all to himself.


    ¡°Go apologize to Ellis,¡± Freya said, noticing the discontent flicker across Kristian¡¯s expression. ¡°You made up a lie and used himst night, and he didn¡¯t even call you out for it.¡±


    But the second she said it, Freya paused. If Ellis had known Kristian was faking, why hadn¡¯t he exposed him?


    The thought reminded her of Ellis¡¯s repeated warnings to pay attention to the little things.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kristian agreed without resistance.


    Freya studied him with a careful gaze. Aside from the subtle shifts in his personality, he didn¡¯t seem much different. With that, she brought him to Ellis.


    Neither she nor Ellis could have known just how far Kristian had taken his performance. Especially around Freya, he never let his act slip. When they arrived at Ellis¡¯s home, Kristian stood in ce like a well-behaved child.


    Ellis raised an eyebrow, his deep voice calm and steady. ¡°What¡¯s all this?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Mr. Lambert,¡± Kristian said, the apology reluctant in spirit, though his expression gave nothing away. ¡°I lied to Freya yesterday and med you without reason. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s lips twitched into the barest hint of a smile. ¡°You mean it?¡±


    Freya¡¯s brows knit together. What was Ellis getting at now?


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kristian nodded.


    ¡°Copy this book by hand,¡± Ellis said, handing over a thin book. ¡°Once it¡¯s finished, I¡¯ll consider forgiving you.¡±


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    Kristian didn¡¯t know how to respond. This man really wouldn¡¯t make things easy.


    ¡°Captain,¡± Freya said softly, her brows furrowing deeper. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°You said he¡¯s been acting a little off, right?¡± Ellis replied, his tonepletely serious. ¡°Let him copy that book. It¡¯s a ssic guide that covers many principles of etiquette. He might actually learn something.¡±


    An adult¡¯s handwriting was nothing like a child¡¯s. Ellis wanted to see how Kristian would manage to cover up this time.


    Freya pressed her lips together. ¡°Can¡¯t we just let it go?¡±


    ¡°A spoken apology doesn¡¯t leave a mark. It costs nothing,¡± Ellis said sincerely. ¡°Making him write something down¡ªhe¡¯ll remember it.¡±


    Freya took a moment to mull it over. A simple apology really didn¡¯t fix much. In just a matter of days, Kristian had gone from an innocent boy to someone who lied and wrongly used others. He had really veered off course.


    ¡°Really?¡± Kristian didn¡¯t let a single crack show in his act.


    Ellis gave a subtle nod.


    Kristian quietly sat down and started copying, calm and collected. But under the surface, he was already plotting how to pay Ellis back. He understood Ellis¡¯s motive perfectly¡ªit was nothing more than a trap to make him mess up in front of Freya. Pretending to write like a child? Child¡¯s y.


    Ellis observed him from time to time.


    For the rest of the afternoon, Kristian copied away. Freya and Ellis watched him closely.


    His handwriting matched that of a child. And his behavior was perfectly normal.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 796

    ?Chapter 796:


    Ellis had half-expected this oue, but even so, Kristian¡¯s wless execution was nothing short of remarkable. Not even his handwriting betrayed him.


    By dinner time, Kristian sat beside Freya. The moment he picked up his knife, it slipped and ttered noisily onto the table.


    He looked at Freya with a pitiful gaze, biting his lower lip like a child caught misbehaving. ¡°Freya, my hand hurts. I can¡¯t use my right hand.¡±


    Ellis shot him a look, eyes brimming with quiet suspicion.


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you with the knife,¡± Freya said,pletely unsuspecting. He had been writing all afternoon, pressing so hard that the ink bled through to the third page. Her hand would have hurt just the same.


    Kristian picked up a spoon with his left hand. And every time he needed to cut something, he turned to Freya. ¡°Freya, can you help me cut this?¡± ¡°Freya, I need your help.¡± ¡°Freya, I want¡­¡±


    The entire meal, Freya ended up serving him.


    And in those moments when she wasn¡¯t looking, Kristian would shoot Ellis a nce¡ªquiet, defiant, andced with provocation, as if saying, ¡°You¡¯re never going to win.¡±


    Ellis wasn¡¯t even remotely upset. He just figured Kristian not only had a gift for ying a part but also a razor-sharp mind.


    If Kristian hadn¡¯t hurt Freya before, Ellis might¡¯ve actually respected him.


    ¡°Mr. Lambert,¡± Kristian set down the spoon in his left hand, his expression smooth as ss, tone just as polished. ¡°I¡¯ve already copied the book by hand. Can you forgive me now?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Ellis replied evenly, no hint of tension in his voice. ¡°Owning up to your faults and fixing them¡ªwell, that makes you a good boy.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t take this to heart. He was far too busy staring at Freya with a childlike sparkle, practically brimming with delight. ¡°Freya, he forgave me. Are you still mad at me?¡±


    ¡°No, I¡¯m not,¡± Freya answered softly, though her eyes held something a little harder to read. ¡°But remember what I told you before. No more lies. No more tricks. And you absolutely can¡¯t hurt anyone again. Got it?¡±


    Read exclusive content at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s


    Kristian nodded. ¡°I got it.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something else I haven¡¯t been honest about.¡± Kristian¡¯s eyes dimmed just a touch, and he hesitated.


    Freya didn¡¯t jump to use him. Instead, she asked calmly, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Can I tell you somewhere else?¡± He dropped his gaze but kept his grip on her hand. ¡°I only want you to know. I don¡¯t want him finding out.¡± Freya looked toward Ellis.


    Ellis gave a nod, choosing not to press the issue. To him, Freya was the only one who mattered. If Kristian could confess on his own, maybe it would spare her more pain in the future.


    As long as he didn¡¯t cross a line, Ellis would stay out of it. Freya brought Kristian back to her apartment. Noticing how guilty he looked, she sat down beside him on the sofa and asked inly, ¡°You can tell me now. What is it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m scared you¡¯ll hate me once I do.¡± Kristian fidgeted with his hands, his voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°As long as you¡¯re being truthful, I won¡¯t dislike you. I won¡¯t even me you,¡± Freya said with honesty, hoping it might help him change. ¡°Come on, tell me.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 797

    ?Chapter 797:


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Actually¡­¡± Kristian lowered his head, avoiding her eyes, and spoke slowly. ¡°The person who replied to your message that day¡ªit wasn¡¯t Gerard. It was me.¡±


    Freya blinked, confused for a second, struggling to recall. ¡°Which day?¡±


    ¡°Yesterday.¡± Kristian pressed his lips together, trying to look especially innocent.


    Freya searched her memory. It didn¡¯t take her long to remember the conversation she¡¯d had with Gerard.


    ¡°He mentioned our past. I know I let you down. I¡¯m sorry.¡± Kristian¡¯s mind worked fast. ¡°Freya, I really am sorry.¡±


    As the words left him, his eyes brimmed with tears. A single tear slipped down andnded on his hand.


    Freya froze.


    Before she could say a word, he leaned into her, burying his face in her embrace, his shoulders shaking as he cried.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I¡¯m so sorry¡­¡±


    Hepletely broke down.


    Freya felt his tears soaking into her hand, and all her cool detachment began to fade. She knew the man crying in front of her wasn¡¯t the memory-holding Kristian¡ªbut still, seeing him like this tugged at her heart. This version of him didn¡¯t owe her anything anymore.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to apologize for. If it¡¯s about hiding things, you¡¯vee clean now. That¡¯s what matters.¡± Freya pulled one hand free and gently patted his shoulder,forting him like family would. ¡°And if it¡¯s about the past, then even less so.¡±


    Between them, all that remained was a broken marriage. But he¡¯d already done all he could to make it right¡ªhe¡¯d even tried to save her, risking his own life.


    In truth, she felt like she owed him more.


    Kristian felt the warmth of her hand and slowly began to settle down, though his possessiveness over her only grew.


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    ¡°But¡­¡± He lifted his head from her shoulder, his gazeced with guilt as it met hers.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°I also lied about something else. And this one¡¯s about me.¡±


    He lowered his gaze again, unable to face her. He¡¯d made up his mind. Rather than let Gerard or Ellis drop the truth, it was safer to give her a half-truth himself. That way, if she found outter, maybe it wouldn¡¯t hurt as much.


    Freya stayedposed. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°What I¡¯m about to say¡­ you¡¯re definitely going to be mad. You might even ignore me.¡± His voice was steady, his performance spot on. ¡°Can you promise not to leave me, no matter what?¡±


    ¡°Okay, I promise.¡± Freya gave her word. She knew Kristian needed guidance, just like anyone else. And if he could recognize where he¡¯d gone wrong and try to change, then that was something.


    Still, Kristian didn¡¯t feel entirely secure. This was a risky move. Ellis had said Freya hated being lied to. He had no idea how she¡¯d react when she found out. And if she did turn away from him, he might have to go to even greater lengths.


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°I¡¯m just¡­ scared you¡¯ll be mad.¡± Kristian¡¯s act was half-real¡ªhis emotions genuine enough. ¡°I¡¯m still scared you¡¯ll walk away.¡±


    ¡°I meant it when I said I wouldn¡¯t.¡± Freya looked at him steadily, without a trace of me. ¡°I promised I wouldn¡¯t abandon you. And I won¡¯t.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 798

    ?Chapter 798:


    Kristian wrestled with himself, though it was all for show.


    After a pause, he pressed his lips together, then finally said, ¡°I¡¯m like a five-year-old boy now.¡±


    At that, Freya¡¯s eyes showed a flicker of surprise¡ªbut it vanished quickly.


    So, her earlier suspicions had been right. Kristian¡¯s mental faculties had recovered a lot.


    ¡°Do you know how old you are mentally now?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°Seventeen.¡± Kristian didn¡¯t skip a beat. ¡°When I saw Lawrence Hayes yesterday, he ran some tests. Said my mental age was about seventeen.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡± Freya¡¯s voice rose just a little.


    Kristian scanned her expression, but he didn¡¯t see a hint of disappointment, which made him pause. ¡°Freya, aren¡¯t you mad? I was already back to normal and still chose to lie to you.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not mad.¡± Freya felt like a weight had lifted.


    Even though she trusted Lawrence¡¯s instincts, dealing with a Kristian who behaved like a five-year-old had been difficult. She had always wondered if he would heal simply by staying close to her.


    Thankfully, it seemed he had.


    ¡°What about your memory?¡± Freya asked, focusing on what mattered most. ¡°How much of it hase back?¡±


    Kristian hesitated before answering honestly, no tricks this time. ¡°None.¡±


    ¡°Nothing at all?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Did you know about your maturity level before seeing Lawrence, or did you find out afterward?¡± Freya pressed again, trying to pinpoint the breakthrough in his recovery¡ªsomething that might help him understand where to go next.


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    If Kristian recovered, Lionel and Melinda could finally meet him. The thought brought a faint glimmer of relief, easing the tightness in Freya¡¯s chest.


    ¡°After Gerard filled me in on the past, something inside me clicked¡ªmy whole perspective changed.¡± Realizing she genuinely didn¡¯t seem upset with him, Kristian¡¯s nerves settled atst. ¡°That¡¯s why I pretended I had to grab something.¡±


    ¡°You made that up just to go see Lawrence?¡± Freya¡¯s brows knitted, her expression tinged with confusion.


    They had already agreed¡ªshe was the one who¡¯d take him to meet Lawrence today. What was so important that he had to ditch their agreement and sneak off?


    ¡°Yes.¡± Kristian gave a subtle nod, carefully probing Freya¡¯s reaction while letting Lawrence take the fall. ¡°He mentioned before that if I ever felt off, I could go straight to him.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brow knitted tighter, suspicion flickering in her eyes. Why had Lawrence never brought that up to her?


    ¡°Freya.¡± Kristian paused, cautiously gauging her mood. ¡°Are you upset with me?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not.¡± Her voice was even, though her mind was already set on having a long talk with Lawrence. Still, there was something she had to ask first. ¡°What made you visit him in advance before I coulde with you?¡±


    ¡°I got nervous.¡± Kristian¡¯s voice dipped slightly, the faint tremor betraying a sliver of unease.


    Freya blinked, unsure what to make of that. He was nervous? ¡°Nervous? Of what exactly?¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 799

    ?Chapter 799:


    Kristian¡¯s gaze drifted, his voice quiet but deliberate. ¡°I don¡¯t know how much of my mind is back yet,¡± he said, offering only part of the truth. ¡°But if I ever do fully recover¡­ you¡¯ll stop caring for me. And I can¡¯t bear that.¡±


    A storm of mixed feelings churned inside Freya.


    Ellis hadn¡¯t been wrong¡ªKristian was relying on her far too much.


    ¡°You need to be upfront with me about these things from now on. Got it?¡± she said, her tone firm but not unkind.


    ¡°I promise.¡± Kristian nodded eagerly, then looked at her with tentative eyes. ¡°Freya¡­ you¡¯re not upset about what I said earlier, are you?¡±


    ¡°Definitely not,¡± Freya said quietly, still mulling over how far his recovery hade.


    ¡°Appreciate it. Seriously,¡± Kristian blurted, hurrying over to throw his arms around her.


    Freya went rigid in his grasp, unsure how to process the wave of emotions it stirred.


    Drawing back, she opened her mouth to respond, but Kristian beat her to it, his voice soft and uncertain. ¡°Freya¡­ do you not like me anymore?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied evenly, her toneposed. ¡°Boundaries matter, especially between men and women.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t change the fact that you are like a sister to me,¡± Kristian murmured with wide-eyed honesty. ¡°Even if Gerard says we were once married, I don¡¯t remember any of it. All I know is you¡¯re like a sister to me.¡±


    Freya parted her lips, intending to respond, but Kristian¡¯s eyes dropped to the floor. His voice grew smaller, more uncertain. ¡°Or¡­ are you holding onto the past? Is that why you can¡¯t stand me now?¡±


    ¡°I can be like a sister to you and look after you the way family should,¡± Freya said gently, wanting to set clear boundaries. ¡°But no more hugging or holding hands without a reason, alright?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s shoulders drooped. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you to see Lawrence again tomorrow,¡± she added.


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    His brows drew together. ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°To find out whether your cognitive recovery has anything to do with what happened before,¡± Freya said gently, hoping he¡¯d regain rity soon. ¡°If it does, I¡¯ll figure out a way to speed up your recovery.¡± Her sincere tone reassured him, and Kristian finally nodded. ¡°Alright.¡± Their exchange left him feeling lighter, the weight on his chest easing just a little.


    Now that his own lies were out in the open, Ellis had no more leverage.


    ¡°Freya.¡± Kristian hesitated, a flicker of guilt crossing his eyes. ¡°Aren¡¯t you mad at me? I wasn¡¯t honest about how much I¡¯ve recovered. Doesn¡¯t that count as lying?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d be mad if you kept hiding it from me,¡± Freya said evenly. ¡°But you came clean.¡± She softened a little. ¡°And honestly, I¡¯m relieved. Watching you today, I had a feeling your cognition was improving.¡±


    ¡°You figured out I was getting better?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly¡ªbut I had a hunch things were improving.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re just as sharp as Mr. Lambert,¡± Kristian said. ¡°When he brought me over yesterday, he told me I¡¯d made progress. I didn¡¯t realize you¡¯d picked up on it too.¡±


    Freya frowned slightly, thrown off. Ellis already knew?


    She gave him a puzzled look. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Kristian recounted everything that had happened.


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 Chapter 800

    ?Chapter 800:


    Naturally, once he finished, he tacked on a self-defense. ¡°He said I was getting better. I wanted to be honest with you, but I felt guilty¡ªlike I¡¯d tricked you. And if he had figured it out before you did, I was scared you¡¯d be upset, so I kept acting like I didn¡¯t know any better.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Freya gave a small nod. ¡°It¡¯s behind us now. No need to dwell on it.¡±


    It exined why Ellis had kept reminding her to watch the little things. It made sense now¡ªKristian had been faking it all this time without a single misstep, which was why Ellis hadn¡¯te out and told her directly. No one could treat a suspicion as if it were fact.


    A flicker of emotion stirred in Kristian¡¯s eyes. He¡¯d admitted everything¡ªyet Freya didn¡¯t resent Ellis for keeping her in the dark?


    ¡°You¡¯re still recovering from a fever¡ªtake it easy for a while,¡± Freya said gently. ¡°I¡¯ll check in with Lawrence about the meeting tomorrow.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristian replied, unusually well-behaved.


    As soon as Freya disappeared into the study, he pulled out his phone and fired off a quick message to Lawrence. ¡°I told Freya my brain¡¯s stuck at seventeen. We¡¯ll see you tomorrow¡ªdon¡¯t let anything slip.¡±


    Lawrence narrowed his eyes.


    He frowned. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who said to keep it quiet?¡±


    Kristian replied, ¡°Lying¡¯s not good. She hates it when I lie.¡±


    Lawrence was at a loss for words. As if iming to be seventeen hadn¡¯t been a lie in itself.


    Just as he typed, another message from Kristian popped up. ¡°Or just say no to meeting her. She¡¯ll reach out soon¡ªhave an excuse ready.¡± Things would turn out best if Freya just didn¡¯t bring him to Lawrence. If she brought Kristian to see Lawrence, there was a real risk she¡¯d notice something wasn¡¯t right.


    With his response sent, Lawrence stayed seated in his medical facility, letting out a long, weary breath.


    Knowing Freya, once she caught wind of Kristian¡¯s cognitive recovery, she¡¯d march in with a barrage of questions¡ªstarting with why he¡¯d kept the test results from her.


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    He¡¯d promised to keep her informed about Kristian¡¯s condition whenever there was an update.


    But lying to her again didn¡¯t sit right.


    He¡¯d already pulled one stunt behind her back¡ªdoing it twice would burn any chance of getting her help if things took a turn.


    With that in mind, he powered off his phone and reserved a flight out of the country. This wasn¡¯t just about dodging a confrontation¡ªhe genuinely needed to dig into theplexities of Kristian¡¯s case at an overseas medical base.


    Leaving now felt like the only move that made sense.


    He gathered a few essentials, quietly slipped out of the base, and disappeared.


    Meanwhile, Freya remained unaware of his departure. Seated in the study, she hesitated to reach out to Lawrence, her mind tangled with thoughts of Kristian.


    Over the past two days, a troubling realization had taken root¡ªKristian¡¯s performance bordered on award-winning.


    Not once had she caught a flicker of inconsistency in his tone, demeanor, or expression; his facade had been wless.


    Looking back now, it felt increasingly likely that Ellis had nudged Kristian into copying out a thin book earlier in the day, all with the intent of letting her stumble across his handwriting.


    After all, the hand of a grown man stood out starkly against the scrawl of a child.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 801

    ?Chapter 801:


    And yet, despite that, Kristian had managed to keep his charade perfectly intact.


    ¡°Freya.¡± Kristian¡¯s voice suddenly echoed from outside the door.


    Freya pulled the door open and asked evenly, ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something I¡¯d like to ask you.¡± Kristian, in truth, just wanted to buy Lawrence some space¡ªto let him sort things out on his own. ¡°I¡¯m not sure if you¡¯re up for hearing it.¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°Do you have feelings for the man from next door?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Why was he asking this? Freya stared at him, catching the sincerity etched across his face, but all she could think was how this felt like part of his performance.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t I already answered that before?¡± she said.


    ¡°I just want to be sure. If he told you how he felt, would you be with him?¡± To Kristian, this question mattered more than anything.


    ¡°No.¡± Freya was aware Ellis was good-looking, but charm alone wasn¡¯t enough to win her over. ¡°I¡¯m not interested in anything like that right now.¡±


    Whether it was the mess left behind by herst marriage or just how she was wired, she didn¡¯t care much for romance or the idea of getting hitched. She preferred to let things unfold as they would.


    ¡°Then will you marry me?¡± Kristian asked again.


    Freya blinked in surprise. She gave his forehead a firm poke and said with clear disapproval, ¡°Aren¡¯t we supposed to be like siblings?¡±


    ¡°I want to marry you,¡± Kristian said boldly. ¡°I want to take care of you and treat you right.¡±


    ¡°Forget it. That¡¯s not happening.¡± Freya shut the idea down without hesitation. ¡°I¡¯m not looking for marriage or even a rtionship. I just want to live my life in peace.¡±


    A sharp pang twisted in Kristian¡¯s chest. Was the rejection really that final? ¡°Is it because I hurt you before?¡± he asked, putting on the act once again.


    ¡°It¡¯s got nothing to do with that. This is about me.¡± She didn¡¯t want him fixating on her¡ªit would only cause trouble for both of them. ¡°We¡¯re like siblings. That¡¯s all. Got it?¡±


    Maybe her words stung. But leaving things vague would only feed Kristian¡¯s obsession and mess with his already shaky mind.


    She had seen it all¡ªhis staged emotions, the feigned innocence, the possessive undertones. Everyst bit of it. And she couldn¡¯t let this continue. The only way to break through the fog clouding his mind was to cut the cordpletely¡ªonly then could he let go.


    ¡°I see.¡± Kristian lowered his head, but somewhere deep inside, something had shifted.


    He turned and walked away. His figure looked heavy, as though something deep within him had shattered.


    Freya watched him disappear into his room before quietly shutting the door and calling Lawrence. But no one answered.


    She didn¡¯t bother calling again. She just sent a message.


    The next morning, Lawrence called her back.


    He got straight to the point, saying, ¡°I¡¯m not in Alerith anymore. I¡¯m overseas.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 802

    ?Chapter 802:


    ¡°When did you leave?¡± Freya asked, already standing on the balcony with the phone pressed to her ear.


    ¡°Yesterday.¡± Lawrence didn¡¯t keep anything from her and even added, ¡°Kristian¡¯s follow-up should be scheduled after the New Year. Don¡¯t stress too much. Oh, and there¡¯s something I forgot to mention.¡±


    Freya¡¯s voice was calm. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Kristian¡¯s cognitive function has gotten a bit better.¡± Lawrence¡¯s voice came slow and low. ¡°But it¡¯s still unstable. Try not to let him get too worked up.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brows pinched ever so slightly.


    Something didn¡¯t sit right with her.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, is your signal acting up?¡± Lawrence asked in his usualid-back tone.


    ¡°Before the Butterfly Ind incident, what kind of deal did you make with Kristian?¡± Freya thought it through before getting straight to the point. ¡°Just tell me. I¡¯ll help you once¡ªfor free.¡±


    Lawrence was caught off guard. And the offer was tempting. Enlisting K¡¯s help could be costly. But if she was involved, sess was all but guaranteed.


    ¡°You¡¯re really putting me in a tough spot here,¡± Lawrence said gently.


    Freya didn¡¯t reply.


    After a moment¡¯s silence, Lawrence seemed to relent. ¡°Telling you now won¡¯t change anything. And besides, I gave Kristian my word.¡±


    ¡°You sure you won¡¯t say it?¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Lawrence stuck to it.


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    Freya recalled the conditions they discussed back before Kristian¡¯s rescue¡ªevery single word. ¡°Do you remember the promise you made when you asked me to call Jacob in to save Kristian?¡±


    Lawrence paused. Jacob¡¯s demands shed through his mind. A billion dors¡ªand a favor owed. ¡°I do¡­¡± he said, voice faltering.


    ¡°My favor is this: cancel whatever agreement you have with Kristian,¡± Freya said.


    Lawrence pressed his lips together. ¡°It¡¯s already toote.¡±


    Freya frowned. ¡°What do you mean?¡± But Lawrence didn¡¯t go into it.


    ¡°What was your deal with him?¡± Freya pressed again.


    ¡°Hello?¡± Lawrence yed dumb. ¡°Ms. Briggs, are you there? Hello? Is your signal okay?¡±


    Then, without warning, he hung up.


    But Freya didn¡¯t give him the chance to vanish.


    She called him back immediately, not letting him turn his phone off or slip away unnoticed.


    Lawrence rubbed his temples, sighing yet again over the fact that Kristian had ties to Freya. It made everything moreplicated.


    ¡°Is the signal better now?¡± Freya asked, her voice steady¡ªbut Lawrence could tell she was irritated.


    He knew if he kept dodging, it would only make things worse.


    After a pause, he finally said, with some hesitation, ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°I need to know the details of the deal you made with Kristian,¡± Freya said again.


    ¡°I really can¡¯t say anything about that,¡± Lawrence replied, sounding defeated. His eyes flickered with emotion. ¡°I know I owe you the truth, but the deal I made with Kristian explicitly forbids me from revealing anything to anyone. Freya, there¡¯s an¡­¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 803

    ?Chapter 803:


    ¡°In order to do things, I have to honor that agreement first.¡± Lawrence got it all out in one breath.


    Freya pressed her lips into a line. That was how it should be.


    But still¡­ she had a gnawing feeling that whatever deal they¡¯d struck wasn¡¯t anything good.


    ¡°If you¡¯re that desperate to know, you¡¯ll have to wait until Kristian¡¯s memory and thinking are fully back on track.¡±


    Lawrence thought it over, then added, ¡°If he¡¯s willing to tell you, then I¡¯ve got noints. It wouldn¡¯t vite the agreement.¡±


    Though reluctant, Freya agreed. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯m hanging up.¡± Lawrence didn¡¯t want to keep talking. He knew if he did, he might let something slip.


    Freya had wanted to ask more questions at first, but she already knew it was pointless¡ªLawrence wouldn¡¯t give her a single word more.


    She decided it was best to hang up on him.


    For the next two days, she doted on Kristian with care and attention, and to her relief, he was perfectly cooperative.


    Just a few days shy of Christmas, Isaac finally made his appearance in Alerith.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading to the airport to pick up your dad. Do you want toe with me or stay home?¡± Freya asked Kristian, giving him the choice.


    Kristian didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I¡¯ll go with you.¡±


    He didn¡¯t want his dad showing up at all. But under the circumstances, there was no stopping it. Better to go along¡ªat least then, his dad wouldn¡¯t get the chance to speak ill of him when Freya was around.


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    Freya gave a nod and took him to the airport.


    In the car, Kristian seemed slightly unsettled. ¡°Freya, is my dad really strict?¡±


    ¡°Not at all. He¡¯s actually nice,¡± Freya replied truthfully. ¡°He really does care about you.¡±


    Impossible¡ªthis was Kristian¡¯s first thought.


    Judging by the tone of theirst phone call, his dad sounded like a piece of work.


    ¡°Is heing to take me home?¡± Kristian asked, his eyes wide and earnest. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back. I just want to stay with you.¡±


    Freya hesitated for a beat. Kristian¡¯s mental age had now reached seventeen.


    As long as she properly introduced his family to him and filled in the gaps of his past, he could keep his condition a secret.


    Maybe he could even return home for Christmas.


    ¡°Freya,¡± Kristian called her name again.


    ¡°He¡¯s just here to check on you,¡± Freya replied gently, choosing not to say too much for now. She¡¯d discuss the rest with Isaacter.


    When they reached the airport, Freya asked the driver to pull over by the curb. Momentster, Isaac emerged from the terminal.


    Freya stepped out to greet him.


    The driver assisted in loading Isaac¡¯s luggage before they all got into the car.


    Kristian sat beside Isaac, while Freya took the seat up front.


    ¡°You¡¯re not even going to say hello?¡± Isaac said, spotting Kristian by the window, looking distant and clearly unwilling to speak. He pressed, ¡°Since when did you get so rude?¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 804

    ?Chapter 804:


    Kristian had no desire to talk to him. As expected, he didn¡¯t like this man one bit.


    ¡°Nothing? Not even a hello?¡± Isaac pushed again.


    Kristian nced over at Freya, then pressed his lips together and grudgingly mumbled, ¡°Hi, Dad.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s more like it,¡± Isaac said, a faint smile tugging at his lips.


    Kristian¡¯s mood plummeted. This man was truly baffling. Weren¡¯t fathers supposed to be stern and authoritative? How was this guy like that?


    ¡°Isaac, I¡¯ve made a reservation at a restaurant,¡± Freya said warmly. She¡¯d always had a favorable impression of Isaac. ¡°We can talk about Kristian¡¯s condition over the meal.¡±


    Isaac agreed, ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    During the ride, Isaac made light conversation with Kristian, treating his amnesiac son no differently than usual. His demeanor hadn¡¯t changed in the slightest. This led to Kristian getting thoroughly outmaneuvered in every subtle exchange.


    Given how things stood, he didn¡¯t dare challenge his father¡ªnot with Freya right there.


    At exactly 11:30 a.m., the car pulled up in front of a restaurant. Freya led them both inside, and the manager escorted them to a private dining room she¡¯d arranged ahead of time.


    Before the food was brought out, Freya took the opportunity to exin Kristian¡¯s situation to Isaac.


    Isaac listened attentively, and then zeroed in on what mattered. ¡°So aside from his memory and mental faculties, everything else checks out?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya affirmed with a nod.


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    ¡°Kristian,¡± Isaac said, turning to face his son.


    Kristian immediately got a bad feeling and looked up. His gut told him¡ªhis dad was about to stir the pot.


    ¡°Since you¡¯re doing fine now, you cane back to Jeucwell with me tomorrow,¡± Isaac said, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Your mom and grandpa miss you dearly. They want you home for Christmas.¡±


    ¡°Not happening,¡± Kristian shot back without a second¡¯s pause. His tone softened slightly when he turned to Freya. ¡°I stay with Freya.¡±


    Isaac replied, ¡°I don¡¯t mind you staying with Freya most of the time,¡± he said coolly, still measured and unhurried. ¡°But it¡¯s Christmas. Are you nning to celebrate it with her family?


    Putting aside whether Freya would even agree, considering everything Kristian had done in the past, Isaac simply couldn¡¯t allow him to barge in on the Briggs family¡¯s celebration. It would only make things awkward for everyone involved.¡±


    ¡°Yeah, why not?¡± Kristian fired back.


    ¡°Christmas is meant to be spent with family,¡± Isaac said, deliberatelyying it on thick. ¡°If you go, all you¡¯ll do is sour the mood for her family. And if your presence ruins their celebration, what do you expect Freya to do about it?¡±


    Isaac had a point. Kristian faltered, unable toe up with aeback.


    From the standpoint of Freya¡¯s father, any man who couldn¡¯t make his daughter happy had no ce sticking around.


    But what if, after he went home with Isaac, Freya and Ellis got closer?


    ¡°Starting to think your old man¡¯s making sense?¡± Isaac asked, his gaze sharp as a de.


    ¡°I¡¯ll just wait for Freya at home,¡± Kristian muttered. ¡°I¡¯m not going home for Christmas.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 805

    ?Chapter 805:


    ¡°You should go back with Isaac.¡± Freya chimed in at just the right moment. ¡°If you still want to return after Christmas, I can send someone to pick you up.¡±


    Kristian instantly felt sour, his thoughts taking a dark turn. Did she really want him gone?


    ¡°Your family¡¯s been extremely worried about you. If you don¡¯t go back, they¡¯ll only grow more anxious,¡± Freya said earnestly, hoping he¡¯d understand.


    Kristian wanted to argue, but he didn¡¯t want her to think poorly of him. ¡°I don¡¯t want to go back.¡±


    ¡°Freya doesn¡¯t like people who don¡¯t care about their family,¡± Isaac said under his breath, tossing the remark out to provoke him.


    Kristian stayed silent. Was this man put on earth just to make his life miserable?


    He scrambled to make his case. ¡°I don¡¯t even know them. I¡¯ve got no memory of anything. If I go back, they¡¯ll figure it out¡ªand won¡¯t that just make them worry more?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it,¡± Isaac said, clearly amused by the whole thing. ¡°Your grandpa¡¯s attention span is terrible. Once heys eyes on you, his curiosity will vanish. As for your mom¡ªshe¡¯s only ever truly cared about one person: me.¡±


    Kristian gave him a look of pure disbelief. Was this man seriously bragging about his marriage right now?


    ¡°Well then,¡± Kristian retorted, ¡°if that¡¯s true, why should I even bother going back?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll understand once you¡¯re there,¡± Isaac replied vaguely.


    Kristian harbored his suspicions. Was this man truly his father?


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    ¡°If you¡¯re worried that someone might find out, I can provide you with all the information about your family,¡± Freya offered with a shrug.


    ¡°Do you want me to go back?¡± Kristian asked, a flicker of disappointment twisting in his chest.


    Freya didn¡¯t sugarcoat it. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°After Christmas, will youe pick me up?¡±


    ¡°I want you toe get me in person.¡± It was the only concession Kristian was willing to make.


    ¡°Sure,¡± Freya replied without missing a beat. ¡°But I can¡¯t show up directly at the Shaw estate.¡±


    If she went there, Lionel and Melinda might jump to the wrong conclusion. After the divorce, she only stopped by when it was absolutely necessary.


    If she made an appearanceter, they might assume she and Kristian were reconciling.


    Kristian weighed the situation. Deep down, he knew he didn¡¯t have much room to bargain. With Freya and Isaac both pulling the strings, there wasn¡¯t going to be a chance to say no.


    ¡°Fine, but you have toe get me after Christmas. No stalling.¡± Kristian finally gave in.


    Freya cast a nce at Isaac, who nodded ever so slightly. That was enough for her to agree.


    After dinner, Isaac left for a nearby hotel, reminding Kristian that he¡¯d be back in three days.


    During that time, Freya made good on her promise. She walked Kristian through introductions with his family, narrating backstories and connections. She even gave him a crash course on his old friends, Felipe included¡ªjust in case.


    After all, with a few days back in his hometown, there was no telling who he might bump into. Better safe than blindsided. Time passed swiftly.


    The day had finallye¡ªKristian was heading home with Isaac. Even though Kristian wasn¡¯t exactly thrilled, Isaac showed up right on time.


    .


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 Chapter 806

    ?Chapter 806:


    Before he left, Freya offered onest word of caution. ¡°Once you¡¯re there, remember everything I told you. With the way you fake things, you¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristian said, ying along.


    ¡°Fake things?¡± Isaac lifted a brow, mildly amused. Kristian had those kinds of skills?


    Freya gave a clipped exnation, skipping over any mention of his previous fabrications. She just noted that Kristian had a knack for pretending.


    Isaac studied him for a moment but chose not to press.


    With nothing more left to cover, Isaac escorted Kristian out.


    They reached the Shaw estate right at three in the afternoon.


    Isaac straightened his clothes, exuding elegance and calm. His manner was that of aposed gentleman, the kind who rarely raised his voice.


    ¡°Home,¡± the butler greeted with clear astonishment.


    ¡°Mm,¡± Isaac responded coolly. ¡°Is Melinda with my dad?¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir,¡± the butler replied. ¡°Liam just returned. He brought back a ton of gifts. They¡¯re all in the main hall.¡±


    Isaac led Kristian down the familiar hallway toward the main room. The second they stepped in, all three upants turned and locked eyes on Kristian, surprise etched into their faces.


    ¡°Well, look who finally showed up!¡±


    ¡°Kristian?¡±


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t it said that he wouldn¡¯t being back?¡± The questions flew in rapid session.


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    Isaac gave Kristian a side nce, then continued strolling forward. ¡°He wasn¡¯t nning on it. Took some convincing to drag him back.¡±


    Kristian disagreed. Isaac had barely lifted a finger. Wasn¡¯t it Freya who did all the pushing?


    ¡°What were you up to in Alerith, Kristian?¡± Liam asked, curiosity twinkling in his eyes. He leaned close and lowered his voice. ¡°Were you busy chasing after your ex-wife?¡±


    Kristian turned toward him, his expression unreadable.


    He¡¯d reached a verdict¡ªLiam might actually be useful.


    Lionel¡¯s earlier enthusiasm evaporated, giving way to his usual stern gruffness.


    ¡°What¡¯s the point?¡± he grumbled. ¡°If he doesn¡¯t want to be here, then let him stay gone. This house won¡¯t fall apart just because he¡¯s not in it.¡±


    His frustration simmered under the surface. Back in the day, no matter how hectic things got, Kristian always made time for a monthly call. Every Christmas, he¡¯d return home early without fail.


    Now, not only had he ghosted them for months, but he waltzed back in without so much as a proper greeting.


    He needed a wake-up call.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want toe back. He made me.¡± Kristian wasn¡¯t the same person anymore. The words came out sharp, unfiltered.


    He couldn¡¯t wrap his head around it. If everyone in the family despised him, then why had Freya insisted on his return?


    Fuming, he spun around and stormed out of the room. He followed the directions Freya had given him and navigated straight to his bedroom. The reaction stunned everyone¡ªincluding Isaac.


    Melinda rushed after him, her voice low and concerned. ¡°Kristian, what¡¯s wrong?¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 807

    ?Chapter 807:


    He wanted to tell her that none of them wanted him there at all. But when he met her eyes, saw the sincerity in them, the words faltered and died.


    ¡°Nothing. Just tired,¡± he muttered, his tone losing its edge. ¡°I need some rest.¡±


    With that, he turned and disappeared down the hallway before Melinda could say another word.


    ¡°Kristian!¡±


    ¡°Let him go.¡± Isaac gently caught Melinda¡¯s arm, his eyes darkening. ¡°He needs some time.¡±


    ¡°But what¡¯s going on with him?¡± she asked, clearly shaken by his coldness. ¡°Did something happen while he was away?¡±


    The tension between Lionel and Kristian had always followed a pattern: Lionel¡¯s rough jabs met by Kristian¡¯s lighthearted teasing.


    To outsiders, Lionel¡¯s behavior might¡¯ve seemed harsh, but Kristian had always seen through it. Their banter was just that¡ªbanter.


    Underneath it all, there had always been warmth.


    But this¡­ this was something else entirely.


    ¡°What the hell¡¯s gotten into that brat?¡± Lionel asked, visibly rattled.


    ¡°No clue.¡± Isaac kept his tone intentionally nonchnt. ¡°Ask him yourself after he gets some rest.¡±


    A heavy silence settled like fog over the main hall.


    While Melinda and Lionel exchanged anxious looks, Liam remained the only one unbothered.


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    A whileter, Lionel decided to check in.


    He found Kristian in the bedroom, clutching his phone. As soon as Lionel stepped in, the device was locked and shoved aside. Kristian¡¯s stare was ice-cold. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    That re cut deep, but Lionel didn¡¯t flinch.


    He knew Kristian better than that. Kristian wouldn¡¯t look at him like that unless something had seriously gone wrong.


    ¡°I was out of line earlier.¡± Lionel had never been too proud to admit when he¡¯d messed up¡ªnot with Kristian. ¡°I came to apologize.¡±


    Kristian froze.


    Just like that, the fury and frost in him evaporated.


    He looked at the old man in front of him¡ªhis grey beard, the years heavy on his shoulders¡ªand something unspoken stirred in his chest. In his mind, Lionel was supposed to be stubborn beyond reason. So why had hee here to say sorry?


    ¡°Still sulking?¡± Lionel asked, his voice warm and sincere, his entire demeanor softening with genuine concern.


    Kristian¡¯s stance rxed slightly, though his words still carried a trace of sharpness. ¡°I¡¯m not sulking. Just trying to figure out why you want me here when it¡¯s obvious I¡¯m not really wanted.¡±


    ¡°We never meant to make you feel that way,¡± Lionel replied with quiet gentleness, his brows drawn in worry. ¡°You¡¯re the pride of the family, the one who¡¯s actually made something of himself. That¡¯s just how we greet each other, always have. But I should¡¯ve picked up on how you were feeling much sooner.¡±


    A flicker of emotion passed across Kristian¡¯s face. The old man truly seemed to care. Freya hadn¡¯t lied to him.


    ¡°Can you tell me what happened?¡± Lionel asked, his tone calm, hoping to bridge the distance between them.


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 Chapter 808

    ?Chapter 808:


    Kristian, keeping to Freya¡¯s instructions, kept his usual poker face.


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Freya, isn¡¯t it?¡± Lionel said suddenly, unable to hold it in.


    Kristian looked at him again, eyes narrowing just slightly.


    Lionel reached for the coffee pot, nning to ease into conversation.


    But Kristian moved faster, pouring the coffee with the kind of fluidity that startled even himself. It wasn¡¯t something he thought about¡ªit was muscle memory, pure and simple.


    Lionel¡¯s eyes clouded with somethingplicated, and a heaviness settled in his chest.


    ¡°Kristian,¡± he said after a thoughtful pause, this time with more weight, ¡°if you can¡¯t win Freya back, maybe it¡¯s best to let her go. You know what she¡¯s like¡ªonce her mind¡¯s made up, she won¡¯t change it. She¡¯s not the type to go back, especially after everything that happened.¡±


    Most women might have let it go. But Freya was wired differently.


    ¡°I will win her back,¡± Kristian said, his voice steady and sure. ¡°And she has already forgiven me for what happened in the past.¡±


    Lionel felt a flicker of hope, followed by a quiet sigh. If Freya had forgiven Kristian, it probably meant she was ready to move on¡ªfor good.


    How he hoped Kristian had cherished Freya sooner.


    ¡°Go see Melindater,¡± Lionel said, eyeing him closely, his features marked with a tangle of emotions. ¡°It¡¯s my fault. Don¡¯t be mad at her.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Kristian agreed with a nod.


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    After telling him to get some rest, Lionel rose to leave.


    Watching him walk away, Kristian¡¯s heart twinged unexpectedly. He stood and called out, ¡°Grandpa.¡±


    Lionel paused, his eyes catching the light, emotions stirring beneath the surface.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Kristian said atst, the weight of Lionel¡¯s concern finally pressing on him. ¡°I was out of line earlier.¡±


    ¡°If you know you were out of line, then go apologize to your mom,¡± Lionel said, his spirit visibly lifted, a faint smile curling at his lips. ¡°If she worries too much, your dad¡¯s definitelying after you.¡±


    Kristian was thrown off by his attitude. This family¡¯s way of showing love was truly perplexing.


    Still, despite the strangeness, it warmed him. Not the same warmth he felt with Freya¡ªthis was different. This warmth held him up like a pir beneath everything else.


    Once Lionel had gone, Kristian dutifully went to see Melinda. Just as Freya told him, he masked his personality well and casually offered a made-up excuse for feeling off.


    Melinda, who had watched him grow from a boy into a man, sensed something wasn¡¯t quite right almost immediately during their short exchange.


    But she said nothing to Kristian directly, waiting until he left before turning to Isaac.


    ¡°Alright, spill it. What¡¯s going on with Kristian?¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t give me that. If you don¡¯t fess up, you¡¯re not sleeping in our bed tonight.¡±


    ¡°I seriously don¡¯t know anything.¡±


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 Chapter 809

    ?Chapter 809:


    ¡°I don¡¯t buy that for a second.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m telling you the truth.¡±


    Melinda knew her husband was far too slick for his own good. Just as she was about to change tactics, Isaac pulled her into his arms, full of unbothered affection and the slightest tease in his touch.


    Melinda could never resist when he acted like that. He wasn¡¯t being serious at all!


    But Isaac had a way of getting her off track before she even noticed, and sure enough, she was led away from the topic without realizing it. Once he had soothed his wife, Isaac went looking for Kristian, who¡¯d returned home and was now giving Melinda unnecessary stress. He had to settle things.


    When he found him, Kristian was on the phone with Freya, grumbling about being scolded, clearly feeling sorry for himself.


    ¡°Freya, can youe get me sooner?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice waspletely different now. ¡°I really don¡¯t want to be here anymore.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡± Isaac¡¯s voice cut in smoothly from the doorway.


    Kristian¡¯s brows twitched. His gut told him this man was about to throw a wrench into everything.


    ¡°You know, your grandpa and Freya are pretty close,¡± Isaac said, genuinely tired of watching Lionel and Melinda worry over this boy. ¡°If I told Freya how you treated your grandpa just now, what do you think she¡¯d say?¡±


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare,¡± Kristian mouthed.


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I?¡± Isaac returned evenly, unfazed. ¡°What, you going to hit me now?¡±


    Kristian found him impossible to deal with. He seriously wanted to punch this guy. What kind of father was this? Aside from stirring up trouble, what else was he good at?


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    He couldn¡¯t wrap his head around how the old Kristian had managed to survive in a family like this and still turn outposed.


    ¡°Well,¡± Kristian muttered into the phone to Freya, lying without hesitation, ¡°My grandpa sent someone to fetch me. I¡¯ll hang up now.¡± And just like that, he ended the call, his hands curling slowly into fists at his sides.


    ¡°What do you want now?¡± Kristian muttered, thoroughly annoyed by Isaac¡¯s presence.


    ¡°Just stick to what Freya told you,¡± Isaac said seriously for once. ¡°Your grandpa¡¯s getting on in years. He can¡¯t handle too much stress.¡±


    Kristian had already changed his attitude toward Lionel. ¡°I don¡¯t need you to tell me that.¡±


    ¡°Great. Then go y a game of chess with him,¡± Isaac suggested. ¡°If you can¡¯t hold your own, download some app and cheat¡ªjust don¡¯t get caught.¡±


    Kristian hated that idea. Cheating? That made him sound like aplete amateur.


    But without his memories, he couldn¡¯t wrap his head around chess strategy fast enough to hold his own.


    He gave it a fair shot, ying a round with Lionel on his own merits, only to suffer a humiliating defeat.


    In the end, he was left with no choice but to fall back on the chess app. Lionel had his suspicions at first, wondering how Kristian¡¯s abilities had declined so suddenly, but by the second game, he brushed it off. Both of them were focused¡ªthe old man ying with intent, and Kristian juggling his moves while peeking at the phone hidden just below the table.


    In the middle of this, he failed to notice what was happening behind him.


    Liam walked over with a tray of fruit, intending to set it down. As he passed behind Kristian, he caught sight of the phone tucked beneath the table, disying a chess game screen.


    .


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 Chapter 810

    Chapter 810:


    Theyout on the phone matched the one on the board exactly. Kristian was cheating!


    ¡°Kristian, what are you¡­¡± Liam¡¯s words trailed off as his eyes dropped to Kristian¡¯s phone¡ªtantly being used to cheat¡ªthen flicked back to him with a knowing look.


    Kristian stiffened for the briefest second. It was instantly clear to him that he¡¯d been caught red-handed.


    ¡°What?¡± Lionel snapped, cutting him off before he could say another word, his tone suddenly cold andced with sternmand. ¡°Sportsmanship starts with silence during another¡¯s turn. Not a sound.¡±


    Liam threw him a few more curious nces.


    Kristian, offering only a fleeting look in return, resumed the game without so much as a tremble. His calm was almost unnerving.


    Though questions swirled in his head, Liam chose not to call him out right then. Instead, he quietly took a seat nearby, deciding to bring it up once the match was over.


    Using an app to cheat wasn¡¯t something Kristian would normally stoop to.


    Kristian didn¡¯t stay in the game with Lionel much longer. After three rounds, he found a convenient excuse to wrap it up.


    The real reason was simple¡ªhis phone had died.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on with you today?¡± Lionel frowned at the chessboard, scrutinizing the pieces.


    Kristian responded smoothly, ¡°What do you mean?¡±


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    ¡°The way you yed thesest three games¡ªit¡¯s nothing like your usual style,¡± Lionel said, his expression caught somewhere between confusion and suspicion. ¡°And your skill level¡¯s taken a nosedive. What¡¯s up with that?¡±


    ¡°Maybe I¡¯m just tired from flying,¡± Kristian answered with practiced ease. ¡°I couldn¡¯t really concentrate.¡±


    Lionel brushed the excuse aside almost immediately.


    Exhaustion or a distracted mind wouldn¡¯t exin such a dramatic shift in strategy, as if he were ying with someone else¡¯s brain. ¡°Forget it,¡± Lionel muttered, deciding not to push further, assuming Kristian was still bitter over earlier issues. ¡°Get some rest. We¡¯ll have a proper rematch in a few days.¡±


    Kristian gave a brief nod. ¡°Alright.¡±


    They packed away the pieces and left it at that.


    Kristian made his way to the backyard, intending to get some air. As soon as he sat down, Liam sauntered over, wearing a mischievous grin. Kristian nced at him but stayed quiet.


    Liam slid into the chair beside him, propping his head on one hand and half-teasing, asked, ¡°Kristian, don¡¯t you have something to say?¡±


    ¡°Say what?¡±


    ¡°I saw you using your phone to cheat,¡± Liam said bluntly. ¡°Aren¡¯t you scared I¡¯ll tell Grandpa?¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re so eager to send him into a rage, be my guest,¡± Kristian said tly, ying his part to perfection, though his mind was miles away. ¡°Doesn¡¯t bother me.¡±


    Liam pushed further. ¡°This isn¡¯t like you at all. What¡¯s really going on?¡± If not for Kristian¡¯s unchanged face and mannerisms, Liam might have seriously questioned whether he was still the same person.


    Not only had he returned in a bad mood, but now he was also cheating at chess.


    Neither had ever happened once in the past. What on earth could have sparked such a sharp change in character?


    .


    .


    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Enjoy the weekend dear ones. God loves you and Noah whishes you all the best. (=?=) /


    .

 Chapter 811

    ?Chapter 811:


    ¡°It¡¯s none of your business,¡± Kristian replied coolly, keeping to the rule that less said meant fewer mistakes.


    Liam guessed, ¡°Something happen with Freya that¡¯s got you down?¡± But even that didn¡¯t sit right. Kristian wasn¡¯t the type to let his personal issues spill over to his family, much less act so far out of line.


    ¡°Down?¡± Kristian didn¡¯t care for the word and felt the need to correct him. ¡°I¡¯m staying at her ce now. Does that sound like I¡¯m down?¡±


    Liam was thoroughly baffled, half-wondering if Kristian had gone off the deep end.


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell Grandpa or Mom about this,¡± Kristian added reluctantly, remembering his father¡¯s earlier advice. ¡°I¡¯ll tell them once I¡¯ve gotten Freya back.¡±


    Kristian was so confident? Did something happen between him and Freya? Liam was genuinely floored.


    What caught him even more off guard was the mention of his dad.


    ¡°Dad knows?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kristian answered without hesitation.


    Liam thought back to how normal their father had seemed and couldn¡¯t help but admire the man¡¯s ability to keep such secrets buried. Just then, the butler walked over and announced, ¡°Sir, Mr. Yates has arrived.¡±


    ¡°Not seeing him,¡± Kristian responded sharply, without even a flicker of doubt.


    From Freya¡¯s previous introduction, he already knew Felipe was a full-blown scumbag.


    Getting too cozy with him would only make Freya think he hadn¡¯t changed a bit.


    ???????????? ???? ???????? ?????????????? @ ?????????¦Í??????©q?????


    He needed to steer clear.


    ¡°Not seeing me? What for?¡± Felipe strolled in casually, as if he owned the ce¡ªtheir families had always been close. ¡°What did I ever do to you?¡±


    Kristian gave a measured reply, his gaze cool andced with contempt. ¡°I don¡¯t associate with heartless jerks like you.¡±


    Felipe blinked, taken aback. He kicked at Kristian¡¯s chair and stared him down. ¡°You nuts? If we¡¯re talking about jerks, you win hands down. At least I did what I did out of concern for Farrah¡¯s health. You? You were just in cruel.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re so disgusted by me, why¡¯d you even show up?¡± Kristian shot back.


    He wasn¡¯t the same old Kristian. These days, if he didn¡¯t like someone, he let them know¡ªespecially if it was someone Freya couldn¡¯t stand. Felipe fell silent. Kristian¡¯s reasoning was so bulletproof, there wasn¡¯t anything to say.


    Watching the tension escte, Liam wisely slipped away, giving them space to hash it out.


    ¡°To have a drink with you,¡± Felipe admitted atst.


    Kristian gave him a long, unreadable look, nailing the part as if he were born for it.


    Felipe took the seat Liam had vacated and slouched into it, visibly worn out. ¡°Farrah divorced me.¡±


    Since signing the papers, he¡¯d tried everything to get her back, but Farrah hadn¡¯t budged.


    ¡°She didn¡¯t even want a cent. Just told me to leave her alone,¡± Felipe said bitterly, half wishing she had demanded something¡ªanything. But she hadn¡¯t. ¡°She was dead serious. It¡¯s over.¡±


    He sometimes wished Farrah were more like Freya¡ªat least Freya would have negotiated terms during a divorce.


    But Farrah was stubborn to her core.


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 Chapter 812

    ?Chapter 812:


    In truth, she hadn¡¯t taken a thing because she didn¡¯t want to owe him, nor did she want people dragging her name through the mudter, using her of greed.


    In the age of the inte, nothing stayed ck and white.


    If the truth ever came out, and people realized how wealthy Felipe was, they¡¯d say things like, ¡°Honestly, if my husband gave me 1.4 billion, I¡¯d let him sleep around all he wants.¡±


    Even if said in jest,ments like that could cut deep.


    There¡¯s no real empathy in the digital world, and people don¡¯t realize just how badly their words can scar¡ªsometimes deep enough to ruin someonepletely.


    People who had never tasted gut-wrenching heartbreak could easily shrug off emotions, waving them away like they meant nothing.


    But Farrah wasn¡¯t like that. She held emotions close, treasured them with an almost sacred reverence. Taking the money would make her feel like the pain and betrayal of that rtionship could be swept under the rug with a check. That¡¯s exactly why she chose to walk away empty-handed.


    To some, her decision seemed downright foolish. They thought Felipe owed her, that she had every right to im her fair share of the marital assets after the split.


    But Farrah didn¡¯t want anything from him. What she wanted more than anything was to sever all ties with him for good.


    Freya, on the other hand, came from a family so powerful their wealth was practically untouchable. Her whole vibe was nothing like Farrah¡¯s. Even if scandal came knocking, her status would silence any whispers before they could form.


    Too bad Felipe didn¡¯t grasp any of that. He just assumed Farrah still hated him and was refusing everything out of spite.


    ¡°Since she doesn¡¯t want anything, you¡¯re just not going to give her anything?¡± Kristian sneered.


    Despite carrying the weight of his own regrets, he¡¯d at least forked over 1.4 billion, along with a house and a car for Freya.


    In his eyes, Felipe was the lowest of the low.


    ¡°What else am I supposed to do?¡± Felipe shot Kristian a wary look. ¡°She gave back every cent I sent her and said if I ever tried again, she¡¯d vanish so thoroughly I¡¯d never find her.¡±


    Kristian gave him a withering look full of contempt.


    Felipe red. ¡°Seriously? What the hell¡¯s that look supposed to mean?¡± Damn it! He was being looked down on.


    ¡°Looks to me like you don¡¯t really love her,¡± Kristian said, suddenly acting like some smug rtionship guru, his tone maddeningly calm.


    ¡°If that¡¯s the case, maybe quit pestering her.¡±


    ¡°Who said I don¡¯t love her?¡± Felipe snapped, instantly offended.


    He was dead sure about his feelings for Farrah. He loved her so much that, when she insisted on leaving, he swallowed every ounce of pride and let her go.


    ¡°Cut the act,¡± Kristian said tly. ¡°If you gave a damn, you¡¯d have found a way to get the money to her by now.¡±


    Felipe blinked, dumbfounded. The urge to punch Kristian surged through him.


    But something about Kristian¡¯s words hit a nerve. He hesitated, then asked, ¡°Do you have a way?¡±


    ¡°Call me your mentor,¡± Kristian said coolly. Felipe froze.


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 Chapter 813

    ?Chapter 813:


    ¡°Are you going to do it?¡±


    ¡°When did you be such a freak?¡±


    Kristian felt a sudden rush of emotion; all of it stirred up by his so-called father.


    Felipe, clearly desperate to make things right with Farrah and help her live well, gritted his teeth and asked, ¡°If I say you are my mentor, will you spill it?¡±


    ¡°Fine, you are my mentor.¡±


    Kristian found it utterly dull. Where was the satisfaction?


    ¡°So, aren¡¯t you going to tell me now?¡±


    ¡°Say it louder.¡±


    ¡°Kristian, have youpletely lost it?¡± Felipe exploded, his voice filled with disgust. ¡°When the hell did you turn into such a weirdo?¡± He could hardly stomach it.


    Kristian noticed his anger and felt slightly appeased. ¡°Whatever. I¡¯m not the one with the problem here.¡±


    Felipe was left speechless, wondering where the hell Kristian had picked up this lunacy. Was Gerard the culprit?


    ¡°I¡¯ve got things to do, not wasting more time on you.¡± Kristian stood, still putting on a show, but inside, he¡¯d slipped back into his usual self.


    ¡°Whatever.¡±


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    ¡°What now?¡±


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    Felipe clenched his fists, fury radiating from his eyes. After calming the fire inside, he forced the words out through gritted teeth. ¡°Fine, you are my mentor.¡± It made his skin crawl.


    ¡°If it¡¯s such a chore, forget it.¡±


    ¡°You are my mentor!¡± Felipe said through gritted teeth.


    Kristian finally felt a flicker of satisfaction. Maybe Freya would give him a pat on the back. ¡°Say it louder three times.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re my mentor.¡± Each time, the resentment thickened in Felipe¡¯s voice.


    ¡°Keep going.¡±


    ¡°I already said it three times!¡±


    ¡°That first one was half-assed. Doesn¡¯t count.¡±


    ¡°You are my mentor!¡±


    Felipe silently swore that once he got what he wanted, he¡¯d make Kristian regret it.


    ¡°Can you talk now?¡± Felipe asked, doing his best to swallow the nausea, though his bitterness boiled over.


    ¡°Compensating her doesn¡¯t have to mean wiring cash,¡± Kristian said, convinced Felipe was a few screws short. He wondered for the hundredth time what kind of idiots the old Kristian used to hang around with.


    Gerard was a lost cause. And Felipe? Not far behind.


    ¡°What are you saying?¡± Felipe pressed him. ¡°Spit it out.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s an actress, isn¡¯t she?¡± Kristian remembered Freya¡¯s rundown with startling rity. ¡°You could quietly hook her up with roles or endorsements.¡±


    ¡°With where she stands now, even if I throw resources at her, it won¡¯t help much.¡± Felipe had thought this through, and it only made him more anxious. ¡°With no gigstely and me messing things up, she¡¯s falling fast.¡±


    ¡°You really can¡¯t promote her?¡± Kristian looked like he wanted to smack his forehead.


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 Chapter 814

    ?Chapter 814:


    ¡°If I do, she¡¯ll know,¡± Felipe said, frustrated.


    He had nned to slip her some money, maybe quietly boost her career from behind the scenes.


    But she¡¯d seen straight through him, made it clear¡ªno meddling, no interference. Otherwise, she¡¯de to truly despise him.


    That¡¯s what kept him stuck.


    ¡°With how amazing Farrah is, she probably has admirers lined up around the block,¡± Kristian said, sharper now than ever. ¡°Find someone else¡ªsomeone credible¡ªto help her out. Ideally, someone you¡¯ve shed with before.¡±


    That way, it wouldn¡¯t look suspicious.


    Felipe rejected the idea without blinking. ¡°Absolutely not. If that happens, she¡¯ll end up thanking him. What if she falls for a con?¡±


    ¡°If she does, Freya will handle it.¡± Kristian kept things vague. ¡°Are you worried she¡¯ll be tricked, or that she¡¯ll mistake your kindness for someone else¡¯s?¡±


    Just like that, Kristian hit the nail on the head.


    Felipe didn¡¯t want to admit it, but that was exactly it. He was scared she¡¯d think someone else cared about her.


    He wanted her to know he was the one who still cared, that he wanted to fix the mess between them. If someone else took credit, he¡¯d be left with nothing.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t do that, maybe you don¡¯t love her as much as you think.¡± Kristian was firmly in Freya¡¯s camp now, throwing his support behind Farrah. ¡°Real love¡¯s about giving without expecting something in return.¡±


    Felipe was torn in two. Part of him wanted Farrah to see his effort. The other part just wanted her to be truly happy.


    ¡°Even then, whoever helps her might not get her to the top. Besides, what she really wants is to be a real performing artist.¡± After wrestling with it, Felipe finally voiced what had been weighing on him.


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    He¡¯d only recently learned that was Farrah¡¯s dream.


    If he could turn back time, he would¡¯ve held her close from the very beginning.


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t kill you to use that brain of yours every now and then. Ever heard of pulling strings quietly from the shadows?¡± Kristian couldn¡¯t even be bothered to engage with Felipe. ¡°Chasing dreams doesn¡¯t mean she can¡¯t make money too.¡±


    Felipe¡¯s fists clenched tight. If Kristian hadn¡¯t actually made a bit of sense just now, he would¡¯ve decked him on the spot.


    ¡°You talk like your brain is some kind of godsend.¡± Now that he¡¯d figured out the method to help Farrah, Felipe didn¡¯t care about offending Kristian anymore. ¡°Or did you already forget how your marriage with Freya ended because of Ashley?¡±


    ¡°And then?¡± Kristian asked, cool andposed.


    ¡°Who was the one wallowing in regret afterward?¡± Felipe let out a cold snort.


    Kristian looked at that smug expression and replied in a slow, deliberate tone, ¡°I¡¯d watch your mouth if I were you. If I¡¯m in a bad mood, I might let Farrah in on all those little ns of yours. You wouldn¡¯t want that, would you?¡±


    Felipe cursed him silently.


    ¡°And another thing,¡± Kristian added, sensing his moment of victory, ¡°I did regret it¡ªbut Freya forgave me. She even let me stay at her ce.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s impossible!¡± Felipe blurted out.


    He didn¡¯t know Freya well, but if there was one thing he was sure of, it was that once she was betrayed, she¡¯d never get back with Kristian. How could she possibly let Kristian crash at her ce? This was even harder to believe than Farrah forgiving him.


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 Chapter 815

    ?Chapter 815:


    Kristian was clearly savoring the look on Felipe¡¯s face. Then he pulled out his phone. Making no attempt to hide anything, he located a photo and handed it over. ¡°See for yourself.¡±


    Felipe took the phone. The picture showed Freya in the middle of something, clearly busy.


    His brows furrowed instantly. The backgroundyout wasn¡¯t Kristian¡¯s ce¡ªno doubt about that. And it wasn¡¯t some old photo either. But still, Freya letting Kristian stay over? It didn¡¯t add up.


    ¡°If you still think I¡¯m lying, I¡¯ll call her,¡± Kristian offered, clearly looking to provoke him further.


    Felipe didn¡¯t buy it. ¡°Then go ahead. Call her.¡±


    Kristian shot him a nce, then dialed Freya¡¯s number.


    At that moment, Freya was with Ethel, Ethel¡¯s boyfriend, and Ellis. Seeing Kristian¡¯s call, she told them she needed to take it, then swiped to answer. ¡°Hello?¡±


    Felipe was stunned. Freya sounded so¡­ gentle. Shouldn¡¯t she be cold and aloof?


    ¡°Freya, Felipe doesn¡¯t believe I¡¯m staying with you,¡± Kristian stirred the pot with ease. ¡°He practically forced me to call.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t know how to respond. Saying Kristian was staying with her might spark rumors of reconciliation. Denying it might trigger something in Kristian¡¯s current state of mind.


    Felipe was already rattled. Freya hadn¡¯t responded icily. This wasn¡¯t how things were supposed to unfold.


    ¡°Uh-huh,¡± Freya answered lightly.


    ¡°What are you up to now?¡±


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    ¡°Out shopping with She and the rest.¡±


    ¡°Alright, take your time. I won¡¯t bother you.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± And with that, she ended the call.


    Felipe hade here ready to give Kristian a piece of his mind¡ªbut now, he suddenly needed something from him. ¡°How did you get back on such good terms with Freya? Can you teach me?¡±


    It wasn¡¯t necessarily about getting back together. But if Farrah could speak to him warmly and kindly again, that alone would be enough.


    ¡°No.¡± Kristian shot him down without a hint of hesitation. ¡°Go deal with your own mess. I¡¯ve got ces to be.¡±


    He didn¡¯t bother checking Felipe¡¯s reaction. He got up and left. Freya had just mentioned ¡°She and the rest.¡± That meant, apart from her sister, other people were shopping with her too. He wondered if Ellis was one of them.


    After hanging up, Freya continued shopping. The sisters walked in the middle, with Ellis and Jarrett nking them from behind.


    Ethel asked as they browsed through racks, ¡°Mina, who was that on the phone?¡±


    ¡°Kristian.¡±


    ¡°I thought he went back? Why¡¯s he calling you?¡± Ethel had never liked her ex-brother-inw. If he hadn¡¯t been acting like a five-year-old, she¡¯d have punched him herself.


    Freya casually filled her in. It wasn¡¯t exactly a secret. Ethel immediately bristled. ¡°He¡¯s doing it on purpose!¡±


    ¡°Doing what on purpose?¡±


    ¡°To create misunderstandings,¡± Ethel said, full of certainty. ¡°You didn¡¯t say yes or no, and your tone was way too soft. People will start thinking you two might get back together!¡±


    .


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 Chapter 816

    ?Chapter 816:


    ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡± Freya thought it over for a second and waved it off. As long as Kristian¡¯s family didn¡¯t get the wrong idea, it wasn¡¯t a big deal.


    Ethel wasn¡¯t convinced. ¡°Mina!¡±


    ¡°Seriously, don¡¯t worry. If he¡¯s trying to y games, he¡¯ll just end up looking like a fool,¡± Freya said calmly. ¡°I never said I was taking him back.¡±


    From what she¡¯d seen, Kristian was far more calcting now. He used to be thoughtful, but now, it felt like he¡¯d do anything to get what he wanted.


    Honestly, when he¡¯d confessed those things to her, she had been a little surprised. His confession basically meant he was owning up to being a master maniptor with a sharp mind. It was a bold move.


    ¡°You should stop being so nice to him.¡± Ethel still fretted.


    ¡°Rx.¡± Freya reached over and gently ruffled her hair, still as kind as ever. ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing.¡±


    Ethel didn¡¯t push any further. Her sister had always been sharp, and she trusted her.


    After shopping a while longer, they finally picked a spot for dinner. Ethel sat with Jarrett, and Freya sat across from her with Ellis. The two sisters faced each other across the table.


    ¡°By the way, Mina,¡± Ethel said suddenly, ¡°Grandpa called a few days ago. He wants us over for lunch on Christmas Eve. He figured you might be too busy, so he told me to tell you.¡±


    ¡°I probably can¡¯t make it,¡± Freya replied.


    Ethel blinked. ¡°Why not?¡±


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    ¡°I promised Ellis I¡¯d pretend to be his girlfriend and dine with his parents that day.¡± Freya didn¡¯t hide anything. ¡°Let Grandpa know, and I¡¯ll visit him another time.¡±


    Ethel¡¯s eyes lit up with joy and barely hidden excitement. ¡°No problem¡ªI¡¯ll handle Grandpa. You go have lunch at Ellis¡¯s ce.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t get the wrong idea.¡±


    ¡°Wrong idea about what?¡±


    ¡°His family¡¯s just pressuring him to settle down, so I¡¯m helping out by pretending to be his girlfriend,¡± Freya exined seriously. She¡¯d always known Ethel had hoped to match her with Ellis.


    ¡°I understandpletely, no misunderstanding here,¡± Ethel dered with a radiant smile that illuminated her face with pure innocence. ¡°Please proceed, I¡¯ll handle Grandpa.¡±


    Freya remained convinced that Ethel had misinterpreted her intentions entirely.


    ¡°Join me at my parents¡¯ at noon on the 23rd,¡± Ellis suggested, hoping to alleviate Freya¡¯s concerns. ¡°Their satisfaction merely requires your presence¡ªwhether we dine together bes entirely optional.¡±


    ¡°Is that truly sufficient?¡± Freya inquired, her voice tinged with cautious hope. This arrangement would indeed present the ideal solution to her dilemma.


    Ellis responded with a firm nod of confirmation.


    With this matter resolved, the quartet finally began their meal. Throughout dinner, Jarrett demonstrated remarkable attentiveness, anticipating Ethel¡¯s preferences with uncanny precision and cing her favorite dishes before her reaching hand even before she extended toward them.


    His devotion surpassed even what Freya believed herself capable of offering.


    asionally, Freya wondered whether Jarrett¡¯s excessive pampering might eventually render Ethel incapable of self-sufficiency.


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 Chapter 817

    ?Chapter 817:


    Yet she quickly reassured herself that despite Ethel¡¯s lifelong dependence on her, her sister had always maintained a streak of independence during her absences. This situation likely posed no genuine threat to Ethel¡¯s development.


    After concluding their dinner, a spacious vehicle arrived to transport them home.


    Following the drop-off of Ellis and Jarrett at their destination, the driver continued onward, delivering Freya and Ethel to their family home.


    Upon Freya¡¯s arrival, the bodyguards stationed at the entrance visibly startled beforeposing themselves to deliver their greeting. ¡°Has my dad returned?¡± Freya inquired.


    ¡°He has¡­¡± Their voices trailed off with unmistakable hesitation.


    Freya detected the undercurrent of tension and paused mid-step. ¡°What¡¯s transpired here?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Graza and Ms. Newman have arrived,¡± the guards exined, fully aware of Freya¡¯s aversion to these women and their presence within the household. ¡°Mr. ¡­¡±


    Briggs initially refused them entry, but considering the heavy snowfall and their insufficient attire, he ultimately relented and invited them inside.


    ¡°I see,¡± Freya responded, her concern diminishing. This residence wasn¡¯t her mother¡¯s usual dwelling ce anyway. ¡°You needn¡¯t remain exposed to the elements. Please relocate to the monitoring station and emerge only if circumstances demand intervention.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not!¡± both guards protested simultaneously.


    Freya froze in astonishment.


    Ethel¡¯s expression mirrored her sister¡¯s confusion.


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    ¡°Rest assured, yourpensation and additional benefits remain secure,¡± Freya rified, assuming financial concerns motivated their resistance.


    The two guards, both appearing dignified professionals in their thirties, maintained proper posture. One of them said, ¡°Our objection stems from different reasons entirely. Maintaining our post outdoors conveys greater authority and professional integrity than retreating to the monitoring chamber.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brow furrowed in bewilderment. What peculiar logic governed their thinking?


    ¡°Please proceed indoors,¡± a guard urged with a genuine smile that reflected his established rapport with Freya. ¡°The temperature continues to drop. Should conditions be unbearable, we¡¯ll seek shelter inside.¡±


    ¡°Fine, but don¡¯t sacrifice yourfort unnecessarily,¡± Freya advised, recognizing their stubborn dedication to duty.


    ¡°Understood!¡± they affirmed with unwavering resolve.


    The pair stood vignt like devoted guardians, their postures radiating unwavering dedication.


    Their reasoning flowed from a ce of profound gratitude. When life had left them directionless, Freya had extended this opportunity, invested in their training, and rewarded them with generouspensation.


    They recognized that their current abilities and knowledge would nevermand such impressive sries elsewhere.


    This awareness fueled their determination to protect Freya¡¯s sanctuary with absolutemitment.


    As Freya and Ethel crossed the threshold, they discovered Cheryl and Vivien perched in the living room with Hugh seated opposite them, his forehead creased with evident concern.


    At the sound of the entrance door swinging open, Hugh¡¯s gaze instinctively darted toward the noise.


    After a brief hesitation, he rose and approached the foyer. Upon recognizing Freya and Ethel entering, he faltered mid-stride, his expression betraying unmistakable difort.


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 Chapter 818

    ?Chapter 818:


    ¡°Mina¡­¡± he stammered, clearly flustered by Freya¡¯s unexpected return. Would her daughter misconstrue the situation? He had permitted their entry solely because circumstances had forced his hand.


    Freya nced upward and proceeded forward with Ethel beside her. ¡°Are you upied with something important?¡±


    From their current position, the living room remained obscured from view.


    ¡°Not particrly,¡± Hugh confessed, still uncertain about Cheryl and Vivien¡¯s purpose for seeking him out. ¡°Cheryl and Vivien mentioned needing to discuss something with me. Considering the heavy snowfall outside, I invited them inside to continue our conversation.¡±


    Freya paused, contemting this exnation.


    The guards had explicitly stated that Hugh initially refused entry.


    Those loyal men would never fabricate stories to her, which meant Hugh had ultimately failed to deter the women and now deliberately omitted mentioning his resistance.


    ¡°I understand,¡± Freya acknowledged with a measured nod.


    Hugh¡¯s anxiety bubbled to the surface. ¡°You aren¡¯t upset by this arrangement, are you?¡±


    ¡°Dad, I harbor no resentment, provided they neither dine nor lodge here overnight,¡± Freya responded with newfound serenity.


    ¡°Huh?¡± Hugh replied, somewhat taken aback by her tone. For reasons he couldn¡¯t quite articte, he sensed that Freya had undergone a profound maturation almost overnight.


    ¡°You remain the father to both She and myself. There¡¯s no need for such cautious navigation around us. You carry no outstanding debt to either of us.¡±


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    Contemting their circumstances from a different perspective, Freya realized that had she upied her parents¡¯ position years ago, she might not have navigated their challenges any more sessfully. The two families had been joined through a matrimonial obligation. Just as Hugh felt powerless against his¡­


    Father, her mother couldn¡¯t resist her own father¡¯s influence. Both parents harbored genuine affections elsewhere but found themselves bound together by practical interests.


    Their aplishments within those constraints deserved genuine appreciation.


    That Ethel and Freya had flourished throughout their childhood without veering toward negative paths already constituted remarkable sess.


    ¡°Mina¡­¡± Hugh¡¯s emotions grew increasinglyplex as he absorbed her words.


    After careful deliberation, Freya embraced him warmly, enfolding the father who had consistently worried about her welfare.


    If only her mother still remained among them. Had she channeled all her energy into medical studies from an early age, might she have rescued her mother from death¡¯s unyielding grasp when even Jacob stood helpless? Yet reality afforded no ce for ¡°what ifs.¡± Time refused to halt or reverse its course for anyone¡¯s desires.


    Hugh¡¯s posture stiffened momentarily before his eyes glistened with moisture, deeply moved by Freya¡¯s heartfelt sentiment.


    ¡°Mina, I want an embrace as well,¡± Ethel interjected with characteristic brightness, effortlessly dissolving the emotional tension of this pivotal moment.


    Hugh remarked with affectionate exasperation toward his daughters, ¡°You are jealous even of your own father!¡±


    ¡°Mina belongs primarily to me,¡± Ethel dered yfully, her eyes dancing with mischievous delight. ¡°I im the greatest portion of her affection.¡±


    Hugh responded by gently tapping her forehead.


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 Chapter 819

    ?Chapter 819:


    With the atmosphere considerably lightened, Hugh gestured toward the living room. ¡°Since you¡¯ve returned, please join our discussion. They arrived recently, and I remain unaware of their purpose here.¡±


    Initially, Freya hesitated, feeling disconnected from whatever business awaited them.


    But Ethel tugged persistently at her sleeve. ¡°Please apany us¡ªlet¡¯s face this together!¡±


    When Cheryl and Vivien caught sight of Freya entering the room, their bodies visibly tensed, a fleeting shadow of disquiet darkening their carefullyposed expressions.


    Cheryl believed that if Freya hadn¡¯t suddenly returned back then, her rtionship with Hugh might not have ended.


    ¡°Hi, we meet again,¡± Vivien greeted Freya and Ethel, her voice far calmer than the smug tone she¡¯d used earlier.


    Freya and Ethel gave the slightest of nods in return, cold and clipped.


    Cheryl¡¯s unease only deepened. She often found herself baffled at how Freya¡ªjust a woman in her twenties¡ªcould radiate such effortless authority, even more than Hugh himself. Whenever Freya was around, Cheryl feltpletely exposed, unable to mask a single thought or emotion. And today was no different.


    ¡°Have you had anything to eat yet?¡± Cheryl asked, trying to shift the focus and cut the tension. ¡°Why don¡¯t we all sit down and eat first?¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the concern,¡± Ethel replied, fully aware her sister wasn¡¯t one for chit-chat. ¡°We¡¯re at home, and we¡¯ll eat when we feel like it. Please go ahead and speak to my dad about whatever you need.¡±


    Cheryl felt a flush of awkwardness rise in her chest.


    Explore more stories g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í??ls?c?m


    Hugh wasn¡¯t in the mood for pleasantries either, diving straight to the heart of it. ¡°It¡¯s gettingte. If you¡¯ve got something to say, then say it.¡±


    It had been several months since theirst real conversation.


    In all that time, Freya and Ethel hadn¡¯t crossed paths with either Cheryl or Vivien again. They also hadn¡¯t the faintest idea what Hugh had talked about with them after they¡¯d left on Cheryl¡¯s birthday. But judging by the tension in the room now, it seemed like the time hade to make a final call.


    ¡°Would it be alright if we spoke in private?¡± Cheryl asked cautiously, clearly still rattled from herst confrontation with Freya. ¡°I¡¯d like to talk about where we stand.¡±


    The second the words left her mouth, Freya rose from her seat, ready to walk out. But Hugh stopped her cold with a firm tone, looking Cheryl square in the eye. ¡°Mina and She are both my daughters. There¡¯s nothing here that needs to be hidden from them.¡±


    Cheryl faltered, visibly caught off guard.


    Vivien threw a quick nce Freya¡¯s way, her gaze guarded.


    Freya¡¯s return had shaken up everything¡ªher once wless life and the elite image she¡¯d worked so hard to maintain. By all logic, she should¡¯ve loathed her. But at this point, she couldn¡¯t even summon resentment. All she could hope was that no¡­


    No matter how things turned out today, Freya wouldn¡¯t make her future harder than it had to be.


    If her mother and Hugh didn¡¯t end up together, she would be just another name, no different from anyone else. And if Freya ever chose to ruin her career, it would take nothing more than a snap of her fingers.


    ¡°I¡¯ve thought a lot about what you said thest time,¡± Cheryl said, casting a quick nce toward Freya and pressing her lips into a tight line. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t have been dishonest. I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Hugh said coolly, his tone distant and unmoved. Maybe it was the sting of betrayal, or maybe he¡¯d just matured in the time that had passed. Whatever the case, he clearly had no ns of remarrying. All he wanted now was to see Freya and Ethel living well.


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 Chapter 820

    ?Chapter 820:


    ¡°Hugh, can¡¯t you give me even a small chance?¡± Cheryl¡¯s voice cracked with desperation, as if saying that had drained whatever strength she had left.


    Watching her crumble like that, Freya suddenly thought of Kristian putting on the same act in front of her.


    Hugh spoke again, and his tone was more solemn than she¡¯d ever heard. ¡°The moment you made false usations against Mina right in front of me, whatever chance we had vanishedpletely.¡±


    ¡°False usations against Mina?¡± Ethel picked up on the key part immediately.


    Hugh started to exin but paused, worried the truth might upset Freya.


    But Freya, with her sharp memory, spoke calmly. ¡°On Ms. Newman¡¯s birthday, after I finished speaking with her and was about to head home with you, do you remember what she said?¡±


    Ethel thought for a moment, then the words came rushing back to her in a sh.


    Cheryl had once said, ¡°Freya¡¯s right. The difference between us is too much. If you really marry me, people will talk. They¡¯ll mock you behind your back. Vivien and I will pack our things tomorrow and leave. Thank you for everything you¡¯ve done for us.¡±


    Ethel turned to Freya after recalling it. ¡°Were those the lines?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya said softly.


    Back then, Hugh had a talk with Cheryl, but Freya hadn¡¯t asked about the details and hadn¡¯t cared much either.


    Ethel had spoken to him as well, but Freya hadn¡¯t known exactly what they¡¯d discussed.


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    ¡°I was just scared of losing you,¡± Cheryl exined, worry furrowing her brow.


    Hugh didn¡¯t respond, unmoved by her exnation.


    He wasn¡¯t that same naive man from the days before the arranged marriage. He had two daughters now, and while many things could be forgiven, dragging Freya¡¯s name through the mud wasn¡¯t one of them.


    ¡°That¡¯s not a reason to use Mina of something she didn¡¯t do. I understand you want Vivien to have a good life,¡± Hugh said, his tone honest but firm. ¡°But the Briggs Group belongs to Ethel and Mina. It¡¯s also the product of their mother¡¯s hard work and sacrifice. It¡¯s not something that can just be handed away. I can build anotherpany. Running it won¡¯t be a challenge.¡±


    He had considered this possibility before, but now he was simply tired. ¡°Thatpany can be handed over to Vivien.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡­¡± Cheryl murmured, bowing her head, her voice barely audible.


    In truth, she couldn¡¯t ept this oue.


    Even if Hugh built anotherpany and made it thrive, it could neverpare to even a small stake in the Briggs Group.


    But now she understood¡ªif she turned this down, she¡¯d walk away with nothing at all.


    ¡°If that¡¯s all, I¡¯d like to ask you to leave,¡± Hugh said, his tone final.


    The memory of that day was still crystal clear.


    After Freya and Ethel had left, he¡¯d asked Cheryl if there had been a misunderstanding with Freya. He knew how Freya was¡ªif she didn¡¯t like someone, she made it obvious. She wasn¡¯t the type to y dirty behind the scenes. But Cheryl had spun a tale, putting words in Freya¡¯s mouth that were biting and cruel. And the second he heard them, he knew she was lying¡ªFreya would never say those things. When she saw the disbelief on his face, Cheryl realized she¡¯d been caught and ended up confessing what was really said.


    He didn¡¯t care about wealth. If Cheryl had juste to him from the start and told him her goals, he would¡¯ve built a future for Vivien with no hesitation. But from the beginning, Cheryl had acted as if she wasn¡¯t interested in money¡ªjust him. That sharp contrast, paired with her nder of Freya, had killed everyst bit of hope he had.


    ¡°Mr. Briggs¡­¡± Vivien sounded panicked. ¡°Is there really no chance we can go back to the way things were?¡±


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 Chapter 821

    ?Chapter 821:


    ¡°No,¡± Hugh said tly.


    First it was lies about Freya. What woulde next? Would she move on to scheming against his daughters? He couldn¡¯t afford to take that risk¡ªnot when his girls were involved.


    ¡°My dad¡¯s about to walk free from prison,¡± Vivien murmured, worry etched into her face like a fading bruise. ¡°He¡¯s probably still nursing a grudge against my mom for turning him in for domestic abuse. I fear peace will never set foot in our lives again.¡±


    Ethel¡¯s brows drew together, a faint crease of unease appearing between them.


    She had always held contempt for those who raised their hands instead of their voices. Still, her father couldn¡¯t be expected to be a lifelong pir for Vivien and Cheryl.


    Freya¡¯s eyes shimmered briefly, betraying the still waters stirred beneath her calm exterior.


    It had all begun when Cheryl, after suffering her husband¡¯s wrath, had reached out to Hugh for help. Hugh, seeing the signs, had helped her find awyer. That was the first domino to fall. A storm of emotions churned quietly within her.


    ¡°The residence I arranged for youes with top-notch security,¡± Hugh said in a measured tone. ¡°As long as you make no effort to reach out to him, the safety measures will ensure he remains on the outside, where he belongs.¡±


    Cheryl was no longer tethered to her husband. Even if that man returned like a ghost from the past, he wouldn¡¯t make it past the gates of that ce.


    ¡°But we¡¯ll have to step outside eventually,¡± Vivien pointed out, her voice thin with anxiety.


    ¡°If danger finds you¡ªor even the shadow of it¡ªreport it to the police immediately,¡± Hugh responded with resolve. ¡°Also, I¡¯ve given you enough funds to hire two bodyguards. As long as you don¡¯t pour it down the drain withvish spending, that money should keep you well for a long time.¡±


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    Cheryl and Vivien fell silent, realization dawning upon them like daybreak after a long night¡ªHugh had drawn a line in the sand. His daughters stood behind it; the rest were left to fend for themselves.


    No more words were exchanged. Cheryl could feel the ruin of her past two years settle around her like dust after a copse. She had ced too much weight on her perceived worth in Hugh¡¯s eyes and failed to see the steel of his loyalty to his daughters.


    Had she not witnessed someone scolding their child for a lover¡¯s sake, she might never have dared to test the waters.


    She¡¯d tried to smear Freya¡¯s name, hoping to tilt Hugh¡¯s affections, but that had been her fatal mistake. He would forgive many things¡ªbut not a threat to his daughters.


    As the mother and daughter departed, Hugh arranged for a driver to escort them partway. It was a long walk from his ce, and he didn¡¯t want shadows to follow them under the cover of night.


    Once they were gone, the living room sank into silence, like a theater after the final act.


    Hugh stood there, tongue-tied in the presence of his daughters.


    ¡°Dad.¡± Ethel was the one to break the hush.


    ¡°Yes?¡± he replied.


    ¡°Where exactly did you settle them?¡± she asked, curiosity glinting in her tone.


    ¡°I just purchased a house,¡± Hugh said, a flicker of guilt passing through him. ¡°It¡¯s in the northern district. A bit of a hike from the city center, but not isted.¡±


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 Chapter 822

    ?Chapter 822:


    ¡°And the money?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You mentioned giving them some funds?¡±


    Hugh cleared his throat softly, a little sheepish now. Was Ethel trying to keep tabs on him?


    But surely, that wasn¡¯t it. After all, he¡¯d earned that money. If he chose to part with a portion, especially for people he wished to keep at arm¡¯s length, that was his prerogative.


    ¡°Yes¡ªtwo hundred million,¡± he admitted. He had calcted it carefully¡ªenough to livefortably, so long as they didn¡¯t drown it in gold and glitter.


    Ethel considered his words but chose not to press further.


    Freya, for her part, stayed silent and unbothered. The matter of the money or the house didn¡¯t stir her.


    ¡°I¡¯vee to a decision,¡± Hugh dered solemnly, his eyes warming as theynded on his daughters. ¡°I will stay single and watch you both walk down the aisle. As long as you¡¯re happy, that¡¯s all I need.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t take that backter,¡± Ethel teased, half-grinning.


    Hugh¡¯s voice was steady now, filled with certainty. ¡°I won¡¯t. You have my word.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not nning to marry anytime soon,¡± Freya stated clearly, cutting off any future attempts to meddle. ¡°Even if someone dazzlinges along, don¡¯t try ying matchmaker.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°Mina¡­¡±


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    Both Hugh and Ethel were momentarily taken aback.


    ¡°Is it because you still have lingering feelings for Kristian?¡± Hugh asked, the concern in in his voice.


    It seemed usible. After all, heartbreak carved deeper wounds than divorce. And though a few months had passed, even the most emotionally disciplined would still feel the sting.


    ¡°It¡¯s not that,¡± Freya answered, her voice calm as a still pond. ¡°I just don¡¯t believe in marrying for the sake of ticking a box. I refuse to settle. Marriage should be sacred¡ªa union of joy and reverence.¡±


    She had already turned the page on Kristian.


    From the first call of Ashley, she had begun reshaping her heart. By the time the divorce papers were signed, the process was nearlyplete.


    Though it was abrupt, jarring even, she had found her footing.


    Now, it was behind her.


    Ethel leaned in, poking her gently. ¡°With that mindset, I don¡¯t want to marry either. How about the two of us stick together and grow old hand in hand?¡±


    ¡°dly.¡± Freya saw right through the mischief in her sister¡¯s words.


    ¡°But what about your charming Jarrett?¡±


    Ethel froze.


    A slip of the tongue¡ªhow careless!


    She nced at Freya, silently begging for rescue, her expression one of pure panic.


    Freya was briefly puzzled before catching on. Before she could speak, Hugh¡¯s voice, curious and sharp, cut through the moment. ¡°Jarrett? Who¡¯s that? You have a boyfriend?¡±


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 Chapter 823

    ?Chapter 823:


    Ethel immediately turned to Freya, eyes pleading.


    ¡°What¡¯s there to be afraid of?¡± Freya raised an eyebrow, her voice soft butced with yful sarcasm. ¡°Weren¡¯t we growing old together? I¡¯ll just ask Dad to break you two up¡ªthat gives you the perfect excuse.¡±


    ¡°Mina!¡± Ethel puffed out her cheeks.


    In frustration, ¡°You¡¯re awful!¡± Freya tapped her lightly on the forehead, half-mocking, half-affectionate. ¡°That¡¯s what you get for running your mouth without thinking.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t do it again.¡± Ethel surrendered instantly.


    Hugh, however, was still reeling. He stared at Ethel, confusion and disbelief written all over his face, before unleashing a volley of questions. ¡°When did this start? Why didn¡¯t I know? How old is he? Where did you meet? What kind of person is he? Why hide it from me?¡± Ethel looked as though she were standing trial.


    ¡°They started seeing each other a while ago. He attends the same school as her,¡± Freya offered helpfully. ¡°They¡¯re close in age, and he¡¯s a decent guy.¡±


    ¡°What about his family?¡± Hugh pressed further.


    Ethel¡¯s heart leapt into her throat. Jarrett came from a modest background¡ªnothing shy. Would that raise a red g with her father? She didn¡¯t dare stop him mid-inquiry, silently willing Freya to keep going.


    ¡°Does family background matter that much to you?¡± Freya asked, eyeing him closely.


    ¡°The family should be respectable,¡± Hugh answered without hesitation.


    ¡°And he should be a man of integrity.¡±


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    ¡°He¡¯s nothing if not upright!¡± Ethel blurted, her face lighting up like the dawn. ¡°His parents are lovely, his sister¡¯s absolutely precious, and the whole family is as warm as fresh bread.¡±


    Both Freya and Hugh turned their gaze to her at once.


    Ethel blinked, startled. ¡°Wh¡ªwhat? What did I say?¡±


    ¡°Have you ever visited his parents¡¯ before?¡± Freya asked, her gaze still resting on Ethel.


    Ethel blinked, her brows knitting slightly. ¡°No, I haven¡¯t.¡±


    Hugh and Freya exchanged a look. It was the first time they¡¯d reacted so seamlessly, like their thoughts were perfectly in sync.


    ¡°It was duringst summer break¡ªhe didn¡¯t go home that time. His parents came over and brought his sister with them. I met them once. They¡¯re honestly such a kind and lovely family.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya replied.


    Ethel¡¯s heart, however, was still beating a touch too fast.


    She snuck a nce at Hugh. Even though Freya¡¯s approval usually meant Hugh would fall in line too, his silence still left her a little jittery.


    ¡°Since Freya thinks highly of your boyfriend, just take things as theye,¡± Hugh finally said, not wanting her to dwell on it. ¡°Bring him by sometime so I can meet him.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely!¡± Ethel beamed.


    ¡°But¡ª¡± Hugh cut in sharply.


    Ethel¡¯s breath caught, and her palms went mmy. ¡°But what?¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t spend the night with him anywhere outside,¡± Hugh said firmly¡ªafter all, she was his precious daughter. ¡°You need to protect yourself. Understand?¡±


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    .

 Chapter 824

    ?Chapter 824:


    Ethel faltered, then gave in, albeit reluctantly. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Alright?¡± Hugh echoed, not quite satisfied.


    ¡°Yes, I promise I¡¯ll be careful,¡± Ethel said, eyes shifting ufortably. ¡°But we¡¯ve already nned this group camping trip with friends, and¡­ not staying overnight would be kind of a hassle.¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not.¡± Hugh didn¡¯t even blink.


    ¡°Dad!¡±


    ¡°Ask Mina.¡±


    Freya froze. Was she supposed to y the bad guy now?


    Ethel tugged at her sleeve, leaning in. ¡°Mina, remember we nned to go camping this spring? You wouldn¡¯t want your sweet, thoughtful, kind, and ever-so-adorable little sister to break her promise, would you?¡±


    ¡°If you want to go, then go,¡± Freya said. ¡°Just don¡¯t forget what I told you before.¡±


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Ethel hugged her tight. ¡°I knew you were the best!¡±


    With that, she darted upstairs, leaving Hugh blinking in confusion.


    He stared after her as the door mmed shut at breakneck speed, then turned to Freya, who had remained cool and collected through it all.


    ¡°Mina¡­¡±


    ¡°She knows what she¡¯s doing. Mom¡¯s talked to her, and so have I,¡± Freya exined, already familiar with his tendency to worry. ¡°She knows how to protect herself, so stop stressing.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Hugh let it go.


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    If Freya said so, that was enough for him.


    The next morning, Freya stopped by to visit Farrah.


    The household staff had already handled all the holiday prep, so she didn¡¯t need to lift a finger.


    Still, she wasn¡¯t entirely sure how Farrah was doing. She¡¯d been distractedtely and hadn¡¯t really checked in, aside from a few asional calls asking after her health and the baby.


    When Freya arrived, Farrah was in the yard. To make sure she was well looked after, they¡¯d brought in more than just the usual bodyguards and cook¡ªa nutritionist, a family doctor, and a full-time caregiver had all been hired. That way, even if Freya got caught up and missed a call, everything would still run smoothly.


    ¡°Freya!¡± Farrah¡¯s face lit up when she saw her friend.


    Freya¡¯s eyes softened as they drifted to her noticeably pregnant belly. ¡°How¡¯ve you been feelingtely?¡±


    ¡°Great! I¡¯ve been eating well, sleeping well¡ªnothing feels off,¡± Farrah said warmly, thinking that meeting Freya had been the luckiest twist in her life. ¡°What about you? What¡¯s been keeping you busy?¡±


    ¡°Just trying to deal with a brat,¡± Freya replied offhandedly, Kristian¡¯s antics shing through her mind.


    Farrah looked puzzled. ¡°A brat?¡±


    ¡°Kristian.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re still in touch with him?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a bit of a mess, but he¡¯s already gone back to Jeucwell with his father,¡± Freya answered, skipping over the details.


    Farrah looked at her, hesitating¡ªlike she was unsure whether to say what was on her mind. Freya caught it.


    .


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 Chapter 825

    ?Chapter 825:


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s something¡­ I¡¯m not sure if I should say it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just tell me.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s this rumor floating around in our circle,¡± Farrah said. She hadn¡¯t been attending events herself, but she was in all the group chats. ¡°They¡¯re saying Kristian is seriously injured. Some are even saying he¡¯s dead.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brows furrowed slightly. ¡°Who started that?¡±


    ¡°No idea,¡± Farrah said. She¡¯d only seen the gossip being tossed around in chat. ¡°But they im to have proof. Even photos.¡±


    ¡°Show me,¡± Freya said, sensing this was no idle rumor.


    Farrah opened her gallery and handed over the phone.


    There were three images.


    One showed Kristian being rushed to the hospital with a gunshot wound. The second captured him post-op in a hospital room. The third showed him being moved to another medical facility.


    Judging by the angles, the first and third were aerial shots. The second looked like it had been snapped through an observation window.


    Lawrence clearly had no idea he was being photographed.


    ¡°Are these real?¡± Farrah asked, noticing the way Freya¡¯s face had changed¡ªand already suspecting the truth.


    ¡°They are,¡± Freya said quietly. She didn¡¯t bother hiding it from Farrah, who wasn¡¯t just anyone. ¡°But he¡¯s recovering now.¡±


    Keep reading at g???????¦Í???????co??


    Farrah let out a breath, visibly relieved. She didn¡¯t press for more.


    Just then, her group chat suddenly lit up with notifications. Freya didn¡¯t bother checking and moved to return the phone, but Farrah kept it in her hand and opened the message instead.


    The group admin had typed, ¡°OMG! CMG!¡±


    Everyone responded with a flood of question marks,pletely baffled by the outburst.


    ¡°Remember the thing I forwarded earlier?¡± the admin added. ¡°About Kristian Shaw?¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Everyone chimed in.


    Freya felt a bad feeling crawl up her spine.


    The admin sent a screenshot and a follow-up: ¡°Someone came forward and spilled the tea. Says he¡¯s in serious trouble.¡±


    Farrah opened the screenshot. It was a blogger¡¯s long-winded post full of details¡ªand a cartoon sketch of an injured Kristian.


    Freya locked onto the username immediately.


    She pulled out her phone and typed it into the search bar.


    The post, though a bit long-winded, didn¡¯t explicitly mention the Shaw Group or Kristian. Still, anyone with half a brain could tell exactly who the poster was hinting at.


    There were images included too. While they weren¡¯t actual photos of Kristian, the cartoonish outfits and distinct little details bore an uncanny resemnce to his signature style.


    No wonder the filters Freya had set up earlier failed to catch this one. Apparently, someone had found a sneaky new way to spread the word.


    ¡°Should we be doing something about this?¡± Farrah asked carefully, noticing the faint trace of seriousness on Freya¡¯s expression.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 826

    ?Chapter 826:


    ¡°Not for now,¡± Freya replied after a quick nce. ¡°It¡¯s unlikely to blow up or make it onto the trending list.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Thanks to her special arrangements, no one dared to report on Kristian without Shaw Group¡¯s explicit permission¡ªespecially on sensitive topics like this.


    Underneath that post,ments started piling up at an rming speed.


    ¡°Who is this even about?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s like the post said everything and nothing at the same time.¡±


    ¡°Can someone kindly exin who the poster is referring to?¡±


    ¡°How could you not know? It¡¯s the legend of the business world. Who else could it be?¡±


    ¡°Holy crap! I was wondering why his name couldn¡¯t be typed out. So they got involved!¡±


    ¡°Is this gossip even legit?¡±


    ¡°My friend works at thepany¡ªat its branch in Alerith, though. ording to him, the boss came by once with his assistant, but for months now, it¡¯s only been the assistant handling everything. The boss just vanished.¡±


    ¡°Sounds like this is the real deal.¡±


    As thements grew wilder, Freya¡¯s concern deepened.


    Farrah, seasoned by her time in the entertainment world, paused to think before speaking. ¡°Freya.¡±


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    ¡°You should get Shaw Group¡¯s PR team to step in.¡± Farrah watched thement count continue to climb and added, ¡°Even if they don¡¯t name Shaw Group or Kristian outright, some of the keywords could still go viral. Once that happens, curious people will start digging. Even if the news is suppressed, their curiosity alone will spark endless spection.¡±


    Freya wasn¡¯t exactly experienced with these situations¡ªher exposure to the entertainment scene had been minimal. She nodded at Farrah¡¯s suggestion and said, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    With her thoughts in a whirl, she ced a call to Gerard to take charge of the situation. After all, Gerard was far more equipped to handle this kind of thing than Kristian.


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Briggs?¡± Gerard answered promptly.


    ¡°I just sent you a screenshot. Take a look when you get a chance,¡± Freya said, her tone unusually firm. ¡°If anything about Kristian ends up trending, make sure Shaw Group¡¯s PR handles it immediately.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Gerard replied, calm andposed.


    Freya hung up, and Gerard began reviewing the situation. Unlike Freya, he wasn¡¯t overly worried. Kristian was perfectly fine, and any wild rumors online could be handled without much effort.


    After ncing through thement section, he noticed that their boss¡¯s name hadn¡¯t shown up¡ªand then immediately thought of Freya¡¯s involvement.


    Gerard shot her a message: ¡°Ms. Briggs, did you block Mr. Shaw¡¯s name online?¡±


    Freya replied, ¡°Yes.¡±


    Gerard wrote back, ¡°Lift the block. It¡¯ll make it easier to pursue legal action.¡±


    Freya was caught off guard.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 827

    ?Chapter 827:


    Using Farrah¡¯sputer, she removed the restrictions. Gerard¡¯s skills were top-notch, so she decided not to meddle further.


    Roughly thirty minutester, the topded squarely on the trending list. #Who¡¯sDead#


    Clicking on it revealed a whirlwind of livementary.


    ¡°This can¡¯t be true. If something really happened, wouldn¡¯t they block it instead of letting it trend?¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s crazy enough to spread rumors about Shaw Group¡¯s boss? Just wait for that cease and desist.¡±


    ¡°Wait¡­ is he actually dead?¡±


    ¡°Okay, but hold on¡ªKristian doesn¡¯t have an heir yet, does he? If he dies, where does all that money and stock go? I mean, I¡¯d be happy to inherit some of it.¡±


    The topic was yanked from the trending list soon after, and Shaw Group¡¯s official ount wasted no time posting a statement.


    Most people dismissed the gossip as too far-fetched to be real. But some weren¡¯t so easily convinced. They kept digging.


    At first, they focused on whether the post held any truth, searching for hidden clues. Then, they began stumbling upon other, unrted matters.


    ¡°Forget if he¡¯s dead or not, I heard that he¡¯s already married.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me, what?!¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s his wife then?¡±


    ???????????????? ??????????????: ??????????¦Í????????????


    ¡°I heard that too. It¡¯s supposedly a secret marriage. His wife hasn¡¯t been revealed to the public.¡±


    ¡°Probably wants to protect her¡ªkeep the spotlight away.¡±


    ¡°Please. Who told you it¡¯s for her protection?¡±


    ¡°Most likely a strategic marriage. Stuff like this is normal in rich families. They get married for business, then go their own ways. Keeping it a secret just makes things easier.¡±


    As the gossip spiraled, people started piecing more things together. Eventually, theynded on Freya.


    Even Freya herself was caught off guard by how fast it all unfolded. Plenty of people were aware of her marriage to Kristian, but it wasn¡¯t exactlymon knowledge.


    Still, within half a day, they¡¯d managed to uncover her identity as Kristian¡¯s wife. Their digging skills were seriously impressive.


    ¡°Are you alright?¡± Farrah asked with concern after lunch, noticing Freya scrolling through the posts. ¡°Online users these days are scary. They can dig up your whole life story from a single crumb of gossip.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡± Freya didn¡¯t seem too rattled. ¡°They won¡¯t find anything personal about me.¡±


    True enough, just as she said, even after all that intense snooping, they didn¡¯t manage to dig up much.


    Still, another round of fevered discussions soon followed.


    ¡°Odd. Other than her name and gender, there¡¯s nothing else on Freya Briggs.¡±


    ¡°Maybe she¡¯s just a regr person.¡±


    ¡°What if she tricked Mr. Shaw into sleeping with her, and he thought it was some drunken mess and married her out of guilt, so now it¡¯s a secret marriage?¡±


    ¡°No way. In showbiz, even if something like that did happen, no one takes responsibility. The elites are worse than anyone¡ªthey¡¯d just throw money at her to shut her up.¡±


    ¡°Whoa, I just came across something crazy.¡±


    .


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    .

 Chapter 828

    ?Chapter 828:


    ¡°What now?¡±


    ¡°Kristian had already divorced her. During the divorce, she reportedly walked away with over a billion.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re joking!¡±


    Off that wildfire came another trending tag:


    #Divorce1.4Billion#


    When Farrah spotted it, she saw Freya looking too, and quickly turned off her screen, concern shing in her eyes. ¡°Stop reading that stuff. It¡¯ll just make you angry.¡±


    Freya blinked, confused. ¡°Why?¡±


    Farrah asked gently, ¡°You¡¯re not angry?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be angry about,¡± Freya said evenly. ¡°It¡¯s not even true.¡±


    Farrah looked at her, troubled. Her expression wasyered and conflicted. ¡°Are you really okay? Or are you just putting on a brave face so I won¡¯t worry?¡±


    Those viciousments had even made Farrah furious just reading them. Freya was the one actually in the center of it all. How could she not be mad?


    ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    For the first time, Freya spent a long time simply staring at her phone.


    Freya unlocked her phone once more and tapped on the trending headline about her.


    The chatter ran the full spectrum¡ªfrom snarky jokes to heated arguments. It was a chaotic blend of everything imaginable.


    Stay connected through g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s


    ¡°Wow, seriously? $1.4 billion just for a divorce? Didn¡¯t Kristian think to get a prenup before tying the knot? Just tossing away money like that for free.¡±


    ¡°For free? Come on, after marriage, everything earned is mutual. What¡¯s wrong with splitting it fairly?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just curious¡ªhow much of that shared fortune was actually earned by Freya? Probably nothing!¡±


    ¡°$1.4 billion? Hand it to me and I won¡¯t just divorce him¡ªI¡¯ll go out and help him pick out a new wife!¡±


    ¡°So what¡¯s the real reason behind their split?¡±


    ¡°Not really my concern.¡±


    ¡°Freya¡¯s the real winner here. One marriage, one divorce, and boom¡ªshe¡¯s filthy rich. Not a bad deal!¡±


    ¡°Suddenly, I feel like I¡¯ve found my new career path¡ªget married, get divorced, and cash in $1.4 billion. Repeat a few times and I¡¯ll be wealthier than anyone alive!¡±


    The threads went on in that fashion.


    Mostmenters believed Freya hade out on top, convinced she had yed her cards just to pocket the money.


    As she scrolled through the remarks, it finally clicked why Farrah had refused to take anything during her own divorce. She wasn¡¯t exactly a household name yet. If her divorce from Felipe ever got exposed, there wouldn¡¯t be many ready to defend her.


    In her industry, reputation was everything. One false move, and she was finished.


    Things were rarely as simple as they looked. What people saw online was a far cry from reality. The inte was no ce for rity¡ªit thrived on chaos, not facts.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 829

    ?Chapter 829:


    ¡°Farrah.¡± In that moment, she truly understood Farrah.


    Farrah was still upset. ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°When the babyes and you¡¯re ready to work again, let me know.¡± Freya¡¯s tone was firm now, with no trace of teasing. ¡°I¡¯m here to support you in your career.¡±


    Farrah blinked in surprise before smiling softly. ¡°Alright.¡±


    They chatted for a while longer before Freya pulled out her phone to call Melvin. She intended to ask him to have PR handle the trending divorce story.


    But the second the line connected, Melvin beat her to it. ¡°I¡¯ve already dealt with the trending topic. The posts are gone.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Freya paused.


    ¡°You were calling about the topic of you and $1.4 billion, right?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°No need to worry¡ªI¡¯ve taken care of everything.¡±


    Freya double-checked her phone. Sure enough, all the posts had vanished.


    She was stunned by how fast he¡¯d moved but relieved all the same. ¡°Thanks. You¡¯ve done a great job.¡±


    ¡°Actually,¡± Melvin hesitated, as though something was weighing on him.


    ¡°Yes?¡± she answered.


    ¡°Can you be my little sister?¡±


    Even Freya couldn¡¯t immediately wrap her head around that.


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    When she didn¡¯t reply, Melvin assumed she hadn¡¯t quite understood and rephrased his request. His voice was calm as ever. ¡°Being just your subordinate worries me. One day, you might fire me and leave me behind. But if you were my sister, I could always stay close and protect you.¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Freya began, suspicion creeping in.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I don¡¯t have romantic feelings for you,¡± Melvin said quickly, clearly afraid of being misunderstood. ¡°Gerard tested me.¡±


    At Gerard¡¯s name, Freya felt a wave of emotion stir. ¡°What kind of test?¡±


    ¡°He asked if I¡¯d ever thought about holding hands, hugging, or kissing you. If I had, that would¡¯ve meant I was in love with you.¡± Melvin¡¯s voice remained cool and steady. ¡°But I haven¡¯t. Unless you¡¯re drunk, fall, or get hurt, I won¡¯t ever hug you.¡±


    Freya was caught off guard. She didn¡¯t know how to reply. He was always so direct.


    He asked again, genuinely, ¡°Would you be willing to be my sister?¡± All he wanted was to solidify a bond with her.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry about me firing you or anything. You¡¯ll always be a key part of Anita International.¡± Freya felt he was being overly anxious. ¡°We¡¯re also good friends.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not enough.¡± Melvin didn¡¯t hide his thoughts.


    Freya couldn¡¯t help but chuckle.


    She suddenly found herself wondering¡ªwould Melvin speak with such sincerity when he dated someone in the future?


    ¡°I hope I can be like your brother,¡± he insisted. ¡°Only then can I openly evaluate anyone who tries to take you away.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t argue over things like this. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Melvin¡¯s expression stayed unchanged. Her response had been too casual. He¡¯d have to find another way.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 830

    ?Chapter 830:


    After a brief goodbye, he ended the call, already plotting his next move. Freya assumed the matter was closed and didn¡¯t think much of it afterward.


    A flurry of message notifications pinged in session.


    She opened them¡ªit was the group chat with her friends.


    Frederick had sent several screenshots andmented, ¡°Kristian was the one who hurt Freya, and yet thements are ming her! I¡¯m so mad. I feel like getting into a heated exchange with them.¡±


    Greta replied, ¡°Don¡¯t bother. The trending post got taken down. She probably doesn¡¯t want more attention. If you stir it up again, it might just explode all over.¡±


    Moss chimed in, ¡°Why not just hack them?¡±


    Riley added, ¡°These trolls live off drama. They¡¯re nobodies in real life, so they get their kicks from stirring up trouble online. The more you react, the more they thrive.¡±


    Frederick gritted his teeth. ¡°Talking nonsense without the facts¡ªit¡¯s disgusting!¡±


    Greta responded, ¡°That¡¯s the inte. That¡¯s why scandals keep flipping back and forth.¡±


    Frederick was still fuming. ¡°So annoying! If it weren¡¯t illegal, I¡¯d shut those trolls up myself!¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t be mad. I¡¯m not bothered,¡± Freya reassured them while watching the messages roll in.


    Frederick, however, was fuming and had already started arguing online.


    Later, he called Freya. ¡°Freya, why not juste clean about who you are? Let¡¯s see if they will still im you married Kristian for money then.¡±


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    ¡°No need. If I say something, it¡¯ll only give those clout-chasers exactly what they want.¡± Freya wasn¡¯t the least bit flustered.


    Her thoughts were more with her father. Given his nature, if he saw those discussions, he¡¯d probably have Briggs Group release a public statement dering her the heiress.


    And if that happened, things would spiral out of control.


    It wouldn¡¯t just be a petty squabble between her and Kristian anymore. It would escte into a media war between Shaw Group and Briggs Group.


    And the online users? They¡¯d have a field day.


    ¡°Are we seriously just going to let them run their mouths online like that?¡± Frederick was fuming, jumping to Freya¡¯s defense.


    ¡°The trending topic¡¯s already been taken down,¡± Freya replied evenly. ¡°Even if they keep yammering about it, it won¡¯t lead to anything real. Give it a minute¡ªsomething new will pop up, and today¡¯s drama will be yesterday¡¯s news.¡±


    Frederick looked like he still had more to say, but Freya, thinking of her father, decided to end the call.


    Her father probably hadn¡¯t even noticed the whole fiasco online on his own. But that didn¡¯t mean someone else wouldn¡¯t go out of their way to point it out to him. Maybe n had already told Hugh about it.


    ¡°Mr. Briggs.¡± Toby, the secretary, approached n with an iPad in hand and held it out. ¡°There¡¯s a trending topic from today. Would you like to take a look?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the point in looking at some boring topic?¡± n was swamped with work.


    He believed the faster he cleared his desk, the sooner he could kick back and finally take a real vacation. He nned to use the break to sit down with Freya and discuss her stepping in to lead Briggs Group next year. After all the years he¡¯d put in, he¡¯d earned a little breathing room, hadn¡¯t he?


    Toby, well aware of Freya¡¯s real identity, didn¡¯t lower the iPad. He added carefully, ¡°The trending topic is about Freya.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 831

    ?Chapter 831:


    n froze. He stopped what he was doing, took the iPad, and scowled at the headline. His brows knotted in confusion and concern.


    ¡°What do they mean by ¡®for the money¡¯?¡± n snapped, his fury bubbling to the surface. ¡°Can¡¯t these people talk like decent human beings?¡±


    ¡°They don¡¯t know she¡¯s part of the Briggs family,¡± Toby exined.


    ¡°And that gives them the right to talk trash?¡± n exploded. ¡°What if it were just any other woman? So it¡¯s okay to throw around baseless usations just because someone¡¯s not a public figure?¡±


    Toby stayed silent. He wasn¡¯t about to add fuel to n¡¯s fire when the man was already ready to blow.


    ¡°Call a press conference right now,¡± n ordered, his voice sharp with resolve. ¡°We¡¯re announcing Freya¡¯s identity.¡±


    The nerve of these people. How could they spew such groundless nonsense about his beloved cousin? Did they honestly believe she had no one in her corner?


    ¡°But, sir¡­¡±


    ¡°Move.¡±


    ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you talk to Freya first?¡± Toby asked carefully. ¡°She¡¯s always been against revealing who she is. Wouldn¡¯t it be out of line to make that call without asking her?¡±


    n¡¯s temper cooled slightly. He frowned, weighing the situation, and realized Toby was right. Freya hated being in the spotlight. But that didn¡¯t mean he could just sit back while people tore her apart online.


    ¡°Do you have any better ideas?¡± he asked.


    Toby wasn¡¯t about to speak out of turn. ¡°No.¡±


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    n let out a long sigh.


    ¡°But the trending topic¡¯s already been taken down,¡± Toby pointed out, eyes on the screen. ¡°It looks like Freya took care of it.¡± n refreshed the page. Sure enough, it was gone.


    He mulled it over for a moment before making up his mind. ¡°You can head out. I¡¯ll go talk to her myself. No need for you toe back to the office for a while¡ªjust go home and enjoy the break.¡±


    Everyone else at Briggs Group was already on leave. But since n was still working, Toby had stuck around too. Now, finally, he could clock out.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Toby replied quickly.


    n shrugged into his coat and headed out of the office. As soon as he reached the underground garage, a message from Freya popped up on his phone. She asked him not to bring up the topic to Hugh.


    She¡¯d sent the same message to Ethel when Ethel brought it up earlier. Letting things die down quietly was the best oue.


    But what Freya hadn¡¯t seening was that, even though she¡¯d informed Frederick, n, and Ethel¡­ she¡¯d forgotten one person. Kristian.


    When the topic was blowing up online, at the Shaw family¡¯s estate, the staff were buzzing around, hanging up decorations to bring in a festive vibe.


    Kristian had just finished chatting with Lionel and was enjoying a walk in the yard when his phone pinged with a new message.


    It was from Lawrence, who had sent a screenshot along with a note. ¡°Don¡¯t say I didn¡¯t warn you. Freya¡¯s all over the inte.¡±


    Kristian opened the image, and his face darkened as he scrolled through it. The morements he read, the more stormy his gaze became.


    Once he figured out how the tform worked, he created an ount under the name Kristian Shaw.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 832

    ?Chapter 832:


    Once everything was set up, he filmed a video. Then he called Gerard and uploaded the video. Within half an hour, the video shot to the top of the trending list.


    Freya only found out when she got home, thanks to Ethel.


    ¡°Mina!¡± Ethel waved her over, phone in hand. ¡°Come here¡ªsomething happened.¡±


    Freya had just slipped on her house slippers when she walked over.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    Hadn¡¯t that topic been taken care of?


    She nced at n and their father, trying to guess what Ethel was talking about.


    ¡°It¡¯s Kristian,¡± Ethel said.


    Freya blinked, confused.


    Before she could respond, Ethel handed over her phone and exined, ¡°Kristian posted a video online. It¡¯s now the number one trending topic.¡±


    Freya grabbed the phone, her heart skipping a beat. She wasn¡¯t worried about the earlier chatter, but if Kristian had spilled anything about their past, it would be a disaster.


    She didn¡¯t want the public poking around in her personal life. And she especially didn¡¯t want people to associate the names Briggs Group and Shaw Group with a failed marriage instead of their achievements.


    However, as she watched the video, she quickly realized Kristian had kept things in check.


    ¡°Hello, everyone. I¡¯m Kristian Shaw,¡± he said, his devastatingly handsome face calm on the screen. ¡°Freya Briggs is my ex-wife. There¡¯s been a misunderstanding. Her background is just as strong as mine. Earning 1.4 billion is nothing for her¡­¡±


    After that, Kristian mostly sang her praises, telling the world how amazing she was and openly admitting he¡¯d been the one at fault in their rtionship.


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    He ended by asking everyone to stop talking about the matter.


    The whole video was five minutes and twenty seconds long.


    By the time Freya finished watching it, she felt like a huge weight had been lifted off her chest.


    It answered some of the public¡¯s burning questions without dragging her private life into the spotlight.


    ¡°Freya,¡± Ethel said, her brows furrowed, ¡°shouldn¡¯t you take this chance to tell your side and let people tear him apart for once?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Freya responded, her voice as calm as still water. Ethel, not quite grasping the full picture, felt the urge to stand up for her sister.


    ¡°But why not?¡±


    ¡°People online gather like moths to a me, drawn to the heat of scandal. Matters of the heart and home should stay behind closed doors,¡± Freya said gently, smoothing Ethel¡¯s hair with a sisterly touch. ¡°There¡¯s no reason toy our family bare before strangers.¡±


    Ethel mulled it over, understanding the logic, though the storm inside her had yet to settle.


    ¡°I¡¯m heading upstairs to make a call,¡± said Freya. Her eyes flicked toward Hugh, who still seemed like a volcano simmering beneath the surface. She whispered to Ethel, ¡°Try to cool Dad¡¯s temper.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Ethel nodded obediently.


    After giving her a final affectionate tousle, Freya climbed the stairs. Her call went to Kristian.


    .


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 Chapter 833

    ?Chapter 833:


    ¡°Hi, Freya.¡± Kristian¡¯s tone shifted the instant he picked up, shedding the icy mask he had worn in the video.


    Freya pressed a finger to the bridge of her nose, the crease between her brows deepening. ¡°Why did you post that video?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t like people throwing stones at you,¡± Kristian replied, sincerity echoing in every word. ¡°I wanted the world to see how amazing you are¡­ and to know that I was the one who fell short.¡±


    Freya had once told him that acknowledging mistakes was a sign of maturity and integrity.


    ¡°Don¡¯t toss things online so carelessly again,¡± she advised, mindful of his fragile memory. ¡°You represent Shaw Group now. Every word you say carries weight. Eyes are always watching. Understand?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Kristian¡¯s tone remained submissive. ¡°I¡¯ll do as you say.¡±


    Freya was momentarily taken aback.


    Without letting the moment hang in silence, Kristian added, ¡°Does my grandpa really love ying chess?¡±


    ¡°He does,¡± Freya confirmed. ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m terrible at it¡­ Afraid I¡¯ll mess up.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± she said soothingly. ¡°Tell Isaac, and he¡¯ll sort it out.¡±


    ¡°He said I should use a chess app to cheat during our games.¡± Freya was nearly at a loss for words. If he tried that trick once, his grandfather might overlook it. But if it became a pattern, it wouldn¡¯t take a detective to spot the lie.


    ¡°Just have some casual conversations with him today,¡± Freya suggested gently. ¡°Tomorrow, go to Gerard¡¯s. He¡¯ll get you the right tools and show you the ropes.¡±


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    ¡°Got it,¡± Kristian agreed readily.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got other things to take care of, so I¡¯ll hang up now,¡± Freya said, not intending to draw the call out. ¡°Be good.¡±


    ¡°I will!¡±


    With a soft hum of affirmation, Freya ended the call.


    But as soon as the line went dead, the warmth in Kristian¡¯s expression evaporated. His smile dissolved, revealing a chill beneath¡ªclear to anyone paying attention.


    ¡°You¡¯ve barely picked up any new skills, but you¡¯ve mastered the art of switching expressions,¡± came Isaac¡¯s dry remark as he appeared, phone in hand. ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Freya didn¡¯t give you the time of day?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s it to you?¡± Kristian bristled, his tolerance for his father running on fumes.


    Isaac coolly tilted the phone screen toward him¡ªrecording app wide open. ¡°Still so rude to me?¡±


    Kristian froze. Was Isaac born to be his adversary?


    From the very first call, they had been butting heads. And now this.


    ¡°Does your wife know how low you¡¯re willing to stoop?¡± Kristian asked, struggling to keep his voice steady.


    ¡°You flip your mood like a coin,¡± Isaac replied without missing a beat. ¡°Does Freya know that?¡±


    A flicker of darkness passed through Kristian¡¯s eyes. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Just a father chatting with his son. Why act like I¡¯vee to tie you to the tracks?¡± Isaac¡¯s tone was slow and measured. He stepped inside and sat beside him.


    Kristian¡¯s entire body tensed. There were few ces he¡¯d rather not be¡ªnext to his father topped the list.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 834

    ?Chapter 834:


    ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡±


    ¡°Your mom wants to see you. She asked me to bring you over,¡± Isaac exined, already having swept the online mess under the rug. ¡°You know what¡¯s safe to say¡ªand what¡¯s not.¡±


    Strange as it was, it hadn¡¯t blossomed into love.


    ¡°No,¡± she said inly. ¡°He¡¯s a dear friend.¡±


    Hugh held his tongue. If that were true, wasn¡¯t Ellis pouring water into a cracked pot?


    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll get going,¡± Freya said, brushing on a light touch of makeup. Even if she was only ying a part, she wanted to look the part. ¡°Ellis is nearly here¡ªI¡¯ll wait outside.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Hugh didn¡¯t press further.


    Ten minutester, Ellis arrived.


    When he saw Freya in a knee-length white coat, he stepped out of the car without a word, unwrapped his scarf, and gently looped it around her neck. Taking her hand, he said, ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to¡ª¡± Freya began, trying to return the scarf.


    ¡°I want you to be warm.¡± Ellis noticed the blush on her ears, a telltale sign of the cold. After securing her door, he circled the car and took the driver¡¯s seat.


    As the car rolled forward, Freya quietly removed the scarf.


    Though it was warm, she wasn¡¯t one for extravagance. She nned to return it once they arrived.


    Ellis, d in a ck coat, noticed her movement from the corner of his eye. He gave a quiet sigh.


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    Ellis didn¡¯t know what to say. He felt that Freya remained just as oblivious as always.


    ¡°Captain,¡± Freya murmured, focused entirely on helping him manage the situation with his parents. ¡°Do your parents have any specific expectations when ites to your girlfriend¡¯s personality? Do you want me to y a part?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Ellis said with a brief nce in her direction, keeping his eyes on the road. ¡°Just be yourself.¡±


    ¡°What if I mess this up for you?¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t.¡±


    With those short replies, Freya refrained from pressing any further.


    Two hourster, the car rolled to a halt in front of an estate.


    Ellis handed the car keys to the guard at the gate, then moved to the passenger side to help Freya out.


    There was a subtle unease stirring in her chest, though she didn¡¯t let it show. She had always harbored quiet concerns about Ellis¡¯s finances or other burdens he might be carrying, but after what she¡¯d seen today, it was clear hecked nothing. Not even a little.


    This estate alone had to be worth billions.


    Freya said as she stepped inside with him, her gaze drifting across the grand interior, ¡°Captain, is your family wealthy?¡±


    Ellis replied slowly, ¡°Probably not as much as yours, but we¡¯re doing fine.¡±


    Freya realized, toote, that she¡¯d spoken carelessly.


    .


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 Chapter 835

    ?Chapter 835:


    ¡°Don¡¯t call me captainter,¡± Ellis reminded her. ¡°Just call me Ellis.¡±


    Freya hesitated.


    ¡°Do you want to link arms or hold hands?¡± Ellis¡¯s attention to such small things caught her off guard.


    ¡°Link arms.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    The two of them chatted quietly as they made their way indoors. Without any unnecessary ceremony, Ellis brought her straight to meet his parents.


    The moment Freya and Ellis entered, Caldwell and Kendra stood up with warm smiles.


    ¡°Mom, Dad, this is Freya Briggs¡ªmy girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Hello, nice to meet you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s lovely to meet you, too.¡± Kendra¡¯s smile deepened as she looked at Freya and gestured warmly. ¡°Come, have a seat.¡±


    Turning slightly, she addressed her butler. ¡°Would you bring us some coffee, please?¡±


    With that done, she began making light conversation with Freya.


    Ellis was slightly caught off guard by his mother¡¯s enthusiasm.


    Sensing his mother¡¯s overwhelming warmth, he instinctively moved closer to Freya and took her hand. ¡°I¡¯ll show her my room first. You two can chatter.¡± He knew Freya wasn¡¯t used to such enthusiasm.


    ¡°Alright.¡± Kendra didn¡¯t object.


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    As she watched Ellis lead Freya away, Kendra turned to Caldwell.


    ¡°Freya is so beautiful, well-mannered, and sweet.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t her name sound familiar to you?¡±


    ¡°Does it?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Maybe Ellis mentioned it before?¡±


    ¡°No, he guards his secrets better than anything. If we were relying on him, we¡¯d never know.¡±


    ¡°Stop overthinking,¡± Kendra replied gently, her elegance unmistakable. ¡°Check with the kitchen again. It¡¯s her first visit¡ªwe can¡¯t afford to give her a poor impression.¡±


    ¡°I already checked,¡± Caldwell replied, thinking she was going a bit overboard. ¡°Everything¡¯s fine, don¡¯t worry.¡±


    Ellis had already brought Freya into his room.


    Though he rarely returned, the space was spotless, clearly cleaned on a regr basis.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t expect them to be so enthusiastic,¡± Ellis remarked as he poured her a cup of coffee. ¡°They must be happy to meet you.¡±


    ¡°What about next time?¡± Freya asked.


    Ellis blinked, a little thrown. ¡°Next time?¡±


    ¡°You can fake it once, but not twice,¡± Freya said, taking a sip, her tone unruffled.


    ¡°What if they ask about uster?¡± Ellis hadn¡¯t really thought that far ahead.


    His n had been simple: have Freya pretend to be his girlfriend once, then slowly win her over and make her his real girlfriend.


    But with how things were going, Freya didn¡¯t show any romantic feelings toward him¡ªjust that she no longer avoided him like before.


    .


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 Chapter 836

    ?Chapter 836:


    It wasn¡¯t going to be easy.


    ¡°We¡¯ll handle that when ites,¡± Ellis said after thinking for a moment.


    Freya took another small sip and opened her mouth as if to speak again, but in the end, she said nothing more.


    She had made a conscious decision not to bring any gifts this time.


    She was only ying the role of Ellis¡¯s girlfriend; bringing gifts that charmed his parents mightplicate things for whoever truly came into his lifeter. It was better to arrive empty-handed.


    ¡°What are you thinking about?¡± Ellis tapped her forehead lightly.


    Freya considered her words before speaking. ¡°I think you shouldn¡¯t have someone fake being your girlfriend just to fool your parents. If someone ys the role too well, it might cause problems for the real er.¡±


    ¡°I know what I¡¯m doing. Don¡¯t worry,¡± Ellis said confidently.


    Since he said so, Freya decided to trust him.


    In her view, he always thought things through, and even ifplications arose, he would know how to handle them.


    About ten minutester, Ellis brought Freya back out to talk with his parents.


    Though Freya rarely found herself in situations like these, she was more than capable of managing them.


    Whenever Kendra asked something, Freya responded with just the right tone and phrasing, leaving behind a poised, graceful impression.


    ¡°Freya,¡± Kendra cleared her throat and exchanged a nce with Caldwell. ¡°Ellis told us he stays at your ce and even got a job through yourpany. How do you feel about him relying on you so much?¡±


    Fresh stories here g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s?c?m


    Freya was momentarily stunned. Relying on her?


    Ellis¡¯s lips lifted slightly, and he spoke with a gentle voice. ¡°Just be honest with them.¡±


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t rely on me to get everything,¡± Freya said, unsure what Ellis had told them but wanting to rify. ¡°He¡¯s capable, intelligent, and resourceful. It¡¯s just that after spending so long in the organization, he¡¯s a bit disconnected from everyday routines. He just needs some time to adjust. I¡¯m simply giving him a hand.¡±


    Kendra and Caldwell exchanged looks of quiet surprise.


    They had no idea what Ellis had told Freya to make her say something like ¡°a bit disconnected from everyday routines.¡±


    But one thing was certain: Freya was sweet, trusting, and innocent.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t think that¡¯s a problem?¡± Caldwell asked, his tone serious.


    Freya replied calmly, ¡°I don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You should be more cautious going forward,¡± Caldwell said, his disapproval thinly veiled. ¡°Some peoplee off as honest but are actually full of tricks.¡±


    ¡°How can you say that in front of Freya?¡± Kendra shot him a disapproving look.


    Their son was sitting right there. Was it really appropriate to speak about him like that in front of his girlfriend?


    Caldwell swallowed his retort. If Freya hadn¡¯t been there, he would¡¯ve already said that depending on a woman was something to be ashamed of.


    The conversation that followed naturally gravitated toward stories from Ellis¡¯s childhood.


    Kendra weed Freya with such genuine warmth that it was as though she already considered her family, filling the room with light-hearted tales from Ellis¡¯s younger years.


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 Chapter 837

    ?Chapter 837:


    Once theughter died down, she turned to ask how Ellis and Freya had first met.


    Freya didn¡¯t hold anything back¡ªshe recounted everything without hesitation.


    The moment Kendra heard that Freya had once been Ellis¡¯s team member, her expression clouded with concern. ¡°Oh, you poor thing! Ellis is absolutely ruthless when ites to training. You must¡¯ve gone through so much under him, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°It was manageable,¡± Freya said gently, hoping to put her at ease. ¡°The strict training was really for our own benefit.¡±


    ¡°From now on, you must treat Freya well, you got that?¡± Kendra said, half-joking, half-serious, directing a pointed look at Ellis.


    Ellis, clearly amused by the entire exchange, allowed a faint smile to tug at the corner of his mouth. ¡°Got it.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s eat first,¡± Kendra said, taking Freya¡¯s hand affectionately. It was obvious how much she already liked her. ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure what your favorite foods were. When I asked Ellis, he said you weren¡¯t picky, so I made a bit of everything.¡±


    ¡°I hope I¡¯m not being a bother,¡± Freya replied with a courteous smile.


    As the meal began, Freya found herself seated between Kendra and Ellis.


    In the beginning, everyone focused on eating, while Kendra took time to exin the sentimental meaning behind each dish to Freya. After a while, she began shooting subtle looks at Ellis. Regrettably, Ellis remained oblivious.


    Eventually, unable to stay silent, Kendra blurted out, ¡°Ellis, serve Freya some food. There are a few things she can¡¯t reach.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ellis agreed without hesitation.


    Throughout the meal, Freya found herself continuously being served one dish after another. Thankfully, Ellis didn¡¯t rush her¡ªhe only offered the next bite once she¡¯d finished thest.


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    Freya tried to stop him, but it was pointless. Ellis simply said, ¡°Orders are orders. If I don¡¯t follow through, I¡¯ll get chewed out after you leave.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t question him. After all, he was her team captain¡ªthere was no reason to think he¡¯d lie.


    Once lunch was over, desserts and fruit were brought out.


    Just when it seemed another round of small talk was about to begin, Ellis rose and walked over to Freya. Turning to his parents, he said, ¡°She should get some rest. I¡¯ll drive her back.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not staying for dinner?¡± Kendra asked, clearly taken aback. She hadn¡¯t fully processed his words. ¡°Why not celebrate Christmas with us?¡±


    ¡°Mom,¡± Ellis said gently as he approached her, ¡°didn¡¯t we agree we were onlying for lunch?¡±


    Kendra fell silent. She clearly didn¡¯t want Freya to leave just yet. They hadn¡¯t even had a proper chat!


    ¡°We¡¯ll head out now,¡± Ellis announced, taking Freya¡¯s hand as he spoke to his parents.


    Freya offered a polite farewell, ¡°Goodbye, Mr. and Mrs. Lambert.¡± Both Kendra and Caldwell stood there, stunned.


    Even after Ellis and Freya vanished through the doorway, they still hadn¡¯te to.


    Caldwell, still clutching a pot of coffee, murmured in confusion,


    ¡°They¡¯re leaving already?¡±


    ¡°Looks like it.¡±


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 Chapter 838

    ?Chapter 838:


    ¡°That fast?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm.¡±


    ¡°Did we give her our gift?¡± Caldwell suddenly asked.


    Kendra blinked, startled. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who prepared it? I don¡¯t think you handed it to me.¡±


    Caldwell patted his pocket.


    There it was.


    He passed the gift to Kendra. ¡°Come on, let¡¯s try to catch them. Maybe we¡¯re not toote.¡±


    But by the time they reached outside the estate, the car¡¯s taillights had already disappeared down the road. A shared pang of regret hit them¡ªboth feared they had left Freya with a poor impression.


    It had been her first visit, and they hadn¡¯t even managed to give her a proper gift.


    Kendra, after a quick moment of deliberation, fired off a message to her son.


    ¡°You¡¯ll give Freya a gift and say it¡¯s from us. You two left so fast; your dad and I didn¡¯t even get the chance to hand it to her.¡±


    Ellis read the message while already cruising down the highway. As he drove, he said to Freya, ¡°Thanks for today.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wee,¡± Freya replied casually.


    But deep down, she silently vowed never to pretend to be his girlfriend again.


    With how warmly Kendra had embraced her, discovering it was all pretend would crush her.


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    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ellis asked, catching the pensive look on Freya¡¯s face from the corner of his eye. ¡°Something bothering you?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Freya answered lightly, swiftly steering the conversation toward something that had piqued her curiosity. ¡°By the way, what kind of business is your family in?¡±


    ¡°Antique industry,¡± Ellis replied, his tone smooth and nonchnt.


    Freya paused. Antique industry. One name popped instantly into her mind.


    She turned to him, her voice measured and slow. ¡°That discreet antiquepany, the Lambert Group¡­ that wouldn¡¯t happen to be your family¡¯s, would it?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± Ellis admitted, seeing no point in denying it anymore.


    Freya was floored. Was he joking? The Lambert Group had always been a quiet force in the industry. While it didn¡¯t unt its status like the Shaw or Briggs Groups, its assets were just as formidable.


    They avoided public events, but their wealth spoke for itself. Any artifact they sold couldmand an astronomical price.


    While others faced endless risk in antiques, the Lambert Group did not¡ªarmed with the best appraisers and restoration experts in the field. If a rare treasure existed, chances were, the Lambert Group already had it.


    And this was Ellis¡¯s family business?


    Freya said, momentarily at a loss, ¡°Next year, maybe you should take over the family business.¡±


    What had she even been thinking before? How had she ever believed he wasn¡¯t rich? He was a Lambert¡ªhow had she missed that?


    ¡°You¡¯re firing me?¡± Ellis replied coolly, clearly expecting the reaction.


    ¡°You should be at the Lambert Group. Working at Anita International is honestly beneath you,¡± Freya said with conviction, feeling silly for her earlier assumptions. ¡°From what your dad said today, he clearly wants you involved in the family business.¡±


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 Chapter 839

    ?Chapter 839:


    ¡°The Lambert Group is struggling,¡± Ellis said, his voice deadpan. ¡°It¡¯s only thanks to the money I make at yourpany that they¡¯re able to pay their staff.¡±


    Freya gave him a t look. ¡°You¡¯re making that up.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s true.¡±


    ¡°Keep going.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡± Ellis kept a straight face.


    ¡°I haven¡¯t researched the Lambert Group thoroughly, but I¡¯ve heard it¡¯s one of the easiest jobs in the entire industry for employees,¡± Freya said slowly. ¡°If thepany were really in trouble, selling just one artifact would be enough to have collectors throwing money at you.¡±


    Ellis stayedposed. ¡°It¡¯s not as dramatic as you make it out to be.¡±


    Freya¡¯s tone turned serious. ¡°I could look up yourpany¡¯s revenue right now.¡±


    Ellis was caught off guard. He had clearly underestimated her.


    Freya couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°If your family¡¯s that rich, then why in the world are you working at mine?¡±


    Freya was confused. How on earth had shee to the conclusion that Ellis had only just stepped out of military retirement and was still trying to adjust to life in society? And what had sparked her strange urge to take him under her wing?


    ¡°It was for the sake of experience. I needed to integrate into society,¡± Ellis said evenly, his expression calm and collected, as always. ¡°Even though the Lambert Group is my family¡¯s legacy, if someone as green as I am were to suddenly take the reins, how would I ever gain the respect of the board?¡±


    Freya paused to mull it over. It did seem likely that he wouldn¡¯t be met with open arms.


    ¡°Once I¡¯ve fully limated to the outside world and picked up a proper understanding of management, that¡¯s when I¡¯ll step in to run thepany. It¡¯ll be better for both me and the Lambert Group,¡± Ellis added, his voice deep and smooth,ced with a quiet maism that made it hard to look away.


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    ¡°That actually makes a lot of sense,¡± Freya said, nodding in agreement. A faint, amused smile tugged at the corners of Ellis¡¯s eyes.


    He found her so adorably naive.


    ¡°How about this,¡± Freya offered, her trust in him shining through. ¡°Next year, you can step in as the acting president of Anita International. Melvin and I will be right there backing you up. If you can run mypany well, the Lambert Group will be a walk in the park.¡±


    If the Lambert Group was a symbol of heritage and legacy, Anita International stood at the cutting edge of technological progress.


    Both the Briggs Group and the Lambert Group were expansive conglomerates, known for their profitability and trendsetting influence. Anita International, on the other hand, was all about cutting-edge chip research. And in that niche, it was unmatched¡ªan undisputed leader.


    Ellis didn¡¯t even hesitate. ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± Freya asked, genuinely puzzled.


    ¡°I should only take on responsibilities I¡¯m truly prepared for. I¡¯m not qualified to lead Anita International,¡± Ellis said, not wanting to make things unnecessarilyplicated. After all, he was only here for Freya. ¡°If it¡¯s alright with you, I¡¯d rather just keep learning from you.¡±


    Freya was at a loss for words. The way he said it made her feel an invisible weight settle over her. Ellis learning from her? No matter how she tried to frame it in her mind, it just sounded¡­ off.


    The rest of the ride passed in near silence.


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 Chapter 840

    Chapter 840:


    Freya kept turning over in her mind how she could help Ellis grasp the fundamentals of management more quickly. In the end, she decided she¡¯d have to consult Trent.


    It was just past three in the afternoon when Ellis pulled up and dropped Freya off at home.


    She¡¯d been nning to invite him in for a short rest before he left, but Ellis didn¡¯t stick around. His reasoning was simple¡ªonce he officially won her over, then he¡¯d visit her family properly. Now just wasn¡¯t the right time.


    Inside the house, Hugh and Ethel were lounging in front of the television, waiting for Freya to return.


    Through the window, Hugh caught a glimpse of Freya chatting with Ellis beside the car. His curiosity was instantly sparked.


    ¡°Should we move somewhere with a better view?¡± Hugh asked Ethel. ¡°I can¡¯t get a clear look at Ellis from this angle.¡±


    Ethel lit up, practically beaming. ¡°He¡¯s unbelievably hot! Absolutely charming!¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes!¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve seen him already?¡±


    ¡°Plenty of times. Mina and I go to his ce for meals all the time.¡±


    Hugh was floored. How did he not know any of this?


    He tried to find a better viewing angle, but it was next to impossible to get a proper look. ¡°Do you think he matches Mina¡¯s standards for a partner?¡±


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    ¡°In the past, definitely,¡± Ethel said, her eyes twinkling. ¡°But now? I¡¯m not so sure.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°Because Kristian¡¯s still in the picture.¡±


    ¡°What are you getting at?¡±


    ¡°In terms of looks, charm, and voice¡ªthey¡¯re neck and neck,¡± Ethel mused, giving her personal take. ¡°But Mina got burned by Kristian, and now she¡¯s sworn off love. When someone¡¯s closed that door, there¡¯s really no such thing as standards anymore.¡±


    Hugh let out a heavy sigh. What a mess.


    While they were deep in discussion, Freya was already being ushered inside by Ellis.


    She spotted the two of them loitering near the window and frowned.


    ¡°What are you doing over there?¡±


    ¡°Watching my future brother-inw.¡±


    ¡°Watching my future son-inw.¡±


    They blurted it out without thinking.


    Then, realizing how that sounded, they both looked sheepish. Hugh cleared his throat and quickly tried to smooth it over. ¡°I mean, he¡¯s very good to you. That alone makes him a potential son-inw.¡±


    Freya headed upstairs with a quick, ¡°He¡¯s just my captain.¡± Then she went to her room to change.


    When she came back down, Ethel bounded over with a cheeky smile. ¡°So, did pretending to be his girlfriend go smoothly today?¡±


    ¡°It went alright,¡± replied Freya.


    ¡°Are you going to keep it up?¡±


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    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Hi dear readers, I hope you enjoyed the chapters! From now on, new chapters will be released every Tuesday and Friday. Also, four new novels will beunched each week. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?


    .

 Chapter 841

    ?Chapter 841:


    ¡°No, I don¡¯t think it¡¯s right to keep lying to his parents.¡± Ethel exchanged a look with Hugh.


    Hugh figured it was time to clue his daughter in, or she¡¯d stay blissfully clueless about affairs of the heart.


    ¡°Mina.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°I need to talk to you about something. Got a minute?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°I think Ellis has a crush on you,¡± Hugh said gently, testing the waters.


    Freya looked genuinely puzzled. As far as she knew, her father and Ellis had never even met.


    Hugh seemed to catch her unspoken thought. ¡°Even though I haven¡¯t met him, as a man, I can tell. Asking you to y the part of his girlfriend¡ªit says something.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re reading too much into it,¡± Freya answered, her tone calm and collected.


    Hugh looked a little wounded. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡±


    ¡°These days, it¡¯s not that unusual to have someone pretend to be your partner,¡± Freya replied casually. ¡°Times have changed since you were young, so don¡¯t overanalyze it.¡±


    Hugh was speechless. How did this turn into a generational debate? He pressed, ¡°If you have a crush on someone, would you confess outright?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t even blink. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not afraid that if it doesn¡¯t work out, you won¡¯t even be able to stay friends?¡± Ethel jumped in, her eyes full of curiosity.


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    Freya looked truly baffled. ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t we be able to be friends?¡±


    Ethel and Hugh both felt that Kristian had been wildly lucky back then. Even after going through a whole marriage, Freya¡¯s view of love was still charmingly innocent. If real feelings were the price to win her over, Kristian might never have stood a chance.


    ¡°When you are in love with someone, it¡¯s only natural to be a little cautious,¡± Ethel said with quiet earnestness. ¡°If you don¡¯t confess, you¡¯re scared of missing the chance. But if you do, you¡¯re afraid it¡¯ll backfire and ruin the friendshippletely.¡±


    Freya frowned slightly, still finding the whole thing a bit convoluted. To her, loving someone meant just saying it¡ªand if it didn¡¯t work out, then so be it. Life moved on.


    ¡°It¡¯s a tangled process,¡± Ethel began, her voice carrying both warmth and weight, ¡°but also a bittersweet echo of youthful innocence.¡± She turned to Freya with a thoughtful look. ¡°Didn¡¯t you ever go through anything like that during school?¡±


    Given Freya¡¯s appearance and temperament, Ethel always assumed suitors had swarmed around her like bees to a blossom. Why was her sister still so clueless? It simply didn¡¯t add up.


    Freya paused, thinking. ¡°No.¡±


    But the truth wasn¡¯t that simple.


    Back in school, her world revolved around textbooks and trophies¡ªshe had thrown her heart entirely into the pursuit of knowledge, pouring her time into ssrooms andpetitions.


    Each day, she arrived with study materials in hand and left the same way, eyes fixed on the horizon of academic sess, blind to the paper hearts tucked in lockers or hands stretched with timid hopes.


    She had always seemed a step ahead of her peers, not in age, but in mind¡ªmature beyond her years, learning many things on her own after reaching middle school.


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 Chapter 842

    ?Chapter 842:


    And so, love remained a closed chapter in a book she never opened.


    ¡°Did you never have a crush on anyone while growing up?¡± Ethel asked, her voice curious but gentle.


    Freya looked at her intently. ¡°Does Kristian count? I liked him.¡±


    ¡°How did you feel back then?¡± Ethel asked.


    Freya pressed her hand lightly against her chest. ¡°I can feel it in my heart. When we were together, there was a gentle current inside me that felt warm and soothing. I would smile for no reason at all. But when I found out he wanted to leave me for Ashley¡­ it cut deep.¡±


    That pain was no metaphor¡ªit was sharp and breathless, like standing barefoot on broken ss.


    At her words, both Ethel and Hugh fell silent, the weight of Freya¡¯s sincerity settling heavily in the room.


    Ethel pulled her into a tight embrace, suddenly understanding that while Freya might have bypassed the giddy confusion of youthful crushes, she had tasted love in its truest, most enduring form. Some hearts love quietly but love no less deeply. Love, after all, wears many faces.


    ¡°I¡¯m okay now,¡± Freya said, her voice calm as still water. ¡°I don¡¯t feel anything anymore.¡±


    She was the kind of person who gavepletely when she cared¡ªand when it was over, she knew how to walk away without looking back.


    Ethel held her a little longer, choosing silence over words.


    Hugh, nearby, watched with concern clouding his expression.


    Next part is at g????????¦Í??????.co??


    ¡°Please don¡¯t say Ellis has a crush on me anymore,¡± Freya said to Hugh. ¡°It¡¯s one thing when it¡¯s just us talking, but if he hears it, it might stir up unnecessary trouble.¡±


    Hugh pursed his lips, reluctantly conceding, ¡°Alright.¡±


    Still, he couldn¡¯t shake the belief¡ªdeep down, he was certain Ellis did love Freya.


    There was no changing that in his mind.


    Freya¡¯s phone suddenly rang.


    She slipped it from her pocket, spotting Kristian¡¯s name on the screen.


    Before answering, she checked her messages. He had sent several.


    ¡°My grandpa wants me to y chess again.¡±


    ¡°Freya, are you there?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m going to call you.¡±


    She declined the call and instead replied, ¡°Get the equipment on; I¡¯m logging in.¡±


    Since Kristian had spoken about Lionel¡¯s suspicions recently, he had gone to Gerard for a discreet set of tools¡ªa wireless camera norger than a button and a nearly invisible earpiece.


    Once attached to his clothing, the camera drew no attention, and through the earpiece, Freya could observe his chess match and guide him silently, move by move.


    This wasn¡¯t their first dance¡ªshe had helped him like this more than once already.


    Meanwhile, she nned to talk to Lawrence after Christmas. With his medical skills, restoring Kristian¡¯s memory shouldn¡¯t be difficult. She told Ethel and Hugh she had something to handle upstairs and left quietly.


    Kristian, already in ce, heard Freya¡¯s cue and began his match with Lionel.


    Liam was there as well.


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 Chapter 843

    ?Chapter 843:


    Kristian followed Freya¡¯s guidance like a ship heeding its lighthouse.


    ¡°When did you start mimicking Freya¡¯s ying style?¡± Lionel asked, eyebrows arched in suspicion. ¡°Have you been practicing with her in Alerith all this time?¡±


    ¡°I knew you missed her,¡± Kristian replied smoothly, ¡°so I studied her approach. Thought I¡¯d y in her ce, keep youpany in her stead.¡±


    ¡°Hmph,¡± Lionel huffed, though his tone had softened into something resembling affection. ¡°Had you listened to me back then, you wouldn¡¯t be picking up broken pieces now. Foolish.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Kristian agreed, his tone respectful.


    Lionel shot him a re.


    Once, he could scold Kristian and vent his anger, but now the young man¡¯s cid replies turned every sharp word into a boomerang.


    It only made Lionel more exasperated.


    They yed two more rounds.


    By the end, Lionel¡¯s tone wavered with unspoken feeling. ¡°Do you¡­ still want Freya back?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re not afraid of failing?¡±


    ¡°I messed up before,¡± Kristian said without hesitation. ¡°No matter how many hurdles lie ahead, I¡¯ll do everything I can to make it right.¡±


    Lionel¡¯s heart ached with absence. Since Freya left, something in the rhythm of his days had faltered. ¡°She was a treasure,¡± he muttered, barely above a whisper. ¡°And you drove her away.¡±


    He had often wished Freya had been born into his family. Then, she would¡¯ve been by his side always. And Kristian, as his grandson-inw, would oftene to see him while pursuing her.


    Whether the two young folks were together or not wouldn¡¯t matter then.


    But fate had written a different script.


    ¡°Kristian.¡±


    ¡°I miss Freya,¡± Lionel said quietly, fingers fiddling with a chess piece as he stared beyond the board, seeing instead the memory of Freya¡ªherughter, her quiet presence, the games they used to share. Those soft, golden days were gone. Freya had vanished with them.


    Kristian froze.


    Even Freya, listening in, felt her breath catch in her throat.


    ¡°Why did you let her go?¡± Lionel¡¯s voice quivered, each word tinged with age and regret. ¡°She was¡­ such a good girl.¡±


    Something inside Freya stirred, a sudden urge to book a ticket to Jeucwell and meet the old man.


    But she held back.


    ¡°Would you like to call her?¡± Kristian asked after a beat. ¡°I can help.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Lionel said firmly. His care for Freya ran too deep to risk burdening her. ¡°She might be busy. Besides, you hurt her. I wouldn¡¯t even know what to say.¡±


    What words could convey the ache of missing someone without asking them to carry it?


    ¡°Don¡¯t use Freya¡¯s ying style anymore,¡± Lionel added. ¡°Every move reminds me of her.¡±


    Kristian agreed without protest.


    .


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 Chapter 844

    ?Chapter 844:


    The game ended, and Lionel wandered into the backyard.


    Every step he took stirred up memories¡ªFreya painting under the sun, sharing stories in the breeze, guiding his hand over the chessboard. Only now did he realize why this Christmas felt dimmer than years before. Freya wasn¡¯t with them. Kristian had driven away the light in his winter.


    Freyapletely cut off contact with Kristian the moment the chess match came to an end.


    She stared at the phone resting in her palm, torn between dialing Lionel or letting the impulse pass. After several long minutes of inner debate, she chose not to call. Reaching out now might make it seem like Kristian had urged her to do so, and that could stir guilt in Lionel. It was better to wait until tomorrow. A holiday greeting on Christmas wouldn¡¯t seem suspicious.


    With her thoughts finally in order, she set aside her worries, at least for the time being, and made her way downstairs.


    The next day, Freya, Ethel, and Hugh joined Winslow for lunch. That evening, they headed back to Miguel¡¯s for dinner.


    Surprisingly, Miguel refrained from criticizing Freya this year. For once, the evening was warm, festive, and full of good cheer.


    After dinner, Freya picked up the phone and called Lionel to send her Christmas wishes.


    Lionel¡¯s voice lit up with boyish excitement the moment he heard her. He was delighted beyond words, showering her with blessing after blessing, chatting on and on, unwilling to let the moment end. Their conversation stretched on for nearly an hour before Lionel, though reluctant, finally brought the call to a close.


    By eleven, Miguel had already retreated to his room for the night. Ethel nced over and saw Freya quietly gazing out at the fireworks.


    ¡°Mina, what are you thinking about?¡±


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    ¡°Nothing,¡± Freya replied, her eyes still fixed on the stars in the sky.


    This marked her first Christmas at home since their mother had passed, and the moment carried a bittersweet weight. The past two Christmases had been spent at the Shaw family¡¯s residence¡ªlively enough, yes, but theycked the deep, aching nostalgia of tonight. Ethel gently linked arms with her. ¡°You don¡¯t need to say it. I know you¡¯re thinking about Mom.¡±


    Freya froze, caught off guard.


    ¡°When you weren¡¯t here those two years, Dad and I would sit together, missing both you and Mom,¡± Ethel said softly. ¡°We¡¯d talk about you a lot, wondering where you were, and whether you were doing okay.¡±


    ¡°Mina,¡± Ethel said again, her voice dipping just enough to call her attention.


    ¡°Yes?¡± Freya murmured.


    ¡°In just over twenty days, it¡¯ll be your birthday,¡± Ethel said, her tone lifting into a lighter rhythm. She had always remembered Freya¡¯s birthday, never once forgetting. ¡°Is there anything you¡¯re hoping for this year? Any wish you want toe true?¡±


    ¡°Not really,¡± Freya answered, her voice detached. Birthdays didn¡¯t carry much weight anymore.


    The older she got, the less they meant to her.


    But Ethel wasn¡¯t one to give up so easily. She had every intention of celebrating it. She was just about to reveal her ns when a call from Jarrett interrupted.


    Not wanting to eavesdrop on their lively exchange, Freya quietly got up and wandered elsewhere.


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 Chapter 845

    ?Chapter 845:


    Right as the clock struck midnight, four messages popped up on her phone. Each one simply read, ¡°Merry Christmas.¡±


    One came from Kristian, another from Ellis, and the remaining two were from Farrah and Melvin.


    As for the group chat with her friends, it was already overflowing with messages.


    Freya responded to each message and briefly chimed in on the group thread. Just like that, Christmas had officially begun.


    The next day, Freya awoke to yet another greeting from Kristian, followed by his question, asking, ¡°When are youing to pick me up?¡± Freya hesitated to answer.


    The holidays weren¡¯t quite over, and she knew both Melinda and Lionel would want to hold onto Kristian just a little longer. If she showed up to collect him soon, Lionel would no doubt feel reluctant to let him go.


    But Kristian wasn¡¯t one to give up easily.


    By mid-afternoon, somewhere around two or three o¡¯clock, he called her directly.


    ¡°Freya, Merry Christmas!¡± His voice bubbled with cheer.


    ¡°Merry Christmas,¡± she replied calmly.


    ¡°When are youing to get me?¡± he asked bluntly, skipping over any pleasantries. ¡°Tomorrow morning or afternoon?¡±


    ¡°Can we wait a couple more days?¡± Freya asked.


    Kristian went quiet. His eyes flickered with emotion, and though his face remainedposed, his stubbornness was impossible to miss. He held himself back and replied in a carefully measured tone, ¡°You don¡¯t want me anymore, do you?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not true,¡± Freya said softly, her eyes drifting toward the snow outside. ¡°You finally made it home. Melinda and Lionel must be so happy to have you back. If you leave so soon, how will they feel?¡±


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    ¡°Then when should Ie back?¡± Kristian pressed again.


    ¡°How about after the New Year?¡± Freya suggested. ¡°I¡¯lle pick you up then.¡±


    ¡°Then I want a reward!¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya agreed without hesitation.


    After convincing him, she let out a quiet breath of relief.


    But as always, time slipped away far too quickly.


    Before she knew it, it was the day after the New Year. Freya kept her word and made the trip to Jeucwell to pick Kristian up. The moment he saw her, his whole face lit up like a child¡¯s, and he dashed toward her with unrestrained joy. ¡°Freya!¡±


    Freya quickly raised a hand to stop him, bringing him to a sudden halt right in front of her.


    Kristian blinked at her, ying up his innocence. ¡°What are you doing?¡±


    ¡°People might see us,¡± Freya said, lowering her hand as she tried to exin herself. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t¡­¡±


    But before she could finish the word ¡°hug,¡± Kristian moved swiftly and pulled her into a warm embrace.


    For a second, Freya stood frozen, unsure how to react to his sudden move. Her first instinct was to push him away, but he let go just before she could. His face wore a smile full of innocent satisfaction. ¡°Reward.¡±


    Freya blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°You said if I stayed home until today, I¡¯d get a reward,¡± Kristian reminded her, ying the part wlessly. ¡°My reward is your hug.¡±


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 Chapter 846

    ?Chapter 846:


    Freya stood motionless, caught off guard.


    She had promised him a reward, but she had assumed he meant something else entirely.


    ¡°Let¡¯s go back to Alerith,¡± Kristian said, tugging her gently along. On the drive back, Kristian kept talking without pause, recounting every little thing he had experienced during his stay at home.


    Freya responded asionally, her voice distant and cool.


    Noticing herck of enthusiasm, Kristian asked, ¡°Freya, are you not interested in what I¡¯m saying?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got it wrong,¡± Freya replied. ¡°I¡¯m just thinking about when to take you to Lawrence for a check-up.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s mood shifted ever so slightly. Did she genuinely hope he could get better anytime soon?


    As the thought turned in his mind, something new struck him, and he asked, ¡°If I never get better, will you stop caring about me?¡±


    ¡°Why would you say that?¡± Freya frowned, puzzled by his sudden question.


    ¡°No one wants to be stuck with someone like me forever,¡± Kristian said quietly, his gaze dimming. ¡°If my mind never recovers, and my memory doesn¡¯t return, wouldn¡¯t I just be a burden to you?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it,¡± Freya said gently. ¡°You will get better.¡±


    Once they arrived in Alerith, Freya got Kristian settled in and then made a call to Lawrence.


    When she reached him, Lawrence happened to be at Jacob¡¯s ce, nursing a bruised face.


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    Lawrence perched on the edge of the sofa, studying Jacob, who returned his gaze with cial indifference.


    ¡°I¡¯m wounded here. You can¡¯t seriously expect me to handle this alone,¡± Lawrence protested, his voice tinged with desperation.


    ¡°Either shut your mouth or get out,¡± Jacob retorted, his contempt for Lawrence radiating from every syble.


    Lawrence exhaled deeply and reluctantly grabbed the medicine to treat himself.


    He couldn¡¯t fathom why Jacob directed such coldness toward him while maintaining a gentle demeanor with everyone else. Even if their troubled history justified Jacob¡¯s attitude, Lawrence hade with genuine intentions to apologize and rebuild their rtionship.


    ¡°Your phone¡¯s ringing,¡± Jacob remarked as Lawrence¡¯s device continued its persistent ringing.


    ¡°I¡¯m ignoring it,¡± Lawrence muttered dismissively.


    ¡°It¡¯s Freya calling,¡± Jacob added pointedly.


    Lawrence hesitated. His initial instinct was to avoid answering, despite it being Freya, but after a moment¡¯s deliberation, he reluctantly epted the call.


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°Hi, when are you returning to Alerith?¡± Freya inquired without preamble. ¡°I want to bring Kristian for his follow-up appointment and discuss his recovery progress with you.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Lawrence nced anxiously at Jacob, whose frigid aura permeated the room.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Freya pressed.


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 Chapter 847

    ?Chapter 847:


    ¡°I don¡¯t think I¡¯ll have avability anytime soon,¡± Lawrence admitted, wincing as pain pulsed through his entire body. ¡°I¡¯m dealing with some personal matters.¡±


    ¡°How long will that take?¡± she persisted.


    ¡°Not certain yet.¡±


    ¡°Do you require my assistance?¡± Freya asked, clearly eager for his swift return.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary,¡± Lawrence declined firmly. ¡°I shouldplete everything by month¡¯s end at thetest. Don¡¯t worry excessively about Kristian¡¯s condition; he¡¯s only experiencing minorplications.¡±


    ¡°Very well,¡± Freya conceded without further argument. ¡°Call me when you return.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Lawrence promised with forced pleasantness.


    After ending the call, Lawrence chuckled softly and provoked Jacob, ¡°Why are you ring at me like that?¡±


    ¡°You obviously have nothing pressing to attend to, so why lie to her?¡± Jacob challenged, his stare unwavering.


    ¡°How do you know I have nothing important to do?¡± Lawrence remarked, ignoring the throbbing pain across his face and body as he rose and approached Jacob. He leaned against the back of Jacob¡¯s sofa, deliberately invading his personal space. ¡°I¡¯m upied with the most significant endeavor of my entire life.¡±


    With a sickening crack, Jacob twisted Lawrence¡¯s arm.


    Instantly, Lawrence¡¯s bones creaked in protest, nearly shattering under the pressure.


    Lawrence broke into a cold sweat, agony contorting his features. ¡°Ouch! Stop! It hurts!¡±


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    ¡°Still spouting nonsense?¡± Jacob had abandoned all pretense of drowsiness, his entire presence exuding menace.


    ¡°I¡¯m speaking truthfully,¡± Lawrence whimpered, his confident facade crumbling under the pain. ¡°I came to you specifically to resolve our lingering conflicts.¡±


    The chill emanating from Jacob intensified. In one fluid motion, he flung Lawrence¡¯s hand away, rose to his feet, andmanded icily,


    ¡°Get out.¡±


    ¡°Jacob!¡± Lawrence called desperately after him.


    Jacob disregarded his plea and strode toward his bedroom, clearly determined to end their interaction.


    Lawrence lunged forward to block his path. ¡°I genuinely came to find you this time, I¡ª¡±


    ¡°Leave.¡±


    ¡°Can¡¯t you just hear me out?¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t say it again,¡± Jacob warned, his voice dropping to a dangerous pitch.


    ¡°I understand the past wounded you deeply, and you¡¯ve maintained this wall of ice between us for years,¡± Lawrence persisted, determined to finish what he¡¯d started. ¡°But please trust me, this time I truly¡­¡± His words shattered against Jacob¡¯s fist as it connected with his face.


    Jacob, typically the embodiment of self-control, had finally snapped, his restraint dissolving into a frigid fury. ¡°What gives you the right to ask for my trust?¡±


    Crimson droplets trickled from Lawrence¡¯s split lip, his vision momentarily swimming. Never had he imagined Jacob would actually strike him!


    ¡°Get lost,¡± Jacobmanded, his words crystallizing in the air between them, his demeanor transformedpletely.


    Lawrence, cocooned in privilege since birth, had never before been dismissed so unceremoniously. Yet here stood Jacob, repeatedly demanding his departure.


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 Chapter 848

    ?Chapter 848:


    Given Lawrence¡¯s temperament, he should have stormed out, creating an unbridgeable chasm between them. Instead, he merely wiped the blood from his mouth and, with roguish defiance, dered, ¡°There¡¯s only one ce in this world where I truly belong.¡±


    Jacob continued to pierce him with an arctic re.


    ¡°Your bed,¡± Lawrence added provocatively.


    Jacob¡¯s fist found Lawrence¡¯s face again. Both sides of his face now blossomed with angry bruises.


    Jacob hadn¡¯t anticipated this; he¡¯d expected Lawrence to evade the blow.


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t striking me like that hurt your hand?¡± Lawrence asked without resentment. He lifted an immacte ashtray from the table and offered it. ¡°Use this instead. It won¡¯t damage your knuckles, and it¡¯ll make a more satisfying impact.¡±


    Jacob¡¯s rage intensified visibly.


    Lawrence deliberately returned the ashtray to its ce and spoke with newfound gravity. ¡°I genuinely need to talk with you.¡±


    ¡°Impossible.¡± Jacob averted his gaze, suppressing every flicker of emotion. ¡°If you refuse to leave, I will.¡±


    ¡°Jacob!¡± Lawrence called after him desperately.


    Jacob maintained his resolute silence and began collecting his possessions.


    Lawrence stationed himself at the doorway, watching Jacob¡¯s hurried movements, feeling the weight of his rejection. ¡°Aren¡¯t you even slightly curious about how I acquired these injuries?¡±


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    Jacob paused momentarily before resuming his activities.


    ¡°My dad beat me for attempting to cut ties with my family,¡± Lawrence confessed, leaning against the doorframe for support. ¡°Ten years ago, Icked the courage to do this for you. Now I have.¡±


    Jacob froze mid-motion.


    Lawrence attempted to continue but winced as painnced through his back.


    Jacob remained motionless, his eyes swimming withplicated emotions. After an eternity of silence, he opened them again, his tone remaining cial. ¡°And? What else do you wish to say?¡±


    ¡°Nothing more.¡± Lawrence approached him cautiously. ¡°I simply wanted you to know that I¡¯m no longer a part of the Hayes family. If even you reject me, I¡¯ll have nowhere left in this world.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not my problem.¡± Jacob forced himself to maintain his callousness.


    Lawrence attempted to respond, but Jacob had already thrust him out the door. However, the undeterred Lawrence soon reappeared, climbing through another window.


    Compared to their tempestuous confrontation, Freya¡¯s situation unfolded much more peacefully.


    After discovering that Lawrence couldn¡¯t return immediately, she devoted countless hours to scouring research papers and medical documents, desperate to discover a method to restore Kristian¡¯s memories.


    This limbo couldn¡¯t persist indefinitely.


    Though barely ten days had passed, she sensed Kristian¡¯s growing dependence on her intensifying significantly.


    Case in point¡ªthe current situation.


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 Chapter 849

    ?Chapter 849:


    ¡°Freya¡­¡± Kristian emerged from the kitchen, cradling his injured finger, his expression betraying wounded pride. ¡°I identally sliced my finger while preparing vegetables. Will you think I¡¯m too clumsy?¡±


    Freya examined his bleeding hand and, without considering her response, blurted, ¡°Well, you certainly are.¡±


    She inwardly swore she hadn¡¯t intended to mock him. It was merely an instinctive reaction to his self-deprecating question.


    Kristian paused, frozen for a heartbeat. His thoughts scrambled to keep pace. Blood still trickled steadily from his hand. ¡°What did you just say?¡±


    ¡°Next time, try not to get so friendly with knives,¡± Freya replied, her tone carrying a flicker of awkwardness. ¡°Someone¡¯s going to deliver the meals, so you don¡¯t have to worry about cooking.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes narrowed as he held her gaze. ¡°You just said I¡¯m too clumsy, right?¡±


    Freya blinked, caught off guard, momentarily speechless. How was she supposed to answer that?


    Kristian studied the delicate lines of her eyes and brows. ¡°Do you actually think I¡¯m too clumsy?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m even clumsier than you,¡± Freya offered with a half-hearted chuckle, attempting to shift the mood. ¡°At least you know how to cook. I can¡¯t even manage that.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t respond. So, in her mind, he was still a clumsy fool? Did she think that Ellis, who was a good cook, was somehow smarter?


    ¡°I¡¯m going to learn,¡± Kristian dered, his voice firm. ¡°Starting today, I¡¯ll learn to cook properly. Once I can make tons of amazing dishes, will you marry me?¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Freya¡¯s answer came without hesitation.


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    Kristian frowned. ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°No reason.¡±


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Is it because of everything that happened before? Is that why you think I¡¯m not reliable?¡± He kept up the act, delivering his lines with practiced sincerity. ¡°Is that the real reason you turned me down so quickly?¡±


    Freya faltered. She didn¡¯t know how to respond anymore.


    Kristian interpreted her silence as confirmation. He left the study and returned with a baseball bat. ¡°If it¡¯ll help, you can hit me.¡±


    Freya blinked, confused. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°If it makes you feel better,¡± Kristian said solemnly, ¡°you can hit me however you want. I won¡¯t even make a sound.¡±


    ¡°I turned you down because I don¡¯t have those romantic feelings for you right now,¡± Freya said, choosing her words carefully. He wasn¡¯t a child anymore, so she spoke with honesty.


    ¡°Only when both people love each other can they be together. You get that, right?¡±


    Kristian lowered his head. ¡°Got it.¡±


    Freya wasn¡¯t used to seeing him like this¡ªso downcast, so quiet.


    ¡°Don¡¯t overthink it.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± He left the room.


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 Chapter 850

    ?Chapter 850:


    More than an hour passed, and he didn¡¯te looking for her.


    At lunch, he barely touched his food, nibbling on a few bites before pushing it away.


    Freya wished he¡¯d eat a little more, but sensing his mood, she expected his excuse about not having an appetite and didn¡¯t press him. After all, the house was always stocked with snacks, fruit, and drinks.


    After lunch, Freya retreated to the study to deal with some work, deciding not to worry about what Kristian might be up to. She believed he should be mature enough not to get into trouble.


    And so, the afternoon drifted by with neither of them disturbing the other.


    That evening, after dinner, they sat in the living room for a while, watching television infortable silence before each retired to their respective rooms.


    That¡¯s when the calm was shattered.


    A sharp scream tore through the stillness.


    Freya shot out of bed, yanked open her door, and hadn¡¯t even knocked on Kristian¡¯s when she saw him already racing out, wide-eyed and pale. ¡°Freya! I¡¯m scared!¡±


    ¡°What happened?¡± Freya asked, her voice steady, trying to soothe him.


    ¡°Blood¡­¡± Kristian pressed himself against her, trembling. ¡°There¡¯s so much blood in the room.¡±


    Blood? Freya¡¯s brows drew together. She rested a hand on his shoulder, her demeanorposed. ¡°Wait here. I¡¯ll go check.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Kristian clung tightly to her arm, his voice shaking. ¡°I¡¯m scared.¡±


    Freya switched on every light in the living room, hoping the brightness would help settle his nerves.


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    But clearly, she had overestimated his courage. No matter how much she reassured him, he refused to let go, glued to her side with eyes full of panic.


    Left with no other choice, Freya guided him back toward his room. The moment she opened the door, the sight stopped her cold¡ªblood spattered across the floor, even smeared on the walls.


    It was an unsettling scene.


    She flipped on the light to examine it more clearly¡ªonly to watch the bloodstains vanish into thin air.


    ¡°Freya¡­¡±


    ¡°What did you do in the room today?¡± she asked,pletely unfazed.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kristian answered earnestly. ¡°After lunch, I took a nap, then went out to buy a few things. When I got back, I stayed in the living room the whole time. I didn¡¯t go anywhere.¡±


    Freya was taken aback.


    She distinctly remembered hearing soundsing from his room earlier that afternoon.


    ¡°Are you lying?¡± she asked, her voice sharp.


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian replied, eyes wide and clear. ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡±


    Freya narrowed her eyes, unsettled.


    If he was telling the truth, then someone else must¡¯ve been in the room earlier.


    But with how convincingly he had performed before, she couldn¡¯t shake the feeling he might be tricking her again.


    ¡°Step outside,¡± she instructed, testing him. ¡°Don¡¯t touch anything. I¡¯ll call the police and let them deal with it.¡±


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 Chapter 851

    ?Chapter 851:


    Kristian didn¡¯t resist. ¡°Okay.¡±


    Freya hovered with the phone in her hand, hesitation creeping in.


    Could it really not be him?


    ¡°Wait, wait, don¡¯t call the police!¡± a bright voice suddenly chirped, and a messy figure came crawling out from beneath the bed, draped in ghostly attire and theatrical makeup. ¡°It¡¯s me!¡±


    Kristian shrieked again, gripping Freya¡¯s arm even tighter.


    Freya¡¯s heart gave a jolt.


    She wasn¡¯t afraid of ghosts¡ªbut a face like that jumping out of nowhere could still make anyone jump.


    She took a long look at the figure in a flowing white dress, hair cascading wildly, her face caked in eerie makeup, making her almost unrecognizable.


    ¡°Who are you?¡± Freya asked, her tone clipped.


    ¡°It¡¯s me,¡± Natasha said with a toss of her hair, shing a grin. ¡°Natasha.¡±


    Freya was dumbstruck. Her eyes swept across the room, her tone hardening. ¡°Did you do all this?¡±


    ¡°I just wanted to scare him a little¡ªfor you,¡± Natasha said with cheerful resolve. ¡°I¡¯ve learned a lot about you twotely, and I figured I¡¯d stand up for you.¡±


    ¡°Naughty,¡± Freya muttered, clearly irritated.


    Natasha scratched her cheek, her wide eyes flickering with unease. ¡°Are you mad?¡±


    ¡°Clean this up and get out of here,¡± Freya said, shutting the door behind her.


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    ¡°Okay,¡± came Natasha¡¯s quick reply.


    Freya and Kristian sat together on the sofa in the living room. He hadn¡¯t loosened his grip, clutching her like letting go might plunge him into some dark unknown.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared,¡± he mumbled again, still holding tightly to her hand.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine,¡± Freya said softly, uncertain how else tofort him. She hadn¡¯t expected Natasha to be behind it all. ¡°Don¡¯t be scared.¡±


    Logically speaking, Natasha, for all her antics, wouldn¡¯t do something so utterly pointless.


    The bigger question was¡ªhow had she even gotten into the apartment? Even if she somehow knew the code or managed to hack the lock, she should¡¯ve been spotted by Kristian in the living room when she came in from outside.


    As soon as Natasha finished cleaning up, she strolled out in that same flowing white dress. With the room so warm, the outfit didn¡¯t feel out of ce at all.


    ¡°Freya.¡± She bounced over, beaming with a glow that was impossible to miss.


    Freya¡¯s face stayed unreadable, her gaze sharp and impassive as it locked onto her. ¡°Care to exin how you got in?¡±


    ¡°I walked right through the front door,¡± Natasha replied with a breezy tone. ¡°You do remember I have your apartment¡¯s passcode, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Freya kept her eyes fixed on her, unmoved and silent.


    ¡°Are you mad at me?¡± Natasha inched closer, settling beside her with a slight pout. ¡°I¡¯ll make it up to you. You can punish me however you want, okay?¡±


    ¡°How about I hand you over to the police?¡± Freya cast her a sidelong nce.


    Natasha faltered for a beat. She gave a weak cough, scratching her head. ¡°Yeah¡­ that might be a bit of a problem.¡±


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 Chapter 852

    ?Chapter 852:


    ¡°You realize breaking into someone¡¯s home is a crime, right?¡± Freya warned her, tone clipped and final. ¡°Do it again, and I won¡¯t hesitate to have you arrested.¡±


    ¡°I was just trying to help you get revenge on him.¡± Natasha clung to her arm, her smile yful and sly. ¡°After the way he treated you, don¡¯t you want payback?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s behind me now,¡± Freya said coolly, never one to get caught up in the past. ¡°Leave on your own before I make you.¡±


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Out.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re catching feelings for him again! You¡¯re actually scolding your sweetest student for his sake?¡± Natasha was nothing if not shameless.


    Freya shot her a freezing re, her eyes sweeping over her face like des.


    And with that one sharp look, Natasha immediately backed off. She lifted her hands in surrender, tongue sticking out. ¡°Alright, alright, I¡¯m leaving!¡±


    After sneaking a nce toward Kristian, she slipped out of Freya¡¯s home.


    The second she stepped outside, the cold smacked her square in the face, and she shivered violently. She rushed back to her car, yanked on a thick coat, and finally started to feel human again.


    ¡°Tonight, you¡¯ll sleep in a different room,¡± Freya said as she approached and locked the door, quickly resetting the passcode. ¡°Tomorrow, I¡¯ll have someonee deal with that mess.¡±


    Natasha had always been a chaotic blend of virtue and vice. Her words couldn¡¯t be trusted. Even Freya couldn¡¯t tell which of Natasha¡¯s ims were real and which were spun out of thin air.


    ¡°I¡¯m scared,¡± Kristian murmured, his voiceced with a pitiful kind of dread.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing to be scared of,¡± Freya replied, her voice calm and steady. ¡°It¡¯s all fake.¡±


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    Had he been five years old mentally, she might¡¯ve hugged him and said somethingforting.


    But he was seventeen mentally now, and by that age, a person ought to know how to handle fear.


    ¡°Freya.¡± Kristian tugged on her sleeve, his eyes wide and clear. ¡°Can you sleep with me tonight? I¡¯m afraid to sleep alone.¡±


    The moment the words left his mouth, Freya¡¯s internal rm red to life. She suppressed her instincts, forcing herself to stayposed as she looked over at him. ¡°Are you really that scared?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kristian nodded.


    Freya¡¯s heart sank, inch by inch. She couldn¡¯t be sure if her suspicions were right, but something told her tonight¡¯s strange events were carefully nned by both Kristian and Natasha.


    He should¡¯ve known better¡ªespecially after she¡¯d been so direct about her feelings and her refusal to marry him. And now this?


    The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became. He had always been a skilled actor. Now here he was, faking fear to get close, trying to stay in the same bed¡ªit wasn¡¯t beneath him.


    ¡°Wait right here.¡± Freya pressed a button, and the sofa unfolded neatly into a bed. ¡°If I need to travel for workter on, we¡¯ll need to get used to this. Let¡¯s deal with your fear together tonight.¡±


    ¡°How?¡± Kristian blinked, confused.


    As he puzzled over her meaning, she turned on the TV, flipping through the menu until she reached the movie section. She turned her head, eyes narrowing slightly. ¡°Do you get scared of gore or ghosts?¡±


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 Chapter 853

    ?Chapter 853:


    ¡°What?¡± Kristian started putting on an act.


    It clicked for him then. Freya intended to watch horror movies or something even darker.


    ¡°If you can¡¯t decide, we¡¯ll watch one of each,¡± Freya said calmly, scrolling to find the most terrifying thriller based on online ratings. ¡°I¡¯m scared too. We¡¯ll get through it together.¡±


    ¡°You? Afraid of ghosts?¡± Kristian asked, raising a brow.


    Freya gave a serene nod. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s a lie,¡± Kristian leaned in, skeptical. ¡°You don¡¯t look like someone who¡¯s scared of anything.¡±


    Since Natasha appeared, Freya had remained utterly unshaken. Even when she saw that bloody scene in the room, not a single flicker of fear crossed her face. With that kind ofposure, could she really be afraid?


    ¡°People who don¡¯t know me think that,¡± Freya said, lying with practiced seriousness. ¡°But I actually get terrified. Still, it¡¯s my job to stay strong for you. If I panicked, what would you do?¡±


    Kristian blinked, taken aback. Was she¡­ really scared?


    ¡°If you¡¯d paid closer attention earlier, you would¡¯ve seen my palms sweating when I looked into your room,¡± Freya went on, fabricating so smoothly that few could tell the difference. ¡°When Natasha showed up, my heart was pounding, and I froze.¡±


    She was gambling that he had been too busy pretending not to notice anything real¡ªand wouldn¡¯t catch the lie.


    Thinking back, Kristian realized he had missed a critical moment.


    If his fear had been genuine, even as an act, when Natasha had walked out of his room, his first reaction should¡¯ve been, ¡°Who are you? How did you get in?¡± But he hadn¡¯t.


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    From beginning to end, all he did was talk about being scared.


    He didn¡¯t even mind Natasha¡¯s appearance.


    ¡°If we¡¯re both scared, let¡¯s brave it together tonight.¡± Freya returned with two nkets, handing one to him before starting a movie.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Kristian lunged for the remote, pressing pause.


    Freya looked over, her expression as cool as ever. ¡°What is it now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not scared anymore,¡± he said firmly, eyes shining. ¡°Freya, I¡¯ll protect you from now on.¡±


    Freya¡¯s gaze lifted slightly. So, it had been a performance?


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you trembling just a minute ago?¡± She didn¡¯t call him out. If he wanted to act, she¡¯d y along.


    ¡°I was scared. But now that I have someone to protect, I can face anything,¡± he said with conviction. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I¡¯ve got this.¡±


    Freya studied him, silently questioning whether he really had what it took.


    Her acting wasn¡¯t like Kristian¡¯s.


    He craved attention, always angling to make her the center of his world¡ªwhich left holes in his story.


    However, she didn¡¯t miss a beat. She yed the long game, watching everything, calcting every move.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, I¡¯ll prove it. I¡¯ll watch this whole movie with you and show you I¡¯m not scared at all,¡± Kristian said, his voice sincere, a far cry from the frightened boy he¡¯d pretended to be just moments ago.


    ¡°I trust you,¡± Freya said, flicking on the light. ¡°So, are you iming your usual bed tonight, or choosing exile in one of the spare rooms?¡±


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 Chapter 854

    ?Chapter 854:


    Kristian hesitated, his smile faltering like a candle flickering in a draft. His original intention had been to share a room with Freya, but the wind had clearly shifted.


    ¡°I¡¯m not nning to sleep,¡± he replied, his expression still painted with innocence. ¡°I¡¯ll stay with you.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brow arched, an unmistakable signal. ¡°What?¡±


    Kristian met her gaze, earnest as daylight. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you were scared? I¡¯ll keep watch by your bedside.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s unnecessary.¡±


    ¡°Freya¡­¡±


    ¡°To be honest,¡± she said inly, ¡°having you hovering near me would make my skin crawl even more.¡±


    Kristian blinked, genuinely thrown off by the strange irony in her logic. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because waking up and finding someone looming at my bedside? That¡¯s nightmare fuel,¡± she said, cutting off his intentions with the precision of a guillotine. ¡°We could leave the light on.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t sleep with the light on.¡±


    ¡°I have to help you somehow.¡±


    ¡°So long as you¡¯re safe and sound, I¡¯m at peace,¡± she replied with unshaken calm. ¡°It¡¯ste. Get some rest. Pick a room¡ªany room.¡±


    In that moment, Kristian realized he¡¯d miscalcted. His n to get close to her had crumbled like a house of cards in a storm. In the end, all his efforts were in vain.


    ¡°Freya,¡± he called suddenly, just as she turned away.


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    She paused. ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Are you really afraid?¡± Kristian asked, his voice stripped of all pretense.


    ¡°If you¡¯re scared, then I¡¯m not,¡± she said cryptically. ¡°And if you¡¯re not, then I can manage.¡±


    With that enigmatic reply, she disappeared into her room, shutting the door between them like drawing a curtain across a stage.


    Kristian remained at her door, his mask falling away. The emotion in his eyes was no longer veiled¡ªit churned, deep and unreadable.


    Eventually, he turned back and retreated to his own room.


    On his phone, an unread message waited. Natasha had written, ¡°Don¡¯t forget my reward.¡±


    He stared at the screen for a beat, then typed slowly, ¡°Is Freya afraid of ghosts?¡±


    A smiling emoji appeared almost immediately. Then Natasha wrote, ¡°That¡¯ll cost you extra.¡±


    Kristian replied, ¡°You know money isn¡¯t my problem.¡±


    Natasha responded, ¡°As far as I know, she¡¯s not the type to fear ghosts.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s expression darkened like a sky before a storm. Freya wasn¡¯t afraid of ghosts? Then was she faking it earlier? Or was Natasha simply out of the loop?


    Natasha added, ¡°But I can¡¯t say with certainty. She¡¯s a locked chest¡ªshe doesn¡¯t open up easily. You might have better luck asking her family or close friends.¡±


    Kristian said nothing. Since his return to Jeucwell, one thing had be crystal clear¡ªFreya¡¯s circle was fiercely loyal to her. If he tried to pry into her life through them, they¡¯d run straight to her the moment he reached out. Asking them wasn¡¯t an option. Besides, from his brief encounters with her sister, he already knew he was far from her favorite person.


    That left one alternative¡ªGerard. Gerard might be able to get the truth from Melvin. ording to Kristian¡¯s sources, Melvin had served at Freya¡¯s side for years. He was bound to know.


    Resolved, Kristian dialed Gerard.


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 Chapter 855

    ?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¡ªwhen 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¡ªbut 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¡ªor punches you.¡± From what he knew, thetter was more likely.


    ¡°Come over tomorrow,¡± Kristian said suddenly, as if the idea had just taken root.


    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????


    ¡°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¡ªto 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¡ªno 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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 Chapter 856

    ?Chapter 856:


    She finally replied, ¡°I¡¯m going to sleep. Goodnight.¡±


    Freya stared at the message. The silence spoke louder than words ever could. Now she was sure of it¡ªthere had been a deal struck between Kristian and Natasha.


    Freya didn¡¯t call Kristian out.


    Considering the kind of person he had betely, calling him out would¡¯ve only gone one of two ways¡ªeither he¡¯d put on a sad little show,plete with crocodile tears and dramatic ir, or he¡¯d lose it altogether and do somethingpletely off the rails.


    Until Lawrence came back, she had no choice but to keep Kristian on a tight leash.


    The next morning, Freya called a cleaning service to deal with the mess in Kristian¡¯s room.


    Byte morning, after cing a lunch order for Kristian, Freya finally stepped outside.


    Earlier that day, Ethel had texted her, practically begging for immediate backup. Apparently, Hugh had suddenly announced he wanted to meet Ethel¡¯s boyfriend.


    At first, Ethel t-out refused. How could she just spring that on him? At the very least, Jarrett needed a little time to get ready.


    But Hugh was too sly for his own good. He brought it up while she was still on the phone with Jarrett and even made her put it on speaker. That left Jarrett zero room to refuse after Hugh casually dropped the invitation.


    Earlier that day, Ethel had just been chatting with her boyfriend when Hugh called out to her.


    ¡°My dad¡¯s calling me,¡± Ethel whispered, her voice low. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to youter.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re on the phone with your boyfriend, aren¡¯t you?¡± Hugh, while watering the nts, nced her way. ¡°Put me on the phone. I want a quick word with him.¡±


    ???????????? ???? ?????? ???????? ??????????: ?????????¦Í???????????????


    Ethel and Jarrett froze.


    Hugh¡¯s tone turned firm. ¡°Well? What are you waiting for?¡±


    ¡°What do you even want to say to him?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll find out once you hand it over.¡±


    Ethel was anxious. Why couldn¡¯t Freya be here right now to get her out of this?


    Under the weight of her father¡¯s authority, Ethel reluctantly brought the phone over, subtly signaling Jarrett on the other end.


    As soon as she switched to speaker, she quickly locked the screen. If Hugh saw the nickname she had saved for Jarrett, she¡¯d never hear the end of it. ¡°Jarrett, right?¡±


    ¡°Hello, Mr. Briggs.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s always talking about you. Why don¡¯t we grab lunch today?¡± Hugh didn¡¯t give him a second to gather his thoughts before dropping the bomb. ¡°Are you in Alerith?¡±


    ¡°Yes, I am,¡± Jarrett replied.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make a reservation and have She send you the address.¡±


    ¡°Sure, that works.¡±


    Hugh kept chatting for a while longer.


    Jarrett, rattled to the core, couldn¡¯t stop thinking about how this was his potential father-inw. The thought alone was enough to make him sweat bullets.


    Hugh wasted no time booking the restaurant.


    Ethel, meanwhile, was on the brink of a breakdown.


    The second she ended the call with Jarrett, she fired off a message to Freya, begging her to help her.


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 Chapter 857

    ?Chapter 857:


    ¡°Dad!¡± Ethel cried out after hitting send, giving him a sharp look. ¡°How could you just spring that on my boyfriend? Who does that?¡±


    ¡°The meeting has to take ce sooner orter,¡± Hugh replied coolly.


    ¡°Whether now orter, it makes no difference.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think that¡¯s a bit too abrupt?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s fine to me.¡±


    Ethel had no words.


    Hugh had done it on purpose, no doubt. Then, to top it off, he added, ¡°Don¡¯t mention this to Mina. I¡¯d like to have a one-on-one with your boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Ethel¡¯s eyes shifted, guilt written all over her face.


    By noon, at exactly 11:30 a.m., Hugh, Ethel, and Jarrett all arrived at the restaurant.


    Hugh wore a full suit, sharp andmanding. Just sitting there, he gave off an intimidating presence that had Jarrett on edge.


    The pressure he felt now was stronger than anything he¡¯d ever experienced in school.


    Even Ethel felt a little uneasy. Her father was usually so rxed¡ªso why did he suddenly look like he was leading a corporate board meeting?


    This energy¡­ wasn¡¯t it a bit too much?


    ¡°Sorry I¡¯mte.¡± The door swung open, and Freya walked in, her gaze gliding over the room. ¡°Traffic was a nightmare.¡±


    Her outfit, as always, was sleek and understated¡ªsimple but elegant.


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    The moment she stepped in, she drew every eye in the room.


    The stiff, formal air Hugh had been trying so hard to maintain copsed instantly. His eyes filled with bewilderment. Why on earth was she here?


    ¡°Mina!¡± Ethel exhaled in relief.


    Ever since theirst encounter, Hugh had developed a favorable impression of Freya and was growing more familiar with her. Freya offered a soft reply, ¡°Sorry to keep you waiting.¡± Her presencepletely changed the atmosphere.


    The tension that had wrapped around Ethel and Jarrett just moments ago melted away in an instant.


    Even Jarrett couldn¡¯t quite exin it. The first time he¡¯d met Freya, he had been just as nervous. But this time, the moment she walked in, all that stress from dealing with Hugh just vanished. He feltpletely at ease.


    ¡°Mina, you¡­¡± Hugh started to question her presence but stopped mid-sentence as his eyes flicked to his other daughter. Suddenly, it all clicked.


    ¡°It was a bit of a drive, and traffic slowed me down,¡± Freya said, fully aware that Hugh hadn¡¯t wanted her toe along this time. She didn¡¯t call him out on it. ¡°Have you ordered yet?¡±


    Clearly caught off guard, Hugh replied, ¡°Yes, we have.¡±


    Now what? Would Freya misunderstand his intentions? He hadn¡¯t wanted her here simply because he nned to use his authority to put the fear of God into Ethel¡¯s boyfriend. Well, that n was clearly shot to pieces.


    During the meal, Hugh made casual conversation with Jarrett, who handled himself with poise and quiet confidence. Seeing this, Ethel finally rxed.


    After the meal, Freya paid the bill.


    As she signed the receipt, Hugh shot Ethel a sharp nce. Ethel stuck her tongue out, the picture of mischief and innocence.


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 Chapter 858

    ?Chapter 858:


    ¡°Dad,¡± Ethel said pointedly after Freya put the pen down, her tone firm.


    ¡°What do you think of Jarrett?¡±


    Hugh was taken aback. She really knew how to pick her timing. It was bad enough she asked with Freya sitting right there, but Jarrett hadn¡¯t even left yet.


    Freya instinctively looked at him when she heard the question.


    ¡°He¡¯s fine,¡± Hugh answered with a slight cough, keeping it brief. He fully intended to give Ethel a talking-to once they got home for putting him on the spot like that.


    ¡°Then you don¡¯t have any objections to us dating, right?¡± Ethel wasn¡¯t even trying to be subtle anymore.


    Hugh, always the dignified one, held hisposure. ¡°When did I ever say I objected?¡±


    Ethel finally felt at peace. She walked out of the restaurant with Hugh and Freya, her arm linked with Freya¡¯s, her happiness written all over her face.


    The scene didn¡¯t go unnoticed. Someone stood at the corner, watching them leave. A phone was pressed to their ear.


    On the other end, a woman¡¯s voice spoke slowly, with chilling precision. ¡°Miss Garza, I¡¯ve said everything I needed to. Working with me will do you more good than harm. You¡¯re a smart woman¡ªyou know which choice serves you best.¡±


    ¡°1 don¡¯t see what good this is going to do.¡± Vivien watched as Freya and the others slowly faded from sight, her voice eerily calm¡ªalmost devoid of emotion. ¡°Whether it seeds or not, it¡¯s still a crime.¡± The person on the other end didn¡¯t respond.


    Vivien went on, ¡°You know how deep the Briggs family¡¯s roots run. Freya¡¯s not someone I can afford to cross.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t naive. Beyond their towering presence in the business world, the Briggs family held frightening sway. And that didn¡¯t even ount for their powerful allies¡ªfamilies like the Seymours and other major yers. Freya alone had enough weight to make Vivien tread carefully. Vivien was aware that Freya was not someone she could casually go up against.


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    ¡°You know who I am,¡± the voice finally said. ¡°The Briggs family might be a force in the corporate world, but the blood that runs in my veins could wipe them out. Wealth means nothing in front of real power.¡±


    Vivien hesitated. The Russell family¡¯s background was nothing short of extraordinary.


    ¡°If we work together, and you help me take Freya out, I promise nothing will happen to you,¡± the voice continued, smooth and steady. ¡°Isn¡¯t your situation¡ªand your mother¡¯s¡ªall because Freya came back into the picture?¡±


    Vivien¡¯s fingers clenched around her phone. She didn¡¯t answer for a long while. Eventually, she asked, ¡°Can you really guarantee my safety?¡±


    ¡°I can,¡± the voice said, confident. ¡°The name ¡®Russell¡¯ alone is enough.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± Vivien murmured, her thoughts in chaos.


    Hugh had always looked out for her and her mother. But her father was getting out of prison soon. Without protection, her father would definitely stir up trouble again. Her mother had cut ties with him, so he had no im on her anymore. But now she herself was an adult. Her father might want her to support him.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you half a month to decide,¡± the voice said.


    Far away overseas, Norah¡¯s hatred for Freya had already sunk deep. ¡°If you¡¯re going to help me, make sure it¡¯s when Ellis isn¡¯t around.¡± Ellis was more than capable of handling any sudden threat that came Freya¡¯s way.


    Norah had been pushed to the edge¡ªif she was going down, she¡¯d make sure Freya went with her.


    Vivien didn¡¯t answer. She ended the call.


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 Chapter 859

    ?Chapter 859:


    On her way back, she felt like a ghost wandering without direction. Cheryl noticed how distant she looked and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong, sweetie?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°Vivien.¡±


    Vivien paused in the middle of the living room. Therge vi felt cold and hollow.


    She looked around and asked, ¡°Mom, if we had a chance to side with the Russell family, but the price was high, would you take it?¡±


    ¡°The Russell family?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°You mean that Russell family¡ªthe one with power and connections?¡± Cheryl¡¯s eyes lit up, a flicker of hope igniting.


    ¡°Yes.¡± Vivien¡¯s heart had been in knots for days. ¡°All they¡¯re asking is for us to kill someone. If we do, they¡¯ll protect us forever. They¡¯ll even make sure there¡¯s no criminal record.¡±


    ¡°Who do they want dead?¡± Cheryl asked.


    Vivien¡¯s grip tightened. Her voice came out rough. ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t we do it?¡± Cheryl¡¯s usual calm cracked. The moment Freya¡¯s name was uttered, old resentment rose to the surface. ¡°If it weren¡¯t for that woman, I¡¯d already be Hugh¡¯s wife by now. It¡¯s because of her that we were kicked out. If someone else will handle the aftermath after we deal with Freya, why should we hesitate?¡±


    Vivien¡¯s heart shook at her words. She replied, ¡°Killing is a crime. And Freya never actually came after us first.¡±


    Thinking back, Vivien realized that ever since Freya had returned, it had always been them pushing things. She was the one who tried to take Freya¡¯s father from her.


    She and her mother had hated Freya, ming her for their misfortunes. Butst Christmas, as she stood inside this vast home, staring at the absurd amount in her bank ount, a strange guilt began to stir.


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    ¡°Don¡¯t you want out of this life? Haven¡¯t you always dreamed of a better background?¡± Cheryl suddenly broke the silence. ¡°And now that it¡¯s right in front of you, why aren¡¯t you grabbing it?¡±


    ¡°Mom¡­¡± Vivien felt her conscience slowly falling apart.


    ¡°Without a powerful background and connections, you¡¯ll end up just like me!¡± Cheryl¡¯s emotions exploded. ¡°I was nothing. Your father hit me whenever he pleased and insulted me whenever he wanted.¡±


    Vivien froze. She could still recall¡­


    The many times her father had struck her mother came flooding back. Vivien had once sworn she would never end up with someone like him. But could working for a Russell truly bring peace?


    ¡°Vivien, I only want what¡¯s best for you,¡± Cheryl said, holding her hand tightly. ¡°If you can¡¯t do it, I will. I¡¯ll do anything for you if it means you¡¯ll live better.¡±


    Vivien felt like she was drowning in thoughts. She didn¡¯t even know what was right anymore. Swallowing her emotions, she finally said,


    ¡°Let me think about it.¡±


    She didn¡¯t know whether Norah¡¯s promises were genuine.


    But one thing had be crystal clear¡ªunless things were written out in ck and white, spoken promises meant nothing.


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 Chapter 860

    ?Chapter 860:


    She didn¡¯t know much about the Russell family. Even less about Norah. Her only memory of her was at a mixer, watching her greet Freya with effortless poise. She was breathtaking. Yet now, that same woman was capable of such venom.


    Freya, clueless about any of this, left the restaurant with her father and the others before heading off separately.


    That night, after dinner, Freya settled into her study to get some work done.


    In his room, Kristian was on the phone with Gerard. Gerard kept things vague, saying, ¡°From what Melvin told me, it doesn¡¯t seem like Ms. Briggs is afraid of ghosts.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t seem like it?¡± Kristian was unimpressed with such a halfhearted answer.


    ¡°Melvin¡¯s just an assistant. Sure, he knows a lot about her life and work, but that doesn¡¯t mean he knows everything,¡± Gerard said, clearly uninterested in digging deeper. ¡°If you want, I can ask her father, her sister, or even her friends.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t,¡± Kristian snapped.


    If Gerard started asking around, Freya would hear about it for sure.


    This wasn¡¯t something she could know about.


    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, I¡¯ll hang up,¡± Gerard said, treading carefully. Kristian, already fed up with his ipetence, cut in, ¡°Pick me up first thing tomorrow morning.¡±


    Gerard was caught off guard. He was still in Jeucwell. How on earth was he supposed to manage that?


    ¡°Did you hear me?¡± Kristian repeated.


    Gerard kept his silence. As long as he yed the part convincingly enough, Kristian would chalk it up to poor reception.


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    When no reply came, Kristian nced at his phone, noticed the signal was strong, then called out, ¡°Gerard?¡±


    Still met with silence, he ended the call and opted to send a message instead.


    Without hesitation, Gerard switched off his phone. After all, he was still on vacation¡ªand a little radio silence for a day or two wouldn¡¯t hurt.


    Moments like this made him appreciate the luxury of being single; he couldn¡¯t begin to imagine the chaos of ignoring a girlfriend for an entire day.


    Kristian hadn¡¯t expected Gerard to be so daring. After sending the message, he gave it no more thought and set his phone aside, ready for sleep.


    Gerard had nned to rest as well, but given his boss¡¯s peculiar behavior, he borrowed his father¡¯s phone to call Freya.


    Freya was still working.


    When she saw an unfamiliar number sh across the screen, she calmly picked up. ¡°Hello, who is this?¡±


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, it¡¯s Gerard.¡± He couldn¡¯t betray his boss outright, but he needed to give Freya a nudge.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Melvin¡¯s choice of surveince systemst time was¡­cking. I¡¯d suggest you personally choose and supervise the instation of a new one.¡±


    Freya¡¯s fingers stilled on the keyboard. She knew Gerard well¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t keep bringing this up unless there was something more behind it. Was there another reason?


    ¡°Are you asking me to pick it out myself, or are you implying I should deliver it in person?¡± she asked, choosing her words with care.


    ¡°It would be best if you could bring it yourself and assist with the setup.¡± Gerard didn¡¯t want her to keep guessing.


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 Chapter 861

    ?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¡ªbut 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¡ªTrent 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 galno¦Íe?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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 Chapter 862

    ?Chapter 862:


    Frederick and Greta exchanged another nce. They believed Kristian wasying it on thick.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied firmly. ¡°If you don¡¯t want to, we won¡¯t go. If you do, I¡¯ll take you.¡±


    Kristian met her eyes. He didn¡¯t want to go. Selfishly, he wanted her all to himself¡ªwanted her world to revolve around him alone. But if he stopped her this time, what about the next?


    ¡°Let¡¯s go,¡± he finally said. It was also a good chance to find out if Freya was afraid of ghosts. ¡°They¡¯re your friends. I don¡¯t want you to miss out because of me.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Freya agreed to Greta¡¯s n.


    Once the time and ce were set, she looked a little unsure. After a pause, she reminded him, ¡°If you feel like leaving once we¡¯re there, just say so, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Kristian responded sweetly.


    Freya gave a small nod and turned to head back to her study, but Kristian stopped her.


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Can you stay with me the whole time we¡¯re with your friends?¡± Kristian asked, his wide-eyed, innocent look almost too convincing. ¡°I don¡¯t know them, and I feel safer when you¡¯re close.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Freya agreed.


    Kristian smiled¡ªbright, almost angelic.


    g¦Á ?¦Ç ¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s holds great reads


    Seeing that expression, Freya felt momentarily dazed. If only his heart were as pure as that smile. But he was a far cry from the man he used to be. She couldn¡¯t help but wonder¡­ could amnesia truly change someone so much?


    Kristian waved a hand close to Freya¡¯s face.


    She blinked and returned to the moment. ¡°Go ahead and take care of what you need. I¡¯ll take you with me this afternoon.¡±


    ¡°Sounds good.¡±


    After Freya left for her room, he pulled out his phone and called Gerard right away.


    There were evening ns to sort out. He¡¯d be meeting Freya¡¯s friends, and he needed to show exactly where he stood. He called once. Then again. The phone stayed off.


    Not wasting time, he looked up Gerard¡¯s contact details, found his home number, and dialed it.


    The call was answered by an older man¡ªGerard¡¯s father. As soon as he heard it was his son¡¯s boss on the line, he didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Gerard!¡± he called out sharply. ¡°Why is your phone off? Your boss has been trying to reach you!¡±


    Gerard was in the middle of a documentary. ¡°My boss?¡±


    ¡°Yes, your boss called.¡± Gerard¡¯s father thrust the phone toward him, his expression firm. ¡°Answer it. Now.¡±


    Panic surged through Gerard like a wave. His hands were mmy as he grabbed the phone. After a nervous breath, he spoke with forced calm. ¡°Hello, Mr. Shaw.¡±


    ¡°So your phone¡¯s just¡­ off?¡±


    ¡°It broke yesterday. I dropped it and had to send it in for repairs. I haven¡¯t picked it up yet.¡±


    ¡°You want me to double-check that with your dad?¡±


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 Chapter 863

    ?Chapter 863:


    Gerard froze. He¡¯d assumed that with Kristian¡¯s memory loss, he could afford to loosen up a little. What he hadn¡¯t counted on was Kristian still having sharp instincts¡ªand ess to all the facts.


    ¡°That won¡¯t be necessary.¡± He let out a slow breath, realizing there was no way to cover it up now. ¡°Did you need something from me?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got onest chance. Make sure you¡¯re in Alerith before 5 PM.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s tone was steady, the kind that didn¡¯t invite argument. ¡°If you handle tonight properly, I¡¯ll let this slide. But if you mess it up, we¡¯ll be revisiting everything.¡±


    ¡°What exactly am I supposed to do?¡± Gerard¡¯s voice was tight.


    Kristian kept his cool. ¡°I¡¯ll exin once you get here.¡±


    Gerard blinked, caughtpletely off guard. He opened his mouth to respond, but the line had already gone dead.


    Not daring to waste another second, he handed the phone back to his father, pulled up the nearest flight, and started packing with urgency.


    By the time the clock struck five, he had reached Alerith right on time. Once he updated Kristian about his arrival, he was immediately given instructions for the evening.


    After hearing what was expected of him, Gerard hesitated. ¡°Are you serious about this?¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried she¡¯ll turn you down?¡±


    Kristian rolled his eyes. Did his assistant even realize how tactless he sounded?


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    Gerard wasn¡¯t worried about losing a bonus or getting scolded. He just said what he believed, ¡°Ms. Briggs isn¡¯t thinking about romance right now. If you pull a public love deration stunt, you¡¯ll only end up humiliating yourself.¡±


    He was well aware that speaking up like that wouldnd him in trouble.


    But telling Freya how he felt just like that? Had Kristianpletely lost his grip?


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡± Kristian didn¡¯t hide his irritation with Gerard¡¯s attitude. ¡°Just follow the n.¡±


    Gerard was at a loss for words. He couldn¡¯t make sense of Kristian¡¯s choices, but saying no wasn¡¯t an option. He could only hope he wouldn¡¯t be med if things blew up.


    By six that evening, Freya brought Kristian along to meet up with her friends.


    Before the two of them arrived, Frederick and Ellis were already seated in the private room, where the lighting gave off a warm, rxed vibe.


    Even though Ellis made him a little uneasy, Frederick pushed through his nerves and tried to get the conversation rolling. ¡°So, Captain, how are things going with Freya? Did meeting your folks go okay?¡±


    ¡°It did.¡± Ellis swirled his drink, his fingers long and precise.


    ¡°And the two of you?¡±


    ¡°Still the same.¡±


    Frederick, Trent, and Greta were eager with questions.


    Greta blinked, surprised. ¡°You¡¯re kidding, right?¡±


    ¡°Not at all. She¡¯s not looking for anything romantic right now, and honestly, she¡¯s a bit oblivious when ites to feelings,¡± Ellis said inly. ¡°So we haven¡¯t made any real progress.¡±


    ¡°Better move fast before Kristian swoops in,¡± warned Greta, dead serious.


    Ellis didn¡¯t say a word. His gaze dropped, thoughtful and unreadable. He remembered what Freya told him¡ªKristian¡¯s mind had progressed to that of a seventeen-year-old. Honestly, he assumed the guy would just keep up the act of being five.


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 Chapter 864

    ?Chapter 864:


    ¡°Captain.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°You should tell Freya about your feelings for her,¡± said Trent, catching everyone off guard.


    Frederick and Greta turned toward him at once.


    Ellis tilted his head slightly, one brow lifting, his tone unhurried. ¡°I¡¯m not about to make a move without knowing if she¡¯s even thinking about romance.¡±


    He knew Freya well enough to guess how she¡¯d react. If she weren¡¯t interested, she¡¯d just distance herself.


    ¡°That¡¯s exactly why you need to do something; if you keep waiting, she might never snap out of this limbo,¡± said Trent, his voice calm but firm. ¡°Do you really want things to stay stuck like this forever?¡± Ellis didn¡¯t say a word. His thoughts ran deep.


    ¡°When she got married before, it wasn¡¯t because she was in love. It was because Kristian moved first,¡± Trent pointed out. ¡°If you were in his ce back then, would you have asked Freya to marry you?¡±


    No. That answer came to Ellis without hesitation.


    To him, marriage held real meaning. It wasn¡¯t something he could offer without being sure she felt the same way.


    ¡°Exactly,¡± said Greta, jumping in. ¡°We were all surprised when she got married so suddenly.¡±


    ¡°Out of all of us, she¡¯s thest person you¡¯d expect to rush into marriage,¡± Frederick added to the conversation, ¡°but she went through with it anyway.¡±


    Their words started to chip away at Ellis¡¯s usual calm. He lounged in ce, his gaze distant yet striking, those eyes holding a depth that was hard to read.


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    Trent adjusted his sses slightly and continued. ¡°Love¡¯s rarely logical. Half the time, not even the person in love knows what they¡¯ll do until the momentes. That includes us,¡± he said with a knowing look.


    Ellis listened, allowing the words to sink in. Then he lifted his gaze toward the trio, his tone as nonchnt as ever. ¡°What if she¡¯s scared and disappears?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll help you track her down!¡± Frederick piped up, full of energy.


    Trent gave a small, confident smile. ¡°You can count on me too.¡±


    ¡°And me,¡± Greta chimed in.


    Ellis let out a soft breath, the corners of his mouth lifting ever so slightly. His features, already striking, seemed even more refined in that moment, as if he¡¯d stepped out of a painting.


    His eyes moved slowly from one friend to the next before he finally spoke. ¡°Fine. I¡¯ll do it. I¡¯ll tell her how I feel.¡±


    Trent had a point. Feelings didn¡¯t always make sense. And until the moment came, no one¡ªnot even Freya¡ªcould say for sure if she¡¯d run or stay.


    He wouldn¡¯t know unless he tried.


    ¡°Maybe we should¡­ decorate a little?¡± Frederick asked, his voice uncertain. ¡°A confession¡¯s supposed to feel romantic, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡± Ellis kept Freya¡¯s preferences in mind. ¡°She prefers simplicity. I¡¯ll wait for the right moment to confess to her.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    The others fell silent, offering no further suggestions.


    After a few more minutes of casual conversation, Frederick brought up the real concern. ¡°Kristian will show up with Freya. What if he stays by her side the whole night? How are you supposed to get a word in?¡±


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 Chapter 865

    ?Chapter 865:


    ¡°That¡¯s easy. Trent can handle him,¡± Ellis answered calmly. He had already thought it through.


    Trent gave a subtle nod, adjusting his sses with ease. ¡°Leave it to me.¡±


    By the time the clock struck seven, Freya and Kristian had arrived. As soon as they walked in, Ellis stood up and motioned toward the seat next to him.


    Freya walked over and sat beside him without much thought, unaware of the subtle arrangement behind it.


    Watching her settle so easily, her friends exchanged quiet nces and let out a collective breath.


    Step oneplete.


    After a light meal to take the edge off their hunger, the group shifted focus to the next part of the n: games.


    They usually yed deduction games, but tonight was different. The goal was to help Ellis get closer to Freya, which meant changing things up.


    ¡°Let¡¯s y something,¡± Greta suggested, her eyes briefly meeting Frederick¡¯s with a knowing nce. ¡°Got any ideas?¡±


    Without hesitation, Frederick offered, ¡°Truth or Dare?¡±


    It was the perfect opportunity to nudge Ellis toward a confession¡ªand with any luck, Freya might be caught off guard.


    ¡°I like that,¡± Greta said, a hint of approval in her voice. She knew exactly where this was headed. ¡°Everyone else okay with that?¡±


    Trent gave a small nod.


    Freya didn¡¯t raise any objections either.


    Your next story begins at  .


    The only one who seemed uncertain was Kristian. He tugged gently at¡­


    Kristian tugged at Freya¡¯s sleeve, his unease evident, almost like a shy teenager. ¡°Freya, I¡¯d rather not y this game.¡±


    The room fell silent for a moment.


    Freya, unfazed, turned to him. ¡°Then what do you want to y?¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s y something simr to ¡®Never Have I Ever.¡¯ We can bend a finger for the things we¡¯ve done,¡± Kristian suggested, his tone a little too casual. It was clear he had nned this. What he really wanted was to figure out if Freya had a fear of ghosts. ¡°Sound good?¡±


    ¡°Works for me,¡± Greta said, quickly adjusting to the change in direction.


    Frederick¡¯s eyes flicked to Ellis, as was his habit.


    If Ellis gave the green light, he¡¯d go along with it, too.


    Ellis didn¡¯t rush his response. He nced at Kristian, his gaze steady, and then replied with quiet finality, ¡°Sure.¡±


    With Ellis giving the go-ahead, Trent and Frederick nodded in agreement. As expected, Freya went along without a fuss.


    ¡°This game¡¯s about being honest,¡± Frederick said, already thinking of ways to use it to Ellis¡¯s advantage. ¡°If you¡¯ve done it, bend a finger. If not, leave it up. The one with the most fingers left at the end gets the punishment.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± came the unanimous reply.


    ¡°I¡¯ll kick things off. Just follow my lead¡ªbend a finger if it applies to you, keep it straight if not,¡± Frederick said as he looked around the group. Then, with a grin, he announced, ¡°I picked up hacking from K.¡±


    Freya raised an eyebrow.


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 Chapter 866

    ?Chapter 866:


    Greta gave a crooked smile and lowered one finger. ¡°Me too.¡±


    Trent and Ellis followed, each bending a finger in turn.


    Back when Freya had revealed her own skills with hacking, the others had begged her for lessons. Out of all of them, only Frederick had actually stuck with it.


    ¡°Did you guys even learn anything?¡± Frederick nced around, confused. ¡°Do you seriously know how to hack?¡±


    ¡°You said we had to learn it, not be any good at it,¡± Greta shot back with a yful grin.


    Frustration flickered across Frederick¡¯s face. He should have chosen his words more carefully.


    By the end of the round, only Freya and Kristian still had all their fingers up.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes lingered on her, his expression sharpening. So, Freya hadn¡¯t studied hacking?


    ¡°My turn,¡± Greta said, stepping in before anyone could press Freya further. ¡°My hair¡¯s longer than shoulder-length.¡± The group groaned collectively at the easy prompt.


    Freya quietly lowered one finger.


    Trent kept his expression neutral for his round. ¡°I¡¯ve won every case I¡¯ve taken to court.¡±


    ¡°Ghosts don¡¯t scare me,¡± Kristian said, bending a finger. His eyes flicked toward Freya, watching her more intently than he let on. Frederick, Trent, Greta, and Ellis followed suit, each bending a finger without hesitation.


    In a sh, all eyesnded on Freya.


    A shadow passed over her beautiful eyes. If she bent her finger, Kristian would start putting the pieces together. But if she didn¡¯t, the others, who knew she wasn¡¯t the type to fear ghosts, would see through it and question her honesty. That would kill the rhythm of the game.


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    ¡°Freya,¡± Frederick leaned forward, eyebrows raised. ¡°You don¡¯t fear ghosts, so why aren¡¯t you bending your finger?¡±


    Greta added, nudging her lightly, ¡°Yeah, what¡¯s the holdup?¡± Nobody noticed anything strange.


    They assumed Freya was spacing out or being yful, perhaps even trying to avoid getting stuck with the penalty.


    After a brief silence, she slowly bent her finger.


    Kristian kept his finger bent, locking eyes with her. ¡°Freya, didn¡¯t you say ghosts used to scare you?¡±


    Ellis turned to him immediately. His reaction was automatic. Something about Kristian¡¯s tone didn¡¯t sit right with him. His instincts red.


    ¡°I used to be unafraid, but that¡¯s not how I feel now,¡± said Freya without missing a beat.


    ¡°Come on, Freya. It¡¯s your turn!¡± Frederick pped once, trying to shake off the tension.


    ¡°I¡¯m in bed by ten most nights,¡± Freya said, straightening up and giving a simple answer.


    No one lowered a finger. Everyone in the group was a night owl anyway.


    When Ellis¡¯s turn came around, he nced at Freya before speaking in a casual tone. ¡°I¡¯ve told someone I had feelings for them¡ªbut only as a joke.¡±


    Freya raised her eyebrows. ¡°Wait. You¡¯re actually into someone?¡±


    ¡°Seriously? You¡¯ve been keeping secrets from us?¡± Frederick raised his brows and smirked.


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 Chapter 867

    ?Chapter 867:


    ¡°Is it someone we know? Come on, give us a hint.¡± Greta leaned in, grinning.


    ¡°We¡¯re in the middle of a game,¡± Ellis said, dodging the question. ¡°Let¡¯s just move on.¡±


    The game continued, round after round, until everyone had lowered all their fingers¡ªexcept Kristian, who somehow still had two fingers up.


    Naturally, Kristian had lost.


    ¡°Alright, you know the rules. Pick your punishment,¡± Frederick said, grabbing a small box and holding it out. ¡°Pick your punishment. If you back out, that¡¯s three full sses of liquor.¡±


    Kristian grabbed a slip in one smooth motion, not pausing for a moment.


    Frederick leaned over the table and sneaked a nce at the slip. It said, ¡°Confess to the first person you see outside.¡±


    ¡°That one¡¯s too simple,¡± Frederick said, a hint of letdown in his voice.


    Kristian ced the paper down, reached for the bottle, and poured himself three full sses, drinking each one without pause.


    Freya¡¯s expression tightened as she watched him. The amount worried her. ¡°It¡¯s probably just a staff member out there. They¡¯ve read every dare in that box. They won¡¯t take it seriously if you say something like that.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not doing it,¡± Kristian said, shaking his head. His tone left no room for argument.


    She hesitated, ready to push back, but he cut in before she could speak.


    ¡°You¡¯re the only one I¡¯d ever say it to.¡±


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    Frederick was stunned by Kristian¡¯s words.


    Greta sipped her drink, trying to keep her face unreadable. What kind of mess was this?


    ¡°You¡¯re into Freya?¡± Trent asked, throwing it all on the table.


    Kristian answered without hesitation, ¡°Yes. Even though she turned me down before, I¡¯m still in love with her. She¡¯s the only one I want.¡±


    Freya rolled her eyes inwardly. She could tell he was doing it on purpose. But there was nothing she could say.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you say so earlier?¡± Greta asked, sounding casual.


    Kristian gave her a quick look.


    ¡°Let¡¯s keep ying. This time, it¡¯s ¡®Truth or Dare,''¡± Greta announced, her voice bright with purpose. She was clearly paving the way for Ellis¡¯s confession. ¡°And if you chicken out, it¡¯s three shots.¡±


    ¡°Finally!¡± Frederick grinned. He¡¯d been waiting for this. He¡¯d practiced some tricks, just enough to keep from losing badly. Otherwise, this would¡¯ve been brutal.


    ¡°Let¡¯s use cards,¡± he suggested, sticking with the one method he knew well. ¡°The Joker is the highest card, while the Ace is the lowest. The order goes from Ace to King. Does that sound good?¡±


    ¡°Sure.¡±


    ¡°No problem.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sitting this one out. The rest of you go ahead,¡± Frederick added.


    No oneined.


    He shuffled the deck slowly in front of them, dealing cards while exining, ¡°Lowest card gets punished¡ªTruth or Dare. Highest card gives the challenge.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s begin.¡±


    Round one.


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 Chapter 868

    ?Chapter 868:


    Ellis pulled the lowest card¡ªa 4 of hearts. Greta had the highest, the Queen of clubs.


    Ellis could tell what they were trying to do. But for now, he¡¯d y along. He needed to ease into things.


    ¡°Truth,¡± he said calmly.


    Freya perked up. She hadn¡¯t forgotten his words. If he was in love with someone, why had he asked her to act as his girlfriendst time? Freya eyed Greta and said, ¡°Why don¡¯t you ask him who his crush is?¡±


    Greta gave a quick ¡°OK¡± sign and turned to Ellis. ¡°You said you confessed to your crush as a joke. What was her reaction?¡± she asked, careful not to be too blunt, knowing full well the answer.


    Freya blinked, confused. Wasn¡¯t she supposed to ask directly who Ellis liked? Why was she dodging the real question?


    ¡°She thought I was joking. She didn¡¯t take it seriously,¡± Ellis replied, his voice steady.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you confess properly?¡± Freya blurted out.


    She didn¡¯t notice the silent looks passing between Greta, Frederick, and Trent. They jumped in, pretending to be curious.


    ¡°Yeah, what if she would¡¯ve said yes?¡±


    ¡°Do we know her?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡±


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    ¡°Where¡¯s she from?¡±


    They fired questions at him like a pack of detectives.


    Ellis gave a small smile, his brow lifting. ¡°You really want to know?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya and her friends answered together.


    ¡°This round¡¯s over. Ask me again if I get the lowest and you get the highest,¡± Ellis said, calm as ever.


    Freya nced at Frederick.


    He raised a brow, confused. Why was she looking at him?


    She coughed quietly and gave him a look, clearly signaling, ¡°Give me the highest card.¡±


    Frederick stared back, silently asking if she wanted him to cheat.


    Freya gave a small nod. She didn¡¯t like cheating, but she needed answers. She had to know why Ellis hadn¡¯t confessed seriously. After all, he had everything: the looks, the charm, the background, and the heart. By all odds, he should¡¯ve seeded.


    Frederick let out a cough and started dealing again.


    Intentional or not, Freya ended up with the lowest card¡ªand Ellis, the highest.


    She blinked in disbelief.


    Greta looked equally shocked. ¡°Freya, truth or dare?¡±


    ¡°Truth,¡± Freya answered quickly.


    ¡°How would you react if a friend confessed to you?¡± Ellis asked casually, as if it were no big deal.


    Freya paused. ¡°A friend?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. Someone like Trent, Frederick, Cade¡­ or me.¡± He rubbed the edge of the card in his hand, a light sweat coating his palm.


    Freya responded slowly, ¡°I guess it depends. If I have feelings for him, I¡¯d say yes. If I don¡¯t, I¡¯d turn him down.¡±


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 Chapter 869

    ?Chapter 869:


    ¡°Would you avoid him afterward?¡± Ellis pressed.


    ¡°Why would I?¡±


    Ellis set his card down and gave Frederick a nod to deal the next round. He was beginning to realize that asking Freya questions wasn¡¯t getting him anywhere. She wasn¡¯t picking up on the deeper meaning.


    In truth, Freya wasn¡¯t overthinking it, though she did find the question strange.


    Frederick shuffled and dealt again, more randomly this time to avoid suspicion.


    To everyone¡¯s surprise, Kristian drew the highest card. And once again, Freya had the lowest.


    As before, she picked ¡°Truth.¡±


    Kristian, well aware of Ellis¡¯s feelings, looked at him before asking straight out, ¡°If Ellis tells you he has a crush on you, will you consider epting him?¡±


    Frederick looked up, surprised. Greta and Trent froze for a second.


    Ellis didn¡¯t react. He remained calm, as always.


    ¡°He¡¯s already in love with someone else,¡± Freya said, trying to dodge the question.


    ¡°That¡¯s not the point. Just answer honestly,¡± Kristian insisted.


    Freya nced at Ellis. ¡°No, I won¡¯t.¡± She couldn¡¯t afford to stir the pot. Ellis had feelings for someone else. Saying yes would only create more trouble.


    Kristian let out a small sigh of relief.


    Ellis didn¡¯t flinch.


    But the others weren¡¯t so sure anymore. Did Ellis still n to confess?


    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s is where your journey begins


    Freya¡¯s answer was basically a rejection.


    ¡°Next round,¡± Ellis said, unfazed, as if he were used to it.


    Frederick, however, was not calm.


    This time, he dealt Ellis the lowest card and Trent the highest.


    Ellis chose ¡°Truth¡± again. Trent didn¡¯t waste time. He asked, ¡°Why haven¡¯t you confessed to the girl you like?¡±


    Ellis paused, then answered quietly, ¡°Because I¡¯m afraid she doesn¡¯t like me back.¡±


    As he spoke, his eyes brushed over Freya¡¯s face. His tone stayed light, but the words carried weight. ¡°I¡¯m scared that if I tell her, she¡¯ll pull away¡ªand I¡¯ll lose herpletely.¡±


    Freya froze at his words.


    Ethel¡¯s words echoed in her mind: ¡°Loving someone means being careful. You¡¯re scared to confess because you don¡¯t want to lose them. But you¡¯re scared not to, because you don¡¯t want to miss your chance.¡±


    Was Ellis really feeling that too?


    ¡°You won¡¯t know the answer until you go for it,¡± Freya said after some consideration.


    The room quieted. All eyes shifted to her.


    Ellis arched a brow, intrigued by her sudden seriousness. His voice remained calm and deliberate. ¡°Are you telling me to confess?¡±


    ¡°I am.¡±


    He tilted his head. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°Because if you don¡¯t say anything, how would she ever know how you feel?¡±


    Ellis¡¯s gaze lingered on her, a flicker of tension behind his elegantposure. ¡°And what if confessing ruins everything? What if we can¡¯t even stay friends afterward?¡± He was baiting her now, drawing her into his cautious logic.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 870

    ?Chapter 870:


    Freya met his eyes, unfazed. ¡°Then it¡¯s still worth a try. You don¡¯t just want to be her friend; you want to be with her.¡±


    ¡°I can¡¯t do that.¡± Ellis¡¯s tone dropped, low and measured. ¡°If I¡¯m not absolutely certain she feels the same, I won¡¯t risk it. She means too much to me. I can¡¯t afford to lose her.¡±


    Freya faltered, thrown off by the depth of emotion in his voice. He liked her that much?


    ¡°What¡¯s she like?¡± she asked softly.


    ¡°A lot like you,¡± Ellis replied without hesitation¡ªbecause in his mind, she really had no clue.


    ¡°Then go for it. Just confess already,¡± Freya said out of nowhere, a sudden spark in her tone. After a beat, her voice softened with sincerity. ¡°If she¡¯s anything like me, even if you get turned down, she won¡¯t walk away from your friendship.¡±


    Ellis studied her with amused curiosity. ¡°You really think so?¡±


    ¡°I do,¡± she replied, nodding.


    Worryced his words as Ellis questioned, ¡°But will she still treat me the same?¡±


    Freya hesitated for a moment, then shrugged. ¡°That depends.¡±


    Without a hint of suspicion, she stepped right into his trap. ¡°If it hits you hard, she might keep her distance to give you space. But if you take it well, I think things will go back to normal.¡±


    Ellis unlocked his phone and held it out. ¡°Say that again¡ªrecord it.¡±


    Freya blinked at him, caught off guard. ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°In case she runs off, you¡¯ll be the one dragging her back,¡± he remarked with a smile.


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    Too caught up in ying matchmaker, Freyapletely missed the implication. She nodded earnestly. ¡°Deal.¡±


    In her mind, any girl Ellis liked would be lucky¡ªhe was sincere, kind, and easy to love. There was no way he¡¯d get rejected.


    But just a few feet away, Kristian¡¯s expression darkened as he listened.


    He had pieced it together¡ªEllis was getting ready to confess. Without drawing attention, he slipped out his phone and typed a message to Gerard. ¡°Is everything ready?¡± Gerard quickly replied, ¡°Everything¡¯s set.¡± Kristian instructed curtly, ¡°We go in ten minutes.¡± ¡°Got it,¡± Gerard replied.


    A confession, huh? Kristian smirked faintly. Then he¡¯d be part of it too. He wanted to see, for himself, who Freya would choose when it all came crashing down.


    Ellis straightened up, putting on a rxed grin. ¡°The night¡¯s still young,¡± he said lightly. ¡°Let¡¯s y a few more rounds.¡± He shot a subtle nce at Frederick.


    Frederick got the hint instantly and began dealing out the cards, the air thick with anticipation.


    ¡°Nine of Hearts,¡± Greta announced, flipping over her card first.


    ¡°Jack of Clubs,¡± Trent said next, casually revealing his hand.


    ¡°Seven of Diamonds,¡± Kristian added, lifting the edge of his card with a flick.


    Frederick, feeling a jolt of anxiety, asked with a tight voice, ¡°What about yours, Freya?¡± He silently prayed he hadn¡¯t dealt the wrong one.


    ¡°King of Hearts.¡± Freyaid her card down with a triumphant smile. A beat of silence passed before every gaze shifted to Ellis. Under the mounting pressure, Ellis slowly turned over his card¡ªFive of Spades. The room reacted in unison. Freya had drawn the highest. Ellis had the lowest.


    Freya said with a sly grin, ¡°Truth or dare?¡±


    .


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 Chapter 871

    ?Chapter 871:


    She already knew what she wanted from him. If he chose ¡°Truth,¡± she¡¯d cut to the chase and ask him straight up who he had a crush on. If he picked ¡°Dare,¡± she¡¯d have him confess to that person after the game.


    ¡°Been stuck on ¡®Truth¡¯ all night. No one¡¯s been brave enough to pick ¡®Dare.¡¯ How about you shake things up?¡± Greta chimed in, her voice brimming with mischief as she shot him a teasing look.


    Frederick leaned in, grinning. ¡°Yes, it would be way more fun.¡±


    ¡°I second that,¡± Trent added with a spark in his eye.


    ¡°Alright then. Dare.¡± Ellis found himself itching to see what challenge Freya would throw his way.


    Freya didn¡¯t miss a beat. ¡°After the gathering, confess to your crush,¡± she said warmly, her gaze steady¡ªgenuinely wishing him happiness. ¡°And bring us with you.¡±


    Ellis arched a brow, amused. His eyes flicked to hers with a teasing glint. ¡°You sure about that?¡±


    ¡°Completely,¡± Freya replied without hesitation.


    ¡°Fine.¡± With a yful smirk, he readily agreed. But inside, he was already imagining her expression when she realized the person he¡¯d be confessing to¡­ was her.


    ¡°Why wait till after? Do it now. Call her and confess,¡± Greta teased, nudging him with a grin. She figured Freya might forget her own words once the night was over. If Ellis was going to act, it had to be now.


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Make the call!¡± Frederick chimed in, clearly enjoying the spectacle.


    Freya, however, didn¡¯t share their enthusiasm. She leaned forward, her tone serious. ¡°Wouldn¡¯t that feel insincere? A confession like that should happen face-to-face. Over the phone, you won¡¯t see how she reacts¡ªwhat if you misread it?¡±


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    To her, moments that mattered deserved to be seen and felt in person. A screen or a voice alone just wasn¡¯t enough.


    Greta and Trent exchanged quick looks, muffling their amusement with polite coughs. Their eyes gleamed with yfulness, eager for whatever came next.


    ¡°Let Ellis choose,¡± Frederick said, practically buzzing with anticipation. ¡°Either way works.¡±


    Ellisughed under his breath, but a flicker of nerves crossed his face.


    Freya blinked, caught off guard. Either way worked?


    Noticing her moment of doubt, Ellis quickly added, ¡°I could call and ask to meet up instead¡ªsay there¡¯s something important I want to tell her in person?¡±


    Freya gave a small nod. ¡°That sounds better.¡±


    He reached for his phone. ¡°Then I¡¯ll call her.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± she insisted,pletely unaware she was the one he meant to confess to.


    As the words settled in the air, all eyes locked onto Ellis.


    With a sharp breath, he pulled out his phone, tapped open his contacts, and pressed the number he¡¯d marked as a priority. The screen lit up, and the line began to ring. His heart pounded against his ribcage like a drumline gone rogue.


    Even though he¡¯d steeled himself for Freya¡¯s possible rejection, a flicker of unease gnawed at him.


    As the phone rang, a thousand thoughts raced through his mind. Would she be confused when she saw his call? Would she think it was a mistake?


    Around him, Greta, Trent, and Frederick held their breath, the tension almost tangible.


    The instant the call connected, their attention snapped straight to Freya.


    .


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 Chapter 872

    ?Chapter 872:


    Just then, Freya¡¯s phone chimed.


    She froze, caught off guard by the sudden sound. Her brows pinched together in confusion, as if the ringtone itself didn¡¯t make sense. ¡°Freya, your phone,¡± Frederick said, his voice low but steady despite the nerves tightening in his chest.


    Of course, she knew¡ªit was her phone, after all. But the timing was too coincidental. Could this be it? Could Ellis really be calling her? Was this his way of confessing?


    Her fingers trembled slightly as she reached into her pocket and pulled out the phone. She nced at the screen. Kristian?


    Everyone else stiffened. Greta¡¯s lips parted in surprise. Trent blinked in disbelief. Frederick stared, speechless.


    They all swung their heads toward Ellis, their expressions asking the same question.


    Wait¡ªdidn¡¯t Ellis just make that call?


    Ellis listened to the mechanical voice on the line, its tone t and indifferent. The number he had dialed was currently busy.


    He flicked his gaze up at Kristian, who was clutching his own phone, and felt not the slightest hint of surprise.


    It was in as day¡ªKristian¡¯s mental faculties had returned to normal. There was no way Kristian would sit back and let him pour out his feelings uninterrupted.


    ¡°Why are you calling me?¡± Freya didn¡¯t bother answering. Instead, she tilted her head, locking eyes with Kristian, who was already staring at her with intense, undivided attention.


    ¡°Ellis is trying to call his crush and confess,¡± Kristian said, his tone brisk and straightforward. ¡°So I figured I¡¯d do the same. Freya, I really love you. Will you be my girlfriend?¡±


    Full cont3nt h3re: g??lnovels.??????


    The instant those words left his lips, all eyes darted to Freya.


    The group exchanged wary nces, silently rooting for Ellis. Ellis, however, remainedposed, his expression unreadable, as though none of it concerned him.


    Kristian noticed Freya¡¯s silence and pressed gently, ¡°Freya?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± Freya had barely whispered the word when the door suddenly burst open with a bang.


    A volley of confetti cannons exploded, showering the room in a rain of vibrant streamers and petals.


    Kristian tucked his phone into his pocket, stood up, and walked toward the door. There, Gerard was waiting with a grand bouquet of red roses. The bodyguards at the entrance snapped into position, forming two tidy lines that parted to clear a path.


    Kristian, cradling the bouquet, walked slowly, deliberately, his eyes fixed only on Freya. He stopped in front of her and held out the roses. ¡°Freya, I really love you. Will you be with me?¡±


    ¡°Say yes!¡±


    ¡°Say yes!¡±


    ¡°Say yes!¡±


    The bodyguards broke into a chant, their voices echoing in perfect rhythm. Gerard, stationed quietly at the side like always, winced with secondhand dread. If he had to stake his life on it¡ªKristian was going to get turned down.


    ¡°Stop this nonsense,¡± Freya said, rising to her feet, her tone cold and unwavering as she refused the bouquet.


    ¡°I¡¯m serious,¡± Kristian murmured, stepping closer, his voice soft but firm. ¡°I really do love you. I want you in my future. I know I¡¯ve done a lot to hurt you before, but I¡¯m asking for a chance¡ªto make it right.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 873

    ?Chapter 873:


    Freya¡¯s brows creased, a flicker of conflict in her expression. Kristian asked again, ¡°Freya, will you be my girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± she said without skipping a beat, her rejection firm, without a trace of hesitation.


    For a second, Kristian smiled. Still clutching the bouquet, he leaned in just slightly, narrowing the space between them. ¡°Can I ask why?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t love you,¡± Freya answered calmly, her voice even. She watched as the man before her seemed to shift¡ªbing suddenly unfamiliar, impossible to read. ¡°I¡¯ve told you this before.¡±


    She knew her answer might push him into paranoia or worse¡ªsomething irrational, something out of control. But she couldn¡¯t offer him a promise she didn¡¯t mean. To give hope where there was none¡ªthat was cruelty, pure and simple.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you love me?¡± Kristian demanded, his mask slipping, his tone tight. ¡°I¡¯ve done everything you¡¯ve ever asked. You told me to behave¡ªI did. You told me not to lie¡ªI told you everything. Everyst secret. I¡¯ve done it all. So why don¡¯t you love me back?¡±


    Freya was left speechless. She opened her mouth, then closed it again, words failing her.


    Kristian¡¯s eyes darkened. ¡°Is it because of the pain I caused you before?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya said, her voice firm.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± Kristian said lowly, reaching out to gently touch her face. His piercing gaze bore straight into her. ¡°If you truly didn¡¯t care, why won¡¯t you ept me?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have feelings for you,¡± Freya replied, struggling to string the right words together. ¡°I don¡¯t want to be with you. If loving someone was as easy as following a checklist, then I¡¯d owe my affection to half the world.¡±


    A???????????? ????????: ga l no v els .co m


    Trent adjusted his sses, while Greta pressed her lips into a thin line, barely stifling augh. It was a serious deration, yet it somehow came with a strange kind of wit.


    ¡°I don¡¯t care about the rest of the world¡ªas long as I¡¯m the one you like best,¡± Kristian said, eyes glued to hers, his possessiveness unmistakable.


    Freya wasn¡¯t sure how to respond. Wasn¡¯t the normal thing to do after rejection to walk away?


    ¡°Let me ask you one more time,¡± Kristian said, extending the bouquet to her again. His tone left no room for doubt¡ªit was clear he had made his decision. ¡°Will you be my girlfriend?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t pause. ¡°No.¡±


    Kristian gave a quietugh. He shoved the bouquet into her arms and left her with just one parting line. ¡°I¡¯ll win you over.¡±


    Then, he pulled back, turned around, and strode out of the room without looking back.


    Worried he might do something impulsive, Freya quickly set the flowers aside and ran after him. ¡°Kristian!¡±


    ¡°Stop her,¡± Kristian said coolly as he exited the private room, his long strides swiftly carrying him away.


    The two rows of bodyguards moved at once, closing ranks and blocking the exit.


    If Freya really wanted to fight her way out, she could have.


    But Gerard stepped in. ¡°Allow me to handle this. There¡¯s no need for you to get involved,¡± he said, knowing her presence would only fan the mes. ¡°I¡¯ll update you the moment I hear anything.¡±


    Freya hesitated, then nodded after a pause. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Gerard bowed slightly and left with the guards trailing behind him.


    .


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 Chapter 874

    ?Chapter 874:


    Silence settled over the room.


    Everyone knew, without needing to say it¡ªEllis¡¯s confession n was ruined. With the mood the way it was, the gathering could no longer go on.


    Freya said to her friends, her worry about Kristian lingering, ¡°I¡¯m heading home. You all carry on.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll drive you,¡± Ellis offered.


    ¡°No need,¡± Freya declined. She had Kristian to deal with. Judging from how he acted earlier, it was clear that his mental faculties had returned to normal.


    She wasn¡¯t sure what Lawrence had been up totely, but with Kristian in this condition, she needed Lawrence back.


    Freya left the private room. Since she¡¯d had a few drinks, a driver took her home.


    Greta looked around. ¡°Captain, when are you going to confess to Freya?¡±


    ¡°After Kristian¡¯s situation is handled,¡± Ellis answered. He didn¡¯t want to weigh Freya down any further, not now. ¡°Be careful heading home. I¡¯ve got something to deal with.¡±


    Counting on Lawrence alone didn¡¯t seem wise. Based on what Freya had said, there was clearly some kind of deal between Kristian and Lawrence. Without knowing the details, it was best to have a backup.


    ¡°Got it,¡± Greta and the others replied in unison.


    Once the group had gone their separate ways, Ellis¡¯s confession ns were quietly ced on hold. Kristian had gotten exactly what he wanted.


    Kristian knew full well that confessing to Freya wouldn¡¯t magically make her ept him. But knowing something in theory was one thing; actually hearing her say no and feeling that rejection hit? That was something else entirely.


    Full updat3z h3r3: g??lno¦Íels.??????


    ¡°Mr. Shaw,¡± Gerard said as he drove, ncing at Kristian in the rearview mirror. ¡°You should probably drop Ms. Briggs a message. She¡¯s bound to be worried about you.¡±


    ¡°If she really gave a damn, she would¡¯vee looking for me already,¡± Kristian answered coolly, like it was the most natural thing in the world.


    Freya had the capability to catch up with him. The fact that he was still sitting in Gerard¡¯s car alone was all the proof he needed that he didn¡¯t mean much to her.


    Gerard hesitated, recalling that he¡¯d told Freya to keep her from chasing after Kristian.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you have a small army of bodyguards standing there to hold her back?¡± He scrambled toe up with a defense for Freya, hoping to defuse Kristian¡¯s simmering anger. ¡°Maybe she thinks you¡¯re the one avoiding her.¡±


    ¡°Whether I want to avoid her or not is my business,¡± Kristian said stubbornly. ¡°Whether she tries to catch up with me¡ªor not¡ªis hers.¡±


    Gerard had nothing to say to that. The logic was airtight. He couldn¡¯t poke a single hole in it.


    ¡°Turn your phone off,¡± Kristian ordered, his voice like ice. ¡°If I find out you¡¯ve reached out to her, you¡¯ll be dealing with the consequences.¡±


    ¡°If I don¡¯t tell her anything, how¡¯s she supposed to find you?¡± Gerard tried to reason with him. ¡°Don¡¯t you want her to take you back?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s more than capable of finding me on her own,¡± Kristian said tly. ¡°Unless, of course, she doesn¡¯t want to.¡±


    Gerard was speechless. What was he even supposed to do now?


    ¡°Tomorrow, get me Natasha Sugden¡¯s info,¡± Kristian said suddenly, something clicking in his memory. All Freya¡¯s friends had picked up hacking skills from K¡ªexcept her. It was odd.


    Gerard didn¡¯t dwell on it. He just nodded and said, ¡°Alright.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 875

    ?Chapter 875:


    Kristian didn¡¯t return to his own apartment. Instead, he checked into a hotel. Coincidentally, it wasn¡¯t far from Freya¡¯s home and was right along her usual route.


    After getting settled, Kristian took Gerard¡¯s phone and handed him a new one, this one tightly monitored.


    ¡°Use this for your calls and work stuff,¡± Kristian said, his mind sharper than ever. ¡°It¡¯s synced with my phone. I¡¯ll know exactly who you contact and what you send.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t this a little extreme?¡± Gerard hadn¡¯t expected Kristian to go this far.


    He figured that even if his phone got taken and he couldn¡¯t remember Freya¡¯s number, he could contact his dad and get Freya¡¯s number that way. After all, that¡¯s how he¡¯d reached herst time.


    But now, there was zero privacy.


    ¡°There¡¯s no way to get in touch with her without me knowing,¡± Kristian said coldly, setting his terms. ¡°It¡¯s not up to you whether it¡¯s extreme or not. Your job is to follow the instructions.¡±


    If Freya didn¡¯te for him within the next two days, Kristian wouldn¡¯t hold back anymore. He¡¯d make sure she agreed to be with him¡ªon his terms.


    Gerard felt like he was in over his head. From the way he¡¯d spoken to Freya before leaving, she was probably expecting a message.


    If none came, she¡¯d assume Kristian was fine. And that meant she likely wouldn¡¯te looking.


    Gerard finally decided it was time to say something real to Kristian. ¡°If you really care about Ms. Briggs, maybe talk things through instead of acting out like this.¡±


    ¡°Acting out?¡± Kristian¡¯s eyes turned dangerous.


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    Gerard braced himself. ¡°Storming off after she turns you down¡ªwhat else do you call it?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not acting out,¡± Kristian said seriously.


    He¡¯d done exactly what she asked of him. He¡¯d behaved. And still, she hadn¡¯t chosen him.


    If Ellis had been the one to confess first today, would she have shot him down so firmly? He didn¡¯t think so. She had always treated Ellis better. If Freya knew what Kristian was thinking right now, she¡¯d probably explode. Sure, she was on good terms with Ellis. But it wasn¡¯t like she¡¯d been cruel to Kristian either. Aside from being a little distant at first, she¡¯d always considered his feelings.


    After Freya got home, she called Kristian.


    He saw the call. But he didn¡¯t pick up.


    Gerard couldn¡¯t make sense of it and asked him straight out, ¡°Why didn¡¯t you answer?¡±


    ¡°She rejected me. I¡¯m heartbroken,¡± Kristian said slowly, his eyes locked on the screen where her name was still shing. ¡°If I answer on the first try, what pride do I have left?¡±


    If she¡¯d called a third time, he would¡¯ve answered in a heartbeat.


    But it never came to that. She didn¡¯t call again.


    After seeing that he hadn¡¯t picked up, Freya left it at that. In her mind, if he saw the call and was in the right mood, he¡¯d return it¡ªor at least text.


    If he was upset and still stewing over the rejection, another call would only make things worse.


    So she stopped at one.


    After that, she messaged Gerard, gave him basic instructions to keep an eye on Kristian, and told him to get in touch if anything happened.


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 Chapter 876

    ?Chapter 876:


    Once that was done, she called Lawrence.


    He didn¡¯t pick up. So she tried Jacob. She¡¯d always known Jacob and Lawrence had something going on. When it came to Lawrence, Jacob usually knew everything. But she never dug into the details.


    Jacob had just gotten out of the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist, steam still clinging to the air. He picked up Freya¡¯s call while drying his hair.


    ¡°Hi, what¡¯s up?¡± he said casually.


    ¡°Do you know what Lawrence has been up totely?¡± Freya didn¡¯t bother with small talk, not with him. ¡°Kristian¡¯s mental faculties seemed to have returned to normal. I need to speak to Lawrence about it.¡±


    Jacob nced toward the door, paused for a second, and asked, ¡°Is it urgent?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya replied, thinking back to what Kristian had said before he walked out. Something about the way he¡¯d acted felt off.


    ¡°Hang on.¡± Jacob¡¯s tone was light and pleasant.


    Freya gave a quiet okay and waited.


    Jacob opened the door and stepped into the living room, where a figure sat hunched over, looking utterly defeated. His brows creased ever so slightly.


    Lawrence had been racking his brain, trying toe up with a way to win Jacob back.


    The sudden sound of the door creaking open made him nce up¡ªand freeze.


    There stood Jacob, in a mere towel!


    In that split second, Lawrence¡¯s mind spun with wild thoughts. Was this Jacob¡¯s way of showing a crack in the wall between them?


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    But whatever hope had dared to flicker died the moment Jacob spoke.


    ¡°Freya¡¯s on the line. Says it¡¯s something urgent¡ªjust for you.¡± Jacob passed the phone to him, his voice and expression still carrying that sluggish, half-awake energy. ¡°Go on, pick up.¡±


    Lawrence froze in ce, caught off guard. Freya was just as stunned. He didn¡¯t reach for the phone right away. Instead, he looked at Jacob with a faint attempt at charm. ¡°If I take this call, will you at least forgive me a little?¡±


    ¡°Kristian¡¯s your responsibility,¡± Jacob reminded him coolly, slipping back into his earlier aloofness. ¡°Not mine.¡±


    Lawrence felt the pressure building. If he ignored the call, Jacob would think he was avoiding his duties. But if he answered, he¡¯d have to face whatever mess Kristian was in now. Everything he¡¯d done to settle into Jacob¡¯s ce might be undone.


    After wrestling with the decision, he reluctantly took the phone, drew in a calming breath, and forced a pleasant tone. ¡°Hello?¡±


    ¡°Lawrence?¡±


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°Kristian¡¯s made a full mental recovery,¡± Freya stated, then added with caution, ¡°But there¡¯s a psychological snag. His personality¡ªit¡¯s shifted dramatically.¡±


    Lawrence¡¯s brow arched, visibly taken aback.


    Kristian had begged him before Christmas to keep his recovery under wraps. So why was Freya in the loop now?


    ¡°What happened?¡± he asked.


    Freya walked him through the night¡¯s events, carefully highlighting the unsettling changes in Kristian¡¯s behavior.


    .


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 Chapter 877

    ?Chapter 877:


    Lawrence listened, his expression darkening. ¡°Why did you turn him away?¡±


    Freya was momentarily speechless. She didn¡¯t love Kristian. Wasn¡¯t that reason enough?


    ¡°I told you his condition was fragile.¡± Lawrence¡¯s tone grew more urgent. ¡°With his memory loss and regression in cognition, he needs stability¡ªzero emotional shocks.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right,¡± Freya admitted quietly.


    ¡°Then why push him away?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t love him. epting his confession would¡¯ve only hurt him more.¡±


    ¡°Keep him steady for now,¡± Lawrence instructed firmly, already mapping his next steps. ¡°Do whatever it takes to keep things calm. I¡¯ll head overseas to retrieve the medication.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya said, agreeing.


    ¡°Just be sure he isn¡¯t hit with any more emotional waves,¡± Lawrence stressed, ¡°or we¡¯re looking at a serious downward spiral.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    The call ended, and Lawrence returned the phone to Jacob.


    Even though he was loath to leave, the urgency of Kristian¡¯s state left him no choice. Whether it was the promise he¡¯d made or the responsibility he bore as his doctor, he couldn¡¯t walk away. If he didn¡¯t intervene now, Kristian might fall apart¡ªand it¡¯d be on him.


    ¡°Is it serious?¡± Jacob asked, catching the troubled look on his face.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Lawrence replied with a slow nod, his expression clouded. ¡°Once I get Kristian¡¯s situation under control, I¡¯lle back so we can sort things out between us.¡± Kristian couldn¡¯t wait. But neither did he want to keep Jacob waiting.


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    Jacob didn¡¯t respond. He just took the phone and walked off toward his room.


    ¡°Jacob,¡± Lawrence called just as he was about to shut the door, lips pressed together. ¡°Wait for me toe back and finish this.¡±


    The only reply was the firm, final sound of the door clicking shut. Lawrence didn¡¯t waste another second. He immediately booked an overseas flight.


    He hadn¡¯t expected Kristian¡¯s condition to deteriorate this fast, so he¡¯d left without the research notes and medication. The original n was for Kristian to quietly remain under Freya¡¯s watch. So where had it all gone wrong?


    With no flights avable that night, Lawrence had no choice but to fly out the next morning. After packing, he tried calling Kristian. Kristian declined the call and shot him a message instead¡ªone that made it painfully clear he didn¡¯t want Lawrence interfering.


    Reading it, Lawrence knew things were bad¡ªreally bad. All he could do now was hope Freya wouldn¡¯t set Kristian off any further. But neither of them truly knew what might trigger him.


    After his talk with Lawrence, Ellis returned to Freya. He sought her out and asked what was going on. Freya repeated what Lawrence had instructed.


    ¡°With Gerard there, it shouldn¡¯t spiral out of control,¡± she shared her reasoning. ¡°If I go to him now, I might set him off. Lawrence was very clear¡ªdon¡¯t provoke him.¡±


    ¡°But if you don¡¯t go,¡± Ellis reasoned, ¡°won¡¯t he think you don¡¯t care at all?¡±


    He¡¯d been digging into Kristian¡¯s records earlier. What he found confirmed it¡ªthe Kristian now wasn¡¯t the same man. He¡¯d even consulted experts, and they all said the same thing: memory loss didn¡¯t usuallye with a total personality switch. Kristian¡¯s case was clearly off the charts.


    Freya hesitated. ¡°I don¡¯t think that¡¯s the case.¡±


    ¡°Considering how possessive he used to be with you, he¡¯s probably desperate for your attention now,¡± Ellis pointed out thoughtfully, hoping to calm the storm before it worsened. ¡°If you stay away, it might hurt more than help.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 878

    ?Chapter 878:


    Psychological instability often gets worse with emotional triggers. Freya found merit in his logic but asked, ¡°What if I find him and he asks me again whether I want to be with him¡ªwhat should I say?¡± Turning him down outright would just be another blow. It could send him straight into another episode.


    ¡°He listens to you,¡± Ellis replied quickly, offering a measured suggestion. ¡°If he asks again, let him down gently¡ªbut don¡¯t shut the doorpletely. Give him just enough hope to hold on until Lawrence returns.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that a bit¡­ cruel?¡± Freya¡¯s gut twisted at the thought. Lawrence¡¯s return didn¡¯t guarantee anything. Kristian¡¯s memory might never return. And if it didn¡¯t, his current personality wouldn¡¯t just disappear. A promise is a promise. If she gave him her word and he met all her conditions, she¡¯d have no excuse not to stay with him.


    ¡°For now, just keep things stable,¡± Ellis advised. ¡°I¡¯ll reach out to my associates, see if anyone has any solutions.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya agreed after a pause.


    Once Ellis stepped away to make those calls, Freya rang Kristian again. She reminded herself not to judge him by who he used to be. The man he was now had shifted¡ªdrastically. Even though his mental faculties had recovered, emotionally, he acted like a petnt child nursing a broken heart.


    When she called, Kristian was in the shower, and he missed all three of her calls. Freya didn¡¯t push it.


    After a moment of thought, she sent him a message instead. ¡°Call me back when you see this. You didn¡¯t eat much tonight¡ªhave Gerard make you something, okay? Don¡¯t go to bed hungry. We¡¯ll talk when you¡¯re ready.¡±


    After stepping out of the shower, Kristian spotted her message. Seeing the three missed calls followed by her gentle reminder, most of the bitterness in his chest began to quietly melt away.


    Kristian ignored the message and declined to return the call. Instead, he turned to Gerard with a contemtive expression. ¡°If you had a fight with your girlfriend and she became upset, would you try to make things right?¡±


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    ¡°I don¡¯t have a girlfriend right now,¡± Gerard admitted with straightforward honesty.


    ¡°Hypothetically speaking,¡± Kristian rified, his voice tinged with a subtle tension.


    ¡°Well, it depends on who¡¯s at fault. If I made a mistake, I¡¯d definitely try to make amends. But if it¡¯s her fault, I might reluctantly give her a chance to fix things.¡±


    ¡°And what if she refuses to answer your calls or respond to your messages, shutting down any chance of reconciliation?¡± Kristian asked, his eyes revealing a deeper concern.


    Gerard took this as casual conversation, unaware of its true significance. ¡°Then I¡¯d go to see her in person and talk it through. When things go wrong, face-to-face is always better than texts. You can¡¯t truly understand someone¡¯s feelings through a screen.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re saying that when someone really cares, they¡¯ll find another way tomunicate if the usual methods don¡¯t work?¡± Kristian¡¯s thoughts seemedplex, and Gerard couldn¡¯t quite grasp his deeper meaning.


    Gerard nodded slightly. ¡°Yeah, pretty much.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Kristian seemed unwilling to continue the conversation. ¡°You should head to bed.¡±


    Gerard blinked, confusion overtaking him. There was something about Kristian¡¯s behavior that seemed off, though he couldn¡¯t pinpoint exactly what was wrong.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw,¡± he ventured cautiously, walking on verbal thin ice.


    Kristian¡¯s intense gaze lifted slightly. His strikingly handsome face could cause anyone¡¯s heart to race for a moment. ¡°What is it?¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 879

    ?Chapter 879:


    ¡°Are you really determined not to reach out to Ms. Briggs?¡± Gerard asked, anxiety lingering in his voice. ¡°She called you three times in a row. Surely you noticed?¡±


    Given Freya¡¯s usual behavior, even two calls in session was rare. Three? Her persistence clearly showed how much she cared for Kristian.


    Kristian¡¯s thin lips curled into a subtle, enigmatic smile. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Yet you¡¯re not nning on returning her call?¡± Gerard pressed, bewilderment clear in his tone.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say that when someone genuinely cares, they find other ways to reach out?¡± Kristian replied with a calmness that starkly contrasted his usual detached demeanor. ¡°If calling doesn¡¯t work, she¡¯ll find another way.¡±


    Gerard¡¯s mind spun with unspoken questions. So those earlier questions had been about Kristian and Freya¡¯s rtionship? ¡°I was talking about couples¡ªhusbands and wives,¡± Gerard hastily rified. ¡°Not former spouses.¡±


    As soon as the words left his mouth, a chill seemed to emanate from Kristian.


    Those were exactly the words Kristian feared hearing most.


    ¡°She promised to take care of me, to always be there,¡± Kristian murmured, his thoughts spiraling. ¡°And I told her how I felt. So, logically, our rtionship still stands.¡±


    Gerard was left speechless.


    He doubted Freya would ever agree to revive a romance with Kristian.


    ¡°Stop lingering here,¡± Kristian snapped, his words cutting through the tension like a sharp de. ¡°I¡¯m heading to my room.¡±


    Step into a new world at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m


    ¡°You won¡¯t let me contact Ms. Briggs, yet you ignore her attempts to reach you?¡± Gerard remarked, making one final effort to reason with him. ¡°If this continues, no matter how much she cares for you now, you¡¯ll eventually wear down her patience.¡±


    Gerard was certain that whateverpassion Freya felt toward Kristian now was born from guilt and concern, not real love¡ªespecially after his near-fatal sacrifice to protect her.


    ¡°Leave now,¡± Kristianmanded coldly, his tone making it clear there would be no more discussion.


    Gerard desperately wanted to retort, but the courage failed him in that crucial moment. Kristian had be someone unrecognizable. If he dared speak such defiant words, the consequences would be swift and certain.


    After taking a steadying breath, Gerard finally managed to say, ¡°Rest well,¡± before retreating to his quarters.


    Once safely behind his closed door, he wrestled with his thoughts, searching desperately for a way to inform Freya of Kristian¡¯s whereabouts. Kristian¡¯s confusing behavior made his true intentions an absolute enigma. Then, suddenly, an idea struck him.


    This establishment wasn¡¯t Shaw Group property¡ªit belonged to the Briggs Group.


    Had Kristian deliberately chosen this location, secretly hoping he might establish contact with Freya through the hotel staff?


    The possibility struck Gerard like a sudden sh of lightning. He quickly slipped out of his room, presented his credentials to the hotel¡¯s general manager, and arranged a private meeting.


    He could have borrowed any staff member¡¯s phone or approached a stranger to contact Freya, but those methods were too risky. What if her private number got leaked? The consequences would be disastrous.


    Thus, enlisting the hotel manager¡¯s help seemed like the safest option.


    When Freya¡¯s phone rang with Gerard¡¯s unexpected call, she had been preparing for bed. Noticing the unfamiliar number, she hesitated for a moment before answering.


    .


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 Chapter 880

    ?Chapter 880:


    ¡°Hello, Ms. Briggs. Gerard speaking.¡± He identified himself promptly and exined the situation with remarkable efficiency. ¡°Mr. Shaw and I are currently staying at a Briggs Group property, the one nearest to your residence. His room is 1803.¡±


    ¡°Understood,¡± Freya acknowledged with her usualposure.


    After the conversation ended, Freya refrained from taking immediate action. Night had fallen, traditionally a time for rest. Even if she went to his door, meaningful conversation with Kristian at that hour seemed unlikely.


    The following morning, she arrived at the hotel shortly after seven o¡¯clock.


    Kristian remained asleep, so Freya patiently positioned herself outside his room, careful not to disturb his slumber.


    Gerard, aware of her arrival, had risen early as well. He approached her respectfully and offered thoughtful advice. ¡°Ms. Briggs, when you encounter Mr. Shawter, please interact with him as if you were his girlfriend. Exercise a great deal of patience.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Freya agreed without hesitation.


    ¡°I appreciate your understanding,¡± Gerard said, his emotions clearly conflicted.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing,¡± Freya responded with unwavering calm. Her sole objective remained facilitating Kristian¡¯s swift recovery before sending him on his way.


    ¡°Did he share anything significant with you?¡±


    Gerard hesitated briefly before recounting their conversation from the previous evening.


    Concerned she might misinterpret, he quickly added, ¡°During our discussion, I thought we were just talking hypothetically. I didn¡¯t realize he was projecting your rtionship dynamics onto the situation.¡±


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    ¡°That¡¯spletely understandable,¡± Freya replied, visibly reassured once she had the full context.


    She knew how to navigate this. It was simple: approach him as one would handle a jealous, sulking teen in need of gentle persuasion. Nothing too difficult.


    At exactly 7:30, Kristian finally stirred from sleep. He had expected his phone to be overflowing with missed messages after a night of silence. But when he checked, he found absolutely nothing¡ªnot a single notification.


    The favorable mood he¡¯d maintained the previous evening vanished instantly, reced by cold indifference, which reflected in his prating gaze.


    He grabbed his phone and called Gerard.


    When Gerard saw the iing call, he immediately knocked on Kristian¡¯s door, maintaining a professional tone as he spoke.


    The door swung open.


    Kristian, still freshly woken, appeared in full view, with both Freya and Gerard acknowledging his presence at the same time.


    His eyes retained traces of coldness and irritation from being woken prematurely, while his disheveled hair gave him a surprisingly approachable quality. Rather than seeming untidy, he somehow appeared more authentic.


    Kristian acknowledged Gerard with a nce, silently signaling for him to enter.


    But as his gaze shifted, he unexpectedly found Freya standing just a few steps away.


    Time seemed to stand still around Kristian, his very being frozen in that pivotal moment.


    A gentle warmth flowed through his heart, his aura softening perceptibly, but he concealed these emotions behind a mask of indifference. The memory of Freya¡¯s clear rejection before Ellis resurfaced in his mind, reigniting his frustration. With deliberate force, he mmed the door shut, the sharp bang echoing through the hallway, matching his unmistakable displeasure.


    Freya and Gerard stood frozen in shock.


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 Chapter 881

    ?Chapter 881:


    Typically, Freya¡¯s headstrong nature would havepelled her to walk away without a second thought after such treatment.


    But her current mission required she keep Kristian emotionally stable until Lawrence¡¯s return, which meant taking a different approach than direct confrontation.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs¡­¡± Gerard¡¯s voice wavered with clear unease.


    With methodical precision, Freya pulled the master key card from her pocket. She bypassed the courtesy of knocking entirely, swiping the card and pushing the door open with unwavering determination.


    Gerard raised his eyebrows in mild surprise. When had Freya gotten that card?


    A flicker of delight crossed Kristian¡¯s face when he saw her enter, but he quickly masked it with a cold expression. ¡°Is this how the Briggs Group ensures security in its hotels? Letting anyone waltz in with a master key?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to switch hotels?¡± Freya replied, her calmness unsettling. ¡°I¡¯ll cover the cost.¡±


    Kristian was left speechless by her pragmatic offer. Was money really the issue here? He wondered if she hadpletely lost her sense of reality.


    ¡°If not, thene back with me,¡± Freya continued, taking control of the situation and steering the conversation toward her goal. ¡°You¡¯re still unwell. Stop running around.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t want to see you,¡± Kristian retorted impulsively, the words slipping out before he could reconsider.


    Freya closed the distance between them, stepping forward until they were close enough to feel the warmth of each other¡¯s breath, their faces just inches apart.


    Kristian¡¯s pulse quickened unexpectedly. Though uncertain of her intentions, his gaze involuntarily drifted to her wless skin. From this close proximity, he could feel the warmth of her breath and see the vibrant hue of her lips.


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    The mere sight of her so near him strangely dissolved the anger that had been building inside him.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kristian asked, struggling to maintain hisposure as his gaze remained fixed on her.


    Freya remained silent. With surprising dexterity, she reached for his tie and swiftly unraveled it from around his neck.


    This unexpected sequence of actions bewildered Kristian andpletely confused Gerard.


    For a brief moment, both men entertained the thought that Freya might be using her feminine allure to manipte the situation.


    The idea disappeared almost as quickly as it hade. They both knew her too well¡ªshe would never resort to seduction as a tactic. A direct punch to the face was far more aligned with her typical approach.


    While they were lost in spection, Freya had already secured the tie firmly in her grasp.


    As their minds continued to race with possibilities, Freya wrapped the tie around Kristian¡¯s eyes, binding it securely with a knot behind his head. Her voice remained eerily calm as she exined, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to see me, then stop looking.¡±


    Kristian froze, stunned.


    Gerard stood in equal shock.


    The true drama, however, had yet to unfold.


    Just as Kristian raised his hand to remove the makeshift blindfold, Freya delivered a precise, powerful strike to the vulnerable spot at the back of his neck.


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 Chapter 882

    ?Chapter 882:


    With a muffled thud, Kristian¡¯s head slumped forward as unconsciousness overtook him.


    Freya caught his copsing form with perfect timing, guiding his limp body onto the nearby sofa with surprising strength.


    Gerard stood rooted in ce, utterly astounded. He had expected Freya to engage Kristian in a calm, measured discussion. He never could have imagined her resorting to such direct and forceful measures. As expected of the woman he admired.


    Kristian¡¯s pulse quickened unexpectedly. Though uncertain of her intentions, his gaze involuntarily drifted to her wless skin. From this close proximity, he could feel the warmth of her breath and see the vibrant hue of her lips.


    The mere sight of her so near him strangely dissolved the anger that had been building inside him.


    ¡°What are you doing?¡± Kristian asked, struggling to maintain hisposure as his gaze remained fixed on her.


    Freya remained silent. With surprising dexterity, she reached for his tie and swiftly unraveled it from around his neck.


    This unexpected sequence of actions bewildered Kristian andpletely confused Gerard.


    For a brief moment, both men entertained the thought that Freya might be using her feminine allure to manipte the situation.


    The idea disappeared almost as quickly as it hade. They both knew her too well¡ªshe would never resort to seduction as a tactic. A direct punch to the face was far more aligned with her typical approach.


    While they were lost in spection, Freya had already secured the tie firmly in her grasp.


    Your imagination takes flight on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s


    As their minds continued to race with possibilities, Freya wrapped the tie around Kristian¡¯s eyes, binding it securely with a knot behind his head. Her voice remained eerily calm as she exined, ¡°If you don¡¯t want to see me, then stop looking.¡±


    Kristian froze, stunned.


    Gerard stood in equal shock.


    The true drama, however, had yet to unfold.


    Just as Kristian raised his hand to remove the makeshift blindfold, Freya delivered a precise, powerful strike to the vulnerable spot at the back of his neck.


    With a muffled thud, Kristian¡¯s head slumped forward as unconsciousness overtook him.


    Freya caught his copsing form with perfect timing, guiding his limp body onto the nearby sofa with surprising strength.


    Gerard stood rooted in ce, utterly astounded. He had expected Freya to engage Kristian in a calm, measured discussion. He never could have imagined her resorting to such direct and forceful measures. As expected of the woman he admired.


    ¡°This¡­¡± Gerard stammered, both impressed and concerned by her actions. ¡°Won¡¯t he be absolutely furious when he regains consciousness?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Freya admitted candidly.


    Had this been the old Kristian, his rage would have been immeasurable.


    But the current version of Kristian was different. Ellis had revealed that what Kristian truly craved now was her attention and care. By tracking him down and bringing him back, wasn¡¯t she showing genuine concern?


    Gerard wiped the nervous sweat from his brow, contemting the inevitable consequences of Freya¡¯s decisive action. Freya acted without hesitation. She made a quick call, and within minutes, several imposing bodyguards arrived to transport the unconscious Kristian from the premises.


    .


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 Chapter 883

    ?Chapter 883:


    As they descended in the elevator and emerged through the hotel¡¯s grand entrance, they encountered an unexpected obstacle¡ªanother 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¡ªif 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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 Chapter 884

    ?Chapter 884:


    But with this transformed version of him, she felt only a strange emotional emptiness¡ªneither relief at his recovery nor indignation at his subterfuge. He seemed to her like someone who simply needed help, nothing more.


    ¡°Come eat breakfast,¡± she directed, deliberately avoiding any further discussion of the matter.


    The hotel was in close proximity to her residence, and the morning was still young.


    Kristian remained motionless, fixated on obtaining the answer he sought. ¡°You¡¯ve evaded my original question about why you brought me back. Are you regretting your earlier rejection? Perhaps reconsidering your decision?¡±


    ¡°Do you really want to know?¡± she challenged.


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then satisfy your hunger first, and I¡¯ll provide the exnation you¡¯re looking for.¡±


    Their exchange had an elegant simplicity, free of unnecessaryplexity.


    With that, Freya turned and left for the living room, refusing to waste any more time or energy on his questions.


    Kristian¡¯s prating gaze lingered on her retreating figure. A subtle, almost imperceptible emotion flickered across his face before he rose deliberately from the bed, adjusted his disheveled clothing with careful attention, slipped on his polished shoes, and followed her with quiet determination.


    During breakfast, Kristian sat in silence, his eyes downcast, entirely focused on his te. Freya mirrored his quiet detachment.


    At exactly nine o¡¯clock, both had nearly finished their meal. Kristian folded his hands neatly on the table, his quietposure reflecting the steadiness he always carried. His gaze settled on Freya, and in a low, even voice, he asked, ¡°Can we talk now?¡±


    Freya gave a brief reply. ¡°Talk about what?¡±


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    ¡°Why did you bring me back here?¡± The question came out sharp and direct, cutting through the silence like a de.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t youe back with me willingly?¡± She lifted her gaze slightly, her voice calm and indifferent. ¡°You chose a hotel under the Briggs Group¡¯s name so I could use the master key card to get into your room, didn¡¯t you?¡±


    Had it been any other hotel, and Kristian the one staying there, she wouldn¡¯t have been able to get her hands on the card so easily. Did he really think she hadn¡¯t caught on to his little ploy?


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian denied, though a flicker of smug satisfaction stirred inside him¡ªshe¡¯d seen right through him. ¡°I stayed there to dig up dirt on the Briggs Group.¡±


    ¡°Then I misunderstood.¡± Freya stood up from her seat. ¡°I¡¯ll have someone drive you back.¡±


    Kristian stared at her, caught off guard, words failing him.


    He wasn¡¯t the type to turn down an easy exit once it was offered. Even if part of him wanted to resist, he wouldn¡¯t make a fuss after Freya had gone to such lengths to bring him here.


    ¡°You think I¡¯ll just leave because you tell me to?¡± His tone remained steady.


    He looked at her and softly called, ¡°Freya.¡±


    She lifted her eyes to meet his. ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°Did you bring me back because you¡¯re ready to ept me?¡± He knew the answer hadn¡¯t changed, but he asked anyway. He couldn¡¯t help it.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied again. This time, she added, almost warily, ¡°I made a promise to take care of you like a younger brother of mine, and I intend to keep it.¡±


    Rage red inside Kristian. He didn¡¯t want to be her brother¡ªhe wanted to be her boyfriend.


    .


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 Chapter 885

    ?Chapter 885:


    But his fury found no outlet. Freya, known for herposure, had called him repeatedly the night before and even showed up at his hotel in person. She had known exactly what he was doing, and yet, she had still gone along with it.


    This side of Freya was impossible to resist.


    ¡°Onest question,¡± Kristian said, trying not to push too far.


    Freya, seated across from him, gave a nod. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°If Ellis had confessed to youst night instead of me, would you have turned him down just as easily?¡± His eyes didn¡¯t leave her face, watching for every flicker of emotion.


    Freya hesitated, her mind conjuring the imagined scene against her will.


    She already knew¡ªshe wouldn¡¯t have rejected Ellis with the same certainty. Maybe it was because Ellis had always treated her kindly. Maybe it was something else entirely. But she couldn¡¯t bring herself to be so harsh with him.


    Kristian caught the pause. However, her expression remained unreadable, and he couldn¡¯t guess what was going through her head. He pressed again, ¡°You must have known he was nning to confess. I only got there first by calling you.¡±


    If she treated Ellis the same way she treated him, he could make peace with everything else.


    Freya had been about to tell the truth, but Lawrence¡¯s warning echoed in her mind. Instead, she offered something half-true, half-false. ¡°I didn¡¯t know.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t know, or wouldn¡¯t have turned him down?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice dropped, darkening, his irises tinged with red.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know,¡± Freya repeated, unflinching.


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    Kristian¡¯s fingers curled against the table, his knuckles turning white.


    Freya sensed the rising storm in him and added, ¡°No one can say for certain what they would do in a moment that hasn¡¯te. If it really matters to you, I can call Ellis right now and ask if he has a crush on me. Then you¡¯ll have your answer.¡±


    Kristian froze, stunned, his anger simmering beneath the surface. Was this really how her mind worked?


    ¡°No need,¡± he said firmly.


    ¡°Let me know if you change your mind,¡± Freya replied,pletely unbothered.


    Kristian gave a low, humorless scoff. He wanted to be angry, but her blunt honesty left him spinning, unsure of what to do next.


    ¡°Have you spoken to Lawrencetely?¡± Suddenly, Kristian made up his mind¡ªone final test for her. ¡°You want him toe back, don¡¯t you? To evaluate my condition, maybe even help me get my memory back?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t dodge the question. ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°y a game with me. If you do, I¡¯ll go along with everything.¡±


    ¡°What kind of game?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll send you instructions tomorrow,¡± Kristian said, his tone unreadable. ¡°Just follow them. And don¡¯t tell anyone. If you see it through, I¡¯ll do whatever you ask.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya agreed without hesitation.


    A private game between the two of them didn¡¯t sound like anything to worry about.


    Kristian cleared the table, and once everything was in order, he asked if she¡¯d go for a walk with him.


    She didn¡¯t say no.


    Though his steady calm brought her a strange sense of relief, it also made her uneasy¡ªas if something dark was quietly gathering just beyond the horizon.


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 Chapter 886

    ?Chapter 886:


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°You once said that if Ellis and I were both in danger and you could only save one of us, you¡¯d save me. Was that true?¡± Kristian asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya replied instantly.


    ¡°And if saving me meant you¡¯d have to die?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d still do it,¡± she said without flinching, not even taking a breath.


    Kristian¡¯s hands clenched again, but something inside him began to ease, the fury dulling at the edges. ¡°Would you be willing to leave your family and friends behind?¡±


    ¡°I wouldn¡¯t want to,¡± Freya said honestly.


    ¡°If I hadn¡¯t saved you on Butterfly Ind, would you still give the same answer?¡± Kristian watched her closely.


    Freya didn¡¯t like dealing in hypotheticals. ¡°There¡¯s no ¡®if.''¡±


    If he hadn¡¯t saved her that day, she wouldn¡¯t be here. There¡¯d be no decision left to make.


    Kristian didn¡¯t press her further. He walked beside her in silence, lost in his own thoughts. Even now, when he wanted her to see only him, her honest gaze and earnest words unraveled himpletely. He decided to wait until tomorrow.


    The rest of the morning passed in aimless wandering. As noon approached and Freya was about to take Kristian to lunch, an unexpected figure stepped into their path.


    Vivien stood before them, her palms slick with sweat, eyes darting nervously between the two of them¡ªthe image of a perfect couple.


    ¡°Freya, I need to talk to you.¡±


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    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Freya replied coolly.


    ¡°I¡¯d prefer if we spoke alone,¡± Vivien said, biting her lip, her anxiety clear on her face. ¡°It¡¯s¡­ important.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing between us that warrants a private conversation,¡± Freya said, her voice t and emotionless. ¡°If you¡¯ve got something to say, say it here.¡±


    ¡°Can I ask you something?¡± Vivien¡¯s voice came tentatively, her words weighed down by hesitation.


    Freya stood there as she always did¡ªeffortlessly maic, the kind of presence that turned heads without trying. ¡°Go ahead,¡± she replied coolly.


    ¡°Are you¡­ on bad terms with Norah Russell?¡± Vivien¡¯s question was careful, yet it trembled with something unspoken, as though she wanted to say more but couldn¡¯t bring herself to.


    Freya stilled.


    She¡¯d only met Norah a few times¡ªand Vivien had been there once. Norah hade across as warm, even eager, certainly not someone who would harbor a grudge. Odd that Vivien would ask.


    Vivien pressed her lips into a thin line. ¡°What I need to discuss with you is about her.¡± She paused, gathering courage. ¡°Can we talk in private?¡±


    Freya studied her face for a moment, sensing the storm beneath the surface before she nodded.


    She asked Kristian to go ahead and order food while she and Vivien moved to a quieter spot.


    ¡°What do you want to talk about?¡± Freya asked as they settled in. Vivien sat across from her, visibly uneasy.


    ¡°I have something to give you.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 887

    ?Chapter 887:


    ¡°What is it?¡± Freya asked.


    Vivien¡¯s emotions churned beneath the surface, tangled and hard to hide.


    She stood, clutching her bag with both hands, and slowly undid the sp¡ªeach movement deliberate and cautious. Freya¡¯s eyes followed her, sharp and steady.


    ¡°This item is¡­ a bit unusual,¡± Vivien murmured, as if bracing herself. ¡°When you see it, just try not to freak out, okay?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°You¡¯re the one who looks like you¡¯re about to fall apart.¡±


    Vivien swallowed hard, nerves unraveling at the edges. After a moment to steady herself, she reached into her bag and pulled out a gleaming paring knife, holding it out toward Freya.


    Freya¡¯s instincts kicked in. She grabbed Vivien¡¯s wrist in one swift motion.


    Vivien froze. Her thoughts raced in panic.


    Her fingers released the knife on reflex. It hit the table with a loud metallic tter, sharp as the spike of fear driving into her chest. ¡°I wasn¡¯t¡ªI¡ª¡±


    Freya must have misunderstood. What now?


    Freya let go, her gaze dropping to the gleaming de.


    ¡°I swear I wasn¡¯t trying to hurt you!¡± Vivien¡¯s voice cracked. She looked pale, as if all the blood had drained from her face. ¡°I just wanted to hand it to you! I wasn¡¯t going to do anything!¡±


    Freya¡¯s tone was cool, almost detached. ¡°Is that so?¡±


    The calmer Freya appeared, the more unnerved Vivien became. There was something about Freya¡ªsome quiet intensity¡ªthat made others shrink back without knowing why.


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t mean anything by it,¡± Vivien insisted. ¡°I swear.¡±


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    ¡°You could¡¯ve handed it over while sitting. Why get up and walk over?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t want others to misunderstand me. If someone saw me digging in my bag and pulling out a knife, they¡¯d probably assume the worst. Someone might even tackle me to the floor before I had the chance to exin.¡±


    Vivien had thought about this. She¡¯d positioned herself carefully to pass the knife without drawing attention. It was calcted, not threatening.


    Freya raised a brow. ¡°You could¡¯ve just given me the bag and told me to look inside.¡±


    ¡°I was worried you¡¯d think the knife was a setup¡ªlike I was tricking you,¡± Vivien said quickly, her thoughts tumbling over each other. ¡°What if you thought it was a trap, and I¡¯d go for you the moment you opened it?¡±


    Freya was speechless. That logic¡­ She didn¡¯t even know how to respond to that.


    Vivien, seeing no response, rushed to plead again, ¡°I swear that¡¯s the truth! Please, believe me, okay?¡±


    ¡°Okay, I believe you,¡± Freya responded tly.


    Vivien paused, uncertain she¡¯d heard right. Her eyes widened. ¡°You¡­ you believe me?¡±


    ¡°Sit down and talk.¡± Freya did believe her.


    The moment she had grabbed Vivien¡¯s wrist, she knew it hadn¡¯t been an attack. There¡¯d been no force, no tension¡ªonly the careful movement of someone handing something over, not driving it in. A real killing strike would carry the momentum of a lunge. This had been nothing like that.


    She hadn¡¯t spoken up immediately because she wanted to see where Vivien would take the exnation.


    ¡°Thank you!¡± Vivien exhaled, relief washing over her as if she¡¯d just stepped off a ledge andnded safely. ¡°You¡¯re such a good person.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 888

    ?Chapter 888:


    Freya offered the faintest of smiles before letting out a deep sigh.


    Silently, she slipped the knife back into her bag, careful not to rm the other patrons milling around. ¡°Alright. Start talking. What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°It was Norah Russell who told me to do this,¡± Vivien confessed without hesitation. Something in her had shifted since Freya said she believed her¡ªlike that simple trust had cracked her defenses. ¡°She said that if I killed you, she¡¯d give me the life I wanted and promised I¡¯d walk away clean.¡±


    Freya raised an eyebrow. ¡°And you believed her?¡±


    ¡°Halfway.¡± Vivien gave a dry, uneasy smile. ¡°It¡¯s not like we signed a contract. Who¡¯s to say she wouldn¡¯t screw me over the second it was done?¡±


    ¡°So, that¡¯s why you didn¡¯t go through with it?¡±


    ¡°Of course not!¡± Vivien¡¯s response came quickly, desperate to correct the assumption. ¡°That was just a small part of it. The real reason?¡± She drew in a breath. ¡°I realized the life I wanted shouldn¡¯t be built on your death. Even if I got everything she promised, I¡¯d never be able to live with myself in peace.¡±


    She had thought about it. Really thought about it.


    Even if Norah kept every word, even if freedom and luxury were guaranteed¡ªVivien couldn¡¯t cross that line.


    She wasn¡¯t a killer. All her arrogance, her maniptions¡ªthey¡¯d made people hate her, sure. But murder? It was a serious crime, a point of no return. She just couldn¡¯t do it.


    ¡°And also¡­¡± She hesitated, knowing her next words might sting. But she owed Freya the truth. ¡°Your dad and sister have always been so kind to me. If something happened to you¡­ they¡¯d be devastated.¡±


    ¡°How did she even contact you?¡±


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    ¡°She called me,¡± Vivien admitted. ¡°But¡­ weren¡¯t you two close? How did it get this bad?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got nothing to do with her anymore.¡± Freya¡¯s voice was t, dismissive. ¡°And for what it¡¯s worth, none of what she promised you was even possible. The Russell family cut ties with her a long time ago.¡± That part was true. Thest time Freya had met with Josiah, he¡¯d made it clear where they stood.


    Even Norah¡¯s father couldn¡¯t overlook her actions. Damon, least of all.


    ¡°Wait¡­ I thought the Russells had those kinds of connections?¡± Vivien asked, still trying to piece it all together.


    ¡°They do,¡± Freya said, ¡°But Norah¡¯s father chose the corporate path, while her uncle went into the military. The Russells are people of principle. Just because they¡¯re family doesn¡¯t mean they¡¯d cover for her. And they definitely wouldn¡¯t do the things she imed.¡±


    ¡°So she was bluffing the whole time?¡± Vivien murmured, stunned.


    The weight of what she almost did crashed down on her. For the first time, she was truly grateful she hadn¡¯t followed through. Her life would¡¯ve been destroyed¡ªand for nothing.


    Freya studied her quietly. Since when did Vivien believe her so easily?


    Freya and Vivien continued chatting, letting the conversation drift into lighter, unrted topics for a while.


    Vivien, sensing a pause in the flow and feeling the weight of unspoken words, pressed her lips together nervously before finally speaking up. ¡°I¡¯m sorry about what happened before¡­ for going against you and even saying awful things about you.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s all in the past,¡± Freya answered, her voice calm and even.


    When it came to old grudges, she had a clear stance¡ªif something bothered her, she¡¯d deal with it directly. If not, it wasn¡¯t worth dwelling on.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 889

    ?Chapter 889:


    ¡°If my momes to you, be careful,¡± Vivien said after a brief moment of hesitation. ¡°She knows what¡¯s going on andpletely backs Norah¡¯s n. I¡¯m worried she might try to stir up trouble for you.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the heads-up,¡± Freya replied inly.


    With that, the pressure that had been weighing on Vivien¡¯s chest finally lifted.


    Before Cheryl had any involvement with Hugh, Vivien had been just an ordinary girl living an ordinary life.


    But once Hugh stepped in, everything changed. He was unbelievably generous to both her and her mother. Whatever they wanted, he made sure they had. They nevercked a thing.


    That sudden taste of luxury changed Vivien, making her believe she belonged in the world of the wealthy.


    She started to look down on the poor, adopting a spoiled and entitled lifestyle.


    But after meeting Freya and spending time around her, the illusion began to crack. She slowly came to understand that she was still just a regr person.


    Through Freya, she learned that those truly raised in high society didn¡¯t unt their wealth or status. What set them apart was their depth of knowledge, their broadened worldview, and most of all, their humility. They still saw themselves as no different from anyone else.


    ¡°But don¡¯t worry too much,¡± Vivien added. ¡°Once I get back, I¡¯ll talk to her and shut down her fantasy of marrying me off to someone rich.¡±


    Once that fantasy died, her mother wouldn¡¯t keep chasing impossible dreams.


    ¡°Marrying into wealth doesn¡¯t guarantee happiness,¡± Freya said, drawing from her own experiences. ¡°Most wealthy families care more about status than anything else. If your future husband doesn¡¯t truly love you, your life can end up miserable.¡±


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    She had seen such scenarios with her own eyes. When she was seventeen¡ªyoung and impulsive¡ªshe¡¯d gone to a restaurant that Trent had reserved.


    Halfway through her meal, she noticed a woman crying alone and walked over to check on her.


    The woman confided that her husband¡¯s family constantly looked down on her, calling her lucky to havended someone from their family. They mocked her in front of other rich women, making her feel small and ashamed.


    Freya had told her to get a divorce. At the time, she had spoken from the heart, unable to stand seeing someone suffer like that. But the woman had turned her down.


    Freya figured it was fear¡ªfear of leaving, fear of being alone. So she had offered to find the bestwyer for her. Still, the woman had declined.


    What she said next stuck with Freya even to this day: ¡°I¡¯m just upset right now. I¡¯ll get over it. Being insulted doesn¡¯t really hurt me. But if I divorce, I won¡¯t have a big house or thisfortable life anymore.¡±


    Freya hadn¡¯t said anything after that. Everyone had the right to make their own choices. They were strangers, after all¡ªshe wasn¡¯t in a position to interfere further.


    ¡°I get it,¡± Vivien said, sounding like she truly meant it this time. ¡°I¡¯m going to sell the house Mr. Briggs gave us and buy a small apartment. Just something simple, where Mom and I can live peacefully.¡± For the kind of life she wanted now, the money would be more than enough to keep her and her momfortable.


    Freya nodded lightly, keeping her thoughts to herself. That house had been a gift from her father, and they had every right to do with it as they pleased.


    ¡°Freya, thank you,¡± Vivien said, her voice warm and steady, a soft smile tugging at her lips. There was peace in her eyes, a sense of rity she hadn¡¯t had before. ¡°You helped me find myself again.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 890

    ?Chapter 890:


    ¡°It was your own efforts,¡± Freya replied, calm as ever. ¡°So thank yourself.¡±


    Vivien let out a quietugh. She picked up her bag, said her goodbyes, and after settling the bill, took her leave.


    Freya stood and walked out as well. The moment she stepped outside, she spotted Kristian waiting there. With his striking good looks, he stood out without even trying. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    ¡°Waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go eat first.¡± Freya didn¡¯t say much more and led him toward lunch.


    After the meal, they returned home.


    Kristian disappeared into his room for the rest of the afternoon, and no one had a clue what he was up to.


    Not long after, Freya received a call from Greta, inviting her out. Before leaving, she let Kristian know, but he didn¡¯t offer a response. When Freya arrived at the meeting spot Greta had mentioned, she found Frederick there too.


    At first, she thought it was just a casual hangout¡ªsome chatting, maybe a bit of shopping. But then Greta asked, ¡°Can you guess who Ellis has feelings for?¡±


    Freya paused. How was she supposed to answer that?


    ¡°I talked it over with Frederick and the others,¡± Greta said, her tone deliberately light, but her eyes sharp. ¡°We think it¡¯s you.¡±


    She wanted to gauge Freya¡¯s feelings about Ellis in advance, believing that this would improve the chances of sess when Ellis finally confessed.


    Frederick chimed in, ¡°Exactly!¡±


    ¡°How did youe to that conclusion?¡± Freya asked, though part of her already knew Ellis¡¯s feelings for her. It just felt too sudden.


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    ¡°Last night, when Ellis called, he couldn¡¯t get through because Kristian was on the line with you,¡± Greta exined, clearly trying to get Freya to face the truth. ¡°The call went straight to voicemail. Doesn¡¯t your phone show missed calls? Check your notifications.¡±


    Freya hesitated. There was a message.


    ¡°There is, isn¡¯t there?¡± Greta pressed, not letting up.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Freya admitted reluctantly.


    ¡°So, what are you thinking?¡± Greta jumped on the moment. ¡°You¡¯ve known Ellis for years. If this confession doesn¡¯t work, he¡¯ll definitely find another time to try again. Are you nning to turn him down, or give it a shot?¡±


    Frederick shot Greta a look and joined in with a grin. ¡°I¡¯ll turn him down.¡±


    Freya blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Ellis is so strict when he trains us,¡± Frederick said, half-teasing. ¡°What if he treats you the same way in a rtionship? Better to shut it down now.¡±


    ¡°I agree,¡± Greta added with a nod.


    Freya waspletely thrown.


    ¡°Ellis is sharp and capable,¡± Greta continued, sounding almost too serious. ¡°If you get together with him, he¡¯ll definitely set little traps for you every day. You¡¯ll be miserable.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not like that,¡± Freya said instinctively, her voice soft but firm. She used to think the same way. Buttely, she¡¯d noticed something different¡ªEllis could be surprisingly considerate in the little things.


    ¡°You¡¯re not even with him yet. How can you be so sure?¡± Greta pushed, clearly determined. ¡°Think about how exhausted we were during training. Weren¡¯t you drained every single day?¡±


    ¡°That was so we wouldn¡¯t get hurt as badly on missions,¡± Freya exined.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 891

    ?Chapter 891:


    ¡°Stop defending him,¡± Frederick cut in. ¡°Ellis has a mind like a steel trap. No one can outwit him!¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not even the worst part. What really gets me,¡± Greta said, halting mid-step with a furrowed brow, ¡°is that if you end up with him, every single day will blur together like some dull rerun¡ªyou¡¯ll be stuck reliving the same lifeless day over and over. You barely talk as it is, and he¡¯s probably as dull as dishwater. That would be the driest, most lifeless rtionship ever.¡±


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be like that,¡± Freya shot back without missing a beat. If Ellis truly had feelings for her, then those little tests he¡¯d thrown her way before suggested he had a decent grasp of emotional nuance. Being with him might actually be¡­ enjoyable.


    ¡°You don¡¯t actually have feelings for him, do you?¡± Greta asked, brows raised in genuine disbelief as she continued. ¡°He¡¯s alright as a friend, sure¡ªbut as a boyfriend? Absolutely not. If you¡¯re that eager to date someone, I can set you up with some adorable guys.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t want to keep going down this road. ¡°Weren¡¯t we supposed to be shopping? If we keep talking like this, the sun will be down before we¡¯ve even bought anything.¡±


    ¡°Do you really have feelings for him?¡± Greta asked again, insistent.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied tly.


    ¡°Freya, you¡¯ve really got to be careful when ites to rtionships. Ellis? He¡¯s walking danger,¡± Greta warned, her tone sharp. ¡°If you don¡¯t believe me, I¡¯ll ask Riley about itter¡ªsee what she thinks.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s just shop,¡± Freya said, trying to steer things back to neutral ground. ¡°What do you even want to buy?¡±


    ¡°I haven¡¯t seen anything I like yet. So nothing, for now.¡±


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    Freya was beginning to wonder if this whole outing had just been a setup to trash-talk Ellis. Maybe they¡¯d avoided bringing it up over the phone in case Kristian or Ellis happened to overhear.


    For the next two hours, Freya followed along while they wandered from store to store.


    Once fatigue crept in, they found a cozy caf¨¦ tucked away from the bustle, with fresh pastries and warm drinks to rest their feet and regroup.


    Greta and Frederick weren¡¯t nearly done causing trouble. They took things to their group chat,unching a fresh discussion.


    Greta wrote, ¡°If Ellis starts chasing after Freya, should she say yes?¡±


    Frederick replied, ¡°Absolutely not.¡±


    Cade chimed in, ¡°No chance. Ellis is a pro atying traps¡ªFreya wouldn¡¯tst a week.¡±


    Moss added, ¡°If she values her life, she¡¯d better not.¡±


    Riley wrote, ¡°Freya, don¡¯t make a hasty decision you¡¯ll regret.¡±


    Freya nced at the two sitting beside her, her stomach twisting uneasily.


    There was something about the way they spoke¡ªit made her feel uneasy. In her view, Ellis wasn¡¯t a bad guy.


    As she mulled it over, Trent added his voice to the mix, saying, ¡°I actually think it¡¯s worth considering. Ellis is dependable. Aside from being a bit harsh with us back then, he¡¯s really not so bad.¡±


    Riley responded, ¡°A rtionship needs some romance. Does Ellis even have a romantic bone in his body?¡±


    Cade said, ¡°Freya would feel suffocated if she got involved with him.¡±


    Moss threw in, ¡°No joke, he¡¯s great as a friend or a mentor¡ªbut boyfriend material? Not even close.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 892

    ?Chapter 892:


    Freya said nothing. She just watched the chat unfold.


    But her thoughts wandered, drifting toward those small, quiet moments she¡¯d shared with Ellis. This was a man who¡¯d invited her over for meals, who made meeting his family feel natural. Could someone like that really be all wrong for a rtionship? Why did it feel like he might be the right one?


    Grand romantic gestures didn¡¯t mean much to her. What mattered was feeling safe, understood, and content. Wasn¡¯t that the core of love and marriage¡ªbeing each other¡¯s home base, the one ce you could always rely on?


    ¡°Why aren¡¯t you saying anything?¡± Greta asked.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what to say,¡± Freya answered honestly. ¡°I used to think the same way as all of you, but after spending real time with Ellis, I realized¡­ he¡¯s not that different from us.¡±


    Their criticisms mostly stemmed from how strict he¡¯d been in the past¡ªalways pushing them harder.


    But once she stopped seeing him as a cold, hard-edged captain, she found him reliable.


    At that moment, Freya¡¯s mind spiraled back through memory after memory with Ellis.


    The time she called him when she was drugged, he¡¯d immediately asked if she was safe.


    ¡°Freya, you¡¯ve grown guts now.¡±


    ¡°Did getting married make you lose your nerve?¡±


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    ¡°Don¡¯t go trusting men too easily.¡±


    ¡°Does that make me a kept man?¡±


    ¡°Could you be my girlfriend so I can finally go home?¡±


    ¡°Next time you¡¯re thinking of getting married,e to me first. I don¡¯t think I look too bad myself.¡±


    ¡°I want you toe home with me for Christmas and pretend to be my girlfriend.¡±


    As the echoes of his voice bounced around her mind, Freya froze. What was happening to her? Why were these moments suddenly surfacing?


    Greta caught the change in her face and asked, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Freya said softly, even as her pulse hammered in her ears.


    She might actually have feelings for him.


    She quickly denied it. It had to be a misunderstanding.


    ¡°You don¡¯t look like it¡¯s nothing,¡± Greta said, reading her easily. ¡°Are you upset that none of us are backing you being with Ellis?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    Her silence made Greta and Frederick exchange a knowing nce.


    Greta leaned in, her voice turning yful. ¡°If you have feelings for Ellis, of course, we¡¯d support you. You¡¯re smart¡ªyou¡¯d handle him just fine.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have feelings for him,¡± Freya said again, trying to smother the strange surge of emotion rising in her chest.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Greta replied with a sly little grin. ¡°You don¡¯t have feelings for him.¡±


    Freya had no words.


    Greta added with a casual air, ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m beginning to think Ellis showing up at yourpany and moving in next door wasn¡¯t a coincidence¡ªit was part of his grand n.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 893

    ?Chapter 893:


    ¡°He just retired. He needed to fit in with society,¡± Freya exined, her tone earnest. ¡°I just wanted to help him adapt to his new life. His home is really far from the office, so I suggested he stay at my vacant apartment.¡±


    Greta clicked her tongue. ¡°You really are too pure.¡±


    Freya stayed silent.


    ¡°If fitting in with society was his priority, why didn¡¯t he go to Trent, or Cade, or Moss?¡± Frederick stepped in with a knowing edge. ¡°Guys like Ellis don¡¯t show up at yourpany unless there¡¯s a reason.¡±


    Freya frowned. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°No reason,¡± Frederick said vaguely, as if unsure how to phrase it.


    ¡°That¡¯s just how it is.¡±


    ¡°Think carefully,¡± Greta urged. ¡°Did you invite Ellis first, or did he quietly slide himself into the role?¡± She was genuinely concerned now, imagining Freya married off to Ellis andpletely at his mercy. ¡°If you invited him first, then forget everything we just said.¡±


    She might not know exactly how their conversation went back then, but knowing Ellis and his calcting ways, she could bet he¡¯d led Freya into his trap without her even realizing it.


    Freya paused. She thought back to that moment.


    Ellis had mentioned being unemployed, asked if herpany needed staff¡ªcasually throwing out suggestions like bodyguard or secretary. In other words, he¡¯d steered himself into the position. Smoothly and deliberately.


    ¡°Figured it out?¡± Greta asked, popping a bite of dessert into her mouth just as the server set it down.


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    Freya¡¯s face briefly flickered with something she couldn¡¯t quite hide. Could she just lie?


    Greta, ever perceptive, saw straight through her and casually took another bite of her dessert. ¡°You do realize Ellis nned all this from the beginning, right? With his track record, the guy could¡¯ve slid into any job he wanted¡ªpeople would¡¯ve lined up just to have him. So, why pack it all up and leave the military?¡±


    ¡°To go home and inherit his family fortune,¡± Freya blurted out before she could stop herself.


    Greta gave a knowing look. ¡°His inheritance isn¡¯t going anywhere anytime soon. Was it really worth giving up a solid career for that? Doesn¡¯t a stable, long-term job sound like a better deal?¡±


    Freya hesitated. It did make sense. She couldn¡¯t argue with logic like that.


    ¡°If you ask me, he quit just to win you over,¡± Greta said, cutting straight to the point. ¡°Sure, having a steady job is great, but he¡¯d be drowning in work most days. If he wanted to see you every day, he¡¯d be dreaming.¡±


    ¡°Ellis isn¡¯t the type to act on a whim,¡± Freya countered.


    ¡°How would you know? You¡¯re not him,¡± Greta said, steering the conversation back toward Freya¡¯s own feelings. ¡°Could you honestly imagine him signing up to work at yourpany just to chase after you?¡±


    Freya couldn¡¯t.


    Greta gave her a light pat on the shoulder. ¡°Then you¡¯d better figure out if you¡¯re going to ept him or not. Knowing him, he won¡¯t wait too long before confessing to you.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s there to think about? Just turn him down,¡± Frederick chimed in with a teasing grin.


    Greta nodded in agreement. ¡°True.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 894

    ?Chapter 894:


    Freya blinked, caught off guard. Should she really turn Ellis down?


    ¡°Come on, let¡¯s keep shopping,¡± Greta said, polishing off her dessert and tugging Freya along by the arm.


    Freya¡¯s mind was spinning with thoughts.


    Before today, she hadn¡¯t seriously thought any of this through. But after hearing what Greta and Frederick had said¡ªand everything swirling in the group chat¡ªthat odd little feeling inside her chest began to stir. She didn¡¯t know what to call it.


    Greta and Frederick noticed her distracted mood and exchanged subtle looks of relief.


    Sure, Ellis was calcted, but to them, he was solid. Whether he ended up as Freya¡¯s friend or something more, he was someone they could count on.


    Once they¡¯d wrapped up their chat, Greta didn¡¯t drag Freya around much longer.


    By four in the afternoon, she parted ways with Freya and left with Frederick.


    Freya headed home, her emotions in knots.


    When she stepped inside, Kristian just happened to walk out of his room.


    He was wearing a sleek mid-length coat, effortlessly refined, looking like he was about to head out somewhere important.


    Freya was struck by how put-together he looked. ¡°Going out?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kristian replied coolly.


    ¡°Come back early.¡±


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    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Can you be my girlfriend?¡± Kristian¡¯s eyes locked onto hers, his voice softer than she¡¯d ever heard it.


    Freya froze, blindsided by the question. ¡°Why are you asking again? Didn¡¯t we already talk about this?¡±


    ¡°I want to know if you¡¯ve changed your mind.¡± Kristian¡¯s hands shifted slightly at his sides, all his attention focused on her. ¡°If you¡¯re with me, I¡¯ll listen to you, take care of you, and give you a life filled with happiness.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but my answer is still no,¡± Freya said quietly, turning him down again.


    Kristian¡¯s gaze dimmed, emotions flickering behind his eyes. He didn¡¯t press the words burning on his tongue. Instead, he left her with a single line, saying, ¡°I won¡¯t be back tonight. Tomorrow, check your phone. The game starts at eight in the morning.¡±


    ¡°Where are you going?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°I¡¯ll be waiting at the finish line,¡± Kristian said, his eyes locked onto hers, reflecting her image back at her.


    Seeing that he wasn¡¯t acting out of anger, Freya gave a soft nod.


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell anyone.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    After securing her promise, Kristian walked off decisively, his retreating figure distant and cool to the touch.


    Right then, Freya¡¯s anxiety reached its peak. She didn¡¯t know why it hit her so hard, or what exactly was making her feel that way. By then, Kristian had already gotten into Gerard¡¯s car. He sat in the back seat, his expression colder than usual, unreadable.


    Gerard could feel the tension thick in the air.


    The atmosphere was so heavy, he didn¡¯t even dare open his mouth.


    .


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 Chapter 895

    ?Chapter 895:


    ¡°Did you get Natasha¡¯s information?¡± Kristian asked.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Gerard replied, reaching back to hand over a file. ¡°Here¡¯s her profile.¡±


    In all his years, Gerard had onlye up empty with one person¡¯s information¡ªFreya¡¯s. Everyone else¡¯s was easy.


    Kristian flipped through the file, skimming over Natasha¡¯s life story without much interest.


    His eyes finallynded on a line about being K¡¯s student.


    ¡°Who¡¯s K?¡± Kristian asked. With no memory of the past, he obviously didn¡¯t know who Freya really was.


    Gerard paused before answering. ¡°A legendary hacker. One of the absolute best.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s expression deepened.


    He put the pieces together. No wonder Freya¡¯s friends all mentioned learning hacking from K¡ªexcept for her.


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing left for you to do in Alerith,¡± Kristian said, shutting the file. ¡°You can book a flight back to Jeucwell.¡±


    Gerard stared, caught off guard. He hadn¡¯t expected that. ¡°What about¡ª¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a few things to take care of,¡± Kristian replied vaguely. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about me.¡±


    Gerard kept sneaking nces at him, sensing something was off today. Just then, a message popped up on his phone¡ªfrom Freya, probably asking for help with the security footage.


    Before Gerard could even type a reply, Kristian opened the door and stepped out, forcing Gerard to pause. ¡°Mr. Shaw, where are you going?¡±


    ¡°Got something to handle,¡± Kristian answered, shutting the door behind him. Then, almost as an afterthought, he added, ¡°Don¡¯t follow.¡±


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    And just like that, he walked away, giving Gerard no room to question him.


    Being the kind of assistant who knew his ce, Gerard didn¡¯t push it.


    Instead, he replied to Freya¡¯s message.


    Half an hourter, Gerard met Freya outside Kristian¡¯s apartment.


    He brought her inside and pointed to the broken security camera. ¡°By the way, the previous footage suddenly vanished. Could you help recover it?¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± Freya said.


    She handed him the camera, and Gerard installed it without a hitch. Once theputer booted up, Freya quickly restored the missing footage. The whole process took just a few minutes.


    ¡°All done,¡± she said, exiting the program.


    After pressing his lips together with a flicker of uncertainty, Gerard cautiously ventured, ¡°Would you like to check if thest surveince video is corrupted?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s not,¡± Freya replied, her voice resolute.


    She had full confidence in her skills and was certain the footage was intact.


    Still, Gerard persisted. ¡°It¡¯s best if you take a look.¡±


    It was that quiet insistence that made Freya nce at him not once, but twice, before finally turning toward theputer. In the end, she relented.


    She clicked open thest surveince video, which happened to capture Kristian¡¯sst visit.


    Following Gerard¡¯s prompt, Freya watched the footage all the way through. As she listened to the exchange in the recording, her eyes darkened, her expression growing thoughtful and unreadable.


    ¡°I know, aside from his amnesia, he¡¯s fully recovered,¡± Freya said as she closed the video window. ¡°He¡¯s alreadye clean with me.¡±


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 Chapter 896

    ?Chapter 896:


    Had she seen the footage before Kristian¡¯s confession, she might have been shaken. But now, it no longer mattered. What preupied her mind was the game Kristian had mentioned¡ªwhat exactly was he aiming to do?


    After discussing a few final matters with Gerard, Freya took her leave. In that moment, everything clicked. She finally understood why Gerard had been so insistent that she help Kristian select a surveince system herself. He had been trying to warn her all along¡ªthat Kristian was hiding something. And she hadn¡¯t been paying attention.


    When she got home, she called Lawrence.


    She was now convinced he had known the whole truth about Kristian¡¯s recovery and had deliberately kept it from her.


    Lawrence answered from overseas, his voice tinged with rm. ¡°Did something happen to Kristian?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied, settling onto her sofa, a weight of unease pressing on her. ¡°I called because I need to ask you something.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°You knew Kristian¡¯s mental faculties had fully recovered. So why did you tell me he¡¯d only partially recovered?¡±


    Her tone sharpened,ced with usation, catching Lawrencepletely off guard. Had Kristian already told her everything? ¡°And what¡¯s his current state?¡± Freya demanded. ¡°What exactly are you hiding from me?¡±


    ¡°Why are you suddenly bringing this up?¡± Lawrence¡¯s voice remained calm, though a trace of unease slipped into it. ¡°Didn¡¯t I already exin his condition to you?¡±


    ¡°Lawrence,¡± Freya said, calling his name inly.


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    Trying to keep hisposure, Lawrence asked, ¡°Did something happen to him?¡±


    Freya could tell she wouldn¡¯t get much from him over the phone. But his evasiveness only deepened her suspicions about Kristian¡¯s current mental state.


    ¡°If he bes emotionally unstable or acts out aggressively, calm him down¡ªor use a sedative if necessary,¡± Lawrence suddenly said, his tone shifting to one of seriousness. ¡°Whatever you do, keep him stable and don¡¯t let him do anything extreme.¡±


    ¡°How would you know he might be unstable or violent?¡± Freya shot back.


    From everything she¡¯d observed between Kristian and Lawrence¡ªbefore and after the incident¡ªhis behavior had always seemed steady. Moreover, Kristian¡¯s mental state had progressed from that of a child to a grown man.


    ording to Gerard, when Kristian met Lawrence, the conversation had been entirely civil. So, what reason did Lawrence have to suspect that Kristian might do something extreme?


    She hadn¡¯t given it much thought before, but now it all felt highly suspicious.


    ¡°I¡¯m his doctor. Of course I know his condition,¡± Lawrence replied, realizing a second toote that he might have said too much. He quickly tried to patch things up. ¡°You have to trust me.¡±


    Freya went silent for a moment. Then she said, ¡°I¡¯ll be investigating youter.¡±


    In other words, she would be hacking into his system.


    Lawrence was stunned. He hadn¡¯t expected her to go that far, and it rattled him. ¡°K, you¡¯re not the kind of person who hacks into systems on a whim. Didn¡¯t you say that sort of thing was wrong?¡±


    ¡°It is wrong,¡± Freya replied tly. ¡°Which is why I¡¯m giving you a heads-up first.¡± There wasn¡¯t the slightest trace of humor in her voice. Lawrence fell silent, caught off guard.


    She was K, after all. Even if he wiped the data now, she¡¯d still find a way to dig it up. What was he supposed to do?


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 Chapter 897

    ?Chapter 897:


    After a long pause, Lawrence decided to stop dancing around the truth. ¡°I admit I may have altered a few details about Kristian¡¯s condition,¡± he confessed. ¡°But I can¡¯t exin everything just yet. Once I get back and make sure he¡¯s stabilized, I¡¯ll tell you the full story. Is that okay?¡± Had she not been K, he wouldn¡¯t have treaded so carefully.


    Freya¡¯s chest tightened, unease settling in. ¡°At least tell me some hints.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you think the Kristian you see now is very different from the one you knew before?¡± Lawrence chose his words carefully, revealing only enough to provoke her curiosity.


    Freya stilled, her thoughts racing. A flicker of realization crossed her face, her brows slowly furrowing. ¡°Are you saying¡­ he has apletely different personality?¡±


    ¡°It hasn¡¯t been confirmed yet,¡± Lawrence admitted, finally resigning himself to her suspicion. ¡°It¡¯splicated. Not something I can exin in one call. As long as his emotions remain stable, there shouldn¡¯t be any serious issues.¡±


    ¡°When are youing back?¡± Freya asked, the dread in her chest growing heavier.


    ¡°If everything goes smoothly, I¡¯ll be in Alerith by tomorrow afternoon,¡± Lawrence answered, his voice betraying a hint of his own anxiety. ¡°I¡¯ll give you a proper exnation once I arrive.¡±


    Freya agreed.


    Once the call ended, she sat in silence, her thoughts spiraling back through her recent time with Kristian¡ªthe way he talked, the shifts in his behavior, and how different he seemed from the man she once knew.


    Maybe Kristian¡¯s deal with Lawrence had everything to do with that.


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    She recalled Lawrence¡¯s uncertainty, his hesitance to confirm whether Kristian¡¯s current personality was truly his own.


    The more she thought about it, the heavier her heart grew.


    If Kristian had gone through all of that just to save her¡­ how could she possibly face him now?


    The urge to find him hit her all at once. She needed him to regain his memories. They needed to have a real conversation.


    Without hesitating, she dialed his number.


    By then, night had fallen. Kristian wasn¡¯t at his home or a hotel. He was tucked away in a decrepit warehouse at the edge of town. When he saw Freya¡¯s name shing on his screen, he didn¡¯t think twice before rejecting the call.


    Not wanting her to worry, he quickly typed out a message: ¡°The game hasn¡¯t started yet, so I can¡¯t contact you for now. Remember to eat well. See you tomorrow.¡±


    He turned off his phone and slid it into his pocket. Then his gaze flicked to a group of rough-looking men loitering across from him.


    ¡°M-Mr. Shaw¡­¡± one of them stammered, clearly terrified. ¡°Why are you looking for us?¡±


    ¡°To talk business,¡± Kristian replied without hesitation. None of them dared speak another word. What kind of business could someone like him possibly have with them?


    ¡°If you follow my instructions,¡± Kristian said, his voice cool andmanding, ¡°each of you will get a million.¡± Even while casually seated, the pressure he exuded was stifling.


    The men exchanged wary nces, still struggling to believe the offer was real.


    Kristian Shaw wasn¡¯t a stranger to the group of men. There was no way he¡¯d ever lower himself to striking deals with their kind. And now, all of a sudden, he was bringing up such a thing¡ªit screamed that something was seriously off.


    .


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 Chapter 898

    ?Chapter 898:


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter? Don¡¯t believe me?¡± Kristian raised an eyebrow ever so slightly.


    ¡°You¡¯ve got to be kidding!¡± The leader of the group finally spoke, his voiceced with caution. ¡°You know exactly what kind of people we are. If word got out that you were dealing with us, your reputation would be in ruins.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s exactly because I know what kind of people you are that I came looking for you,¡± Kristian answered, his voice low and calm.


    The group froze in ce, stunned into silence.


    Kristian went on, his tone unshaken. ¡°If you don¡¯t agree, I have no problem dragging everyst one of you to the police right now. I¡¯ve got all the proof I need of your crimes.¡±


    As soon as the words left his mouth, a wave of panic rippled through the group.


    ¡°We agree! We¡¯ll do whatever you say.¡±


    ¡°Tomorrow, a youngdy wille here,¡± Kristian said slowly, his voice precise and deliberate. ¡°When she arrives, I¡¯ll confess to her. If she refuses, I want you to kill me.¡±


    The group stood dumbfounded, their minds reeling. Had he lost his mind?


    ¡°Mr. Shaw, you must be joking!¡± They were genuinely terrified now.


    ¡°I¡¯m not joking with you,¡± Kristian said with gravity, something unreadable flickering in his eyes. ¡°If she won¡¯t ept me, I want you to act immediately.¡±


    ¡°No way, we can¡¯t do that.¡±


    ¡°Exactly!¡±


    ¡°Murder¡¯s a felony.¡±


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    ¡°Mr. Shaw, you need to find someone else.¡± They all refused at once.


    This was the president of the Shaw Group. If anything happened to him because of them, they¡¯d be ruined for life.


    ¡°Haven¡¯t you alreadymitted enough crimes?¡± Kristian¡¯s gaze was sharp, cutting straight through them. ¡°If you won¡¯t agree, I¡¯ll have you tied up and delivered to the police right now. I¡¯m sure they¡¯d be thrilled to see you.¡±


    The group¡¯s fury simmered, but none of them dared act out; Kristian¡¯s bodyguards were stationed just outside, and they were elite. There was no chance they could take them on.


    ¡°You¡¯re the president of the Shaw Group. If anything happens to you, we¡¯re done for.¡± The leader stepped forward, unwilling to touch the deal. ¡°Even if there¡¯s a million bucks in it, what difference does it make?¡±


    ¡°You won¡¯t need it¡ªbut your families will,¡± Kristian said, his gaze drifting slowly across their faces.


    He had chosen these men deliberately. Every one of them was already a suspect in a major case. Turning them in would practically be a civic duty.


    And besides, their families¡ªkept in the dark¡ªhad never stopped caring for them. That guilt still weighed heavy on their shoulders. Hearing that, they traded anxious nces. There was no way out now. They had hidden themselves well for years, but tonight they¡¯d been found.


    ¡°Fine,¡± the leader relented first. ¡°As long as you stick to your word, we¡¯ll do what you say.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re insane!¡± one of them burst out. ¡°How can you trust him? Have you even thought about what¡¯ll happen if we actually go through with this?¡±


    ¡°I trust Mr. Shaw.¡±


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 Chapter 899

    ?Chapter 899:


    ¡°If you want to do it, do it yourself. I¡¯m out!¡± The man turned to leave. But with all of Kristian¡¯s bodyguards posted outside, escape was impossible.


    For anyone who resisted or refused to cooperate, Kristian didn¡¯t hesitate to have the bodyguards haul them straight to the police.


    ¡°I¡¯ve said everything that needs saying,¡± Kristian returned to the main point. ¡°But there¡¯s onest thing I need to make absolutely clear.¡±


    ¡°Say it.¡±


    ¡°No matter what happens tomorrow, you must not harm that youngdy.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± they all chimed in. ¡°We promise.¡±


    Kristian gave a brief nod and said nothing more, having them wait in another abandoned warehouse.


    Once he confirmed that the bodyguards were keeping a close eye on them, he pulled aside the team leader and gave him quiet orders. ¡°Those men are fugitives from major cases. Once tomorrow¡¯s over, turn them all in to the police.¡±


    ¡°Yes, sir.¡± The team leader of the bodyguards was wiry, but sharp and alert.


    ¡°They¡¯re dangerous¡ªalways have been. Once Freya arrives, protect her at all costs. Don¡¯t let anything happen to her.¡± Kristian didn¡¯t put his trust in many. ¡°Make absolutely sure she stays safe.¡±


    The team leader nodded again. ¡°Understood.¡±


    With that, Kristian left them to carry out the arrangements.


    The bodyguards hadn¡¯t been privy to Kristian¡¯s earlier conversation with the criminals. They simply assumed Kristian was staging some kind of act. So they didn¡¯t question it.


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    Freya remained oblivious to everything. She had no idea Kristian had gone to such extremes.


    After reading the text he¡¯d sent her, she didn¡¯t give it much thought and worked in the study until around ten, then washed up and went to bed.


    At exactly eight the next morning, Kristian messaged her, asking her toe downstairs.


    She threw on something casual, topping it with a mid-length coat that ttered her tall frame. She looked elegant,posed¡ªstrikingly graceful.


    Following Kristian¡¯s text instructions, she headed for the underground parking lot.


    When she arrived, she spotted several bodyguards in ck standing beside a car. One of them stepped forward and greeted her politely, ¡°Good morning, Ms. Briggs. Mr. Shaw sent me to pick you up.¡±


    ¡°Let¡¯s go.¡± Freya climbed into the car.


    The bodyguard handed her a blindfold. ¡°Please put this on.¡±


    Freya paused, confused, and texted Kristian to ask about it. When he confirmed it was his idea, she didn¡¯t dwell on it and put the blindfold on.


    After all, she only had to go along with this one little game. Once it was over, Lawrence would probably have been back.


    By then, everything woulde to light.


    The engine started, and the car pulled away.


    Her vision was shrouded inplete darkness¡ªshe couldn¡¯t see a thing.


    But she didn¡¯t feel nervous. She was used to the dark, and even if something unexpected happened, she¡¯d know how to handle it.


    About an hourter, she was made to switch vehicles.


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 Chapter 900

    ?Chapter 900:


    And then, twice more.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, you may remove the blindfold now.¡± A bodyguard stepped out and opened the door for her, adding, ¡°It¡¯s just about three hundred yards ahead. Mr. Shaw is waiting for you there.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Freya took off the blindfold and stepped out of the car, scanning her surroundings. The terrain was mostly barren, with distant mountains looming against the sky.


    ¡°At two o¡¯clock sharp, someone wille pick you and Mr. Shaw up,¡± the bodyguard added.


    Freya nodded. She didn¡¯t ask anything else. Even if she did, the bodyguard probably wouldn¡¯t say much. After taking another nce around, she started walking in the direction he¡¯d pointed.


    The car pulled away behind her.


    She still couldn¡¯t figure out why Kristian would choose a ce like this for one of his stunts. Was this hide-and-seek? Or had he decided to go full recluse here?


    With her thoughts in turmoil and doubts spiraling fast, Freya quickened her pace. After only a few steps, her eyes caught sight of an old, forsaken warehouse just ahead.


    She gave the area a cautious sweep, checking to make sure no one was lurking nearby, then made her way toward the looming structure.


    Her mind reeled with disturbing possibilities, each one darker than thest. Was Kristian setting her up for something vile, maybe even kidnapping? Or had he crafted a plot more sinister, something she couldn¡¯t yet fathom?


    Wrestling with these troubling thoughts, she stepped through the gaping entrance of the warehouse. The scene inside was pure disarray¡ªdusty thick like ash on the floor, and cobwebs clung to rusted junk, casting a ghostly, forsaken atmosphere over the ce.


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    She paused, her brows furrowed with unease, then cautiously moved farther into the shadows.


    That¡¯s when she saw him¡ªKristian¡ªbound to a chair, encircled by several men.


    There was something hauntingly familiar about those faces.


    ¡°You¡¯re here,¡± Kristian said with an almost serene smile, like he¡¯d been expecting her all along.


    Freya took in the surreal scene and asked him, ¡°What is this? What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Kidnapping? It didn¡¯t quite add up.


    After all, he had sent her that message, and it was his own bodyguard who brought her here.


    ¡°As you can see, I¡¯ve been kidnapped,¡± Kristian replied, his tone strangely nonchnt.


    ¡°If this were a real kidnapping, your bodyguard wouldn¡¯t be the one bringing me in,¡± Freya said, her eyes narrowing with suspicion. ¡°It would¡¯ve been the kidnappers calling me.¡±


    ¡°I had them tie me up,¡± Kristian confessed, not bothering to veil the truth.


    Freya stood frozen, caught off guard.


    Kristian¡¯s gaze lingered on her like he was trying to memorize her features. ¡°Would you say yes to being with me? Be my girlfriend?¡±


    ¡°Is this some twisted game to you?¡± Freya shot back, dodging his question entirely.


    ¡°It is.¡± Kristian didn¡¯t pretend otherwise. Heid it all out without hesitation. ¡°If you won¡¯t be with me, they¡¯ll kill me. And then I¡¯ll be out of your life for good.¡±


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 Chapter 901

    ?Chapter 901:


    ¡°Cut it out!¡± Freya snapped, clearly unwilling to indulge in whatever madness he was orchestrating. ¡°You¡¯reing back with me.¡± As she spoke, she moved toward him.


    Since this entire scene was his invention, she doubted the men would dare hurt him for real.


    ¡°Don¡¯t move!¡± one of the men growled, yanking out a knife. ¡°Take another step, and we¡¯ll end him.¡±


    ¡°If you hurt him, you¡¯ll be facing criminal charges yourself,¡± Freya warned, not slowing her stride. ¡°Walk away now, and we¡¯ll forget this ever happened.¡±


    ¡°I said don¡¯t move!¡± The de shed forward, grazing Kristian¡¯s neck with a vivid red line.


    Freya¡¯s eyes flew wide. She halted instantly. How dare they?


    ¡°They¡¯re fugitives. High-profile criminals,¡± Kristian said with unnerving calm, never taking his eyes off her. ¡°They don¡¯t care about consequences. I promised their families a million dors if today goes ording to n.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯vepletely lost your damn mind!¡± Freya burst out, rage ring as she recalled the crimes these men were charged with. Of course, they looked familiar¡ªshe had seen their names on the police bulletins.


    ¡°Yes, I lost all my senses the moment you said no to me,¡± Kristian said with a smile so mesmerizing it bordered on tragic.


    Freya¡¯s chest tightened. She now had to worry not just about him, but also about stopping these maniacs from hurting him.


    ¡°Freya.¡± His voice turned gentle, almost fragile. His eyes drank her in.


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    ¡°If this were my final day, would you say yes to being with me?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about thister,¡± Freya replied carefully, unwilling to risk a straight refusal.


    If these men really did follow through with killing Kristian the second she said no, then she¡¯d be carrying that guilt for the rest of her life.


    ¡°I¡¯ll give you five seconds,¡± Kristian pressed her, emotion hidden behind a cold resolve. ¡°If you don¡¯t answer, I¡¯ll take it as a no.¡±


    ¡°Five.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t do anything reckless.¡±


    ¡°Four.¡±


    ¡°Kristian!¡±


    ¡°Three.¡±


    ¡°Stop gambling with your life¡ªit¡¯s not worth it.¡±


    ¡°Two.¡± Kristian kept counting, his voice unwavering.


    Freya could see it¡ªhe was resolute, not bluffing.


    Her eyes darted to the four men. With a swift flick of her wrist, a custom-made ying card appeared like magic in her hand.


    ¡°One,¡± Kristian said.


    Of course, Freya didn¡¯t give him an answer.


    He suddenly wondered¡ªif they stabbed him now, would she mourn? Would she feel regret?


    As Freya¡¯s silence hung in the air, the criminals took it as a signal and plunged the knife toward Kristian¡¯s chest. Suddenly, the air split with a sharp sound.


    In a blur, the attacker¡¯s hand was severed clean off. The de dropped uselessly to the floor.


    Seizing her moment, Freya lunged forward with precise, deadly grace. The men, now enraged and reckless, forgot about Kristian¡¯s n entirely.


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 Chapter 902

    ?Chapter 902:


    ¡°Goddamn it!¡± their leader snarled, clutching his bleeding wrist. ¡°Grab that woman!¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes darkened with fury, but before he could call in the hidden bodyguards, he watched Freya leap into action, confronting the men head-on.


    Four against one¡ªand she was winning.


    Watching them crumble under her strikes, Kristian was stunned. Then slowly, a smile curved on his lips. That was Freya for you. Freyanded a powerful kick that sent thest man flying.


    With a crash, he mmed into a mound of debris, groaning and clearly unable to continue.


    The criminals could only gape, mentally cursing¡ªwhere the hell had this womane from, and how was she this damn skilled?


    ¡°Do you have backup nearby?¡± Freya asked Kristian once the men were down for the count.


    Kristian, realizing his n had spiraled far out of his control, didn¡¯t lie. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Tell them to take these bastards to the police.¡± Freya wasn¡¯t about to let fugitives like these slip away¡ªnot when they were on the most wanted list.


    ¡°Got it.¡± Kristian gave the signal.


    The hidden bodyguards emerged from the shadows. One of them shot Freya a look of admiration before moving in to restrain the criminals.


    As they were dragged off, the criminals screamed and protested in vain. Kristian didn¡¯t spare them a nce. His entire focus stayed locked on Freya.


    ¡°You almost got yourself killed back there,¡± Freya said as she worked on untying him.


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    She had seen the de sh across his neck. If she hadn¡¯t stepped in when she did, the consequences would¡¯ve been unthinkable.


    He truly didn¡¯t care about his own life. Now, she was standing close, too close.


    Kristian caught the faint scent that clung to her and, just for a moment, it eased something in him. His voice softened. ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°Are you even aware of how recklessly you¡¯re behaving right now?¡± Freya¡¯s voice trembled with disbelief, her mind struggling to grasp the purpose behind Kristian¡¯s actions.


    Kristian didn¡¯t acknowledge her concern. Instead, he stubbornly hurled a question of his own. ¡°If that man had killed me just now, would you have mourned me?¡±


    Freya¡¯s hand froze midair, the rope in her grip turning limp. She couldn¡¯t fathom why he would ask such a thing out of nowhere.


    ¡°Would you remember me for the rest of your life?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice came again, persistent and low.


    ¡°As long as I¡¯m here, nothing will ever happen to you,¡± Freya replied, carefully sidestepping the question. ¡°If I weren¡¯t confident I could handle them on my own, I would have chosen to stabilize you first.¡± The reason she hadn¡¯t answered was simple¡ªshe had been confident in her own ability to deal with those criminals alone.


    Disappointed by her response, Kristian¡¯s eyes darkened, shadowed by something unspoken.


    Freya turned her face away, missing the shift in his gaze. She tossed the rope aside and looked down at him. ¡°I¡¯ve found you now. Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°This game¡¯s not over yet,¡± Kristian murmured, his tone like a low growl.


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 Chapter 903

    ?Chapter 903:


    Freya¡¯s brow creased. The game wasn¡¯t over?


    ¡°There are only two choices for you today: say yes to being my girlfriend¡­ or watch me die,¡± Kristian said, rising to his feet with a quiet defiance that clung to every word. ¡°Until you decide, this game won¡¯t end.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Freya asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Because you¡¯re the only one I care about most in this world. You¡¯re the most important person in my life,¡± Kristian said, his eyes locked onto hers with unwavering intensity. ¡°If I had to pick someone to prove my existence to, I¡¯d want it to be you.¡±


    His words crashed over her like a wave, catching herpletely off guard. In an instant, she understood the weight behind them.


    She pressed her lips together, her gaze faltering, but forced herself to maintainposure. ¡°You don¡¯t need anyone¡¯s validation. You¡¯re the powerful president of the Shaw Group. The whole world knows exactly who you are.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not him,¡± Kristian said suddenly.


    Freya¡¯s breath hitched, his words striking her like a blow to the chest.


    She stared at him, at that all-too-familiar face. ¡°What are you saying?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not the Kristian Shaw who married you andter divorced you,¡± he said, his eyes filled with her¡ªonly her. ¡°I¡¯m not themanding president of the Shaw Group.¡±


    He stepped closer to her, narrowing the distance between them. ¡°I¡¯m only your Kristian. My world begins and ends with you.¡±


    Freya¡¯s mind spun with confusion. The truth behind his words unraveled too quickly to grasp.


    So, was this Kristian someone entirely new?


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    ¡°You¡­¡± She tried to speak, but the words caught somewhere in her throat.


    ¡°You don¡¯t understand why I¡¯m saying all this, do you?¡± Kristian asked, a faint, wistful smile tugging at his lips. ¡°To be honest¡­ even I don¡¯t.¡± From the moment he¡¯d first seen Freya at Lawrence¡¯s medical facility, his instincts had screamed that she was the one who mattered most. At the time, he didn¡¯t know why. Butter, he¡¯d stumbled upon a box. Inside it was an agreement¡ªone thatid out a deal the old Kristian had made with Lawrence.


    That discovery nted the seed of suspicion in him. It was then he began to believe that he might not be the real Kristian at all.


    He¡¯d dug deeper, learned more, and the more he uncovered, the more certain he became that his suspicions weren¡¯t just wild thoughts.


    ¡°But there¡¯s one thing I know without a doubt,¡± Kristian said, his gaze boring into her, heavy with possessiveness. ¡°I love you more than he ever did. In my world, there¡¯s only you. You¡¯re everything to me.¡±


    Freya felt like a weight had dropped onto her chest. ¡°Kristian.¡± If the man standing before her was truly a new identity created by Lawrence, then what did all her distance from him even mean?


    ¡°I know I¡¯ve lied to you. I¡¯ve deceived you,¡± Kristian admitted, exposing his vulnerability without hesitation. ¡°But everything I did, I did out of fear. I was terrified of losing you, terrified of being invisible to you.¡± That fear had made him act. It had made him shape-shift into whatever she needed him to be.


    He had been scared she¡¯d push him away. Terrified she¡¯d reject him because of who she remembered. And more than anything, he feared someone else mighte along and steal her away forever.


    ¡°Freya,¡± Kristian murmured, offering a faint, almost broken smile. ¡°It¡¯s time to make a choice.¡±


    .


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    .

 Chapter 904

    ?Chapter 904:


    He knew he was being a coward. As long as she hadn¡¯t rejected him outright, he could still cling to the illusion that if he just tried harder, maybe his chances would be as good as Ellis¡¯s.


    But if she turned him down with no hesitation¡­ then he¡¯d lose her for good. Maybe he¡¯d even lose himself.


    ¡°Don¡¯t think too much about it. You are Kristian, no matter what,¡± Freya said gently, trying to calm the storm brewing inside him. ¡°These bizarre thoughts are just the byproduct of your high fever and memory loss, nothing more.¡±


    Kristian let out a bitterugh.


    Even on the edge of emotional copse, he still clung to her words. ¡°I¡¯m not him. I can¡¯t stand how he never treasured you. His arrogance¡­ all of it disgusts me.¡±


    If he were truly that man, he never would¡¯ve let things fall apart this way. He never would¡¯ve allowed Freya to suffer.


    ¡°Kristian¡­¡± Freya¡¯s chest ached.


    ¡°Do you know how I know for sure I¡¯m not him?¡± Kristian asked, desperate to make her understand. Freya¡¯s heart clenched. ¡°How?¡±


    ¡°Because before I met you, I only had one goal¡ªto destroy everything I hated,¡± Kristian confessed, his voice stripped bare of all pretense.


    ¡°But after I met you, I wanted to destroy anyone who dared try to take you away from me.¡±


    Freya¡¯s pulse quickened. Was he truly a dangerous alternate personality?


    ¡°But I didn¡¯t act on it. Because I know you¡¯d hate that,¡± Kristian said, his tone final, as if he¡¯d made peace with everything. ¡°I just want you to love me.¡±


    Freya swallowed her emotions, softening her voice. ¡°Come home with me. We¡¯ll figure this out¡ªtogether.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no going back.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll take you home. We can go back,¡± Freya insisted, genuinely wanting to talk things through with him.


    After all, aside from the lies and the acting, the man before her hadn¡¯t actually done anything to hurt her.


    ¡°Freya,¡± Kristian said, subtly pulling away from her touch. He nced toward the door, then looked back at her. ¡°Do you really not want to be with me?¡±


    Freya faltered.


    She was hoping to coax him, to ease him intoing home with her. But he didn¡¯t give her the chance.


    ¡°Tell me the truth. Don¡¯t lie.¡±


    ¡°We haven¡¯t spent enough time together,¡± Freya admitted honestly. ¡°If this really means something to you, I¡¯ll treat you as someone entirely new and take the time to get to know you. Would that be okay?¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s no need,¡± Kristian said, his voice low and raw, his eyes filled with sorrow.


    Freya pressed her lips together, her heart growing heavier.


    Kristian held her gaze. ¡°I just have one request. I hope you¡¯ll say yes.¡±


    ¡°Tell me.¡±


    ¡°Remember me. Always,¡± Kristian said, each word dripping with sincerity.


    ¡°I¡¯m Freyrian Shaw from now on,¡± Kristian said, introducing himself to Freya with a twist on his name. ¡°It¡¯s my old name tangled up with yours.¡±


    Freya blinked, caught off guard.


    .


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 Chapter 905

    ?Chapter 905:


    Kristian meant to leave it there, but something tugged at him. He stepped closer, his long arms wrapping around her in a warm embrace, his chin resting gently on her shoulder. ¡°If you forget me, it¡¯s like I was never here.¡±


    Freya¡¯s hands lingered at her sides, unsure, but after a beat, she lifted them to hold him close.


    Feeling his frame stiffen just a touch, she said, ¡°I¡¯ll keep that in mind.¡± Her words lit a spark in Kristian¡¯s chest, melting away his wild thoughts and reckless urges.


    He used to think he needed Freya to be his and his alone, but now he saw it clearly: as long as she held him in her memory, one embrace was enough. It was an embrace that carried all of him.


    ¡°Come back with me,¡± Freya said, letting go, her striking eyes steady and earnest. ¡°We¡¯ll wander the world, find joy in the small stuff.¡±


    ¡°Nah,¡± Kristian brushed it off, not drawn to that. ¡°You¡¯re the brightest soul I¡¯ve ever crossed paths with¡ªnothing else holds a candle.¡±


    Freya froze for a moment.


    Out of nowhere, a knife gleamed in Kristian¡¯s hand. He shed a small, charming smile. ¡°Just remember, there¡¯s a guy in your life named Freyrian Shaw.¡±


    With those words, he gripped the knife and drove it toward his chest. To Freya, maybe he¡¯d squared his debts, but for him, he was ready to close the book himself.


    The de tore through his shirt.


    Freya¡¯s eyes went wide. She lunged, grabbing his wrist and yanking it back. With a quick press on his joint, the knife slipped from his grip, ttering to the ground. It all happened in a sh.


    From Kristian¡¯s sudden move to Freya knocking the knife away, barely a second passed.


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    She hadn¡¯t seen iting¡ªneither his pull of the knife nor the speed of his self-destructive act.


    ¡°Kristian!¡± Freya¡¯s voice cracked as blood bloomed across his white shirt, her heart sinking like it was caught in a vise.


    His strength had been too fierce, too fast.


    Even with her quick reaction, the de had still nicked his flesh. She whipped out a handkerchief, folded it tightly, and pressed it hard against the wound. ¡°Are your bodyguards still out there?¡±


    Kristian shook his head.


    Thest of his crew had already hauled the criminals off to the police station. He hadn¡¯t left himself an exit n.


    Freya pulled out her phone, demanding the number for the bodyguard who¡¯d pick them up, but Kristian mmed up, stubborn as ever.


    ¡°Forget it,¡± he muttered, wincing from the sting of the wound.


    ¡°It¡¯s not deep¡ªit missed anything vital,¡± Freya said, eyeing the blood on the knife¡¯s tip and the flow from the cut, piecing it together. ¡°But if you want me to sling you over my shoulder and carry you out, keep stonewalling.¡±


    The wound wasn¡¯t lethal, but it wasn¡¯t a paper cut either. Left untreated, it could spiral into trouble.


    Kristian slumped in Freya¡¯s arms. He quietly palmed the knife again, hoping she wouldn¡¯t notice, and tossed out a distraction. ¡°If I kick the bucket, no one¡¯s gonna hassle you anymore.¡±


    The knife hit the ground again as Freya swatted it from his hand, kicking it far out of reach.


    ¡°You¡¯re not dying, and I¡¯m not letting you slip away,¡± Freya said, her voice steady as steel. She patched his wound as best she could and hoisted him up, carrying him out.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 906

    ?Chapter 906:


    Kristian squirmed, trying to break free, clutching his chest where the pain was sharpening. Standing at the warehouse door, he rasped, ¡°I¡¯m done for. If Lawrence patches me up again, it might be myst round.¡±


    He didn¡¯t know how much time he had left. But forever wasn¡¯t in the cards.


    If Freya had chosen him, he¡¯d have ditched Lawrence¡¯s treatments, happy just to be by her side.


    But she didn¡¯t want him.


    So what was the point of fighting it?


    He couldn¡¯t stomach seeing her with someone else, nor could he picture a sunny life after her rejection.


    Freya¡¯s hand, steadying him, faltered. ¡°Or did you go through all this to save me just so he doesn¡¯t die?¡± The thought sent a jolt of raw emotion through Kristian.


    ¡°Whether it¡¯s you or him, I want you both safe,¡± Freya said, her eyes brimming with honesty. ¡°I don¡¯t want either of you hurt or gone.¡± The Kristian now, or Freyrian, had never turned a de on himself, and even if he¡¯d tricked her, she understood why.


    As for the old Kristian, he¡¯d paid his dues long ago.


    She didn¡¯t want them to suffer¡ªshe just wanted them to be okay.


    ¡°If you had to pick, who¡¯s it gonna be?¡± Kristian pressed, needing her answer. ¡°Me or him?¡±


    ¡°You,¡± Freya said, no hesitation, her voice clear and unflinching. Deep down, she wasn¡¯t sure how to choose, but with Kristian asking point-nk, she gave him the answer he needed.


    She knew he understood, that he was just chasing her stance. So why not give him a moment of light?


    Kristian¡¯s pale lips curved into a faint smile as he leaned into her, surrendering. ¡°Alright, I¡¯ll listen to you and head back.¡±


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    He knew, whatever came next, he¡¯d be the one to fade away. But he was content. That warm embrace, Freya¡¯s unwavering answer¡ªit was enough.


    He fished out his phone and called the bodyguard nearby, telling him to hustle over. The guy pulled up in under five minutes.


    Kristian¡¯s long ck coat hid the blood from the bodyguard¡¯s eyes. Freya eased him into the car and told the driver to gun it for the hospital.


    For over an hour, Freya and Kristian sat in the car, the remote countryside crawling by as they wound through narrow rural roads.


    Another half hour passed before the car finally rolled into the city, the clock just ticking past one in the afternoon.


    Stuck in a traffic jam, Freya¡¯s phone buzzed with a call from Lawrence. ¡°I¡¯m in Alerith,¡± Lawrence said, cutting to the chase the moment she picked up. ¡°Where are you? Is Kristian holding up okay?¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes flicked to Kristian, his face pale as a ghost, and she kept the earlier chaos under wraps. ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s stable.¡±


    Lawrence sounded thrown off. Wasn¡¯t something supposed to have gone down with Kristian? How was he fine now?


    ¡°I¡¯ve got some things to handle,¡± Freya said, catching the shadow of sadness on Kristian¡¯s face. ¡°I¡¯ll call you back.¡± She hung up.


    As she locked her phone, Kristian stayed quiet for a beat before asking,


    ¡°That was Lawrence, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Freya didn¡¯t bother sugarcoating the truth.


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 Chapter 907

    ?Chapter 907:


    Kristian went quiet.


    He understood what wasing for him, but that didn¡¯t mean he was ready to face it¡ªnot the leaving, not the vanishing, and certainly not saying goodbye to Freya.


    The rest of the ride passed in silence. Kristian kept to himself, and Freya didn¡¯t speak either. The bodyguard drove them to the hospital without dy.


    While Kristian was being treated, Freya¡¯s phone buzzed¡ªit was a message from Ellis, asking where she was. She didn¡¯t hesitate; she told him the truth.


    Half an hourter, Ellis showed up at the hospital.


    Freya was still waiting outside the treatment room when she spotted him.


    He crossed the hallway with long strides. His eyes swept to the closed door before he turned to her, his voice deep and edged with worry.


    ¡°Why are you at the hospital?¡±


    Freya exined everything, leaving nothing out.


    She wasn¡¯t someone who leaned on others often, but at that moment, she waspletely at a loss.


    ¡°Freyrian¡± hadn¡¯t done anything wrong, but neither had Kristian. The harsh truth was that only one personality could stay.


    ¡°He¡¯s probably not a new personality,¡± Ellis said, gently guiding her to a seat.


    He was ready to tell her everything he¡¯d uncovered, but as soon as he touched her hand, he frowned. ¡°Your hands are freezing. Are you okay?¡±


    Freya blinked, unsure how to respond. It was winter¡ªweren¡¯t cold hands just part of the deal?


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    Without a word, Ellis unwound his scarf and wrapped it around her neck, snug and warm. Then he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small, sleek hand warmer. ¡°Take this.¡±


    Freya stared, caught off guard. What even was that?


    When she didn¡¯t move to take it, Ellis ced it gently in her palm and folded her hands between his.


    Just like that, warmth flooded through her fingers and up the backs of her hands.


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to worry too much about Kristian,¡± Ellis murmured, his voice calm and steady as he kept her hands warm. ¡°Once they¡¯ve stitched him up, I¡¯ll exin everything.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya answered softly, not pulling away.


    They fell into silence, and the hallway felt oddly hushed. Only the faintest footsteps passed now and then.


    Freya was still wrapped in the warmth of Ellis¡¯s touch. Her breath caught for no clear reason, and her heart started to race.


    ¡°Ellis,¡± she said, pressing her lips together, awkward in the unfamiliar closeness. ¡°My hands are warm now.¡±


    Ellis arched a brow, his tone easy butced with yful teasing. ¡°Are you sure you know what ¡®warm¡¯ means?¡±


    Freya froze.


    ¡°I¡¯m not going to bite. What are you so afraid of?¡± he added with a softugh.


    She quickly changed the subject. ¡°Do you have a hand warmer in your pocket?¡± Now that she¡¯d taken a proper look, she finally recognized it for what it was.


    Its refined, minimalist design had thrown her off at first. Honestly, Ellis didn¡¯t seem like the type to carry something so¡­ delicate.


    Ellis¡¯s brow lifted slightly. ¡°Do you really want to know?¡±


    .


    .


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 Chapter 908

    ?Chapter 908:


    Freya blinked. Why did that feel like a trap behind his words?


    ¡°It¡¯s for the woman in my heart,¡± he said, voice low and deliberate, his dark eyes gleaming faintly. ¡°She might say she¡¯s fine, but I still worry she¡¯ll get cold.¡±


    Freya wanted to smack herself. Why had she even asked?


    ¡°The scarf too,¡± Ellis added.


    Some said love meant silent giving, no questions asked. But to Ellis, liking someone meant saying it out loud.


    Especially with someone like Freya, who never seemed to catch on. If he didn¡¯t say it, she¡¯d never realize.


    And if she didn¡¯t realize, there¡¯d never be a chance.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll give it back to you,¡± Freya said, feeling a bit guilty since they hadn¡¯t yet addressed the unspoken feelings between them. ¡°I shouldn¡¯t be using something meant for her.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s lips curved ever so slightly, a glint of humor flickering in his eyes. ¡°It¡¯s fine. She said you can use all her stuff¡ªincluding her future boyfriend.¡±


    Freya shut downpletely. She didn¡¯t even know how to react. Ellis, watching her sit in solemn silence, chuckled under his breath. He even had to fight the urge to pinch her cheek.


    After a while, the door to the treatment room finally swung open. A doctor stepped out. ¡°The wound has been stitched. Keep the dressing dry and change it every day.¡±


    ¡°Alright, thank you,¡± Freya said politely.


    Kristian came out right after. He¡¯d changed back into his clothes, and though his face was pale, he looked alright.


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    When he saw Freya, his eyes lit up¡ªonly for the brightness to vanish the next second as he caught sight of the scarf around her neck. He took a few steps forward and then saw Ellis.


    That was it. Whatever joy had flickered in him instantly died. It was as if someone had doused him with a bucket of ice water.


    Did Freya ask Ellis toe?


    ¡°Here¡¯s the medication,¡± the doctor said, handing the bag to Freya.


    ¡°Bring him back next week to have the stitches removed.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Freya replied.


    She turned to Kristian. ¡°Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    ¡°What about him?¡± Kristian asked, the bitterness in his tone barely masked as he shot a re at Ellis.


    Freya nced at Ellis, waiting to see if he was nning to leave or if he had something else in mind.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go with you,¡± Ellis said, taking the meds from her and gently nudging her hands back into her pockets. ¡°Keep them warm.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t object.


    Kristian, however, was fuming inside. But he didn¡¯t say a word. He was afraid¡ªafraid she¡¯d be angry, afraid she¡¯d be disappointed. Afraid that one day, no one would even remember him. So he kept quiet, swallowing it all.


    The three of them walked out of the hospital together. Ellis had driven there.


    The moment Ellis went to open the driver¡¯s door, Kristian rushed forward and slid into the front passenger seat. He couldn¡¯t stomach the thought of Ellis sitting beside Freya.


    Ellis didn¡¯t seem to mind. Calmly, he opened the back door for her instead.


    Just as she was about to climb in, she paused, staring at the car.


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 Chapter 909

    ?Chapter 909:


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked.


    Freya¡¯s fingers tightened around the small hand warmer in her pocket. Her brows furrowed. ¡°Ellis, have I seen this car before?¡±


    ¡°Yeah. I gave you a ride in it once,¡± he said casually.


    Freya¡¯s eyes locked with his.


    And suddenly, everything clicked.


    No wonder the first time she¡¯d gotten in his car, it had felt familiar. Now she remembered¡ªwhen she¡¯d gone to see Josiah about Norah¡¯s issue, this very car had been parked in Josiah¡¯s garage.


    Ellis had joined them afterward, so she¡¯d never made the connection.


    Ellis noticed her studying him. ¡°Do you like it?¡± he asked.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°If you like it, I¡¯ll give it to you.¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied quickly, changing the subject. ¡°Let¡¯s just head back.¡± She climbed into the car in a rush, her thoughts a mess from the realization. Her memories of Ellis¡ªevery encounter, every word¡ªcame flooding back all at once, stirring something deeper inside her. Ellis, catching her shift in tone and her uneven answers, couldn¡¯t help but feel a spark of suspicion flicker to life.


    On the drive back, Ellis¡¯s mind kept circling back to Freya¡¯s earlier words.


    He¡¯d driven this car plenty since returning, though he usually opted for other sedans. With Freya around, he¡¯d only taken this one out a few times. What had piqued her interest?


    His thoughts darted to the day at the Russell family¡¯s estate. Had she pieced it together?


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    An hourter, Ellis pulled up and carried the folder upstairs.


    Since Kristian hadn¡¯t eaten lunch, Freya made sure he got some food in him before letting him crash.


    By 3:30 PM, Freya nudged a reluctant Kristian to take a nap. She and Ellis slipped into the study to dig into Kristian¡¯s situation.


    Lawrence might dodge the truth¡ªshe could always lean on her deal with Kristian to pry answers out of him. But Ellis? His information was solid as a rock.


    Once the door clicked shut, Freya didn¡¯t waste time. ¡°Ellis, what did you mean earlier when you said Kristian isn¡¯t a new personality?¡±


    ¡°Hold your horses,¡± Ellis said, setting the folder on the desk, his voice smooth and unruffled.


    Freya¡¯s brow creased. Wasn¡¯t this exactly why they were here? Ellis shrugged off his coat, revealing a ck shirt buttoned up tight, giving him a polished, almost guarded edge.


    Freya had already ditched her coat and scarf¡ªthe room was toasty, and wearing extrayers felt like overkill.


    She watched Ellis pop the top button of his shirt and sink into the chair. ¡°What¡¯s our priority then?¡± she pressed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s start with the car,¡± Ellis said, leaning back with a casual drawl.


    Freya went still.


    The car?


    Catching her puzzled look, his lips quirked into a faint smile.


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 Chapter 910

    ?Chapter 910:


    He¡¯d nned to spill his feelings once Kristian¡¯s mess was sorted, but since she seemed to have sniffed out his old tricks, he figured now was as good a time as any toy it all bare.


    ¡°Remember the first time you saw that car?¡± Ellis said, easing her into it.


    Freya didn¡¯t miss a beat. ¡°At the Russell family¡¯s garage.¡±


    ¡°Bingo.¡± Ellis spun his chair around, leaning its back against the desk, now facing her squarely.


    Freya hesitated for a second.


    Before she could stand, he nted his hands on the armrests of her chair, boxing her in.


    The air crackled with closeness, the space between them shrinking fast.


    Freya¡¯s heart kicked into overdrive, her usual cool-headedness blown to bits. ¡°Captain¡­¡±


    ¡°Call me Ellis.¡±


    ¡°Doesn¡¯t feel right just now.¡± Ellis bit back augh.


    Alright, fine. He wouldn¡¯t push.


    ¡°I¡¯m about toy it all out,¡± he said, cutting to the chase. ¡°You ready?¡± Despite his easygoing vibe, his nerves were screaming louder than anyone¡¯s.


    Freya¡¯s mind nked. The faint tension from before now hit fever pitch with his words.


    Ellis¡¯s deep eyes locked onto hers, his voice low and steady. ¡°Freya, I really like you. Will you be my girlfriend?¡±


    Freya fumbled, words slipping through her fingers.


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    Ellis held his ground, watching every flicker of her expression, ready to pivot if she showed even a hint of unease.


    He wasn¡¯t here to corner her.


    ¡°Why me?¡± Freya asked after a beat, genuinely stumped.


    Ellis¡¯s smile softened. His lips parted, his voice gentle. ¡°Out of all the wonders in the world, you¡¯re the one my heart¡¯s set on.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve been married.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not big on chitchat. Life with me could be boring.¡±


    ¡°Life¡¯s not a talk show; it doesn¡¯t need to be a circus every day.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got to look after Kristian.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll pitch in.¡±


    ¡°Ellis¡­¡±


    The words ¡°I¡¯m in¡± danced on her tongue, but Freya couldn¡¯t figure out how to let them loose.


    Seeing her lips purse, her face a mix of uncertainty, Ellis took the wheel. ¡°No answer? I¡¯m taking that as a yes. As of now, you¡¯re my girlfriend.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡± Freya blinked, thrown.


    ¡°What¡¯s with the ¡®huh¡¯?¡± Ellis¡¯s grin widened as he flicked her forehead lightly. ¡°Feeling shortchanged?¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes darted, and she yed along, deadpan. ¡°Kinda.¡±


    ¡°Other folks get flowers with a confession.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 911

    ?Chapter 911:


    ¡°You got flowers.¡±


    Freya frowned. Where?


    Ellis leaned back, his tone easy but teasing. ¡°Didn¡¯t you once say I was as pretty as a flower? Were you pulling my leg?¡±


    Freya mped her mouth shut. Rookie mistake.


    Knowing this was a losing battle, she pivoted fast. ¡°Scoot. I need water.¡±


    Ellis let go and straightened, handing her the cup he¡¯d set aside.


    Freya didn¡¯t take it, her eyes glued to the chair¡¯s armrest.


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted water?¡± Ellis arched a brow.


    ¡°Ever thought about a checkup?¡± Freya said, all business, staring at the water stains on the armrest. ¡°I read online that sweaty palms might mean health issues.¡±


    ¡°Test if I¡¯m strong or not?¡± Ellis chuckled. First, she ribbed him about his age. Now she was poking at his health. Freya grabbed the cup and sipped, dodging his question.


    Still, she couldn¡¯t help wondering why he was so sweaty.


    Ellis caught her curious nce and read her like a book. ¡°Nervous sweat. Don¡¯t go doubting your boyfriend¡¯s health like that.¡±


    ¡°You get nervous?¡± Freya sidestepped the second half of hisment.


    Ellis flipped open the folder he¡¯d brought, his mood bright. ¡°You ever see someone confess without a case of the jitters?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re the first.¡±


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    Ellis was at a loss for words.


    Freya set the cup on the desk and got serious. ¡°Greta and Riley are both better choices than I. Prettier, too. Why not them?¡±


    If she were a guy, she figured she¡¯d probably be into Greta or Riley. One was all spark and charm, the other wild and fearless. They were her kind of vibe.


    ¡°You¡¯d have to ask my heart,¡± Ellis said, tapping his chest. ¡°It¡¯s only got eyes for you.¡±


    Freya was tongue-tied.


    ¡°Any ns to tie the knot soon?¡± Ellis tossed out, catching herpletely off guard.


    Freya blinked, stunned.


    ¡°My ce needs a woman¡¯s touch,¡± Ellis said, his tone unexpectedly serious. ¡°I want you to be that woman.¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t we here to talk about Kristian?¡± Freya dodged, swiftly redirecting the conversation. ¡°Let¡¯s stick to that.¡±


    Ellis slid the open folder across to her, not pressing further. ¡°Have a look.¡±


    Freya picked it up.


    One sheet was Kristian¡¯s medical record, pulled from Lawrence. The other was a report from a different source.


    Freya studied the sheets with unwavering focus,bing through every word with meticulous attention.


    Ellis sat quietly beside her, his gaze fixed on her, observing every subtle movement. Her thickshes fluttered slightly, soft and delicate, like the wings of a butterfly.


    ¡°Freya,¡± Ellis called her name gently.


    Freya turned toward him. ¡°Yes?¡±


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 Chapter 912

    ?Chapter 912:


    ¡°You look beautiful,¡± Ellis said, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.


    Freya paused for a moment, caught off guard, before quickly regaining herposure. ¡°Oh. Thanks.¡±


    Ellis raised an eyebrow in amusement. Was that all?


    ¡°How urate is this report?¡± Freya asked, having reached the final page. Some of the content seemed too surreal to believe.


    ¡°Very urate,¡± Ellis replied, his voice turning serious as he dropped the teasing tone. ¡°Top specialists worked on it. Even if there are ws, they¡¯re likely negligible.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brows furrowed slightly in concern.


    Just then, Lawrence¡¯s call came in. Freya gave Ellis a quick nce before swiping across the screen to answer.


    ¡°I¡¯m at my medical facility,¡± Lawrence said, getting straight to the point. ¡°Bring Kristian over.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s injured. He¡¯s sleeping now.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s injured?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Can youe instead?¡± Lawrence asked, his tone hinting at something more. ¡°I need to talk to you about Kristian¡¯s condition.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Once the call ended, she ryed everything to Ellis.


    Ellis didn¡¯t argue. ¡°Go ahead. I¡¯ll stay here and look after Kristian.¡±


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    ¡°Thank you,¡± Freya said, grateful for his support.


    Freya hadplete trust in Ellis.


    After quickly briefing him on Kristian¡¯s condition, she grabbed her keys and made for the door. Worried that Kristian might wake up and be agitated, she left him a message before leaving.


    Ellis noticed her typing and reached out, gently catching her arm.


    Freya turned to him, puzzled. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°A goodbye hug,¡± Ellis murmured, his voice deep and smooth.


    Freya stood there, momentarily stunned.


    He pulled her into his arms, and with his voice low and warm near her ear, he added, ¡°Don¡¯t be too long. Your boyfriend¡¯s waiting, you know.¡± A faint flush crept up her cheeks. Since when had he be such a sweet talker?


    ¡°Drive safe,¡± Ellis said, brushing a soft kiss against her forehead before letting her go.


    Freya¡¯s heart was a mess of tangled emotions. She nodded and hurried out the door.


    Kristian wasn¡¯t asleep.


    He¡¯d been lying on the bed ever since returning to his room, his thoughts constantly circling around Freya.


    When his phone chimed with a notification, he initially ignored it. It wasn¡¯t until he heard the front door close that he picked it up. Freya had sent a message: ¡°Heading out to take care of something. Stay in and rest. If anything happens, talk to Ellis.¡±


    Kristian sat up abruptly, the movement tugging at the wound in his chest. He inhaled sharply, clenching his teeth.


    He wanted to ask if she really feltfortable leaving him alone with Ellis. But after typing the message, he deleted every word.


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 Chapter 913

    ?Chapter 913:


    After a moment¡¯s thought, he set the phone down and decided to try to sleep.


    He had no desire to talk to Ellis, nor did he want to see him. Maybe, if he managed to sleep for a while, Freya would already be home when he woke up.


    Freya pulled out of the parking lot and drove straight toward the medical facility where Lawrence was waiting. It was a little past five pm when she arrived.


    The moment Lawrence saw her, he stood up, hesitating slightly, as if unsure how much to say.


    ¡°Let¡¯s not waste time,¡± Freya said sharply, her gaze steady as it met his. ¡°Just tell me what¡¯s going on with Kristian. What exactly happened?¡±


    Lawrence didn¡¯t answer immediately. ¡°What happened between you two earlier?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t hold anything back. After giving him a concise rundown, she summed it up. ¡°He told me he¡¯s not the Kristian I know. He found the agreement between you and him.¡±


    Lawrence¡¯s frown deepened. Things were turning out worse than he¡¯d expected.


    ¡°He is Kristian,¡± Lawrence rified firmly. ¡°Not some new personality.¡±


    ¡°What are you trying to say?¡± Freya yed dumb.


    The report Ellis had brought home had included several theories and possible exnations for Kristian¡¯s condition, but Freya wasn¡¯t sure how much Lawrence was willing to admit.


    ¡°Memory reprogramming,¡± Lawrence said inly. ¡°It was part of the agreement between him and me. He consented to it in order to save you.¡±


    Freya¡¯s brows furrowed in confusion.


    ¡°But his amnesia has nothing to do with you,¡± Lawrence quickly added, eager to avoid any me. ¡°It was caused by older injuries and a high fever. I only introduced a bit of mental conditioning once I confirmed he was already experiencing memory loss and mental regression.¡±


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    Freya remained silent, letting him continue.


    So far, everything he¡¯d said aligned with what was in the report Ellis had retrieved.


    ¡°In other words, even without my intervention, his memory loss and regression of mental faculties would have happened,¡± Lawrence exined, keeping things surface-level, avoiding the darker implications of the research. ¡°But with the mental conditioning, I was able to guide that regression in a more deliberate direction.¡±


    ¡°What kind of conditioning did you use?¡± Freya asked sharply.


    ¡°It¡¯s rted to you,¡± Lawrence confessed. ¡°I thought that if he had the mind of a child, he¡¯d naturally be attached to you. I never expected that even without his memories, his feelings for you would remain so strong. It intensified everything¡ªhis innocence turned into fixation, affection into obsession.¡± At first, Lawrence hadn¡¯t realized the shift.


    Only after the conditioning had taken root did he notice that Kristian carried a deep, overwhelming guilt toward Freya. He was desperate to make things right with her.


    But by the time he realized this, there was no way to reverse it. And that brought them here.


    ¡°Then why does he think he¡¯s someone else?¡± Freya pressed.


    ¡°He doesn¡¯t remember anything from before. He found the agreement, and with the effects of the mental conditioning, it¡¯s not surprising he misunderstood.¡±


    Freya felt a slow weight pressing on her chest.


    ¡°Why him?¡± She still couldn¡¯t understand. Lawrence had been circling around Kristian for years.


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 Chapter 914

    ?Chapter 914:


    ¡°Because he¡¯s exceptional,¡± Lawrence replied without flinching. ¡°His intellect is off the charts. His emotional range, his resilience¡ªeverything about his mind made him the perfect candidate. If I could make it work with him, then the probability of sess with others would skyrocket to ny percent.¡±


    Erasing memories. Imnting thoughts. Reshaping someone¡¯s very identity to match a blueprint.


    Those who woke from it would be new versions of themselves¡ªtailored, deliberate.


    Of course, the memory reset wasn¡¯t required, but without it, sess rates dropped by ten percent. And for people with strong willpower, it could fall by as much as thirty.


    Freya said nothing. She couldn¡¯t see the point of such an experiment.


    Lawrence noticed her expression and understood her disapproval. Steering the conversation back, he focused on Kristian. ¡°His condition is stable now. Based on histest evaluation, helping him recover his memories shouldn¡¯t be too difficult.¡±


    ¡°When are you bringing Kristian over?¡± Lawrence asked, breaking the silence that had lingered a beat too long.


    ¡°That depends on him.¡± Freya had never been the type to make decisions for someone else. ¡°To you, he¡¯s still the Kristian Shaw you remember, but to him, that old version of himself doesn¡¯t even exist.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s because he doesn¡¯t understand what this really is,¡± Lawrence replied, his tone measured.


    ¡°Do you seriously believe he has no connection to a second personality¡ªor some alternate self that surfaces under certain conditions?¡± Freya¡¯s voice held a note of disbelief. ¡°I don¡¯t know much about this, and I won¡¯t pretend to fully grasp your experiment, but his character, his behavior¡ªeverything about him now¡ªit¡¯s nothing like before. Are you sure he¡¯s just Kristian with memory loss?¡±


    Her words lingered between them like a shadow that refused to dissipate.


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    Lawrence didn¡¯t respond right away.


    Freya¡¯s feelings were tangled and difficult to put into words. ¡°I¡¯m not in a ce to interfere with your research, but looking at Kristian¡¯s current state, I really don¡¯t think you should keep pushing this.¡± In her view, people could transform themselves, build strength on their own, without needing outside intervention.


    ¡°There are plenty of people who need this,¡± Lawrence said, his expression sharpening with resolve. ¡°They want to be strong¡ªunshakable, no matter what life throws at them. They can¡¯t manage it alone, but I can help them.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Freya shot back, unimpressed.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Lawrence replied, resolute.


    ¡°No matter how someone changes, life still throws curveballs. No personality ispletely untouchable.¡± Freya enunciated every word, her conviction unwavering. ¡°The only thing that can truly remain unbroken is a resilient mind.¡±


    Personality was just the sum of circumstances one had lived through. The mind, though¡ªthat was forged through every hardship a person faced.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell Kristian the truth. Whether or not he wants it back is his decision.¡± Freya didn¡¯t linger after that.


    She said what she needed to say, then walked off, leaving Lawrence rooted to the spot, her words looping endlessly in his mind.


    For years, he had devoted himself to studying people¡¯s brains¡ªall because of the promise he made to his sister on her deathbed.


    She had once dreamed of inventing something that could make people strong¡ªsomething that would allow them to live freely, without grief or fear. He hadn¡¯t invented such a remedy, but he had found a way to alter personality.


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 Chapter 915

    ?Chapter 915:


    But now¡­ had he been chasing the wrong goal?


    For a brief moment, his thoughts swirled in a storm of uncertainty.


    Out of nowhere, he feltpelled to speak with someone.


    He pulled out his phone and scrolled to Jacob¡¯s number. After staring at the screen for a few seconds, he tapped the call button. The line rang a few times before the other end finally picked up. Jacob¡¯s voice was as frosty as ever. ¡°Talk.¡±


    ¡°Jacob.¡± Lawrence sank into the couch, his head bowed low, despair clouding his eyes. ¡°Do you think my experiments are pointless, too?¡± Jacob paused mid-sip of his water. Had something finally gotten to Lawrence?


    ¡°K just told me she doesn¡¯t think I should continue.¡± Lawrence didn¡¯t wait for a reply. The doubt had already taken root, and his words spilled out unfiltered.


    ¡°Change your direction. You¡¯ll do better.¡± Jacob¡¯s response was uncharacteristically gentle¡ªno harshness, just a straightforward suggestion.


    Lawrence froze. So, was he truly mistaken?


    ¡°No matter what kind of personality someone has, every one of them carries some kind of wound,¡± Jacob said, his voice calm. ¡°That alone proves no personality is indestructible.¡±


    Lawrence didn¡¯t speak, but the gears in his head had already begun to turn.


    ¡°To genuinely help someone grow stronger, you have to understand their life¡ªtheir work, their rtionships,¡± Jacob went on, clearly well-acquainted with Lawrence¡¯s methods and how to question them. ¡°And everything that mighte their way. Only then can you craft a personality that suits the road ahead. But ask yourself honestly¡ªcan you really do that?¡± Jacob delivered the question that mattered most. Lawrence¡¯s throat tightened. Though he hated to admit it, he replied, ¡°I can¡¯t.¡±


    It was hard enough to grasp someone¡¯s full social web, let alone anticipate what the future might bring. Not even current technology could pull that off. And neither could he.


    Jacob didn¡¯t say anything after that.


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    Lawrence was a pioneer in the fields of neurology and psychology. While others still fumbled with memory deletion, he had already mastered it.


    Jacob believed Lawrence would figure it out.


    ¡°If that¡¯s all, I¡¯m hanging up.¡± For the first time in years, Jacob gave a warning before ending the call. Usually, he just cut the line without a word.


    Lawrence responded with a faint ¡°Mm.¡±


    After the call, he began stitching together everything¡ªKristian¡¯s condition, Freya¡¯s warnings, Jacob¡¯s advice¡ªtrying to make sense of it all.


    Eventually, he had to admit¡ªthey were right.


    At first, the realization stung like failure. But Jacob¡¯s uncharacteristic warmth, his rare disy of civility, somehow eased the blow.


    That small defeat didn¡¯t feel so heavy anymore. Research was just that¡ªresearch. If one theory copsed, he could pursue another. If this direction proved fruitless, he could forge a new path. But Jacob¡¯s kindness? That was something else entirely.


    As the thought lingered, Lawrence found his mind drifting.


    He rubbed the edge of his phone, opened the chat with Jacob, and typed out a message with careful intent, asking, ¡°Can Ie over and stay with you for a while?¡±


    Jacob was about to start dinner when the text came through.


    His first instinct was to turn it down.


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 Chapter 916

    ?Chapter 916:


    He didn¡¯t want to get entangled with Lawrence again¡ªtheir shared past was still a sore spot he hadn¡¯t fully healed from. But the image of Lawrence slumped in defeat, looking like the world had given up on him, tugged at something inside him.


    After a moment¡¯s hesitation, he typed back, ¡°Okay.¡±


    He had already made up his mind¡ªonce Lawrence bounced back, he¡¯d send him packing. But for now, seeing him so rattled, he couldn¡¯t just leave him to spiral alone.


    When Lawrence saw the reply, his heart practically leapt with joy. So, the saying online was true after all. Career in shambles, but love on the rise.


    Pushing his research woes aside, he slipped his phone into his pocket and sprang to his feet to start packing.


    Clothes, trousers, shoes, toiletries¡ªhe shoved them all into his suitcase with practiced ease. He¡¯d thought it through¡ªjudging by the way K had looked earlier, Kristian wasn¡¯t going to show up and try to get his memories back anytime soon.


    That meant a few extra days at Jacob¡¯s ce.


    Last time, he had left early because of Kristian. This time, he wouldn¡¯t let anyone mess it up.


    After loading the suitcase into his car trunk, he was already fantasizing about cozy mornings and quiet nights with Jacob.


    The thought alone warmed him.


    However, just as he turned the key in the ignition, he realized that something was wrong.


    In his current mental state, he shouldn¡¯t have had the energy to pack so thoroughly or move so quickly. If Jacob saw how prepared he was, it would definitely raise some eyebrows.


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    After mulling it over, he dragged the suitcase back into hisb, settling on just bringing his car keys and phone before heading out. They were about the same height and build¡ªif he ran out of clothes, he could always borrow Jacob¡¯s.


    When Lawrence arrived at Jacob¡¯s house, he transformed his demeanor in an instant.


    The rejection of his research had genuinely wounded him, leaving a hollow ache that he typically concealed beneathyers ofposure. Yet now, he allowed his emotions to flow freely, unrestrained.


    While most people would carefully hide their vulnerabilities from someone they admired, Lawrence chose to do the opposite. He wanted Jacob to witness his raw, unfiltered self.


    Only by revealing his unhappiness could he possibly reignite even the faintest spark of concern from Jacob. Only through vulnerability might he preserve that fragile thread of hope.


    He paused before the door, inhaled deeply, and knocked.


    When Jacob swung the door open and saw Lawrence standing there with eyes swimming in mncholy, he silently stepped aside, granting him entry.


    Lawrence hesitated at the threshold, words forming and dissolving on his tongue, but ultimately surrendered to silence as he crossed into the house.


    What a consummate performer. Anyone observing him would crown him a virtuoso of emotional maniption.


    But Jacob remained oblivious. After Lawrence entered, he simply closed the door with a soft click and gestured toward the kitchen. ¡°The water¡¯s over there. If you¡¯re thirsty, help yourself. I¡¯ve already had dinner, so if you¡¯re hungry, you¡¯ll need to order something.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Lawrence murmured, his voice barely disturbing the air between them.


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 Chapter 917

    ?Chapter 917:


    Jacob pressed his lips into a thin line but ultimately retreated to his room without another word.


    Lawrence remained rooted in ce, bewilderment washing over him. He had crafted such a pitiful image of himself, yet Jacob hadn¡¯t offered even the smallestfort, not even the simplest embrace.


    An impulse to pound on Jacob¡¯s door and demand answers surged through him, but the carefully curated persona he¡¯d established wouldn¡¯t permit such a reaction.


    Unrestrained behavior. Instead, he copsed onto the couch, mind churning with unspoken thoughts, and allowed his eyelids to drift closed.


    The exhaustion from a day of flying and battling jetg quickly imed him. Within ten minutes, sleep had pulled him under, right there on the living room couch.


    Behind his closed door, Jacob wrestled with conflicting impulses. Should he prepare something for Lawrence to eat? Every fiber of his being resisted the idea. Yet if he didn¡¯t intervene, Lawrence would likely go hungry, too caught in his apparent misery to order food.


    Should he let Lawrence starve under his roof?


    After considerable internal debate, Jacob set aside his book with a sigh and rose from his chair. His reluctance to disy direct concern didn¡¯t negate his ability to assist in more subtle ways.


    The moment he opened his door, however, he discovered Lawrence sprawled across the couch, deep in slumber. His eyebrows knitted together in mild surprise. Had fatigue truly overwhelmed Lawrence sopletely?


    ¡°Lawrence, Lawrence. Wake up.¡± Jacob prodded him gently with his leg. Lawrence stirred from his sleep with foggy disorientation clouding his consciousness.


    When his eyes fluttered open to find Jacob towering above him, draped in a loose white knit sweater thatplemented his gentle features¡ªfeatures that somehow managed to convey both casual ease and emotional distance¡ªhis mind briefly short-circuited.


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    Without conscious thought, Lawrence bolted upright and wrapped his arms around Jacob¡¯s waist, burying his face against the soft wool covering Jacob¡¯s stomach. His voice emerged muffled yetden with undisguised vulnerability. ¡°Jacob, am I really that useless?¡±


    Jacob¡¯s body tensed at the unexpected contact. ¡°Let go,¡± hemanded quietly.


    Lawrence immediately released his hold, but his head drooped in unmistakable defeat.


    Jacob stepped backward swiftly, creating deliberate space between them. Lawrence maintained his downward gaze, trapped in silence. In this fragile moment, any words seemed perilous. Worse still, one misstep might result in Jacob ejecting him without hesitation.


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to sleep, use the guest room,¡± Jacob instructed, his tone clinically detached.


    ¡°Okay,¡± Lawrence replied softly, epting the directive without resistance.


    Jacob pressed his lips together once more but offered nothing further.


    Only after returning to his room did he remember his original purpose¡ªensuring Lawrence didn¡¯t go hungry. That brief, unexpected embrace hadpletely derailed his intentions.


    Meanwhile, Lawrence had retreated to the guest room, foregoing dinner entirely.


    Stretched across unfamiliar sheets, his stomach protested loudly against its emptiness.


    Yet hunger was meant to pale beside his emotional starvation in his act.


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 Chapter 918

    ?Chapter 918:


    As someone who had just weathered a devastating blow andnguished in misery, food should hold no appeal for him. He remainedmitted to his carefully orchestrated performance.


    While Lawrence immersed himself in his theatrical charade, tranquility enveloped Freya¡¯s world.


    Upon arriving home, she discovered Ellis had already prepared a feast and awaited her presence at the dinner table.


    Though Freya had never been particr about cuisine, tonight¡¯s spread dazzled with vivid hues, intoxicating fragrances, and sublime tastes.


    ¡°Why did you prepare such abundance?¡± she inquired naturally, her gaze drifting toward Ellis, who continued bustling about the kitchen.


    ¡°Tomemorate,¡± Ellis replied simply.


    ¡°Commemorate what?¡±


    Had some significant asion slipped her mind? Freya searched her memory but couldn¡¯t unearth anything noteworthy about this day.


    Ellis abandoned his task and approached her with measured steps, gradually diminishing the space between them.


    Freya blinked, bewilderment clouding her features. What mysterious purpose drove his actions?


    ¡°Must I remind you what significance today holds?¡± Ellis questioned, his voice serene yet deliberate as he maneuvered her against the counter¡¯s edge.


    Freya¡¯s thoughts tumbled chaotically, yet rity eluded her grasp. A birthday celebration? But his had already transpired, while hers remained distant on the calendar. What momentous event had escaped her recollection?


    Ellis extended his hand, tenderly pinching her cheek, marveling at its silken texture that rivaled an infant¡¯s delicate skin. ¡°Today marks the first day of our new rtionship.¡±


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    Astonishment paralyzed Freya. Did such asions truly merit remembrance?


    ¡°February second. Three thirty-nine in the afternoon.¡± Ellis articted, as though imparting crucial wisdom. ¡°Preserve this date in your memory.¡±


    Freya emitted a gentle cough, concealing her embarrassment behind the sound.


    Truthfully, she had presumed he would dismiss such sentimental milestones.


    Ellis captured her gaze with unwavering intensity, his voice deepening with intention. ¡°Have youmitted it to memory?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll keep it in mind,¡± Freya confirmed. Her remarkable recollection especially excelled with matters Ellis specifically emphasized.


    Contentment softened Ellis¡¯s expression into a subtle smile. He refrained from further teasing. ¡°Cleanse your hands before dinner, and inform Kristian to join us.¡±


    ¡°Very well.¡± Freya acquiesced readily.


    From Ellis¡¯s perspective, once Freya epted his affections, the concept of rivalry became obsolete.


    He merely regarded Kristian as a patient temporarily requiring Freya¡¯s attention¡ªcertain trivialities naturally fell beneath his concern.


    However, as Freya pivoted, her eyes encountered Kristian¡¯s imposing figure nearby¡ªhis knuckles nched with tension, a tempest brewing within his gaze.


    Even casual observation revealed his precarious emotional state. Freya addressed him with effortlessposure. ¡°Wash your hands and join us for dinner.¡±


    Kristian remained immobile. His prating stare never wavered from her face.


    ¡°What troubles you?¡± Freya inquired.


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 Chapter 919

    ?Chapter 919:


    ¡°How did this rtionshipmence?¡± Kristian¡¯s internalndscape churned with turbulence, a maelstrom of negativity crushing against his ribs.


    No one could fathom the torment he endured, standing at the periphery while absorbing those revtions.


    Why had Freya embraced Ellis¡¯s courtship? Why had she rejected him with such finality? Why?


    ¡°This afternoon,¡± Freya said without hesitation, her tone forthright. ¡°Go wash your hands and eat. After our meal, I have something important to discuss with you.¡±


    ¡°Why choose him over me?¡± Kristian¡¯s emotional restraint crumbled, unleashing sentiments he¡¯d previously suppressed. ¡°Didn¡¯t you once dere your indifference toward him? Vow never to ept his advances?¡±


    ¡°Those derations belonged to my past self, not my present reality.¡± Freya recognized that only direct honesty would suffice now. ¡°Eat first.¡±


    Kristian remained frozen in ce. He struggled toprehend this bewildering transformation. Mere hours ago, hadn¡¯t she decisively chosen him and prayed for his survival? How could everything¡ªmetamorphose so dramatically within such a brief interval?


    As he wrestled with the storm inside him, Kristian felt his emotions unraveling¡ªlike threads pulled from a fraying tapestry, about to snap. All the fury and bitterness he¡¯d buried like bones beneath the floor came rushing back, drowning his heart in a flood of resentment he could no longer hold back.


    Freya had been nice to him in the past days. And in a blink, she¡¯d chosen someone else¡ªas if he¡¯d been nothing more than a passing shadow.


    ¡°If you never cared about me, why¡¯d you bother saving me?¡± Kristian asked Freya, his voiceced with quiet hurt and sharp confusion. ¡°You could¡¯ve just let me die. Wouldn¡¯t that have spared everyone all this mess?¡±


    Freya¡¯s brows knit together. Was he spiraling out of control?


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    Right then, Ellis appeared, his footsteps cutting into the tense air like a knife.


    The moment Kristian saw him, the storm inside him swelled. His emotions roared to life like a rising tide that wouldn¡¯t be held back. Just as Kristian opened his mouth, Ellis stepped forward and, with chilling precision, struck him on the back of the neck.


    Darkness swallowed Kristian¡¯s world in an instant. He crumpled like a puppet with cut strings. Ellis caught him just in time.


    Freya blinked in stunned silence, caught off guard by the sudden turn of events.


    ¡°There¡¯s a bag in my room with medicine,¡± Ellis said coolly, every word measured and calm. ¡°Bring it. I¡¯ll take care of the rest.¡± Without hesitation, Freya turned and left.


    She returned momentster, medicine in hand, having double-checked thebel.


    Ellisid Kristian on the bed with clinical care, his hands steady, his face unreadable. He hooked up the IV and administered the drug like a man who¡¯d done this a thousand times.


    ¡°It¡¯s a custom form¡ªmeant to calm the nerves,¡± Ellis exined, ncing up at her. ¡°Once he¡¯s up, he should be clear-headed enough to talk.¡±


    ¡°When did you get this?¡± Freya asked, her worry slowly giving way to reluctant relief.


    ¡°When I visited the military and asked about his status,¡± Ellis replied. His foresight spoke volumes. ¡°Now go eat. He won¡¯t wake for at least another half hour.¡±


    Freya¡¯s thoughts tangled like vines. Worry gnawed at her. What if Kristian couldn¡¯t handle the truth behind his returning memories? Worse¡ªwhat if he twisted everything, saw betrayal where there was none? Then what?


    Ellis, ever observant, caught the storm brewing behind her eyes. After tidying up, he asked gently, ¡°What¡¯s weighing on you?¡±


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 Chapter 920

    ?Chapter 920:


    Freya opened up about her earlier conversation with Lawrence.


    Ellis took her hand and quietly led her away, shutting the door to Kristian¡¯s room with a soft click.


    ¡°He¡¯s ready or not, he needs to face it,¡± Ellis said inly. ¡°No one can move forward with both feet stuck in the past.¡± Freya nodded, though doubt still clung to her like a second skin.


    She truly believed Kristian had lost it.


    He had risked everything¡ªhis sanity, his life¡ªjust to save her.


    The experiment was still in its trial phase. One wrong move could fry his brain, leave him trapped in his own body¡ªor worse. How could he gamble everything like that?


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Ellis murmured, running a hand through her hair, his touch warm and grounding. ¡°We¡¯ll deal with whateveres next when he wakes. If he¡¯s not ready to remember, we won¡¯t push.¡± Freya gave a quiet nod.


    Ellis set aside a portion of each dish for Kristian, then sat with Freya.


    He served her te with care, choosing the foods she liked best, hoping to lift even a fraction of the heaviness clouding her. By the time night had fully settled in, Kristian stirred awake.


    The medicine had worked¡ªhis rage dulled, his mind steady¡ªbut the image of Freya standing beside Ellis still twisted inside him like a knife. He stayed in bed, staring at the ceiling as thoughts swirled like storm clouds.


    Outside, Freya and Ellis waited until eight. When Kristian still hadn¡¯t appeared, Freya stood and went to check on him.


    She opened the door¡ªand froze. Kristian¡¯s eyes locked onto hers the moment the door creaked open. Time hung suspended.


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    ¡°Get up and eat,¡± Freya said inly, her voice as direct as ever. ¡°After dinner, I¡¯ll change your bandages.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t budge, his eyes unreadable, bottomless as a well. If the past had never happened, would she have chosen him?


    ¡°What is it?¡± Freya asked, stepping inside. ¡°Are you in pain again, or just feeling off?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian replied, his voice rough, like a de worn down from overuse.


    It sounded like he¡¯de to a decision. He tossed aside the nket and trudged forward, each step heavier than thest.


    Freya parted her lips, ready to speak¡ªbut thought better of it. Ellis watched carefully as Kristian emerged, scanning for any signs of instability. ¡°Dinner?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kristian answered tly.


    Ellis brought over the dishes, still warm. Freya helped him set the table. Kristian watched them¡ªtwo people moving in sync, familiar and at ease. A flicker of emotion crossed his face, but inside, everything just felt hollow.


    Maybe, maybe Ellis was the right one for her after all.


    ¡°Eat,¡± Freya said, cing thest dish before him. It had all been saved for him.


    Kristian took a bite. The vors were rich, but the bitterness in his heart was overwhelming.


    After a few bites, he set the fork down and looked up at them. ¡°You went to see Lawrence this afternoon, didn¡¯t you?¡± he asked Freya.


    ¡°I did,¡± she said simply, not bothering to lie.


    ¡°What did he say?¡± Kristian asked, chewing slowly.


    .


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 Chapter 921

    ?Chapter 921:


    Freya hesitated. She wasn¡¯t sure if telling him was the right move. But Kristian¡¯s tone was steady now¡ªquiet, somber, but without the jagged edges from earlier.


    ¡°It¡¯s fine. Just tell me. I can handle it.¡±


    ¡°He said¡­ he can help you regain your memories,¡± Freya answered.


    ¡°It¡¯s up to you when. You decide the timing.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Kristian said. Nothing more. Just silence and steady chewing, one bite after another.


    Freya watched him closely. Hours ago, he had been a man on the brink¡ªnow, he just seemed¡­ drained.


    Ten minutester, Kristian set down his empty te.


    He turned to Ellis. ¡°I want to talk. Just us.¡±


    ¡°Where?¡±


    ¡°Freya¡¯s study.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Without another word to her, the two of them walked off into the study, closing the door behind them.


    Kristian¡¯s emotions held steady¡ªbarely tethered, thanks to the medicine¡ªbut the calm didn¡¯t dull the edge of what he needed to say. Inside that room, the air was thick with unspoken truths, and Freya was left on the outside looking in.


    All she knew was that Kristian was the first toe out. He said nothing, just made his way back to his room and shut the door.


    On the balcony, under the cool night sky, Kristian pulled out his phone and punched in Lawrence¡¯s number with grim resolve.


    At that moment, Lawrence was busy¡ªJacob stood before him, handing over clean clothes and chatting casually. Lawrence felt a strange warmth in his chest.


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    Jacob still gave a damn.


    But just as Lawrence began to let that rarefort sink in, his phone buzzed sharply.


    He nced at the screen¡ªand saw Kristian¡¯s name. His jaw tightened. The moment shattered. Suppressing the frustration that surged like a rising tide, Lawrence drew a breath and steadied himself. Kristian better have a damn good reason for calling.


    Lawrence must say that Kristian had a habit of ruining his moments every single time.


    Jacob, ever unreadable, nced over and noticed Lawrence staring at his phone without responding, his voice cool and detached as always. ¡°I left you some clothes here. Dinner¡¯s on the table outside. Eat when you¡¯re done with your call.¡±


    ¡°Jacob.¡± Lawrence called out, ignoring the persistent ring of the phone for the moment.


    Jacob turned back, his expression impassive, almost indifferent. Lawrence¡¯s gaze shimmered with turmoil. After a pause that dragged on too long, he finally asked, ¡°You still care about me, don¡¯t you?¡±


    ¡°Answer your phone.¡± With that, Jacob walked away, leaving the question hanging in the air like smoke.


    Did he care? Even he didn¡¯t have the answer to that. But if there was one thing he knew for sure, it was this¡ªhe hadn¡¯t forgiven the past. Letting Lawrence stay this time hade from pity, nothing more.


    As the door clicked shut behind him, Lawrence clenched his jaw, ring at the still-ringing device. If it hadn¡¯t been for that damn call, maybe Jacob would¡¯ve said something.


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 Chapter 922

    ?Chapter 922:


    Drawing in a long breath, he finally swiped to pick up. ¡°Hello, what¡¯s so urgent thiste at night?¡±


    ¡°Are you at yourb?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice came through steady, eerily t.


    ¡°At a friend¡¯s ce.¡± Lawrence kept it brief, his tone warm but guarded.


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Freya told me what you two talked about.¡± Kristian leaned back slightly against the bedframe, a storm flickering behind his calm gaze.


    ¡°I¡¯lle see you tomorrow. Don¡¯t mention it to her.¡±


    Lawrence blinked, clearly thrown. ¡°What for?¡±


    ¡°To get my memories back,¡± Kristian said, his voice quiet but firm. If he hadn¡¯t known that Freya was with Ellis, maybe he would¡¯ve stayed¡ªclung to the hope of reiming a ce in her heart.


    But now, there was no need.


    He could see Ellis was good to her¡ªsteady, dependable. With him by Freya¡¯s side, Kristian could finally let go.


    So it was better this way. Let the old Kristian return. After all, Freya had always just wanted him to be okay.


    ¡°What?¡± Lawrence thought for a second he¡¯d misheard.


    ¡°Get my memories back,¡± Kristian repeated calmly. ¡°Once that happens, will I go back to the way I was?¡±


    Lawrence was still catching up but answered, ¡°More or less.¡±


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    ¡°Then be ready. I¡¯lle over tomorrow morning.¡± Kristian¡¯s voice stayed even, but the thought of never seeing Freya again made his chest feel strangely hollow. ¡°That¡¯s all. I¡¯m hanging up.¡± He was just about to end the call when Lawrence cut in.


    ¡°Wait!¡±


    Kristian paused, silent.


    ¡°Why now? Why are you suddenly okay with restoring them?¡± Lawrence¡¯s instincts kicked in, alert and uneasy. ¡°Did Freya say something? Or is there another reason?¡±


    ¡°You know me better than anyone, don¡¯t you?¡± Kristian replied coolly.


    Lawrence froze.


    Kristian didn¡¯t waste another word. The call ended.


    Lawrence stood frozen, those parting words echoing in his head. What the hell was this? By every logical measure, Kristian should¡¯ve still been obsessed with Freya¡ªpossessive, unrelenting.


    When Freya said that she would leave the decision up to Kristian, Lawrence had seen it as a dangerous gamble. In his view, Kristian would never go along with it.


    So what had changed? What on earth had made Kristian back off now? His own intervention should¡¯ve ensured Kristian prioritized Freya above everything else.


    He wanted to ask Freya directly, but Kristian¡¯s words stopped him cold. Kristian might act sweet and obedient in front of Freya, but if Lawrence dared expose anything to her, the fallout would be catastrophic.


    With his thoughts in chaos, Lawrence¡¯s feelings were fixed.


    He had felt disheartened before, when Freya and Jacob dismissed his work. But now he was on the edge of doubting all of it.


    Kristian¡¯s behavior had thrown his entire theory off.


    Grabbing his phone, Lawrence walked out. The living room was deserted, so he climbed the stairs and found Jacob upstairs, still reading.


    .


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 Chapter 923

    ?Chapter 923:


    Jacob barely spared him a nce before returning to his book, wholly uninterested.


    ¡°You busy?¡± Lawrence kept his tone as even as he could. ¡°I need to talk.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°I want to discuss Kristian¡¯s situation.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not really in my wheelhouse. Find someone who knows what they¡¯re doing.¡± Jacob didn¡¯t sugarcoat things.


    ¡°His personality¡¯s changed drastically.¡± Lawrence pushed on, undeterred. ¡°Logically, he should still be madly in love with Freya¡ªpossessively so. But just now, he said he wants his old memories back.¡±


    Bringing his memories back would mean the real Kristian would surface again.


    If Kristian genuinely believed he was a secondary persona, then shouldn¡¯t he be terrified of being erased? His actions made no sense.


    Jacob¡¯s fingers halted mid-page.


    Lawrence waited.


    ¡°You can erase memories, sure. You can nt ideas in the mind,¡± Jacob said atst, his voice heavy with sleep. ¡°But the heart? That¡¯s wild territory. Even the person themselves can¡¯t see where they¡¯re headed till they¡¯re already there. What makes you think you can?¡±


    Lawrence was a doctor, and sure, no one knew Kristian¡¯s case better than he did.


    But people weren¡¯t forms, and thoughts weren¡¯t neat variables.


    ¡°So, what? You¡¯re saying my research means nothing?¡± For the first time, Lawrence genuinely questioned that possibility.


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    ¡°You can try and mold someone¡ªstrip away their emotions, make them resilient and unshakable,¡± Jacob said tly, offering nofort. ¡°But eventually, life gets in. The world breaks down whatever walls you put up. Emotionlessness crumbles. Resilience cracks.¡±


    A truly strong heart wasn¡¯t one built by science. It was forged through living.


    Seeing the way Lawrence stood there, Jacob added, ¡°Humans have emotions and desires. You can¡¯t surgically remove that.¡±


    Lawrence exhaled, the weight in his chest growing heavier.


    Everything had slipped from his control. If Kristian regained those memories, vengeance would follow close behind. Lawrence knew just how deep that de could cut.


    ¡°When did he say he wanted his memories back?¡± Jacob¡¯s voice was casual, too casual. The timing, though, was calcted.


    Still trapped in his thoughts about the aftermath, Lawrence gave a straight answer. ¡°Tomorrow.¡±


    Jacob made a sound¡ªbarely a murmur. ¡°Hmm.¡± Lawrence blinked.


    Something didn¡¯t sit right.


    A split secondter, he realized what he¡¯d done. Why the hell had he said that out loud? If he went back to theb, Jacob would never let him stay here again.


    The next morning, Freya rolled out of bed, freshened up, and headed to check on Kristian.


    A sticky note on his door caught her eye. It read, ¡°Freya, had to run out for something. I¡¯m with Gerard, so no worries.¡±


    She shot Kristian a quick text, asking if he¡¯d be back for lunch.


    He replied he wouldn¡¯t.


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 Chapter 924

    ?Chapter 924:


    To be sure, she messaged Gerard, asking him to keep a close eye on Kristian and ping her if anything popped up. Gerard¡¯s response was a curt ¡°Got it.¡±


    Satisfied Kristian was in good hands, Freya rxed.


    She was about to whip up some breakfast when Ellis showed up, calling her over to eat.


    ¡°From now on, I¡¯m keeping you fed and looked after,¡± Ellis said, well aware cooking wasn¡¯t her forte. ¡°No need to mess around in the kitchen.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t need to do that,¡± Freya said, brushing it off on reflex. Ellis gave her a look, catching that stubborn streak of hers, and nudged gently, ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your boyfriend.¡±


    ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s my job to make sure you¡¯re taken care of,¡± Ellis said, his voice slow and easy, with a yful edge. ¡°Or what, you gonna turn down my efforts now and then ditch meter with some excuse?¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes widened, caught off guard. She shook her head fast. ¡°Nope.¡± She was going to treat their rtionship seriously because she had consented to it. She wasn¡¯t the type to be hesitant.


    However, something Greta had dropped earlier stuck with her. After a brief pause, she spoke up.


    ¡°When are you ditching your job to go back and take over the family business?¡± Her voice carried a rare weight. Ellis cocked a brow.


    ¡°Trying to get rid of me?¡±


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    ¡°You joined Anita International and took the assistant gig to get close to me, didn¡¯t you?¡± Freya said, cool and straight-up. ¡°Now that you¡¯ve got what you wanted, isn¡¯t it time to head back and run the family empire?¡±


    Ellis froze, his eyes pinning hers.


    That didn¡¯t add up. Freya wasn¡¯t the type to unravel his ns like that.


    ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡± Freya asked, shifting under his stare.


    Ellis cut to the chase. ¡°You knew I joined yourpany to chase you?¡±


    ¡°Greta and Frederick let it slip a couple days ago,¡± Freya said, without hesitation.


    A faint grin tugged at Ellis¡¯s mouth. That checked out. She wouldn¡¯t have sniffed it out on her own.


    ¡°My dad¡¯s got thepany on lock, so I¡¯m not sweating it,¡± Ellis said, his voice steady and warm. ¡°My real job¡¯s looking after my girlfriend and helping her sort out her messes.¡±


    Freya had nothing to say to that. She let it go and focused on her breakfast.


    After eating, Freya was set to dig into the reports Ellis had brought. But as she started to walk away, Ellis called, ¡°Freya.¡± She spun around.


    Ellis held a bouquet of bright yellow roses, their petals practically glowing.


    ¡°For you,¡± he said, passing her the vivid blooms, his smile soft and easy. ¡°Yellow roses stand for friendship and warmth¡ªthought they fit where we¡¯re at. I know you¡¯d pick these over some in-your-face red ones.¡±


    In their world, thenguage of flowers didn¡¯t hold much weight. What mattered was what they liked. If she was into it, that was all that counted.


    After a brief pause, Freya extended her hand to take the bouquet. Her heart warmed. ¡°Thank you.¡±


    ¡°Are you fond of it?¡±


    .


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 Chapter 925

    ?Chapter 925:


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Ellis murmured, ¡°Give me a kiss.¡± His lips curved into a lovely smile as his rich voice carried a mischievous fascination.


    Freya stopped. A kiss?


    With an indulgent tone, Ellis gave her a slight forehead flick. ¡°Look at the blossom in the center. Inside is a gift that is concealed. Don¡¯t you want to have a look?¡±


    After closely examining the bouquet, Freya discovered a ne tucked somewhere among the flowers.


    Bracelets, nes, and earrings had never really appealed to her. She hardly ever wore jewelry unless it was for a formal asion. She hadn¡¯t purchased any for herself over the years.


    However, as she gazed at the ne tucked away among the flowers, she began to grow fonder of it.


    She plucked it out, turning it over in her hands, a small smile creeping onto her lips without her noticing.


    Ellis caught her reaction and knew he¡¯d nailed the gift.


    Every girl wanted to feel cherished. Freya, for all her strength and always looking out for others, was still just a girl who deserved to be cherished and loved.


    ¡°Captain.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes shimmered with feeling as she pushed up on her toes and brushed a quick kiss across his cheek.


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    Ellis wasn¡¯t ready for that. He went still, the soft graze of her lips on his skin like a feather tickling his heart.


    Before he could soak it in, Freya was already bolting with the flowers.


    Ellis watched her vanish through the doorway, his fingers grazing where her lips had been. His smile deepened, eyes glinting with amusement. Freya kissed him.


    He didn¡¯t chase after her.


    He knew she might seem cool as ice, but she was surprisingly shy about this stuff. As her boyfriend, he had to give her space.


    Only when Freya shut her bedroom door did it hit her what she¡¯d done. Her heart was racing, the memory of tipping up to kiss Ellis looping in her head like a stuck record.


    She pinched the bridge of her nose. How¡¯d she lose her cool and kiss him?


    Once she¡¯d calmed down, she set the flowers in the study and googled what makes a good gift for a boyfriend.


    Nothing she found felt quite right.


    Out of ideas, she fired off a message to Greta and Riley. ¡°What¡¯s a solid gift for a guy?¡±


    Greta and Riley were stumped.


    Curiosity lit up, and Greta asked, ¡°Who¡¯s it for?¡±


    Was it Kristian? Or someone else? Did Ellis know?


    Freya typed back, ¡°Not for me. A friend¡¯s picking something for her boyfriend but can¡¯t decide what works.¡±


    Greta wasn¡¯t buying it¡ªshe thought it was Freya.


    But then she remembered Ellis saying he¡¯d only confess to Freya after dealing with Kristian, so it couldn¡¯t be him.


    Riley chimed in, ¡°Depends on your friend¡¯s budget.¡±


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    .

 Chapter 926

    ?Chapter 926:


    Freya replied, ¡°Money¡¯s not an issue.¡±


    Greta rattled off, ¡°Cars, houses, watches, ties, cufflinks, clothes¡ªall fair game.¡±


    Riley added, ¡°Cars and houses work for anyone. Watches, ties, cufflinks for the business crowd. For sporty types, signed jerseys or their favorite kicks. Gamers? CPUs, PCs, mechanical keyboards, gaming mice¡­¡±


    Freya eyed the list, mulling it over.


    Ellis was in the business world now, so a watch seemed like a good start. His current one looked beat-up from years of wear. She could figure out the restter.


    Her mind made up after careful deliberation, Freya set out with determination.


    Having thoroughly examined Kristian¡¯s condition in the report, she ventured into town to purchase a watch for Ellis.


    She wandered through prestigious boutiques before finally selecting an elegant Patek Philippe. With a quick, confident swipe of her card, shepleted the transaction and carried her treasure home.


    Meanwhile, across town, Kristian¡¯s situation unfolded differently.


    Upon reaching Lawrence¡¯sb, he immediately contacted Lawrence, who appeared with visible reluctance, grumbling under his breath the entire journey. Despite his obvious foul mood, Lawrence¡¯s expression transformed the moment heid eyes on Kristian.


    With a smile that brightened the atmosphere like morning sunlight, Lawrence greeted him.


    ¡°borate on the risks involved in memory restoration,¡± Kristian inquired, his lips barely moving. His impably tailored suit entuated hismanding presence, every aspect of his appearance reflecting calcted precision.


    Lawrence, his curiosity piqued, probed deeper. ¡°Might I inquire about your motivation for memory restoration? Has your affection for Freya diminished?¡±


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    Kristian deflected the inquiry with cold efficiency, refusing to entertain the topic further. ¡°That¡¯s irrelevant to our discussion. Simply assist me in recovering my memories.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you concerned about losing your sense of self?¡±


    ¡°That bears no significance.¡±


    Lawrence stood momentarily speechless. No significance? Could someone of Kristian¡¯s character truly harbor such indifference?


    ¡°How extensive is the recovery timeline?¡± Kristian pressed, his eyes devoid of their characteristic intensity, emotions masterfully concealed beneath a stoic exterior. ¡°What dangers should I anticipate? Upon memory restoration, will normalcy returnpletely?¡±


    ¡°The process requires twelve hours to three days,¡± Lawrence responded candidly. ¡°Regardingplications, partial memory fragmentation represents the worst scenario. Beyond that,plications remain minimal.¡±


    ¡°Noted.¡± Kristian rose from his seat.


    He retrieved a slender, delicate box from within his jacket and extended it toward Gerard. His gaze deepened with emotion, his voice betraying the slightest tremor. ¡°Following my memory restoration, deliver this to Freya.¡±


    Gerard epted the offering obediently but noticed Kristian¡¯s lingering grip on the box.


    Confusion shed across Gerard¡¯s features as he observed Kristian transfixed by the container, seemingly lost in contemtion, as though it housed something of profound importance.


    ¡°Shall I request Ms. Briggs¡¯s presence?¡± Gerard suggested thoughtfully. ¡°Herpany might providefort during your recovery process.¡±


    ¡°Unnecessary.¡± Kristian finally relinquished his hold.


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 Chapter 927

    ?Chapter 927:


    Freya¡¯s presence might weaken his resolve, potentially reverting him to his former self. Having determined not to burden her further, he needed to maintain his course. Sometimes, the most profound farewells remained unspoken.


    ¡°Let¡¯s proceed,¡± Kristian dered, his expression resolute, carrying himself with the gravitas of a man willing to sacrifice everything. ¡°Minimize all potential risks. I wish to spare her any further concern regarding my welfare.¡±


    Lawrence found his attitude perplexing yet acquiesced. ¡°This way.¡±


    Kristian followed diligently, with Gerard trailing behind, apprehension evident about possibleplications. This time, Lawrence offered no resistance.


    Within the specialized medical chamber, Lawrence conducted meticulous examinations on Kristian to confirm optimal condition. Only after thorough verification did he instruct Kristian to don medical attire and position himself on the examination bed.


    Kristianplied with each directive without hesitation.


    Before administering the crucial injection, Lawrence paused momentarily and spoke with unexpected gentleness. ¡°One final opportunity remains to contact Freya. Should you forgo this chance, awakening will return you entirely to your former self.¡±


    Lawrence understood that Kristian wasn¡¯t merely a secondary personality. Nevertheless, since Kristian insisted on perceiving himself as such, Lawrence decided to amodate this belief for the time being.


    ¡°No need,¡± Kristian dered firmly, dismissing the suggestion. After a heavy silence descended between them, Lawrence ventured cautiously, ¡°Not even a simple farewell?¡±


    Kristian sealed his eyes shut, refusing to engage with the question.


    The prospect of bidding Freya goodbye face-to-face crushed his resolve. Rather than that, it was better this way.


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    Lawrence struggled toprehend Kristian¡¯s reasoning. Conflict flickered across his features as he attempted one final persuasion. ¡°Are you absolutely certain you wish to leave without saying anything?¡±


    ¡°One more word, and I¡¯ll dismantle this entire facility,¡± Kristian snarled, his antipathy toward Lawrence zing through hisposed facade. ¡°And obliterate you in the process.¡±


    He had barely managed to contain his turbulent feelings for Freya, yet Lawrence continued prodding at his vulnerable state. Didn¡¯t this man realize how excruciating it was to restrain one¡¯s deepest emotions?


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll stop it.¡± Lawrence recognized the futility of his efforts and exhaled a silent surrender. ¡°Let¡¯smence the procedure.¡± He administered the medication into Kristian¡¯s system.


    Kristian¡¯s awareness gradually blurred around the edges until darkness enveloped his consciousnesspletely.


    In those fleeting moments before oblivion imed him, Freya¡¯s visage illuminated his fading thoughts.


    Lawrence guided Gerard from the room, securing the medical chamber behind them.


    Gerard peered through the expansive observation window, anxiety creeping into his usuallyposed demeanor. ¡°Dr. Hayes, will these sophisticated instruments truly resurrect Mr. Shaw¡¯s former memories?¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Lawrence confirmed.


    Beyond the technological apparatus, the recently administeredpound yed the crucial role. Since they soughtplete memory restoration, hypnotic techniques proved unnecessary.


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 Chapter 928

    ?Chapter 928:


    ¡°Reveal the contents of that box he entrusted to you.¡± Lawrence couldn¡¯t suppress his genuine intrigue about Kristian¡¯s parting gift for Freya.


    Gerard maintained his characteristic pleasant expression. ¡°This belongs exclusively to Ms. Briggs. I cannot relinquish it to anyone else.¡±


    ¡°I needprehensive insight into his condition. What if that container holds vital information that influences his recovery process?¡± Lawrence attempted to justify his curiosity with professional concern. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just assure me the medical¡­¡±


    ¡°Equipment would sessfully restore his memories?¡± Gerard wasn¡¯t easily deceived and recognized Lawrence¡¯s simple desire to examine Kristian¡¯s keepsake. ¡°If that¡¯s the case, your understanding of this item bears no relevance to the procedure.¡±


    ¡°Do you truly wish to jeopardize your employer¡¯s wellbeing?¡± Lawrence deliberately altered his tone to one of implied threat.


    Gerard offered no verbal response, merely regarding him with unwavering politeness and the faintest hint of a smile.


    Their gazes locked in silent confrontation for several tense moments.


    Lawrence eventually abandoned his pursuit. Even essing a simple object from Kristian¡¯s assistant proved remarkably challenging. He secretly sighed to himself.


    ¡°Are you aware of recent developments between him and Freya over the past two days?¡± Lawrence attempted a more indirect approach. ¡°This information could prove essential to his rehabilitation. Shouldplications ariseter, we might leverage these details to mitigate adverse effects.¡±


    ¡°Why not consult Ms. Briggs directly?¡± Gerard recognized the transparent attempt to extract information. ¡°She would possess the most urate knowledge.¡±


    Lawrence found himself at a loss for words. Acknowledging the futility of extracting anything meaningful from Gerard, he retreated to his office.


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    To ensure Kristian¡¯s condition progressed optimally towardplete recovery, he positioned himself before theputer terminal, vigntly monitoring every fluctuation in the instrument readings and documenting them with meticulous precision.


    Meanwhile, Gerard waited patiently in the designated reception area. Contemting the box Kristian had entrusted to him, Gerard experienced aplex tapestry of emotions.


    Heckedplete rity regarding Kristian¡¯s precise circumstances; Freya had withheld details, and he¡¯d refrained from interrogating Lawrence.


    Nevertheless, the recent exchange between Kristian and Lawrence left him profoundly perplexed. If this procedure simply restored memories, why had Lawrence repeatedly insisted that Kristian bid farewell to Freya?


    After mulling it over for what felt like an eternity and stilling up empty, Gerard finally gave up trying to make sense of everything. With deliberate care, he tucked the box away and settled into a quiet wait.


    By the time the clock struck noon, Kristian remained motionless, showing no signs of stirring.


    Over lunch, Gerard cast a nce toward Lawrence¡ªwho wore his usual calm andposed expression¡ªand asked, ¡°Dr. Hayes, any idea how much longer until my boss wakes up?¡±


    ¡°Hard to say,¡± Lawrence responded evenly. ¡°From the looks of it, he¡¯s not likely toe around today. If you¡¯ve got other business to handle, don¡¯t feel like you have to stay. I¡¯ll reach out the moment he wakes.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Gerard said with a nod.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 929

    ?Chapter 929:


    Meanwhile, operations at Shaw Group were slowly getting back into rhythm after the holidays.


    Though the Alerith branch was now under the guidance of the general manager, there were still unresolved issues from the previous year that required Gerard¡¯s attention. Letting them pile up wouldn¡¯t do anyone any favors.


    Lawrence blinked, faintly surprised by Gerard¡¯s answer. He¡¯d just been offering out of courtesy. And yet, Gerard epted.


    ¡°Then I¡¯ll be counting on you to take care of my boss,¡± Gerard said with a small smile, handing him a card. ¡°Here¡¯s my number. If anything happens, don¡¯t hesitate to call.¡±


    Lawrence quirked an eyebrow, slightly intrigued. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried I might take advantage of him?¡±


    Gerard adjusted his sses and said calmly, ¡°He once told me something.¡±


    ¡°Oh? And what was that?¡±


    ¡°For anyone who tries to take advantage of him, he always gets back at them ten times harder.¡±


    Lawrence was momentarily at a loss for words.


    Had anyone else said that, he would¡¯ve brushed it off without a second thought. But this was Kristian Shaw. Despite his usual aloofposure, when it came to settling scores, the man could be downright terrifying.


    To this day, Lawrence had yet to see him truly lose his temper.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Gerard added with polite finality before taking his leave. Lawrence let out a quiet sigh, staring nkly at the unfinished food before him. Why had he ever gotten himself tangled up with Kristian in the first ce?


    The rest of the day passed without incident. Gerard immersed himself in work at Shaw Group, determined to clear the smaller tasks from his te before Kristian made a full recovery.


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    That way, whether Kristian chose to stay in Alerith or return to things, everything would be in order.


    At the same time, unaware of the situation on Kristian¡¯s end, Freya had picked out a gift and delivered it to Ellis. With a casual smile, she remarked, ¡°A gift for my boyfriend.¡±


    Ellis examined the sleek, luxurious watch with a thoughtful expression before turning his gaze to Freya.


    Inparison, the gift he¡¯d prepared felt almostckluster.


    ¡°It didn¡¯t catch your eye?¡± Freya asked, puzzled by his subdued reaction.


    From what she knew of him, this watch was right up his alley. So why did he seem hesitant?


    ¡°You got it wrong,¡± Ellis said, awkwardness creeping into his usually confident voice. It was, after all, his first real rtionship. ¡°I was just thinking about what I should get you next time.¡±


    Freya blinked in surprise. Next time? Another gift? Then what would she have to give him in return?


    ¡°Freya,¡± Ellis called softly.


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    He looked into her lovely eyes, his lips parting ever so slightly before he pulled her into his arms, letting his warmth envelop her.


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 Chapter 930

    Chapter 930:


    Freya was momentarily stunned by the sudden gesture. Why was he hugging her out of nowhere?


    ¡°Is there anything you want?¡± he asked, easing back a little so he could meet her gaze.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya replied truthfully. ¡°I don¡¯t need anything.¡±


    If she ever wanted something, she¡¯d simply go out and get it herself.


    Hearing that, Ellis began to ponder what to get her for her uing birthday¡ªsomething that wouldn¡¯t just make her smile but carry meaning too.


    Freya stepped back from his embrace and offered him the watch once more. ¡°Try it on. See if you like it.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Ellis said offhandedly, his tone casual.


    Freya¡¯s brows knit together. She wasn¡¯t thrilled by that response.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Ellis replied, deliberately vague.


    ¡°So¡­ are you saying you¡¯ve received better gifts before?¡± Freya asked, a trace of disappointment creeping into her voice. She had genuinely put thought into choosing this. ¡°From who?¡±


    A faint smile tugged at Ellis¡¯s lips as he slowly said two words, ¡°My first love.¡±


    In that instant, all the brightness drained from Freya¡¯s face. A familiar ache welled up in her chest¡ªan emotion she hadn¡¯t felt in a long time. For a fleeting second, she wanted to bolt.


    She¡¯d always believed she¡¯d left the past behind, but now she realized some part of her still clung to it.


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    Just hearing her partner mention a ¡°first love¡± or ¡°ex¡± was enough to stir a primal fear.


    Would Ellis choose his old me if it ever came down to a decision?


    ¡°That¡¯s nice,¡± she said, averting her eyes as her mood plummeted. ¡°I¡¯ve got a few things to take care of. I¡¯ll head out now.¡±


    She couldn¡¯t bring herself to argue over something so small.


    After all, he was justparing gifts. It wasn¡¯t worth making a scene. But no matter how much she rationalized it, the hurt lingered. She even had the urge to blurt out something reckless, like, ¡°If you love her gift so much, maybe you should go be with her.¡± It took every ounce of restraint to keep those words in.


    Ellis noticed the shift in her demeanor and quickly caught on. As she turned to leave, he grabbed her hand.


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± she asked, her tone cool and distant, though she masked her frustration well.


    Ellis reached out and gave her forehead a gentle flick.


    Freya instinctively covered her forehead, now visibly annoyed. Not only had he failed to appreciate her gift, but now he was teasing her? Did he think she wouldn¡¯t get mad?


    ¡°What are you overthinking now?¡± Ellis asked with a mix of fondness and concern. ¡°You¡¯re my first love. The best gift I¡¯ve ever gotten¡­ is you. There¡¯s no one else. No exes. No past.¡±


    It was his own fault. He¡¯d just wanted to tease her a little, hoping she¡¯d piece together the idea that she was the real gift. But he hadn¡¯t stopped to consider how deeply Kristian¡¯s ex had once wounded her.


    Freya froze, her anger dissipating in a heartbeat. ¡°What?¡±


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    .

 Chapter 931

    ?Chapter 931:


    ¡°You¡¯re the one I care about most. My one and only,¡± Ellis said sincerely. ¡°The best gift I¡¯ve ever received was yesterday, when you said yes to my confession.¡±


    ¡°Then why didn¡¯t you just say you liked it? Why call it ¡®alright¡¯?¡± Freya¡¯s heart finally settled.


    ¡°My bad,¡± Ellis admitted, not bothering to make excuses. ¡°I was trying to be yful¡­ didn¡¯t think it through.¡±


    ¡°No exes? Really?¡±


    ¡°None.¡±


    Freya fell quiet. It wasn¡¯t the existence of exes that bothered her. What truly hurt was the thought of beingpared to them¡ªworse, being second to them.


    If this had been Kristian, she¡¯d have fired back without a second thought. But this was Ellis.


    He wasn¡¯t just her boyfriend. He had once been her captain.


    ¡°Frederick¡¯s made more than a few jabs with Cade about how I¡¯m destined to stay single forever¡ªring a bell?¡± Ellis asked.


    He hadn¡¯t expected Freya to take things this way. Mostly because they¡¯d talked about it before. He figured the whole team knew he¡¯d never dated anyone, but it hadn¡¯t urred to him that Freya, with everything she¡¯d been through, might forget now and then.


    Freya hesitated, her lips parting slightly but no wordsing out.


    Of course she remembered. Back then, Greta and Riley used to tease about whether Ellis was always single because he was too obsessed with work or because he intimidated anyone who dared to show interest.


    She¡¯d been there. She¡¯d heard every word.


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    But the moment Ellis had casually brought up ¡°first love¡± earlier, her mind had spiraled toward the worst possible assumption, conveniently skipping over the fact that he¡¯d always been thoroughly unattached. Now that she thought about it, she realized howpletely off-base her anger had been.


    She mulled over her words for a beat, then decided to say what needed saying.


    Ellis beat her to it, gently ruffling her hair with his broad palm. ¡°There¡¯s no reason to stress over whatever¡¯s haunting you. I¡¯ve never had an ex, and even if I did, I¡¯d still choose you¡ªevery time, without question.¡±


    ¡°What if she¡¯s right and I¡¯m the one who¡¯s wrong?¡± Freya asked quietly.


    ¡°Then I¡¯d stand by you even more, and make sure you felt unshakably confident.¡± The slight curve of Ellis¡¯s lips held a warmth so rich it bordered on indulgence. ¡°I want everyone to see that you¡¯re someone worth standing up for.¡±


    Freya had never been one for romantic lines; they usually made her cringe. But right now, the warmth blooming in her chest caught her off guard.


    She¡¯d always told herself that a sense of security had toe from within. Yet in this moment, she realized it could be something shared¡ªpart self-made, part gifted by someone who truly cared.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± Freya said with quiet sincerity. Ellis had always been open with her, and she wanted to offer the same in return. ¡°I misunderstood you.¡±


    ¡°I should¡¯ve been more clear from the start; there¡¯s no need for you to apologize,¡± Ellis replied, giving her hair another affectionate tousle, his voice calm and grounding.


    ¡°And honestly? I¡¯d much rather hear you say you love me.¡± Freya blinked, stunned.


    Now that the air had cleared, she felt a little sheepish. Why had her imagination run so wild earlier? Ellis was so genuinely good¡ªhow had she even let herself think those things?


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 Chapter 932

    ?Chapter 932:


    ¡°Put it on me,¡± Ellis said as he gently pulled her toward the couch. Freya took off the worn watch on his wrist and fastened the new one she¡¯d bought for him.


    She had to admit¡ªit suited him perfectly.


    Ellis watched her quietly as she handled the switch, then let his fingers linger on the old watch, his voice steady and casual. ¡°Aren¡¯t you curious about the story behind this one?¡±


    Freya blinked in surprise. A story? Wasn¡¯t it just a watch?


    ¡°Forget it,¡± Ellis said, catching the flicker of confusion in her eyes. He tucked the old watch away instead of tossing it.


    Freya¡¯s curiosity spiked. But now that she was sure he didn¡¯t have an ex, she didn¡¯t let her thoughts spiral. She figured it was probably a gift from his parents, or maybe the first big thing he¡¯d ever bought for himself.


    Later on, Freya brought herptop over and settled in at Ellis¡¯s ce to finish some work.


    They stayed together in the study, each immersed in their own responsibilities.


    Freya tackled projects for Anita International Group, while Ellis familiarized himself with department files and internal documents for the Lambert Group.


    Even though he wasn¡¯t nning to take the reins of the family business anytime soon, he knew he had to be ready. If his father ever threw in the towel mid-tantrum, he would have to take over. Ignoring it wasn¡¯t an option.


    Time had a habit of slipping by unnoticed.


    By the time the clock hit 5:30, Ellis had gone to start dinner and asked Freya to check if Kristian would be joining them.


    Freya called, but Kristian didn¡¯t pick up. She tried Gerard next. ¡°Mr. Shaw won¡¯t be home tonight,¡± Gerard informed her, though he sounded a little nervous¡ªlike he hoped she wouldn¡¯t dig too deep.


    Freya kept it simple. ¡°Okay,¡± she said, then added, ¡°What¡¯s he busy with?¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s ssified. He told me not to tell you,¡± Gerard said, only half-lying.


    ¡°But don¡¯t worry, he¡¯s doing well.¡±


    ¡°If anything happens, let me know,¡± Freya said, not pressing further.


    She trusted Kristian whenever he was with Gerard. Gerard was meticulous to a fault and dependable in every sense¡ªsomeone she knew she could always trust.


    Freya ended the call, then turned to Ellis. ¡°Kristian¡¯s noting for dinner.¡±


    Ellis nodded and adjusted the portions ordingly, making just enough for two.


    As she watched him moving about the kitchen with practiced ease, Freya paused for a moment and said, ¡°Ellis, why don¡¯t we hire a cook? That way you can focus more on work and less on cooking.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Ellis replied easily. ¡°I¡¯ve got it covered.¡±


    Sure, hiring a cook would be more efficient¡ªbut he wanted to show his care through meals, to win her over one dish at a time.


    That was the only way he could feel truly at ease. Freya didn¡¯t push the topic.


    Back when she was practically living at the office, Melvin had always taken care of her meals. She¡¯d never really thought about hiring a cook. At the time, her mother had still been around, and Freya used to go home nearly every weekend. By 6:30 p.m., dinner was ready.


    Just as Freya was about to eat, her phone buzzed. It was Ethel.


    Freya answered and put it on speaker. ¡°Hello, what¡¯s up?¡±


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 Chapter 933

    ?Chapter 933:


    ¡°Mina, are you home?¡± Ethel¡¯s voice echoed faintly through the speaker.


    Freya thought she heard a strange reverberation, but figured it was just a glitch. ¡°Yeah, I¡¯m home. What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m outside your door. Can you let me in?¡± Ethel asked.


    In the past, Ethel would¡¯ve just let herself in with the code.


    But after Christmas, their father hadid down a new rule¡ªEthel had to knock before entering Freya¡¯s ce.


    Ethel was sharp; she¡¯d immediately understood why. She didn¡¯t want to intrude if Freya and Ellis were having a private moment.


    Freya froze.


    Ellis noticed her expression and asked gently, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    Ethel was caught off guard. That voice¡ªit was Ellis!


    She nced at n, then quickly turned to knock on Ellis¡¯s door, ending the call as she did.


    ¡°It¡¯s She¡­¡±


    The doorbell chimed.


    Ellis ruffled Freya¡¯s hair once more before heading over, his long strides light and effortless.


    When the door opened, Ethel poked her head in and spotted Freya at the dining table, her eyes lighting up.


    ¡°Ellis, let Mina know to stop by her own ce after dinner,¡± Ethel said politely. ¡°We¡¯re heading out soon.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s gaze drifted past her andnded on n standing just behind.


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    He nudged the door wider and stepped aside. ¡°Come in and join us. We¡¯ll talk while we eat.¡±


    Ethel waved him off. ¡°Thanks, but we don¡¯t want to impose.¡±


    ¡°Thanks for the invitation.¡± n, however, didn¡¯t hesitate. He walked right in.


    Ethel grabbed n¡¯s arm, eyes wide with disbelief as she stared at him. ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡±


    ¡°Just grabbing a bite,¡± said n, ying it cool even though he could hardly contain himself. Actually, he was far more excited than Ethel. ¡°Didn¡¯t he say we could join?¡±


    Ethel narrowed her eyes and gave him a pointed stare. ¡°You¡¯ve already had dinner, remember?¡±


    It made no sense barging in like this, especially when Freya and Ellis were clearly enjoying their private time. Her cousin was supposed to be sensible. Instead, he was doing the exact opposite.


    Though he picked up on her re, n wasn¡¯t ready to give up.


    Curiosity had him hooked. ¡°When exactly did I eat?¡±


    ¡°n!¡±


    ¡°Rx. We¡¯d be rude to turn down his offer.¡±


    Left without options, Ethel trailed in behind him.


    Every now and then, n¡¯s eyes drifted toward Ellis.


    He thought back¡ªwasn¡¯t this the same ridiculously attractive guy who had once walked Freya to her door? And yet, Freya had insisted there was nothing between them. Still, if that were true, why were they sharing dinner alone?


    Ethel¡¯s voice came out soft and unsure. ¡°Mina¡­¡±


    Right away, her eyesnded on Freya¡¯s coat tossed across the sofa and a stack of paperwork spread out on the table.


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 Chapter 934

    ?Chapter 934:


    The signs were all there¡ªthey¡¯d clearly spent a good chunk of the day together. Was she really barging in on their date?


    ¡°Go ahead and eat,¡± Freya said with a rxed tone, already having caught most of their conversation from the hallway. ¡°Talkter.¡±


    Ethel gave a quiet nod and went along.


    n, meanwhile, passed Freya the food container he¡¯d carried in. ¡°Uncle Hugh thought you might not have eaten,¡± he said, his words slow and deliberate. ¡°So he asked us to bring you something.¡±


    The portions Ellis had prepared had initially been small, but now, with the extra meal¡ªit was enough for all four of them.


    Throughout dinner, n couldn¡¯t help but keep stealing nces at Ellis, seated directly across from him. Eventually, curiosity got the better of him. ¡°I think I heard She say your name earlier. You¡¯re Ellis, right?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right. Ellis Lambert,¡± came the calm reply. Ellis wasn¡¯t surprised¡ªhe already knew exactly who n was. While conducting background checks on potential team members, he had taken the time to go through their family histories.


    Naturally, n¡¯s name hade up during Ellis¡¯s earlier background checks.


    ¡°I¡¯m n Briggs, Freya¡¯s cousin,¡± n said with a friendly smile, immediately drawn to Ellis¡¯s calm, grounded presence. ¡°We should hang out sometime.¡±


    Ellis lifted an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.


    Freya kept her distance from people, rarely opened up, and didn¡¯t care much for small talk. n, however, seemed like herplete opposite¡ªeasygoing and eager to connect. The contrast between them couldn¡¯t have been more obvious.


    Ethel looked like she was ready to blow a fuse. She stabbed a piece of meat with her fork and dropped it on n¡¯s te. ¡°Eat some meat, n.¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯m good¡ª¡± he began, but the re she shot him froze the words in his throat.


    He caught the message loud and clear. If he didn¡¯t eat that meat, he¡¯d hear about itter.


    ¡°Ellis has a full te. Don¡¯t bother him about lunch,¡± Freya cut in, stepping in before Ellis could respond. She wasn¡¯t trying to be rude¡ªshe just didn¡¯t want a repeat of n getting tipsy and making a scene.


    ¡°You don¡¯t speak for him,¡± n fired back without hesitation. ¡°You¡¯re not him. How do you know he wouldn¡¯t want to hang out with me?¡±


    The moment the words left his mouth, n felt it¡ªtwo sharp stares zeroing in on him. One from Ethel. The other from Freya.


    Usually, that was enough to make him retreat. When it came to those two, he knew when to shut up. But this time? He stood his ground. He needed to get on Ellis¡¯s good side. Something in his gut told him this guy was solid¡ªthe kind of man one would want in their corner.


    He knew he had to help Freya keep him close.


    ¡°I do what she says,¡± Ellis said casually, his voice smooth and low. There was a faint gleam in his eyes, something unreadable. ¡°She¡¯s the one in charge at home.¡±


    Freya¡¯s fork paused mid-air. Both Ethel and n gawked at him, their eyes wide with shock.


    Ethel nearly choked on her food. She stared at Ellis, then at Freya, then back again, eyes wide with disbelief and a growing grin. ¡°At home?¡± Were they really a thing now? She was itching to get the answer.


    ¡°You two are dating?¡± n asked.


    ¡°We started yesterday,¡± Ellis answered without hesitation. His gaze drifted to Freya, who had her head down, focusing far too hard on her te. ¡°We¡¯re an item now.¡±


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 Chapter 935

    ?Chapter 935:


    ¡°That¡¯s great!¡± Ethel blurted out excitedly. Her grin stretched from ear to ear.


    Freya turned to stare at her. Why was Ethel grinning like she¡¯d just won the lottery?


    n chuckled, clearly pleased. ¡°How about a drink to celebrate?¡±


    Freya and Ethel said in unison, ¡°n.¡±


    ¡°What?¡± he asked, still beaming.


    In his mind, this was how things were meant to be. He¡¯d always thought Ellis was the right one for Freya.


    Now that they were a couple, n felt like everything had finally fallen into ce.


    ¡°Did you already forget how you acted thest time you drank?¡± Freya asked with a polite smile. ¡°Want me to y the video for everyone?¡±


    n froze, the color draining from his face.


    Oh no. Not that video.


    Ethel leaned slightly toward Ellis and said matter-of-factly, ¡°n¡¯s the kind of person who turns every drinking session into a disaster. Anyone sitting near him pays the price.¡±


    ¡°You seriously said that out loud?¡±


    ¡°Is it not the truth?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t you want to see how Ellis handles his liquor?¡± n leaned in and lowered his voice, his tone suddenly conspiratorial. ¡°Drunk behavior shows the real person. It¡¯s a perfect way for Freya to see what he¡¯s made of.¡±


    Ethel shot him a sideways look, clearly unimpressed.


    If alcohol really exposed someone¡¯s true nature, n would¡¯ve been exposed a dozen times over.


    ¡°Up for a drink, Ellis?¡± n asked, a yful glint in his eyes. Before answering, Ellis looked briefly toward Freya. Her presence mattered. But he finally agreed, ¡°Alright.¡±


    There was no mistaking it¡ªFreya and n shared a strong bond. If his hunch was correct, this wasn¡¯t just a friendly drink¡ªit was a quiet test. In that case, he¡¯d go along with it.


    Freya said slowly, her brows drawing together, ¡°n turns into a menace once he¡¯s had a few.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll be fine,¡± Ellis replied with a calm smile. ¡°I can handle him.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t know how to respond. She decided she¡¯d let them do what they wanted. If things spiraledter, she¡¯d make sure n regretted it.


    Feeling triumphant, n pulled out his phone and called a bodyguard to buy some decent liquor. This was his first real meeting with Freya¡¯s boyfriend¡ªonly the best would do.


    ¡°Alright, why are you really here?¡± Freya seized the calm before the storm.


    Knowing n, she understood he wouldn¡¯t show up out of nowhere unless there was something going on.


    Ethel nced at n, and he nced right back.


    ¡°It¡¯s about you. Go on, tell her.¡± Ethel nudged him.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing pressing.¡± n leaned back casually, brushing it off. ¡°Let me have a drink with Ellis first, then we¡¯ll get into it.¡±


    Freya was caught off guard, her surprise evident.


    Suspicion crept into her expression as she turned to Ethel, clearly expecting answers.


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 Chapter 936

    ?Chapter 936:


    ¡°n¡¯s tired of managing thepany.¡± Ethel didn¡¯t hold back in the slightest and, with crisp finality, threw n under the bus. ¡°He told Dad that starting this year, thepany should be passed on to you. Dad and Grandpa are already on board, and n¡¯s even floated the idea to the shareholders.¡±


    Freya hadn¡¯t seen thating.


    n chimed in, ¡°I¡¯ve been running it for you all these years. Isn¡¯t it time you let me off the hook for a bit?¡±


    ¡°Not a chance.¡± Freya¡¯s answer was firm, leaving no room forpromise.


    Hugh agreeing wasn¡¯t unexpected.


    But Miguel¡­ Hadn¡¯t he always looked down on her, convinced she couldn¡¯t do anything right? Why on earth would he be okay with handing Briggs Group over to her?


    ¡°Mina, please.¡± n¡¯s tone was miles away from his usual sharp, businesslike demeanor in the office.


    He had money, plenty of it¡ªbut he kept working anyway.


    Only now, he was tired. He wanted to live a little, to enjoy his wealth in peace.


    ¡°If you really don¡¯t want to run thepany yourself, just hire someone.¡± Freya offered the suggestion with calcted ease, setting a subtle trap. ¡°Let the secretarial department take care of the daily affairs, and you can step in for major decisions.¡±


    ¡°No way.¡± n shot her down without hesitation.


    Briggs Group was Freya¡¯s pride and joy¡ªthere was no way he¡¯d let a stranger run it.


    Seeing his reaction, Freya felt a quiet wave of emotion. He¡¯d always been protective, generous, and endlessly thoughtful toward both her and Ethel.


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    ¡°I¡¯ll have Melvin take over your position next year,¡± Freya said decisively. She had already discussed Anita International¡¯s ns with Hugh and n. ¡°With him in ce, you won¡¯t need to worry.¡±


    ¡°No way. What are you going to do if Melvin moves to Briggs Group?¡± n still didn¡¯t want Freya burdened with too much. ¡°Let me think it over.¡±


    The conversation paused for now, and they went on eating.


    Halfway through the meal, n¡¯s gazended on Ellis.


    ¡°Mina, how about letting your boyfriend manage it?¡± His n was clearly brewing. ¡°If he doesn¡¯t know something, I¡¯ll teach him. I guarantee I¡¯ll turn him into a first-rate boss.¡± Ellis, wisely, stayed quiet.


    He knew Freya would speak on his behalf.


    And sure enough, Freya shut it down without a second¡¯s hesitation. ¡°Ellis has his own family business to handle. Don¡¯t even try to drag him into this.¡±


    ¡°What family business? I¡¯ll manage it for him,¡± n said with unshakable confidence, clearly considering Ellis one of their own. ¡°I swear I¡¯ll run it like clockwork.¡±


    Freya paused. ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Of course. Why wouldn¡¯t I be?¡± n didn¡¯t think twice. It hadn¡¯t even urred to him that the family business Freya mentioned dealt in rare antiques¡ªan area where he had zero expertise.


    Freya turned to Ellis, waiting for his opinion.


    As always, he remained indifferent. ¡°I don¡¯t mind.¡±


    ¡°Then you can report to Lambert Group in a couple of days,¡± Freya said smoothly, her tone steady. ¡°I¡¯ll have Ellis inform his family.¡±


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 Chapter 937

    ?Chapter 937:


    n¡¯s head spun in confusion. Did she just say Lambert Group?


    The Lambert Group he knew, the elusive, nearly invisible empire?


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Freya asked when n didn¡¯t respond for a long moment.


    ¡°Liquor¡¯s here. I¡¯ll go get it.¡± n nced at his buzzing phone, clearly seizing the chance to change the subject as he stood up. ¡°We¡¯ll talkter. No rush.¡±


    Since he didn¡¯t bring it up again, neither did Freya or Ellis.


    When n came back with the liquor, he sat down and began drinking with Ellis, while Freya and Ethel left them to it.


    As usual, n was hoping to get Ellis to let something slip.


    But as the drinks piled up, his own thoughts started to drift.


    At first, the conversation was normal. But the more n drank, the more his tongue loosened, and soon he was slurring drunken warnings at Ellis.


    ¡°Let me tell you, Mina is the treasure of our family,¡± n said, flinging an unsteady arm around Ellis¡¯s shoulder. ¡°If you ever do her wrong, I won¡¯t let you off easy.¡±


    Ellis, still stone-cold sober, nced at Freya, who was lounging on the sofa watching TV with Ethel. His eyes softened with unmistakable affection.


    After a moment, he said quietly, ¡°She¡¯s the center of my world too.¡±


    For the rest of his life, he would cherish her.


    He would protect her with everything he had.


    ¡°n.¡± Ellis opened his phone and began recording, setting his n into motion.


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    n looked pleased.


    Ellis went on, his tone low and steady, ¡°Do you want Freya to suffer?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Do you want her to be overworked?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then how about you keep managing Briggs Group?¡± His voice was calm, deliberate¡ªfirm without raising volume.


    Without even pausing to think, n blurted out, ¡°No problem!¡±


    Ellis was satisfied. He slipped his phone away and stopped drinking with him.


    Noticing the sudden quiet from their side, Freya nced over before getting up and walking over.


    ¡°Take him to my ce,¡± Freya said knowingly. ¡°When he wakes up, he¡¯ll probably think he¡¯s Superman and try to stir up trouble.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Ellis said lightly. ¡°Let him sleep here.¡±


    Since n had a knack for creating chaos, it was better to keep him close.


    Freya hesitated but didn¡¯t press the point.


    Ellis helped n up and took him into the bedroom.


    Watching the thoroughly drunk man, Freya still felt a little uneasy. She was just about to speak when Ellis called out her name.


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m your boyfriend.¡± It was probably the hundredth time he¡¯d emphasized this.


    Freya nodded. ¡°I know.¡±


    ¡°You can lean on me, you know. Stop carrying everything by yourself.¡± He gently pinched her soft, porcin cheek. ¡°Or I¡¯ll look like a trophy boyfriend.¡±


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 Chapter 938

    ?Chapter 938:


    Freya hesitated.


    How did the conversation shift to hispetence all of a sudden?


    ¡°You don¡¯t have to face everything with your guard up, or fix everything alone.¡± Ellis let go of her cheek, his voice dropping into a soft,zy drawl. ¡°You¡¯re not on your own. You¡¯ve got me.¡±


    Freya pressed her lips together. She was used to doing it all on her own.


    ¡°I want to be someone you can depend on,¡± Ellis said, his words slow and measured.


    Freya¡¯s eyes met his, and for a moment, she saw herself reflected in their depths. After a pause, she murmured, ¡°I¡¯ll try.¡±


    ¡°Rely on your boyfriend a little more,¡± Ellis said, ruffling her hair. ¡°It¡¯ll help us bond, you know.¡±


    Freya looked faintly embarrassed.


    A faint smile tugged at Ellis¡¯s lips. Back when they first met, she had been so much more spirited, her words unfiltered and bright.


    Now, she kept everything bottled up. It was the scars from her past rtionship¡ªpeople who¡¯ve been hurt often bury their real selves deep. He¡¯d give her the time she needed. Some things couldn¡¯t be rushed. One day, she would see it¡ªsee that she was truly, wholeheartedly loved.


    Lying on the bed, n felt the room spinning around him. Half-conscious, he cracked open his eyes and looked around.


    At first, n couldn¡¯t have cared less.


    But when he nced around, it was like a jolt of lightning hit him¡ªeyes wide, fully alert.


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    Quick as a whip, he leapt from the bed and threw a wild swing at Ellis. ¡°You creep! Were you the one messing with Mina?¡± The punchnded right in Ellis¡¯s open hand.


    As Freya¡¯s team leader, Ellis had reflexes and skills that left them all in the dust.


    n¡¯s sneak attack? Child¡¯s y for Ellis to block.


    ¡°Let go!¡± n barked, his voice fierce.


    Freya pinched the bridge of her nose. n was doing it again.


    ¡°Touch Mina, and I¡¯ll send you flying,¡± n growled, still half in the bag.


    Ellis, still gripping n¡¯s fist, shot a look over. ¡°Is he¡­ ckout drunk or what?¡±


    Hadn¡¯t Freya just introduced them? How¡¯d he be a creep in n¡¯s mind?


    ¡°Kinda¡­¡± Freya hedged, unsure how to pin it down.


    ¡°Mina, get over here.¡± n, dead serious about protecting her, reached with his free hand to tug her close. ¡°I got your back.¡±


    ¡°n, that¡¯s my boyfriend,¡± Freya said, keeping her tone patient. ¡°He wasn¡¯t messing with me.¡±


    ¡°I saw him trying to nt one on you!¡± n shot back, acting like he had all the evidence in the world.


    From his spot, all he caught was Ellis¡¯s back, which led to misunderstandings.


    Freya cut to the chase. ¡°Isn¡¯t it normal for a boyfriend to kiss his girlfriend?¡±


    n froze. His brain short-circuited. He tried to wrap his head around whether that made sense, but his mind was a total nk.


    ¡°Just hit the hay and stay out of trouble,¡± Freya said firmly. ¡°I¡¯m gonna whip up some honey water for you.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± n nodded.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 939

    ?Chapter 939:


    This time, he didn¡¯t kick up a storm like before and turned surprisingly docile.


    Seeing him calm down, Freya slipped out to make the honey water.


    Without it, he¡¯d be nursing a killer headachee morning.


    Ellis tagged along as they made their way to the kitchen.


    As Freya reached for the honey jar, arge hand beat her to it, brushing over her as her back pressed against his chest, his steady heartbeat thumping against her.


    Freya yanked her hand back, spinning to duck out of his hold. But Ellis wasn¡¯t having it. As she tried to bolt, he nted both hands on the granite counter behind her, boxing her in.


    Freya¡¯s heart jumped into her throat.


    Ellis leaned in a bit, shrinking the space between them, their breaths mixing in the cozy kitchen air.


    Freya¡¯s hands, dangling at her sides, balled into fists, her usually steady gaze now all over the ce. She tried to say something, but the words got stuck.


    Ellis, catching her urge to bolt, shed a sly grin, his voice low and smooth as silk. ¡°Didn¡¯t you just say it¡¯s normal for a boyfriend to kiss his girlfriend?¡±


    Freya had tossed that out without thinking.


    Now, her lips mped shut, her pulse racing like a runaway train.


    ¡°I was just messing around.¡±


    ¡°So, it¡¯s not normal for a boyfriend to kiss his girlfriend?¡± Ellis¡¯s eyes locked onto hers.


    L??€$? ¡é??t?€§ñ? ?¦Ç ?@l§Ú?¦Í¦Ål?.c?m


    At this range, he could see hershes fluttering and her full lips, practically begging for a kiss.


    Freya was stumped. How was she supposed to dodge that trap?


    No matter what she said, it was a one-way ticket to a kiss.


    Ellis inched closer, his lips hovering near hers, and she blurted out,


    ¡°She¡¯s still out there. This isn¡¯t cool.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s gone.¡±


    ¡°No, she¡¯s there.¡±


    ¡°I just checked. Probably didn¡¯t want to crash our moment and headed back to your ce.¡±


    Freya froze. What else could she throw out?


    Ellis¡¯s lips were barely a whisper away, his voice a low hum. ¡°You really that spooked by a little kiss?¡±


    ¡°N-no¡­¡± Freya mumbled, her confidence shaky.


    Her heart was running wild,pletely out of her control.


    He let out a softugh, warm and fond. ¡°Can I?¡±


    Freya¡¯s brain was about to short out. It¡¯s just a kiss¡­ He didn¡¯t need to ask.


    Ellis leaned in again, the air between them crackling with closeness.


    His clean, fresh scent hit her like a wave, making her pulse race.


    As she braced for the kiss, a soft brush grazed her cheek.


    She froze.


    A cheek kiss?


    ¡°Just a heads-up,¡± Ellis said, pulling back a bit, his voice rough. ¡°Next time, it¡¯s the real deal.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 940

    ?Chapter 940:


    ¡°Captain.¡± Freya wavered, unsure if she should say it.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Is romance just¡­ not your thing?¡±


    Where did thate from? Ellis quirked a brow. Was she calling him out on his game?


    ¡°Who announces a kiss?¡± Freya said, dead serious, though her heart was still doing flips. ¡°It¡¯s supposed to just happen when the vibe¡¯s right. You keep asking, and it throws me off.¡±


    The mood had been fine before, but his questions kept rattling her. She wasn¡¯t signing up for this emotional rollercoaster again. This had to stop.


    Ellis¡¯s eyes glinted with something knowing. ¡°Oh, really?¡±


    ¡°Yup.¡± Freya nodded.


    ¡°Any other pointers I should jot down?¡± Ellis pressed.


    Freya blinked. Other pointers?


    She racked her brain but came up empty.


    Ellis kept her pinned between his arms, a smirk tugging at his lips. ¡°How ¡¯bout you show me how it¡¯s done?¡±


    Freya saw it now.


    Time to bolt.


    She shoved his arms aside and made a break for it. He was trouble. She needed to steer clear.


    ???????? ???????? ???? ???? ????????????????: g????????¦Í????????????


    As she darted away, Ellis snagged her hand, tugging her back into his arms.


    Freya mmed into his chest, caught off guard. Before she could blink, his face was right there, his lips pressing against hers.


    In that split second, her mind went nk, the world around her fading to nothing.


    His hand steadied her waist, the other gently cradling her head, as he deepened the kiss, the soft warmth nearly pulling him under.


    It was like a spell¡ªher knees wobbled, barely holding her up. A momentter, Ellis pulled back, his eyes smoldering with want, his voice rough, holding something back. ¡°Good enough?¡±


    Freya¡¯s cheeks burned, her lips slightly glossy, looking like trouble he couldn¡¯t resist. Her usual cool gaze was nowhere to be found. ¡°Guess that¡¯s a yes.¡±


    Ellis stole another quick kiss. ¡°Don¡¯t forget my five-star rating.¡±


    He didn¡¯t dare dive in again. That taste alone nearly broke his restraint. Any more, and he might spook Freya for good.


    Freya¡¯s heart thudded wildly in her chest, and she didn¡¯t bother replying to the remark.


    She hade to a sobering realization: when someone typically cold and aloof actually fell in love, the transformation was spellbinding¡ªsomething dangerous, maic, and so intoxicating it made the average person pale inparison. And Ellis? He was the best example.


    ¡°I¡¯ll make some honey water for n.¡± Ellis¡¯s eyes shimmered with something raw, a restrained hunger lurking just beneath the surface.


    ¡°Go sit on the couch and watch some TV for a bit.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Freya murmured, her voice barely above a whisper.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 941

    ?Chapter 941:


    Ellis rested his warm, broad hand gently atop her head, giving her hair a soft ruffle before grabbing the honey jar. Once the drink was ready, he brought it to n.


    n was perched on the bed, his face twisted with a muddle of emotions, as though something was gnawing at him. ¡°I saw it,¡± he muttered.


    ¡°Mm-hmm,¡± Ellis replied tly, unfazed.


    He¡¯d already heard n¡¯s footsteps earlier and knew the man had witnessed what happened.


    ¡°You kissed Freya,¡± n said, eyes narrowed with usation.


    ¡°Someday, you¡¯ll find someone you want to kiss too,¡± Ellis answered without missing a beat.


    ¡°Kiss my ass!¡± n snapped back.


    Ellis fell silent.


    He handed over the cup and let n drink.


    He figured the man was properly drunk¡ªspouting off such crude things.


    n didn¡¯t want Freya to worry, so he took the cup and drank the honey water down.


    Afterward, Ellis told him to get some rest and walked out with the empty cup in his hand.


    That night, n was unusually well-behaved. After drinking the honey water, he drifted off without causing a scene.


    Freya, after checking that n was stable, decided it was time to go.


    After all, it waste, and staying any longer didn¡¯t feel right.


    g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, your storytelling home


    She hadn¡¯t missed the shift in Ellis¡¯s body temperature earlier. Deep down, she admitted she was afraid.


    ¡°You¡¯re heading out already?¡± Ellis¡¯s voice, smooth and low, stopped her in her tracks.


    Freya froze. Was he¡­ about to kiss her again?


    Ellis pulled her gently into his arms, a quiet contentment blooming in his chest. ¡°I have a task for you,¡± he said.


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Before this month ends, figure out what you¡¯re going to call me.¡±


    Freya blinked in confusion.


    ¡°You can¡¯t keep calling me ¡®Captain¡¯.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m just used to it,¡± Freya exined.


    Once she got used to calling someone something, changing it didn¡¯te easily.


    Ellis lightly pinched her cheek. ¡°Are you nning to call me ¡®Captain¡¯ in front of our future kids?¡±


    Freya stood still.


    Kids?


    Right then, she felt the weight of his love. He wanted somethingsting¡ªforever.


    ¡°Mr. Lambert?¡± she teased.


    Ellis let out a chuckle. ¡°As long as it works for you.¡±


    ¡°It does.¡±


    Ellis was left speechless. And with that, the conversation came to an end.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 942

    ?Chapter 942:


    He walked her home, reminded her to give the name some thought, and didn¡¯t press the issue further.


    Initially, he hadn¡¯t nned to push her about changing what she called him. He was fine with whatever she liked. But the more he thought about it, the more ¡°Captain¡± felt off.


    It carried too much ambiguity. If she kept calling him that, anyone who didn¡¯t know the full story wouldn¡¯t realize they were together. Better to change it now and let the new name settle in naturally over time.


    When Freya arrived home, Ethel was sprawled out watching a variety show. As soon as she noticed Freya, she paused the program and leaned forward eagerly. ¡°Mina, did you and Ellis get together yesterday?¡±


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Freya replied simply.


    ¡°What¡¯s it feel like?¡±


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°You know¡ªbeing with someone. Do you feel like you¡¯re walking on clouds or something?¡± Ethel looked genuinely curious.


    ¡°It feelsforting. Safe,¡± Freya answered with a touch of restraint.


    Since Ethel had a boyfriend too, Freya figured it wouldn¡¯t hurt to ask.


    ¡°How do you and your boyfriend address each other?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°You know¡­ what do you call each other?¡±


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    ¡°Oh, just Jarrett and She,¡± Ethel said quickly, her eyes darting to the side.


    Freya wasn¡¯t fooled. ¡°What about in private?¡±


    Ethel pursed her lips, clearly debating whether or not to answer. She didn¡¯t usually feel awkward saying those names, but now that it was out in the open, she hesitated.


    ¡°Sweetheart,¡± she finally confessed, a bit bashful. ¡°Or sometimes darling, stuff like that.¡±


    Freya paused, picturing herself calling Ellis like that. Nope. Not happening.


    ¡°Why are you asking?¡± Ethel asked curiously.


    ¡°My boyfriend wants me toe up with a different way to address him,¡± Freya said.


    ¡°That¡¯s easy! Sweetheart, darling, babe, honey,¡± Ethel rattled off cheerfully. ¡°Whatever you call him, he¡¯ll adore it.¡±


    ¡°Too casual,¡± Freya said, her tone serious.


    ¡°Why does it need to be formal?¡± Ethel tilted her head. ¡°In public, sure ¡ª use Captain or his name. But in private, keep it warm. Keep it close.¡±


    Freya paused.


    She realized then that she¡¯d always treated her rtionship with Ellis with a kind of formality.


    ¡°In a rtionship, it¡¯s okay to be a little soft sometimes,¡± Ethel added. ¡°Like, let him unscrew the top of a bottle when you¡¯re drinking. Or let him carry your bags when you¡¯re shopping.¡±


    Freya gave it real thought and concluded that Ethel¡¯s rtionship style didn¡¯t quite suit her.


    Ethel ended with a knowing smile. ¡°Every couple¡¯s got their own rhythm. Just don¡¯t forget¡ªyou¡¯ve got a boyfriend now.¡±


    Freya had always relied on herself. Even with n, she never leaned on others or yed the fragile type.


    .


    .


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 Chapter 943

    ?Chapter 943:


    Ethel admired that strength in her sister, but sometimes she worried Freya bore too much on her own.


    ¡°I¡¯ll think about it,¡± Freya said sincerely. Then she added, ¡°Don¡¯t stay up toote watching TV. Get to bed early.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Ethel replied with a grin.


    Freya gave a nod and headed to the study.


    In the meanwhile, Ellis was caught up in thoughts of the future. He¡¯d just started sketching out ideas for the wedding when his phone rang.


    Seeing who it was, he picked up without much interest, his tone suddenly cooler than it ever was with Freya. ¡°Hello.¡±


    ¡°Ellis!¡± chirped a bright, overly familiar voice. ¡°It¡¯s ire Harper.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Ellis answered tly. ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°I heard from your mom that you¡¯re dating someone?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Is it Freya?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­ I¡¯m not sure if I should say this,¡± ire began, her tone cautious. ¡°But the girl you¡¯re dating¡­ she might not be a good person. You¡ª¡±


    Without waiting for her to finish, Ellis ended the call.


    Then, with no hesitation, he pulled up her contact info, blocked the number, and deleted it. No one had the right to speak ill of his girlfriend.


    On the other end, ire stared at her phone in disbelief,pletely thrown by the abrupt hang-up. When she tried to call again, she realized she¡¯d been blocked.


    ???????? ?????????????? ???? ??????????????????.??????


    Bewilderment clouded ire¡¯s features as she struggled toprehend where the situation had derailed.


    After meticulously assembling the fragments in her mind, a realization crystallized: Freya must be with Ellis now. Freya must havemandeered his phone to block and erase her number, anxious that she might divulge Freya¡¯s confidential matters.


    ire contemted dispatching a message, but dread of Freya instigating further discord prompted her to reconsider.


    Ellis dismissed pursuing the matter further, harboring no apprehension that ire might convey something inappropriate to his parents. His parents weren¡¯t the type to ept others¡¯ words without scrutiny. Whether regarding people or circumstances, they invariably formed their assessments based on personal discernment.


    Judging by their enthusiastic response after he introduced Freya during their previous encounter, his parents appeared quite enchanted with her.


    After emerging from his shower and preparing for slumber, Ellis reclined on his bed, phone in hand. He typed, ¡°Goodnight, sweetie.¡± Freya missed the message entirely.


    As soon as she put down her phone earlier, she fell asleep right away. With her phone configured to silence notifications throughout the night, all alerts remained muted.


    Not until morning light filtered through did she discover the message and respond, ¡°Good morning.¡±


    Just as her fingerspleted the text, the doorbell¡¯s chime resonated through her apartment.


    Upon swinging the door open, she discovered Ellis standing there in loungewear. His voice drifted toward her with serene confidence as he remarked, ¡°Wouldn¡¯t it be nicer to say good morning to me in person?¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 944

    ?Chapter 944:


    ¡°I failed to notice the messagest night,¡± Freya admitted.


    Ellis leaned forward slightly, his voice dropping to an intimate murmur. ¡°Grant me a kiss, and all shall be forgiven.¡±


    Freya¡¯s body tensed momentarily before she skillfully evaded his advance. ¡°I need to freshen up,¡± she announced.


    ¡°Once you¡¯vepleted your routine, join me for breakfast,¡± Ellis called after her retreating form. He had arrived specifically to escort her. True to his promise regarding overseeing her nourishment, he had prepared breakfast. ¡°I¡¯ve reserved portions for She and n, so there¡¯s no need to disturb their rest now.¡±


    Freya acknowledged with a nod. Ethel cherished her extended morning repose, and n exhibited identical tendencies. During ordinary days, absent school or professional obligations, they would likely remain nestled under covers until well past nine.


    As anticipated, Ethel and n didn¡¯t emerge from their slumber until the clock nearly struck ten. Freya had left Ethel a notification. Upon awakening, Ethel proceeded directly to Ellis¡¯s residence.


    Following their breakfast, n broached the critical matter.


    The previous evening¡¯s discussion had yielded unsatisfactory results, but today, determination fueled his resolve to conclude the matter. He decided to relinquish his position. No further professional obligations. Only enjoyment awaited.


    ¡°Mina, when do you intend to return to Briggs Group and assume my position?¡± he inquired bluntly, settling onto the sofa.


    An oppressive silence descended as bewildered gazes fixed upon him. No one had anticipated this abrupt deration, delivered without preliminary remarks.


    ¡°Your dad and our grandpa have expressed no objections, and I¡¯ve discreetly consulted the shareholders¡ªall have indicated support,¡± n continued, unmistakably eager to transfer his responsibilities. ¡°Provided you consent, the transition canmence immediately.¡±


    Fresh chapters live g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í????s


    Freya hesitated briefly before proposing, ¡°I could transfer a portion of my shares to you.¡±


    ¡°Keep them.¡±


    ¡°Perhaps half?¡±


    ¡°Not remotely tempted.¡±


    ¡°The entirety, then?¡±


    ¡°Even if you and She relinquished all your shares to me, I would steadfastly decline,¡± n responded with unwavering conviction, a mischievous glint in his eye. ¡°My pursuit is liberation, not umtion of wealth.¡±


    ¡°upying a high position may indeed prove exhausting, but such status confers numerous advantages,¡± Freya attempted to sway him with gentle persuasion.


    n remained thoroughly unconvinced. What advantages could possibly outweigh his freedom? He¡¯d witnessed none of consequence.


    ¡°If you persist merely as a rich man who exclusively indulges in frivolity, genuine affection might forever elude you,¡± Freya remarked with sincere concern etched across her features.


    n countered with unwavering self-assurance, ¡°Utterly imusible. With my good looks, securingpanionship presents no challenge whatsoever.¡±


    ¡°Do you surpass Ellis in physical attractiveness?¡± The question struck like a calcted blow.


    ¡°Certainly not,¡± Ethel interjected definitively, answering on his behalf. An even more devastating assessment! These two mischief-makers were relentless.


    Freya persisted in her earnest attempt at persuasion, her tone adopting a gravity that demanded attention. ¡°Your physical attributes and financial resources may initially attract potential partners, but such superficial qualities cannot sustain interest indefinitely. Should someone with superior looks and greater wealth emerge, yourparative advantages would instantly evaporate.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 945

    ?Chapter 945:


    n contemted her words with profound consideration. Her logic appeared sound on the surface, yet something about it rang hollow.


    ¡°Assuming leadership as president of Briggs Group transcends mere upational status,¡± Freya continued, her voice unwavering. ¡°Betweenmanding a major corporation as its chief executive and existing as a wealthy but purposeless individual, which persona projects greater appeal?¡±


    ¡°The president, without question,¡± n blurted reflexively.


    Should familial fortunes experience decline, he would find himself bereft of purpose or identity.


    Within their exclusive social sphere, rtionships predominantly formed around mutual benefit. When cmity struck, connections would sever instantaneously. At minimum, apany¡¯s president retained marketable expertise should circumstances deteriorate.


    ¡°Can you now perceive the inherent value in presiding over Briggs Group?¡± Freya inquired, her question hanging expectantly.


    ¡°Indeed, I¡ª¡± n began to concede before abruptly halting himself.


    ¡°Wait, absolutely not!¡±


    Freya¡¯s expression froze. Had he detected her strategem so quickly?


    ¡°Your clever maniption nearly seeded,¡± n dered, recognizing her tactical approach.


    Were he conversing with anyone other than Freya, n would have calmly dismantled her argument from its inception. He hadn¡¯t anticipated such cunning from her.


    Freya maintained impableposure. ¡°What?¡±


    Gal n o v el s . is your destination for fiction


    ¡°Abandon the pretense. Your reasoningcks substantive foundation,¡± n rebutted with meticulous logic. ¡°Even should I resign, none of your predicted consequences would materialize. I hardly qualify as some useless parasite¡ªI possess considerable skills.¡±


    Regarding true love? He harbored no desire for romantic entanglement. ¡°Next Monday. Ensure your presence at Briggs Group,¡± n pronounced with decisive finality. ¡°Should you fail to appear, expect my considerable displeasure.¡±


    Freya had nearly outmaneuvered him. Yet she had grossly miscalcted his perceptiveness.


    ¡°Naturally, should your boyfriend wish to assist you, that arrangement proves perfectly eptable,¡± n added, shifting his attention toward Ellis, who had maintained remarkable equanimity throughout the exchange.


    Ellis returned his gaze and responded with measured deliberation. ¡°I¡¯d appreciate the opportunity to pose a question, n.¡±


    ¡°Please proceed,¡± n said, his estimation of Ellis climbing steadily.


    ¡°In your estimation, what significance does a promise hold?¡± Ellis inquired, meticulously establishing context.


    n¡¯s brow furrowed slightly, perplexed. A promise? How did this inquiry rte to their current discourse?


    ¡°Undeniably significant,¡± n replied, presuming some connection to Ellis and Freya¡¯s rtionship. ¡°As men of honor, when we extend promises, we must fulfill them. If fulfillment proves impossible, one should refrain from making suchmitments initially.¡±


    Whether or not this concerned him and Freya, this response seemed diplomatically secure. After all, his observation addressed men specifically, not humanity collectively.


    ¡°And what bes of situations where promises are extended yet remain unfulfilled?¡± Ellis pressed further, his voice measured.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 946

    ?Chapter 946:


    n instinctively nced toward Freya, wondering if discord had developed between them.


    Freya noted his hesitation and remarked, ¡°He directs his question to you. Why divert your attention to me?¡±


    n¡¯s internal rm systems activated with fierce urgency. These two were unquestionably embroiled in some disagreement. Without a doubt.


    n said, dead serious, without the slightest flicker of hesitation, ¡°As a man, you ought to mean what you say.¡±


    ¡°Well then, I insist you carry on as the president of Briggs Group,¡± Ellis quipped, a mischievous gleam dancing in his eyes.


    What did Ellis just say? n stared at him,pletely bewildered. ¡°What are you talking about?¡±


    Ellis casually pulled out his phone and, without ceremony, hit y on a recording from the previous night. The audio echoed through the room, loud and unmistakable¡ªtheir conversation, yed back word for word.


    ¡°Do you want Freya to suffer?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Do you want her to be overworked?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then how about you keep managing Briggs Group?¡±


    ¡°No problem!¡±


    ??¦Ñ??¦Á?????? ?????? ???? ????????¦Í????????????


    As the recording clicked to an end, n stood frozen, blindsided. When did that even happen? He couldn¡¯t remember a single second of it.


    ¡°Mina,¡± he groaned, his good opinion of Ellis plummeting at an rming rate. ¡°Let me help you find another boyfriend¡ªthis one¡¯s way too cunning. You really can¡¯t keep him!¡±


    He¡¯d been duped. Ellis was way too cunning. What a snake!


    Even Freya was caught off guard. ¡°When did you record this?¡±


    ¡°Before I took him to his roomst night,¡± Ellis replied, absentmindedly toying with his phone.


    Naturally, he wanted the best for Freya. If that meant n had to take the hit, then so be it.


    n feltpletely wronged.


    ¡°Elli and Mina want you to run thepany for your own good,¡± Ethel said soothingly, though it did little to ease the sting. ¡°That way, your talents won¡¯t go to waste. Sure, it¡¯s tiring, but the fame and fortune make it worthwhile.¡±


    ¡°If it¡¯s so worthwhile, why don¡¯t you do it?¡± n shot back, eyes narrowing.


    ¡°No way, it¡¯s far too exhausting.¡±


    ¡°And I deserve that?¡±


    ¡°Even if you¡¯re tired, you¡¯ve got to suck it up. It¡¯s not like you have the world¡¯s greatest elder cousin,¡± Ethel replied, blinking her clear eyes, her tone dripping with yful sweetness.


    n¡¯s temper evaporated almost instantly. Alright, fine. He¡¯d spoil them. After all, he was the best cousin in the world.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get one thing straight¡ªI¡¯m happy to be the best cousin you two could ever ask for. But once you¡¯re married and have kids, one of them better take over thepany,¡± n relented, ncing at both Freya and Ellis. ¡°If not, I swear I¡¯ll break my promise!¡±


    He could hold the reins for a few more years. But the moment Freya and Ellis tied the knot and had a child, he was out.


    Freya stayed silent.


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    .

 Chapter 947

    ?Chapter 947:


    Ethel didn¡¯t respond.


    Ellis, too, said nothing.


    All three wore eerily identical expressions.


    n¡¯s tone turned sharper. ¡°Why are you all just staring? Did you hear what I said?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll cross that bridge when wee to it,¡± Freya answered coolly. Anita International was on solid ground now, and in the near future, it wouldn¡¯t need too much oversight. If n truly wanted out of Briggs Group, she could take over. But right now, she knew he was just joking about quitting.


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean? If none of you give me a proper answer today, I¡¯ll keep your boyfriend away from you,¡± n threatened, feigning a fierce re. ¡°You won¡¯t see each other for months.¡±


    ¡°If you can actually pull that off, I¡¯ll take over thepany right this second,¡± Freya snapped back, her toneced with challenge.


    Not just n. Even if she joined forces with Trent, they still might not be able to keep Ellis in check. He was seriously too much.


    n was dumbfounded. How could she? Underestimating him like that was downright insulting. He scoffed twice, took a few long strides toward Ellis, and¡­


    Leaned in. ¡°Come home with me now, and I¡¯ll tell you all about Mina¡¯s childhood¡ªand help you deal with her family.¡±


    Ellis remained silent. Winning her family¡¯s approval was something he needed to earn himself¡ªnot through backdoor deals.


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you what she likes.¡± Seeing no reaction, n sweetened the offer.


    ¡°I know everything about her,¡± Ellis replied, calm and steady. ¡°We just got together. I¡¯m not about to stay away from her for months over something you said.¡±


    ?????????????? ???????? g???????¦Í???????????????


    n¡¯s expression darkened. This guy was seriously hard to sway. ¡°Come on, just go run thepany,¡± Ethel chimed in again. ¡°I¡¯ll be right behind you, cheering you on¡ªin spirit, at least.¡±


    ¡°Scram,¡± n murmured.


    Seeing that the battle was already lost, he dropped the argument. But deep down, he¡¯d already made up his mind¡ªonce Freya¡¯s child could walk, he was making his grand escape.


    Around noon, Freya sent Gerard a message, asking about Kristian. The reply she got was the same as yesterday.


    Upon hearing that Kristian wouldn¡¯t be returning today, she let Ellis know. She was mildly concerned about his condition, but since Gerard was with Kristian, she didn¡¯t press the issue.


    Right after Gerard texted Freya back, Lawrence called.


    Upon hearing Kristian was about to wake up, Gerard immediately dropped what he was doing and rushed over to theb. By the time he arrived, Kristian was still unconscious.


    ¡°If all goes well, he should wake up in about half an hour,¡± Lawrence said, donning a crisp white coat, his demeanor elegant andposed.


    ¡°Should we call Freya?¡±


    ¡°No need.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°My boss told me not to inform her,¡± Gerard said inly.


    Lawrence shuffled the papers in his hand andmented idly, ¡°Still trying to keep her in the dark?¡±


    Gerard said nothing. He had no idea what was going through Kristian¡¯s mind. But if the man regained his memories and went back to being his old self, Gerard wouldn¡¯t hesitate to go toe-to-toe with him.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 948

    ?Chapter 948:


    Half an hourter, Kristian¡¯s vitals had stabilizedpletely.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Lawrence said, visibly relieved. ¡°His memory should be fully restored by now. Let¡¯s go check on him.¡±


    He led Gerard into the medical room. Once inside, he detached the monitoring equipment from Kristian.


    Gerard watched him for a moment, puzzled when he didn¡¯t see any signs of waking. ¡°Dr. Hayes, why hasn¡¯t he woken up yet?¡±


    Lawrence frowned. This didn¡¯t make sense. Based on the readings, Kristian should¡¯ve woken up by now.


    ¡°Kristian,¡± Lawrence called out.


    Kristiany there, utterly still, eyes shut, breathing slow and even.


    Gerard began to worry, fearing something had gone wrong.


    ¡°Wait outside,¡± Lawrence said, beginning another round of checks. ¡°I need to run some tests.¡±


    Without hesitation, Gerard stepped out. He intended to monitor from the ss window, but the moment he exited, Lawrence hit a switch, locking the door and sealing off the view. In an instant, Gerard lost sight of the room.


    Lawrence sat leisurely in the medical chair, legs crossed, exuding calm authority. ¡°Drop the act. I know you¡¯re awake.¡±


    Kristian slowly opened his eyes. Those deep, usually indifferent eyes now brimmed with destion and a haunting solitude.


    ¡°You told Gerard not to tell Freya about your memorying back?¡± Lawrence didn¡¯t waste time. ¡°Are you seriously still nning to keep this from her?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian stared at the ceiling, his voice rough and shattered.


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    How could he even think of lying to Freya again?


    When he came to, broken memories crashed into him. Through the haze, he pieced together how much chaos he¡¯d dumped on her during his amnesia. And he knew she was with Ellis now.


    Lawrence hesitated. ¡°You¡­ holding up?¡±


    ¡°How could you pull her into this?¡± Kristian eased himself up in bed, his eyes locking onto Lawrence with that old, icy edge. ¡°The deal was between you and me.¡±


    Guilt gnawed at him over the past. As long as Freya was happy, he¡¯d give up anything¡ªhis life, if it came to that. But he never saw Lawrence dragging Freya into his experiment, let alone everything that spiraled from it.


    ¡°I just wanted to shake things up a bit,¡± Lawrence said, shrugging. ¡°Plus, our deal didn¡¯t say I couldn¡¯t loop her in. You only ruled out anything illegal.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t bother ncing his way. He was too drained to even get mad. All he could see was Freya saying she was with Ellis, the memory looping in his head. Back when he believed he was Freyrian, he¡¯d asked her who she¡¯d pick¡ªKristian or Freyrian. She chose Freyrian without a second thought.


    He thought she probably hated him for the past and she likely wished he¡¯d just vanish.


    ¡°The deal¡¯s done. In a few days, Gerard will send you a full breakdown of thepensation you owe,¡± Kristian said, his tone cold as steel. ¡°Pay up, and we¡¯re square.¡±


    ¡°Compensation? For what?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know there was anything topensate for!¡± Lawrence stood there, dumbfounded, his brow creased in confusion. He had no idea there was anything topensate for. He was sure they¡¯d followed the contract to the letter.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 949

    ?Chapter 949:


    ¡°Per the agreement, you¡¯re liable for any damages I take because of you in this deal,¡± Kristian said, his stare cold as ice, not a flicker of feeling in it. ¡°The Shaw Group lost billions during my amnesia. That¡¯s your bill.¡±


    ¡°But we agreed to scrap that use!¡± Lawrence¡¯s voice cracked, panic setting in.


    That kind of money would bury him. He¡¯d be broke in a heartbeat.


    Kristian was already up, slipping into his clothes, his demeanor as frosty as ever. ¡°Who said that? Where¡¯s the proof? Got a signed, stamped document?¡±


    ¡°You said it yourself,¡± Lawrence shot back, grasping at straws.


    ¡°Sorry, doesn¡¯t ring a bell,¡± Kristian said, shrugging it off. ¡°No signed paper? You pay.¡±


    Lawrence was about to lose it. ¡°What did I ever do to upset you?¡± He knew Kristian¡¯s character. Even a handshake deal was usually irond with him. But now, he was t-out reneging. There had to be more to this.


    ¡°You should never have involved her,¡± Kristian said, adjusting his cuffs, his eyes turning even colder. ¡°And you definitely shouldn¡¯t have roped her into babysitting me.¡±


    What he owed Freya was a debt he¡¯d carry forever. Yet Lawrence had pulled her into this chaos and even stuck her with looking after him.


    ¡°All this over that?¡± Lawrence asked, still reeling.


    ¡°Yeah, exactly that,¡± Kristian said, his tone final, before striding out of the medical room.


    Gerard was waiting outside, blind to what went down inside, his worry only growing.


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    Just as he was wondering how Kristian was holding up, he saw him step out, wrapped in an icy aura that pushed everyone away.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw?¡± Gerard ventured, testing the waters.


    Kristian¡¯s lips barely moved. ¡°Let¡¯s roll.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Gerard said, snapping to attention.


    He led Kristian out of Lawrence¡¯s medical facility and opened the car¡¯s backseat door for him.


    He kept sneaking nces at the rearview mirror on the drive back. One question burned in his mind: Had Kristian gotten his memories back?


    ¡°Did you deliver the item to Freya?¡± Kristian asked out of nowhere.


    Gerard didn¡¯t miss a beat. ¡°Not yet.¡±


    ¡°Toss it.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°She doesn¡¯t need to see it,¡± Kristian said, his voice like a cold snap.


    He knew the truth¡ªthere was no ¡°other personality.¡± Freyrian was just him, his amnesiac self, twisted by Lawrence¡¯s mind games. It was always him.


    Gerard thought of the item¡ªa letter Kristian had entrusted to him¡ªand hesitated. ¡°You sure?¡±


    ¡°Positive,¡± Kristian replied, his tone leaving no room for doubt.


    That letter was his heart poured out to Freya, a plea for her to remember a guy who loved her more than anything. Now, he knew Freya had a new life. No need to drag her back with his baggage.


    ¡°Sir,¡± Gerard said tentatively, catching Kristian¡¯s eye in the mirror, worry etched on his face. From the look on Kristian¡¯s face, it seemed his memories were back.


    ¡°What?¡± Kristian asked, staring out the window, his mind a million miles away.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 950

    ?Chapter 950:


    ¡°You sure you don¡¯t want to tell Ms. Briggs your memory¡¯s back?¡± Gerard treaded carefully, his own feelings tangled up after the past few days. ¡°She keeps asking if you¡¯reing by for dinner. She¡¯s worried sick.¡±


    Kristian felt a stab in his chest, a heavy ache that wouldn¡¯t quit. Memories of Freya¡¯s kindness, her patience, her warmth over thest few weeks hit him like a flood.


    He wanted to go back to her. But that door was shut.


    ¡°Not now,¡± Kristian said, his voice thick with fatigue. His eyes hid a storm of pain. ¡°I need time.¡±


    Gerard let it drop and drove him home.


    At home, Kristian shut himself in his room. All day, he didn¡¯t touch food or water. When Gerard knocked to call him for dinner, Kristian simply waved him off.


    Kristian¡¯s state had Gerard on edge. He considered ringing Freya, but Kristian¡¯s orders were clear¡ªno contact. His hands were tied. At nine that night, Kristian finally stepped out of his room. He looked drained, his face carrying a quiet, hollow grief.


    ¡°Sir, you should¡­¡± Gerard started, hoping to get him to eat.


    ¡°Heading out for a bit. Won¡¯t be long,¡± Kristian said, grabbing his car keys, his voice low and far-off. ¡°Call it a night. Don¡¯t wait up.¡±


    ¡°Where to? I can drive,¡± Gerard offered.


    ¡°No. I need to be alone.¡± With that, Kristian walked out, keys in hand. He didn¡¯t have a destination. He just drove¡ªstraight to Freya¡¯s apartment.


    Parked on a bench outside, he tilted his head up, eyes fixed on the warm glow spilling from her window. He just sat there, quiet, absorbing the sight.


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    ¡°Kristian?¡± Freya¡¯s voice cut through the stillness like a knife. Kristian went rigid, every muscle locking up as if he¡¯d been hit with a freeze ray.


    His lips pressed into a thin line, his heart a jumbled mess, and he turned toward her voice. There she was¡ªFreya, her fingersced with Ellis¡¯s.


    Kristian felt as if his heart had been smashed by a sledgehammer. The sight of Freya¡¯s fingers intertwined with Ellis¡¯s was painful.


    ¡°Why are you out here? Why not head inside?¡± Freya caught the shift in his mood¡ªsubtle but sharp. Yet, it never crossed her mind that his memories might have returned.


    Kristian swallowed the lump in his throat but stayed silent. He slowly rose to his feet, though the few steps between them now felt like an impossible distance.


    ¡°Gerard¡¯s handling some business nearby, so I came along with him,¡± he said. His voice was raspy, his gaze fixed on her delicate, radiant face, unwilling to pull away. ¡°You¡¯re usually asleep by this hour. Why¡­¡± He trailed off, the words hanging unfinished. What she chose to do was no longer his concern. He no longer had the right to ask.


    ¡°Just out for a walk,¡± Freya replied casually.


    Even though evening strolls weren¡¯t her habit, Ellis had insisted she¡¯d been shut indoors too long and brought her out for a bit of fresh air.


    Kristian gave a faint hum of acknowledgment.


    Ellis, still holding Freya¡¯s hand, spoke gently. ¡°Let¡¯s talk inside. It¡¯s getting chilly down here.¡±


    ¡°No need. Gerard should be done soon, and I¡¯ve got a few things to go over with him,¡± Kristian said.


    This time, he allowed himself a proper look at Ellis. Good-looking, well-built, and with a voice that was easy on the ears¡ªhe fit Freya¡¯s tastes perfectly. And as for his character, it wasn¡¯tcking either.


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 Chapter 951

    ?Chapter 951:


    A dull, biting pain spread through Kristian¡¯s chest as his eyes drifted back to their linked hands. It felt like his entire heart was being crushed under an invisible weight.


    ¡°You two should head in,¡± he murmured, emotion darkening his gaze. ¡°Don¡¯t catch a cold.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Kristian turned to leave. But Freya called out, ¡°Kristian.¡±


    He stopped and looked back, his eyes stormy with emotion, thoughts tangled and rising like a tide he couldn¡¯t control.


    ¡°If you don¡¯t want to regain your memory, then don¡¯t,¡± Freya said softly. ¡°It¡¯s your choice. There¡¯s no rush.¡± She had already spoken to Ellis about it. Pushing Kristian would aplish nothing. In theory, Kristian and Freyrian were the same person¡ªhe could learn again, even without his memories. Besides, trying to force it might only push him toward emotional copse or something far worse.


    ¡°If we could rewind time,¡± Kristian said, tamping down the heaviness in his chest, ¡°would you choose Kristian¡­ or Freyrian?¡±


    Freya¡¯s lips parted, her instinct ready to say ¡°Kristian¡±. Before the divorce, before Ashley appeared, he had genuinely been good to her. Other than Ellis, Kristian was one of the very few people she truly admired. But now, she had Ellis. No matter what she said, it would sting him.


    Time didn¡¯t move backward. And neither could they.


    ¡°She¡¯d choose Ellis Lambert now,¡± Ellis said, giving her hand a gentle squeeze, his voice low and unhurried.


    Kristian¡¯s chest constricted. In the end, he simply said, ¡°Goodnight,¡± and walked away. He couldn¡¯t bear to keep watching the tenderness that once belonged to him. He had lost the woman who used to care for him¡ªand he had no one to me but himself. He had brought this on himself.


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    As she watched his slightly hunched figure disappear, Freya frowned faintly, her expression tinged with puzzlement. ¡°Don¡¯t you think he¡¯s acting a bit strange?¡±


    ¡°A little,¡± Ellis replied without much concern. As long as Kristian didn¡¯t hurt her again, he had no reason to care.


    Freya took out her phone and sent Gerard a message. Kristian¡¯s behavior felt off¡ªit was safer to let Gerard keep an eye on him. Once the message was sent, she headed upstairs with Ellis.


    In the living room, Ellis pulled her gently into his arms, settling her on hisp.


    Freya blinked, caught off guard by the sudden closeness.


    ¡°Let me ask you something,¡± Ellis began, eyebrow arching with ease. ¡°If things went back to the beginning, and both Kristian and I confessed to you, who would you pick?¡±


    Freya was stunned. Was this¡­ a trap?


    She might be slow sometimes, but she wasn¡¯t clueless. ¡°You.¡±


    ¡°I want the truth.¡±


    ¡°You.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I won¡¯t get mad. Just be honest with me,¡± he said, the teasing in his voice unmistakable. ¡°No lying.¡±


    Freya hesitated. Ellis didn¡¯t usually ask these kinds of questions lightly. If he said it, he meant it. Still¡­


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 Chapter 952

    ?Chapter 952:


    ¡°Promise you won¡¯t get mad?¡± she asked warily.


    He already knew the answer but replied with infuriating calm, ¡°No.¡±


    Freya, choosing honesty, said, ¡°Kristian.¡±


    Ellis let out a dry chuckle, somewhere between amusement and disbelief. She really needed to be taught a ¡°lesson.¡±


    ¡°You said you wouldn¡¯t get mad,¡± Freya quickly added.


    ¡°Why him?¡± Ellis asked, genuinely curious. ¡°Am I not good enough?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re wonderful, but you said if everything went back to the beginning,¡± Freya exined seriously. ¡°Back then, you were cold and stern.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t exaggerating. If he¡¯d confessed to her back then, she probably would have reacted like she did the first time he brought her breakfast. She would¡¯ve assumed she¡¯d offended him and sprinted away as fast as she could.


    ¡°I was that strict?¡± Ellis looked genuinely surprised.


    ¡°Ask other team members. They¡¯ll tell you,¡± Freya went on. ¡°If you had confessed to any of the girls back then, they¡¯d probably wonder what they did wrong.¡±


    Ellis looked mildly stunned. Was he really that scary?


    ¡°Are you mad?¡± Freya asked, noticing his silence and unable to read his expression.


    Ellis began teasing again, ¡°Very mad.¡±


    ¡°I added you to my favorites list and even made a custom program,¡± Freya tried to console him. ¡°Even when my phone¡¯s on silent, your messages make a special sound.¡±


    She¡¯d done it after missing his goodnight message once.


    ???????? ?????????????? ????????: ?????????¦Í??????©q??????


    Ellis pressed his lips into a thin line. ¡°Hmm.¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes flitted nervously. Was he still upset? She couldn¡¯t me him. If he¡¯d picked another woman over her, she¡¯d be furious too. ¡°Don¡¯t be mad at me, okay?¡± She wasn¡¯t good atforting people.


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy you something. Whatever you want, just name it.¡±


    ¡°Not interested.¡±


    ¡°Then what are you interested in?¡±


    ¡°A kiss.¡±


    Freya stayed quiet.


    Ellis insisted, ¡°Kiss me, and I¡¯ll forgive you.¡±


    Freya hesitated. Even though they were dating, initiating a kiss still made her feel awkward.


    Seeing her pause, he askedzily, ¡°You don¡¯t want to kiss me?¡±


    It was just a kiss. She could do that. Freya made up her mind. She leaned in and pressed her lips to his.


    Just as Freya was about to pull away, Ellis caught her by the waist and pulled her in, deepening the kiss.


    Then, fearing he might lose control, he let her go¡ªhis thumb grazing her lips, still soft and damp from the kiss. His voice dropped lower, rough and smoldering. ¡°That¡¯s what a real kiss feels like. Got it?¡±


    Freya¡¯s face flushed pink. She gave the faintest nod.


    ¡°Go wash up and get some rest,¡± he murmured, not pressing further. ¡°I¡¯ll make you breakfast in the morning.¡±


    He wouldn¡¯t interfere with her routine. He respected it. After all, maintaining a healthy routine was the cornerstone of well-being.


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 Chapter 953

    ?Chapter 953:


    Freya gave a small hum of acknowledgment, then added softly, ¡°Next time, you don¡¯t have to knock. Juste in¡­ we¡¯re close enough now.¡±


    Ellis smiled. ¡°Got it.¡±


    He¡¯d knocked out of courtesy¡ªher sister had been around. It didn¡¯t feel right barging in with two young women in the apartment. Freya gently slipped from his arms, wished him goodnight, and disappeared into the bathroom to wash up and sleep.


    Ellis stayed still for a while, steadying himself, before heading back to his apartment. Only one thought circled in his mind now: He had to marry Freya¡ªas soon as possible.


    In stark contrast to the quiet warmth between Freya and Ellis, Kristian¡¯s world felt cold, wet, and hollow.


    After walking away, Kristian immediately texted Gerard, saying, ¡°If Freya asks about me, just say I¡¯m waiting for you. I told her you¡¯re running a business nearby.¡± He didn¡¯t want to give Freya any more reasons to worry about him.


    Gerard didn¡¯t say much, simply yed along as instructed.


    A light rain had started to fall.


    Kristian leaned against his car, gaze fixed on the floor of Freya¡¯s building¡ªas if he could will her to appear.


    He didn¡¯t move. He didn¡¯t drive off. He didn¡¯t look away. He just wanted to be close to her¡­ even if she didn¡¯t know.


    The drizzle became steady rain.


    Within ten minutes, his hair was soaked through, water slipping past his cor, making him damp and cold.


    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s, the heart of storytelling


    But it was nothing¡ªnothingpared to the sharp ache twisting in his chest when he¡¯d seen Freya with someone else.


    The rain kept falling, slicing into him like ss, but he didn¡¯t flinch.


    Maybe the cold would dull the pain inside.


    Then¡ªsuddenly¡ªa ck umbre opened above his head.


    He turned to see Gerard standing beside him, shielding them both from the rain.


    His voice was hoarse, drained of all energy. ¡°I¡¯m fine.¡±


    Gerard frowned. He¡¯d never seen Kristian like this¡ªso lost, like a child without a ce to go. ¡°You just recovered. Your body¡¯s still weak,¡± he said quietly. ¡°If you get sick again¡­¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t answer. He just turned his face away.


    Gerard didn¡¯t argue further. He took the keys from Kristian¡¯s hand and opened the back seat. ¡°Come on. Let¡¯s go home.¡±


    Kristian gave onest look at the building¡ªa long, aching, reluctant look¡ªthen got into the car.


    Gerard folded the umbre and slipped into the driver¡¯s seat, starting the engine.


    The drive was quiet on the way back.


    Kristian stared out the window, his reflection blurred by the streaking rain, his mind spiraling through memories of Freya.


    Gerard turned up the heater. The warm air filled the cabin, but the cold inside Kristian didn¡¯t fade.


    After a long silence, he finally spoke. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°I was worried,¡± Gerard replied, eyes on the road. ¡°Didn¡¯t want you alone in this state, so I followed.¡±


    .


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    .

 Chapter 954

    ?Chapter 954:


    Kristian leaned back, eyes closing for a moment. ¡°Dig into Ellis Lambert. I want to know who he really is.¡±


    ¡°Give me everything you find.¡±


    From what little he¡¯d pieced together after losing his memory, Ellis seemed decent. Since Freya was with that guy now, he needed to find out his background. He had to protect her, even from afar.


    Gerard agreed. Kristian had asked once before, but he hadn¡¯t acted on it. This time, it wasn¡¯t a suggestion. It was an order.


    ¡°When you¡¯re done, head back to Jeucwell,¡± Kristian added. ¡°My dad probably doesn¡¯t want to handle thepany. You¡¯ll take over as acting president¡ªsry doubled.¡±


    Gerard shot him a sidelong nce. ¡°And what about you?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay in Alerith a while longer. Just¡­ want to be close to her.¡± Even if he could only watch from the shadows, he wasn¡¯t ready to leave.


    Gerard didn¡¯t ask who Kristian was talking about; he knew exactly who it was. He wanted to say somethingforting, something practical, something to make it better. But nothing seemed right.


    When they arrived at the apartmentplex, Kristian asked him to stop the car. He stepped out, walked to a nearby convenience store, and picked up a few things before heading inside.


    Once home, he dismissed Gerard after confirming a set of instructions with him, but the man wasn¡¯t having any of it.


    ¡°I¡¯ll stay here and keep an eye on you. I can¡¯t leave you like this.¡±


    Kristian hesitated but didn¡¯t push him to leave.


    Knowing Kristian hadn¡¯t eaten all day, Gerard quietly prepared a meal and ced it in front of him. But Kristian didn¡¯t touch it. He wasn¡¯t hungry. Couldn¡¯t bring himself to eat.


    ¡°You should at least get out of those wet clothes,¡± Gerard said, his tone hovering between concern and gentle nagging. ¡°You¡¯ll catch a cold.¡± The room was heated, but still¡ªit was better to change out of those wet clothes.


    Kristian didn¡¯t move. After a pause, he reached into his coat and pulled out the crumpled pack of cigarettes and lighter he¡¯d bought on impulse at the convenience store¡ªsome desperate attempt to fill the void wing at his chest. He lit one and took a drag.


    Gerard was shocked.


    Kristian was smoking?


    He stared in disbelief. The Kristian he knew never touched cigarettes. Their office had a strict no-smoking policy to avoid secondhand exposure, and Kristian had always been one of its most vocal enforcers. So why now?


    A harsh cough broke the silence. Kristian wheezed, doubled over, choking on the smoke.


    Gerard sighed, stepped over, plucked the cigarette from his fingers, and stubbed it out in the trash. ¡°If you don¡¯t smoke, don¡¯t start. It¡¯s bad for your health.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t respond. He silently tossed the pack and lighter into the bin. The taste still made him sick.


    ¡°Want a drink? I can get one,¡± Gerard offered, trying to meet him where he was.


    Kristian shook his head, eyes dim with quiet despair. ¡°No.¡±


    Alcohol wouldn¡¯t help. The deeper the haze, the stronger the craving. He might be able to hold back now¡ªstay away, not call Freya, not disturb her new life¡ªbut if he got drunk? That restraint would vanish. He stared out the window, his thoughts tangled in the night.


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 Chapter 955

    ?Chapter 955:


    ¡°Gerard.¡±


    Gerard stepped closer.


    ¡°I regret it,¡± Kristian murmured painfully, as if the words were too brittle. His eyes stung and burned with tears. He regretted it. But it was toote.


    ¡°If I¡¯d listened to you back then¡­ do you think she would¡¯ve stayed?¡± he asked, lowering his head. Tears spilled through his fingers as if the answer hurt more than the question.


    Gerard felt all the sympathy for him but didn¡¯t sugarcoat it. ¡°I think she would have left anyway.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s chest tightened, as if every breath had to fight its way through the pain.


    ¡°For someone like Ms. Briggs,¡± Gerard continued carefully, ¡°once trust breaks¡­ there¡¯s no stitching it back together.¡± He paused, letting the weight of that truth settle. ¡°The moment you chose Ashley over her, her faith in you was gone.¡±


    If Kristian had only handled things differently¡ªif he had divorced her with grace and dignity, without the needless hurt¡ªperhaps their story wouldn¡¯t have ended in such jagged, unfinished lines.


    Kristian¡¯s chest tightened with a searing pang, regret crashing over him in relentless waves.


    Gerard couldn¡¯t bear to watch anymore. After a brief, uneasy pause, he got up to fetch some alcohol. On the way, he quickly dialed Zander, who was in the middle of filming out in Alerith.


    Gerard could tell that Kristian looked awful. If the man didn¡¯t pull himself together soon, his body would give out from the weight of it.


    Gerard returned with a bottle of alcohol and some food in hand.


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    Kristian refused everything.


    ¡°If you start eating, I¡¯ll tell you something about Ms. Briggs,¡± Gerard offered, spinning a lie in ast-ditch effort to get Kristian to eat. ¡°It¡¯s something that concerns you.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Eat first.¡±


    Kristian had no appetite whatsoever, but the mere mention of Freya stirred something in him. That name alone could drag him back from the edge.


    Wrapped in a mess of emotions, he forced himself to take bite after bite, shoveling food into his mouth without tasting a single thing. His mind was locked on Freya.


    ¡°I¡¯m done,¡± he said, his eyes fixed on Gerard, a flicker of expectation behind them. ¡°Now, tell me.¡±


    Gerard froze. What the hell was he supposed to say? He had made it all up.


    Before the silence could grow too long or awkward, Zander showed up.


    He stepped through the door, pulling off his baseball cap and mask, then unwrapped his scarf and shrugged off his coat.


    As one of the most sought-after actors in the country, he couldn¡¯t take ten steps without attracting a crowd. Leaving his apartment was always a hassle, but he still made the trip for Kristian. Kristian¡¯s attention flicked over as soon as he saw Zander.


    He straightened up, brushing off the raw edges of his demeanor. He didn¡¯t want anyone seeing him like this.


    ¡°What brings you here?¡±


    ¡°Not in the best mood,¡± Zander replied, voice even and rxed¡ªjust as Gerard had told him to say. ¡°Thought I¡¯d drop by for a drink.¡±


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 Chapter 956

    ?Chapter 956:


    Kristian¡¯s brow creased, just a little. His eyes shifted instinctively toward Gerard.


    Gerard, quick on his feet, feigned a look of surprise, as if Zander¡¯s arrival hadpletely blindsided him.


    Zander, having visited often during previous shoots in Alerith, already knew the door code and moved with the ease of someone familiar. He went straight to the cab and grabbed a couple of sses, pausing to nce at Gerard. ¡°You drinking?¡±


    ¡°You and my boss go ahead. I¡¯ll pass,¡± Gerard replied. Alcohol had never been his thing. ¡°I¡¯ll head out and leave you two to it.¡±


    With that, he made himself scarce, slipping out before anyone could say a word.


    Kristian half wanted to call him back, but Gerard was already gone, too quick for protest.


    Zander poured out the liquor Gerard had brought, filling up both sses. ¡°Why¡¯d Gerard bring this? Bad day too?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian replied, covering the truth with a lie.


    Zander didn¡¯t push.


    They clinked sses, and Zander downed his in one swift motion. Watching him, Kristian adjusted his expression and focused on Zander. ¡°What happened?¡±


    ¡°Some guy at dinner tonight tried hitting on me,¡± Zander said, his voice as calm as ever. ¡°Told me I couldnd any role I wanted if I went home with him.¡±


    It was the kind of thing that happened all the time in their world. Backdoor deals, sleazy offers, spiked drinks¡ªnone of it was shocking anymore. Zander had seen it all.


    ¡°Where was your manager?¡± Kristian asked. He wasn¡¯t overly worried about Zander. Despite his ce in the spotlight, Zander came from a powerful background. He yed it low-key, blending in like any regr guy.


    Your favorite stories are on g?ln¦Ò¦Íe??s?c?m


    ¡°He got pulled into another room for negotiations,¡± Zander replied.


    The whole scene had disgusted him, but it hadn¡¯t been enough to send him looking forpany. Truth was, he was here because Gerard had asked him toe. He had heard that Kristian wasn¡¯t eating or drinking, and his mood was circling the drain. Once his drink was gone, Zander refilled both sses.


    For the next few rounds, he sipped slowly, barely wetting his lips, pretending to drink while watching Kristian closely.


    Kristian was too caught up in his thoughts to notice. If he¡¯d been thinking straight, he would have known better¡ªZander wasn¡¯t the type to spiral over something that trivial.


    By the time they¡¯d emptied two bottles, Kristian was visibly drunk, the strong liquor hitting him hard and fast. Zander, meanwhile, remained stone-cold sober. He¡¯d barely touched his ss, just ying along while keeping a close eye on his friend.


    He had been studying Kristian the whole time, and it was now painfully clear¡ªKristian was a mess. This wasn¡¯t the man he knew.


    ¡°How¡¯ve you been?¡± Zander asked, figuring it was finally the right time. He topped off Kristian¡¯s ss again, his tone light. ¡°How are things with Freya?¡±


    Neither Zander nor Felipe knew anything about Kristian¡¯s injury, thea, or the memory loss. Isaac hadn¡¯t told a soul. And the rumors that had surfaced online had been brushed off as fake after Kristian made a public return.


    ¡°I lost her,¡± Kristian muttered, voice heavy and low as he clutched the ss tighter. The alcohol only made the pain sharper, harder to contain.


    Zander paused. His eyes narrowed slightly as he looked at him. Kristian knocked the drink back in one go, the confession slipping free in his drunken haze. ¡°She¡¯s with someone else now.¡±


    ¡°Is that man good to her?¡± Zander asked.


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 Chapter 957

    ?Chapter 957:


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°How do you feel now?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know.¡± Kristian¡¯s voice came out raw, full of weary defeat. ¡°And I don¡¯t know what to do.¡±


    ¡°Let her go,¡± Zander said gently, voice soft and steady. ¡°If she¡¯s with someone who treats her right, if she¡¯s happy¡­ then maybe it¡¯s time you let her go, too.¡±


    Kristian shook his head, his chin dropping to his chest.


    He didn¡¯t answer.


    How was he supposed to let go?


    ¡°You¡¯re not thinking about winning her back, are you?¡± Zander asked all of a sudden.


    ¡°No,¡± Kristian replied, his voice firm.


    If Freya were single¡ªif Ellis hadn¡¯te into the picture¡ªhe wouldn¡¯t have hesitated. He would have chased her, no matter how much it hurt. But now, it was toote. He couldn¡¯t bring himself to ruin her happiness.


    ¡°Take some time to rest. Apologize properly. Then move on,¡± Zander said, calm and collected. ¡°Let both of you breathe again.¡±


    Kristian said nothing. He couldn¡¯t move on unless he knew she was truly happy.


    They kept drinking a while longer, and the alcohol took its full toll on him.


    He sat there, staring down at his phone, thoughts spinning in every direction. He wanted to call Freya. Wanted to tell her he missed her. That he loved her.


    New updates live on g¦Ál¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s


    But a sliver of reason still clung to him. He couldn¡¯t disturb her again. Torn and restless, he picked up the phone, stared at it for what felt like forever, then shoved it under the couch.


    Out of sight. Out of reach.


    Even if he drank himself senseless, he wouldn¡¯t be able to get it back.


    Zander watched Kristian in silence, his lips pressed into a tight line, a storm of tangled emotions churning beneath his calm facade. Without his phone, Kristian kept knocking back one drink after another.


    But it wasn¡¯t the alcohol clouding his head¡ªhe was already lost in a haze of emotion, drowning in memories of the early days with Freya, those first months after they tied the knot.


    There had been a time when happiness hade easily to them. But he had shattered it all with his own hands.


    Zander moved to help his friend up, nning to guide him back to his room to get some rest. Kristian, however, gripped his arm. ¡°Give me my phone.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know where it is.¡±


    ¡°Then call Freya for me.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t have her number.¡±


    ¡°I remember¡ªI¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s already asleep. Do you really want to wake her?¡± Zander asked, his voice even.


    The light in Kristian¡¯s eyes flickered and dimmed. He stood there frozen for a moment before muttering, ¡°No.¡±


    Zander couldn¡¯t quite put a name to the feeling growing inside him. Kristian had led a charmed life¡ªbrilliant in school, a star in his career¡ªthe golden boy any parent would boast about. And now, looking at him, he resembled a lost child, utterly forsaken.


    Kristian let go of Zander¡¯s hand and staggered back to his room, copsing heavily onto the bed.


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 Chapter 958

    ?Chapter 958:


    That night, he dreamed of Freya. He dreamed of better days, when everything had seemed wless. In his dream, he turned down Ashley¡¯s call, telling her firmly that he was a married man and not to call again. He dreamed of having a sweet child with Freya, of the three of them together, living in peace.


    But when morning came, all of it turned to ash.


    Hey there, staring nkly at the ceiling, a crushing ache spreading from his chest to every part of his body, buried in regret.


    In the days that followed, Kristian stayed holed up at home, while Gerard focused his efforts on investigating Ellis. Meanwhile, Freya was wrapped in the quietfort of her own serene world. Everything in her life seemed to be unfolding smoothly.


    One day, she headed to work at Anita International with Ellis. At lunch, Melvin picked up on the subtle shift between them¡ªtheir closeness was unmistakable¡ªand a flicker of confusion and curiosity crossed his usually unreadable expression. ¡°May I ask you something?¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡± replied Freya.


    ¡°You and Ellis¡­¡± Melvin trailed off, sensing something important had shifted without his knowledge.


    Freya blinked, caught slightly off guard. She had promised Melvin that if she ever considered remarrying, she¡¯d get his approval first. Granted, this wasn¡¯t marriage¡­ just dating.


    ¡°We¡¯re together now,¡± Freya said, casting a calm nce at Ellis. Her voice remained even as she added, ¡°We¡¯re in a rtionship.¡±


    Melvin turned to Ellis. He had long suspected Ellis had other motives for joining Anita International. Apparently, he hadn¡¯t been wrong. ¡°So what¡¯s the n¡ªare you going to fire him, or is he going to resign on his own?¡± Melvin¡¯s tone remained cool and measured.


    Freya stared at him, confused. Ellis stayed quiet. Neither of them could make sense of the question. There wasn¡¯t any rule against workce rtionships at the office, so why bring that up?


    Catching her puzzled look, Melvin asked, ¡°Did you forget the notice I sent out to every department?¡±


    ¡°What notice?¡±


    ¡°The one that said the boss has a zero-tolerance policy for office romances. If it happens, the boss¡¯s partner gets fired,¡± Melvin replied seriously. ¡°This was after thepany stabilized and a bunch of employees started chasing after you. You told me to issue it.¡±


    Freya had always attracted attention¡ªshe waspetent and striking¡ªand several colleagues hadn¡¯t been shy about showing interest. It made her ufortable, so she¡¯d asked Melvin to make her stance clear.


    Once the notice went out, everyone understood the boundary. Nobody wanted to risk their job for a chance at romance.


    Freya paused and shot Ellis an awkward nce. ¡°Can I admit I totally forgot about that?¡±


    ¡°I remembered it for you,¡± Melvin said inly.


    Freya, of course, wouldn¡¯t be thanking him for that anytime soon.


    Ellis raised a brow, mildly amused by the revtion.


    Freya thought for a moment, then looked at him seriously. ¡°Maybe it¡¯s time you resigned and went back to inherit your family business?¡±


    ¡°Are you trying to get rid of me?¡± Ellis¡¯s tone was deliberatelyzy.


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 Chapter 959

    ?Chapter 959:


    ¡°I¡¯m the boss. I have to lead by example,¡± she replied earnestly.


    Ellis tapped her forehead lightly. ¡°And leading by example means I¡¯m the one who has to fall on the sword?¡±


    Freya pressed her lips together, unsure how to respond. She knew it was another trap. She wasn¡¯t walking into that one.


    ¡°Seriously? Do I really have to resign?¡± Ellis asked Melvin, careful not to direct the question at Freya, knowing full well she had forgotten the rule.


    ¡°If you can keep things professional at work and stop the PDA, I can keep it under wraps for now,¡± Melvin said coolly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to leave thepany if you agree to that.¡±


    Ellis gave it some thought and figured he could manage that.


    That afternoon, Melvin went over the weekly schedule with Freya. Once finished, he hesitated before asking, ¡°Can I ask you something?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Did you pursue Ellis, or did he go after you?¡±


    ¡°He pursued me.¡± Even with all the courage in the world, she wouldn¡¯t have dared to make the first move on Ellis.


    ¡°Why are you asking me that?¡± Freya noticed something off in Melvin¡¯s tone.


    ¡°Is he treating you well?¡± Melvin¡¯s usual coolness gave way to genuine concern, his eyes revealing his emotions.


    Freya offered a small smile. ¡°Yes, he is.¡±


    Before they got together, she never imagined Ellis had such a gentle, thoughtful, even charming side.


    g?ln¦Ò¦Í????s is where dreams unfold


    Seeing that she wasn¡¯t just saying it, Melvin felt somewhat reassured. Still, he needed to be sure Ellis was the real deal. So he went to find him. After all, Freya had already been burned once. He couldn¡¯t let it happen again.


    Ellis wasn¡¯t surprised when Melvin approached him. He¡¯d seen the way Melvin looked after Freya at work¡ªattentive, sharp, covering every detail like the perfect right hand.


    ¡°Got a minute?¡± Melvin¡¯s face was serious.


    Ellis nodded.


    Melvin shut the door behind him. He didn¡¯t bother with small talk.


    ¡°What do you love about Freya?¡±


    ¡°I love her for who she is.¡±


    ¡°Is it because of the money?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°If your ex showed up, would you choose your ex or Freya?¡± Melvin didn¡¯t flinch, asking the one question that truly worried him.


    ¡°I don¡¯t have an ex,¡± Ellis said, a faint curve lifting the edge of his mouth. ¡°But no matter what, I¡¯d choose Freya.¡±


    He didn¡¯t resent Melvin¡¯s grilling. If anything, he appreciated that Freya had someone so fiercely loyal at her side all these years.


    ¡°Onest question,¡± Melvin said, more rxed now that Ellis seemed to be genuine.


    Ellis¡¯s voice dropped low. ¡°Shoot.¡±


    ¡°If someone else tries to pursue her, what would you do?¡± Melvin asked inly, his cool gaze pinned on Ellis, watching closely for even the slightest flicker in his expression.


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 Chapter 960

    Chapter 960:


    ¡°Continue to love and care for her as I always have.¡± Ellis¡¯s voice flowed with a melodious cadence, hiszy charm permeating the air between them. ¡°Marriage transcends mere personal preference¡ªit¡¯s a profound life journey. She deserves every opportunity to choose the person who captures her heart mostpletely and make the decision that illuminates her future.¡±


    ¡°Even if that choice excludes you?¡± Melvin inquired, his eyebrows arching with genuine surprise.


    Ellis¡¯s response came without hesitation, his eyes steady and clear. ¡°Yes.¡±


    The conviction behind his answer stemmed from a simple truth¡ªhe knew his heart belonged entirely to Freya, now and forever.


    Freya possessed unwavering certainty in her emotions. Whatever joy others might offer her, he believed he could match and exceed it. And the unique happiness that others couldn¡¯t provide? He would move mountains to create it for her.


    ¡°Should your devotion ever dim, ensure you honor her with both respect and unwavering fidelity,¡± Melvin dered, satisfaction warming his expression as he concluded their exchange.


    Ellis vowed with fervent intensity, ¡°I pledge to love her with ungging dedication until my final breath escapes me.¡±


    Following this solemn promise, Melvin extended a document he had been clutching throughout their conversation.


    Ellis epted it, assuming it contained work-rted matters. Before he could examine its contents, Melvin spoke again. ¡°I¡¯ve documented all the nuances of Freya¡¯s preferences¡ªboth professional and personal. It also catalogs her adverse reactions to specific foods and medications. You should review it thoroughly.¡±


    Despite Ellis¡¯s profound love for Freya, impossible gaps remained in his knowledge of her daily existence. Theirpanionship hadn¡¯t spanned enough time for him to absorb these intimate details. Now, Melvin deemed it appropriate to transfer this crucial information to Ellis, Freya¡¯s boyfriend.


    Ellis began methodically absorbing the document¡¯s contents, his eyes traversing each page with growing fascination.


    Finish the chapters at g???????¦Í????s. ??o??


    If he had previously interpreted Melvin¡¯s attentiveness as mere professional obligation, this document shattered that misconceptionpletely. The meticulous attention to detail revealed an emotional investment that transcended mere duty.


    Professional boundaries by leagues. ¡°Insomnia?¡± Ellis¡¯s finger paused on a section highlighted in bold text, his forehead creasing with concern.


    ¡°Several years ago, she battled persistent sleeplessness and relied on aromatherapy to find rest,¡± Melvin borated earnestly. ¡°Her condition has improved significantly, but future recurrences can¡¯t be ruled out, hence my notation.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s gaze lingered on the page, absorbing this revtion.


    Freya had never shared his bed, leaving him oblivious to any sleep disturbances she might experience. From his observations, she had radiated vitality each day, never giving him cause to suspect any underlying issues.


    ¡°When did this insomnia first manifest?¡± he inquired pensively.


    ¡°July, four years ago,¡± Melvin replied, his recollection of Freya¡¯s life history remarkably crystalline. ¡°She mentioned apanying her team on a particrly hazardous assignment. Sleep eluded her upon their return.¡±


    Ellis felt his blood freeze in his veins.


    That timeframe aligned perfectly with one of their most brutal operations. Freya had narrowly escaped catastrophic injury, and the operation had unfolded in a nightmarish tableau of blood, terror, and imminent danger.


    .


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    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Have a beautiful day dear ones. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (©¤??O)


    .


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 961

    ?Chapter 961:


    Mercifully, they had aplished their objective, and everyone had returned with their lives intact.


    ¡°I¡¯ll return to my responsibilities now,¡± Melvin announced, havingmunicated everything necessary. ¡°Ensure her wellbeing bes your highest priority.¡±


    ¡°Wait,¡± Ellis called out.


    ¡°Are you¡­?¡± Ellis faltered, struggling to articte his suspicion.


    ¡°I admire her deeply, but not in the manner you do,¡± Melvin replied, deciphering Ellis¡¯s unspoken question effortlessly. ¡°Should you fail in your duties to her, I will personally ensure she receives care of unparalleled quality.¡±


    With that deration hanging in the air, he turned and strode away.


    Ellis exhaled softly, a subtle weight lifting from his shoulders. If Melvin harbored romantic feelings for Freya, Ellis might have relinquished his position at Anita International and pursued their rtionship through alternative avenues. After all, Melvin¡¯s treatment of Freya bordered on reverence, and Ellis couldn¡¯t bear the thought of unting their romance before someone who cared so deeply.


    Fortunately, their sentiments toward Freya differed fundamentally.


    After absorbing every word of the document, Ellis tucked it carefully into a drawer, intending to broach the subject with Freya once their workday concluded.


    That stubborn woman hadn¡¯t breathed a word about her battles with insomnia. During that tumultuous period following the mission, they had remained at headquarters for approximately a week before departing, but she hadn¡¯t said anything.


    Later that afternoon, Freya departed from work nestled in Ellis¡¯s sleek vehicle. With him relieved of his chauffeur duties, Melvin devoted even more hours to office responsibilities. To him, thepany¡¯s bustling atmosphere vastly outshone the emptiness awaiting him at home, where idleness reigned supreme.


    As they glided through traffic, Freya detected an uncharacteristic shadow of concern darkening Ellis¡¯s features¡ªan expression she rarely witnessed crossing his face. She studied his profile as he navigated the road and inquired gently,


    g???????¦Í??????.????n ¨C ?????????? ???????????????? ????


    ¡°Something troubles you, doesn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± he confirmed.


    ¡°What concerns you?¡± she prompted.


    ¡°I¡¯m contemting why a certain stubborn person never revealed her struggles with insomnia.¡± Ellis cast a meaningful nce her way before redirecting his attention to the road, his driving remaining impably controlled.


    Freya¡¯s mind whirled with confusion. Stubborn person? Insomnia?


    Intrigued, she questioned, ¡°Who might this stubborn individual be?¡±


    ¡°Whoever responds bes the answer,¡± Ellis remarked, amusement dancing in his eyes at her bewildered expression. His voice carried a yful, rxed cadence that lightened the atmosphere.


    Freya¡¯s confusion deepened exponentially. Her?


    ¡°Melvin disclosed that you suffered from sleep disturbances years ago and relied on aromatherapy to find rest,¡± Ellis revealed, his emotions visiblyplex. ¡°Did that harrowing mission haunt your dreams?¡± The mission reference transported Freya¡¯s thoughts to days long past. Her sleeplessness had indeed stemmed from those traumatic events. The impact had extended beyond her alone¡ªher team members had simrly struggled with the aftermath.


    ¡°Why maintain your silence?¡± Ellis pressed.


    Freya responded with disarming honesty, ¡°Your demeanor intimidated me.¡±


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 Chapter 962

    ?Chapter 962:


    Ellis found himself momentarily speechless. A cascade of emotions washed across his features. This marked the second asion Freya had explicitlybeled him intimidating. Had his demeanor truly projected such unapproachable severity?


    ¡°You could have soughtfort from others,¡± Ellis suggested, his voice softening. ¡°Your camaraderie with the team ran deep in those days.¡±


    Freya decided to abandon her yful baiting. She offered a straightforward exnation. ¡°In truth, I dismissed it as inconsequential, expecting recovery within days.¡± Reality had unfolded quite differently. Instead, prolonged stress had exacerbated her insomnia to concerning levels.


    ¡°Should anything troubling arise in the future, inform me immediately,¡± Ellis advised, his lips curving into a devastatingly attractive smile. ¡°Don¡¯t shoulder burdens alone.¡±


    Sometimes, unburdening oneself or seeking assistance could dissolve problems entirely. Internalizing troubles only magnified their impact, eventually corroding one¡¯s psychological well-being.


    ¡°Agreed,¡± Freya conceded softly.


    As their vehicle continued its journey, Freya gazed contemtively through the window at the urbanndscape rushing past in a blur of shapes and colors.


    An unusual tranquility settled over her heart. The concept of peaceful existence had previously eluded her understanding. Now, however, she believed she might finally grasp its essence.


    Observing the serene contentment illuminating her features, Ellis¡¯s lips formed another gentle smile. His gaze softened noticeably as he began contemting culinary creations that might win her affection.


    They arrived at the apartmentplex precisely at six-thirty. Ellis prepared to navigate into the underground parking structure when a figure materialized suddenly, calling out with unbridled enthusiasm,


    Read the rest on g??l nov els.????


    ¡°Eli!¡±


    ire¡ªprecisely thest individual Ellis wished to encounter at this moment. He found himselfpelled to halt the vehicle.


    Freya examined the approaching woman¡ªstylishly attired and possessing striking beauty¡ªand inquired with natural curiosity, ¡°An acquaintance of yours?¡±


    ¡°Not exactly¡­¡± Ellis murmured.


    ¡°Eli!¡± ire approached with purposeful strides, her smile radiating sweetness and calcted charm. ¡°I¡¯ve been waiting hours for your return!¡±


    Memories of ire¡¯s words from thatte-night call drifted through Ellis¡¯s mind. His tone had turned chilly and cautious as he spoke. ¡°What are you doing here?¡±


    With a defiant re at Freya in the passenger seat, ire answered, ¡°I came all the way down here just to see you.¡±


    Today, she was determined to rip off Freya¡¯s mask¡ªEllis needed to see for himself that his girlfriend wasn¡¯t who he thought she was.


    His voicecked warmth as he muttered, ¡°And why?¡±


    ¡°We can¡¯t talk here,¡± ire ventured, ncing around and dropping her voice. ¡°Can we go up to your ce?¡± She didn¡¯t realize the one who¡¯d blocked her that day was Ellis himself.


    Ellis shut her down without hesitation. His apartment was a gift from Freya. If ire was only going to badmouth his girlfriend, there was no way he¡¯d let her inside.


    ¡°Stay here,¡± Ellis responded abruptly, wanting to figure out how she¡¯d even found his address. ¡°I need to park. I¡¯lle get you in a minute.¡±


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 Chapter 963

    ?Chapter 963:


    The cold caught ire off guard. She¡¯d expected him to act like a gentleman, but here he was, asking her to wait outside in the chill.


    Ellis kept quiet and steered the car into the underground garage.


    The apartmentplex¡¯s security was airtight¡ªonly registered residents and vehicles made it past the gates, which meant ire couldn¡¯t follow them inside.


    Freya picked up on the subtle friction in the air. ¡°Are you not on good terms?¡± she queried.


    ¡°Sort of,¡± Ellis answered without a flicker of emotion. ¡°But our parents are friends. I can¡¯t just blow her off. I¡¯ll go talk to her for a bit.¡± Ellis didn¡¯t personally care, but he couldn¡¯t disregard his family¡¯s wishes.


    Turning to Freya, he questioned her. ¡°Want toe with me?¡± He knew Freya sometimes felt uneasy, and he refused to give her any reason to doubt him.


    He believed in loving her without secrets or half-truths.


    Freya hesitated, then shook her head. ¡°It¡¯s fine. You should go alone. She probably has something private to say, and I don¡¯t want her to feel awkward.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s voice grew gentle but firm. ¡°Freya, you know you¡¯re my girlfriend, right?¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± she said, offering him a small, reassuring smile.


    He held her gaze and stated firmly, ¡°There¡¯s nothing in my life you¡¯re not allowed to know¡ªunless it¡¯s confidential or work-rted. I mean that.¡±


    Freya faltered, her lips parting as if to answer, but she found herself at a loss for words.


    Ellis didn¡¯t give her a choice. ¡°You¡¯reing with me,¡± he said, leaving no room for argument, his voice low and steady as he opened the door for her.


    Unable to refuse him, Freya slid out of the car and fell into step beside him.


    Your storytelling begins at g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,


    She knew healthy boundaries mattered, and she¡¯d never been the type to cling or meddle. Even if Ellis met ire alone, she trusted himpletely.


    Sensing her confidence, Ellis intertwined his fingers with hers, his grip warm and reassuring as they made their way across the pavement together.


    ire had been pacing outside, ncing at her phone, when Ellis finally appeared¡ªFreya right by his side.


    One look at them together told ire everything. In her eyes, Freya¡¯s presence could only mean she¡¯d shown up to keep an eye on Ellis, unwilling to let him meet another woman alone.


    ¡°Eli!¡± ire called, her voice bright as she hurried over.


    But Ellis met her enthusiasm with a frosty distance. His tone dropped all traces of old familiarity. ¡°I prefer Ellis now.¡±


    ire pouted, undeterred. ¡°But I¡¯ve always liked calling you that.¡±


    ¡°Then get used to it,¡± he replied evenly.


    Freya blinked, ncing at Ellis, surprised by his bluntness.


    That icy tone left no doubt¡ªwhatever warmth had once existed between him and ire had long since vanished.


    ire¡¯s lips pressed together in defeat. ¡°Fine,¡± she muttered, her tone barely hiding her annoyance. But she pushed on, ¡°By the way, I couldn¡¯t get through to you after ourst call. Was your phone off or something?¡±


    ¡°I blocked your number,¡± Ellis noted without a hint of apology.


    ire stared at him, dumbfounded.


    Even Freya looked over in shock.


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 Chapter 964

    ?Chapter 964:


    Ellis didn¡¯t hesitate. He slipped an arm around Freya¡¯s waist, his voice warm but resolute. ¡°Freya¡ªmy girlfriend. She¡¯s the woman I want by my side for the rest of my life. She means everything to me.¡±


    Then, he nced at Freya with a reassuring smile before introducing ire in the same breath. ¡°And this is ire Harper. Her father¡¯s an old friend of my dad¡¯s.¡±


    Freya was about to offer a polite greeting, but ire jumped in, her voice tight. ¡°You forgot we grew up together.¡±


    Ellis sidestepped herment, his gaze steady. ¡°How did you get my address?¡±


    ¡°Your parents told me,¡± ire admitted, meeting his eyes with open honesty.


    A faint line creased Ellis¡¯s brow. Why had his parents handed out his address so easily?


    ¡°Eli, why did you block me?¡± ire¡¯s voice was sharp with disbelief. ¡°I thought we were friends.¡±


    He met her eyes, his voice even. ¡°Our parents might be close, but that doesn¡¯t make us obligated to be.¡± He added, ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, we¡¯ll be going.¡±


    ¡°Wait.¡± ire¡¯s determination broke through her hesitation; she hadn¡¯te all this way to leave empty-handed.


    Both Ellis and Freya paused, waiting.


    ire pressed her lips together, searching Freya¡¯s face. ¡°Freya Briggs, do you want to tell Ellis yourself, or should I?¡±


    Freya blinked in confusion. ¡°Tell him what? I have no idea what you¡¯re talking about.¡±


    ¡°Spare me the act.¡± ire¡¯s tone sharpened.


    ????t??st ch??pt??rs in g??lno¦Íels.??????


    Freya¡¯s brows drew together, genuinely bewildered.


    Ellis, sensing ire¡¯s hostility, instinctively tightened his hold on Freya¡¯s hand, a frosty edge creeping into his expression. ¡°ire.¡± His voice alone sent a chill through her, and ire finally noticed just how protective he was of Freya¡ªan intimacy she¡¯d never seen before.


    ire squared her shoulders, refusing to back down. ¡°I know you hate it when I talk about your girlfriend, but let me ask you this¡ªdo you actually know who Freya Briggs really is?¡±


    In the beginning, Freya¡¯s name rang a distant bell for ire¡ªjust a faint flicker of recognition.


    Then it clicked. Freya had just been all over the news for divorcing Kristian and supposedly walking away with a jaw-dropping settlement. Ellis started to intervene, but Freya cut him off with a calm, ¡°Let her finish.¡±


    ¡°She used to be married to Kristian Shaw,¡± ire dered, eager to air every rumor she¡¯d heard. ¡°The divorce left her with over a billion. I mean, that says it all, doesn¡¯t it? She¡¯s obviously after money¡ªyours now, since you¡¯re the next target.¡±


    ¡°My name is Freya Briggs,¡± Freya replied, her tone steady and unimpressed.


    ire just shrugged. ¡°Yeah, I know.¡±


    ¡°Briggs¡ªas in Briggs Group,¡± Freya rified, her voice cool, refusing to entertain the usation any longer.


    The revtion blindsided ire.


    Suddenly, the snark vanished and her tongue tripped over itself.


    ¡°That¡¯s old news to me,¡± Ellis replied,cing his fingers through Freya¡¯s. He addressed ire with unhurried confidence. ¡°But let¡¯s get something straight.¡±


    ire looked dazed, still trying to process what she¡¯d just learned. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°My apartment, my job¡ªthey¡¯re both thanks to her,¡± Ellis replied, his voice light with a hint of mockery. ¡°So, if anyone here is chasing money, I guess that¡¯d be me, not Freya.¡±


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 Chapter 965

    ?Chapter 965:


    Freya blinked, caughtpletely off guard.


    Seriously¡ªEllis, the billionaire, really just said that?


    ire felt the sting of disappointment settle in her chest.


    Ellis¡­ a gold-digger? Was that even possible?


    ¡°Isn¡¯t your family pretty well-off?¡± she asked, her voiceced with quiet doubt.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t mean I¡¯m rolling in it too,¡± Ellis replied with an easy calm; his tone smooth and unbothered. ¡°I¡¯d much rather stay with my girlfriend and be her ¡®kept man¡¯ than go back and inherit the family fortune.¡±


    ire¡¯s brow creased ever so slightly, as if she were truly seeing him for the very first time.


    She stood there, silent, caught in a moment of hesitation, the words she wanted to say escaping her.


    ¡°If there¡¯s nothing else, we¡¯ll be going,¡± Ellis said coolly, satisfied with the weight his words had carried, offering no intention of exining further.


    ire pressed her lips into a tight line, her eyes fixed on their retreating backs.


    She believed him. She really did.


    Because if Freya was truly the daughter of the chairman of Briggs Group, Ellis could easily live in luxury without ever needing his own family¡¯s wealth.


    Most of all, inheriting meant managing it. Staying with Freya just meant spending it. But how on earth did Ellis end up like this?


    Ellis didn¡¯t give a damn what she thought.


    Once they were back home, he had Freya take a seat on the couch to watch some TV while he headed to the kitchen. Freya reached out to stop him.


    Stories live now on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s.c¦Ïm


    ¡°I¡¯ll do it.¡±


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you supposed to be leeching off me?¡±


    He let out a softugh. With a faint smile, Ellis leaned closer.


    ¡°If I told you I wanted to spend forever by your side, would you say yes?¡±


    Freya blinked and nodded slightly.


    ¡°Just stay over there,¡± Ellis said, a subtle note ofmand in his voice. ¡°The kitchen is my turf, and you¡¯re officially banned.¡±


    Freya wanted to at least help wash the vegetables or do something small. But Ellis wouldn¡¯t let her.


    To him, her hands were for signing contracts. Cooking was his responsibility.


    Realizing she had no chance of changing his mind, Freya stepped back and asked, ¡°Why did you say all that to ire? Aren¡¯t you afraid she¡¯ll get the wrong idea?¡±


    Ellis nced over. ¡°Wrong about what?¡±


    ¡°That you¡¯re some kind of gold-digger,¡± Freya said inly.


    Sometimes, she genuinely didn¡¯t get why he kept joking about living off her. He clearly had more than enough skill to stand on his own.


    ¡°I told the truth.¡±


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°I couldn¡¯t care less if she misunderstood. Saying that just means less trouble for us down the road.¡±


    He knew ire had feelings for him. Years ago, her parents had even approached his about arranging a marriage. When he went home on break, his parents asked his opinion, hinting they¡¯d seal the deal if he gave the nod. He had turned them down.


    However, he hadn¡¯t expected ire toe after Freya instead.


    .


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 Chapter 966

    ?Chapter 966:


    ¡°She¡¯s into you?¡± Freya asked, the realization only now dawning.


    Ellis paused as he sorted the vegetables, then replied, ¡°Not anymore.¡± No woman would admire a man who lived off his girlfriend.


    Except Freya. His wonderful girlfriend.


    An hourter, Ellis and Freya had finished their dinner. Knowing she had work to get back to, Ellis didn¡¯t hold her up, letting her go once they were finished.


    Meanwhile, over at Ellis¡¯s parents¡¯ home, ire curiously told Caldwell and Kendra about Ellis being a kept man. But the couple had already heard that story and didn¡¯t react much.


    Once ire hung up, they turned to another topic.


    ¡°I wonder if ire brought up Freya with Ellis today,¡± Kendra said, her face aplicated mix of concern and thoughtfulness.


    ¡°Just call and find out.¡±


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you call?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not calling.¡±


    Kendra shot Caldwell a sharp look, then picked up the phone herself and dialed Ellis.


    Ellis wasn¡¯t the least bit surprised. ire had left upset, and with her temperament, it was inevitable she¡¯d go crying to his parents.


    After a few brief pleasantries, Kendra hesitated before bringing it up.


    ¡°Ellis, there¡¯s something we need to ask.¡±


    Stay updated with g?ln¦Òv???s


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Did you know Freya was married before?¡±


    ¡°And what of it?¡± Ellis hadn¡¯t seen thating.


    Kendra and Caldwell exchanged nces, clearly unsure how best to approach the rest.


    ¡°Does it bother you?¡± Ellis asked, his voice low and even.


    ¡°No, of course not! Freya¡¯s a lovely girl. How could we possibly mind?¡± Kendra replied quickly, though concern lingered in her voice. ¡°We just worried that you might.¡±


    They knew their son. He was a perfectionist to the core. They had no idea how he¡¯d react.


    ¡°I don¡¯t mind,¡± Ellis answered, calm andposed. ¡°I¡¯m serious about building a life with her.¡±


    If there was anything to be bothered about, it was his own dy. If he¡¯d stepped up sooner, Freya would never have been hurt by Kristian.


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Kendra said with visible relief. ¡°Support her with her work, share her burdens. Your dad can manage things here.¡±


    Caldwell¡¯s face darkened instantly. That wasn¡¯t what they¡¯d agreed on! They were supposed to pass thepany to Ellis this year and travel the world.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Ellis didn¡¯t need to see his father¡¯s expression. He could already picture it.


    As soon as the call ended, Caldwell turned to Kendra, clearly displeased.


    ¡°Kendra!¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 967

    ?Chapter 967:


    ¡°Exactly what did you promise me?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve got plenty of time, what¡¯s the rush?¡± Kendra chuckled lightly, thenid out her vision. ¡°We¡¯ll travel the world in a few years.¡±


    Caldwell was stunned. Not a year or two. But a few years?


    ¡°Ellis and Freya will get married and start a family,¡± Kendra said matter-of-factly. ¡°All that will keep Ellis busy. He can¡¯t afford to be distracted. He needs you to keep thepany running for now.¡±


    ¡°Kendra!¡± Caldwell growled.


    ¡°Any objections?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Objection overruled.¡±


    Caldwell narrowed his eyes, still staring at her.


    ¡°I¡¯ll cook for you tonight.¡±


    ¡°You swear?¡± His stern expression finally cracked.


    Kendra¡¯s smile turned warm, her elegance unwavering. ¡°I swear.¡±


    ¡°Then I guess I¡¯ll grudgingly keep things afloat for a few more years,¡± Caldwell grumbled, secretly pleased. ¡°But once their child can walk, Ellis takes over.¡±


    Kendra nodded at once. ¡°Deal.¡±


    But Caldwell knew full well¡ªwhen it came to his wife, anything could change.


    In the days that followed, Ellis and Freya slipped easily into a life of quietfort.


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    Before they knew it, Saturday rolled around.


    Ellis had nned a date, but a call from Gerard changed things. He and Kristian were dropping by that morning. So, their ns would have to wait.


    At nine sharp, Kristian and Gerard showed up.


    Kristian looked visibly out of sorts, his usual strikingly handsome features now pale and washed out with an almost sickly hue.


    ¡°Ms. Briggs, I¡¯ll go ahead and pack Mr. Shaw¡¯s things. You two can talk,¡± Gerard offered smoothly, already guessing that Kristian had something he needed to say to Freya, and stepped away with quiet tact.


    Freya blinked. ¡°Pack his things?¡±


    Gerard instinctively turned his eyes toward Kristian. This was something only Kristian could exin.


    ¡°My memory¡¯se back,¡± Kristian said, his arms hanging loosely at his sides, his deep eyes fixed on Freya¡¯s face as if he were trying to etch every detail into his soul. ¡°I¡¯m sorry for all the mess I made while I couldn¡¯t remember.¡±


    Freya looked at him, the realization slowly settling in¡ªthis was the same Kristian she had once known so well.


    Her mind wandered back to that night downstairs. Had he remembered everything before that brief encounter?


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell me when you went looking for Lawrence?¡± she asked, her emotions twisting into something tooyered to name.


    ¡°I didn¡¯t know how to face you once it all came back,¡± Kristian admitted, speaking the thoughts of a man caught between two selves. ¡°And I figured, if my memory never returned, you¡¯d just end up ming yourself and feeling miserable. So I went alone.¡±


    Freya said nothing. Now that he remembered everything, there really was no reason for him to stay.


    ¡°Freya,¡± Kristian called her name softly.


    .


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 Chapter 968

    ?Chapter 968:


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    ¡°While I had amnesia, I did a lot of reckless things. I made a mess of everything and dragged you through it.¡± His voice was rough, stripped of its usual calm. ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    Freya had already let it go. ¡°It¡¯s alright. That¡¯s all behind us now.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s heart twisted. There was so much he still wanted to say, so much regret lodged in his chest.


    But she had already stepped beyond that chapter.


    No matter what he said, it wouldn¡¯t change a thing.


    ¡°Is he treating you well?¡± Kristian finally asked after a long silence, his voice colored with feelings he couldn¡¯t quite hide.


    Freya hesitated. ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Ellis.¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s good to me.¡±


    Those simple words felt like a dagger through Kristian¡¯s heart, but he forced himself to stayposed, burying the sting deep.


    So, this was it. He¡¯d missed his chance.


    ¡°That¡¯s good to hear,¡± Kristian said, trying to keep his voice even, though his eyes betrayed the struggle to let go. ¡°If he ever hurts you or if you ever change your mind, you¡¯re always wee toe to me.¡±


    Freya was caught off guard.


    Realizing what he meant, she answered calmly, ¡°No need to wait for that.¡±


    Her response hit him like a cold p.


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    ¡°You don¡¯t need to carry guilt or remorse for what happened before. You¡¯ve already made up for everything,¡± Freya told him inly, knowing where his mind had wandered. ¡°Living in the past doesn¡¯t help anything. You need to keep going.¡±


    Life was long, and no one could predict what it had in store.


    Back when she got married, she thought no one could everpare to Kristian, never imagining how messy things would be. But now, she¡¯d met Ellis¡ªsomeone even better.


    The future was wide open, and she wasn¡¯t going to box herself into the narrow world of yesterday.


    A heavy ache settled in Kristian¡¯s chest.


    ¡°Maybe the person you¡¯re meant to spend your life with is just around the corner,¡± Freya said, sharing the thought gently.


    Kristian didn¡¯t answer. He didn¡¯t know where his future would take him¡ªand honestly, he didn¡¯t want to know.


    What he did know, with painful rity, was that Freya no longer loved him. She wanted him to let go and build a new life far from hers.


    ¡°Can I ask you something?¡± he said, a question long buried wing its way to the surface.


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Who was your first love?¡± The question slipped out in a rasp, after a long pause.


    He thought back to that gathering when she¡¯d avoided that very question. A bitter jealousy had taken root then¡ªfor whoever had left such a deep impression on her.


    Freya pressed her lips together, no longer dodging. ¡°You.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s eyes flickered with surprise.


    .


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 Chapter 969

    ?Chapter 969:


    ¡°You were my first love,¡± Freya said, understanding exactly why he¡¯d asked. ¡°I didn¡¯t want to get too entangled with you. That¡¯s why I didn¡¯t want to say it back then. With the way you treated me at the time, even if I had told the truth, you wouldn¡¯t have believed it.¡±


    A sharp pang twisted inside him. They could have had something beautiful, but he¡¯d torn it apart with his own hands.


    ¡°And Charlie?¡±


    ¡°My custom-made pillow,¡± Freya answered.


    The mention of it stirred a memory¡ªshe used to sleep at home most of the time, but ever sinceing back from Jeucwell, she¡¯d stayed here. She hadn¡¯t hugged Charlie in months.


    No wonder her sleep had felt offtely, though she hadn¡¯t figured out why.


    Kristian didn¡¯t even know how he made it out of her apartment.


    Sitting in the car, her words rang in his ears.


    ¡°You were my first love.¡±


    ¡°My custom-made pillow.¡±


    It hit him just how much of a fool he¡¯d been¡ªmisjudging Freya over Ashley, doubting her when Norah had caused harm, refusing to believe the truth even when it stared him in the face.


    She¡¯d been telling the truth all along. Why hadn¡¯t he trusted her?


    When Gerard finished packing, he noticed the drained look on Kristian¡¯s face.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw, why don¡¯t you head back to Jeucwell and get some rest?¡±


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    They said the best cure for heartbreak was time and distance. Staying in Alerith would only stir up more emotions for Kristian.


    ¡°No need,¡± Kristian said tly.


    Gerard gave a quiet sigh and took the passenger seat, starting the drive. Sometimes, he wanted to tell Kristian that sulking and regretting everything now wouldn¡¯t fix a thing. It¡¯d be smarter to throw himself into work and rise to Freya¡¯s level in the business world.


    That way, she¡¯d keep hearing about the Shaw Group¡ªand about him. That way, he wouldn¡¯t fade from her memory.


    ¡°Back when I kept making Freya¡¯s life difficult¡­ did you think I was being ridiculous?¡± Kristian¡¯s Adam¡¯s apple bobbed as he spoke, his voice low and scratchy.


    ¡°No,¡± Gerard said quickly.


    Kristian was about to continue, but Gerard cut in, dead serious. ¡°I thought you were quite dumb.¡±


    Kristian was stunned.


    ¡°The evidence was staring you in the face, and you still didn¡¯t believe it,¡± Gerard said, finally letting loose the frustration he¡¯d bottled up. ¡°Back then, I honestly thought you needed your head examined.¡±


    Kristian couldn¡¯t argue. Looking back, he saw it clearly¡ªhis disbelief hadn¡¯t been real doubt. It was just his ego getting in the way.


    Seeing how close Freya was to Trent only made everything boil over inside him.


    Kristian knew trust was always the real issue between Freya and him, a silent wall neither could break down. And that failure was on him.


    ¡°So why do you stick around as my assistant?¡± Kristian¡¯s voice held no anger this time. The question was gentle, almost vulnerable, as he looked at Gerard.


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 Chapter 970

    ?Chapter 970:


    Gerard didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Honestly? The pay¡¯s great. And you treat me better than most bosses ever would.¡± He let out a wryugh. ¡°You might be a disaster in rtionships, but you¡¯re damn good to your staff.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s lips pressed into a thin, silent line.


    ¡°Remember that project you handed me to practice on, ages ago?¡± Gerard continued, the memory still sharp in his mind. ¡°Ipletely blew it. Cost thepany millions. But you didn¡¯t tear into me. You just stepped in and fixed it.¡±


    That kind of loss barely made a dent in Kristian¡¯s world. For Gerard, still fresh-faced after just a year with thepany, it would¡¯ve crushed him¡ªhe could¡¯ve spent a lifetime repaying that debt. Kristian met his gaze and shrugged it off like it was nothing.


    ¡°You¡¯re worth a lot more to me than a couple million.¡± That had been Gerard¡¯s one real misstep.


    In truth, it wasn¡¯t even a mistake¡ªjust ack of self-assurance holding him back.


    Since then, something in Gerard had shifted. He found his rhythm, took ownership, and Kristian rarely had to intervene after that.


    ¡°Mr. Shaw,¡± Gerard ventured, picking up on the fading energy in the room, ¡°I actually think Ms. Briggs made a good point today. No matter if it¡¯s love or work, people have to keep moving forward.¡±


    Kristian gazed into the distance, his lips pressed tight. Everyone told him to move on, as if it were that simple. But love wasn¡¯t a task he could just file away and forget.


    Gerard added softly, wishing both Freya and Kristian could find some peace, ¡°The people you¡¯ve lost are still gone. You can¡¯t change what happened by living in the past.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Kristian rasped, his voice thick and uneven.


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    Gerard hesitated. He had more on his mind, but one wrong word could send Kristian spiraling back to those dark days¡ªskipping meals, barely functioning¡ªso he swallowed it.


    The silence dragged on. Atst, Kristian turned to the window, staring out at the city lights as if searching for answers only he could see.


    ¡°I¡¯ll let go,¡± he said slowly. ¡°When her kid is old enough to start kindergarten.¡±


    He needed to know Ellis would actually cherish Freya. Too many men changed after the vows¡ªsome cheated during pregnancy, others turned cold when their wives¡¯ looks faded after childbirth.


    Kristian couldn¡¯t rest until he saw, with his own eyes, that Freya was truly happy.


    Gerard froze, struggling to process.


    ¡°School?¡±


    Even if Freya married and had a baby tomorrow, that would be at least five more years!


    Kristian would turn twenty-eight this October. Add five years, and he¡¯d be thirty-three by the time Freya¡¯s child started kindergarten. Would his family ept that kind of timeline?


    ¡°If you¡¯re truly nning to wait until her child is old enough for school before moving on, you¡¯d better have Liam go on a few dates once you¡¯re back this year,¡± Gerard advised, knowing exactly how Kristian¡¯s family operated. ¡°If you don¡¯t, your parents will shift their focus onto you instead.¡±


    Melinda, Lionel, and Isaac had always adored Freya. The second they learned she was seeing Ellis, all that disapproval wouldnd squarely on Kristian¡¯s shoulders.


    Could Kristian handle being constantly targeted at home? It was only a matter of time before he got picked on!


    Kristian hesitated, a flicker of life brightening his weary gaze. After thinking it over, he replied with a nod, ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 971

    ?Chapter 971:


    Liam was not getting any younger. It was time for him to settle down.


    Out on the open sea, Liam was catching waves under the zing sun. Suddenly, a chill ran down his neck. He paused, rubbed at the sensation, then shrugged it off and dove back into the surf.


    Once Kristian left, Freya double-checked the guest room to see if Gerard had left anything behind.


    After confirming the space was clear, she quietly retreated to her own room.


    The moment Freya stepped inside, Ellis swept her into his arms before she could even catch her breath.


    She blinked, a little dazed, wondering if he¡¯d somehow overheard her exchange with Kristian. ¡°Did what I said to Kristian bother you?¡± she asked quietly, searching his face for any hint of annoyance.


    Ellis only tightened his hold, a faint smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Not at all,¡± he said, clearly savoring the feel of her pressed close. ¡°But I think you got something wrong earlier.¡±


    She frowned, sifting through the conversation in her mind, but nothing seemed out of ce. ¡°What did I get wrong?¡±


    He dipped his head, his voice low and utterly serious. ¡°Your first love.¡±


    Freya stared, genuinely baffled. Kristian had been her first in every sense¡ªshe¡¯d never even looked at anyone else that way.


    Ellis¡¯s lips twitched with amusement. ¡°Go ahead. Google the definition of first love,¡± he teased, watching the flutter of hershes with a kind of quiet delight, as if the smallest gestures from her could undo him. Still nestled in his arms, Freya obliged, searching it up on her phone.


    Ellis nced over her shoulder at the result.


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    He grinned, mischief flickering in his gaze. ¡°See? You and Kristian got married so quickly, you never even had a real rtionship before that. No dating, no romance. That means I¡¯m actually your first love.¡±


    Freya¡¯s confusion only deepened.


    Ellis reached over and pinched her cheek with teasing gentleness. ¡°Understand now?¡±


    She squinted, still dazed.


    He bent down, brushing a light kiss across her lips¡ªquick and mischievous, gone before she could react.


    He never missed a chance to flirt, did he?


    Freya fixed her eyes on him, questions tumbling through her mind. Why did he keep stealing kisses like this?


    Ellis pulled back with a soft chuckle, running his fingers through her hair with easy affection.


    Sometimes, Freya wondered if this version of Ellis¡ªso tender, so patient¡ªcould possibly be real, even though he showed it often enough.


    ¡°Ellis,¡± she called out.


    He met her eyes, a spark of amusement flickering there. ¡°Yeah?¡±


    She hesitated, then asked, ¡°If you¡¯re still training my team members, would you ever consider training me, too?¡±


    He raised an eyebrow, azy smirk ying at his lips. ¡°What do you think?¡±


    ¡°I guess not,¡± Freya replied, lips quirking. ¡°After all, I¡¯m your girlfriend.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s smile turned roguish. He leaned close, his voice dropping to a velvet whisper in her ear. ¡°You¡¯ve got quite the imagination. Next time you dream, make it even wilder.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 972

    ?Chapter 972:


    Freya stared at him,pletely at a loss for words. She saw through that gentle exterior; it was just another mask he wore. A hint of frustration flickered across her face, and his grin only broadened, amused by her reaction.


    Girlfriends were meant to be treasured, yes¡ªbut if she ever joined his world of high-stakes missions, he¡¯d hold her to the same unforgiving standards. There¡¯d be no special treatment. Survival depended on it. Nothing about those missions was scripted. Even with him at her side, there were no guarantees¡ªreal danger was never as tidy as a soap opera.


    While his smile lingered, Freya decided to get even. She pushed up on her toes and pressed a quick, yful kiss to his lips, catching himpletely off guard.


    Before he could react, she teased him with a mischievousugh, sparking something hot and electric between them. Ellis¡¯s instincts kicked in. He swept her into his arms, iming her with an intense embrace.


    Freya felt the heat in the air spike.


    Just as things hit their peak, she twisted free, darted across the room, and slipped behind a door, leaving him blinking in disbelief. She vanished so fast that Ellis didn¡¯t have a chance to catch her.


    He stood there, the taste of her kiss still clinging to his lips, her sweet scent lingering in the air, and a restless fire burning in his eyes that refused to go out.


    Ellis stepped confidently toward the room where Freya was tucked away. At the door, he called softly, ¡°Freya, you in there?¡±


    Freya stayed silent, pretending she hadn¡¯t heard a thing.


    Teasing halfway and stopping was a risky game. If she stepped out now, Ellis would likely kiss her until her knees buckled.


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    ¡°If you don¡¯t show, I¡¯ming in,¡± Ellis said, calm but yful.


    Freya wavered for a moment. She knew he was a master at nearly everything.


    A locked door? Child¡¯s y for him.


    ¡°Two.¡±


    Before he hit one, Freya swung the door open, her guilty eyes betraying her.


    On second thought, a hug and a kiss sounded better than Ellis barging in and cornering her on the bed. Things could spiral too fast there. Ellis reached out, gently pinching her cheek. ¡°Hiding because you¡¯re guilty?¡±


    ¡°No way,¡± Freya said quickly.


    ¡°Really?¡± Ellis leaned in, his striking face closing the distance.


    Freya¡¯s heart skipped, and she fessed up, ¡°Okay, maybe a little.¡±


    ¡°If you¡¯re going to kiss him, do it right,¡± Ellis murmured, leaning closer until their breaths mixed. ¡°Halfway¡¯s no good.¡±


    His lips met hers, soft and sure.


    Freya¡¯s heart raced, her cool facade melting away in a sh.


    Ellis pulled back after a moment, tapping her head lightly. His low, easy voice said, ¡°Go change.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    Change for what?


    He softened, his tone warm. ¡°I want you to meet my childhood friends.¡±


    Their date ns had hit a snag, so they switched things up.


    .


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 Chapter 973

    ?Chapter 973:


    Trent and the crew were shared friends, no need for formal intros, but his childhood friends held a special ce, and Ellis wanted Freya to know them.


    Freya freshened up and headed out with Ellis.


    They were meeting at a cozy restaurant.


    In a private room, Ethan sat next to a sweet-looking woman.


    She was petite, looking tiny beside Ethan¡¯s tall frame.


    ¡°When Ellis shows, act like you¡¯ve been crushing on him since we were kids and confess,¡± Ethan said, still salty about Ellis sneaking a virus onto his phone, which earned him a scolding from his mom. This was his shot to settle the score!


    Alyssa Castillo blinked, confused. ¡°Are you nuts?¡±


    He asked her to confess to Ellis? Had he lost it?


    ¡°Come on, help me out,¡± Ethan begged, giving her arm a yful shake, his eyes pleading. ¡°Do this, and I¡¯ll get you anything you want!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve got my own money.¡±


    ¡°One wish, then!¡±


    ¡°Not tempting.¡±


    ¡°Alyssa, please, after what Ellis put me through with my mom, just help,¡± Ethan pressed.


    Alyssa shot back, ¡°Stop it!¡±


    ¡°If you don¡¯t, I¡¯ll tell everyone about your crush on that Aston guy,¡± Ethan said with a sly grin, ying dirty.


    ¡°You wouldn¡¯t!¡±


    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s takes you on a journey


    ¡°Bet I would.¡±


    Alyssa red, fists clenched, torn between frustration and fury. What a knucklehead!


    ¡°If you agree, I¡¯ll keep this secret buried forever and promise to do one thing for you,¡± Ethan said earnestly. ¡°Deal?¡±


    Alyssa shook his arm, her way of saying yes. ¡°You better not break your word.¡±


    As they squabbled, Ellis and Freya walked in.


    Alyssa¡¯s eyesnded on Freya, a spark of awe in her gaze. How did Ellisnd such a stunning woman?


    ¡°Hey, good to see you again,¡± Ethan said warmly, nudging Alyssa under the table. He wasn¡¯t sure if Ellis had spilled his feelings to Freya yet.


    Ellis always yed it cool, calling her his boss, but Ethan was dead certain Ellis was smitten.


    ¡°Meet my childhood friends, Ethan Pearson and Alyssa Castillo,¡± Ellis said, then turned to them. ¡°This is Freya Briggs, my girlfriend.¡± They swapped quick hellos.


    Ethan shot Alyssa a look, and she wanted to slug him again. But she couldn¡¯t risk Ethan bbing about her crush on another man. If that got out, her lie would unravel.


    ¡°Ellis,¡± Alyssa called softly.


    She was just two years younger than Ellis and Ethan. At twenty-eight, her small frame and cute face made her look barely twenty. Ellis was about to sit with Freya.


    ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve liked you since we were kids,¡± Alyssa said, her heart silently apologizing to Freya, though her face stayed earnest.


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 Chapter 974

    ?Chapter 974:


    Ellis and Freya froze, both puzzled.


    Their confused looks matched perfectly, each wondering what was happening.


    Ethan was smirking, loving the chaos. ¡°Can I sit by Freya for dinner?¡±


    Alyssa added, ¡°I like her too.¡±


    Now, Ellis and Ethan were the confused ones.


    Before Ellis could answer, Freya nodded.


    Something about Alyssa felt genuine, despite the wild confession, and Freya liked her vibe.


    Once seated together, Alyssa quickly apologized to Freya and set things straight with Ellis. ¡°Don¡¯t get it twisted¡ªI don¡¯t like you. Ethan made me say it.¡±


    All eyes turned to her.


    Ethan didn¡¯t flinch, even though Alyssa ratted him out. ¡°You put that virus on my phone, man.¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t argue back. Some scores could wait to be settled.


    As they ate, Ellis and Ethan made sure Freya and Alyssa had their favorite dishes within reach.


    Ellis knew Freya¡¯s tastes, and Ethan knew Alyssa¡¯s, cing their preferred tes close by.


    Half an hour into the meal, Ellis struck back. ¡°Alyssa.¡± Alyssa nced up.


    ¡°Heard your family¡¯s pushing you to tie the knot?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a lot,¡± she admitted.


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    ¡°I know a couple of great guys. Interested?¡± Ellis said casually, his eyes flicking toward Ethan.


    Alyssa paused. Didn¡¯t Ellis know she had a thing for Ethan?


    ¡°One¡¯s solid and dependable, the other¡¯s kind and thoughtful¡ªTrent and Frederick,¡± Ellis said, stirring the pot. ¡°Frederick¡¯s not from a shy family like Trent, but he¡¯s a wizard with code.¡±


    Hearing that Frederick was a hacker, Alyssa¡¯s eyes sparked with genuine curiosity.


    Freya slipped a morsel of meat between her lips, her gaze drifting thoughtfully across the table as she savored the vor.


    Ellis had never ventured into matchmaking territory before, especially without Trent and Frederick¡¯s knowledge or consent. So, did Ethan harbor feelings for Alyssa? Was Ellis deliberately provoking Ethan?


    ¡°They¡¯re both exceptionally trustworthy men. If my word alone doesn¡¯t convince you, perhaps Freya can vouch for them,¡± Ellis suggested, cleverly attempting to enlist Freya into his borate scheme.


    Freya grasped his intention immediately; the two of them shared an unspoken understanding when navigating such delicate matters.


    ¡°They¡¯re remarkable people, truly. Trent embodies gentleness and meticulous attention to detail, a man whose integrity never wavers, while Frederick radiates liveliness and cheerfulness, grounded by a solid foundation of values.¡±


    ¡°Is that so?¡± Alyssa responded,prehending the situation and willingly bing an aplice in their n.


    Among their small gathering, only Ethan remained blissfully unaware of the unfolding drama.


    Nevertheless, confusion clouded Alyssa¡¯s thoughts. What motivated Ellis to orchestrate this scenario? Ethan clearly harbored no affection for her.


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Freya confirmed with a deliberate nod.


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 Chapter 975

    ?Chapter 975:


    Ellis observed from his peripheral vision how Ethan¡¯s appetite had noticeably diminished, frustration etching itself into the contours of his expression.


    Freya turned toward Alyssa, her voice warm with invitation. ¡°Why don¡¯t you leave with uster? The two don¡¯t have much nned today, making it an ideal opportunity to be acquainted with them.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d love to,¡± Alyssa agreed without hesitation.


    ¡°Count me in as well!¡± Ethan suddenly interjected, his voice cutting through the conversation.


    Every pair of eyes at the table swiveled toward him, and Alyssa felt a fragile spark of hope ignite within her¡ªa hope she knew she should have suppressed.


    ¡°I¡¯ve heard rumors about two women who maintain close rtionships with Trent.¡± Ethan maintained a facade of perfect nonchnce. ¡°Why not extend invitations to them as well? I might as well explore potential romantic connections for myself.¡±


    Alyssa¡¯s momentary hope crumbled instantly, prompting her to mock him with barely concealed disappointment. ¡°How could you possibly pursue anything meaningful when your evenings disappear into the pulsing lights of nightclubs?¡±


    ¡°That assessment isn¡¯t fair. Frequenting nightclubs merely constitutes harmless entertainment,¡± Ethan defended himself, his tone bordering on indignation. ¡°It¡¯s not as though I engage in reprehensible behavior.¡±


    ¡°True enough, you¡¯re notmitting any moral transgressions¡ªjust flirting shamelessly with every woman who crosses your path,¡± Alyssa countered with arctic coolness.


    Ethan found himself without a convincing rebuttal.


    During his most recent outing with friends, they had practically thrust two women into hispany, and before he could articte any objection, Alyssa had witnessed the entire scene.


    The tales you love are at g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m


    From that pivotal moment, he realized the impossibility of shedding this reputation, regardless of his efforts or intentions.


    Throughout the meal, each person retreated into thebyrinth of their private thoughts.


    As they dined, Ellis discreetly messaged their group chat, inquiring about everyone¡¯s avability for an impromptu gathering.


    He and Freya owed a huge debt of gratitude to Greta and Frederick for ying matchmaker, so treating them to a meal felt only right. He nned to announce that he and Freya were officially a couple now. After his message appeared in the chat, responses confirming avability flooded in rapidly.


    Following their public acknowledgments, private messages began pouring into Ellis¡¯s phone.


    Greta¡¯s message arrived first. ¡°What exactly transpired? Weren¡¯t you actively pursuing Freya? Whatpels you to introduce another woman to our intimate gathering?¡±


    This deviation from their established pattern raised collective eyebrows! Their social circle traditionally excluded outsiders from their gatherings.


    Riley¡¯s concerned text followed. ¡°Have your affections shifted elsewhere?¡±


    Fred contributed his confusion. ¡°Doesn¡¯t your heart still belong to Freya?¡± Trent expressed his bewilderment as well. ¡°What unexpected development has urred?¡±


    Cade and Moss simrly bombarded him with questions of their own. Ellis and Freya held significant ces in their collective hearts, and witnessing their union had been a shared aspiration among their friends.


    Yet now, Ellis appeared intent on introducing another woman into their carefully bnced dynamic.


    Ellis provided a sinct exnation and specifically informed Trent and Frederick of his actual intentions.


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 Chapter 976

    ?Chapter 976:


    Both men willingly embraced their assigned roles in this improvised drama, agreeing without reservation.


    Onceprehension dawned across their friend group, relief washed over everyone involved.


    They genuinely hoped that Ellis and Freya would find their way to each other.


    With all details arranged, Ellis and Freya carefully exined their scheme to Alyssa. For seamless futuremunication, Alyssa and Freya exchanged numbers.


    After lingering over final bites, they settled the bill and departed into the evening air.


    Freya and Ellis slipped into one vehicle together, while Alyssa and Ethan upied another, the separation creating an intimate space for conversation.


    ¡°Do you genuinely intend to meet those men?¡± Ethan inquired, his fingers tapping against the steering wheel as he cast sidelong nces at his passenger.


    ¡°Why not?¡± Alyssa countered.


    ¡°Don¡¯t your affections lie with Bruce Aston?¡±


    ¡°He harbors feelings for someone else. My emotions are destined to remain unrequited, so exploring other possibilities seems only logical.¡± Alyssa delivered these words with remarkableposure, masking the truth behind casual indifference.


    Ethan¡¯s lips pressed into a thin line, silence hanging between them before he finally offered, ¡°I could help you capture his heart, without question.¡±


    ¡°Please don¡¯t disturb him,¡± Alyssa said firmly. ¡°I¡¯d rather not burden him with the weight of my feelings.¡±


    Ethan retreated into thoughtful silence.


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    The mystery of Bruce¡¯s exceptional qualities eluded himpletely. Did this man truly merit years of her unwavering devotion and steadfast affection?


    Meanwhile, Ellis and Freya explored identical territory in their conversation, though Freya approached from a different angle, asking, ¡°Has Ethan developed feelings for Alyssa?¡±


    ¡°I believe so,¡± Ellis replied.


    ¡°You only believe?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t spend much time with them these years,¡± Ellis rified, his melodious voice filling the car. ¡°Theplete history between them remains somewhat obscure to me, yet I find it peculiar that Ethan has maintained his single status throughout these years.¡±


    ¡°So you¡¯ve orchestrated this encounter with Trent and Frederick as a test?¡± Freya deduced.


    ¡°Precisely,¡± Ellis confirmed with a deliberate nod.


    Freya acknowledged her understanding with a corresponding nod.


    They navigated toward an expansive entertainmentplex boasting diverse attractions¡ªa racing circuit, immacte golf course, professional tennis courts, and even a sophisticated nightclub-esque establishment.


    This impressive venue had been specifically developed under the Seymour Group¡¯s vision, sprawling across an impressive expanse ofnd.


    When the fourpanions arrived, Frederick alone awaited them, his proximity to the location enabling his earlier arrival.


    ¡°Freya, Ellis,¡± Frederick greeted them warmly, his eyes dancing with unasked questions.


    Curiosity radiated from him regarding Ellis and Freya¡¯s evolving rtionship.


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 Chapter 977

    ?Chapter 977:


    Freya and Ellis returned his greeting with matching warmth.


    Noticing Alyssa and Ethan approaching from the parking area, Freya leaned toward Frederick and whispered subtle instructions. ¡°The woman is Alyssa. y your part convincingly but with restraint.¡±


    ¡°Consider it handled,¡± Frederick responded with a conspiratorial nce.


    As the neers joined their circle, Ellis performed necessary introductions with practiced ease.


    Frederick¡¯s natural vivaciousness made his performance effortlessly convincing. Following preliminary pleasantries, he swept Alyssa away toward various entertainments, his smooth execution surprising both Ellis and Freya.


    Ethan¡¯s brow creased with unmistakable displeasure.


    ¡°Does Frederick truly possess such simplistic character?¡± Ethan questioned, disguising jealousy behind moral concern. ¡°His immediate familiarity with Alyssa suggests questionable reliability.¡±


    ¡°His trustworthiness surpasses yours considerably,¡± Ellis countered with unruffledposure.


    Ethan¡¯s frown deepened into a scowl.


    How dare he make such aparison?


    ¡°Alyssa has been an integral part of our lives since childhood,¡± Ethan reminded him, an indirect warningced through his words. ¡°Should you cause her any distress, I¡¯ll be first in line to address the matter personally.¡±


    ¡°And how precisely would you aplish that?¡± Ellis arched an eyebrow, his tone infuriatingly tranquil. ¡°Perhaps by infiltrating my devices with malicious software or resorting to physical confrontation?¡±


    Ethan nearly suffocated on his suppressed frustration.


    g ? ln ¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s, where stories thrive


    The paradoxical nature of friendship¡ªhow it could simultaneously inspire profound affection and intense irritation¡ªbewildered himpletely.


    When rtionships flourished harmoniously, they brought unparalleled joy, yet during conflicts, they transformed into exquisite torture!


    ¡°You actually dare bring that up?¡± Ethan¡¯s scalp prickled with the unpleasant memory of his mother¡¯s fury that day. ¡°Who did you hire to tamper with my phone? I¡¯ve approached several specialists, yet none could prate its defenses.¡±


    Freya maintained her deliberate silence.


    Ellis¡¯s eyes danced with mischief as he uttered just two words. ¡°A genuine expert.¡±


    ¡°Obviously it¡¯s a genuine expert,¡± Ethan grumbled, convinced that Ellis had grown insufferably smug since entering a rtionship. ¡°I¡¯m asking for their actual identity.¡±


    ¡°A hacker,¡± Ellis replied with maddening brevity.


    Ethan shot him an exasperated look.


    This conversation was deteriorating into absurdity.


    If this pattern continued, Ellis would surely drive him to the brink of insanity sooner rather thanter!


    ¡°You wait here for the others. I¡¯m going to investigate whether Frederick is as dubious as he appears.¡± Ethan¡¯s mind was already churning with possibilities.


    Since Ellis had mentioned a hacker, Frederick¡¯s technical prowess must be considerable.


    Why not enlist his assistance in cracking the virus?


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 Chapter 978

    ?Chapter 978:


    When Ethan located Frederick, he discovered him chatting happily with Alyssa. As he approached, Frederick¡¯s voice carried clearly. ¡°You certainly don¡¯t look twenty-eight. I would have guessed you were closer to Freya¡¯s age.¡±


    ¡°Do you routinely tter women in this manner?¡± Alyssa inquired, genuine curiosity coloring her voice.


    ¡°Hardly ever,¡± Frederick confessed with refreshing honesty. ¡°Apart from Freya, you¡¯re the first recipient of my admiration.¡±


    As for Greta and Riley, they perpetually operated in teasing mode, not particrly receptive topliments.


    ¡°I heard from Ellis that you possess hacking capabilities,¡± Ethan interjected, interrupting their exchange while privately doubting Frederick¡¯s reliability.


    ¡°To some extent,¡± Frederick acknowledged modestly.


    Though his hacking proficiency didn¡¯t match Freya¡¯s exceptional talent, his skills were nheless impressive, nearly rivaling Natasha¡¯s expertise.


    Ethan casually draped an arm across Frederick¡¯s shoulders, adopting the demeanor of long-standingrades. ¡°How about rendering me a service?¡±


    Frederick¡¯s expression transformed into one of bewilderment.


    Ethan guided him into an interior room.


    Frederick swiftly neutralized the virus Ethan had once installed on Ellis¡¯s phone, igniting a flicker of hope within Ethan.


    He requested Frederick to wait while he retrieved his virus-contaminated phone from the vehicle, promising, ¡°This device harbors an exceptionally potent virus. I¡¯ve consulted numerous hackers, yet none could vanquish it. Sessfully crack this formidable threat, and I¡¯ll treat you to avish dinner.¡±


    Frederick epted the phone. Just as he prepared to deploy hisptop against the virus, his own system became infected instead!


    g?????0¦Í??????.?????? ¨C Continue reading


    He appeared thoroughly disoriented.


    ¡°Theputers of previous helpers also sumbed to infection¡­¡± Ethan coughed awkwardly to conceal his embarrassment, realizing he had neglected to mention this criticalplication.


    Frederick remained silent, continuing to type intricate code to dismantle the virus.


    Half an hourter, hisptop had been restored to normal functioning, and the virus on Ethan¡¯s phone had beenpletely eradicated.


    Frederick recognized the virus as one of Freya¡¯s borate pranks. It yielded only because it was essentially harmless; had Freya implemented it with serious intent, breaking through would have proven impossible. No one had ever sessfully breached her serious viruses¡ªnot even elite hackers all over the world.


    ¡°You¡­¡± Frederick halted mid-sentence, swallowing his words. He yearned to inquire how Ethan had managed to provoke Freya¡¯s wrath but recalled that Ethan belonged to Ellis¡¯s inner circle. Freya never deliberately targeted their friends with such malice.


    Ethan, noticing Frederick¡¯s exceptional skills surpassed those of hackers he¡¯d previously encountered, leaned forward with interest. ¡°What¡¯s troubling you?¡±


    ¡°Where did this particr virus originate from?¡± Frederick asked, his voice tinged with professional curiosity.


    ¡°No idea, it simply materialized out of nowhere,¡± Ethan replied with a shrug.


    ¡°Consider the circumstances more thoroughly,¡± Frederick pressed.


    ¡°You¡¯ve uncovered something, haven¡¯t you?¡± Ethan, demonstrating the sharp instincts befitting Ellis¡¯s friend, fixed his gaze on Frederick. ¡°Do you recognize who embedded this virus?¡±


    Frederick¡¯s telling silence served as an unspoken confirmation.


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 Chapter 979

    ?Chapter 979:


    Ethan decided directness offered the only path forward, recognizing Frederick would remain tight-lipped otherwise. ¡°Ellismissioned someone to nt this virus on my device as retribution for my actions.¡±


    Frederick¡¯s mind flooded with questions, each more rming than thest.


    His heart hammered against his ribs as dread washed over him. ¡°Ellis orchestrated this?¡±


    ¡°Indeed,¡± Ethan confirmed solemnly.


    Frederick¡¯s thoughts raced frantically.


    Ellis had targeted his own friend, and Frederick had unwittingly dismantled the virus, effectively positioning himself in opposition to Ellis. Should Ellis discover his interference, he would face dire consequences!


    ¡°I¡¯ve just realized your phone¡¯s virus hasn¡¯t beenpletely neutralized,¡± Frederick fabricated, desperate to avoid Ellis¡¯s formidable displeasure. ¡°Allow me another examination.¡±


    Ethan relinquished his phone, cingplete faith in Frederick¡¯s expertise.


    Frederick¡¯s fingers danced across the keyboard with practiced precision, swiftly reinstating Freya¡¯s original virus. To prevent immediate detection, he powered down Ethan¡¯s device.


    ¡°Taskpleted,¡± Frederick announced, returning the phone to its owner. ¡°Urgent matters require my attention elsewhere. Please verify everything functions properly.¡±


    With those hastily spoken words, he departed, deliberately denying Ethan any opportunity for further discussion.


    Frederick¡¯s nerves jangled discordantly as he contemted the potential fallout of his actions. Restoring the virus shouldn¡¯t disrupt Ellis¡¯s grand scheme, should it? He shuddered at the thought of punishment¡ªthe dreadedps around the track or Ellis¡¯s notoriously brutal training sessions.


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    Ethan observed Frederick¡¯s peculiar behavior with puzzlement but chose not to dwell on it extensively. Noticing his powered-down phone, he switched it on, intending to transfer his SIM card at ater time.


    However, the moment the device sprang to life, a boisterous voice sted from its speakers. ¡°Mom,e and give me a good punch. Too bad. You can¡¯t catch me. Hahaha¡­¡±


    Ethan stood petrified with shock.


    The phone¡¯s raucous outburst instantly captured the attention of nearby onlookers.


    Ethan muttered a colorful expletive regarding Frederick¡¯s unreliability and hastily forced the device to shut down.


    What devious game was Frederick ying? The virus was supposedly eradicated, so why had the phone resumed its embarrassing performance?


    Frederick, meanwhile, savored his narrow escape, sprinting back toward their designated meeting location.


    Upon arrival, he discovered most of theirpanions already assembled.


    Trent, ever observant, noted Frederick¡¯s furtive demeanor and arched an inquisitive eyebrow. ¡°Carrying the weight of some hidden transgression, are we?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Frederick protested, nervously raking fingers through his hair. ¡°Merely checking the whereabouts of Ellis and Freya. Weren¡¯t wemitted to facilitating their romantic connection today?¡±


    Trent adjusted his sses contemtively, deliberately choosing not to expose Frederick¡¯s transparent deception.


    Once Ethan rejoined their gathering, the entire group embarked on their recreational activities.


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 Chapter 980

    ?Chapter 980:


    Following Ellis¡¯s earlier directives, Trent and Frederick engaged Alyssa in pleasant conversation.


    Observing this interaction, Ethan experienced a twinge of awkwardness but suppressed the sensation, approaching Greta and Riley with determination. It was merely social conversation, after all¡ªcertainly within his capabilities.


    Greta and Riley, however, afforded him no such opportunity.


    Their singr mission today focused on orchestrating a connection between Ellis and Freya, not squandering precious time on Ethan.


    Greta and Riley secured a strategic position offeringprehensive visibility of the assembled crowd, basking in golden sunlight while conversing with Freya.


    ¡°Mina, how do you feel about Ellis now?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Alyssa responded, genuinely perplexed.


    ¡°You knew he had a crush on you, right? What do you think of him?¡±


    Freya pressed her lips together thoughtfully, contemting the most diplomatic way to reveal her existing rtionship with Ellis without creating unnecessary drama.


    Greta leaned in with a conspiratorial glint in her eye. ¡°If he tells you he likes you, what are you even going to say?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I don¡¯t think he¡¯s nning to confess his love for me.¡±


    That answernded like a stone. Greta blinked, confused.


    Riley looked just as lost, her brows knitting together.


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    ¡°Why not?¡± Greta pressed on, her curiosity piqued.


    Did Ellis get shot down? Or did Freya¡¯s heart remain entwined with Kristian? The theory didn¡¯t sit right with Greta.


    If there were any unresolved drama, Freya wouldn¡¯t havee here with Ellis in the same car.


    Freya chose not to keep them guessing. ¡°We¡¯re already together,¡± she remarked, clear and direct.


    The words hung in the air, and for a moment, both Greta and Riley just stared at her, wide-eyed and frozen, jaws dropping in unison. The shock was in as day.


    What in the world did they just hear?


    No way¡ªthey were together this whole time?!


    Greta snapped out of it first, grabbing Freya by the arm and pulling her aside. ¡°Hold on¡ªwhen did this happen? Why didn¡¯t you tell us? And most importantly, how did he ask you out? Give me all the details!¡±


    Freya lifted her gaze, searching their faces. ¡°You¡¯re¡­ not upset?¡±


    Greta and Riley shot each other a look, visibly puzzled. ¡°Why would we be upset?¡±


    Freya probed, her tone sincere. ¡°Didn¡¯t you both warn me not to get involved with him? Didn¡¯t you say he wasn¡¯t right for me?¡±


    Greta just grinned, herughter tinged with mischief. ¡°Oh, that?¡± she teased, her eyes glinting. ¡°Honestly, you were so clueless about your own feelings that we figured we should push you a little.¡±


    Freya blinked, taking a second to process.


    ¡°Wait¡­ did you only realize he¡¯s into you that night?¡± Riley jumped in, always eager for the juicy details.


    Freya offered a brief nod.


    If her phone hadn¡¯t shed with that call notification from Ellis, she doubted she¡¯d ever have realized she was the one he liked.


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 Chapter 981

    ?Chapter 981:


    The whole thing felt almost impossible to believe.


    ¡°So you guys knew this whole time?¡± Freya caught on fast, her gaze flicking between Greta and Riley.


    Both of them nodded, a hint of mischief in their eyes.


    Freya blinked in confusion, trying to piece it all together. How could she have missed something so obvious?


    Greta offered a quick exnation. ¡°It was at that get-together with Ellis¡ªTrent let it slip. He probably knew before any of us.¡±


    Freya¡¯s thoughts drifted to those earlier days.


    After Ellis came back, Trent never missed a chance to hype him up, even orchestrating a few suspiciously convenient scenarios.


    She still remembered the day Trent pulled her aside, confiding that Ellis might feel a bit insecure about his own background and asking her to look out for him.


    Now, looking back, Freya nearly wanted tough. The heir to the Lambert Group, insecure? Was that even possible?


    ¡°What¡¯s going on in that head of yours?¡± Riley asked, watching her with concern.


    Freya snapped back to the present. ¡°We need to watch out for Trent,¡± she announced with a sly grin. ¡°He¡¯s as sneaky as Ellis.¡±


    Riley shook her head, feigning solemnity. ¡°Wrong.¡±


    ¡°How so?¡±


    ¡°In the future, it¡¯s not just Trent we have to be careful of¡ªit¡¯s you too,¡± Riley dered, leaning in dramatically.


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    Greta chimed in, nodding, ¡°Exactly. Couldn¡¯t have said it better.¡±


    Freya blinked, confused. ¡°Me? Why?¡±


    Riley delivered the verdict with mock seriousness. ¡°You¡¯re with Ellis now. Who knows what sort of traps you¡¯ll set for us? Nobody¡¯s a match for Ellis, not even Trent. And now you two are working together.¡±


    For a split second, Freya was thrown.


    Clearly, she¡¯d have to prove her innocence somehow. She remained preupied by the thought all evening. Even as everyone crowded into the private room for their usual fun, Freya sat quietly beside Ellis, worry flickering across her face.


    Ellis caught the distracted look in Freya¡¯s eyes. ¡°What¡¯s got you so lost in thought?¡±


    ¡°Can I stop seeing you?¡± she asked out of nowhere.


    He shot her a look, one brow arching in disbelief. ¡°Did I hear that right?¡±


    She folded her arms and tried to keep a straight face. ¡°Well, now that we¡¯re together, Greta and Riley are convinced I¡¯ll start setting borate traps for them. Apparently, I have to clear my name.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Ellis sounded utterly unimpressed, letting out a low, amused chuckle.


    Freya nodded earnestly. ¡°That¡¯s the only reason.¡±


    ¡°Not a chance,¡± he drawled, recliningfortably as if the matter was settled. ¡°Would you ever shrink yourself down just because an ant¡¯s afraid you¡¯ll squash it?¡±


    ¡°Of course not,¡± she replied frankly, though theparison left her a little baffled.


    He leaned closer, his tonezy and teasing. ¡°I¡¯m your strength. Greta and Riley? They¡¯re just the ants.¡±


    Before she could retort, Greta and Riley immediately jumped in, voices perfectly synchronized. ¡°Hey, if you can¡¯te up with a good analogy, maybe don¡¯t try at all.¡±


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 Chapter 982

    ?Chapter 982:


    Ants? That was ridiculous¡ªthey weren¡¯t ants!


    ¡°Don¡¯t try to drive a wedge between Freya and me,¡± Ellis went on, his voice steady and unbothered. ¡°If any of you push your luck, I¡¯ll just send you all off for some old-fashioned boot camp.¡± Instantly, they both went quiet.


    Riley finally found her voice, eyeing Freya with concern. ¡°Mina, you shouldn¡¯t be with him. I¡¯m afraid he¡¯ll run circles around you¡ªyou¡¯ll end up caught in one of his traps.¡±


    Greta nodded with a sigh. ¡°And if you fall for it, that¡¯s on you. You know you can¡¯t beat him.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s right!¡± Riley echoed.


    ¡°Break up now while you still can. Seriously.¡±


    ¡°We can all move into a nursing home together when we are old,¡± Greta dered, feigning earnestness.


    ¡°Yeah!¡± Riley chimed in, trying to keep a straight face.


    Ellis¡¯s gaze drifted over them, his posture rxed andposed, as if he didn¡¯t have a care in the world.


    Yet thezy look in his eyes sent a ripple of difort through Riley and Greta¡ªdefying Ellis rarely ended well.


    Turning to Freya, Ellis arched a brow. ¡°So? Are you nning to join them in a nursing home?¡±


    Freya¡¯s pulse hammered in her ears as she shook her head with conviction. ¡°Absolutely not,¡± she dered.


    If she agreed, she might as well write her own obituary.


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    Ellis¡¯s lips curved into an amused half-smile. ¡°Are you thinking of breaking up with me?¡±


    She stiffened, her response immediate. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t dare.¡±


    He pressed, feigning surprise. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t dare?¡±


    Freya lifted her chin, stubborn but earnest. ¡°I won¡¯t.¡±


    Ellis¡¯szy drawl carried over to Riley and Greta. ¡°Hear that? She¡¯s set on growing old with me. Looks like your n for the nursing home together just fell apart.¡±


    He recognized their teasing for what it was, and not a trace of annoyance crept into his voice.


    Looking back, he couldn¡¯t help but think that if he hadn¡¯t confessed his feelings early, Riley and Greta might have convinced Freya to end up in a nursing home with them.


    The rest of the evening slipped by in lively chatter. Freya caught up with Greta and Riley, while Trent and Frederick bonded with Alyssa over shared interests. Meanwhile, Ethan nursed his drink in a corner, his mood unmistakably sour as he watched Ellis from across the room. When Freya and Greta excused themselves to take care of a quick errand, Ethan seized the chance.


    He cut across the room, pausing in front of Ellis, his expression unusually grave. ¡°Are Trent and Frederick really trustworthy?¡± he asked, his tone stripped of its usual teasing.


    Ellis met his eyes with steady calm. ¡°They are.¡±


    Ethan shook his head, unconvinced. ¡°Something feels off.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s brow lifted just slightly. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Ethan leaned in, lowering his voice. ¡°Alyssa hasn¡¯t moved on from Bruce. She¡¯s still carrying a torch for him. Aren¡¯t you worried that Trent and Frederick might take it badly when they find out?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve already spoken with them, and they don¡¯t mind,¡± Ellis said without a flicker of emotion, his talent for sounding utterly convincing¡ªeven when he was inventing the whole story¡ªtruly remarkable. ¡°They even said it¡¯s perfectly all right to have feelings for someone. If they really fall for her, they¡¯ll make sure she thinks of nothing else.¡±


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 Chapter 983

    ?Chapter 983:


    Ethan waspletely baffled.


    He nced toward Frederick and Trent across the room, questions tumbling through his mind.


    It wasn¡¯t out of character for Frederick to say something so bold, but how could Trent echo the same sentiment?


    Ethan barely knew Trent, yet he¡¯d always perceived Trent asposed and self-restrained. Could a man like that truly speak something like this?


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Ellis asked, his tone light but probing.


    Ethan didn¡¯t want Ellis to see how shaken he was, so he simply replied, ¡°Nothing.¡± He couldn¡¯t put his swirling emotions into words¡ªthey were far too tangled.


    Ellis said nothing more, observing him in silence.


    Later that evening, as the crowd began to thin, Alyssa lingered, deep in conversation with Frederick and Trent. The trio seemed to be having a wonderful time.


    Ethan approached and took his ce by her side, speaking casually, ¡°Alyssa, if you don¡¯t head home soon, you¡¯ll be breaking your family¡¯s curfew.¡±


    Alyssa waved goodbye to Trent and Frederick.


    Settling into Ethan¡¯s car, she remained caught up in the lively discussion they¡¯d just shared. It was a rare treat to talk with people who truly understood; they¡¯d delved into everything from astronomy and geography to literature and clever life hacks. Of course, Trent had also recounted some of the strangest cases he¡¯d encountered, leaving Alyssa thoroughly amazed.


    ¡°Hey,¡± Ethan called, noticing her distant expression.


    Alyssa turned toward him, her featuresposed as before. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°What do you think of Trent and Frederick?¡± Ethan asked casually, then added, ¡°Don¡¯t judge them solely by Ellis¡¯s introduction. Being great friends doesn¡¯t automatically make someone a great partner.¡±


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    ¡°I know,¡± Alyssa replied simply.


    Ethan frowned in puzzlement. So what was her real opinion of Frederick and Trent?


    She answered, ¡°They¡¯re both wonderful. With Trent, I¡¯d feel secure and cared for. With Frederick, every day would be full ofughter.¡± They wereplete opposites¡ªone steady and mature, the other vibrant and lighthearted.


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Ethan asked, a hint of irritation flickering across his face but vanishing as quickly as it came.


    ¡°Why wouldn¡¯t I be? The one I have feelings for doesn¡¯t feel the same way, so really, what¡¯s the use in clinging to something that¡¯s never going to happen?¡± Alyssa said, testing the waters while also giving herself a little reminder. ¡°It¡¯s time to let go of the past and look ahead.¡± But in her heart, she hadn¡¯t moved on.


    When they were children, Ethan had dly let her tease him.


    Yearster, during her painful middle-school days, he¡¯d defended her fiercely¡ªdering to everyone that she was his good friend and off-limits.


    He had been there for almost every pivotal moment in her life. And yet, he didn¡¯t feel the same way about her. She¡¯d epted that truth long ago, but she still clung to a hope she knew she shouldn¡¯t.


    Hearing her words ignited a sudden impulse in Ethan. Since she imed she was ready to move on, could she perhaps give him a chance?


    ¡°Have you really moved on from Bruce, or is it because your family is pressuring you to get married?¡± he asked gently as he steered the car.


    Alyssa hesitated. How was she supposed to respond to that? After all, she¡¯d just fabricated the whole thing.


    .


    .


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 Chapter 984

    ?Chapter 984:


    After a heartbeat, she admitted, ¡°Maybe it¡¯s a bit of both.¡±


    ¡°In that case, why not be my girlfriend?¡± Ethan offered without hesitation, as if it were the most natural suggestion in the world. ¡°We know each other inside out, your parents approve of me, and mine adore you¡ªso it¡¯d bepletely hassle-free.¡±


    Alyssa¡¯s thoughts whirled, her heart pounding uncontrobly. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Do I strike you as not good enough?¡± Ethan teased, his tone light.


    That way, even if she refused, they could still remain friends.


    ¡°Not good enough at all,¡± Alyssa confessed, afraid that admitting her feelings might cost her their friendship. ¡°Being with you would mean waking up every day wondering if you¡¯re off with someone else.¡±


    ¡°Who told you I¡¯d do that?¡± Ethan asked, taken aback by the misunderstanding. ¡°I¡¯ve never even held a girl¡¯s hand¡ªexcept that one time when those guys pushed two women my way. I got rid of them as soon as you left.¡±


    ¡°Who¡¯s to say you¡¯re telling the truth?¡± Alyssa shot back, her heart still fluttering. ¡°Come to my ce.¡±


    ¡°For what?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll show you the video proof.¡±


    Ethan had kept that footage just in case he ever needed to prove his innocence.


    Alyssa looked at him, bewildered.


    Ethan headed home, resolved to have this conversation alone with her. He couldn¡¯t stand the thought of her settling for Trent or Frederick.


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    He knew he couldn¡¯tpete with Bruce, her crush, but Trent and Frederick were just acquaintances¡ªhe, at least, had been by her side for years. He had to believe that counted for something.


    After Alyssa and Ethan parted ways, Ellis and Freya also left. On their drive home, Freya suddenly grew curious.


    When had Ellis begun to care for her? And when had Trent realized? She decided to voice her questions once they arrived.


    ¡°Why have you been so quiet on the way back?¡± Ellis asked, guiding her to the sofa. ¡°Is it because I stopped you from joining Greta and Riley as happy olddies in a nursing home?¡±


    Freya was left speechless. Wasn¡¯t that just a joke?


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Then what is it? Tell me,¡± Ellis said, settling beside her.


    Freya pressed her lips together. ¡°I¡¯m curious about something.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    ¡°When did you start having a crush on me?¡± Ellis paused, clearly caught off guard.


    ¡°Do you really want to know?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Freya nodded with earnest honesty.


    ¡°Kiss me, and I¡¯ll tell you,¡± Ellis murmured in that deep, irresistible voice of his. ¡°Make it count.¡±


    Freya hesitated, torn between her desire for the truth and the act itself. In the end, she chose restraint. This secret couldn¡¯t stay hidden forever, she¡¯d uncover it soon enough.


    With that thought, she rose to wash up before bed, casually saying, ¡°Forget it. I¡¯m not that curious.¡±


    ¡°Even if you¡¯re not curious, you still have to kiss me,¡± Ellis insisted, pulling her back into his embrace as she tried to leave.


    .


    .


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 Chapter 985

    ?Chapter 985:


    Before she could react, his lips met hers in a soft, lingering kiss.


    Freya pressed her palms against Ellis¡¯s chest, her cheeks tinted a soft pink. ¡°You¡¯re pulling a fast one.¡±


    His lips curled into a sly grin, a dare flickering in his eyes. ¡°I am. What are you going to do about it?¡±


    She stared at him, momentarily at a loss. This man was impossible¡ªevery bit as cunning as a fox and twice as infuriating.


    He leaned in, his breath warm against her ear, his voicezy but maic. ¡°Try joking about breaking up with me again, and I won¡¯t just stop at a kiss. I¡¯ll make sure you¡¯re mine for life¡ªyou¡¯ll never shake me off.¡±


    Her thoughts snagged on his words, veering off track. ¡°You¡¯re talking about marriage?¡±


    Ellis arched a brow, his gaze steady and unreadable, silently prompting her to go on.


    She hesitated, choosing her words carefully. ¡°Is this because your family¡¯s pushing you, or¡­¡±


    After all, he was thirty. At his age, wanting to settle down wasn¡¯t strange.


    He caught her unfinished question, his tone unruffled. ¡°Or what?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡± She averted her eyes, suddenly self-conscious.


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°I mean it. It¡¯s nothing.¡±


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    A ghost of a smile tugged at his mouth as he saw straight through her. ¡°You think my family¡¯s hounding me to get married just because I¡¯m not getting any younger, and now I want to settle down?¡±


    Freya¡¯s mind nked for a moment, caught off guard by his sudden seriousness.


    Greta and Riley hadn¡¯t exaggerated¡ªEllis really was impossible to outmaneuver.


    He reached over, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear with a gentleness that sent a shiver down her spine. ¡°Are you thinking I¡¯m too old for you?¡±


    Freya shook her head, quick and certain. ¡°Of course not.¡±


    She meant it. Not once had she ever thought of Ellis as old.


    From the outside, wanting marriage at his age was understandable, especially with his family nudging him.


    But Ellis¡¯s tone shifted, suddenly all gravity and warmth. ¡°I want you to remember one thing,¡± he said, every trace of his usualziness gone. ¡°This is important.¡±


    A ripple of unease fluttered through her. She¡¯d never seen him so serious before. ¡°What is it?¡± she asked softly.


    Ellis¡¯s gaze locked onto hers, steady and sincere. ¡°If we ever get married, it¡¯ll be because you want it¡ªbecause it¡¯s what you truly want. Not because of my age. Not because of any pressure, from anyone.¡± He made sure every wordnded. ¡°You understand?¡±


    No age, no outside voices¡ªjust them, and whatever they wanted for their future.


    Freya felt her chest grow warm, that familiar security she only found with him wrapping around her heart.


    She realized now how much she¡¯d underestimated him. All this time, she¡¯d assumed he liked her, but only so much¡ªjust enough, and that maybe practicality factored into his choice.


    But now, looking into his eyes, she saw the truth: Ellis loved her, simply andpletely.


    Ellis caught her gaze and asked, ¡°So, what¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 986

    ?Chapter 986:


    Her gaze lingered on him, her tone steady and unyielding. ¡°Move in with me. Let¡¯s live together.¡±


    Living side by side could reveal whether they were trulypatible.


    After all, love alone wasn¡¯t enough to make a marriagest.


    Ellis¡¯s gaze turned stormy. He answered with a low, steady refusal.


    ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡± she queried, unable to read his sudden reserve.


    His voice dropped, frank and unfiltered. ¡°I¡¯m still a man with instincts, Freya. If we lived under the same roof, I can¡¯t promise I¡¯d always control myself.¡±


    He¡¯d never been bothered by desire before¡ªalways calm, always detached. But with Freya, every brush of her lips, every stolen kiss, chipped away at his restraint.


    Sharing a home could be more temptation than even he could handle.


    Freya went quiet, understanding immediately.


    Ellis¡¯s question cut through the silence. ¡°Why do you want us to live together?¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°I just want to know if we¡¯re actuallypatible,¡± she replied, her tone honest and unguarded. ¡°It¡¯s better to find out now than wait until we¡¯re already married.¡±


    She didn¡¯t want to go through a divorce again. What she longed for was a real,sting rtionship¡ªone built on certainty, not regret.


    He spoke her name, drawing her gaze.


    She answered softly, ¡°Yes?¡±


    Discover more on g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,


    ¡°Trust us,¡± he murmured, his eyes warm with quiet confidence. ¡°We¡¯ll have a happy marriage. I promise.¡±


    She pressed her lips together, uncertainty flickering in her eyes. ¡°If you¡¯re truly anxious about it, I can move in with you instead,¡± he offered, his words gentle.


    But Freya shook her head before he finished. ¡°That¡¯s not necessary.¡± A small, teasing smile tugged at his lips. ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who wanted this?¡±


    Freya tried to scramble for an excuse. ¡°You¡¯re the one who turned me down, remember?¡± She suddenly realized how impulsive her earlier request had been and quickly tried to change the subject. ¡°It¡¯ste. You should go.¡±


    But Ellis stayed right where he was, making no move to leave. Freya hesitated, thrown off by his stillness. What on earth was happening?


    Spotting her sweetly puzzled look, he spoke with a warm glow in his chest. ¡°You still want an answer, don¡¯t you?¡±


    She blinked in confusion, genuinely lost. ¡°Answer to what?¡± Did she ask something? She couldn¡¯t bring it to mind.


    He watched her confusion with quiet fondness, a hint of amusement in his eyes. ¡°You wanted to know something about the watch you swappedst time.¡±


    She still couldn¡¯t piece it together.


    Instead of exining, he simply urged her to wash off the day and drift to sleep.


    While soaking in the bath, Freya recalled that the question she had already asked today¡ªwhen Ellis started liking her¡ªstill went unanswered.


    Could it have anything to do with his watch?


    No matter how she tried to piece it together, nothing surfaced. The more she racked her brain, the further the answer slipped from reach. Ellis, meanwhile, lounged in his own room, already anticipating that Freya wouldn¡¯t figure it out.


    .


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 Chapter 987

    ?Chapter 987:


    Ellis had known from the start that her memories of those early days were gone. On his phone, he quickly ordered a ring sizer.


    The engagement ring¡ªand the wedding band¡ªwould both need to be custom-made. He wanted to be ready, just in case Freya suddenly decided she wanted to marry.


    When the time came, his proposal would be wless.


    He thought about herst marriage, how rushed it had all been with Kristian. There hadn¡¯t even been a real proposal.


    This time, Ellis was determined to give Freya a memory she¡¯d treasure. With that, he opened his phone and started a brand-new group chat. He added Greta, Riley, Trent, Frederick, Cade, and Moss¡ªevery aplice he¡¯d need for the n.


    Greta blinked at her screen, eyebrows arching in confusion.


    Riley sent a quick message. ¡°Didn¡¯t we already have a group chat? Why another one?¡±


    Trent¡¯s swift reply came. ¡°So Freya¡¯s not invited to this one, huh?¡±


    Frederick was also left baffled and sent a question mark.


    Cade chimed in, ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Moss joined in the conversation. ¡°Is our captain plotting something behind Freya¡¯s back again?¡±


    While everyone chatted, Ellis casually renamed the group chat to ¡°Proposal nning¡±¡ªdirect, unambiguous, and an answer in itself.


    ¡°Proposal? Already?¡± Greta chimed in with a surprised voice message. ¡°You two just got together!¡±


    Ellis replied without missing a beat, ¡°Just preparing ahead. I want everything set, so when she¡¯s ready, I can give her the perfect proposal.¡± That straightforward confession caught the whole group off guard.


    g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls has fresh updates for you


    For a moment, nobody seemed to know what to say.


    Ellis pressed on, ¡°If you have any ideas, send them my way.¡±


    The group¡¯s whole reason for being was to back his proposal when the time came. Freya¡¯s friends were essential¡ªhis proposal wouldn¡¯t beplete without them.


    Before long, the chat erupted with excitement. Everyone pitched in their wildest ideas, each more borate than thest.


    Ellis read every message, quietly taking notes as the thread filled with enthusiasm and advice. By the time the flurry of ideas faded, midnight had crept up unnoticed. He scrolled through the chat onest time, making a mental checklist of the best suggestions.


    The proposal needed to be unforgettable¡ªsomething that captured his story with Freya, but also caught her off guard. He couldn¡¯t ask her directly, not if he wanted it to be a genuine surprise.


    If anyone deserved something extraordinary, it was her.


    The group chat buzzed with ideas until Ellis wrapped up the discussion. He quickly brushed off the thought of proposing in a hot air balloon, finding it too clich¨¦.


    Instead, he jotted down a handful of themes: twinkling stars, swirling gxies, sleek technology, and vibrant art, to name a few. Each idea sparked a vision for a memorable proposal.


    Once he¡¯d listed the themes, he started sketching out a rough n. His excitement carried him forward, piecing together something special.


    It was nearly two in the morning when he finally decided to call it a night. He couldn¡¯t recall thest time he¡¯d stayed up sote, not since he¡¯d left retirement behind. His mind was buzzing, alive with possibilities.


    Maybe it was the whirlwind of thoughts or the thrill of nning Freya¡¯s proposal that kept him tossing and turning for twenty minutes. Sleep felt just out of reach, teasing him.


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 Chapter 988

    ?Chapter 988:


    This restlessness was new. He¡¯d never struggled to drift off like this before.


    Just as he reached for his phone to scroll for more proposal ideas, a notification lit up the screen. It was a message in his new group chat.


    Frederick had sent it.


    ¡°Wednesday is Freya¡¯s birthday,¡± Frederick wrote. ¡°Where are we celebrating?¡±


    Ellis paused, typing a single question mark in response, his curiosity piqued.


    Frederick seemed shocked, replying, ¡°You¡¯re still awake at this hour?¡± Then he added, ¡°Wait, you didn¡¯t know Wednesday¡¯s her birthday?¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± Ellis shot back.


    As Freya¡¯s boyfriend, how could he not?


    He¡¯d already nned a special evening for her,plete with a gift he¡¯d been preparing for ages. He was sure she¡¯d love it.


    Ellis rified, ¡°You guys can hang out during the day. I¡¯ve got evening ns with her.¡±


    Moss chimed in, ¡°What kind of ns?¡±


    Greta jumped in next, her tone yful. ¡°What do you think happens at night?¡±


    Fred replied, ¡°Oh, I get it.¡±


    Cade echoed, ¡°Yeah, me too.¡± Ellis raised an eyebrow as the chat grew livelier. Out of seven people in the group, five stayed upte.


    Only Trent and Riley seemed to keep a normal sleep schedule.


    Reading their teasing messages, Ellis typed, ¡°Do you all get it?¡±


    The rest of the chapters at g??ln o vels.???? ??


    The group answered with a unified ¡°Yes,¡± clearly enjoying the banter. ¡°Need some harsh training at the base to understand it better?¡± Ellis wrote, his words carrying a yful edge.


    Even through text, his tone felt like a warning.


    One by one, the group imed exhaustion and logged off, but not before agreeing that Ellis would handle Freya¡¯s birthday ns. What if their daytime ns ovepped with his evening surprise? The thought suddenly nagged at Ellis.


    The drive from the city center to the spot where he¡¯d stashed Freya¡¯s gift was over an hour, maybe longer with traffic.


    Freya loved her friends, though, and would want them there for her birthday.


    Ellis mulled it over, realizing no solution was perfect.


    But then, an idea sparked, and it felt just right.


    With his mind settled, he finally drifted off to sleep, a faint smile lingering.


    The next morning, Freya woke up bright and early, full of energy. Ellis, true to his internal clock, woke at his usual time, but thete night left him a bit groggy, his head spinning slightly.


    Over breakfast, Freya noticed his tired eyes.


    She¡¯d been thinking about something all night and decided to speak up. ¡°What if we moved somewhere new?¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± he asked, curious.


    ¡°I have a vi near thepany,¡± Freya said. ¡°We could live there and hire help for cooking and cleaning.¡±


    Ellis paused, his voice rough fromck of sleep. ¡°You don¡¯t like my cooking?¡±


    ¡°I love it,¡± Freya said quickly, ¡°but you¡¯re so busy. I don¡¯t want you wearing yourself out.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 989

    ?Chapter 989:


    Between his work at Anita International Group and reviewing Lambert Group¡¯s documents, plus cooking, he was stretched thin.


    Freya just wanted to ease his load at herpany, but he¡¯d always refused her kindness.


    As for cooking, he¡¯d been adamant, even joking that he¡¯d ¡°punish¡± her if she set foot in the kitchen again.


    ¡°Live together?¡± he asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya nodded.


    ¡°Are you sure about moving in together?¡± he pressed.


    She nodded again. It was just cohabiting, not sharing a room. No big deal. The vi was plenty big, after all.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ellis said, surprising her by agreeing.


    He recalled owning a vi in the same area Freya mentioned¡ªa prime spot with only twelve sprawling estates, surrounded by lush greenery, widewns, a golf course, and other luxuries.


    ¡°Really?¡± Freya¡¯s eyes widened, not expecting him to agree so easily.


    ¡°Would I kid you?¡± Ellis teased, his voice light.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°But what?¡± Freya asked, leaning in.


    ¡°You¡¯re not nning to take advantage of me, are you?¡±


    Discover endless adventures on g alno vels ; con


    Freya blinked, caught off guard.


    Ellis¡¯s face radiated charm, but his words were yful, almost sly.


    ¡°Just so we¡¯re clear, it¡¯s only cohabiting. No funny business.¡±


    Freya was speechless. When had she ever thought otherwise?


    ¡°Even if you¡¯re tempted, you¡¯ve got to hold back,¡± he added with a grin.


    ¡°Come on, you¡¯re the one twisting things,¡± Freya shot back.


    ¡°Are you saying you¡¯re not scheming something naughty behind my back?¡± Ellis spoke slowly, a yful drawl in his voice. ¡°Offering me an apartment to stay, inviting me to your vi¡ªit¡¯s enough to make anyone suspicious.¡±


    Freya¡¯s breath caught in her chest. She couldn¡¯t believe Greta was right. Ellis was sly, always one step ahead, and she couldn¡¯t keep up.


    ¡°I could say the same about you,¡± she fired back. ¡°You¡¯re the one cooking up secret ns.¡±


    She knew Ellis and Trent had been scheming for ages, and she¡¯d fallen for it.


    ¡°I¡¯ve had naughty intentions for you ages ago,¡± Ellis admitted, his smile dazzling. ¡°You¡¯re just catching on now?¡±


    Freya froze, words stuck in her throat.


    ¡°Come on, eat your breakfast before it gets cold,¡± he said, lightly tapping her forehead.


    Freya pouted, muttering, ¡°You¡¯re not who I thought you were.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s that?¡± he asked, raising an eyebrow.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Freya said quickly, afraid to admit she found him different now.


    He might assign her some harsh training she couldn¡¯t handle. Ellis understood what she meant but let it slide, urging her to finish her meal.


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 Chapter 990

    Chapter 990:


    After breakfast, they nned to pack and move, but Freya wanted to visit Farrah first.


    She hadn¡¯t seen her for weeks, and with Farrah¡¯s baby due soon, it seemed like the perfect time. Ellis nodded in agreement.


    He offered to drive, but Freya insisted on taking the wheel herself.


    Ellis found it impossible to argue with Freya¡¯s stubborn streak, so he gave in and let her go.


    Once she stepped out, he wasted no time arranging for hisvish vi to be ready for his arrival.


    When the call wrapped up, he turned his attention to packing. After gathering all his things, he messaged Freya and started sorting out her belongings as well.


    Meanwhile, Freya was with Farrah. It was the first time Farrah had ever seen her respond to a message that quickly, and a quiet suspicion took root in her mind.


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Are you in love?¡± Farrah¡¯s intuition was razor-sharp.


    Freya paused mid-reply, a flicker of surprise in her eyes. ¡°How did you know?¡±


    Logically, the bodyguards weren¡¯t the type to gossip. There hadn¡¯t been a single leak about her and Ellis online.


    ¡°You¡¯re not someone who fiddles with your phone for no reason. Earlier, when a message came through, you barely nced at it,¡± Farrah noted softly, a warm gentleness settling in her eyes. ¡°But just now, when a special notification went off and you rushed to respond, I could tell it must be from someone important in your life.¡± Her tone carried a teasing lilt, just a touch of yful gossip.


    Freya didn¡¯t bother denying it. She had set custom notifications across every tform, ensuring Ellis¡¯s messages would never be missed.


    ¡°When the two of you have some time, I¡¯ll introduce you,¡± Freya said sincerely¡ªshe genuinely considered Farrah a true friend. ¡°He¡¯s really amazing.¡±


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    Ellis¡¯s love for her was unmistakably real. Especially that time when he said marriage should be something she truly wanted¡ªnot something forced by circumstance. That was the moment she knew she could trust him with her life.


    ¡°That¡¯s good,¡± Farrah breathed, visibly relieved. She¡¯d always feared that Kristian¡¯s shadow might linger over Freya. Thankfully, that wasn¡¯t the case.


    They talked for a while longer, and then Freya asked about Farrah¡¯s due date. When she found out it was around the 18th of next month, she decided to keep those days clear. In case anything happened, she wanted to be there.


    ¡°Freya.¡± Farrah suddenly remembered something while they were discussing the delivery. ¡°I have a favor to ask.¡±


    ¡°You want me to act as your legal signatory for the surgery?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°No problem,¡± Freya agreed without hesitation.


    Felipe and Farrah were divorced, so he couldn¡¯t sign. And if her parents showed up, Farrah worried they¡¯d cause trouble just for the sake of it. They never truly cared for her.


    Farrah felt genuinely thankful. To make things easier, she¡¯d had awyer draw up an authorization letter¡ªsigned and stamped¡ªand handed it to Freya.


    With that in hand, even though Freya wasn¡¯t technically family, she¡¯d be able to sign if anything serious happened.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Freya told her firmly. ¡°The baby will be healthy, and you¡¯ll be just fine.¡±


    .


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    Message from Noah: Have a great weekend dear ones. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (? ?? ? ¨C ? ) ?


    .

 Chapter 991

    ?Chapter 991:


    ¡°I hope so,¡± Farrah gave her a soft smile.


    Freya stayed for lunch, chatting through the afternoon before finally heading out.


    With bodyguards and caretakers constantly nearby, Freya felt reassured. Whenever Farrah went out, the bodyguards would be with her to ensure her safety. And if she wanted to meet someone, the guards would go and bring them in. All in all, things were running smoothly. As Freya was about to leave, she gently reminded Farrah to reach out if anything came up¡ªnot to hesitate. Farrah smiled and nodded.


    Driving out of the viplex, Freya nned to head back and move her things.


    But just as she passed the gates, her car was stopped.


    She narrowed her eyes at the vehicle blocking her path, her brows knitting with mild irritation. As she reached for the door handle to confront the driver, Felipe stepped out.


    The sight of him immediately triggered worry. Had he gone to see Farrah? Had he upset her again?


    A dozen thoughts fired off in Freya¡¯s mind, all of them leading to one conclusion: she wasn¡¯t pleased.


    ¡°Don¡¯t look at me like that. I didn¡¯t go see Farrah,¡± Felipe said, clearly catching on to her expression. ¡°I promised her I wouldn¡¯t bother her anymore.¡±


    ¡°Then why are you here?¡± Freya¡¯s voice was cold¡ªher opinion of him hadn¡¯t improved.


    ¡°I¡¯m waiting for you.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


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    ¡°I moved nearby after Christmas,¡± Felipe exined calmly. ¡°I¡¯ve had people waiting here for your visit every day.¡±


    Freya blinked, not following. ¡°Why?¡±


    ¡°I promised not to disturb her. But I still want to know how she¡¯s doing,¡± Felipe said earnestly, his tone far more sincere than before. ¡°So, I waited for you.¡±


    Freya had no intention of telling him anything. She didn¡¯t want Farrah to have anything more to do with him.


    In her view, a man who once pressured his wife into terminating a pregnancy wasn¡¯t someone she could excuse.


    ¡°How is she now?¡± Felipe asked.


    ¡°She¡¯s fine,¡± Freya answered curtly. ¡°Whatever else there is, it¡¯s none of your business anymore.¡±


    ¡°And the baby?¡±


    ¡°Also fine.¡±


    ¡°Can I just see her from a distance?¡± Felipe¡¯s gaze softened,ced with a quiet desperation. ¡°I won¡¯t go near her. Just¡­ seeing her would be enough.¡±


    ¡°No.¡± Freya shut him down without hesitation.


    ¡°Freya!¡± Felipe was visibly frustrated. But there was nothing he could do about her. He could never beat her.


    ¡°And what good would it do? Would it undo what you did to her? Make her happier somehow?¡± Freya shot back without the slightest trace of mercy. She had no tolerance left for a man like him. ¡°And why, exactly, should I subject her to that kind of difort just to indulge your pretend affection?¡±


    Felipe felt like he was going mad. He¡¯d never met anyone as scathing as her.


    ¡°Pretend affection? I genuinely care for Farrah. I just handled it all wrong,¡± he said, his voice tight.


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 Chapter 992

    ?Chapter 992:


    ¡°If you can¡¯t express yourself properly, maybe silence would be the wiser choice,¡± Felipe shot back, his tone clipped, his eyes burning with quiet anger. ¡°You¡¯re not me¡ªwhat gives you the right to speak for me?¡±


    Freya was momentarily taken aback.


    ¡°I did love her the wrong way,¡± Felipe continued, desperate to get his point across. ¡°But I know that now. I¡¯m doing everything I can to make it right. You can insult me all you want, but don¡¯t call what I feel for her fake.¡±


    He couldn¡¯t, for the life of him, understand why Kristian loved a woman so sharp-tongued. Did that man have some masochistic streak?


    ¡°Move your car,¡± Freya said, her patiencepletely spent.


    There was no reasoning with someone whocked shame. She couldn¡¯t fathom how Felipe managed to say these things without showing any remorse.


    ¡°Let me in to see her,¡± Felipe pleaded again. ¡°I won¡¯t speak to her. I¡¯ll just look from a distance.¡±


    He hade hoping for a civil conversation. Who knew talking to her would drive him up the wall? She was simply unbearable.


    ¡°I¡¯ll count to three. If you don¡¯t move your car, I¡¯ll have it towed,¡± Freya warned coolly, her patience dangerously thin.


    Felipe was seething. Why was she always so damn unbending? ¡°Just this once¡ªif you¡¯ll let mee inside, I¡¯ll apologize for the foolish things I said earlier,¡± he pleaded, grasping at onest chance.


    Freya didn¡¯t even look his way. ¡°Three,¡± she said tly.


    Felipe froze. Had she really counted already? Was that it?


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    Without acknowledging his disbelief, Freya calmly pulled out her phone and began dialing.


    ¡°Fine, I¡¯ll move it!¡± he snapped through clenched teeth.


    As soon as she saw him walking toward his car, she slipped her phone back into her pocket and returned to her vehicle, driving off without another word.


    Not long after, she noticed him in her rearview mirror. He was following her.


    Her lips pressed into a thin line. Persistent as a bloodsucking gnat. At the traffic light, she timed her speed just right, slipping through the yellow light as it turned red behind her.


    Felipe was stuck at the crosswalk, forced to watch as her car disappeared down the road. He muttered a string of curses under his breath. What a sly woman. And so damn fast.


    Freya kept going, confident the light had done its job and she¡¯d shaken Felipe for good.


    But the moment she rolled into the underground parking of her apartmentplex, she spotted him again.


    She questioned her own sanity. How could he be this relentless?


    ¡°Staring isn¡¯t going to help,¡± Felipe said casually as she stepped out of her car.


    She shot him a look. ¡°How did you know I live here?¡±


    ¡°I didn¡¯t, not at first,¡± he confessed. ¡°But I found out Kristian used to live with you. So I dug a little. It led me here.¡±


    Freya almost asked how he got past security, but then recalled the shadow in her mirror earlier. He must¡¯ve told the guard they were together.


    ¡°So what?¡± she said, shrugging now that she was on her own turf. ¡°I¡¯m not taking you to see Farrah.¡±


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 Chapter 993

    ?Chapter 993:


    This wasn¡¯t the time for drama or surprises¡ªnot with Farrah. Exes? They belonged firmly in the rearview.


    Felipe and Farrah were already divorced¡ªthere was no reason for him to resurface now.


    ¡°If you won¡¯t take me, I¡¯ll just stick around,¡± Felipe said nonchntly. ¡°I know all your details. Call the cops if you want¡ªit¡¯s useless.¡±


    Freya stared at him, speechless. Truly, the shameless could get away with anything.


    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± she muttered, brushing him off.


    With Ellis in the picture, if Felipe really managed to hang around, he deserved a medal.


    Felipe blinked. This wasn¡¯t how it was supposed to go. Shouldn¡¯t she have lost her temper and taken a swing by now? If she did, he could¡¯ve threatened her with an assault report and used it to get to Farrah. But instead, she was letting him be?


    As Felipe stood there, trying to gauge whether this was some twisted ploy, Freya had already locked her car and started toward the elevator. He trailed behind.


    She didn¡¯t speak, just shot him a frosty look.


    They ascended in silence. When they reached her floor, she stepped out first, and he followed closely behind.


    Freya stopped at a door and knocked, already rehearsing how she¡¯d exin all this.


    Felipe hesitated. Why knock on her own door? Did someone else live there?


    A sick feeling of regret twisted in his gut. If her family was present, how was he going to exin himself?


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    When no one answered, Freya pivoted and knocked on a second door¡ªthis time her own.


    After just two knocks, the door opened.


    A man appeared¡ªtall, refined, with a calm strength to his features.


    Felipe¡¯s eyes narrowed. Who the hell was this? A neighbor?


    ¡°Sweetheart, I¡¯ve been followed,¡± Freya said seriously, her tone shifting as she gestured toward Felipe. ¡°By him.¡± Both men paused, taken aback by the term.


    Sweetheart? Was Ellis her boyfriend?


    ¡°¡®Followed¡¯? Don¡¯t make it sound so creepy,¡± Felipe interjected, uneasy with the sudden implication. ¡°I just want you to take me to see Farrah.¡±


    Freya gave no reply. Neither did Ellis. Instead, he handed Freya a pair offortable shoes, gentle and unbothered.


    Ellis wasn¡¯t surprised¡ªTrent had mentioned Felipe before, and his assistant had filed a thorough report. He knew exactly who Felipe was. And he knew he wasn¡¯t some stalker.


    But if Freya said she was being followed, then that was that.


    Once she changed, Ellis looked over at Felipe, his eyes steady. His voice was calm, but carried undeniable weight. ¡°Sir, will you leave on your own, or should I have security escort you out?¡±


    Felipe stiffened. Who did this guy think he was? Why was he so imposing?


    ¡°What does my business with Freya have to do with you?¡± he demanded.


    ¡°She¡¯s my girlfriend,¡± Ellis said evenly. ¡°You tell me.¡± His tone didn¡¯t waver. ¡°If you won¡¯t go, I¡¯ll dly see you out myself.¡±


    Felipe¡¯s eyes scanned the hallway. He was no coward¡ªhe¡¯d been trained for worse. But Freya? She could throw a punch. And if she jumped in to back this guy up? He wouldn¡¯t stand a chance.


    ¡°You got the guts to fight me?¡± Felipe suddenly challenged. Ellis didn¡¯t answer at first.


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 Chapter 994

    ?Chapter 994:


    Felipe pressed, ¡°Let¡¯s settle it. If I beat you, you let Freya take me to Farrah. If you win, I¡¯ll leave, noints.¡±


    He figured it was worth a shot. Might as well gamble for what he wanted. If he won, he could see Farrah.


    Ellis gave a quiet, deliberate response. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Scared you¡¯ll lose?¡± Felipe baited.


    ¡°It¡¯s not about losing,¡± Ellis said seriously. ¡°Even if I win, I still can¡¯t promise you what you want.¡± He added with a sincerity that couldn¡¯t be faked, ¡°In our household, she decides. At most, I can ask her. I can¡¯t force her hand.¡±


    Felipe¡¯s lip curled. So this man was the type to let someone else take the reins. When had Freya fallen for this kind?


    ¡°I agree,¡± Freya cut in, her voice sharp with amusement. ¡°If you can beat my sweetheart, I¡¯ll let you see Farrah¡ªjust a glimpse.¡±


    Ellis raised an eyebrow. She really wanted to see this y out?


    ¡°You promise?¡± Felipe asked, his voiceced with certainty.


    Felipe used to work out and kept himself in decent shape, but next to Freya, he still fell short. However, ever since she had single-handedly taken out his bodyguards and whisked Farrah away right under his nose, he¡¯d thrown himself into training, swearing he¡¯d never let himself be humiliated like that again.


    He might not be able to take down Freya, but surely he could handle a kept man like Ellis, right?


    Freya picked up on his puffed-up confidence and replied coolly, ¡°Yeah, I promise.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s in it for me?¡± Ellis asked, standing tall with his smooth, mellow voice.


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    ¡°No reward?¡±


    ¡°What do you want?¡±


    ¡°Just promise me one thing.¡±


    Ellis had already yed out his next move in his head.


    Freya agreed without thinking much of it. ¡°Alright.¡±


    They were still in the early stages of their rtionship, so whatever he asked for couldn¡¯t be too outrageous. There was no reason to say no.


    Felipe listened to their exchange. The more he heard, the more contempt twisted his features. Just as he¡¯d suspected¡ªEllis was a kept man. Even now, in the thick of things, he hadn¡¯t forgotten to squeeze something out of Freya.


    ¡°Your taste is really something,¡± Felipe finally said. ¡°Your dad¡¯s the chairman of the Briggs Group, and you kept such a man?¡±


    ¡°He¡¯s not¡ª¡± Freya started to fire back.


    Ellis gave her small hand a gentle squeeze and drawledzily, ¡°She just likes me. Got a problem?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ve got some nerve.¡±


    ¡°How about we up the ante?¡± Ellis said,ying the bait.


    Felipe remained unfazed, assuming the pretty boy¡¯s pride was wounded. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Whoever loses¡ªbesides what we already said¡ªhas to give the other three million,¡± Ellis said it as though he were discussing the weather.


    ¡°No problem,¡± Felipe replied.


    Felipe agreed without hesitation. ¡°Three million¡¯s nothing to me. But¡­ do you even have that much?¡±


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 Chapter 995

    ?Chapter 995:


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡±


    The terms were set between them.


    When Felipe asked where they¡¯d settle things, Ellis said confidently, ¡°Right here. And I won¡¯t use my right hand. If you can knock me down even once, you win.¡±


    This way, it wouldn¡¯t look like he was picking on him.


    Felipe¡¯s disdain deepened. He thought Ellis was just putting on a show. He was ready to knock him out cold.


    Felipe didn¡¯t hold back and came at him with a punch full of force.


    Ellis reacted quickly and cleanly, his presence nearly overwhelming. He simply blocked Felipe¡¯s punch, yet it was enough to make Felipe¡¯s hand throb.


    That didn¡¯t stop Felipe. The thought of seeing Farrah again spurred him forward, and he hurled everything he had at Ellis, using every technique he knew. But he couldn¡¯t bring Ellis down. Every blow was parried.


    That¡¯s when it hit him¡ªEllis wasn¡¯t some pushover. Whether he lived off a woman or not, his skills were definitely on par with Freya¡¯s.


    Why did he always encounter such freaks?


    Another punchnded, but it only sent Felipe stumbling backward. When he saw Ellis¡¯s next strikeing straight at him, Felipe panicked and cried out, ¡°Wait¡ªI give up!¡±


    Ellis halted, simply standing there as he looked at the battered man slumped against the wall.


    ¡°I lost, but I still want you to let me see Farrah,¡± Felipe said to Freya, his eyes sincere. ¡°I really need to¡­¡±


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    ¡°Forget it. That¡¯s not going to happen,¡± Freya cut him off.


    Felipe clenched his fists tightly at his sides.


    Freya dismissed him, telling him to ept his loss and leave, then walked inside with Ellis.


    In the living room, Freya looked like a kid caught sneaking candy.


    ¡°Captain, you¡¯re not mad at me, are you?¡±


    ¡°Call me sweetheart.¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°You called me that just now. Stick with it.¡±


    Freya said nothing. She had only used it to demonstrate their rtionship.


    ¡°What? nning to use me and toss me aside?¡± Ellis teased, his eyes twinkling. Freya frowned. Why did that sound off?


    Ellis pinched her cheek, his voice dropping to a sultry murmur. ¡°The way you act makes me think that after we tie the knot, you¡¯ll hit it and quit it.¡±


    ¡°Isn¡¯t that something people say about guys?¡± Freya retorted.


    Ellis¡¯s gaze lingered on her, still insisting she switch how she addressed him. ¡°So, what do you call me?¡±


    ¡°Captain.¡±


    ¡°Captain?¡±


    ¡°Sweetheart¡¯s just not my thing.¡± Freya genuinely found it cringeworthy and suddenly had an idea. ¡°Do you have a nickname? I¡¯ll call you that.¡±


    Ellis froze for a second before immediately shutting it down. ¡°No.¡±


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 Chapter 996

    ?Chapter 996:


    That nickname must never see the light of day with Freya. Never.


    ¡°Really?¡± Freya narrowed her eyes, suspicious.


    ¡°If Eli counts, then that¡¯s my nickname,¡± Ellis said offhandedly. ¡°That¡¯s what my family used to call me.¡±


    Freya thought for a second, then corrected him. ¡°Nope, that¡¯s not right.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°Your uncle calls you brat.¡±


    Ellis gave a helpless chuckle.


    He pinched her soft cheek, his voice low and dangerous. ¡°So, nning to call me that?¡±


    ¡°Just kidding,¡± Freya said quickly.


    She hadn¡¯t noticed, but her personality had been shifting ever since Ellis came into her life.


    She wasn¡¯t as stiff as she¡¯d been in the beginning. Now, she could even joke around.


    Ellis noticed the change and felt quietly pleased. ¡°Call me that and I¡¯ll send you off for a brutal training session.¡± Freya instantly zipped it.


    Still¡­


    Seeing him so calm, she couldn¡¯t help but ask, ¡°You¡¯re really not mad I used you earlier?¡±


    ¡°Do you misunderstand your boyfriend or the word ¡®use¡¯?¡±


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    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Go read a dictionary and figure out what ¡®use¡¯ actually means.¡±


    Freya wisely kept her mouth shut. As long as he wasn¡¯t mad, that was good enough. Otherwise, living under the same roof would be one awkward mess.


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m happy to help you out,¡± Ellis said, sincerity clear in his voice. This guy was finally showing some heart. ¡°Your boyfriend¡¯s got this. You can stay behind me.¡±


    Freya pressed her lips together. She still preferred to handle things herself. That always felt safer. Still, she said, ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve packed everything. Should we move now orter?¡± Ellis asked, half-wondering if she¡¯d throw a fit once she found out he¡¯d moved her things without asking.


    ¡°Now,¡± Freya said.


    ¡°Okay.¡± Ellis nodded.


    The two of them grabbed their suitcases and stepped out of the house without a nce back. They didn¡¯t have much to haul¡ªmost of their everyday clothes were already waiting for them at the new ce. All they really needed were theirptops and a handful of documents.


    After all, they might swing back here from time to time and crash for a night or two.


    Meanwhile, after being unceremoniously kicked out of Freya¡¯s apartment, Felipe made a beeline for Kristian. He had to break the news¡ªKristian¡¯s ex-wife had a new man, and it was high time Kristian stopped mooning over her. He also felt obligated to warn his friend: this new boyfriend wasn¡¯t someone to take lightly.


    Kristian didn¡¯t roll out the wee mat for Felipe¡ªunderstandably so, since Freya couldn¡¯t stand him.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Kristian asked, his brows knitting together, irritation flickering in his eyes.


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 Chapter 997

    ?Chapter 997:


    ¡°I¡¯ve got something important to tell you,¡± Felipe said, dropping himself onto the couch like it was his own, still wincing from lingering aches. ¡°Something you definitely don¡¯t know yet.¡±


    Kristian kept his cool as always, handing over a ss of water without much expression. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s about Freya,¡± Felipe said, his voiceced with dramatic suspense.


    Kristian¡¯s hand froze for a second. Some water sloshed over the rim and spilled onto Felipe¡¯sp. Felipe shot up like he¡¯d been electrocuted. ¡°Hey! What the hell was that for?¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t answer. He simply set the ss on the table, though Felipe¡¯s words had clearly stirred something deep beneath his surface.


    ¡°What¡¯s with you?¡± Felipe asked, confused by how oddly distant Kristian seemed.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Kristian said, like it was no big deal. ¡°Aren¡¯t you the one who said you had something to tell me about Freya? So what¡¯s going on with her?¡±


    ¡°Do you¡­ still love her?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°Then you¡¯re not going to like what I¡¯m about to say. She¡¯s got a boyfriend now.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s stomach twisted, but all he said was, ¡°I know.¡±


    He didn¡¯t just know. He had seen it with his own two eyes¡ªup close and personal.


    Felipe blinked, thrown off. ¡°Wait, what? How do you know?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your business.¡± Kristian wasn¡¯t in the mood to exin anything and turned to head back to his study.


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    ¡°Hold on,¡± Felipe called after him.


    Kristian paused, waiting.


    ¡°How did you even manage to live at her apartment when she clearly wasn¡¯t a fan of you?¡± Felipe asked, genuinely curious. ¡°She should¡¯ve been icy cold to you.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s throat tightened, aplex storm brewing in his gaze. He wished the time they shared had never existed at all.


    Sure, there had been moments of joy. But he¡¯d caused too many ripples in her life. Too much trouble.


    ¡°Why are you just standing there like a statue?¡± Felipe asked, growing more puzzled by the second.


    Kristian deflected. ¡°Did you see her?¡±


    ¡°Not only did I see her,¡± Felipe said, bristling. ¡°I actually got into a fight with her boyfriend.¡±


    Kristian gave him a confused look. A fight? With Ellis?


    ¡°Bold move,¡± he muttered, sarcasm curling around his words.


    ¡°What¡¯s that supposed to mean?¡± Felipe grumbled, still sore all over. ¡°You don¡¯t know how crafty that guy is. At first, he acted like some freeloader living off Freya. But during the fight? Every punchnded harder than thest.¡±


    That man was too sly. Way too much.


    ¡°But,¡± Felipe continued, sharing his suspicions, ¡°from the way he acts around her, it really seems like he¡¯s just riding her coattails. Maybe he¡¯s with her for her money. But he¡¯s handsome and slick, so Freya¡¯s obviously into him.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re overthinking it,¡± Kristian said tly, clearly unimpressed. He recalled those moments between Ellis and Freya, the things Ellis had said to her.


    Someone who could say things like that? No way he was in it for the cash. Besides, he was the heir to the Lambert Group.


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 Chapter 998

    ?Chapter 998:


    ¡°If you saw what I saw, you¡¯d agree with me,¡± Felipe insisted, describing everything he¡¯d witnessed.


    Kristian thought about the folder Gerard had just delivered. ¡°Do you even know who he is?¡±


    ¡°Who?¡±


    ¡°Ellis Lambert.¡±


    Felipe looked lost. Ellis Lambert? Who the hell was that?


    ¡°Is he some kind of celebrity?¡± Felipe squinted, trying to remember the name. ¡°Doesn¡¯t ring a bell.¡±


    ¡°Lambert Group,¡± Kristian said, dropping the name like a stone.


    Felipe nodded. Of course, he knew that one. The Lambert Group always kept a low profile, but its power and influence weren¡¯t something to mess with.


    ¡°You¡¯re telling me Freya¡¯s new boyfriend is the heir to the Lambert family?¡± Felipe asked slowly, as if trying to make sure he had it right.


    Kristian nodded.


    Felipe stood there, stunned. The Lambert family had more money than he could ever hope to brag about¡­ and he¡¯d just been running his mouth in front of Ellis. What a joke.


    ¡°How do you even know all this?¡± Felipe asked, narrowing his eyes suspiciously. ¡°Did someone spill the beans, or did you dig it up yourself?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s none of your concern,¡± Kristian replied coolly, clearly not interested in getting into the details. ¡°If that¡¯s all you came for, you should leave. I¡¯ve got work to do, and I don¡¯t have time to keep youpany.¡±


    Felipe gave him a withering look. This man kept trying to shoo him out.


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    ¡°Do me a favor.¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    ¡°I want to meet Farrah. The security around her residence is tight, and I can¡¯t get through.¡±


    Just because he couldn¡¯t get in didn¡¯t mean Kristian couldn¡¯t. The man had connections, even abroad. Walking past a gate was child¡¯s y for him.


    ¡°You could ask Freya,¡± Kristian said, not immediately agreeing.


    ¡°I¡¯m asking because she won¡¯t let me in,¡± Felipe exined, adding a few gripes for good measure. ¡°You don¡¯t know how harsh she was. She actually yelled at me.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s gaze turned cold, his expression carrying a quiet intensity.


    Felipe blinked, unsettled. ¡°What¡¯s with the look?¡±


    ¡°You speak ill of her and still expect me to help you?¡± Kristian snapped. ¡°Where do you get that kind of nerve?¡±


    ¡°You two are divorced, and she¡¯s moved on,¡± Felipe said matter-of-factly, as if it was the most logical thing in the world. ¡°You¡¯ve got nothing to lose, so why not help out an old friend?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Kristian!¡±


    ¡°Shouting won¡¯t change a thing.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve been friends for years.¡±


    ¡°Exactly why I¡¯m saying no,¡± Kristian said firmly. ¡°We¡¯ve shared the good and the bad. If I¡¯ve got no shot, why should I let you have hope?¡± He¡¯d been burned already. Now, it was Felipe¡¯s turn to feel the mes.


    Felipe stood there,pletely dumbfounded.


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 Chapter 999

    ?Chapter 999:


    ¡°Do you really have to be this cruel?¡± Felipe¡¯s voice cracked as he tried to hold himself together. This was never the ending he¡¯d pictured.


    Kristian met his gaze. ¡°Stop reaching out to Farrah,¡± he said, each word deliberate and unwavering. ¡°Back then, if Freya hadn¡¯t stepped in, Farrah might have lost her baby because of you. Just being around you drags up memories she¡¯s been trying to forget.¡±


    He paused, letting the words sink in. ¡°Farrah¡¯s not like Freya. She can¡¯t just let go of the past, and she doesn¡¯t have Freya¡¯s strength. If you actually care about her well-being, do her a favor and stay away.¡±


    Felipe opened his mouth to protest, but no words came. Kristian¡¯s words rang true. Back then, if Freya hadn¡¯t intervened, Felipe would have fought tooth and nail to end Farrah¡¯s pregnancy. He had doubted whether the child was even his. A doctor had warned that the pregnancy was dangerous for Farrah¡¯s health, and Felipe would never have allowed it to continue.


    ¡°But I¡¯m still the father,¡± he insisted, his voice low, his shoulders rigid with frustration and guilt.


    Kristian¡¯s retort cut him to the quick. ¡°Are you trying to make Farrah regret keeping the baby? If you keep barging in and making things harder, she might start wishing she¡¯d made a different choice.¡±


    Felipe stood rooted to the spot, the sting of those words etched across his brow. For the first time, he wondered if his presence was only making everything worse.


    ¡°What am I supposed to do, then?¡± he queried, his tone tight with unease.


    Kristian¡¯s answer was cool and measured. ¡°When the baby arrives, set aside money for her every month. Make it obvious you¡¯re doing it for the child¡ªnot for Farrah. Give freely, Felipe. Don¡¯t hold back.¡±


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    Felipe red, annoyance flickering across his face. Kristian made him sound like some kind of cheapskate.


    He quickly deflected. ¡°And what about you? Freya¡¯s moved on, so why are you still hanging around Alerith? Doesn¡¯t everything here just remind you of her?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s gaze remained unreadable. ¡°I have things to finish.¡±


    Felipe pressed on. ¡°What things?¡±


    ¡°None of your business.¡±


    Felipe¡¯s patience snapped. ¡°Unbelievable! Every time I ask, you just say it¡¯s none of my business. Can¡¯t you give me a straight answer for once?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s tone hardened. ¡°I¡¯m busy. Show yourself out.¡±


    Felipe stood there, fuming, before storming off, muttering curses under his breath as he went. Once the door mmed, Kristian exhaled and walked over to his desk. He picked up the folder Gerard had delivered earlier¡ªthe results of the investigation into Ellis.


    He had only flicked through a few pages before Felipe showed up. Settling back, his gaze drifted over the pages. This time, he read every line, his eyes lingering when he reached the part about Ellis leaving the special military organization. Relief softened his features for the briefest moment.


    If Ellis was out, at least Freya would have someone capable of protecting her. He kept reading, memorizing details about Ellis¡¯s friends and socialwork, carefully skipping over the shadows of that mysterious organization.


    By the end, he wasn¡¯t sure what to feel. It stung his pride, but everything Gerard had dug up¡ªand everything Kristian remembered¡ªpointed to the same conclusion. Ellis was probably the right person for Freya. The man would take care of her.


    Kristian¡¯s gaze lingered on the file, his expression unreadable as he processed every detail. Atst, he closed the report and pushed it aside, frustration etched faintly across his face. The investigation had gone far beyond a simple background check. Gerard had tracked down acquaintances, pressed for information, andbed through every avable lead.


    But the deeper they dug, the more imprable the organization¡¯s secrets became. No matter how many doors Gerard knocked on, the answers always stopped short at a wall of silence¡ªa secretive group, fiercely protective of its own.


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 Chapter 1000

    ?Chapter 1000:


    After a long, silent moment, Kristian reached for his phone. Without hesitation, he called Gerard and issued a crisp order to book them on the next international flight. He rattled off the destination without another word.


    Gerard picked up on his meaning instantly and got to work, securing two seats¡ªone for Kristian, the other for himself.


    Meanwhile, Freya and Ellis pulled into the quiet streets of her viplex.


    The car glided past the familiar turnoff, and Freya¡¯s brow furrowed in confusion. She shot Ellis a quick, questioning look. ¡°Wait, you missed the turn. My ce is that way,¡± she said, pointing behind them. Ellis kept his hands steady on the wheel, a hint of amusement curling at his lips. ¡°No, I didn¡¯t.¡±


    Freya blinked, caught off guard. ¡°What?¡±


    He met her eyes, amusement flickering in his. ¡°My ce is this way,¡± he admitted, his next words soft, leaving the decision in her hands. ¡°Will you stay at my ce tonight?¡±


    Freya paused, weighing it for a moment before nodding. ¡°Okay.¡± To her, it made little difference. They were still in the same neighborhood; it was close to work either way, and she honestly didn¡¯t mind where she slept.


    ¡°Oh, right,¡± she added, recalling something that had been nagging at her. ¡°You mentioned before that if you beat Felipe, I¡¯d have to agree to one of your requests. What exactly did you want me to agree to?¡± She decided to bring it up now, rather than let it fester.


    A faint smile tugged at Ellis¡¯s lips as he nced at her. ¡°I want you to stay at my ce.¡±


    If she hadn¡¯t already agreed, he would¡¯ve used this opportunity to ask¡ªbut never to coerce. With him, she always had a choice.


    ¡°As long as you stay by my side, I promise I¡¯ll always honor what you want.¡±


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    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± She pressed, studying his expression.


    He gave a quiet nod. ¡°That¡¯s all.¡±


    Freya pressed her lips together, unconvinced. Was that really worth making into a condition?


    Ellis shot her a crooked smile, leaning back withzy confidence. ¡°You don¡¯t look all that thrilled about my request. Or were you secretly hoping I¡¯d ask for something that would take our rtionship to the next level?¡±


    The implication made her stiffen. What on earth did he mean by that? Was he hinting at sex?


    Her cheeks warmed, but she managed to fire back. ¡°That never even crossed my mind. You¡¯re the one overthinking.¡±


    His eyebrow arched, eyes glinting with mischief. ¡°So you mean you wouldn¡¯t mind if I made a more¡­ intimate request?¡±


    ¡°Stop right there,¡± she warned, her voice careful, already bracing herself for his usual games. ¡°If you have anything in your mind, just spit it out. I can¡¯t read your mind.¡±


    ¡°Anything I want?¡± he inquired, drawing out the words, deliberately baiting her. ¡°Just say it first.¡±


    She wasn¡¯t about to promise anything blindly¡ªwho knew what he¡¯de up with?


    Without missing a beat, Ellis leaned forward, his gaze suddenly serious. ¡°Then I¡¯m iming Tuesday night for just the two of us. No work, no friends, no interruptions. Deal?¡±


    Tuesday was Valentine¡¯s Day. The very next day was her birthday. He had mapped out every detail. He would spend Valentine¡¯s evening by her side, and then he would personally take her to the spot where he¡¯d arranged her birthday surprise. At the stroke of midnight, he would hand her the gift himself. That way, he could make her feel special before she slipped off to spend the rest of her big day with her friends. Above all, he wanted to be the very first person to wish her happy birthday.


    ¡°Tuesday?¡± Freya looked up in surprise.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1001

    ?Chapter 1001:


    ¡°That¡¯s right.¡±


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± She nodded, agreeing almost on instinct.


    A quick nce at her calendar made her pause. Did she forget something? Why was Ellis so adamant about Tuesday night? Her gazended on the automatic reminder¡ªValentine¡¯s Day. Realization dawned in an instant.


    So it was for Valentine¡¯s Day. What kind of gift should she prepare in return?


    The thought lingered as their car eased into the garage.


    Freya took in the view as they strolled through the grounds¡ªa broad, well-kept garden stretched out before her, its smooth pebble walkways curving between vibrant hedges and a wide greenwn.


    Ellis quietly slipped her suitcase from her grasp and guided her toward the entrance.


    In this exclusive enve, every vi stood as a testament to bespoke design¡ªeach one crafted by top-tier architects and decorated by celebrated interior teams. Homeowners had tailored their spaces to match their tastes, resulting in a collection of twelve distinctive residences, no two alike.


    Freya¡¯s vi stood out with its state-of-the-art smart home features and a sleek, minimalist color scheme¡ªck, white, and silvery gray¡ªdefined by crisp lines and understated luxury.


    In contrast, Ellis¡¯s vi exuded a gentle warmth. As soon as Freya stepped inside, she was struck by the inviting, almost cozy atmosphere. The d¨¦cor suggested that a nurturing, gentle woman might live here, rather than Ellis himself. Subtle touches and homely details softened the space, revealing a side of Ellis few ever saw.


    Ellis led Freya to the third floor with a quiet, unspoken tenderness¡ªa kind of care that didn¡¯t need to announce itself.


    After a moment¡¯s thought, Freya chose the room to the left, leaving Ellis to take the one on her right.


    Don¡¯t miss fresh updates on g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m


    Once inside her room, she began unpacking her suitcase with deliberate care.


    The two bedrooms were nothing short of luxurious¡ªeach outfitted with its own en-suite bathroom and a generously sized walk-in closet. After everything was neatly tucked away, Freya turned toward the closet, intending to give it a quick inspection to check for dust or anything out of ce.


    As soon as she opened one of the wardrobes, she froze mid-motion. Inside was a disy of clothing and essories, all artfully arranged. What unsettled her most was that everything was unmistakably feminine.


    Her hand instinctively withdrew, hesitating.


    At that very moment, Ellis appeared at the doorway. He nced into the room but didn¡¯t spot her at first, then stepped in, catching her just as she emerged from the walk-in closet.


    Their eyes locked, if only for a heartbeat.


    Freya couldn¡¯t quite put her feelings into words.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± Ellis asked, his gaze flicking to the open wardrobe. ¡°If there¡¯s anything you don¡¯t like, just let me know. I¡¯ll have it switched out.¡±


    ¡°Ellis.¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    Freya opened her mouth to speak but faltered. Was it even worth asking?


    Sensing her hesitation, Ellis asked softly, ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Did someone¡­ live here before?¡± Freya asked, then quickly rephrased with a more guarded tone, her eyes shadowed with aplexity of thought. ¡°Or do you have a sister who¡¯s been here?¡±


    ¡°No one¡¯s lived here,¡± he answered calmly. ¡°And I don¡¯t have any sisters.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 1002

    ?Chapter 1002:


    ¡°Why do you ask?¡±


    Freya¡¯s usualposure had slipped.


    When she first saw the clothes, it crossed her mind that Ellis might have prepared it all for her¡ªespecially considering they hadn¡¯t brought much luggage.


    But the longer she looked, the clearer it became that the colors, the fabrics, the very essence of the clothes were at odds with her own pared-down, neutral-toned style.


    It wasn¡¯t the clothes themselves¡ªshe had an entire wardrobe back at her vi, including pieces she¡¯d selected for Ellis.


    No¡­ it was the feeling. The uncanny sense that she had walked into a room curated for someone else.


    Ellis noticed her silence stretching and asked again, ¡°What¡¯s wrong? Are you upset?¡±


    ¡°There are clothes in the closet,¡± Freya murmured.


    Ellis nodded, his expression unreadable. ¡°I¡¯m aware.¡±


    Freya blinked. That was it? No exnation?


    ¡°Don¡¯t like them?¡± He caught the subtle shift in her expression instantly.


    Freya hesitated. Was she supposed to like them?


    ¡°It¡¯s fine if you don¡¯t,¡± Ellis said casually. He took her by the hand and gently led her back into the walk-in closet. ¡°Just tell me which ones you¡¯re not into, and I¡¯ll have them reced.¡±


    As he spoke, he began opening one wardrobe door after another. In no time, Freya was surrounded¡ªclothes, shoes, handbags, watches, brooches, scarves¡ªeverything arranged with meticulous precision.


    ???????? ???????? ???????????????????? @ g?????????¦Í????????©q??????


    Freya¡¯s eyes widened in awe.


    ¡°Which ones don¡¯t you like?¡± Ellis asked, gesturing toward the section bursting with bright hues. ¡°These?¡±


    Freya parted her lips but couldn¡¯t bring herself to speak. It seemed¡­ she had misunderstood him.


    The wardrobe she had first opened was simply the one with the brighter-colored garments. In reality, wardrobes lined every wall, and her preferred minimalist palette was tucked neatly in others.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry,¡± she said quickly, guilt hitting her all at once. She was the sort who always apologized when she knew she was in the wrong.


    Why had she gotten so sensitive? What was happening to her?


    Ellis stepped in closer, his palm warm and gentle as he ruffled her hair. His voice was indulgent, soft in a way she wasn¡¯t used to. ¡°Why apologize?¡±


    ¡°I thought¡­¡± Freya started, then trailed off, unable to finish. She had doubted him¡ªdoubted his intentions. And that would hurt him.


    ¡°You thought I¡¯d prepared all this for someone else?¡± Ellis asked, raising an eyebrow as he pieced her thoughts together from what she¡¯d said¡ªand what she hadn¡¯t. ¡°And that upset you?¡±


    Freya nodded quietly, her head bowed to avoid his gaze.


    Ellis gave her a gentle flick to the forehead, his touch lighthearted, affectionate. ¡°Silly girl.¡±


    Freya blinked, caught off guard.


    ¡°Looks like I should send you back to the organization for a full retraining,¡± Ellis teased, his tone light. ¡°Otherwise, you¡¯ll just keep overthinking everything.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 1003

    ?Chapter 1003:


    ¡°I was wrong.¡±


    ¡°And?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry.¡±


    ¡°Sorry doesn¡¯t quite cut it,¡± Ellis said, clearly enjoying himself. ¡°You want to make it up to me? Go unpack my suitcase.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Go on.¡±


    Freya cast a quick nce over her shoulder¡ªtwice¡ªbefore dragging herself toward his room with visible reluctance.


    She knew what he was doing¡ªtrying to ease the weight of her guilt¡ªbut somehow, the gentler he was, the more it gnawed at her.


    Ellis watched her retreating figure, a faint smile tugging at the corner of his lips.


    In his eyes, she was simply adorable.


    A little whileter, Freya finished unpacking for him.


    Just as she was cing thest item in its ce and turning to tell him she was done, he pulled her into his arms without warning.


    He had her gently pinned between himself and the vanity, his hands braced on either side, his deep, unreadable eyes fixed on her.


    ¡°All done,¡± Freya said, trying to soundposed.


    ¡°Do you remember what I told you before?¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ???????????? ???????????? ??????: g???????¦Í????????????


    ¡°With me, you never need to say sorry. Just tell me you love me¡ªit says so much more.¡± His voice was calm, steady, like someone used to navigating delicate feelings. ¡°Understand?¡±


    ¡°But I made a mistake,¡± Freya replied, almost stubbornly. In her mind, mistakes demanded apologies.


    ¡°It¡¯s my fault for not exining things to you sooner,¡± Ellis said, always quick to im fault. ¡°I noticed you usually wear ck, white, and gray, so I added some brighter options, just in case.¡±


    He had made sure there were all kinds of styles for her, though her favorites were stocked in abundance.


    Freya pressed her lips together, visibly moved by the care he¡¯d taken. ¡°Why are you so good to me?¡±


    ¡°I want you to know,¡± Ellis said, his voice soft but sincere, ¡°that in my eyes, you are a treasure¡ªone beyondpare. If it makes you happy, I¡¯ll give you everything.¡±


    She didn¡¯t speak.


    ¡°Stop overthinking,¡± he said, giving her cheek a light pinch. His tone was warm,forting.


    She nodded.


    He let her go and handed her a small set of keys.


    ¡°What¡¯s this?¡±


    ¡°The key to the door connecting our rooms,¡± he exined, motioning to a spot on the wall. ¡°If you ever want toe over, no need to go through the hall. Just use this.¡±


    As he spoke, he led her to the discreet door.


    Freya paused, surprised at how seamlessly it blended into the wall.


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 Chapter 1004

    ?Chapter 1004:


    ¡°You¡­ had this custom-installed?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°This viplex was built just four years ago, wasn¡¯t it?¡±


    ¡°Probably. I can¡¯t remember exactly.¡±


    ¡°What made you put in a connecting door? I mean, I can alwayse in through the front,¡± Freya asked, her curiosity catching up with her.


    Ellis fell into silence. What could he possibly say now?


    There was no way he could confess the truth¡ªthat years ago, he had already begunying the groundwork for them to share a life under the same roof.


    ¡°Captain.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    ¡°Besides me, have you ever liked someone else? Even just a passing crush?¡± Freya¡¯s voice lit up with curiosity, the kind sparked by recent revtions.


    Ellis didn¡¯t waver. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°So¡­ you¡¯ve had feelings for me since four years ago?¡± Freya ventured boldly, following the breadcrumb trail of clues.


    After all, who knocks down walls between two rooms just to build a hidden door¡ªunless there¡¯s a reason?


    The logic didn¡¯t hold water unless affection had been stirring quietly in the background all along.


    A smile tugged at the corners of Ellis¡¯s lips, subtle but striking. ¡°What, feeling proud of yourself now?¡±


    ¡°Seriously? You liked me four years back?¡±


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    ¡°Mmm.¡±


    Freya blinked. ¡°Now I¡¯m suddenly a little nervous about what lies ahead.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s brow lifted slightly in confusion. Nervous? Shouldn¡¯t knowing that he had held her in his heart for years bring reassurance, not worry?


    ¡°How did you manage to have a crush on me and still put me through the wringer during training?¡± Freya genuinely wanted answers. ¡°You set traps for me. I ended up training double time more than once.¡±


    Everyone, aside from the ever-cunning Trent, had fallen prey to Ellis¡¯s schemes at some point. So much so that whenever Ellis showed the slightest kindness, their instincts screamed danger ahead.


    Ellis looked at her, his gaze cool and calm.


    So, she was digging up old grievances?


    Freya nudged him.


    ¡°You could say that was my own twisted version of affection.¡± His voice was smooth as velvet,ced with something faintly teasing.


    Freya responded without missing a beat, ¡°Then you must love quite a crowd.¡±


    That caught him off guard.


    ¡°Greta, Riley, Moss, Cade, and Frederick,¡± she ticked them off on her fingers. ¡°To be fair, Moss and Frederick should top your list.¡±


    Those two were the textbook definition of never learning from one¡¯s mistakes¡ªfalling headlong into Ellis¡¯s traps every time. And each time, the fallout was entirely predictable.


    ¡°Jealous?¡± Ellis asked, shifting the focus with practiced ease.


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 Chapter 1005

    ?Chapter 1005:


    Freya paused mid-thought. Jealous? Of what exactly?


    ¡°Rx. From now on, all my ¡®special attention¡¯ is reserved for you alone.¡± His words danced withyered intent.


    Freya pressed her lips together. Why did it sound like he was promising her double the trouble? Was he nning to single her out for extra drills under the guise of affection?


    ¡°Suddenly, I remembered¡ªShe and my dad asked me to stay over for a few days,¡± Freya blurted, fishing for the nearest excuse. ¡°I should head out now.¡±


    In one smooth move, Ellis reeled her back in. Still trying to slip away?


    He wouldn¡¯t allow it.


    Freya surrendered on the spot.


    Ellis didn¡¯t push further. Sensing that her earlier cloud of doubt had lifted, he let her be.


    He ced a light kiss on her lips and murmured that he¡¯d head downstairs to make dinner. She was to wait patiently¡ªorders she couldn¡¯t defy.


    Here, there was no need for grocery runs.


    Whatever they craved, the freshest ingredients would arrive at their doorstep.


    During dinner, Freya¡¯s gaze drifted to the man across the table. Every motion, every nce, was filled with quiet elegance.


    A stray thought tiptoed into her mind. Maybe¡­ she should propose to him?


    Tradition might say the man should ask, but Ellis had treated her with unwavering care. Wouldn¡¯t staying silent feel like taking that for granted?


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    Once the idea took root, it flowered wildly¡ªher mind spinning all sorts of curious, offbeat proposal scenarios.


    By bedtime, she was so caught in the whirlwind of thoughts that sleep felt like a ship sailing without her.


    Night, the usual thief of reason, wrapped around her¡ªFreya included. At eleven o¡¯clock, eyes wide open, she sent a message to her group chat with Greta and Riley. ¡°Anyone still awake?¡±


    Greta and Riley responded in a sh, prompting Freya tounch a video call.


    ¡°Don¡¯t you normally hit the hay around ten?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    Their surprise was natural.


    Freya, the very model of routine, being up at this hour was rare as a blue moon.


    Freya hesitated for a heartbeat before voicing her thoughts.


    Greta and Riley were stunned.


    Greta was the first to speak. ¡°Propose? Are you serious right now?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Freya nodded, her expression calm but resolute.


    Riley fell silent. She had turned in early the night before but had glimpsed Ellis¡¯s message in the morning¡ªhe, too, had been mulling over a proposal.


    Now Freya had arrived at the same conclusion.


    If both proposed at once, wouldn¡¯t that make things awkward?


    As Riley pondered, an idea bloomed like dawn breaking. Why not sync both proposals? Freya could surprise Ellis, and Ellis could, in turn, surprise Freya.


    ¡°When do you n to propose to him?¡± Riley asked, calcting quietly.


    ¡°Not for a while.¡± Freya¡¯s voice was thoughtful. ¡°Right now, he probably still sees me through rose-tinted lenses. I don¡¯t want to take advantage of that.¡±


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 Chapter 1006

    ?Chapter 1006:


    People were multiyered, not just highlights and first impressions. She wanted them to truly understand each other¡ªwarts and all¡ªbefore tying the knot. She didn¡¯t want Ellis to wake up one day and wish he hadn¡¯t said yes.


    ¡°That¡¯s smart,¡± Greta said, her wheels already turning. ¡°When you¡¯re ready, just say the word. We¡¯ll help you brainstorm something unforgettable.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya replied, unaware of the private conversation that would soon follow.


    Once they ended the call, Greta and Riley began messaging each other¡ªseparately.


    The moment they learned Freya¡¯s proposal date, they¡¯d tip off Ellis. In the meantime, they¡¯d subtly probe her for proposal preferences¡ªmaking it all seem coincidental.


    That way, everything would fall into ce perfectly.


    After their talk, Freya finally felt her restless heart settle. She slipped into sleep just as Monday quietly stepped onto the stage.


    She returned to work as usual, the calm eye in a brewing storm. Because elsewhere, the winds were anything but still.


    Across the globe, in a sprawling, opulent vi, Kristian and Gerard sat with effortlessposure. Facing them was a woman of striking beauty and quiet poise¡ªNorah.


    Kristian crossed one leg over the other, his cool detachment wrapped around him like armor. ¡°Miss Russell, how long do you n to keep running?¡±


    ¡°How did you know I was here?¡± Norah¡¯s palms turned mmy, her usual calm shattered.


    She had stayed off the radar for so long¡ªeven the trusted men her grandfather and father sent hade up empty.


    ?????????????????.????? = ?????? ???????


    But Kristian had walked straight to her door.


    Kristian didn¡¯t answer her question, only fixed her with an icy gaze.


    Norah¡¯s heart pounded like a war drum. She had once admired him¡ªbut admiration had always beenced with fear. ¡°Why are you here?¡±


    ¡°To bring you back¡ªto face what you¡¯ve done and ept the judgment you deserve.¡± His voice was razor-sharp, every word deliberate.


    ¡°I don¡¯t know what you¡¯re talking about.¡± Though her heart pounded violently, her mouth denied it. ¡°You should leave. You¡¯re not wee here. If you stay, I¡¯ll call the guards. And once theye, you¡¯ll find leaving isn¡¯t an option¡ªeven if you want to.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead,¡± Kristian said, his voice like a winter gust. ¡°Call them. Let¡¯s see who really ends up trapped.¡±


    Norah had never witnessed Kristian act this way before.


    His usual cool and distant demeanor had hardened into something far colder, like a winter storm.


    Despite her careful preparations, a shiver of fear ran through her, urging her to step back.


    Gerard, with his ever-present smile, spoke gently. ¡°Miss Russell, our team has already handled the bodyguards you hired. It¡¯s best if youe with us now.¡± His words were polite but firm.


    Norah faced him squarely. ¡°Why should I? I¡¯ve done nothing wrong.¡± Her voice held steady, though her heart raced.


    Kristian¡¯s sharp nce met Gerard¡¯s.


    Without a word, Gerard reached into his briefcase, pulling out a thick stack of papers and setting them before Norah.


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 Chapter 1007

    ?Chapter 1007:


    Her stomach twisted as she stared at the documents. ¡°What are these?¡± she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.


    ¡°Proof of your actions,¡± Kristian said, his words cold and precise. His sleek suit only sharpened hismanding presence. ¡°I haven¡¯t turned this over to the authorities yet because I want to bring you back myself.¡± He paused, reflecting inwardly. His own choices had pushed things with Freya to this breaking point.


    But Norah¡¯s schemes had fanned the mes, causing Freya pain that couldn¡¯t go unanswered.


    ¡°The evidence is airtight,¡± Kristian added, his voice like ice. ¡°There¡¯s no use denying it.¡±


    Norah¡¯s palms grew mmy, but she stood her ground. ¡°I¡¯m not going back with you,¡± she said firmly. ¡°You can¡¯t force me.¡±


    Getting through the airport, she thought, would be a hurdle too high for Kristian to clear.


    Kristian leaned back in his chair, his authority filling the room like a heavy fog. ¡°Gerard, show her the other document.¡±


    Gerard slid another paper across the table.


    Norah¡¯s eyes widened as she read it, shock washing over her. Her father had signed this?


    The document dered Norah critically ill, giving Kristian permission to bring her back, even if it meant sedation.


    It was a deal struck between Kristian and her father.


    ¡°It can¡¯t be true!¡± Norah¡¯s voice trembled with panic.


    Chapters live now at ??????¦Ò????????.c§àm


    ¡°Gerard, get Lawrence,¡± Kristian said, his tone clipped. ¡°Miss Russell needs some rest. Arrange the private jet for Alerith.¡±


    Gerard nodded and stepped out to make the call.


    Norah¡¯s heart sank, frustration bubbling up. ¡°Why are you doing this?¡± she demanded, her voice shaking. ¡°Freya wasn¡¯t even hurt that badly. She¡¯s fine now. Why can¡¯t you let this go?¡±


    Kristian¡¯s gaze was unyielding, cold as a frozenke. ¡°Actions have consequences. I¡¯ve faced mine. Now it¡¯s your turn.¡±


    Norah¡¯s defiance red, but Kristian¡¯s resolve was a brick wall. No amount of protest could shake him once his mind was set.


    Soon, Lawrence shuffled in, muttering under his breath. He¡¯d always known Kristian was tough, but yesterday had shown him just how relentless the man could be.


    He had hoped to track down Jacob, but Kristian had cornered him first, demanding payment for damages¡ªa sum far beyond his means now. However, Kristian had offered a deal: work for him for three years, and the debt would be wiped clean.


    Lawrence, knowing he was in the wrong, had no choice but to agree.


    ¡°Did you bring everything?¡± Kristian asked, his eyes scanning Lawrence.


    ¡°Yeah, it¡¯s all here,¡± Lawrence replied with a casual nod.


    ¡°Start now,¡± Kristian ordered, his voice t.


    Lawrence opened his medical kit, pulling out a small bottle. He poured a single pill into his palm and offered it to Norah with a kind smile. ¡°Miss Russell, you can take this pill, or we can go with an injection. Your choice.¡±


    Norah recoiled. ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Just a sedative,¡± Lawrence said gently. ¡°It¡¯ll help you sleep for a few hours. Mr. Shaw doesn¡¯t want any trouble on the trip.¡±


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 Chapter 1008

    ?Chapter 1008:


    Norah¡¯s eyes zed with anger.


    ¡°Choose,¡± Kristian said, his tone leaving no room for argument.


    ¡°And if I refuse both?¡± she shot back.


    ¡°Then he will knock you out,¡± Kristian replied, his voice devoid of warmth. ¡°Either way, you¡¯ll answer for what you¡¯ve done.¡±


    Norah wanted to fight back, but his steely demeanor told her it was futile.


    Still, she had to try.


    ncing at the two men, she saw their rxed postures and made a break for it, darting upstairs in search of an escape.


    She barely made it a few steps before Lawrence caught her arm.


    Lawrence was quick on his feet and fast in action. He had helped save Freya once before, and now he was here to stop Norah.


    ¡°Miss Russell, it¡¯s better toe with us willingly,¡± Lawrence said, his voice calm and reassuring. ¡°This ce is locked down tight. There¡¯s no way out.¡±


    Norah¡¯s fists clenched in frustration.


    Lawrence smiled lightly. ¡°We¡¯ve already looked everywhere. There aren¡¯t any hidden tunnels or secret exits here.¡±


    Norah looked at Kristian, stunned by how thoroughly he¡¯d nned this¡ªall for Freya. He had pushed her into such a hopeless corner.


    Kristian didn¡¯t linger. With a nod to Lawrence, he stepped outside. Lawrence followed orders, gently guiding Norah into a brief sleep with the sedative.


    The group boarded a private jet and headed back to Alerith,nding on Valentine¡¯s Day afternoon.


    Discover fresh updates g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls


    Kristian wasted no time, taking Norah straight to the police station. She woke up during the drive, thanks to Lawrence¡¯s precise dosage.


    As they arrived, Norah red at Kristian stepping out of the car. ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about destroying ties between our families?¡± she asked, her voice sharp.


    Kristian remained calm. ¡°Our families¡¯ ties will be fine. I¡¯ve already spoken with your family members about your actions. They know you¡¯re going to the police.¡±


    He¡¯d cleared every step with the Russells, leaving no loose ends. Norah had to face the consequences of her choices.


    Feeling the weight of injustice, Norah could do nothing as he led her into the station. He handed over the evidence¡ªsolid proof that guaranteed she would face a heavy sentence for her actions.


    Kristian stood rooted just inside the doorway of the police station, his mind adrift and his feet unwilling to budge, as if time itself had stalled around him.


    Gerard and Lawrence loitered a short distance away, waiting in silence. After nearly ten minutes ticked by with no sign of movement from Kristian, Lawrence finally lost patience. ¡°You nning to stand here ¡¯til the sun goes down?¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t answer. He had already done everything that was his to do. The rest¡ªwell, that wasn¡¯t his battle to fight.


    ¡°Book three tickets back to Jeucwell. Morning flight. Day after tomorrow,¡± Kristian said atst, pulling his gaze away and making the announcement with a tight, unreadable expression.


    ¡°Three tickets?¡± Gerard asked, brow raised.


    Kristian gave a subtle nod in reply. Then, without another word, he turned and made his way toward the car.


    Lawrence quickly stepped in front of him, nting himself in front of the door. ¡°Wait a sec¡ªyou want me to go back to Jeucwell with you?¡±


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 Chapter 1009

    ?Chapter 1009:


    ¡°Got a problem with that?¡±


    ¡°You bet!¡±


    Sure, Lawrence¡¯s roots weren¡¯t in Alerith¡ªhis life was overseas¡ªbut Jacob was here. If he left for Jeucwell and stayed gone for three whole years, what would have been the point of cutting ties with his own family to begin with?


    Worse still, in three years, Jacob might not remember him at all. And that just wasn¡¯t something he could live with.


    ¡°I¡¯ve still got things I need to take care of in Alerith,¡± Lawrence said, trying to reason with him. ¡°I¡¯m not staying in Jeucwell with you for years.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ll talk about it once we¡¯re back.¡±


    ¡°Kristian!¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t so much as nce his way. He simply nudged him aside and climbed into the car.


    Grumbling under his breath, Lawrence climbed in too, clearly unwilling but out of options.


    The entire drive, he kept up a steady stream of chatter. Normally, Kristian would have kicked him out miles ago, but today, he said nothing. He just let him talk.


    Only when Lawrence noticed thepleteck of response did he finally pause, suspicion creeping into his voice.


    He nudged Kristian with his elbow. ¡°Hey. What¡¯s eating you?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    ¡°Who are we kidding?¡± Lawrence gave him a long look, then smirked.


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    ¡°Let me guess. This is about Freya, isn¡¯t it?¡±


    Kristian turned to him with a t, unreadable stare.


    Lawrence immediately shut up. Alright. Message received. Any more questions, and Kristian might just stretch three years into five. That night, Kristian told Lawrence to head home and start packing, leaving the apartment quiet save for him and Gerard.


    From the hallway, Gerard saw Kristian sitting alone on the balcony of the study, perfectly still, his silhouette lost in the shadows. After a moment of hesitation, he stepped closer. ¡°Sir, should I prepare a gift for Ms. Briggs tomorrow?¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Kristian replied, his tone decisive. Freya had someone else now. Sending her a gift would only stir up trouble¡ªand besides, she wouldn¡¯t want it. She¡¯d made her stance clear: a sensible ex should vanish from her life entirely. Staying away was the only thing left he could do for her.


    Gerard lingered in the doorway for a moment longer, then chose to say nothing. He quietly slipped away, leaving Kristian to his silence.


    If his hunch was right, the real reason Kristian had chosen a flight for the day after tomorrow was simple¡ªso he could spend Freya¡¯s birthday in the same city, just for a little longer. Honestly, Gerard didn¡¯t know how he should feel.


    That night, Kristian stayed in the study until the earliest hours of the morning.


    Elsewhere, Ellis had made ns for an intimate Valentine¡¯s dinner. With delicate strings of piano and violin ying, fresh blooms on every surface, and a gentle, refined air in the room, it was the most polished Valentine¡¯s Freya had ever seen.


    She¡¯d never cared much for special days¡ªnot even her birthday.


    Whether it was celebrated or not never seemed to matter. But tonight, something shifted. She finally got it.


    .


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 Chapter 1010

    ?Chapter 1010:


    It was never about the asion¡ªit was about the feeling. When she was with someone who truly mattered, every single day carried its own kind of magic.


    At exactly ten o¡¯clock that night, after dinner, Ellis steered the car toward her gift¡¯s hidden location. Knowing how much she thrived on structure, he gently asked her to wait in the car for just a moment.


    Freya eyed him curiously as he drove, noting the quiet seriousness in his expression.


    ¡°Hey, where are we going?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯ll see.¡±


    ¡°You can¡¯t give me a hint?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s a surprise.¡±


    Freya nced at him again, her thoughts starting to drift.


    He¡¯d changed out of his usual clothes after work, dressed more sharply than usual.


    ¡°Wait¡­ are you about to propose to me?¡± she asked, raising a brow.


    Ellis blinked, caught off guard, then let out a quietugh. His voice was calm, with just a trace of amusement. ¡°You dropping hints that I should?¡±


    Freya stilled. So¡­ not a proposal?


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± he added with a yful grin. ¡°I¡¯ll start nning it. I promise it¡¯ll be perfect.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± she said quickly.


    ¡°I know.¡±


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    ¡°NO, you don¡¯t.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right¡ªI don¡¯t.¡±


    Freya fell quiet. She thought about exining further, but it felt pointless. Whatever he was nning, she could tell it involved mischief. Fine then. She¡¯d just start nning her own proposal. Might even beat him to it.


    While both plotted in silence, Ellis drove them higher and higher, winding along the road to a mountaintop. When they arrived, the dashboard read 11:50 p.m. He didn¡¯t get out. Instead, he locked the doors and sat still.


    Freya looked at him, puzzled. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    ¡°Just need a quick break.¡±


    ¡°A break?¡±


    ¡°Been driving a while. I¡¯m beat.¡±


    Freya frowned. None of it made sense.


    After a beat, Ellis finally unlocked the doors and led her out, guiding her carefully. He gently covered her eyes with his hands as they walked.


    They moved slowly.


    Once they reached the center of a quiet structure, Ellis turned her around so she faced away from it.


    At exactly 11:59, he took his hands away. ¡°Alright, open your eyes.¡±


    Freya blinked as her eyes adjusted, trying to make sense of the scene. They were on a hilltop, ringed by safety rails. The area around them waspletely dark. Nothing seemed out of the ordinary.


    ¡°Why are we here?¡± she asked, confused.


    Ellis started to count down. ¡°Five¡­ four¡­¡±


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 Chapter 1011

    ?Chapter 1011:


    Freya¡¯s curiosity deepened. What on earth was he counting for? She looked around again, seeing only shadows.


    But before she could speak, Ellis slipped his arm around her shoulders, his eyes locked ahead. ¡°Three¡­ two¡­ one.¡±


    The moment the final word left his lips, the air exploded with a series of sharp booms.


    The sky lit up in a cascade of dazzling fireworks, one after another, painting the stars with color and brilliance.


    Freya froze, stunned, her mind struggling to catch up. ¡°This is¡­¡±


    ¡°Happy birthday,¡± Ellis said softly, his voice warm, his gaze fixed on her.


    Birthday?


    Freya blinked, startled. Her thoughts scrambled as she fumbled for her phone. The screen lit up.


    ¡°I¡¯m so d I get to spend your birthday with you this year.¡± Ellis¡¯s voice was soft, carrying a tender warmth. ¡°I hope, from this year forward, I¡¯ll be the one by your side¡ªevery time.¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes shimmered with emotion.


    ¡°Do you like it?¡± he asked.


    ¡°I do,¡± she answered sincerely.


    She had always loved fireworks¡ªtheir lives brief, yet bursting forth with brilliance, as if to leave behind one perfect, unforgettable moment.


    ¡°Turn around,¡± Ellis said gently, stepping aside and nodding toward a nearby building glowing like it was cradled in a sea of stars. ¡°That¡¯s your birthday gift.¡±


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    Freya turned instinctively. Wasn¡¯t the fireworks the gift?


    However, all thoughts vanished when sheid eyes on the structure before her.


    It looked like something pulled from a dream¡ªgxy-themed, bathed in soft, twinkling lights and shifting streams of luminous color, as if suspended in the cosmos.


    Ellis reached for her hand. His was warm, grounding. ¡°Come. Let¡¯s look inside.¡±


    She followed, stealing nces at him along the way.


    When did he prepare all this? How had she not noticed a thing?


    ¡°The password is our anniversary date,¡± he said as they reached the entrance.


    Freya entered the code.


    With a soft chime, the door slid open.


    Immediately, a sweet, mechanical voice chirped to life, singing, ¡°Happy birthday to you¡­ Ms. Briggs, happy birthday! Wishing you and Mr. Lambert a lifetime of happiness and unity.¡±


    Freya turned to Ellis, eyes wide. He was already watching her, his gaze full of quiet affection. He smiled, brushing a hand gently through her hair, then gestured for her to keep exploring.


    They walked through the entire house; it took over half an hour.


    The space was filled with high-tech features, seamlessly integrated into the gxy-inspired design. Everything was sleek, smart, and stunning.


    ¡°Did this take a lot of effort?¡± Freya finally asked. ¡°And money?¡±


    Ellis led her up toward the third floor, answering as they climbed. ¡°Not as much as something else.¡±


    She looked at him, puzzled. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    .


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 Chapter 1012

    ?Chapter 1012:


    ¡°My love for you,¡± he said without missing a beat.


    This time, she didn¡¯t stay silent. As she took in the technologyced surroundings, a realization struck her. ¡°When exactly was this built?¡± she asked slowly.


    Considering the timeline, it couldn¡¯t have been after they started dating.


    Even the world¡¯s top architectural and design teams couldn¡¯t have transformed it into its current state in just a few days.


    Ellis didn¡¯t hide the truth. ¡°Construction finished before Christmas,¡± he said calmly. ¡°But I only decided on the real giftst week.¡±


    Her brows lifted. Another gift?


    Ellis simply smiled and led her to the top floor.


    Unlike the rest of the house, the third floor was stripped of smart features. Instead, it was filled with star maps and detailed astronomical charts.


    ¡°This,¡± he said, walking to a telescope by the window, ¡°is your true gift.¡± He adjusted the lens, then turned to her. ¡°Come see.¡±


    Freya stepped forward.


    When she peered through the telescope and caught sight of an exceptionally beautiful star, her eyes lit up with surprise.


    ¡°I¡¯ve purchased that star,¡± Ellis said softly, ¡°and I named it after you. It¡¯s registered; everything¡¯s official. From now on, it¡¯s yours.¡±


    Freya was momentarily speechless.


    She had once thought about iming a star of her own, but the endless formalities and required in-person steps had quickly discouraged her. It wasn¡¯t something that could be easily delegated. So she gave up on the idea.


    Find new stories on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m


    And now, Ellis had done it for her.


    She said, a slow, warm smile spreading across her face, ¡°I love it. Thank you.¡±


    His eyes gleamed with quiet joy. Outside the window, the fireworks still danced in bursts of color.


    Starlight shimmered. Fireworks bloomed. And the two of them stood in silence, smiling in each other¡¯s arms.


    That evening, they retrieved fresh clothes from the second-floor bedroom, cleaned up, and stayed there for the night.


    The next morning, Freya woke to birthday messages from friends. After replying to them, she got up to prepare for the day.


    As she stepped outside, she noticed the building looked different in daylight.


    Last night, it had glowed like a gxy suspended in the sky. Now, it appeared sleek and futuristic¡ªstill silver-white, but with a cool, technological edge.


    There was no need to ask. This transformation was undoubtedly Ellis¡¯s design.


    On the drive to the office, Freya sat in the passenger seat, thoughts swirling. For reasons she couldn¡¯t exin, a question rose to the surface¡ªone she¡¯d never asked before.


    She began quietly, ¡°Can I ask you something?¡±


    He nced at her, still focused on the road. ¡°You can always talk to me.¡±


    ¡°Why are you so good to me?¡± she asked, genuinely puzzled. ¡°Aren¡¯t you afraid that if we don¡¯t end up together¡­ everything you¡¯ve done will be for nothing?¡±


    She wasn¡¯t just thinking about the house or the star. The designer clothes, the jewelry, handbags, watches¡ªall of it represented an enormous investment. And the house alone, not to mention the nning and execution, was far beyond what anyone could casually gift.


    Ellis had poured so much into her. Didn¡¯t he worry that she might not be the one?


    .


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 Chapter 1013

    ?Chapter 1013:


    ¡°You silly girl,¡± Ellis said bluntly.


    Freya looked at him, unsure how to respond, waiting for him to continue.


    ¡°Even if we don¡¯t get married,¡± he said, his voice calm and sincere, ¡°none of it would be in vain. I did it because I wanted to. Because it makes me happy to care for you.¡±


    Freya hesitated. ¡°But¡­¡±


    Ellis knew what she was thinking.


    After a beat of silence, he tried to exin it in hernguage¡ªbusiness. ¡°Love is like investing in something you believe in,¡± he said. ¡°You don¡¯t know if it¡¯ll seed, but you take the risk anyway. When you find something¡ªor someone¡ªworth pursuing, you give it everything you¡¯ve got.¡±


    She understood what he meant, but notpletely.


    From a rational perspective, she countered, ¡°If a project has less than a fifty percent chance of sess and requires major capital, I wouldn¡¯t invest in it.¡±


    She onlymitted to ventures she fully understood. But Ellis¡¯s investment¡­ was in a person.


    And people were unpredictable¡ªimpossible to calcte like data.


    ¡°Have you forgotten how Anita International got started?¡± Ellis asked, giving her a pointed look.


    ¡°That¡¯s different,¡± Freya said. ¡°I understood that industry inside and out. That¡¯s why I was willing to take risks.¡±


    Ellis tapped his fingers on the steering wheel, mulling it over.


    Apparently, his example didn¡¯tnd.


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    When the car stopped at a red light, he turned to her directly. ¡°Then let me ask you this¡ªwhy were you so good to me back then?¡±


    Freya was caught off guard by Ellis¡¯s words.


    The words from theirst exchange echoed in her mind, and she gave the same heartfelt answer as before. ¡°Because you¡¯re worth it.¡±


    ¡°Exactly,¡± Ellis replied, his voice a velvet ribbon of calm.


    She turned to face him.


    ¡°You¡¯re the one I¡¯d put everything on the line for¡ªwhether I win or lose.¡± He didn¡¯t sugarcoat a thing; his tone was even firmer this time. ¡°To put it simply, you¡¯re my dream.¡±


    Freya¡¯s heart skipped a beat. It felt like time itself hit the brakes, leaving her frozen in ce, staring into nothing.


    Those words weighed heavily, like they carried the world in them.


    ¡°Don¡¯t let my kindness feel like a burden,¡± Ellis said as he started the car, casting her a quick nce from the corner of his eye. ¡°If I can¡¯t manage the simplest things to make you happy, then what¡¯s the point of me being your boyfriend?¡±


    ¡°You¡­¡± Freya¡¯s voice caught, stuck somewhere between her chest and her lips.


    Ellis drove smoothly. ¡°If you¡¯re happy, then that¡¯s enough for me.¡± He wanted to give her everything good he had to offer. He wanted her to see¡ªlove wasn¡¯t spoken, it was proven.


    People always said women could be sentimental. Even Freya, the logical one, wasn¡¯t immune to that truth.


    Right then, hearing those sincere words, she had the sudden urge to propose to Ellis herself. She wanted him to know she¡¯d treasure him just as much.


    Love, after all, could never be one-sided; it needed both hearts in sync to truly thrive.


    .


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 Chapter 1014

    ?Chapter 1014:


    That day at work, with little on her te, Freya quickly wrapped up her tasks and dove into nning the proposal.


    As fate would have it, Melvin walked in just as she was fine-tuning the draft.


    Their eyes locked.


    Freya felt a flush of awkwardness bloom across her face.


    It was toote to click away¡ªshe¡¯d been so focused, she hadn¡¯t even noticed hime in.


    Melvin¡¯s gazended on the words ¡°Proposal n¡± disyed on her screen, a flicker of something unreadable passing through his eyes.


    ¡°Are you thinking of proposing to Ellis?¡±


    Freya kept her face unreadable. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°You never used to lie,¡± Melvin said, calling her bluff outright.


    Freya froze.


    Lying to someone who knew her so well was never easy.


    ¡°I am nning to propose,¡± she admitted, worried he might identally let it slip. ¡°But I haven¡¯t told him yet. Can you keep it to yourself?¡±


    ¡°Traditionally, men do the proposing.¡± Melvin¡¯s voice remained as cool andposed as ever.


    Freya pleaded, ¡°Come on, do me this one favor.¡±


    ¡°Please, my dearest Mel.¡±


    ¡°Won¡¯t your boyfriend get jealous if he finds out?¡± Melvin¡¯s aloof tone softened just a bit, and under the office lights, he looked oddly striking. ¡°From what I hear, you still call him ¡®Captain¡¯.¡±


    g ¦Á? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s takes you away


    Freya blinked.


    Was this really Melvin talking? He was different.


    Melvin could read her like a book, but he didn¡¯t bother rifying.


    ¡°You¡¯re acting strange,¡± Freya said.


    ¡°You¡¯re the odd one,¡± Melvin countered, offering a bit of unsolicited advice. ¡°Don¡¯t go through with the proposal. If you really want to marry him, I¡¯ll drop a hint and make sure he¡¯s the one to ask.¡±


    Freya stayed silent. She¡¯d already made up her mind. She wanted to propose to Ellis herself. She wanted him to feel cherished too.


    ¡°If you do it, he¡¯ll be happy,¡± Melvin said, his voice tinged with a kind of masculine insight. ¡°But a part of him will regret it for the rest of his life.¡±


    Freya frowned. ¡°Why?¡±


    Wasn¡¯t being proposed to a joyful thing?


    ¡°For a man, proposing is one of the major milestones,¡± Melvin said seriously. ¡°He¡¯d rather be the one doing it.¡±


    Freya paused, looking over at Melvin.


    In the end, all she said was that she¡¯d think about it.


    But truthfully, her mind was already made up.


    Once Melvin left, she sent thepleted proposal n to the group chat with Greta and Riley, saying she was still brainstorming other ideas.


    They both looked it over and gave honest feedback.


    Greta said, ¡°You forgot something important.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1015

    ?Chapter 1015:


    Freya replied, ¡°What?¡±


    Riley chimed in, ¡°The ring. How are you going to propose without a ring?¡±


    Reading that, Freya was struck with realization.


    Oh right, the ring¡­


    But she didn¡¯t know Ellis¡¯s ring size.


    If it were anyone else, she might have found a sneaky way to measure it¡ªbut Ellis was too sharp. Even when he was dead asleep, he¡¯d notice her creeping into his room¡ªlet alone touching his hand.


    She thought hard but couldn¡¯te up with a foolproof solution. Greta and Riley then started talking about where to celebrate her birthday that night.


    During the exchange, Freya had a sh of inspiration and threw the idea into the chat.


    Riley replied, ¡°Absolutely not.¡±


    Greta also said, ¡°Nope.¡±


    Freya asked, ¡°Why not?¡±


    Riley said, ¡°Who in their right mind would dare get him drunk?¡±


    Greta added, ¡°I¡¯m not looking to get on his bad side. But if you really want his ring size without tipping him off, I know a way.¡±


    Freya asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Greta replied, ¡°Get him in bed and make sure he¡¯spletely worn out.¡±


    Riley asked, ¡°Are you sure he won¡¯t be the one who wears Freya out?¡±


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    Freya responded, ¡°This is a chat room; have some decency.¡±


    As their ideas got increasingly ridiculous, Freya shut them down with a trail of ellipses and emojis. Their conversation had gone off the rails. Realizing she couldn¡¯t rely on them, she turned to Trent and Frederick. She knew as long as she came up with a convincing excuse, they¡¯d y along.


    And sure enough, she was right.


    She told Trent and Frederick that she wanted to formally introduce Ellis to her father, but she needed to see how Ellis behaved in a rxed setting first. They instantly agreed.


    They figured meeting the parents would mean lots of drinks anyway, and Freya was just being thoughtful about Ellis¡¯s tolerance.


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry, Freya!¡± Frederick said reassuringly, even promising,


    ¡°Tonight, we¡¯ll make sure our captain ispletely drunk.¡±


    ¡°Very, very drunk.¡±


    ¡°No sweat!¡± Frederick was all-in.


    Trent didn¡¯t overthink it either. He figured Freya had finallye around, never suspecting it was all part of a grander scheme.


    With their help secured, Freya booked a restaurant for that evening¡¯s gathering.


    As for Moss and Cade¡ªshe kept quiet on purpose. Once Trent and Frederick started drinking with Ellis, the rest would join in without hesitation.


    If she said anything in advance, it might ruin the surprise.


    As evening descended, Trent and Frederick fulfilled their promise to Freya. Midway through the sumptuous meal, they raised their sses, initiating a series of heartfelt toasts tomemorate her special day. Naturally, these toasts weren¡¯t intended for Freya to consume in their entirety.


    ¡°Happy birthday, Freya!¡± Frederick and Trent eximed in perfect unison, their sses gleaming under the ambient light.


    .


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    .

 Chapter 1016

    ?Chapter 1016:


    Freya smiled warmly as she clinked her ss against theirs, the crystal producing a delicate chime.


    Trent observed the interaction with keen interest, adjusting his gold-rimmed spectacles before turning to Ellis with calcted precision. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t you, as Freya¡¯s devoted boyfriend, assist her with these numerous drinks?¡± he suggested, his voice dripping with implication.


    ¡°It¡¯s her celebration today; a few drinks won¡¯t cause any harm,¡± Ellis responded,pletely oblivious to Trent¡¯s underlying motives. ¡°Even if she bes slightly intoxicated, I¡¯ll personally ensure her safe return home.¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not talking about merely a few drinks,¡± Trent countered, his strategy unfolding with remarkable subtlety. ¡°After Frederick finishes, the others will undoubtedly take their turns toasting her as well. Freya¡¯s tolerance for alcohol isn¡¯t particrly high. As her boyfriend, don¡¯t you feel obligated to intervene?¡±


    Ellis paused, contemting this unexpected perspective. The role of a caring boyfriend certainly seemed to require protecting his girlfriend from excessive drinking, he reasoned silently.


    Following a meaningful nce exchanged with Trent, Ellis swiftly intercepted the ss when Cade and Moss approached to toast Freya.


    ¡°I¡¯ll consume this on her behalf,¡± he announced, his voice resonating with confidence and protectiveness. ¡°Would that be appropriate?¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s Freya¡¯s birthday celebration today,¡± said Cade.


    ¡°Indeed, she should partake herself,¡± Moss insisted.


    Frederick stepped smoothly into his assigned role, speaking with earnest conviction. ¡°Perhaps it wouldn¡¯t have been eptable previously, but now that our captain has assumed the role of Freya¡¯s boyfriend, isn¡¯t it perfectly natural for him to drink in her ce?¡±


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    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Trent affirmed with refined eloquence.


    Cade and Moss exchanged nces, ultimately conceding to this logic, and clinked their sses against Ellis¡¯s with newfound enthusiasm. Several roundster, Riley and Greta understood the borate scheme unfolding before them.


    They nced toward the four conspirators, genuinely impressed by Freya¡¯s apparent influence. How had she orchestrated this masterful n to intoxicate Ellis?


    More impressively, she had somehow enlisted the cunning Trent in this borate deception.


    Freya caught their curious stares, then whispered urgently, ¡°Well? Aren¡¯t you nning to make a toast?¡±


    Riley shed her an approving thumbs-up before rising to join the festivities, clinking sses with Ellis enthusiastically.


    Once the drinkingmenced in earnest, momentum carried them forward inexorably.


    Initially, they had merely intended for Ellis to consume a couple of obligatory drinks, but as the evening progressed, their ambitions grew bolder, and they devised increasingly creative reasons to encourage Ellis¡¯s continued participation.


    In normal circumstances, he would have firmly declined such persistent offers.


    However, this clever group continuously referenced Freya in their toasts, leaving him little opportunity to refuse without appearing discourteous.


    ¡°May you and Freya enjoy a lifetime of happiness together,¡± one of them proimed warmly.


    ¡°We hope wedding bells ring for you and Freya in the near future!¡±


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 Chapter 1017

    ?Chapter 1017:


    ¡°May you be blessed with children soon!¡±


    Various heartfelt wishes flowed effortlessly from their lips.


    Ellis consumed one ss after another, and despite his impressive tolerance for alcohol, telltale signs of intoxication began to manifest in his slightly unfocused gaze.


    He recognized, with diminishing rity, that the effects of alcohol were gradually overtaking his senses.


    ¡°Let¡¯s conclude this ritual,¡± he announced firmly before Frederick couldunch into another toast, his voice noticeably huskier than usual. ¡°Freya remains our guest of honor tonight; let¡¯s redirect our attention to celebrating her birthday properly.¡±


    ¡°Just enjoy yourselves, guys.¡± Freya observed the unfolding scene with barely concealed satisfaction.


    While the drinking festivities had captivated everyone¡¯s attention, she had discreetly dispatched someone to purchase a ring sizer.


    Once Ellis sumbedpletely to intoxication, she would seize the opportunity to measure his finger for the perfect ring size.


    Then, she couldmission a custom-designed ring without his knowledge.


    ¡°Freya herself approves, soe now, Captain, surely you can manage just another drink!¡± Frederick insisted while refilling his ss, his youthful countenance particrly striking beneath the ambient lighting. ¡°Should you bepletely inebriated, Freya stands ready to escort you safely home.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s gaze flickered with dawningprehension, though the alcohol had already begun to blur the edges of his typically sharp perception. Noticing his gaze upon her, Freya elegantly poured herself a crystal flute of champagne.


    Throughout the evening, she had cautiously limited herself to a single libation¡ªhardly enough to cause concern.


    Ellis deciphered her subtle intentions immediately, raising his ss to touch Frederick¡¯s before refilling his own with practiced precision. When he clinked crystal with Freya¡¯s delicate flute, Ellis deliberately diminished the space between them, his voice dropping to an intimate whisper. ¡°Why do I sense everyone¡¯s collective effort to push me toward intoxication?¡±


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    ¡°Pardon?¡± Freya¡¯s features arranged themselves into a portrait of perfect bewilderment.


    Her countenance remained outwardly serene, yet internally, a ripple of disquiet disturbed her carefully constructedposure. Could he truly possess such remarkable perceptiveness?


    Ellis scrutinized her expression, detecting nothing suspicious, yet persisted in his inquiry. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it you who orchestrated this conspiracy with Trent and Frederick topromise my sobriety?¡±


    ¡°Certainly not,¡± Freya replied, shaking her head with quiet conviction. She cast a perfectly natural nce toward Trent and Frederick, her performance wless.


    Ellis, observing her reaction with meticulous attention, felt his suspicions partially subside, though a persistent seed of doubt continued to germinate within his analytical mind: Had he conjured this borate scenario from imagination alone?


    ¡°If consuming alcohol contradicts your desires, simply abstain,¡± Freya counseled with apparent sincerity.


    Ellis raised the ss to his lips nheless.


    Thirty minutester, the gathering hadrgely concluded their culinary indulgences.


    Ellis, initially maintaining firmmand over his faculties despite moderate inebriation, began experiencing the unmistakable sensations of alcohol¡¯s progressive influence.


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 Chapter 1018

    ?Chapter 1018:


    Upon returning from the powder room, Freya and Riley encountered Trent and Frederick lingering expectantly in the corridor.


    ¡°You may confidently introduce him to your dad,¡± Trent pronounced, a sophisticated smile gracing his features. ¡°I¡¯ve monitored him attentively¡ªhe demonstrates remarkable alcohol tolerance.¡±


    Frederick added with certainty, ¡°When intoxication ims him, he transforms into the embodiment of silence.¡±


    Riley stood transfixed, astonishment evident in her widened eyes.


    ¡°Introduce him to her dad?¡± she inquired with genuine confusion.


    ¡°Yes, Freya intends to bring him home to meet her dad,¡± Frederick stated with matter-of-fact directness.


    ¡°Ahem,¡± Freya interrupted, clearing her throat with delicate insistence. Frederick, Trent, and Riley recoiled slightly at her unexpected interjection.


    All three heads swiveled simultaneously toward her poised figure.


    Trent, perpetually astute, detected the subtle dissonance immediately and asked, ¡°Aren¡¯t you nning to bring him home to meet your dad?¡±


    ¡°Indeed I am,¡± she confirmed, though the precise date remained undetermined in her calendar.


    ¡°So getting him drunk has nothing to do with that n?¡±


    ¡°It absolutely does,¡± she said, fabricating with remarkable conviction.


    Riley responded with disapproving tongue clicks against her pte.


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    Never had she anticipated such dramatic improvement in Freya¡¯s deceptive capabilities¡ªspeaking with such unruffled poise and unwavering confidence.


    Mental note: warn Greta to exercise heightened vignce moving forward. Otherwise, who could predict when they might fall victim to Freya¡¯s schemes?


    Newly refined maniption tactics?


    ¡°You,¡± Trent hesitated, selecting his vocabry with meticulous care, ¡°didn¡¯t lie?¡±


    Freya paused momentarily. Her instinct urged a confident denial.


    Yet, detecting the gravity resonating through his interrogative tone, she modified her response ordingly. ¡°Perhaps I¡¯ve slightly embellished reality. A particr matter requires investigation, but direct inquiries with Ellis would prove counterproductive, hence¡­ your assistance with this modest favor bes essential.¡±


    ¡°What mysterious information do you seek?¡± Trent questioned, intrigue evident in his prating gaze.


    Freya responded with refreshing directness. ¡°That remains confidential.¡±


    Trent and Frederick exchanged nces of mild surprise.


    Such borate secrecy seemed uncharacteristic and intriguing.


    ¡°Please maintain absolute discretion regarding this matter,¡± Freya implored, anxiety surfacing at the possibility of careless revtion. ¡°He must remain entirely unaware.¡±


    Just as Trent and Frederick prepared to offer their reassurances, their expressions transformed dramatically as they detected Ellis¡¯s slightly unsteady figure positioned directly behind Freya, close enough to have potentially overheard their ndestine conversation.


    Ellis approached with measured steps, his typically distant demeanor softened by the evening¡¯s indulgence. ¡°What are you hiding from me?¡± he asked, his voice carrying a hint of curiosity.


    Freya¡¯s body tensed as she turned to face him, momentarily speechless¡ªat his unexpected appearance. How had he slipped outside without her noticing?


    .


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 Chapter 1019

    ?Chapter 1019:


    ¡°Tell me, what should I not know about?¡± Ellis closed the distance, enfolding Freyapletely in his warm embrace.


    Freya instinctively attempted to retreat, only to discover the unyielding wall behind her, leaving no path for escape.


    Their friends, sensing the private nature of the moment, tactfully withdrew from the scene.


    Within moments, the corridor emptied, leaving just the two of them in a bubble of charged silence.


    ¡°Hmm?¡± Ellis prompted, his voice dropping to an intimate whisper. Freya¡¯s eyes betrayed a flicker of unease beneath their brightness.


    ¡°It¡¯s nothing.¡±


    ¡°Not embracing honesty, are we?¡±


    ¡°Truly, it¡¯s nothing significant.¡±


    ¡°Truth always serves us best.¡± Ellis traced the contour of her lips with his thumb, his touch deliberately sensual and teasing.


    Noting the haze of intoxication clouding his judgment, Freya fabricated an exnation. ¡°I stumbleding out of the restroom earlier. I didn¡¯t want to cause you concern, so I asked them to maintain secrecy.¡±


    ¡°Clumsy.¡± Ellis tapped her forehead with gentle affection, his inebriation blending with genuine tenderness. ¡°Where did the injury ur?¡±


    Freya extended her arm with reluctance. ¡°Just here, but the fall was insignificant¡ªit doesn¡¯t cause any difort.¡±


    Ellis leaned down and blew softly against her skin, a gesture overflowing with gentle consideration.


    Stay updated on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s?c?m


    Freya remained motionless, transfixed, her gaze deepening as she observed the man whovished such attention upon her. Had he actually believed her transparent fabrication?


    ¡°Does it still hurt?¡± Ellis inquired, his expression as guileless as a child¡¯s.


    Freya shook her head in denial, but her eyes remained fixed on his slightly flushed countenance.


    An irresistible impulse seized her, and she suddenly yearned to touch his face.


    Raising her hand to his smooth cheek, she couldn¡¯t resist pinching it gently, marveling at the pleasant sensation beneath her fingertips.


    Ellis¡¯s unfathomable eyes grew even more enigmatic as he leaned closer, his voice dropping to an enticing purr. ¡°My face remains exclusively for my girlfriend¡¯s affectionate touches.¡±


    ¡°I am your girlfriend,¡± she reminded him softly.


    ¡°Kiss me,¡± he requested simply.


    At this direct request, a delicate blush painted her cheeks. ¡°Has alcohol clouded your senses?¡± She pinched his cheek again, finding his current vulnerability unexpectedly endearing.


    Ellis shook his head, his artiction surprisingly coherent. ¡°Not at all.¡±


    A subtle smile curved her lips.


    Clearly, intoxication had taken hold, yet his pride wouldn¡¯t permit acknowledgment.


    ¡°Not intoxicated then,¡± Freya conceded, though her gaze continued to linger appreciatively on his features. ¡°Shall I escort you home?¡±


    Instead of answering, Ellis pointed meaningfully to the spot on his face where her fingers had just been.


    .


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 Chapter 1020

    Chapter 1020:


    Confusion crossed Freya¡¯s expression. ¡°What troubles you?¡±


    ¡°You haven¡¯t kissed me yet.¡± Ellis¡¯s voice emerged husky and captivating.


    After a quick nce to ensure their privacy, Freya rose on tiptoe to press her lips gently against his cheek.


    Just as she began to withdraw, amotion erupted nearby, shattering their private moment.


    ¡°Ahem, ahem!¡±


    ¡°Please continue¡ªI observed nothing.¡±


    ¡°Oops, appears we¡¯ve intruded prematurely.¡±


    A cluster of onlookers stood watching, their eyes twinkling with undisguised amusement at the intimate scene they¡¯d interrupted.


    Freya, fighting her embarrassment, maintained a facade ofposure as she announced, ¡°I¡¯ll take him home first. I¡¯ve already called a driver for you all. Let me know when you arrive safely.¡±


    With that deration, she guided Ellis away from their amused audience, her hand protectively at his elbow.


    Once settled in the car, her phone lit up with messages from Greta and Riley.


    Before even opening the group chat, she anticipated their yful banter rather than anything of substance.


    Her intuition proved correct.


    Greta¡¯s message materialized on screen. ¡°Ster performance, darling. Just a friendly word of caution¡ªEllis is rather inebriated, so proceed with gentle consideration when matters progress to their natural conclusion. I¡¯m not referencing his finger dimensions, if you catch my meaning.¡±


    Continue reading on g???????¦Í?????c????


    Riley chimed in, ¡°I must confess, I never imagined you assuming the dominant position. Embrace it¡ªkeep him thoroughly under your spell.¡±


    Freya responded with exasperation, ¡°Your imaginations run wild. I¡¯m merely assessing his finger measurements.¡±


    ¡°Of course you are,¡± Greta and Riley replied in unison.


    Freya surrendered the exchange with dignified silence. Then, she deftly shifted topics, dispatching a brief message encouraging early rest before tucking her phone away.


    Throughout their journey homeward, she monitored Ellis vigntly, grateful he disyed no indications of car sickness.


    After the driver delivered them to their destination, she guided Ellis carefully up the staircase.


    The moment they crossed the threshold, Ellis shed his jacket and navigated toward the bathroom with perceptibly unsteady footfalls. Freya recognized his fastidious nature and understood these actions stemmed from genuine habits rather than pretense.


    After contemtive deliberation, she resolved to assist him with his bathing ritual.


    However, just as her fingers poised to unfasten his shirt buttons, his hand captured hers in a gentle but firm grasp.


    She hesitated, lifting her gaze to meet his, her expression a delicate blend of wonder and uncertainty.


    Ellis¡¯s throat constricted visibly as he swallowed.


    Releasing her hand, he massaged his slightly disoriented temples and spoke with remarkable lucidity, considering his condition. ¡°Surely you recognize the perilous territory we enter if you continue undressing me now?¡±


    .


    .


    .<hr>


    Message from Noah: Hope you have a great day dear readers. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. (?O?=)? ?


    .


    The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and


    continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

 Chapter 1021

    ?Chapter 1021:


    Freya¡¯s lips pressed together in thoughtful consideration.


    Ellis gazed at her with undisguised admiration, his rational faculties nearly submerged beneath waves of alcohol-induced desire. ¡°I can manage my ablutions independently. Perhaps you might prepare some honey-infused water instead?¡±


    Previously, such situations had never arisen, eliminating any need to maintain rigid self-discipline.


    But circumstances had evolved dramatically; surrendering to impulse now would constitute an injustice to her.


    ¡°But¡­¡± Freya¡¯s concern for his welfare remained genuine and pressing. What if he suffered a fall in her absence?


    Despite persistent lightheadedness, Ellis clung tenaciously to his remaining fragment of rationality. ¡°If your concern truly persists, you might draw my bath and locate suitable nightwear.¡±


    ¡°Agreed.¡± Freya immediatelyunched into purposeful motion. Observing her efficient movements around the chamber, Ellis¡¯s lips curved into an alluring smile.


    Though aware she had conspired with Trent and Frederick to orchestrate his intoxication, he harbored no intention of confronting her deception.


    Such behavior represented a rare deviation for her. Why not indulge her scheme with willing participation?


    After locating appropriate attire, Freya escorted him to the bathroom, verified the bathtub¡¯s water temperature to ensure optimalfort, then discreetly withdrew.


    She deliberately postponed preparing the honeyed water, concerned that descending to the kitchen might prevent her from detecting any disturbance from upstairs.


    Should any mishap ur, she positioned herself to respond with immediate assistance.


    ???????????? ???????????? ????????: ??????????????????[?]??????


    Approximately twenty minutester, Ellis emerged from his ablutions. The bathing ritual had partially restored his sobriety, though he deliberately refrained fromplete rity.


    Earlier that evening at the restaurant, before excusing himself momentarily, he had inadvertently overheard Freya¡¯s exchange with Trent, revealing her intentional¡­


    Ellis felt a strange awareness of Freya¡¯s scheme to intoxicate him for some mysterious examination. Though uncertain about her specific intentions¡ªwhich she clearly wished to keep concealed¡ªhe elected to participate willingly in her ndestine experiment.


    He feltpelled to provide her with a satisfying sense of aplishment in whatever plot she had meticulously crafted.


    Freya¡¯s gaze lingered on Ellis¡¯s hair, still damp from his shower. She reached for the towel, rubbing it through his hair with gentle, practiced motions before plugging in the hairdryer and finishing the job with a warm, steady stream of air. Throughout it all, Ellis sat quietly, offering no resistance, just letting her fuss over him.


    When he settled onto the bed, she headed off to the kitchen and returned with a ss of honeyed water, nerves prickling beneath her skin the entire time.


    She couldn¡¯t shake her anxiety¡ªnot knowing if he was truly drunk.


    What if he snapped awake the moment she tried to measure his finger?


    That would spoil the entire surprise she¡¯d worked so hard to n.


    Worries spun through her mind, stealing her sense of time.


    Almost without realizing, she nced at the clock and saw that ten minutes had vanished.


    Holding her breath, she listened for any hint of movement, then called out softly, ¡°Captain? Are you asleep?¡±


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 Chapter 1022

    ?Chapter 1022:


    She whispered his name a few more times, each one quieter than thest. Ellis remained motionless, his breathing deep and even. He really had fallen asleep. Trusting Freya enough and wanting her n to seed, he¡¯d let the alcohol lull him under.


    But Freya had no idea.


    She epted a ring sizer from the bodyguard, then quickly fired off a question in the group chat, looking for backup. ¡°How do I tell if Ellis is actually asleep or just faking it?¡±


    Greta chimed in right away, ¡°Why not mess with him a little? You¡¯ll know soon enough.¡±


    Riley was instantly on board. ¡°Exactly. Go for it.¡±


    Freya paused, biting her lip.


    Ellis¡¯s half-joking warnings about danger shed through her mind, making her hesitate, torn between caution and curiosity.


    Greta added, ¡°Honestly, there¡¯s no point trying. If he wants to y dead, nobody can see through it. That guy could take home an Oscar.¡±


    Riley jumped in again, ¡°If you¡¯re so nervous, just give him a kiss while you measure his finger.¡±


    Freya nearly dropped her phone. That suggestion was way out of her league. She set the idea aside, trying to steady her nerves.


    Standing beside the bed, ring sizer clutched tightly, she hovered there for ages, weighing her options before finally taking the plunge. If Ellis opened his eyes, she¡¯d just y it off¡ªim she was running a little experiment for Greta or Riley.


    Decision made, she carefully warmed a few rings between her palms, not wanting the chill of the metal to startle him awake.


    Read it all on g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s


    Thankfully, everything went off without a hitch.


    She managed to measure his ring finger, then slipped out of the room in silence.


    Ellis, lost in a haze from the drinks and his rxed mood, caught a faint sense that Freya was up to something, but the specifics eluded him.


    That night, while Ellis drifted into deep, untroubled sleep, Freya remained wide awake, painstakingly reviewing the design notes for the custom rings. She refused to let any detail slip past her.


    With the size finally confirmed, the hardest part was over. The rest felt like a breeze byparison.


    She pressed on, hunched over her desk until two in the morning, determined to finish before exhaustion forced her to bed.


    By sunrise, Ellis feltpletely refreshed.


    Spotting breakfast already set out by the housekeeper, he made his way to wake Freya.


    When Freya opened her door, her hair stuck out wildly and heavy shadows framed her eyes¡ªclear evidence of a sleepless night.


    She rubbed her temples, still half-asleep and disoriented.


    ¡°Did you not get enough rest?¡± Ellis asked, his gaze instantly taking in her fatigue.


    She could only grunt an affirmative, eyes half-shut.


    With a gentle tone, he pressed. ¡°What kept you up sote?¡±


    She ducked her head and muttered, ¡°Oh, nothing special.¡±


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 Chapter 1023

    ?Chapter 1023:


    Ellis caught the uncertainty in her tone but let it slide, unwilling to press her for more.


    His memories of the previous evening had already faded at the edges, leaving only scattered fragments behind.


    A sudden thought lit up Freya¡¯s face. ¡°Oh! I¡¯m actually not going to the office today,¡± she blurted, ncing at Ellis. ¡°My dad and She want to make up for missing my birthday thest couple of years.¡±


    For the past two years, she¡¯d been in Jeucwell, always missing out on family celebrations.


    Now, with a boyfriend in the picture, her father had deliberately saved the 16th just for her.


    He¡¯d insisted on this n because her birthday fell right after the 14th and 15th, and he didn¡¯t want her scrambling home at thest minute, ruining her ns.


    Ellis¡¯s lips quirked in a teasing smile. ¡°So, I¡¯m still not invited to meet your family, huh?¡±


    He hadn¡¯t forgotten the conversation he¡¯d overheard the other day.


    Freya stiffened, her wide eyes darting away in mock innocence. She hesitated, then pressed her lips together and yed dumb. ¡°Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s a little early for that?¡±


    ¡°You might be right.¡± Ellis only shrugged, reaching out to ruffle her hair with a teasing gentleness. He let the subject drop. ¡°Go wash up ande down for breakfast. I¡¯ll take you over myself.¡±


    ¡°No need.¡± She tried to object, but he cut her off.


    ¡°You do need me,¡± he stated, leaving no room for argument.


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    Freya swallowed her protests, knowing by now that arguing with Ellis was pointless¡ªespecially about things like this.


    If he¡¯d decided he was driving her, nothing short of an emergency would change his mind.


    They ate a quick breakfast together before Ellis grabbed his keys and drove Freya to her father¡¯s house.


    Inside, Hugh and Ethel were already watching for her.


    The moment they heard tires crunching on the driveway, they hurried to the door to wee her.


    Freya climbed out of the car first, feeling her nerves flutter.


    Ellis stepped out after her, shing a polite smile as he offered a friendly wave.


    Ethel rushed out, arms wide. ¡°Mina!¡± She pulled her into a warm hug, then turned with equal enthusiasm to greet Ellis. ¡°Oh, hi, Ellis!¡±


    He greeted her warmly, then nodded to Hugh.


    Hugh, feigning indifference but clearly sizing up the situation, cleared his throat. ¡°Mina, and who¡¯s this?¡±


    With a confident nod, Freya dered, ¡°This is Ellis Lambert¡ªmy boyfriend.¡±


    Hugh¡¯s expression warmed as he greeted him with a familiar nod. ¡°So you¡¯re Ellis. Come on in, take a seat.¡±


    Ellis offered a courteous smile but shook his head. ¡°Thank you, but I¡¯ve got to run¡ªwork¡¯s waiting for me at the office. I promise, next time I¡¯ll stay longer.¡±


    Hugh wouldn¡¯t let up. ¡°Work can wait for a minute. Stay, getfortable.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    .


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 Chapter 1024

    ?Chapter 1024:


    ¡°Maybe next time.¡± Ellis hesitated, ncing at Freya, amusement flickering in his eyes. ¡°Freya thinks it¡¯s too early for me to meet her family.¡±


    He gave them a friendly wave and slipped back into the car, leaving Hugh and Ethel in a state of mild bewilderment.


    The two exchanged a look,pletely at a loss.


    After a beat, Hugh blurted out, ¡°Mina, did you actually say that?¡±


    Freya struggled to find the right words. She had said it¡ªmostly just to sidestep the conversation.


    She didn¡¯t know if Ellis had overheard her, or if Trent or Frederick had blurted it out.


    ¡°We¡¯ve only been seeing each other for two weeks,¡± Freya admitted, offering the simplest exnation she could. ¡°I just feel like it¡¯s too soon to drag him home for family introductions. Maybe we should give it a little more time.¡±


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Hugh faltered, searching for a suitable reply. He couldn¡¯t really fault her¡ªshe was still his beloved girl, no matter how old she got.


    ¡°Just promise me you¡¯ll bring him around next time,¡± he remarked, his tone suddenly stern. ¡°He seems like a decent guy.¡±


    Freya arched a brow, a faint smile on her lips. ¡°Dad, you only just met him.¡±


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t matter,¡± Hugh insisted, a sincere warmth in his voice. Then, as if the thought had just struck him, he turned to her. ¡°So, after lunch¡ªwill he be picking you up, or should I send the driver?¡±


    Freya blinked, thrown off by his unpredictability.


    Moments earlier, he had been doing everything to keep her at home¡ªnow, he seemed ready to send her on her way.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± Hugh asked, catching the quiet in his daughter¡¯s demeanor.


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    Freya kept her thoughts close. ¡°It¡¯s nothing. Let¡¯s head inside. The cold is getting to me.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    Hugh and Ethel guided her through the doorway.


    Once they stepped inside, Hugh handed her a ss of water, his voice gentle but curious. ¡°Why did you keep such big news from me?¡±


    ¡°I wanted to wait until things were good before saying anything.¡±


    ¡°So, things aren¡¯t good now?¡±


    While most things seemed to be falling into ce, she wanted more certainty.


    In truth, she hoped for more time, wanting to be sure Ellis loved her for who she truly was, not just the person he remembered. Waiting seemed wiser, at least until he understood her fully.


    ¡°Your rtionship is unstable now?¡± Hugh asked, worry clear in his tone. ¡°Why?¡±


    Freya gave him a reassuring answer. ¡°No, really, we¡¯re in a good ce.¡± Hugh turned to Ethel for a second opinion.


    Ethel gave a small smile. ¡°There¡¯s no need to worry. They are doing well.¡±


    ¡°Are you sure?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Ethel answered confidently.


    Hugh¡¯s shoulders rxed at Ethel¡¯s words. If Freya were upset, Ethel wouldn¡¯t cover it up. He trusted her judgment, so if she said things were fine, he believed her.


    Freya ended up spending the rest of the day at home.


    For lunch, Hugh took charge in the kitchen.


    .


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 Chapter 1025

    ?Chapter 1025:


    Shortly before they sat down to eat, n arrived, joining them at the table.


    Afterwards, n lingered for a chat with Freya. ¡°Have you heard? Kristian¡¯s back in Jeucwell.¡±


    ¡°No, I haven¡¯t kept up with him.¡± Freya shook her head.


    Ever since Kristian¡¯s recovery, she had stepped back. The only thing she¡¯d done was tell Lawrence to inform her if anything changed with Kristian¡¯s health.


    Other than that, she paid him little mind.


    n regarded her thoughtfully. ¡°Have you really let go?¡±


    Freya answered with quiet certainty, ¡°Yes, I have.¡±


    If she were still holding on to the past, stepping into a new rtionship would have been unfair¡ªnot only to herself, but to anyone involved. She knew she had to be truly ready in her heart before letting someone else in.


    ¡°It¡¯s good to hear that,¡± n said, taking a slow sip of his drink. ¡°Ellis is dependable. Knowing you¡¯re with him puts my mind at ease.¡±


    n still remembered being tricked by Ellis once, but he trusted the man to stand by Freya through anything.


    He believed that the truth about someone often revealed itself after sharing a single meal together.


    Freya looked at n, taken aback by his candor.


    Before she could respond, her phone chimed with a familiar alert.


    She didn¡¯t need to check to know who it was. Ellis had sent a message.


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    ¡°When will you introduce me to your family?¡±


    Freya tapped out a reply. ¡°You¡¯ve already met them.¡±


    Even as she sent it, she wondered when it would be right for Ellis to officially meet her father.


    Their rtionship was still new, and moving too quickly might not be wise.


    ¡°When can I visit him and talk about our future?¡± Ellis asked his question differently.


    Freya was momentarily at a loss for words.


    She left that question unanswered, nning to steer the conversation elsewhere and ask about his workday instead. Just then, another message popped up.


    Isaac wrote, ¡°Is Kristian fully recovered now?¡±


    Freya responded, ¡°Lawrence sent the medical report. Everything looks normal, and his memory has returned. What made you bring that up?¡±


    Isaac nced at his son, noting the changes, and replied that it was nothing.


    At the same time, at the Shaw family¡¯s estate, Kristian¡¯s return took everyone by surprise.


    Lionel narrowed his eyes, unable to hide his confusion. ¡°Weren¡¯t you in Alerith, hoping to win Freya back? Why show up now?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve let her go.¡±


    ¡°Why would you do that?¡±


    ¡°She¡¯s with someone else now.¡±


    Lionel looked baffled.


    Isaac seemed unshaken.


    In their view, Freya¡¯s remarkable qualities meant she was bound to attract admirers, so her finding someone new wasn¡¯t a shock. What caught them off guard was how calmly Kristian took it.


    .


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 Chapter 1026

    ?Chapter 1026:


    ¡°Who is she seeing?¡± Lionel¡¯s tone softened with concern. Freya was like a granddaughter to him. ¡°Is this man good to her? Have you looked into him?¡±


    ¡°Ellis Lambert, sessor to the Lambert Group. He¡¯s someone who can bring her happiness.¡± Kristian¡¯s reply came quietly, though the words sounded steady, they were hard to say.


    Seeing the person they love start anew with someone else cuts deep.


    He was no exception.


    Still, he knew their chapter had ended. If he couldn¡¯t bring Freya happiness, he had to let her seek it elsewhere.


    Lionel and Isaac exchanged a nce, speaking without words.


    Lionel¡¯s frown deepened, as if saying, ¡°What¡¯s gotten into him?¡±


    Isaac shook his head and mouthed the words silently, ¡°No idea.¡±


    Those kinds of words would have never left the old Kristian¡¯s mouth. Before, he would have demanded to know if they were really his family and questioned why they cared about Freya¡¯s life after the split.


    Lionel shot Isaac a look full of disappointment. How could a father not understand his son?


    ¡°If she can be happy with that man, that¡¯s what matters.¡± Lionel then shifted the topic, saying, ¡°You look worn out from traveling. Go get some rest.¡±


    ¡°I will,¡± Kristian answered in a steady, low voice, showing no hint of unrest.


    The moment Kristian disappeared down the hallway, Lionel¡¯s forehead creased in thought. He watched his grandson walk away, worry written all over his features. ¡°Don¡¯t you think he¡¯s changed a great deal sinceing home?¡±


    Isaac barely looked troubled. ¡°Anyone who¡¯s been through heartbreak is bound to change.¡±


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    It was a normal part of life. Difficult experiences shaped people and taught them things they wouldn¡¯t learn otherwise. But that kind of growth rarely came without pain.


    Lionel protested, tapping his cane with frustration and giving Isaac a hard stare. ¡°Have you ever seen him like this before? You¡¯re his father, yet you barely seem to care!¡±


    ¡°Weren¡¯t you the one who said Kristian needed to learn a lesson after what he did to Freya? You told us to keep our distance from him.¡± Isaac¡¯s response was cool.


    Lionel¡¯s mouth opened, then closed again. He had no answer for that. Those words were true, but he hadn¡¯t expected Kristian to return so changed.


    ¡°Don¡¯t fret so much,¡± Isaac said, a bit dismissive. His main concern was Kristian¡¯s health, not his feelings. ¡°He¡¯s grown. He can deal with his own problems now.¡±


    ¡°This is on you,¡± Lionel said.


    Isaac arched a brow in surprise. How was any of this his fault?


    ¡°If you hadn¡¯t pushed Melinda away all those years ago and missed out on Kristian¡¯s early years, maybe he wouldn¡¯t be so lost with Freya,¡± Lionel said, his agitation rising. ¡°You set this in motion.¡±


    Isaac fell silent.


    Lionel pressed on. ¡°There¡¯s something else I want to say¡­¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°Think back to when Freya first asked for a divorce.¡± Lionel leaned back and brought up the past. ¡°You heard her, yet did nothing while Kristian drifted further away. As his father, you stood by and watched without stepping in.¡±


    A heavy silence fell as Isaac took in his father¡¯s words.


    Regret lingered in his mind; he hadn¡¯t managed things well back then. He remembered his offhand remark¡ª ¡°Was Freya merely standing in for someone else in your heart?¡±¡ªthinking it was just harmless teasing. He knew Kristian had loved someone else before, but never imagined it would end a marriage.


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 Chapter 1027

    ?Chapter 1027:


    Had he realized the truth, he would have firmly confronted Kristian without hesitation.


    All signs pointed to one thing: Kristian and Freya were never truly destined for each other.


    ¡°Sometimes I wonder what Melinda ever saw in you.¡± Frustration bubbling over, Lionel shifted his re from grandson to son. ¡°Your mother and I shared real love, but you ended up such a letdown.¡±


    Isaac¡¯s response came with practicedposure. ¡°I think that title fits Kristian better than me. He¡¯s the one at the heart of all this.¡±


    ¡°And who¡¯s to me for that? You raised him.¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    ¡°Still, you can admit it so casually.¡±


    For a moment, Isaac had no words. Letting Kristian face the criticism seemed easier than defending himself.


    Being the target of Lionel¡¯s ire was something he hadn¡¯t missed. Any misstep now would only draw more fire.


    ¡°I¡¯ll see how Kristian¡¯s holding up,¡± Isaac offered an excuse.


    Lionel wasn¡¯t done. ¡°Oh, am I too much for you now? Can¡¯t handle a little criticism?¡±


    Isaac remained unbothered. ¡°Why don¡¯t we y some chess instead?¡±


    Sometimes, his father¡¯s remarks left him a step behind, but he didn¡¯t let it bother him. Whenever he struggled to follow the conversation, he kept hisposure and took his time to reply. At their age, staying calm mattered more than quick wit.


    ¡°Just go on, will you?¡± Lionel¡¯s patience wore thin; Kristian upied his thoughts. ¡°Check on Kristian for me, and try to lift his spirits.¡±


    Uncover your next story on g ? ln¦Ò ¦Í?? ??s,


    ¡°He¡¯d probably cheer up if you went yourself.¡± A hint of irony colored Isaac¡¯s tone.


    Lionel shot him a look full of disdain. If this were just a simple case of a bad mood, a quick chat would be enough. But this was something different altogether.


    ¡°Go on, stop dragging your feet. Make sure he really fills up and enjoys his dinner tonight,¡± Lionel said, his voice carrying real concern.


    ¡°Otherwise, you¡¯ll answer to me.¡±


    Isaac fell quiet. On his best days, Kristian¡¯s appetite was never strong. But mentioning that would only earn him another scolding. Instead, Isaac just nodded and headed out to find his son.


    Out in the backyard, Kristian sat quietly in a knit sweater, lookingposed and unhurried.


    The climate in Jeucwell stood in sharp contrast to Alerith.


    Though it was still only February, two lightyers were enough to stay warm.


    When Isaac stepped outside, he noticed the usual distance in Kristian¡¯s demeanor had faded, reced by a rare sense of tranquility. He joined him on the bench. ¡°What¡¯s on your mind?¡±


    A gentle reply came, ¡°Nothing in particr.¡± Kristian picked up a coffee pot and poured a cup for his father.


    Isaac took in the gesture, his eyes thoughtful. ¡°Care to talk?¡± He epted the cup, settling in.


    Kristian gave him a sidelong nce. ¡°Is there something you want to say?¡±


    ¡°Why so stiff?¡±


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 Chapter 1028

    ?Chapter 1028:


    ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Isaac¡¯s lips curved slightly. He decided not to press, instead keeping the moment light. ¡°Since you started running Shaw Group, it¡¯s unusual to see you sitting out here alone. What brings you back now?¡± Kristian answered in a calm voice, ¡°I just wanted a little quiet.¡±


    ¡°Is something bothering you?¡±


    ¡°Nothing¡¯s weighing on me.¡±


    ¡°Not being honest even now that I¡¯m here?¡±


    Kristian shifted the conversation. ¡°Did Grandpa put you up to this?¡±


    ¡°He did. Your mood caught his attention, and he sent me out here to check on you.¡± A small¡­


    A chuckle left Isaac as he crossed his legs and warmed his hands around the cup. ¡°I got a lecture for not noticing sooner.¡±


    With a shrug, Kristian brushed it off. ¡°Alright.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s all you have to say?¡±


    ¡°Are you the one in need offort?¡± Kristian tossed the question back.


    Isaac took a slow sip of his coffee and answered honestly, ¡°I don¡¯t need it. But you might.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not looking forfort.¡±


    ¡°You say that, but your demeanor tells a different story.¡±


    ¡°There¡¯s nothing wrong. After pushing forward for so long, I¡¯m just a little worn out. Sometimes, I need to pause and reflect on the mistakes I¡¯ve made.¡± Kristian took a steady breath. ¡°Once I understand them, I¡¯ll be able to move forward.¡±


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    ¡°Have you managed to sort it all out?¡± Isaac chimed in.


    Confidence filled most of his thoughts when it came to his son. From an early age, Kristian learned to stand on his own.


    Still, Isaac worried that his son might not be able to move past old heartbreaks.


    The consequences of earlier mistakes seemed heavier now, in hindsight.


    ¡°I have,¡± Kristian confirmed, his tone quiet but resolute. ¡°I only need a bit more time.¡±


    Understanding lit Isaac¡¯s eyes. He offered a gentle reassurance. ¡°No need to hurry. For now, neither your grandpa nor your mom will press you.¡±


    ¡°Thank you, Dad.¡±


    ¡°And Freya? How do you feel about her these days?¡±


    ¡°Let things rest as they are.¡± Kristian¡¯s gaze grew distant, his words soft and rough. ¡°She¡¯s found someone who will look after her. It¡¯s not my ce to get involved.¡±


    Isaac, recalling Kristian¡¯s earlierments, wondered aloud, ¡°Are you certain Ellis Lambert is the right person for her?¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± Kristian answered without hesitation.


    Curiosity flickered in Isaac¡¯s expression. What kind of man could actually win Kristian¡¯s approval?


    Lambert Group¡¯s reputation preceded it, yet the heir remained a bit of a mystery to most.


    ¡°He has great fighting skills, a solid upbringing, and good looks,¡± Kristian exined, though each word seemed to tug at something inside him. ¡°More than¡­¡±


    ¡°¡­ that, he treats Freya with genuine care. If he keeps that up, he¡¯ll always deserve her trust.¡±


    .


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 Chapter 1029

    ?Chapter 1029:


    ¡°Is he aware of your history with Freya?¡± Isaac¡¯s next question carried weight.


    A nod from Kristian answered everything. ¡°He knows.¡± That truth brought Kristian some measure of peace.


    Isaac sensed there was nothing left to say.


    Rising from his seat, he ced a steady hand on Kristian¡¯s shoulder. In a rare moment of warmth, he offered, ¡°Don¡¯t carry it all alone. If you can¡¯t talk to family, reach out to a friend.¡±


    ¡°I will.¡± Kristian¡¯s reply was measured.


    Understanding his son¡¯s need for space, Isaac added a few more words of encouragement before quietly stepping away from the backyard. When it came to heartbreak, only Kristian could sort out his own feelings.


    The afternoon drifted by while Kristian remained among the trees and sky.


    Surrounded by calm, the burden in his chest eased, reced by a peacefulness he had never quite known before.


    Lionel signaled for the butler to fetch some fruit and snacks for Kristian. The butler promptly arranged a tray of fresh apples, grapes, and a few pastries, setting them beside Kristian with a warm smile.


    Kristian stayed calm andposed, soaking in the moment. His serene demeanor felt like a gentle breeze, steady and untroubled. This quiet grace caught Isaac, Lionel, and even the butler off guard. They exchanged puzzled nces, unustomed to seeing Kristian so still, his usual spark dimmed.


    The butler returned with a steaming pot of coffee, its soothing aroma filling the room. He poured a cup for Kristian, who nodded in thanks. Lionel leaned forward, his brow furrowed with concern. ¡°How¡¯s Kristian holding up?¡± he asked the butler softly.


    The butler, always candid with Lionel, replied, ¡°He¡¯s out there basking in the sunlight, just sitting. No book, no phone, just¡­ still.¡± He paused, choosing his words. ¡°His mood hasn¡¯t shifted much, but something feels off, sir.¡±


    ¡°How off?¡± Lionel pressed, his voice low but curious.


    Chapter updates at g??ln ov els.????????


    ¡°He¡¯s always been kind and proper with me,¡± the butler said, ¡°but there¡¯s a change in him now. It¡¯s like he¡¯s carrying something heavy, something new.¡±


    Lionel let out a long breath, his shoulders sagging. He wasn¡¯t surprised. Kristian was still wrestling with the ache of a recent heartbreak, and it showed.


    ¡°And where¡¯s Isaac?¡± Lionel asked, shifting his focus.


    The butler, well-versed in the family¡¯sings and goings, answered, ¡°He went shopping with his wife. He left a message for you, sir, in case you asked.¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s the message?¡± Lionel raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°He said Kristian needs to work through this on his own. No one¡¯s words can fix it for him.¡±


    Lionel scoffed, his irritation ring. ¡°Hmph! That¡¯s just Isaac dodging responsibility, as usual.¡± He waved a hand, dismissing the excuse.


    The butler held his tongue, knowing better than to stir the pot.


    In the following days, Kristian joined the family for meals, chatting as if nothing had changed. He smiled andughed at the right moments. But those closest to him noticed the cracks. Lionel, Isaac, and Melinda, no strangers to heartache,


    Themselves, they saw the truth: Kristian was bottling up his pain, hiding it behind a polished facade.


    Three dayster, Liam breezed back from his trip, his suitcase barely unpacked, before seeking out his brother.


    Though he loved to tease Kristian, his heart ached to see him so out of sorts.


    .


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 Chapter 1030

    ?Chapter 1030:


    One evening, the family gathered around the dining table, the clink of silverware filling the air.


    Kristian ate steadily, his movements calm and deliberate.


    Lionel, Isaac, and Melinda had nned ahead, sharing a subtle look while Liam eagerly dug into his meal.


    Melinda set her fork down, her eyes soft but purposeful. ¡°Kristian, can I ask you something?¡± she said, her voice like a warm hug.


    ¡°Of course,¡± Kristian replied, pausing mid-bite.


    ¡°Do you know any single women?¡± Melinda asked gently. ¡°Someone nice?¡±


    Kristian froze, his gaze flicking to Lionel. Hadn¡¯t they agreed to hold off on matchmaking? What was this?


    ¡°It¡¯s for Liam,¡± Melinda added quickly, sensing his confusion. ¡°He¡¯s not getting any younger, and it¡¯s time he settled down.¡±


    Liam nearly choked on his mashed potatoes. So that¡¯s what this was about? He dropped his fork, his face a mix of shock and indignation. ¡°Hold on,¡± he blurted, ¡°I¡¯ve got a girlfriend already.¡±


    ¡°Since when?¡± Isaac shot back.


    ¡°Why didn¡¯t you tell us?¡± Melinda asked, her tone skeptical.


    ¡°Who is she?¡± Lionel demanded, leaning in.


    Kristian, watching closely, saw right through his brother¡¯s bluff.


    It was obvious Liam was spinning a tale, and he wasn¡¯t about to let it slide. ¡°He¡¯s making it up,¡± Kristian said tly, cutting through the chatter.


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    ¡°I¡¯m not!¡± Liam protested, his words tumbling out faster. ¡°It¡¯s real. We started datingst week. You¡¯ll meet her soon, I swear.¡±


    ¡°Then show us your schedule,¡± Kristian challenged, calm but firm. ¡°Prove it.¡±


    Liam squirmed, his confidence crumbling. What was going on with Kristian? His brother used to have his back, but now he was calling him out.


    He shot Kristian a pleading look, but Kristian didn¡¯t budge.


    ¡°I¡¯ve got a girlfriend,¡± Liam insisted, doubling down. ¡°We met online and made it officialst week. We just haven¡¯t met in person yet.¡±


    The table fell silent. Everyone¡¯s raised eyebrows told Liam his story wasn¡¯tnding.


    After dinner, Liam trailed Kristian to the backyard, the cool evening air brushing their faces.


    ¡°What¡¯s with you, man?¡± Liam grumbled. ¡°You threw me under the bus in there.¡±


    Kristian walked quietly, letting Liam vent without cutting in.


    They talked about Liam¡¯s fib, but soon the conversation turned to Kristian.


    ¡°Bro, do you wish you¡¯d done things differently with her?¡± Liam asked, his tone softer now.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Kristian admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. Regret gnawed at him, a wish to turn back time and fix what went wrong.


    ¡°Mom and Dad are worried,¡± Liam said, kicking a pebble as they strolled. ¡°They asked me to check on you, make sure you¡¯re not bottling it all up.¡± He grinned, trying to lighten the mood. ¡°But I know you don¡¯t need my pep talk.¡±


    Kristian nced at him, curious.


    ¡°You¡¯re the strongest guy I know,¡± Liam said, his smile bright as the stars above. ¡°No matter what hits you, you¡¯lle out on top.¡±


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 Chapter 1031

    ?Chapter 1031:


    ¡°And if I don¡¯t?¡± Kristian asked, his voice quiet.


    ¡°No chance,¡± Liam shot back. ¡°You always do.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t reply, his thoughts heavy. He¡¯d survive this, sure, but the loss would linger, an ache that time might never fully heal.


    ¡°Kristian,¡± Liam said, breaking the silence.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°You have toe out more,¡± Liam urged, his tone earnest. ¡°Don¡¯t let your heart cloud your head. Think clearly, especially about love.¡± Liam knew a bit about Kristian¡¯s breakup.


    With his sharp mind, Kristian shouldn¡¯t have stumbled like this.


    Emotions had tripped him up, drowning out the reason.


    ¡°And don¡¯t shut people out,¡± Liam added, his voice firm. ¡°You¡¯ll only trap yourself and push everyone away.¡±


    He wished Kristian and Freya had made it work. If he could, he¡¯d rewrite their story to keep them together. But Freya had moved on with Ellis, and Kristian needed to find his path forward.


    ¡°If you¡¯re so full of wisdom,¡± Kristian said, a teasing edge to his voice, ¡°bring a girlfriend home this year. Or I¡¯ll y matchmaker myself.¡±


    Liam blinked, stunned. All his advice, and this was theeback?


    Kristian looked away, hiding a smirk. ¡°It¡¯s not just me. Mom, Dad, and Grandpa all want you to bring someone home.¡±


    Liam groaned.


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    ¡°Can¡¯t help you,¡± Kristian said, shrugging.


    ¡°I¡¯m into guys!¡± Liam blurted, grasping at straws to dodge the setups.


    ¡°It wouldn¡¯t be fair to some poor girl!¡±


    Kristian narrowed his eyes at Liam, his brow furrowed. ¡°Seriously?¡± Over the years, Liam had never shown much interest in dating. He never brought up a girl, never mentioned anyone he had a crush on.


    Could it really be that he was into men?


    Suddenly, Liam felt uneasy. His bravado faltered. He wanted to confirm it with confidence, but once the words left his mouth, there¡¯d be no taking them back.


    Kristian clearly wasn¡¯t joking. He was taking this very seriously now.


    ¡°How long has it been?¡± Kristian asked, his voice lower, more serious.


    ¡°What?¡± Liam blinked. He didn¡¯t follow.


    Kristian studied him closely. ¡°When did you realize you were into men?¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t know,¡± Liam stammered. ¡°Not really sure.¡±


    ¡°Do you have a boyfriend?¡± Kristian asked bluntly.


    Liam froze for a second¡ªthen immediately shook his head. ¡°No, of course not.¡±


    How could he have a boyfriend? He was straight.


    ¡°Have you ever dated a guy?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Is there someone you like right now?¡±


    Liam almost said no on instinct¡ªbut then paused. If he said that, Kristian would probably run straight to their parents and start setting him up on blind dates again. That was thest thing he needed. So he pivoted. ¡°Yeah. There is.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s expression didn¡¯t budge. ¡°Who?¡±


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 Chapter 1032

    ?Chapter 1032:


    Liam hesitated. ¡°That¡¯s¡­ private. Do I really have to say?¡±


    Kristian crossed his arms. ¡°Eventually, Mom and Dad are going to find out. They might not be against it¡ªbut Grandpa? That¡¯s a whole different story.¡±


    Liam shrugged. ¡°It¡¯s fine.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t actually into guys, so what was the big deal?


    But Kristian didn¡¯t like that answer. For the first time, his expression tightened, brow furrowing more deeply. His tone turned firm. ¡°Liam Shaw.¡±


    Liam blinked. ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Are you just messing around?¡±


    ¡°What? No!¡± Liam said quickly. ¡°I¡¯m not that kind of guy.¡±


    ¡°Then tell me the truth,¡± Kristian pressed.


    If Liam was serious about someone, how could he not care about his family¡¯s blessing? This wasn¡¯t how he should handle the situation.


    ¡°I promise, no matter who¡¯s in my heart, I¡¯ll take it seriously.¡± He realized he¡¯d been too casual earlier¡ªtoo flippant.


    Kristian still looked uncertain. But he let out a slow breath. ¡°Don¡¯t tell Mom and Dad yet,¡± he said finally. ¡°I¡¯ll talk to them first¡ªexin things a bit. Once I do, I¡¯ll let you know how it goes.¡±


    ¡°Alright.¡± Liam nodded, genuinely relieved.


    At least that would buy him some time. Hopefully enough to avoid any more awkward matchmaking setups for a while.


    Kristian looked at him again, more thoughtful now. ¡°If you¡¯re serious about this,¡± he said slowly, ¡°then don¡¯t give girls the wrong ideas. And more importantly¡­¡±


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    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t mess around.¡±


    ¡°Got it,¡± Liam said, nodding quickly. ¡°You don¡¯t have to worry.¡±


    Kristian gave him a long look before finally nodding. But the concern in his eyes didn¡¯t fade.


    He still couldn¡¯t quite wrap his head around it. Liam¡ªhis brother¡ªliking men?


    He never seemed to notice it.


    Later that evening, Kristian quietly went to speak with his parents.


    They had assumed Kristian came to talk about setting Liam up with more girls. So when he asked them to stop, they were caught off guard.


    Melinda blinked, confused. ¡°Wait¡­ you¡¯re telling us not to introduce Liam to anyone?¡±


    Kristian replied tly, ¡°He¡¯s not in the right state of mind right now. Forcing him to go on dates wouldn¡¯t be fair to the girls.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s just meeting people,¡± Melinda said, puzzled. ¡°Not like we¡¯re pushing him into a rtionship. Just casual hangouts. They can just grab dinner, make friends.¡±


    It was a great way to make connections.


    Kristian didn¡¯t budge. ¡°Better not.¡±


    Melinda and Isaac exchanged a long look. Finally, Melinda asked the question hanging in the air. ¡°Are you hiding something from us?¡±


    Kristian hesitated. What was he supposed to say?


    Then, her tone shifted. ¡°Wait¡­ is it because Liam likes men?¡±


    Kristian blinked. ¡°How did you¡ª?¡±


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 Chapter 1033

    ?Chapter 1033:


    Melinda and Isaac were both taken aback.


    Melinda maintained her poise, but her expression becameplicated.


    ¡°Does he really?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Kristian answered honestly in a measured tone.


    There was a pause. Then, out of nowhere, Melinda asked, ¡°So, is he the dominant one or the¡­ other?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Kristian looked up, totally thrown.


    Melinda shook her head. ¡°You should talk to him again. Maybe help guide him back. Maybe it¡¯s just a phase.¡±


    ¡°I already talked to him,¡± Kristian said calmly. ¡°Give him time to figure things out. Until he¡¯s sure, let¡¯s just leave him be.¡±


    Melinda sighed. ¡°Alright.¡±


    Isaac, who had been quiet, finally spoke. ¡°Do you actually believe he¡¯s¡­¡±


    Neither of them answered right away, waiting to hear where he was going with this.


    ¡°I think he¡¯s using it as an excuse,¡± Isaac said. ¡°To dodge our arranged dates.¡± He said it inly, like it was obvious. ¡°If he really liked men, we¡¯d see signs. Look at his friends. His habits. There¡¯d be clues.¡±


    If Liam truly liked men, there would be traces. Isaac didn¡¯t believe his son was gay.


    Melinda blinked, pondering.


    Kristian frowned slightly. He hadn¡¯t thought that deeply at first¡ªhe just reacted to Liam¡¯s awkward confession.


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    But now, thinking about it¡­ Liam did seem to be straight. ¡°I¡¯ll look into it,¡± Kristian said. ¡°Give me a week. I¡¯ll figure it out.¡±


    Isaac nodded. ¡°Good.¡±


    After that, Kristian went back to his room, leaving Melinda and Isaac alone in the quiet.


    Melinda still looked uneasy, her thoughts tangled. ¡°What if he really is¡­¡±


    Isaac stayed calm. ¡°Then we help him figure out how to like girls.¡±


    Melinda gave him a look. ¡°It¡¯s not that simple. That¡¯s not how it works.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t stress over it yet,¡± Isaac said gently, reaching for her hand. ¡°Let¡¯s wait for Kristian to figure it out.¡±


    ¡°Get some answers. Honestly, I think there¡¯s a ny percent chance Liam¡¯s just lying.¡±


    ¡°I hope so,¡± Melinda murmured. More than anything, her boys¡¯ rtionships worried her. ¡°Kristian¡¯s still not over Freya, so he¡¯s not going to jump into anything soon. And if Liam really is gay¡­ Lionel will never ept it.¡±


    If Kristian had stayed with Freya, things would be different. Lionel liked her. If she were still around, even Liam¡¯s preferences wouldn¡¯t be a big issue.


    It still weighed on Melinda¡¯s heart¡ªhow Kristian had let Freya slip away. Freya had been such a rare, good woman, and yet he hadn¡¯t treasured her when he had the chance.


    Isaac tried to offer some reassurance. ¡°Liam¡¯s situation hasn¡¯t been confirmed yet. And even if it turns out to be true, Kristian will handle it. He¡¯s good at solving everything¡­ except matters of the heart.¡±


    A simple sentence. Yet it hit deep. Melinda¡¯s heart sank.


    Even though months had passed, it still felt like Kristian and Freya had only just broken up. The ache hadn¡¯t dulled.


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 Chapter 1034

    ?Chapter 1034:


    Isaac noticed the change in her expression and gently pulled her into his arms.


    Upstairs, Kristian had barely made it into his room before pulling out his phone. He sent a message to Gerard. ¡°Look into Liam¡¯s social circle¡ªwho he¡¯s been hanging around with this past year. Quietly.¡± Gerard didn¡¯t ask questions; he got to work.


    By midnight, Kristian was still lying in bed, eyes wide open, staring at the ceiling.


    Since regaining his memories, sleep had been a rare thing. Aside from that one night when he drank himself into oblivion, he hadn¡¯t had a proper rest.


    Now, days had passed, and his insomnia was only getting worse.


    Worried his family might notice and start asking questions, he decided to leave home for a while. He moved into his own vi¡ªthe one he used to share with Freya.


    That day, Gerard had just finished handing over a stack of documents for review when Kristian stood up to grab a ss of water. But the moment he rose, everything went dark. His vision blurred. His ears rang. And then he copsed.


    Gerard rushed over, panicked. ¡°Mr. Shaw! Can you hear me?¡± No response.


    Without wasting a second, he called an ambnce.


    By the time Kristian was admitted to the hospital, Lawrence had already gotten the news and rushed over.


    He looked down at the unconscious Kristian lying on the bed. ¡°What happened?¡± he asked casually, though concern was clearly in his voice. Could it be that Kristian hadn¡¯t fully recovered? But Kristian¡¯s recovery had been under his watch. Physically, Kristian had been fine¡ªso this didn¡¯t make sense.


    ¡°The doctor said it¡¯s exhaustion,¡± Gerard answered, his tone heavy. ¡°He¡¯s been sleeping too little. It¡¯s catching up to him.¡±


    Lawrence frowned. ¡°How little are we talking?¡±


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    ¡°Two hours a night.¡±


    That number had been verified through surveince footage from his home.


    ¡°Because of work?¡±


    Gerard shook his head. ¡°No. He hasn¡¯t touchedpany business in weeks.¡±


    ¡°Insomnia?¡±


    ¡°Most likely,¡± Gerard admitted. He wasn¡¯t entirely sure.


    Kristian had spent most of his time at home recently, not dealing withpany matters, so work stress didn¡¯t seem to be the cause. If it wasn¡¯t work, insomnia was the only usible exnation.


    Lawrence sighed and said nothing more. They¡¯d have to wait until Kristian woke up to get real answers.


    When he finally did wake up, Kristian wasn¡¯t in the mood to talk. He finished his IV drip and immediately tried to leave.


    Lawrence blocked the door. ¡°You need a full check-up.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine,¡± Kristian said, brushing past him.


    ¡°Kristian.¡±


    ¡°You want to go back to Alerith, right?¡± Kristian cut in. ¡°There¡¯s nothing keeping you here. You can leave. I¡¯m fine now.¡±


    Lawrence didn¡¯t budge. ¡°You¡¯re not fine. And if this keeps up, your mental state will break down sooner orter.¡±


    Lawrence paused before continuing, ¡°And when that happens, how do you n on protecting Freya? How do you make sure she stays happy?¡±


    That stopped him in his tracks.


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 Chapter 1035

    ?Chapter 1035:


    Lawrence stepped closer. ¡°You do want her to be happy, don¡¯t you? Or are you nning to just drop dead early and leave her to deal with Ellis alone?¡±


    Lawrence¡¯s words struck a nerve.


    Kristian stood there, unmoving. His jaw tightened.


    Gerard chimed in, trying to ease the tension. ¡°Just get checked out. That¡¯s all we¡¯re asking. If you¡¯re healthy, you can keep watching over her, even from a distance.¡±


    Kristian¡¯s voice dropped, quieter this time. ¡°It¡¯s just insomnia. I¡¯m not sick. I¡¯ll be fine.¡±


    Neither Lawrence nor Gerard pressed further. They both knew the real reason behind his condition.


    At the core of it all, it wasn¡¯t stress from work or health issues. It was Freya. The rtionship he couldn¡¯t move on from. The guilt and regret. It had all been building quietly, dragging his mind down with it.


    Lawrence sighed. ¡°Alright. No check-up then. But let me hypnotize you into a deep slumberter,¡± he said, watching the exhaustion written all over Kristian¡¯s face. ¡°And if you refuse, you¡¯re not leaving the hospital.¡±


    Kristian didn¡¯t argue. ¡°Fine.¡± His voice was t, tired. He brushed past them and walked out.


    Gerard followed close behind, saying nothing. Lawrence stayed back a moment, trying to ground himself before catching up.


    Later, at Kristian¡¯s vi, Lawrence set up everything in the quiet, dimly lit room and guided Kristian under. Gerard stood nearby, watching with unease. ¡°Are you sure this is safe?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely,¡± Lawrence replied calmly, already halfway through the session. ¡°I¡¯m not messing with his mind. I¡¯m just helping him sleep. If he keeps going like this, his mental state is going to spiral.¡±


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    Gerard nodded but still looked uneasy. ¡°But this isn¡¯t a long-term fix. We can¡¯t keep putting him under every few nights.¡±


    He understood the root of the problem, but it was a knot only Kristian himself could untangle. Neither he nor Lawrence could do it for him.


    ¡°I know,¡± Lawrence said, his tone more serious now. ¡°I¡¯ll leave him with some medication. One pill before bed each night. It¡¯ll help ease him into sleep.¡± As if remembering something, he added, ¡°If he refuses, dissolve it in water or milk. Make sure he takes it.¡±


    The medication was something Lawrence had personally developed. Safe, thoroughly tested, and approved. No side effects¡ªbut extremely costly to produce.


    Gerard exhaled, a little more reassured. ¡°Thanks.¡±


    As Kristian finally drifted into deep, uninterrupted sleep, Lawrence stepped aside and pulled out his phone. He called his assistant, instructing them to send over the medicine immediately. Fortunately, he¡¯d brought some extra back to his medical facilityst time. Otherwise, sourcing it from overseas would¡¯ve taken too long.


    ¡°This hypnosis should keep him asleep for a few hours each night for two or three nights,¡± Lawrence told Gerard. ¡°After that, he¡¯ll need the meds.¡±


    ¡°Got it.¡±


    Lawrence gave a brief nod and stepped out again to make another call. Considering Kristian¡¯s current state, what they had wouldn¡¯tst.


    He needed to restock ingredients and prepare more. If they ran out, and Kristian continued spiraling, things could go downhill fast.


    That night, for the first time in ages, Kristian slept for nine full hours. When he finally woke up, the sky outside was already dark. For a moment, everything felt hazy¡ªlike his brain had just rebooted and couldn¡¯t figure out where he was.


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 Chapter 1036

    ?Chapter 1036:


    The knock on the door brought him back to reality.


    Gerard stepped in. ¡°You¡¯re up,¡± he said, relieved. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about work. I¡¯ve handled everything. Dinner¡¯s ready,e eat something.¡±


    Kristian gave a slight nod, still shaking off thest remnants of sleep. His mind was foggy, but slowly, things began to piece themselves back together.


    Halfway through the meal, he suddenly looked up. ¡°Where¡¯s Lawrence?¡±


    ¡°He had something to handle,¡± Gerard replied smoothly.


    Kristian frowned. ¡°What kind of thing?¡±


    ¡°Not sure. He didn¡¯t say.¡± It was exactly what Lawrence had told him to say¡ªand Gerard stuck to it.


    Kristian didn¡¯t press further. He just gave a short nod and went back to eating, quiet and a little more withdrawn than usual.


    To Gerard, this version of Kristian¡ªsubdued, slower, quieter¡ªfelt unfamiliar. But he didn¡¯t say anything.


    A few days passed. The residual effects of the hypnosis began to wear off. Sleep, once again, became a struggle.


    That evening, Gerard brought over the medication Lawrence had left behind. As expected, Kristian refused it.


    ¡°I¡¯m not sick. I don¡¯t need medicine,¡± he said, his tone firm, eyes steady. ¡°The fainting was just an ident. I hadn¡¯t eaten. I was tired. It won¡¯t happen again.¡±


    ¡°Dr. Hayes said your health will suffer if you don¡¯t get enough sleep,¡± Gerard reminded gently.


    Kristian leaned back, his expression unreadable. ¡°I know my body well.¡± He clearly wasn¡¯t budging. ¡°You should head home and rest. I can manage things here,¡± he added dismissively.


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    Gerard sighed, already expecting this. ¡°So you¡¯re really not taking the meds?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Gerard didn¡¯t push further. Instead, he reached for a ss of water and handed it to him. ¡°At least drink something, then.¡± He put the medication away and offered the water.


    He had done as Lawrence advised and dissolved a pill in the water.


    ¡°If I¡¯m not mistaken, you crushed a pill in there, didn¡¯t you?¡± Kristian nced at the ss.


    Gerard froze for a moment. He should¡¯ve known. Kristian didn¡¯t miss anything.


    ¡°No,¡± Gerard lied¡ªbadly.


    ¡°Take it away,¡± Kristian said, his tone steady.


    ¡°But¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not thirsty. If I need water, I¡¯ll get it myself.¡± It wasn¡¯t a harsh refusal, but it was a firm one.


    Gerard let out a quiet sigh and ced the ss down.


    Sometimes, having such a smart employee wasn¡¯t necessarily a good thing.


    As soon as he stepped out of the room, he texted Lawrence. ¡°He refused the meds. Caught the one I slipped in his water too.¡±


    Lawrence wasn¡¯t surprised. His reply came almost instantly. ¡°That¡¯s the most stubborn patient I¡¯ve ever had.¡±


    Gerard set his phone down and leaned back, rubbing his temples.


    For a moment, he considered messaging Freya.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1037

    ?Chapter 1037:


    Kristian would listen to her. But Lawrence knew better. Involving Freya would only make things worse¡ªespecially if Kristian found out. So, he let it go. But just as he was about to set his phone aside, a notification popped up.


    Freya had posted on Facebook.


    Curious, he opened it¡ªand immediately blinked in surprise. A photo of Ellis, apanied by a caption: ¡°Ellis, my boyfriend,¡± followed by a few cozy pictures of the two of them together.


    Lawrence was taken aback. Freya? Posting her rtionship publicly? His fingers hovered over thement box. He almost typed, ¡°Did someone hack your ount?¡± but thought better of it. He deleted the draft and simply liked the post instead.


    In moments like this, drawing attention was thest thing anyone needed, especially when Ellis was involved.


    Freya didn¡¯t even check her phone after posting. She passed it to Ellis. ¡°There. I posted it, just like you wanted. You can¡¯t say I¡¯m not serious about us now.¡±


    Ellis leaned in and kissed her lightly.


    Freya blinked. Another kiss?


    He smirkedzily. ¡°Just a reward.¡±


    She arched an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s it? One little kiss?¡±


    ¡°Huh?¡±


    ¡°Other girls get clothes, bags, makeup¡­ you know, stuff.¡±


    More to discover g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Íe?s?c?m


    ¡°I¡¯ll buy them.¡±


    ¡°No need,¡± Freya said, brushing it off.


    Brand sponsors sent her all the new releases anyway¡ªand she usually gave most of it to Ethel. She hardly even wore makeup herself.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ellis said, amused. ¡°So what kind of reward do you want?¡±


    Freya looked him over, her eyes gleaming with mischief. ¡°Take me to meet your parents.¡±


    Ellis froze. For real? Of all the things she could¡¯ve said¡ªthis wasn¡¯t even on his radar. He¡¯d considered a dozen yful responses from her: jokes, teasing, maybe something flirty. But this? Itpletely caught him off guard.


    ¡°You¡¯re serious?¡± he asked, his eyes narrowing slightly. He was surprised, but also¡ªsomewhere deep down¡ªpleased. And maybe just a little suspicious that she was ying him.


    ¡°For real,¡± Freya said, nodding. ¡°Last time I showed up at your house pretending to be your girlfriend, and I didn¡¯t even bring a gift for your parents. This time, I want to visit them properly.¡±


    ¡°No need for gifts,¡± Ellis said, his smile widening. ¡°Just seeing you will make them happy.¡±


    He wasn¡¯t exaggerating. Freya asking to meet his parents¡ªwillingly¡ªwas rare and unexpected. But to him, it felt like a small victory.


    ¡°How about tomorrow?¡± she suggested casually. ¡°It¡¯s the weekend.¡±


    ¡°Sure,¡± he agreed, still smiling.


    Without wasting any time, he pulled out his phone and called his parents to share the good news. They were thrilled.


    Once everything was arranged, Ellis wrapped an arm around Freya, pulling her closer. His eyes narrowed yfully. ¡°Alright, tell me¡ªwhat¡¯s the real reason you want to visit my parents? Be honest.¡±


    Freya blinked innocently. ¡°No reason. Just want to visit.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1038

    ?Chapter 1038:


    The truth? Meeting the parents was only part of the n. The real reason was to find out Ellis¡¯s childhood nickname.


    Thest time she brought it up, he imed he didn¡¯t have one¡ªwhich was suspicious enough. But when she asked Alyssa about itter, she dodged the question.


    That sealed it.


    Ellis raised an eyebrow. ¡°You seriously expect me to believe that?¡±


    ¡°Believe it or not,¡± Freya huffed. ¡°Why ask if you¡¯re just going to doubt me?¡±


    Ellis chuckled.


    Freya narrowed her eyes. What was so funny?


    Ellis looked at her, clearly amused. ¡°Want me to pull up some couple fight videos? You can study the bodynguage¡ªmaybe sharpen your acting.¡±


    Freya crossed her arms. ¡°You think I¡¯m pretending to be mad?¡±


    He tilted his head, evaluating. ¡°You¡¯d probably fool Trent and Frederick.¡±


    ¡°Ellis Lambert!¡±


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m indeed upset right now.¡± Her voice was cool, firm¡ªwith a note of seriousness.


    She was determined to stand her ground against him.


    She didn¡¯t mind losing to him in most games or falling for his traps now and then. She conceded defeat in arguments. But this? This little battle of pride? She needed a win.


    Ellis didn¡¯t argue. ¡°I know.¡±


    ???????????? ????¦Ñ???????? ?????n??¦Í????????????


    Freya blinked. That was it? Nothing else? This wasn¡¯t how a proper fight was supposed to go.


    ¡°Freya,¡± he said suddenly, his eyes twinkling with curiosity and amusement.


    She looked up instinctively.


    ¡°You realize there¡¯s a pretty big w in your performance, right?¡±


    She frowned. ¡°What w?¡±


    She thought she was doing a convincing job, even had herself halfway convinced.


    Ellis leaned in slightly, his voice low and teasing. ¡°Who argues with their boyfriend¡­ while sitting on hisp?¡±


    Freya nced down.


    Right. She was still sitting on hisp. Damn.


    Before she could recover, Ellis¡¯s voice came again,zy and warm. ¡°Next time, make sure to storm off first. That way the fightsts longer and I get to y along too.¡±


    Freya finally relented.


    She slid off Ellis and perched on the couch, her expression turning grave as she spoke with unflinching sincerity. ¡°The more I think about it, the more I believe Greta and Riley had a point. I¡¯m starting to worry about what lies ahead.¡±


    Ellis tilted his head slightly, regarding her. ¡°What¡¯s got you so worried?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m afraid you¡¯ll end up conning me, and I¡¯ll still thank you for it.¡± There wasn¡¯t the slightest trace of sarcasm in her voice. She meant every word.


    ¡°You really don¡¯t have to worry about that. I won¡¯t lie to you,¡± Ellis murmured, reaching over to give her cheek a yful pinch.


    Freya narrowed her eyes at him, scrutinizing his face as though trying to read past his calm exterior¡ªbut he gave away nothing. If this man were tounch a business from the ground up, she had no doubt he could swindle the world with that charm of his, and no one would see iting.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1039

    ?Chapter 1039:


    ¡°You don¡¯t believe me?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    Ellis lifted a brow, momentarily taken aback by her answer.


    Freya spoke again, her voice solemn. ¡°I¡¯m too smart. Even if you tried to lie to me, I¡¯d see right through you.¡±


    A flicker of amusement danced in Ellis¡¯s eyes.


    What a thing to say. He had absolutely noeback.


    The rest of the day, the two of them were practically glued to each other.


    As evening settled in, Freya made up an excuse to step out for a quick errand. She knew Ellis well enough to guess what he was nning¡ªhe¡¯d most likely take her straight to his parents¡¯ ce the next day, leaving her no window to buy gifts. She wasn¡¯t about to hand that responsibility over to her bodyguards either.


    These were presents for his parents. She wanted to select them herself. As it turned out, her hunch was spot on. That was exactly what Ellis had in mind. To him¡ªand to his parents¡ªher presence alone was more than enough. They had no expectations for gifts.


    The next morning arrived.


    Ellis and Freya got ready in a quick and quiet flurry and stepped out of the house.


    As usual, Ellis grabbed his keys and moved to unlock the car, but before he could slip into the driver¡¯s seat, Freya stopped him. ¡°Let me drive today,¡± she said.


    Without a word, he handed her the keys.


    ¡°I meant my car,¡± Freya rified, pulling out her own keys. ¡°Ever since we got together, I haven¡¯t had much of a chance to drive it.¡±


    Find exclusive stories at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv????s


    ¡°Alright,¡± Ellis replied, tucking his keys back into his pocket.


    Freya exhaled, a soft breath of relief, and went to pull her car out of the garage.


    Once they were on the road, not long after leaving the vi behind, Ellis¡ªleaning back in the passenger seat¡ªnced her way. ¡°You hiding something from me?¡± he asked casually.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°The car.¡±


    ¡°What about it?¡± Freya feigned innocence, her tone deliberately light.


    In truth, all the gifts she had bought the night before were stashed inside the trunk. If she didn¡¯t drive it, there¡¯d be no way to bring them along.


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ellis said atst, choosing not to pry further. He¡¯d already figured out enough. ¡°It¡¯s a long drive. If you get tired, just say the word.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Freya murmured.


    By eleven, they pulled into the driveway.


    Freya lingered inside, reluctant to open the door. Ellis came around and opened it for her himself. ¡°What¡¯s the matter?¡±


    ¡°I need to handle something first,¡± Freya said, feeling slightly guilty for keeping her ns under wraps. ¡°You go on ahead. I¡¯ll catch up in a sec.¡±


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Are you still mad about yesterday?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± She blinked,pletely thrown by the question.


    .


    .


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 Chapter 1040

    ?Chapter 1040:


    ¡°I said I¡¯d bring you home, didn¡¯t I? If I walk in there alone, my parents might just throw me out on the spot. You want to see that happen, don¡¯t you?¡±


    Freya tried to exin. ¡°It¡¯s not like that¡ª¡±


    ¡°Thene in with me. Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re getting cold feet now?¡±


    ¡°I just want to touch up my makeup.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll wait.¡±


    Freya went quiet.


    In that moment, she realized it didn¡¯t matter what excuse she gave¡ªhe wasn¡¯t going in without her.


    With a reluctant sigh, she cut the engine, stepped out of the car, and walked toward him.


    When he reached for her hand, she pulled away. ¡°Wait, I need to grab something.¡±


    She hurried back to the trunk and retrieved the gifts she¡¯d prepared. There were dietary supplements, along with a few pricier items. ¡°I just figured since we¡¯re going to see your parents, it¡¯s only right to bring something,¡± she told him. ¡°I hope they¡¯ll like it.¡±


    She wanted to ask him about gift options. But she already knew what he¡¯d say¡ªthat she didn¡¯t need to bring anything at all. So, she¡¯d trusted her memory and picked the gifts herself.


    ¡°Silly girl,¡± Ellis said, giving her forehead a gentle flick.


    Freya blinked, confused by his reaction.


    He took the bags from her arms, carrying them himself. With his free hand, he reached for hers, offering the warmth she hadn¡¯t realized she needed. ¡°Didn¡¯t I already tell you? Just having you there is more than enough.¡±


    Explore captivating tales at g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s???o??


    ¡°You always spoil me so much. I just want to make sure you feel that love returned,¡± Freya said quietly.


    A faint smile tugged at the corner of his lips. He gave her hand a small squeeze and led her toward the house.


    Just likest time, Ellis¡¯s parents greeted them with open arms. And when they found out Freya had brought gifts, their joy became even more apparent. Theyvished her with praise.


    Freya had known her visit alone would bring them happiness. The gifts were just the cherry on top.


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t sure what you¡¯d like, so I just picked out a few things,¡± she said, far more rxed than on herst visit. She jumped right into conversation with them, no longer reserved.


    ¡°Thank you, Freya,¡± Kendra beamed, her eyes curving like crescent moons. ¡°This might be one of the most thoughtful gifts I¡¯ve ever received.¡±


    Ellis said, ¡°Mm?¡±


    Caldwell asked, ¡°What?¡±


    Both men turned toward her at once.


    Ellis raised an eyebrow, his tone smooth and unhurried. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say the gift I gave youst time was your favorite?¡±


    ¡°Nonsense! Her favorite is obviously mine,¡± Caldwell cut in, unwilling to let it go. ¡°Look, she still wears it¡ª¡±


    He stopped midsentence, his eyes locking on the new bracelet around her wrist. His expression shifted.


    .


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 Chapter 1041

    ?Chapter 1041:


    She¡¯d changed it?!


    ¡°You,¡± Caldwell pointed, momentarily at a loss for words.


    ¡°I¡¯ve worn that bracelet you gave me for thirty years. I think it¡¯s time for a little change,¡± Kendra said sweetly, clearly delighted by Freya¡¯s gift. ¡°And I¡¯d had my eye on this bracelet for a while now. Just wanted to try it on.¡±


    ¡°Excuse me?¡± Caldwell¡¯s face darkened.


    Freya, meanwhile, lookedpletely bewildered. Had she unintentionally stirred up trouble between the two?


    ¡°Why that look? You¡¯re scaring Freya,¡± Kendra scolded gently, still holding Freya¡¯s hand with affection. ¡°What, am I supposed to wear that bracelet for the rest of my life?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant,¡± Caldwell said.


    ¡°Then what did you mean?¡±


    ¡°You what? You just don¡¯t want me wearing nice jewelry anymore? Think I¡¯m too old to pull it off, is that it?¡± Kendra crossed her arms, her expression sharp with sudden defiance.


    ¡°Did you just say you¡¯re old? I¡¯d throw hands with anyone who dares say that!¡± Caldwell jumped in, quick to defend her.


    Kendra stayed quiet.


    He thought about going over tofort her but hesitated when he saw Freya standing nearby. That threw him off.


    All he could do was shoot Ellis a look. ¡°Well? Aren¡¯t you gonna help me out here? Talk to your mom.¡±


    ??????????????????.?????? ¨C more stories here


    Ellis raised an eyebrow. ¡°What¡¯s that got to do with me?¡±


    Caldwell frowned. ¡°It has nothing to do with you?¡±


    Ellis shrugged. ¡°Because it doesn¡¯t.¡±


    Caldwell looked like he was about to explode.


    The tension in the room was thick, and Freya, sensing it, quickly jumped in with a soft tone, trying to mediate. ¡°Mrs. Lambert probably didn¡¯t take off the bracelet you gave her just because she likes the new one; maybe she¡¯s trying to keep yours safe.¡± Thirty years was a long time. Even an old phone could start to feel sentimental over time¡ªlet alone a gift exchanged between a husband and wife. If something happened to it, it¡¯d be heartbreaking.


    ¡°Really?¡± Caldwell looked at Kendra hopefully.


    ¡°Not even close,¡± Kendra replied coolly. Her tone was stiff. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯ve been thinking¡­ marriage might not be all that important after all. Freya, maybe you shouldn¡¯t bother getting married either.¡±


    Freya blinked.


    Ellis froze.


    Caldwell looked like someone had pped him.


    Freya quietly ran through her memory, wondering if she¡¯d done something wrong since walking in.


    Kendra went on, ¡°Look at him. We¡¯ve been married over thirty years, and he still doesn¡¯t get me like you do.¡±


    Now both Caldwell and Ellis were stuck in an awkward spot.


    Kendra sighed and added, ¡°Sometimes I think it¡¯s better to find someone who truly understands your soul than to rush into marriage.¡±


    ¡°Honey!¡± Caldwell gasped, clearly hurt.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1042

    ?Chapter 1042:


    ¡°What do you think, Freya?¡± Kendra turned to Freya, expecting backup.


    Freya pressed her lips together and nodded slowly. ¡°Honestly? You¡¯ve got a point.¡±


    Ellis let out a low chuckle.


    Kendra shot him a look. ¡°What¡¯s funny?¡± Even angry, she maintained that graceful,posed air¡ªlike a poet calmly delivering a sharp line. ¡°Did I say something wrong?¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t answer. ¡°I¡¯ll go check the kitchen,¡± he said, slipping away before she could drag him into it.


    As he walked out, he nced at Freya for half a second.


    Freya rubbed her nose, a little uneasy. Was he¡­ annoyed?


    Just as she was overthinking it, her phone buzzed¡ªa custom notification. While Caldwell and Kendra were deep in conversation again, she peeked at her screen. It was a message from Ellis, which read, ¡°Marriage isn¡¯t as good as finding a soulmate, huh?¡±


    Freya typed back, ¡°Don¡¯t you think so?¡±


    Ellis, now outside and leaning against a pir, smirked as he typed back. ¡°You¡¯re baiting me. Waiting for me to say the wrong thing so you can show my mom and have her scold me, right?¡±


    Freya replied, ¡°Don¡¯t project your pettiness onto others.¡±


    He sent back a meme¡ªa smug cartoon cat with the caption ¡°Seen right through you!¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t respond. She rolled her eyes and put her phone away just as Caldwell and Kendra wrapped things up.


    Fresh updates now on g??ln????e??s.c??m


    Caldwell was apologizing. ¡°I got too worked up earlier. Tomorrow, let¡¯s go shopping. I¡¯ll buy you whatever else you like.¡±


    ¡°I only like the bracelet Freya gave me,¡± Kendra said tly. Then, adding, ¡°Go see what Ellis is doing. He¡¯s been in the kitchen forever.¡±


    ¡°Alright, alright,¡± Caldwell said, hurrying out.


    Right outside, he spotted Ellis leaning against a pir, casually scrolling through his phone.


    Ellis looked up as Caldwell approached.


    For a moment, they just stared at each other. The air grew awkward. Not wanting Kendra to overhear, Caldwell grabbed Ellis and dragged him outside to the yard.


    Back in the living room, only Freya and Kendra remained. The two of them chatted easily, with Freya answering all of Kendra¡¯s questions one by one.


    This time, after all, she was genuinely Ellis¡¯s girlfriend¡ªnot just faking it.


    Eventually, Freya steered the conversation in a different direction. ¡°Can I ask you something?¡±


    Kendra gave her a knowing look. ¡°Let me guess. Is this about Ellis?¡±


    Freya nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead. If I know, I¡¯ll tell you.¡±


    Freya hesitated for a second, choosing her words carefully. ¡°Does he have any cute nickname?¡±


    ¡°Nickname?¡± Kendra blinked, tilting her head.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± Freya said, leaning in. ¡°Something adorable or funny he was called as a kid.¡±


    Kendra thought for a moment, then her eyes lit up. ¡°Oh! He does.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1043

    ?Chapter 1043:


    ¡°What is it?¡± Freya asked, clearly intrigued.


    ¡°Well¡­¡± Kendra trailed off, suddenly stopping herself.


    Freya looked at her expectantly, waiting for her to continue.


    ¡°That name¡­ he¡¯s hated it. Since he was five, he banned the whole family from using it,¡± Kendra said, half amused. ¡°Ethan used to tease him with it all the time. Every time he said it, Ellis would deck him.¡±


    Freya raised an eyebrow. Ellis was throwing punches over a nickname?


    ¡°If you really want to know, why not ask him yourself?¡± Kendra suggested.


    ¡°I tried. He just says ¡®Eli¡¯ and shuts it down.¡±


    Kendra pursed her lips.


    Freya didn¡¯t press further.


    ¡°He probably thinks you¡¯ll tease him if you find out,¡± Kendra suggested knowingly. ¡°I actually picked names for both a boy and a girl,¡± Kendra added. ¡°I was hoping to have one of each. But Ellis was it.¡±


    Caldwell had insisted on no more kids after that. Said he couldn¡¯t bear to watch her go through another difficult pregnancy.


    ¡°What was the girl¡¯s name?¡± Freya asked, trying a roundabout approach.


    Maybe it would give her a clue.


    Kendra cleared her throat, looking a little embarrassed. ¡°I can¡¯t tell you. You¡¯ll figure out his nickname in a heartbeat if I do.¡±


    Freya narrowed her eyes, suspicious now.


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    ¡°Pester Eli a bit. He¡¯ll tell you eventually,¡± Kendra said with a mischievous smile. ¡°In all these years, I¡¯ve never seen him care about anyone the way he cares about you.¡±


    Freya imagined herself asking Ellis.


    He¡¯d probably shoot her a look and say, ¡°What¡¯s in it for me?¡± And honestly, she didn¡¯t have much to bargain with.


    Kendra broke her thoughts. ¡°You know what he once told me?¡±


    ¡°What?¡± Freya asked.


    ¡°He said if he hadn¡¯t held back back then¡­ maybe you wouldn¡¯t have ended up in that bad rtionship.¡± Kendra leaned in. ¡°He¡¯s been in love with you for years, even from a long time ago.¡±


    Freya froze, momentarily stunned. Her mind shed back to the vi incident.


    If she counted from then, Ellis had been into her for at least four years.


    ¡°That watch he always wears¡ªis it the one you gave him?¡± Freya blinked, caught off guard.


    ¡°Yeah. How¡¯d you know?¡±


    Kendra gave a soft smile. ¡°Because no one else could ever get him to ditch that old one.¡±


    She added gently, ¡°Two years ago, I saw that his old watch was busted and got him a new one. He wouldn¡¯t even take it out of the box. Said he¡¯d rather fix the broken one.¡±


    Freya thought back to the time she gave Ellis that watch. He¡¯d asked if she ever wondered about the story behind his old one.


    She¡¯d pressed him for details, but he brushed it off.


    Later, she¡¯d asked when he first started having feelings for her. He brought up the watch again¡ªbut she couldn¡¯t remember ever giving it to him.


    .


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 Chapter 1044

    ?Chapter 1044:


    ¡°When did he get that watch?¡± she wondered aloud, trying to dig through her memory. Nothing came up.


    ¡°It was a long time ago. I¡¯m not sure either,¡± Kendra said honestly. ¡°But I do know this¡ªif you keep poking at him, he¡¯ll give in eventually. He¡¯ll tell you the nickname.¡±


    Ellis wasn¡¯t the type to fall in love easily. But when he did, it was for good.


    Kendra hated to admit it, but part of her had been relieved when Freya and Kristian got divorced. If they hadn¡¯t, Ellis might¡¯ve buried his feelings for good¡ªjust another soldier giving his life to the cause, never opening his heart.


    ¡°Alright,¡± Freya murmured. She decided she¡¯d ask Ellis again when the timing was right.


    A littleter, Caldwell and Ellis came back from the yard.


    No one knew what they talked about, but Caldwell looked unusually pleased.


    Ellis walked over to Freya and invited her toe along for lunch.


    They all headed to the dining room.


    After lunch, Freya and Ellis sat with Caldwell and Kendra a bit longer, just chatting.


    Then, around 2 p.m., Ellis¡¯s two aunts showed up¡ªtotally uninvited.


    Both were dressed head-to-toe in designer clothes, practically screaming money and ego. Ellis and his parents had never liked them much.


    Back in the day, they used to get along with Caldwell. But over the years, they¡¯d made a habit of dropping by just to brag about their kids and drag Ellis for being ¡°cold¡± or ¡°never around.¡± It had driven a wedge between them and Caldwell.


    ¡°What are you doing here?¡± Caldwell asked, clearly not thrilled.


    ¡°What kind of question is that?¡± one woman replied with a sweet smile. ¡°Can¡¯t we visit our brother and sister-inw?¡±


    Let your imagination soar with g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s£®?¦Ï??


    ¡°We didn¡¯t get to see you at Christmas, so we¡ª¡±


    ¡°Figured we¡¯d stop by,¡± the other added. Then her eyesnded on Freya. ¡°And who¡¯s this?¡±


    Caldwell and Kendra replied in unison, ¡°Our future daughter-inw.¡±


    She looked Freya up and down, squinting slightly. ¡°She looks familiar. Wait, isn¡¯t she the woman who made headlines recently? The one who got over a billion in a divorce? Freya Briggs, right?¡±


    ¡°The one people say scammed her way into marrying for money?¡± another woman chimed in. Her voice was sweet, but the venom was unmistakable. ¡°Caldwell, Kendra,¡± she went on, ¡°how could you let Ellis date someone like that? Aren¡¯t you afraid she¡¯ll bleed your family dry?¡±


    The mood in the living room shifted instantly. The air grew thick with tension, turning icy.


    Before Caldwell or Kendra could react, Ellis stepped forward. His voice was calm butced with steel. ¡°Apologize.¡±


    The older woman looked stunned. ¡°What did you say?¡±


    ¡°Apologize to Freya,¡± Ellis repeated, his eyes cold and sharp.


    ¡°Why should I?¡± she scoffed. ¡°It¡¯s not a lie. Everyone knows she walked away with that kind of money from Kristian Shaw. I¡¯m just stating facts.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s expression darkened. But before he could say anything more, Freya gently reached out to stop him.


    She stepped forward, her voice even and steady. ¡°You¡¯re right¡ªI did walk away with the money. But you used me of scamming my way into that marriage. Got proof?¡±


    Her tone wasn¡¯t aggressive, just firm. In her heart, she knew she had never manipted or lied to anyone. Her marriage to Kristian had been rushed. Neither of them knew each other well, which is why they had signed a prenup with clear terms. Either side could walk away if it didn¡¯t work out. Both of them had agreed to it.


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 Chapter 1045

    ?Chapter 1045:


    Freya had only made one personal request in her prenup with Kristian: that she wouldn¡¯t reveal her identity, family background, or social circle.


    She just wanted to live like a regr person.


    Kristian had agreed. They signed the papers and got married.


    ¡°Isn¡¯t the money proof enough?¡± the woman sneered.


    ¡°What kind of nonsense is that?¡± Caldwell snapped, his temper finally ring. Just because Ellis was holding back didn¡¯t mean Caldwell would. ¡°Freya¡¯s not like your¡­¡±


    ¡°Kids¡ªyou know, the ones who lie, cheat, and scam their way through life. Say one more word, and I swear, this cup¡¯s going straight in your face.¡±


    The two women were stunned into silence, their eyes fuming as they red at Freya.


    Freya met their stares without flinching, her calm demeanor suddenlymanding.


    ¡°Let me reintroduce myself,¡± she said, her voice steady. ¡°I¡¯m Freya Briggs. My father is the chairman of Briggs Group. My grandfather chairs Alvarez Group.¡±


    She didn¡¯t need to mention Anita International Group.


    ¡°And the chairman of Lambert Group is her future father-inw,¡± Kendra added coolly.


    ¡°You¡­¡± The two women froze in ce.


    ¡°Still think I needed to scam anyone for a divorce settlement?¡± Freya¡¯s words hit like a p.


    And in that moment, something clicked for her. If she truly had been just a regr woman with no powerful background, taking the divorce settlement might¡¯ve looked exactly like what they imed¡ªgold-digging. Even if she was in the right, the world wouldn¡¯t see it that way.


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    She suddenly thought of Farrah. Back then, she hadn¡¯t given much thought to her friend¡¯s decision. Now, she understood her.


    One of the women still wasn¡¯t done. ¡°I just wondered why someone as arrogant as Ellis would lower himself to date a divorced woman,¡± she said, her words dripping with malice. ¡°Now it¡¯s exined. He¡¯s into her money and connections.¡±


    Freya¡¯s fists clenched. She could handle being insulted, but not Ellis.


    ¡°You sure you didn¡¯t marry into the rkson family for money?¡± Ellis asked, his voice t and freezing cold. ¡°Does your husband even know the kid he¡¯s raising isn¡¯t his?¡±


    ¡°Watch your mouth!¡± the woman exploded, livid.


    The other aunt of Ellis, though, looked oddly intrigued by the chaos. Ellis turned to her. ¡°And you. Does your husband know you¡¯ve been cheating on him for years?¡±


    Her face drained of color. ¡°What kind of nder¡ª?!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m not ndering anyone,¡± Ellis said smoothly. ¡°But if you two don¡¯t apologize to Freya, I¡¯ll make sure these fun little secrets are all over the inte. I¡¯ll even buy a¡­¡±


    ¡°A few trending slots to give them a boost. By tonight, your husbands will know everything.¡±


    ¡°Ellis! How dare you smear us like this?!¡± one woman shrieked.


    ¡°Look at the kind of son you¡¯ve raised!¡± The two were practically shaking, caught between rage and fear.


    Ellis nced down at his watch, cool and detached. ¡°You¡¯ve got three minutes. If you don¡¯t apologize by then, I¡¯ll follow through on my word.¡±


    Their faces turned beet red. They wanted to keepshing out, but the thought of their secrets going public made them fall silent. If it trended online, it wouldn¡¯t just ruin their reputations¡ªit could tank their family businesses too.


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 Chapter 1046

    ?Chapter 1046:


    Grinding their teeth, they forced out a stiff apology.


    But Ellis raised an eyebrow. ¡°That¡¯s your apology? After throwing usations like that? You think a half-baked ¡®sorry¡¯ makes it okay?¡±


    ¡°Sorry,¡± the two women finally muttered. ¡°We were wrong about what we said earlier. We shouldn¡¯t have judged or tarnished your reputation without knowing the facts. Please forgive us.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t flinch. ¡°You insulted Ellis too. Apologize to him.¡±


    That hit a nerve. The women¡¯s expressions twisted, their tempers bubbling under the surface. But they knew better than to keep pushing.


    ¡°Sorry, Ellis. It was our fault,¡± one woman said, her words forced and stiff.


    ¡°We apologize,¡± said the other woman.


    Freya narrowed her eyes. Their tone made it clear they didn¡¯t mean a single word. ¡°If someone dragged your name through the mud and came back with a lukewarm ¡®sorry¡¯ afterward, would you be okay with it?¡±


    Caldwell stood up with a cold snort. ¡°Enough. Don¡¯te back here again¡ªI¡¯m sick of dealing with you two.¡±


    ¡°Caldwell!¡± Their voices were sharp with outrage. ¡°How can you talk to your sisters like that?¡±


    They hadn¡¯te today just to ¡°visit.¡± They¡¯d shown up after hearing Ellis was dating a divorced woman¡ªhoping to scold him or maybe even twist the situation to their own benefit.


    In their minds, Ellis¡¯s family was elite. There was no way they¡¯d let someone like Freya in without a fight.


    But what they hadn¡¯t expected was that Ellis¡¯s parents liked her a lot.


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    ¡°You might want to take a good look in the mirror before questioning me,¡± Caldwell said, his tone sharp as a de. ¡°We let it go in the past when you badmouthed Ellis. But don¡¯t take that as weakness. Say one more word about them, and I will stop being polite.¡±


    At that, the two women realized they weren¡¯t getting anywhere today. Furious, they left.


    Back in the day, Caldwell and Kendra used to let things slide¡ªfor the sake of family. But today? The oue was something they hadn¡¯t anticipated.


    After seeing them out, Kendra turned to Caldwell, her eyebrows raised. ¡°You used to ignore their nonsense. What changed?¡±


    ¡°That was before,¡± Caldwell said calmly. ¡°We always knew what kind of person Ellis was. I didn¡¯t care what they said. But now?¡± He looked serious. ¡°Freya¡¯s going to be part of our family. I¡¯m not letting anyone disrespect her.¡±


    Kendra felt a quiet satisfaction bloom in her chest. She had wanted to push back on his sisters for years, but out of respect for Caldwell, she had always held back. Now, things were different. He had finally decided to stand his ground.


    ¡°Ellis,¡± Kendra said, turning to her son, her voice firm. ¡°What you said earlier¡ªwas that true? Did your aunts really do those things?¡±


    ¡°No,¡± Ellis replied, his expression unbothered. ¡°I made it up. I haven¡¯t paid attention to them for years¡ªI don¡¯t know what they¡¯ve been doing.¡±


    ¡°Then why did you sound so convincing?¡± Kendra shot him a look. He had almost had her in that moment.


    ¡°I was making a point,¡± Ellis said coolly. ¡°No one knows what¡¯s true or false online. But if I posted something like that¡ªeven if it wasn¡¯t real¡ªit¡¯d blow up.¡±


    People only understood pain when it¡¯s their own name being dragged. Kendra frowned. ¡°It¡¯s fine to scare them, but don¡¯t cross the line. Spreading false rumors couldnd you in real trouble. Hating someone is one thing, but spreading rumors for revenge is apletely different story.¡±


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 Chapter 1047

    ?Chapter 1047:


    ¡°I know,¡± Ellis said, a small smile tugging at his lips. ¡°Just wanted to rattle them a bit.¡±


    Kendra sighed. ¡°Well, after that stunt, they probably won¡¯t show their faces around here again.¡± She turned to Freya, a flicker of guilt in her eyes. ¡°I didn¡¯t expect them toe today. If I had, I would¡¯ve told the guards not to let them in.¡±


    Then she took Freya¡¯s hand gently. ¡°I¡¯m sorry, Freya. You didn¡¯t deserve to go through that today.¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright,¡± Freya said quietly. ¡°You¡¯ve already handled it.¡± She paused for a moment, her voice softer now. ¡°But¡­ are you really not bothered by the fact that I¡¯ve been married before?¡± In elite families, things like this usually mattered¡ªa lot.


    At least, from what Freya had seen, most families wouldn¡¯t be so open-minded. They cared about appearances, past rtionships, status¡ªeverything.


    Kendra just looked at her and said warmly, ¡°What¡¯s there to mind?¡± She was sincere, not trying to sugarcoat anything. ¡°If you had kids from your previous marriage, Caldwell and I might have paused for a second, sure.¡±


    ¡°Paused about what?¡± Ellis cut in, stepping beside Freya with a lifted brow.


    Kendra hesitated for a moment before responding naturally, ¡°We just want to be sure you¡¯re not rushing into something or acting on impulse.¡± Ellis was an adult now, but to them, he was still a child¡ªsomeone who might act impulsively for love or let his emotions cloud his judgment.


    If this was just infatuation, it would fade. And then what? Would he start caring about Freya¡¯s pastter on?


    Freya had already been through one painful marriage. Another copse¡ªanother round of heartbreak¡ªwasn¡¯t something she deserved. They had to be sure.


    Ellis remained calm, collected, and somehow still gentle as he responded, ¡°Have you ever seen someone act on impulse for years straight?¡± Kendra froze. She couldn¡¯t argue with that. He¡¯d had feelings for Freya for years. That wasn¡¯t impulse¡ªit was devotion.


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    ¡°I love her,¡± Ellis said simply, clearly, like it was the only truth that mattered. ¡°Nothing else matters.¡±


    Freya looked at him, her heart skipping a beat.


    Ellis took her hand, then turned to his parents. ¡°I¡¯ve got work tomorrow. We¡¯ll head back now. We¡¯lle by again soon.¡±


    ¡°Alright,¡± Caldwell said, nodding. ¡°Drive safe.¡±


    They didn¡¯t insist that they stay longer¡ªthey knew the couple needed space.


    Freya said goodbye, giving Kendra a polite smile.


    But just as they were leaving, Kendra pulled Freya aside and handed her a sleek, high-quality envelope. She leaned in and whispered, ¡°This has the answer you¡¯ve been looking for.¡±


    Freya blinked, confused.


    Kendra smiled knowingly. ¡°His nickname.¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes lit up. ¡°Thank you!¡±


    Kendra gave her hand a light squeeze. ¡°Come visit me again soon. And next time, no gifts. I mean it.¡±


    Freya smiled and nodded, then walked off with Ellis.


    On the drive home, Ellis nced at Freya, his dark eyes twinkling with suspicion. ¡°What did my mom say to you before we left?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± she said casually.


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 Chapter 1048

    ?Chapter 1048:


    ¡°Really?¡± He didn¡¯t buy it. ¡°You¡¯re not even going to lie better than that?¡±


    ¡°It was nothing,¡± Freya said smoothly, keeping a straight face. ¡°She just said she liked my gift the most. Yours and your dad¡¯s didn¡¯t evene close.¡±


    Ellis actually believed her. After all, Kendra had said something simr earlier.


    The rest of the drive, Freya sat quietly with the envelope still clutched in her hand. She didn¡¯t dare open it in front of him¡ªhe¡¯d definitely try to snatch it if he saw. That would be a disaster.


    By the time they got home, it was around five.


    Freya made a beeline for her room, nning to open the envelope in peace. But just as she was about to shut the door, Ellis casually wedged himself in, using his body to block it.


    ¡°Captain?¡± Freya blinked, looking a little thrown off.


    She genuinely had no clue why Ellis had suddenly appeared.


    Ellis stepped inside, pulling the door shut behind him. His eyesnded on the envelope in her hand, and a sly, almost roguish smile tugged at his lips. ¡°What¡¯s in the envelope? Come on, let me have a look.¡±


    ¡°Not a chance!¡± Freya yelped, swiftly hiding the envelope behind her back.


    He advanced, one step, then another.


    She instinctively backed away.


    In no time, her back met the wall.


    He halted just in front of her, leaning in ever so slightly to shrink the space between them. ¡°What¡¯s in there that you¡¯re being so secretive about?¡±


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    ¡°I¡¯m not telling you.¡±


    ¡°You sure about that?¡±


    ¡°Absolutely.¡±


    ¡°I don¡¯t think you could stop me if I really wanted it.¡± His smile deepened as heid out the cold, undeniable truth. ¡°So, are you still refusing to let me see it?¡±


    Freya went quiet. She had no solideback. She was no match for him¡ªin height or in strength. Going against him would be a total and utter defeat.


    ¡°No. If you try to take it, I¡¯ll be mad,¡± Freya warned, though a sliver of doubt tugged at her words. ¡°I won¡¯t speak to you for three whole days.¡±


    ¡°You sure?¡± Ellis¡¯s grin stretched even wider.


    Freya gave a firm nod.


    Something about her, standing there so defiant, made him want to reach out and pinch those soft cheeks of hers. How could someone be this dangerously adorable?


    ¡°Kiss me and I¡¯ll leave,¡± Ellis said, practically offering himself an escape route.


    Freya wasn¡¯t falling for it. He wouldn¡¯t take the envelope anyway¡ªkiss or no kiss. So why on earth should she kiss him?


    Ellis, captivated by her cool, unreadable gaze, felt something stir deep inside. He leaned down and brushed a kiss against her soft, pink lips, his arms slipping around her waist.


    Their breaths mingled, and the air between them thickened, heating up like summer.


    The moment lingered.


    Ellis ended the kiss with a soft, teasing bite to her lip, his voice rough and low. ¡°Once you¡¯re done,e downstairs. Your boyfriend¡¯s waiting for his hug.¡±


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 Chapter 1049

    ?Chapter 1049:


    ¡°Okay¡­¡± Freya murmured.


    It wasn¡¯t until the word left her mouth that she realized her voice had gone all breathy.


    Ellis chuckled softly, his tone rich with amusement. He kissed her again before stepping back, ruffling her smooth, silky hair on his way out.


    Freya watched the door close behind him. Her fingers fluttered up to her lips, still tingling from his kiss, her cheeks slowly turning crimson. What in the world just happened?


    Once she calmed her racing heart, she turned her attention back to the envelope Kendra had handed her. Inside, she found a card and a neatly folded piece of paper.


    She meant to take them out together, but the feel of the card gave her pause.


    The texture¡­ it wasn¡¯t anything like a business card. It felt heavier, almost like a bank card.


    She tugged it out straight away.


    A ck Card.


    She already owned one herself, so why had Kendra given her another? She unfolded the paper. It exined that the card belonged to Ellis and was now in her care. The note even mentioned his childhood nickname.


    Freya froze as her eyesnded on the word. It didn¡¯t suit him one bit.


    But it was kind of amusing. She tucked the paper back inside and headed downstairs with the card in hand, searching for Ellis.


    When Ellis spotted the card, he didn¡¯t look the least bit surprised. His mom had nned to give it to him ages ago, but he had told her to hold onto it as a gift for his future wife.


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    Freya attempted to return it. They weren¡¯t married yet, so it didn¡¯t sit right with her.


    Ellis ced it back in her hand, his tone gentle yet firm. ¡°It¡¯ll be yours eventually. Might as well keep it now.¡±


    ¡°Then at least answer me one thing.¡±


    ¡°What is it?¡±


    ¡°What¡¯s your childhood nickname?¡± She genuinely wanted to hear it from his own lips.


    Ellis hesitated, giving her a slow once-over as if sizing up her motives. His deep voice finally cut through the silence. ¡°Did you go all the way to my parents just to dig that out of them?¡±


    Freya hadn¡¯t expected him to get to the point so quickly.


    Was she that obvious?


    ¡°They didn¡¯t tell you?¡± Ellis pinched her cheek gently. How had he not noticed her scheming sooner?


    ¡°I didn¡¯t ask.¡±


    ¡°Still ying innocent?¡±


    ¡°I really didn¡¯t ask,¡± Freya insisted with a serious face.


    Ellis let out a low chuckle.


    If he hadn¡¯t spent so much time with hertely¡ªand if she hadn¡¯t gotten so much sneakier¡ªhe might¡¯ve bought it.


    ¡°Okay, I asked a little,¡± Freya confessed under his intense stare, only half-lying. ¡°But your mom didn¡¯t tell me. She just mentioned your nickname was picked alongside a girl¡¯s name. That¡¯s all she said.¡±


    Ellis studied her, clearly debating whether she was telling the truth. Freya kept her poker face perfectly serene as she asked again, ¡°So, what is it?¡±


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 Chapter 1050

    Chapter 1050:


    ¡°You really want to know?¡±


    ¡°I do.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll tell you the day we register our marriage.¡±


    ¡°Captain.¡±


    Ellis held his ground.


    ¡°Ellis.¡±


    He was still silent.


    ¡°Eli, my honey bunny,¡± Freya blurted out.


    Ellis pinched her cheek again, this time with a bit more pressure. ¡°Did you even hear that? Are you trying to push my buttons? Say it again, and you¡¯re doing 3-mile weighted runs,¡± Ellis warned, releasing her cheek. His deep voice was edged with yful menace. ¡°Got it?¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡±


    ¡°You got a problem with that?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t argue. She simply nodded, soft andpliant, like a kitten curling into his palm.


    Ellis leaned closer, his tone turning tender. ¡°You upset?¡±


    ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s my girl. I¡¯ll whip up something tasty for you.¡±


    He gave her hair a fond tousle before heading off to the kitchen. Ellis never let her near the stove, so Freya wandered back upstairs and sat down at herptop, sketching ring designs.


    That night, they ate dinner together.


    As always, Freya wrapped up her nighttime routine and turned in around ten.


    Ellis, on the other hand, stayed up.


    At around one in the morning, he crept quietly into Freya¡¯s room. Moving with the stealth of a shadow, he approached her bed and gently slipped a ring onto her finger.


    To avoid startling her, he¡¯d even warmed the ring in advance. His every movement echoed Freya¡¯s. It was just like something she had done herself.


    He tried one ring after another, carefully taking note of the sizes for her ring finger.


    Just as he was about to slip away unnoticed, Freya stirred. Spotting a figure by her bed, she shot awake in a sh.


    Her instincts took over¡ªshe struck.


    The impact rang out sharp and clear.


    Freya recognized him by his movements and muttered sleepily, ¡°Captain?¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t respond. He stood there, quietly brooding. Was it his fault for training her too well, or hers for being too sharp?


    Knowing he was busted, Ellis calmly hid the rings and switched on a soft light, making sure not to blind her.


    Once the gentle glow settled over the room, he finally spoke. ¡°It¡¯s me.¡±


    ¡°What on earth are you doing in my room?¡± Freya¡¯s tone was blunt. It was past one in the morning. If it had been anyone else sneaking into her room at this ungodly hour, she¡¯d have assumed the worst. But with Ellis, she knew better.


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    Message from Noah: Have a great weekend dear readers. God loves you and Noah wishes you all the best. ????(? ?? ? ¨C ? )


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 Chapter 1051

    ?Chapter 1051:


    ¡°Just checking if you¡¯ve gotten rusty from not trainingtely,¡± Ellis said, his face straight but tone casual, as always. ¡°From the looks of it, you¡¯re still sharp.¡±


    Freya blinked at him, still half-asleep andpletely thrown off.


    Moments ago, she¡¯d been jolted awake by a shadowy figure¡ªher instincts kicking in before her brain could catch up. Now, she was trying to make sense of it.


    For the past two years, there hadn¡¯t been any missions. No reason to stay on high alert. So what was with the sudden test?


    ¡°I¡¯ll get going. You can go back to sleep,¡± Ellis said, already turning toward the door.


    ¡°Wait!¡± Freya called out, stopping him.


    He turned around smoothly, acting like he hadn¡¯t just tried to sneak off. ¡°What¡¯s up?¡±


    ¡°You seriously came here just to test my reflexes?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    ¡°Nothing else?¡±


    ¡°Nothing.¡±


    She narrowed her eyes. ¡°If you¡¯re lying, there won¡¯t be a wedding in the future.¡±


    Freya¡¯s mind was slowly catching up as they spoke. Ellis said nothing. Who used such a thing as leverage in an interrogation?


    She stared at him, waiting.


    ¡°You can¡¯t throw that out like it¡¯s a valid threat,¡± Ellis said coolly, though internally, he was scrambling for a better excuse. ¡°Pick something else.¡±


    But Freya already had her answer. He was totally hiding something. Years ago, Ellis had pulled stunts like this in the middle of the night¡ªrandom drills to keep everyone sharp. But those were mission days. This wasn¡¯t that. No missions. And she wasn¡¯t just his teammate anymore. She was his girlfriend. So why was he ying games like this?


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    ¡°What¡¯s with that look?¡± Ellis raised an eyebrow, pretending not to notice her suspicion.


    ¡°You¡¯re lying,¡± Freya said, narrowing her eyes. ¡°I can tell.¡±


    He went quiet.


    They locked eyes¡ªher, determined to get the truth; him, calm as ever, trying not to crack.


    After a tense thirty seconds, Freya asked again, ¡°Why did you reallye here thiste?¡±


    ¡°Do I have to say it?¡± Ellis stalled.


    ¡°You do.¡±


    He exhaled slowly. ¡°I wanted to check if you were still struggling with insomnia.¡± His delivery was wless¡ªtotally serious, no hesitation.


    Freya blinked, caught off guard. That¡­ wasn¡¯t the excuse she expected. ¡°I just wanted to take a quick look and leave. Didn¡¯t mean to wake you,¡± Ellis added, reaching over to ruffle her hair gently.


    ¡°I¡¯m not losing sleep anymore,¡± Freya said, pulling back the nket to show her health tracker. ¡°You gave this to me, remember? It¡¯s been monitoring everything. The data¡¯s been normal.¡±


    ¡°Good,¡± Ellis said with a small nod, keeping his tone steady.


    Freya let it go. Maybe she was overthinking it.


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 Chapter 1052

    ?Chapter 1052:


    After a bit more small talk, Ellis told her to go back to sleep. He turned off the lights and quietly closed the door behind him. Only once he was back in his own room did he finally let out a slow breath.


    Ellis was the kind of person you really didn¡¯t want as an enemy. He was sharp, unreadable, a master maniptor when he needed to be. If he wanted to lie, you¡¯d never catch it¡ªhe could spin a story so well you¡¯d believe it even if you knew better. That kind of skill could destroy someone on the wrong side of him.


    But if you were someone he loved? You¡¯d never find anyone more thoughtful. He¡¯d go out of his way to n surprises, create happiness¡ªquietly, subtly, and with absolute dedication. Even if he got caught in the middle of one of his schemes, he¡¯d cover it up like it was part of the n all along.


    Seated at his desk, Ellis opened a private chat and sent over Freya¡¯s ring finger measurement, along with two beautifully detailed engagement ring designs.


    It was obvious he¡¯d spent time and care designing them.


    He followed up with a quick message. ¡°How long will it take to customize the engagement ring?¡±


    The reply came back fast. ¡°At least three months.¡±


    ¡°Okay,¡± Ellis typed.


    Three months. That would give him just enough time to n everything. As long as Freya showed even the slightest sign that she wanted to get married, he¡¯d move forward with the proposal immediately.


    With everything in ce, Ellis switched to a different group chat¡ªthe one Freya wasn¡¯t in. He quickly dropped a message updating everyone about his n to figure out when Freya might want to tie the knot.


    Right after he sent it, Greta replied, ¡°You can propose anytime.¡±


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    How did she know that?


    Ellis texted back. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    Greta didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°Riley and I asked her a while ago. She basically said, as long as it¡¯s you proposing, she¡¯s ready.¡±


    Ellis stared at the screen, his mind racing.


    ¡°Are you sure you didn¡¯t misread her?¡± he typed, just to be sure.


    ¡°Positive,¡± Greta replied instantly.


    Ellis rubbed his phone thoughtfully. So¡­ Freya was ready?


    Three months suddenly felt far too long.


    He briefly considered rushing the order¡ªbut quickly dismissed the thought. This was a once-in-a-lifetime moment. He wanted everything to be perfect. Rushing it would only lead to regrets.


    Greta messaged again. ¡°When are you nning to propose?¡±


    ¡°In three months,¡± Ellis replied. ¡°The rings just started production.¡±


    That got Greta thinking. She immediately messaged Freya, asking how her ns for proposing to Ellis wereing along.


    If both of them were nning to propose¡­ why not coordinate it? Double the surprise. Double the fun.


    Greta returned to the group chat. ¡°Take your time. Riley and I will subtly figure out what kind of proposal she¡¯d love.¡±


    ¡°Thanks,¡± Ellis responded simply.


    Once everything was settled, he set his phone aside and got ready for bed.


    That night, the idea stayed with him even as he drifted off to sleep. He dreamed.


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 Chapter 1053

    ?Chapter 1053:


    In the dream, he¡¯d proposed, and she¡¯d said yes. They had a beautiful wedding. They even had a child¡ª a sweet, well-behaved little one.


    That night, Ellis slept in bliss.


    When he woke up the next morning, a soft glow filled his chest. He couldn¡¯t stop smiling. As they ate breakfast together, he nced at Freya and suddenly asked, ¡°Do you prefer a boy or a girl?¡±


    She blinked, confused. ¡°Boy or girl¡­ what?¡±


    Freya hesitated. ¡°Are you talking about our future kids?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    She smiled lightly. ¡°Either¡¯s fine. I don¡¯t really have a preference.¡± Whether a boy or a girl, it didn¡¯t matter to her.


    Ellis nodded slowly, his eyes softening. ¡°I dreamedst night that we had a kid,¡± he said, his voice gentler than usual. ¡°The child was so cute. Really sweet and well-behaved.¡±


    ¡°You like kids?¡± Freya asked, surprised.


    Ellis nced at her. ¡°Only if they¡¯re ours.¡±


    He had never been a fan of kids. But the idea of raising a child with Freya felt¡­ warm and right.


    Freya looked at him seriously. ¡°If you really want kids, you should start preconception nning. Step one¡ªstop staying up sote.¡±


    And just like that, her words brought them right back tost night.


    Ellis shot Freya a quick look. It lingered just long enough to suggest he was trying to read between the lines.


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    Did she see through his liesst night?


    Freya, deadpan, said, ¡°Judging by how you werest night, I¡¯m not sure you¡¯re really up for it.¡±


    Ellis let out a low chuckle. Since they¡¯d gotten back together, she¡¯d already made multiple jabs at his performance. Did she really doubt his capability?


    ¡°Why don¡¯t we make time to test that theory?¡± he said, his voice casual but with a yful edge. ¡°Just don¡¯te crying to meter if you can¡¯t keep up.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t respond. She had a feeling he was making dirty jokes. And honestly, there was no winning a conversation like this. So, she opted for silence and focused on finishing her breakfast.


    Later at the office, Freya finally replied to Greta¡¯s earlier message. Greta called immediately.


    ¡°Just let us know when you¡¯re ready to propose,¡± Greta said over the phone. ¡°We¡¯ll make sure we¡¯re there.¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tell Trent,¡± Freya warned. ¡°He¡¯s totally unreliable. But you can loop in Frederick.¡±


    Trent was solidly on Ellis¡¯s team. If he found out she was nning to propose, he¡¯d 100% blow the surprise. Frederick, on the other hand, had always leaned more toward her.


    Greta got the message. ¡°Understood.¡±


    ¡°Good.¡±


    A pause followed.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°How far have you two gone?¡±


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 Chapter 1054

    ?Chapter 1054:


    ¡°What?¡± Freya was puzzled by the sudden shift.


    ¡°You and Ellis¡ªhow far has it gone?¡± Greta¡¯s voice was full of yful curiosity. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you two haven¡¯t done anything yet.¡±


    Freya hesitated, searching for the right words.


    Greta gasped at the silence. ¡°Wait¡ªseriously? Nothing?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯ve kissed,¡± Freya said calmly.


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s it?¡± Freya said with a straight face.


    Greta groaned. ¡°Girl, you need to test him out. If something¡¯s wrong, it¡¯s better he gets it checked early. The man¡¯s been single for thirty years. That¡¯s suspicious!¡±


    Freya cleared her throat and looked away. ¡°He¡¯s fine.¡±


    Sure, they hadn¡¯t gone all the way. But there had been moments during their kisses when she could clearly feel his physical reactions. She was certain he was in perfect condition.


    ¡°You won¡¯t know for sure until you really know,¡± Greta added slyly.


    Freya quickly changed the subject before it got any more suggestive. ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you wanted a boyfriend? Why not consider Trent or Frederick? One¡¯s clever, and the other¡¯s really sweet. One of them has to be your type!¡±


    ¡°Absolutely not,¡± Greta shot back.


    If she had feelings for either of them, she would¡¯ve made a move long ago.


    After a bit more light chatter, the call ended. Freya set down her phone and got back to work.


    Rtionships came in all forms. Some were fiery and intense, others steady and peaceful.


    Her rtionship with Ellis was a blend of both. Maybe it was because they¡¯d known each other for years¡ªfaced life-or-death situations together more times than they could count. Even now, as a couple, their dynamic hadn¡¯t shifted much.


    They were still teammates first. Still the kind of people who could trust each other with their backs¡ªand their lives.


    If there was any difference now, it was that their possessiveness toward each other had grown stronger. Both wanted to give more, do more, be more¡ªfor the other.


    Other than that, there wasn¡¯t much change.


    Still, Greta¡¯s words lingered in Freya¡¯s mind. Ellis had been single for thirty years. She couldn¡¯t let him keep waiting. Once the proposal went through, she was going to take things a bit further.


    If Ellis knew what was running through Freya¡¯s head right now, he¡¯d probably light up with joy¡ªand start imagining exactly how she nned to take things further.


    But, for now, he was blissfully unaware.


    In the days that followed, their routine stayed pretty much the same.


    One evening, Freya noticed Ellis burning the midnight oil over Lambert Group work. Only then did she realize the truth¡ªhe had been juggling two jobs just to stay close to her.


    ¡°You¡¯re going back to Lambert Group next Monday,¡± she said gently. ¡°Melvin can handle Anita International on his own.¡±


    Herpany had entered a stable phase. No major changes were on the horizon. Melvin could manage.


    But Ellis shook his head.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1055

    ?Chapter 1055:


    The overtime wasn¡¯t because he couldn¡¯t handle it¡ªit was because Caldwell had dumped his own workload on him.


    Back when they visited home, while Freya chatted with Kendra, Caldwell had pulled Ellis aside andid it on thick¡ªtalking about how hard life had been, how he and Kendra deserved to travel now that Ellis was back. He said he wished his son would take some weight off his shoulders.


    Ellis just agreed to temporarily take over his father¡¯s duties so his parents could take a break.


    However, Caldwell had asked him to keep this from Kendra.


    What Caldwell hadn¡¯t mentioned was that he¡¯d also promised Kendra he would stay in charge until their grandchild started preschool.


    ¡°It¡¯s just a busy stretch¡ªone more week at most,¡± Ellis told Freya. ¡°I¡¯ll be done soon.¡±


    Honestly, Lambert Group didn¡¯t need that much of his attention. But if he fullymitted to Lambert Group now, it wouldn¡¯t be easy to return to Anita Internationalter.


    ¡°You should just go back,¡± Freya said, her voice calm and logical. ¡°Lambert Group and Anita International aren¡¯t even in the same industry. If you stay here too long, people might start talking.¡±


    As the sessor to Lambert Group, showing up at a differentpany every day wasn¡¯t a good look. People might think he was abandoning tradition¡ªor that he didn¡¯t respect the legacy his family had built.


    Such perceptions could negatively impact Lambert Group.


    ¡°Trying to get rid of me?¡± Ellis asked.


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    ¡°I¡¯m not,¡± she replied smoothly. ¡°Just being rational.¡± Well¡­ partially rational. She did have an ulterior motive. If Ellis stayed at herpany, they¡¯d be around each other constantly. There was no way she could n the proposal without him noticing something.


    But if he went to Lambert Group, she¡¯d finally have the breathing room she needed to get everything ready. Of course, Ellis wouldn¡¯t agree to leave.


    But he was thinking the same thing as Freya¡ªthe proposal.


    ¡°Lambert Group isn¡¯t even in the same district,¡± he said, still acting reluctant. ¡°If I go, I won¡¯t get to see you every day.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m fine with that,¡± Freya said without hesitation. She was a grown woman¡ªshe could bnce her love life and her career. Life wasn¡¯t a romance drama.


    Ellis gave her a long look. ¡°You¡¯re fine with it. I¡¯m not.¡± Leaning back in his chair, he rested his head on one hand, spinning a penzily with the other. ¡°What if my hard-won girlfriend runs off?¡±


    Freya raised an eyebrow, her lips curving ever so slightly. ¡°Then I¡¯ll keep an eye on her for you.¡±


    Ellis smirked, then pulled her into hisp, one arm circling her waist with practiced ease. His voice dropped lowerzy, warm, teasing. ¡°And how exactly do you n to do that?¡±


    ¡°With my eyes,¡± Freya said tly.


    Ellis raised a brow. ¡°So you can just watch her sneak off?¡±


    Running away from Ellis had never crossed her mind. Were they even having the same conversation? Honestly, it felt like they were in different libraries, not just different books.


    ¡°Yes,¡± she replied with mock defiance. ¡°I¡¯ll watch her run into someone else¡¯s home.¡±


    Ellis pinched her waist lightly, a teasing edge in his voice. ¡°Oh yeah? And who exactly are you talking about, hmm?¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1056

    ?Chapter 1056:


    ¡°I¡¯m not telling you.¡±


    ¡°You think they¡¯d dare take you in?¡± He didn¡¯t need her to spell it out¡ªhe already knew. Greta and Riley. Of course.


    In front of Ellis, those two were pushovers. They¡¯d fold the second he showed up.


    ¡°With that kind of attitude,¡± he said, tightening his grip around her waist, ¡°I¡¯m not going back to Lambert Group. I should stay right here and keep an eye on you personally.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t respond immediately. Hershes brushed her cheeks.


    ¡°Wasn¡¯t that supposed to be a joke?¡±


    ¡°I wasn¡¯t joking.¡±


    ¡°Okay then.¡±


    Ellis squinted slightly. That was it?


    Freya was already plotting. ¡°Then I¡¯ve decided,¡± she announced with a glint in her eye, ¡°I¡¯m staying over at Greta¡¯s or Riley¡¯s tonight.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s smile didn¡¯t fade¡ªbut his voice dropped low, velvet with warning. ¡°So you can¡¯t wait to join them for some intensebat drills, huh?¡±


    Seriously? As much as she hated to admit it, she realized something. Even now that they were in a rtionship, she still felt a bit intimidated by him.


    ¡°Ellis,¡± she said, this time seriously.


    Ellis was slightly surprised. After all, she always called him ¡°Captain.¡±


    ¡°What you¡¯re doing is wrong,¡± she said, putting on her best scolding face. ¡°I¡¯m your girlfriend. You can¡¯t just threaten me.¡±


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    ¡°Oh?¡± Ellis leaned in slightly. ¡°And what if I do?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll get mad.¡±


    Her tone was sharp, but not very convincing.


    Ellis pinched her cheek, clearly enjoying this. ¡°Mad? Like ¡®throw a pillow¡¯ mad or ¡®burn the house down¡¯ mad?¡±


    Freya narrowed her eyes. ¡°I¡¯ll walk away mad.¡±


    Now that got his attention. ¡°Really?¡± he said, his eyes narrowing. ¡°I¡¯d love to see you try. Let¡¯s see how you abandon your beloved.¡±


    Freya zipped her lips. She knew how this game went. He always won.


    ¡°Alreadying up with a n?¡± he asked, watching her with an amused look.


    Freya crossed her arms. ¡°You¡¯ll find out eventually.¡±


    She was determined to make good on her threat. Just once. Let him sweat a little. See if he¡¯d still be such a bully.


    Standing up, she slipped off hisp and fixed her clothes. ¡°Anyway, I¡¯m going to bed. On Monday, have Melvin help you with your resignation paperwork. You¡¯re going back to Lambert Group,¡± she said. ¡°Will you miss me?¡±


    ¡°Nope.¡±


    ¡°No?¡±


    ¡°You heartless little thing,¡± he said with a mock sigh, pinching her cheek again¡ªthis time with clear affection.


    Freya didn¡¯t answer.


    Ellis didn¡¯t tease her further.


    If going back gave him space to n the proposal, it wouldn¡¯t have been such a bad move after all.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1057

    ?Chapter 1057:


    A momentter, Freya disappeared into her room.


    Ellis sat back at his desk, half-heartedly opening hisptop. But then her words about starting preconception nning echoed in his mind. Proposal. Engagement. Marriage. If they did it quickly, the whole process could wrap in six months. Maybe less.


    His hand hovered over the keyboard¡­ then he shut theptop. No point staying upte. He had to be in good shape to give Freya a child when she was ready.


    Ellis had just settled into bed when his phone lit up.


    Ethan¡¯s voice came through, practically dripping with smug satisfaction.


    ¡°Alyssa told me Freya¡¯s been asking about your nickname.¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t say a word, but his gaze darkened. Dangerous.


    Ethan kept going, clearly enjoying himself. ¡°What do you think? Should I tell her?¡± He burst outughing, full of himself. ¡°Honestly, it¡¯s kinda adorable. Has a nice ring to it.¡±


    Ellis¡¯s voice was calm¡ªtoo calm. ¡°Then why don¡¯t you take it?¡±


    ¡°Nah,¡± Ethan chuckled. ¡°I¡¯m not that cruel. A true gentleman doesn¡¯t steal another man¡¯s shame.¡± He wasughing so hard now that he could barely breathe.


    Ellis just smiled¡ªthat slow, charming, something¡¯s-about-to-go-down kind of smile. Yeah, Ethan was asking for it. Totally unaware of the storm heading his way.


    ¡°Come on,¡± Ethan said, still wheezing. ¡°Say something nice to me. Beg a little, and maybe I¡¯ll keep quiet.¡±


    Ellis leaned back, his voice cool as ice. ¡°I heard you and Alyssa are an item now.¡±


    ¡°Of course!¡± Ethan said proudly.


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    ¡°I have videos of you flirting with girls from childhood.¡± Ellis¡¯s ability to make things up was impressive. ¡°What do you think? Should I show them to her?¡±


    Ethan was puzzled for a moment. ¡°What the hell are you talking about?¡±


    He might have flirted a few times in the past, but nothing serious.


    ¡°If I say it happened, then it did,¡± Ellis said simply. The pressure in his voice was subtle¡ªbut brutal.


    It suddenly clicked. ¡°Wait¡­ are you trying to frame me?¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t even flinch. ¡°Alyssa will believe anything I feed her.¡± A direct hit.


    Ethan practically exploded. Damn Ellis! Always so maniptive. He quickly tapped the call recording. ¡°Don¡¯t be too cocky. Alyssa is smart enough to tell when you¡¯re bluffing.¡±


    ¡°Oh, and by the way,¡± Ellis added smoothly. ¡°Are you recording this call?¡±


    Ethan was stunned. How the hell did he know?


    ¡°Anyway, if you wanna tell Freya about the nickname, go ahead,¡± Ellis said, totally unfazed. He didn¡¯t care. He was going to tell her soon. ¡°But don¡¯t think you can use it to hold anything over me. I won¡¯t hesitate to tell Alyssa about your past.¡±


    Ethan scoffed. ¡°You¡¯re full of crap.¡± He was losing it. He always knew Ellis could be cold, calcted¡ªeven devious when he wanted. But this? This was straight-up ruthless.


    Ellis¡¯s voice was calm and deliberate. ¡°Alyssa and I grew up together. She has the right to know about your wild past.¡±


    ¡°You really know how to spin a tale,¡± Ethan snapped, barely holding it together.


    Ellis didn¡¯t respond. He just hung up.


    .


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 Chapter 1058

    ?Chapter 1058:


    And then¡ªjust to pour salt in the wound¡ªhe sent a message. ¡°If you really want to marry Alyssa, show some sincerity. She deserves to know about the dead child.¡±


    Ethan stared at the text, his jaw clenched. He knew exactly what Ellis was doing. Damn him!


    ¡°Shut the fuck up!¡± Ethan shot back, typing fast. ¡°It was a joke about your nickname! What¡¯s the big deal?¡±


    A dead child? Ellis was full of crap. It wasplete bullshit. No response. Ellis had already silenced his phone and gone to sleep like nothing happened.


    Meanwhile, Ethan was too mad to even pretend to rest. He was pacing, cursing, grinding his teeth. He decided to return fire. If Ellis wanted to y dirty, fine. Ethan went to Alyssa, yed it cool, and casually asked for Freya¡¯s Facebook.


    The next morning¡ªSaturday.


    Freya was lounging on the couch at home with Ellis.


    They had breakfast, and she was flipping through TV channels, half-watching, half-scrolling through her phone. She noticed a new friend request. From someone named ¡°Zoe.¡±


    She tilted her head, confused. She didn¡¯t recognize the name. But then again, hardly anyone knew this ount¡ªit was private, something she only gave to close contacts.


    She epted it.


    A secondter, a message popped up. ¡°Are you Freya Briggs?¡±


    Freya typed back. ¡°Yes. Who¡¯s this?¡±


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    Zoe sent a message. ¡°Is Ellis Lambert your boyfriend?¡±


    Freya nced over at Ellis, who was still on a call, then replied, ¡°That¡¯s correct.¡±


    The next message came fast. ¡°I¡¯m pregnant with his child. I confronted him, and he told me to get rid of it.¡±


    Freya just stared at her phone. Pregnant with Ellis¡¯s child? Her brain stalled. That didn¡¯t sound right at all.


    Ellis finished his call and noticed her frozen in ce, staring at her phone like it had just delivered the world¡¯s most confusing riddle. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± he asked, walking over and wrapping an arm around her.


    Freya blinked up at him. Ellis met her gaze. What was going on?


    ¡°Your¡­¡± Freya struggled to find the words. ¡°Your lover says she¡¯s pregnant with your child and you told her to get rid of it.¡±


    Ellis stared at her,pletely lost.


    Freya handed him her phone without another word.


    She didn¡¯t know who this Zoe person was, but she was sure it was either a prank or someone trying to stir up trouble. One thing she didn¡¯t doubt for a second¡ªEllis wouldn¡¯t cheat.


    Ellis scrolled through the messages. It didn¡¯t take him long to figure it out.


    ¡°It¡¯s Ethan,¡± he said, handing her back the phone. ¡°We had an argumentst night. I must¡¯ve ticked him off¡ªthis is just him being petty and trying to mess with us.¡±


    Freya nodded, her expression clearing. ¡°Makes sense.¡±


    Then another message came in from Zoe. ¡°Could you please talk to him for me? Ask him not to force me to get rid of the baby.¡±


    Freya replied without hesitation, ¡°Sure.¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1059

    ?Chapter 1059:


    Meanwhile, Ethan, who was hanging out with Alyssa, nearly choked.


    ¡°What the¡ª¡±


    Was Freya being serious right now?


    Zoe texted again. ¡°Are you serious?¡±


    Freya replied, ¡°Yes. The child is innocent.¡±


    Ethan stared at his screen,pletely dumbfounded. Was Freya¡­ okay? Alyssa noticed the dramatic expressions he was pulling and askedzily, ¡°What are you up to over there?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ethan said quickly, locking his phone. No way was he telling her he¡¯d been catfishing Freya with a fake pregnancy. Alyssa didn¡¯t push.


    He leaned in with a grin. ¡°Hey, can I ask you something?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Hypothetically¡ªtotally hypothetical¡ªif my lover got pregnant, and I told her to get an abortion, but she came to you asking to keep the kid, what would you do?¡± He needed to know how a normal person would react to such a situation.


    Alyssa stared at him like he¡¯d lost his mind. Her gaze darkened dangerously.


    Ethan panicked. ¡°Hypothetically! I swear!¡±


    ¡°I¡¯d throw both of you in the ocean,¡± Alyssa said tly.


    Ethan blinked. ¡°So you wouldn¡¯t let her keep the baby?¡±


    Her eyes narrowed. ¡°Why are you asking me this in such detail? Is there someone out there I should know about?¡±


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    ¡°Of course not!¡± Ethan rushed to say. ¡°You¡¯re the only one I love. I¡¯d never do anything to betray you.¡± Alyssa rolled her eyes and didn¡¯t respond.


    Back in the fake pregnancy chat, Ethan-as-Zoe sent another message to Freya. ¡°Thank you, that¡¯s so nice of you.¡±


    ¡°Do you have money?¡± Freya asked. ¡°If not, I can give you some. Raising a kid¡¯s expensive.¡±


    Ethan was speechless. Seriously? This wasn¡¯t how things were supposed to go.


    His n had been simple¡ªmess with Freya a little, get her to confront Ellis, and cause some harmless drama between the lovebirds¡ªall as payback forst night¡¯s argument.


    But clearly, he had miscalcted.


    ¡°Alyssa¡­¡± He handed Alyssa the phone, deciding toe clean. ¡°When you get a chance, maybe talk to Freya. I think something¡¯s wrong with her.¡±


    Alyssa looked puzzled, not understanding how Freya got involved.


    But once she skimmed through the chat, she put the pieces together. After reading everything, she handed the phone back and said something that made Ethan nearly fall over. ¡°She¡¯s fine.¡±


    ¡°What do you mean ¡®she¡¯s fine¡¯?¡± Ethan asked, bewildered. ¡°You literally told me earlier you¡¯d throw us both into the ocean. But her response? That was just¡­ weirdly nice.¡±


    ¡°The naive one here is you,¡± Alyssa said coolly. She hadn¡¯t spent that much time around Freya, but she knew one thing for sure¡ªFreya wasn¡¯t the type to just ept cheating or lies. Not even close.


    Which could only mean one thing¡ªFreya knew it was a prank the whole time.


    Ethan frowned. ¡°Wait. What do you mean?¡±


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1060

    ?Chapter 1060:


    ¡°Don¡¯t y games with Ellis and Freya,¡± Alyssa said wisely, brushing him off. ¡°They¡¯re way smarter than you think.¡±


    Ethan stared at her, still not getting it. What did that mean?


    Alyssa didn¡¯t bother exining. How was someone this slow?


    Meanwhile, Freya looked at her phone and frowned. ¡°He stopped replying.¡±


    Ellis wrapped an arm around her and smirked. ¡°He¡¯s probably rethinking his entire life strategy right now.¡±


    Freya chuckled, then tilted her head. ¡°What exactly did you two argue aboutst night?¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t answer right away. He couldn¡¯t tell her everything just yet. ¡°I don¡¯t think this prank is random,¡± Freya said thoughtfully. ¡°It might be silly, but it could¡¯ve seriously messed up a couple. Ethan¡¯s not the type to cross that line for no reason.¡±


    This kind of thing could easily ruin a couple¡¯s rtionship. Ethan wouldn¡¯t be so reckless. Which meant¡­


    ¡°This has something to do with Alyssa, doesn¡¯t it?¡± she guessed.


    Ellis let out a quiet breath and nodded, finally giving in. He went on to tell her how he had threatened Ethan the previous night.


    Freya was momentarily stunned. She hadn¡¯t expected him to be so childish.


    ¡°Aren¡¯t you worried about ruining his rtionship with Alyssa?¡±


    ¡°He deserved it,¡± Ellis said calmly. ¡°And anyway, it won¡¯t ruin his rtionship with Alyssa. She knows him too well.¡±


    He added dryly, ¡°Though he might get smacked around a little.¡±


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    Freya snorted. She believed him. Still, something didn¡¯t sit right. ¡°What did Ethan do to you, though?¡±


    Ellis wouldn¡¯t cause trouble for no reason; Ethan must have provoked him.


    Ellis stayed quiet.


    She squinted at him. ¡°Did he¡­ tease you about your nickname or something?¡± That was the only thing Freya could think of.


    ¡°That¡¯s enough,¡± Ellis cut in quickly. ¡°You¡¯re not going to figure it out.¡±


    Then his eyes flicked to her screen. ¡°He messaged you again.¡±


    Freya looked down at her phone.


    Zoe had sent a message. ¡°I don¡¯t have money, but I¡¯ll work hard to raise this child. Thank you for supporting me.¡±


    Freya stared at the message for a second, then typed. ¡°Send me your ount number. I¡¯ll transfer you some money.¡±


    Ethan froze. Was she¡­ serious?


    He momentarily forgot about maintaining his cover¡ªhe sent the ount number immediately.


    Free money? He wasn¡¯t about to miss that chance.


    Freya stared at the long string of numbers on her screen, unsure whether tough or sigh. Should she call Ethan naive¡­ or just straight-up dumb?


    After a few seconds of thought, she replied, ¡°I need the name on the ount.¡±


    Ethan, fully focused on the idea of money, didn¡¯t even hesitate. ¡°Ethan Pearson,¡± he typed back.


    Freya blinked. That easy? Seriously?


    She was about to type her response when¡ªhis message retracted.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1061

    ?Chapter 1061:


    Was Ethan this foolish?


    Across town, Ethan was in full-on panic mode. What the hell had he just sent?


    While he was still kicking himself, his phone buzzed with a new message. ¡°Brains are great¡ªtoo bad you¡¯ve never had any.¡± Ethan called him instantly.


    Ellis picked up, sounding perfectly bored.


    ¡°You knew?¡± Ethan demanded, half-shouting. ¡°This whole time?!¡±


    ¡°Come on,¡± Ellis said coolly. ¡°Who else would do something that stupid?¡± The blownded hard. Then he added, just to twist the knife, ¡°Maybe I should talk to Alyssa. Convince her to think twice beforemitting.¡±


    ¡°Why?¡± Ethan snapped.


    ¡°You know. Intelligence is hereditary. You really wanna pass that on?¡±


    ¡°Shit!¡± Ethan was ready to throw his phone.


    Alyssa, sitting on the couch next to him, looked over with those bright, clear eyes of hers. ¡°You do know they¡¯re just messing with you, right?¡±


    ¡°Of course,¡± Ethan said quickly. Yeah. No. He¡¯d had no clue.


    But there was no way he could admit that, not in front of her. Thest thing he needed was Alyssa thinking he was actually as dumb as Ellis made him sound.


    ¡°I knew,¡± he added, forcing a confident smile. ¡°They were bored. Just figured I¡¯d y along. Didn¡¯t expect them to take it so seriously.¡±


    Alyssa gave him a long, knowing look.


    She¡¯d seen enough to know the truth. He wasn¡¯tpletely hopeless¡­ but sometimes he really pushed it. Especially when he got worked up.


    Throughout their time together, he had always thought she was interested in Bruce. What a fool.


    Alyssa didn¡¯t say anything else, just picked up the remote and turned on the TV.


    Meanwhile, Ellis keptnding punches over text. ¡°Don¡¯t assume everyone¡¯s as dim as you. Alyssa¡¯s smarter than you, too.¡± He got under Ethan¡¯s skin this time.


    Ethan stared at the screen, fuming. This guy was relentless. One day. One day, he¡¯d get him back.


    He fired back with a snarky reply. ¡°Well, she¡¯s my future wife, so yeah¡ªof course she¡¯s smart.¡±


    Then he smirked and added, ¡°But does Freya know your nickname yet? Want me to give her a little heads-up?¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    ¡°Watch me.¡±


    He hung up, feeling like he finally had the upper hand.


    Ellis was already ahead of him. Without even blinking, he reached for Freya¡¯s phone, found the contactbeled ¡°Zoe,¡± and quietly blocked and deleted it.


    Ethan tried to send Freya another message¡ªonly to discover he¡¯d been removed from her contacts.


    He stared at the screen, furious. Every time he thought he¡¯d managed to get one over on Ellis¡­ it somehow came back to bite him harder. Now, blocked and outmaneuvered, he had no real way to retaliate.


    Ellis, on the other hand, had already moved on. He wasn¡¯t wasting energy on Ethan¡¯s games. What he was focused on was Freya. And how she nned to spend the rest of the weekend¡ªwith him.


    Once he went back to Lambert Group,ing home every day would be off the table.


    The traffic was torturous. To put it mildly, he could leave during afternoon rush hour and not make it back until breakfast the next day.


    .


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 Chapter 1062

    ?Chapter 1062:


    So yeah¡ªgetting kicked out deserved something, right?


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re really not gonna say anything?¡±


    ¡°About what?¡±


    He looked at her, his gaze soft but pointed. ¡°About kicking me out with zeropensation? I¡¯m about to get stuck in traffic hell and only see you once a week.¡±


    Freya just nodded. ¡°I know.¡±


    And she did know. That was kind of the point. If he wasn¡¯t around, it would be much easier for her to pull off the surprise proposal.


    Ellis wasn¡¯t expecting that answer. She wasn¡¯t even pretending to feel bad? So on-brand for Freya.


    ¡°I¡¯lle visit when I get the chance,¡± she added after a pause, like she was offering him a favor.


    Ellis didn¡¯t say anything, but inside? Yeah, he wasn¡¯t buying it.


    She wasn¡¯t the type to miss someone just because they weren¡¯t in the same room. Expecting her to drive all the way over just to see him? Not happening.


    And¡ªunsurprisingly¡ªhe was right. Once Ellis started working back at Lambert Group, Freya didn¡¯t show up. Not even once.


    Time flew by, and before they knew it, a few days had slipped past. Ellis had nned toe back that Friday afternoon, but Freya shut it down immediately.


    She returned his call from the hospital, her voice clear and direct. ¡°I¡¯m noting back this week. Farrah¡¯s inbor. I need to stay with her.¡± That was that. She wasn¡¯t about to leave her friend alone.


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    Farrah didn¡¯t have parents in her life. No partner. No one¡ªexcept Freya.


    ¡°I get it,¡± Ellis said. ¡°Just don¡¯t wear yourself out, okay?¡±


    ¡°Mm-hm.¡± With that, they ended the call.


    Freya had made preparations well in advance.


    As soon as she learned the due date was near, she transferred Farrah to a high-end private hospital with ster equipment and an excellent team¡ªclosely affiliated with Jacob. The ce was known for its care and calm efficiency.


    While she waited in the corridor, the quiet was broken by the appearance of a tall, lean figure.


    She spotted him right away¡ªthere was no one else around.


    It was Felipe.


    Her brows furrowed slightly, unsure how to describe her feelings. She didn¡¯t have the warmest feelings toward him, not after what Farrah had been through.


    She also knew that Farrah hadn¡¯t fully let go, and his sudden appearance could easily stir up feelings that had only just started to settle.


    Before she could say anything, Felipe spoke up. ¡°I won¡¯t disturb her,¡± he said, his tone low and steady. ¡°I just want to make sure she¡¯s safe. Then I¡¯ll leave.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t reply. She simply turned back toward the hallway and kept waiting.


    The minutes dragged. Felipe sat on one of the benches, his hands sped tightly, palms damp with nerves. Then¡ªfinally¡ªthe nurse came out.


    Felipe shot up before she could even speak, his eyes wide with worry. ¡°How is she? Is she okay? Did everything go smoothly?¡± Three rapid-fire questions.


    Even the nurse looked slightly startled. Freya nced over at him. There was no hiding the emotion on his face.


    .


    .


    .

 Chapter 1063

    ?Chapter 1063:


    The nurse gave them a reassuring smile. ¡°Everything went well. She gave birth to a beautiful baby girl.¡±


    Felipe let out a long breath. ¡°That¡¯s good¡­ That¡¯s really good.¡±


    He looked down at the baby in the nurse¡¯s arms. She was still a little wrinkly, but he could already see it. She¡¯d grow up to look just like Farrah. Beautiful.


    The nurse walked off with the baby in her arms.


    Not long after, they wheeled Farrah out of the delivery room.


    As the doors opened and Farrah was wheeled out, Felipe¡ªwho had been lingering nearby¡ªstepped back, quietly ducking out of sight. Freya noticed, but said nothing. She simply moved forward to help the nurses guide Farrah back to her room.


    Once the nurses finished giving post-delivery instructions and handed over the baby, they left the room, leaving the two women some space.


    Freya, who had never experienced childbirth herself, could only imagine what it felt like¡ªmostly from random online stories. From what she had read, it was excruciating.


    ¡°How do you feel?¡± she asked softly, pulling a chair closer to the bed.


    ¡°I¡¯m alright now,¡± Farrah replied, her voice still a little weak, but her eyes never left the tiny bundle beside her. ¡°Before she came out, it hurt like hell. I swore I¡¯d never go through that again¡­ but now, holding her, it feels worth it.¡±


    Freya looked at the newborn. Wrinkly and tiny.


    ¡°Do you think she¡¯s ugly?¡± Farrah teased, catching the look on Freya¡¯s face, knowing her obsession with appearances. Freya looked slightly awkward.


    ¡°No, not really.¡±


    Find your next chapter g¦Á?¦Ç¦Òv???s


    ¡°Don¡¯t worry,¡± Farrahughed. ¡°Most babies look like this. Give her a few days¡ªshe¡¯ll plump up and be adorable.¡± Her smile softened as she gazed at her daughter, love practically radiating from her. ¡°They grow fast.¡±


    ¡°You wanna hold her?¡± she added, noticing how Freya kept sneaking nces at the baby.


    Freya hesitated. ¡°Can I?¡±


    ¡°Of course.¡± Farrah chuckled.


    Freya carefully slid her arms under the baby, her movements cautious. She held her breath as she lifted her.


    The baby girl was so¡­ small.


    Though Freya had initially found the baby¡¯s appearance a little off-putting, the second that soft weight settled in her arms, something shifted inside her. Something warm. She stared down at the baby,pletely absorbed.


    ¡°You want one of your own?¡± Farrah asked, watching her closely.


    Freya looked up, thought about it for a second, then nodded. ¡°Yeah. I do.¡±


    She had never really considered it before, but something about this moment¡ªthis tiny, breathing, squishy little life¡ªfelt miraculous.


    After a while, she gentlyid the baby back down to sleep.


    Over the next few weeks, Freya was glued to Farrah¡¯s side. She left thepany in Melvin¡¯s hands and didn¡¯t worry about it once.


    She had everything nned out. Farrah would stay at a top-tier postnatal recovery centerplete with high-end facilities, personal care, and even emotional support sessions. It had everything a new mother could need to heal, both physically and mentally.


    At first, Farrah was hesitant. The ce was luxurious and clearly expensive. But when Freya exined that healing properly would help her get back into acting faster and stronger, Farrah finally agreed.


    She stayed for a month. Freya was there almost every day during the first two weeks, and even after returning to work, she still came by each afternoon.


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 Chapter 1064

    ?Chapter 1064:


    Freya even handled the paperwork for the baby¡¯s registration.


    The little girl was named Isabe Welch.


    In the blink of an eye, a month passed.


    During this time, Freya watched the baby change. That wrinkled little girl had transformed into a soft, squishy, and very cute baby.


    To give Farrah the best recovery possible, Freya extended her stay at the center to over 40 days. But just when everything seemed perfectly in ce, Farrah disappeared. She slipped out early, quietly leaving the center.


    Freya had no choice but to track her down and bring her back home. First, they went back to the center to pack her things.


    But as they were leaving the facility, someone was waiting. Felipe was quietly sitting on a bench downstairs.


    Their eyes met the moment they stepped outside.


    Felipe¡¯s first instinct was to run. He remembered the promise he made¡ªnot to interfere, not to show up. And he was determined to keep it.


    ¡°Felipe,¡± Farrah said softly.


    His body locked up. He couldn¡¯t move. Couldn¡¯t think. It was like someone had poured concrete into his shoes.


    And Farrah¡­ she didn¡¯t even know why she¡¯d called out to him. Maybe it was the baby. Or maybe those emotional support sessions at the recovery center. Whatever it was, something had shifted in her.


    ¡°You wanna see the baby?¡± Farrah asked.


    She asked casually, ncing at Felipe. It wasn¡¯t a restaurant. It wasn¡¯t a caf¨¦. This wasn¡¯t a ce people just dropped by¡ªunless they had a reason.


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    Which meant¡­ he knew. He knew she¡¯d given birth.


    Freya¡¯s gaze sharpened slightly. ¡°Farrah¡­¡±


    ¡°It¡¯s alright.¡± Farrah seemed more grounded now. Clearer. Her voice was calm, her energy different. ¡°He¡¯s the father of my baby. I can¡¯t pretend that doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    Her own childhood had been a joyless blur. She didn¡¯t want that for her daughter.


    Maybe Felipe wouldn¡¯t be there every day. Maybe he didn¡¯t deserve that yet. But even part-time was better than nothing.


    Felipe¡¯s heart squeezed. He turned slowly, eyes locking onto Farrah¡¯s face. His lips parted like he meant to speak, but no words came out. Still, the look in his eyes said everything: regret, longing, guilt, awe.


    After a while, he finally asked in a hoarse voice, ¡°Can I?¡±


    ¡°You¡¯re her father,¡± Farrah replied simply. ¡°You have the right to see her.¡± She wasn¡¯t focused on herself anymore. Not on old wounds or resentment. Just the child. That was her priority now. ¡°Unless you don¡¯t want to¡ª¡±


    ¡°I do!¡± Felipe said quickly, cutting her off before she could finish. He walked over with heavy steps, stopping a step away from her. It had been a long time since he¡¯d stood this close to her.


    He started, but again¡ªno words came out.


    Farrah didn¡¯t push. She just looked down at the baby, sleeping peacefully in her arms.


    Felipe¡¯s hands twitched at his sides, and after what felt like forever, he spoke again. ¡°Can I¡­ hold her?¡±


    Farrah¡¯s eyes flicked up. ¡°Do you even know how?¡±


    Freya watched quietly too, curious. She¡¯d learned how to cradle a baby when her little sister Ethel was born. Back then, she was too young to fully grasp the situation, only knowing she had a cute little sister.


    .


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 Chapter 1065

    ?Chapter 1065:


    ¡°I do!¡± Felipe answered instantly. Nervously, he wiped his palms on his shirt like it would make him more qualified.


    Farrah hesitated. It wasn¡¯t that she didn¡¯t trust him, but the baby was so delicate.


    Sensing her doubt, Felipe added, ¡°I took a course at a parenting workshop for new dads. I know how to hold a baby and change diapers.¡±


    That got both women¡¯s attention.


    Freya¡¯s eyebrows lifted slightly. So, that was where he¡¯d been all this time after getting beaten up by Ellis? He had been at a parenting ss? Felipe caught her nce.


    ¡°Seriously,¡± he said, lowering his voice so he wouldn¡¯t wake the baby.


    But that wasn¡¯t all.


    He¡¯d studied what expectant moms went through¡ªhow to support them during pregnancy, how to handlebor, how to help postpartum. He did all of this so that when Farrah needed him, he would be ready.


    Not just feeling surprised and happy, but actually able to help her.


    Farrah stared at him, her expression unreadable. Then, after a pause, she nodded. ¡°Be careful. She just fell asleep.¡±


    Felipe nodded.


    Under her watchful eyes, he reached out. And the moment he cradled the little baby in his arms, it was like the world stopped spinning. He moved naturally, gently. No panic. No hesitation. He held her like she was made of ss and light.


    ¡°What¡¯s her name?¡± Felipe asked, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his mouth.


    ¡°Isabe Welch,¡± Farrah said softly. ¡°And you can also call her Be.¡± She nced at him, half expecting some reaction to the baby having herst name. But nothing.


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    Instead, Felipe¡¯s smile only grew wider. ¡°It¡¯s beautiful.¡±


    Before anything more could be said, Freya stepped in, perfectly timed.


    ¡°Let¡¯s get going. The baby shouldn¡¯t be staying in this wind.¡±


    Farrah nodded. ¡°You¡¯re right.¡±


    Hearing this, the light in Felipe¡¯s eyes dimmed just a bit. Leaving already?


    He looked down at the baby in his arms onest time, his eyes lingering on her tiny, sleeping face. There was a deep reluctance in the way he held her¡ªas if part of him never wanted to let go.


    But he did. He gently handed her back to Farrah without saying anything.


    Farrah noticed the sudden shift but didn¡¯t ask. She just epted the baby and turned toward the car with Freya.


    Freya opened the door for her and closed it once Farrah was settled inside.


    Then she walked around to the driver¡¯s seat¡ªand noticed Felipe still standing there,pletely still. Farrah nced at him through the window.


    As Freya got into the driver¡¯s seat, she sensed Farrah¡¯s thoughts. Before Farrah could say a word, Freya rolled her eyes and shouted, ¡°What are you standing there for? You getting in or not?¡±


    That snapped Felipe out of it. His eyes lit up again¡ªjust like that.


    Was she serious? Did she really mean it?


    ¡°You¡¯ve got three seconds,¡± Freya warned, not in the mood to y games. ¡°Three¡­¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ming, I¡¯ming!¡± Felipe said quickly, not even caring if he misunderstood.


    If Freya said get in, it had to mean Farrah was okay with it, too. His heart swelled.


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 Chapter 1066

    ?Chapter 1066:


    He might actually get to spend more time with them.


    The thought filled his heart with so much joy and happiness. He walked up to the car and instinctively reached for the back door¡ªthen paused.


    Farrah was in the back with the baby, obviously. Freya was driving. If he sat in the back too, wouldn¡¯t that make Freya their chauffeur? That didn¡¯t feel right.


    So he switched directions and opened the front passenger door.


    ¡°What do you think you¡¯re doing?¡± Freya asked, shooting him a look.


    ¡°Uh¡­ getting in the car?¡± Felipe smiled, trying to keep it light. ¡°Didn¡¯t you tell me to?¡±


    ¡°Sit in the back.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°That seat¡¯s not yours,¡± Freya said bluntly.


    Felipe didn¡¯t argue. He just quietly shut the door and walked to the back seat.


    Normally, he¡¯d have said something¡ªmaybe made a sarcastic jab orined about Freya being rude. But not today. Today, he was just thankful.


    He knew how much Freya had done for Farrah over the past month. He¡¯d seen her¡ªalwaysing and going, managing everything. And he appreciated it.


    Once he was buckled in, Freya started the engine and pulled away from the curb.


    To ensure she could see Farrah and Isabe often, she nned to let them stay in her vi.


    Of course, the official reason was that it was morefortable and secure. The real reason: she wanted to learn how to raise a child. Up close.


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    As they entered the gates of the exclusive viplex, Felipe¡¯s eyes widened slightly. He wasn¡¯t expecting this. Thendscaping alone was stunning¡ªthick greenery, quiet streets, impable views.


    He¡¯d heard of this vi district before. One of the most elite in Alerith.


    Only twelve homes. Each worth a fortune.


    He never thought Freya owned one of them.


    Then again¡­ she was a Briggs. She had the money and connections.


    ¡°Miss Briggs,¡± he said, trying to strike a casual tone.


    Freya nced at him in the rearview mirror, immediately suspicious. ¡°What?¡± The chill in her voice was unmistakable. She thought he was about to get cheeky.


    Felipe was stunned by her attitude. Had he said something wrong? He couldn¡¯t figure it out, so he cut to the chase. ¡°Is anyone selling a house in this vi district? I want to buy one.¡±


    ¡°You don¡¯t qualify,¡± Freya replied tly.


    ¡°I can afford it,¡± he said quickly.


    ¡°I¡¯m not talking about money.¡± Freya raised a brow. ¡°I¡¯m talking about eligibility.¡±


    This wasn¡¯t just a fancy neighborhood. The vi district had strict requirements. First off¡ªyou had to be a native of Alerith. And if you weren¡¯t, you¡¯d need personal endorsements from at least two current owners to even get on the list.


    Freya wouldn¡¯t vouch for him. Ellis definitely wouldn¡¯t.


    And the rest of the residents? Either abroad or too far removed to care.


    ¡°So¡­ there¡¯s no way at all?¡± Felipe asked, disappointed.


    Freya didn¡¯t answer. There was no use wasting her breath.


    They pulled into Vi No. 6¡ªFreya¡¯s ce. She parked in the underground garage. She¡¯d already called ahead, so the house was prepped. Staff, security¡ªeverything was ready.


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 Chapter 1067

    ?Chapter 1067:


    Freya took Farrah and the baby upstairs to the second floor. The third floor was reserved for her and Ellis.


    And even though Ellis had offered his own home, she still kept his room here stocked and ready.


    While Farrah rocked the baby to sleep, Felipe found his moment. He cornered Freya quietly in the hallway, clearly working up to something.


    ¡°About earlier,¡± he began. ¡°Is anyone selling in this district?¡±


    ¡°There is,¡± she said.


    His eyes lit up. ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡± Freya didn¡¯t hide it from him.


    ¡°Can you help me buy it?¡± His voice was sincere. ¡°Whatever the price is¡ªI¡¯ll pay it.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t hesitate. ¡°No.¡±


    ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°No reason.¡±


    Felipe frowned. ¡°If you help me, I¡¯ll owe you. A favor¡ªanything.¡± Then he added, almost as a plea, ¡°Please. As a father¡­ I want to give something to my daughter.¡±


    Freya paused, caught off guard. ¡°You want to give it to Be?¡±


    Felipe nodded. ¡°Yeah.¡±


    But in truth? It wasn¡¯t for Isabe. Not really. It was for Farrah. He knew her too well¡ªif he said it was for her, she¡¯d reject it without thinking. So this was the only angle that might work.


    Freya narrowed her eyes slightly. ¡°Let me think about it,¡± she said atst¡ªnot an agreement, but not a rejection either.


    Exclusive stories g¦Áln¦Ò¦Í?ls


    ¡°One more thing,¡± Felipe added, lowering his voice. ¡°Don¡¯t tell Farrah. If she finds out, she¡¯ll shut it down.¡±


    He looked different now. More grounded. More grown up. ¡°I don¡¯t want anything in return,¡± he said. ¡°I just want to give them something. That¡¯s all.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t respond. But as he walked away, she turned to head upstairs.


    She knew she had to tell Farrah; such an important decision couldn¡¯t be hidden from her friend.


    On the second floor, Farrah had justid the little girl down.


    The room was quiet and calm. Farrah noticed the look on Freya¡¯s face immediately.


    ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡± she asked. ¡°Did Felipe say something stupid?¡±


    ¡°He wants to give Be a house,¡± Freya said simply. ¡°Here. In this district.¡±


    Farrah froze. She¡¯d been in the entertainment industry long enough to know exactly what this ce represented. Living here meant status. Old money. Influence.


    ¡°This kind of thing¡­¡± Farrah¡¯s tone was calm, thoughtful. ¡°It should wait until Be grows up. If she wants it then, she can have it,¡± Farrah added. ¡°If not, then it doesn¡¯t matter.¡±


    Freya nodded. She¡¯d expected that.


    There was a short silence. Then Freya shifted slightly. ¡°By the way¡ªthere¡¯s something I haven¡¯t told you yet¡­¡±


    Farrah looked up, brows raised. ¡°What is it?¡±


    Freya kept her voice steady, giving Farrah space to take it in and decide for herself. ¡°Felipe showed up on your due date. I never told him when you were expecting¡ªhe figured it out and came anyway. And before you came out of the delivery room, he hid. Didn¡¯t want to be seen.¡±


    Farrah fell silent. She didn¡¯t say anything, but yeah¡­ it hit her. She felt something.


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 Chapter 1068

    ?Chapter 1068:


    The tricky thing about healing¡ªonce the wounds start to close, one forgets how deep they were.


    After a pause, she finally spoke. Her voice was level, calm, but there was ayer underneath¡ªsomething tender, tangled. ¡°Makes sense he came,¡± she said quietly. ¡°October¡¯s his kid too.¡±


    Freya didn¡¯t say more. She knew Felipe didn¡¯te just for the baby¡ªhe came for Farrah. And Farrah knew it too.


    But with that one sentence, Farrah had drawn a line. Clear and firm¡ªshe wanted nothing to do with Felipe.


    ¡°I¡¯ll go talk to him,¡± she said, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, her voice steady. ¡°About October.¡±


    ¡°Go ahead.¡± Freya nodded. ¡°I¡¯ll watch the baby.¡±


    Looking at the tiny baby snoozing peacefully on the bed, Freya¡¯s lips curved into a soft smile. She had to fight the urge to gently poke one of her squishy little cheeks.


    Her heart felt¡­ full. Like it was overflowing with something warm.


    She pulled out her phone and started typing a message to Ellis. Before hitting send, she muted her custom ringtone. No way she was waking the baby.


    ¡°When are we having a baby?¡± she asked.


    Right then, Ellis had just passed off all his work to his secretary. Seeing Freya¡¯s message, he set his phone down for half a second¡ªthen grinned and picked it right back up. ¡°After we get married.¡± Love, proposals, marriage, family¡ªone step at a time.


    Locke, Ellis¡¯s assistant, was standing nearby, arms full of files, patiently waiting. He caught the look on Ellis¡¯s face and instantly made a guess¡ªEllis must be texting his girlfriend.


    ¡°Sir,¡± Locke started.


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    Ellis, assuming Locke was getting impatient, said, ¡°Go ahead and handle the rest. Call me if you run into anything urgent.¡±


    ¡°My schedule is clear.¡± Locke hesitated, then asked¡ªmore nosy than concerned, ¡°You texting your girlfriend?¡±


    Ellis raised a brow, then gave a small nod, his smirk giving him away. Locke couldn¡¯t help himself. ¡°So¡­ can your girlfriend beat you in a fight?¡±


    Ellis nced at him. ¡°I can protect her.¡±


    Locke blinked, thrown off.


    He stood there, unsure how to voice his thoughts.


    Ellis noticed his hesitation. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you always say you wanted someone stronger than you? Someone who could protect you?¡± Locke asked, holding onto the stack of documents¡ªbut clearly more interested in the drama than the paperwork. ¡°What made you change your standards?¡±


    Ellis leaned back in his chair, eyes half-lidded. ¡°You wouldn¡¯t get it.¡±


    Locke looked genuinely puzzled.


    Ellis looked over at him, just after firing off another text. He spoke slowly, clearly. ¡°When you really love someone, you don¡¯t mind letting them take the lead. If it¡¯s her¡­ I¡¯m happy to change my standards.¡±


    Locke was stunned into silence. This was a level of romance he wasn¡¯t prepared for.


    Ellis handed him thest file from his drawer. ¡°Everything major¡¯s handled. If somethinges up you can¡¯t deal with, give me a call. Otherwise, trust your judgment.¡±


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 Chapter 1069

    ?Chapter 1069:


    Locke adjusted his sses, eyes still wide. ¡°What about you?¡±


    Ellis stood, phone in hand, practically glowing. ¡°I¡¯m getting ready to propose. And n a wedding. So unless the building¡¯s on fire¡ªdon¡¯t call for the next few months.¡±


    Locke¡¯s head was spinning. Ten months. That¡¯s how long Ellis had been at Lambert Group. Just two. And now he was stepping back?


    ¡°Sir,¡± he called after him, brows furrowed.


    Ellis paused. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Are you serious?¡± Locke asked, genuinely thrown.


    Ellis answered without missing a beat, ¡°Dead serious.¡±


    ¡°But didn¡¯t the chairman ask you to properly manage thepany?¡± Locke said, trying to stay respectful but clearly rattled. He¡¯d pictured working side by side with Ellis and building something great. And now this? ¡°If you want, I can line up a nner to help with the wedding stuff¡ªkeep your te clear.¡±


    Ellis shook his head, tone firm. ¡°When ites to her, I want to handle it myself. As for thepany, the status quo¡¯s enough.¡±


    The business was stable. Money was not an issue. He could finally focus on what really matters.


    Locke had no choice but to nod. Even so, he couldn¡¯t help but wonder who exactly this woman was that made Ellis put down everything.


    ¡°Do your best,¡± Ellis said, slipping back into boss mode. ¡°Starting this month, your sry¡¯s doubled. Your performance bonus goes up two percent.¡±


    Locke¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°Understood, sir!¡± he said, suddenly energized. ¡°Don¡¯t worry about thepany¡ªyou just enjoy being in love!¡±


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    Ellis pped a hand on his shoulder, grabbed his keys and phone, and strolled out the door.


    Locke watched him go, grinning to himself.


    Double the sry and more bonuses? Money talked, alright. Ellis was generous¡ªno doubt about it.


    Meanwhile, Freya had no clue Ellis had already handed offpany matters like it was nothing. She stared at hisst message, a small smile ying at her lips. Anytime after they got married?


    She figured the ring would arrive in about a month. Then, he¡¯d propose. She¡¯d take him home to meet her dad. A marriage register coulde a month or two after that. Seemed like a solid n.


    She quickly typed back a simple ¡°Okay.¡±


    Then she turned to take a few quiet photos of the sleeping baby. Isabe looked like a little angel, peaceful and soft, her tiny fists curled near her face.


    Out in the hallway, Farrah was deep in conversation with Felipe.


    They¡¯d discussed basically all they should, but Felipe could tell something was bothering her. He spoke up, gently but with conviction. ¡°Don¡¯t worry. I won¡¯t tell my parents about the baby¡ªand I won¡¯t let them find out, either.¡±


    He knew his family too well. If they found out Farrah had given birth, they¡¯d stop at nothing to take the baby away.


    But Isabe wasn¡¯t theirs. She was Farrah¡¯s. No one had the right to take her away¡ªnot even him.


    ¡°Thank you,¡± Farrah said, exhaling slowly, visibly relieved.


    ¡°I¡¯ve already taken steps to keep them off your back,¡± Felipe went on. ¡°They don¡¯t know you were pregnant, and they won¡¯t know about the baby either. You¡¯ve got nothing to worry about on that front.¡±


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 Chapter 1070

    ?Chapter 1070:


    Farrah pressed her lips together, her emotions tangled. ¡°Thank you.¡± Most people thought of parents asforting. Not her. For Farrah, they¡¯d only ever brought chaos. That had been her reality since she was a kid¡ªand it never really changed.


    ¡°Felipe,¡± she said quietly.


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Can you take me off the cklist?¡± Her voice was steady, but there was a weight behind it. ¡°I want to go back to work. I want my life back¡ªmy dreams, my career. I want all of it.¡±


    After they¡¯d fallen out, her agent had called to say thepany had frozen her out. Quietly, without exnation, she¡¯d disappeared from public view.


    It had been almost a year now. Long enough for people to forget she was ever there.


    ¡°Your ban¡¯s been lifted for months,¡± Felipe confessed softly, his voiceced with guilt.


    Farrah halted in her tracks, confusion flickering across her striking eyes. ¡°What do you mean?¡±


    ¡°Not long after I cklisted you, someone pulled a lot of strings to get you out of it,¡± Felipe admitted, his tone remorseful. ¡°You¡¯re free now. No one¡¯s keeping you cklisted anymore.¡±


    A rush of emotion surged through Farrah. ¡°Who made that happen?¡±


    ¡°I believe it was Freya who handled it,¡± Felipe said thoughtfully, though there was a note of uncertainty in his voice.


    Back then, he had received a call from thepany¡¯s higher-ups saying someone had offered to terminate their contract with Farrah¡ªan offer he rejected.


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    But the other party had a top-tierwyer who negotiated relentlessly, and in the end, they were forced to let Farrah go.


    ¡°I¡¯m sorry for what happened back then. Truly. Hurting you was never what I wanted,¡± Felipe said with sincerity. ¡°I was told the pregnancy would harm you, and that¡¯s why I pushed for the termination.¡±


    At the time, he had also wrongly believed the child wasn¡¯t his, and his only concern had been her safety. He hadn¡¯t realized how badly he¡¯d been misled.


    ¡°There¡¯s no point digging up the past,¡± Farrah said firmly, her voice cool andposed. ¡°October and I are doing just fine now. If you want to see her, I won¡¯t stop you.¡±


    ¡°And what about you?¡± Felipe asked hesitantly.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Do you want to see me?¡± His question came out tentative, as though afraid of her answer.


    Farrah¡¯s eyes flickered. After a long pause, she replied, her voice chilled and distant, ¡°We¡¯re just two people who used to know each other. That¡¯s all.¡±


    She understood what he hadn¡¯t said out loud, and she knew that ever since hearing him wait outside the delivery room, something inside her had shifted. But she couldn¡¯t afford to let herself fall.


    She and Felipe were simply not meant to be.


    ¡°I want to see you,¡± Felipe whispered, his palms mmy with nerves.


    ¡°Every day. Every night. Every single moment.¡±


    Farrah cut him off, ¡°Felipe.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ve always loved you, Farrah. That hasn¡¯t changed,¡± Felipe confessed, his dark eyes shimmering with longing. ¡°Whether or not you still love me, I love you.¡±


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 Chapter 1071

    ?Chapter 1071:


    His words sent her heart spiraling into confusion. She wanted to turn him down, to say no¡ªbut the words stuck in her throat.


    Felipe didn¡¯t want to pressure her. ¡°I just needed you to know. You¡¯re the only woman I¡¯ve ever loved, and I will always be October¡¯s father.¡±


    ¡°Life is long, you¡­¡±


    ¡°Life is long,¡± Felipe interrupted gently, already knowing where she was headed. ¡°But I only want to spend it with you and our daughter.¡±


    The conversation had caught Farrahpletely off guard.


    When she returned to her room, her mind was still reeling.


    Her marriage had taught her a great deal¡ªlove mattered, but marriage needed more than just that. It neededpatibility.


    And Felipe and she weren¡¯tpatible.


    Felipe didn¡¯t leave. He stayed, hoping for another glimpse of Farrah and the little girl.


    When Freya came downstairs, she spotted him sitting alone in the yard.


    He called out, ¡°Freya, can we talk?¡±


    ¡°What is it you want to talk about?¡± Freya¡¯s demeanor had softened, even if only slightly.


    She used to feel nothing but contempt for him. But after seeing him wait for hours outside the delivery room and learning that he attended a parenting workshop, her view of him had begun to shift.


    She could see he wasn¡¯t the same man anymore. He had changed.


    ¡°I want to get back with Farrah, but she doesn¡¯t want anything to do with me,¡± Felipe admitted, not even sure why he was asking Freya of all people for help. ¡°Can you help me figure something out?¡±


    g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í????s??§àm, where stories thrive


    Freya was momentarily stunned. Where did he get the ridiculous idea that she would help him chase after Farrah?


    Sensing her reluctance, Felipe quickly added, ¡°You can witness my sincerity. I¡¯ll hand over all my assets to her and vow to treat her right for the rest of my life.¡±


    ¡°Farrah¡¯s heart is her own. We don¡¯t get to decide it,¡± Freya replied without wavering.


    Felipe¡¯s heart sank with disappointment.


    Speaking more as an outsider, Freya added, ¡°Besides, you two really aren¡¯t right for each other.¡±


    ¡°I know I¡¯ve made a mess of things in the past,¡± Felipe said honestly. ¡°But I love her now. Truly. And I won¡¯t let anyone twist my mind against her again.¡±


    ¡°That¡¯s not what I meant when I said you¡¯re not right for each other.¡±


    ¡°Then what did you mean?¡±


    ¡°You and your family.¡±


    ¡°What about them?¡±


    ¡°You know exactly how your parents feel about Farrah¡ªand what they think of her work,¡± Freya said bluntly. ¡°If you were with her, could you really protect her?¡±


    ¡°I can!¡± Felipe said resolutely.


    ¡°No,¡± Freya said sharply, striking right at the core. ¡°You can¡¯t. Honestly, you¡¯re not strong enough. Most of Yates Group¡¯s sess came from your father. If your parents turned on Farrah or criticized her, would you really be able to defend her without hesitation?¡±


    Freya continued, ¡°Even if you could manage that, Farrah doesn¡¯t want to be shackled. She wants freedom, not a life dictated by someone else¡¯s approval.¡±


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 Chapter 1072

    ?Chapter 1072:


    Hearing this, Felipe didn¡¯t respond.


    If he had Kristian¡¯s capability, he might have stood a chance. But he didn¡¯t.


    While Kristian had been tirelessly running thepany, he himself had been off partying, drifting through life without a care. With the security of a wealthy family behind him, he¡¯d never needed to worry about anything. And whenever he did mess up, Kristian would swoop in and fix it all.


    But now, hearing Freya¡¯s words, he finally saw it.


    ¡°I get it. Thank you,¡± Felipe said, the weight of understanding settling on his shoulders. ¡°Can I stay a bit longer? I just want to see Farrah and October again.¡±


    ¡°Suit yourself,¡± Freya replied, making no move to stop him.


    Felipe remained there the whole afternoon.


    When the little girl woke up, he got the chance to hold her for a while and exchange a few words with Farrah before he left Alerith¡ªtemporarily.


    Before leaving, he slipped her a credit card with no limit, determined to show, through effort and perseverance, that he could be the man she needed and someone Isabe could rely on.


    Once he was gone, life returned to its usual rhythm.


    Around four in the afternoon, Freya received a message from Ellis, asking when she¡¯d be home. Freya replied, ¡°I¡¯m at home.¡± Ellis was baffled.


    He got up from the couch, searched the entire vi, but still couldn¡¯t find her. He messaged again, ¡°Why can¡¯t I see you?¡±


    Freya called him.


    Once she learned he was back, she let Farrah know and went to look for him.


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    She was in her own vi and Ellis was in his.


    When Freya arrived at Ellis¡¯s vi and saw him there, she blinked in surprise.


    ¡°Wait¡ªwhat are you doing here?¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, he pulled her into a hug, his voice low and close. ¡°You don¡¯t want me here?¡±


    She didn¡¯t push him away this time. ¡°No, that¡¯s not it.¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t you say you had a ton to deal with? That you¡¯d be swamped for a while?¡±


    ¡°I handed most of it off to Locke,¡± Ellis replied smoothly. It was partly true. What he didn¡¯t say was that he had something nned¡ªa surprise. ¡°I¡¯m heading out in a few days. Not sure when I¡¯ll be back, so I thought I¡¯d use this time to be with you.¡±


    Freya nodded. ¡°That¡¯s nice.¡±


    At first, she couldn¡¯t help feeling a bit uneasy. If he was already passing his work to Locke, would she even have time to prepare for the proposal properly?


    But then he mentioned traveling again, and she rxed a little. Trying to shift her focus, she pulled out her phone and showed him some pictures.


    Each picture was casually taken by Freya, yet the quality was exceptionally high, even surpassing professional portraits.


    ¡°Look¡ªthis is Farrah¡¯s baby. She was all wrinkly at first, but look at her now. Gorgeous, right?¡± Freya was always about looks¡ªeven babies weren¡¯t safe from her scrutiny.


    Ellis smiled. ¡°You want one?¡±


    ¡°Yeah.¡±


    His eyes twinkled. ¡°Then why don¡¯t we give it a shot?¡± he murmured, pulling her even closer.


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 Chapter 1073

    ?Chapter 1073:


    His breath was warm against her skin, and a shiver ran down her spine.


    She could barely manage a response, her heart thudding in her chest. Without warning, he scooped her up and carried her upstairs, step by step, steady and sure.


    When he gentlyid her on the bed, she suddenly felt breathless. As he leaned down to kiss her, she ced her hands on his chest. He paused, amused. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°Are you being serious right now?¡±


    ¡°You scared?¡±


    ¡°No¡­¡± She hesitated, caught off guard by how fast things were moving. Until now, it had just been kisses, hugs¡ªnothing more.


    Ellis rested his forehead against hers, his voice a soft rasp. ¡°Wanna try? Time for you to test me out.¡±


    Test him? Was he seriously calling this a test?


    He chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. ¡°You know, Greta and Riley have been messaging me. Joking about how I should let you find another man.¡± Ellis¡¯s voice was husky as he gazed at her with a smothering intensity. ¡°They think I can¡¯t make you happy¡­ in bed.¡± He emphasized thest word.


    Freya¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°They were joking! You know how they are.¡±


    ¡°I know,¡± he said, voice deeper now, ¡°but I didn¡¯t take it as a joke. No man wants to hear he can¡¯t satisfy his woman in bed.¡±


    ¡°So that¡¯s why you¡¯re being like this?¡± she asked, flustered.


    Explore magic at g¦Á ? ¦Ç¦Ò ¦Í?? ?s,


    ¡°Exactly.¡±


    ¡°And we¡¯re really going to¡ª¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    Freya hesitated, her lips pressing into a line.


    That alone was enough of an invitation for Ellis. He leaned in and kissed her¡ªsoft, cool lips that sent a spark through her.


    His hand slid to her waist, fingertips trailing fire against her skin.


    Her heart pounded.


    The air in the room shifted¡ªcharged, heavier. The room¡¯s temperature rose.


    Ellis¡¯s shirt hung open, cor askew.


    His usualzy charm had vanished, reced by something darker, maic. Those sharp, elegant features now carried a raw intensity. His gaze pinned her like a me.


    Freya¡¯s ears burned red, her clothes rumpled where his hands had wandered. Her expression now had a softer edge.


    Ellis¡¯s voice dropped, rough with desire. ¡°So, how exactly do you want to test me?¡±


    Freya bit her lip, clearly unsure of how to handle the situation. After a moment of hesitation, she slid her arms around his neck¡ªher way of saying yes without words.


    Ellis was burning up, heat rolling off him in waves. He¡¯d been holding himself back this whole time, struggling to keep his instincts in check.


    But then he whispered, ¡°Not now.¡±


    Freya blinked. ¡°Why not?¡±


    ¡°We¡¯re not married yet,¡± he said, his voice low but serious.


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 Chapter 1074

    ?Chapter 1074:


    It wasn¡¯t that he didn¡¯t want to¡ªhell, he wanted her more than anything. But he was thinking about her first, trying to do things right.


    Freya tilted her head, her voice soft. ¡°It¡¯s fine. We¡¯re gonna get married eventually.¡± She knew how he felt about her, and she felt the same. ¡°Your parents like me. My dad¡¯s happy with you. We love each other. There¡¯s nothing in the way.¡±


    ¡°Freya.¡±


    ¡°Hm?¡±


    ¡°Don¡¯t tempt me,¡± Ellis said, his voice rough, full of barely checked desire.


    And then she leaned in and kissed him.


    That was all it took. A spark in a dry forest. Once ignited, it burned immediately.


    Ellis deepened the kiss; no more words needed.


    But ten minutester, he stopped abruptly, his body still radiating heat, his chest rising and falling.


    Freya looked up at him, confused. ¡°What¡¯s wrong?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m taking you to shower,¡± he said calmly.


    Her brows drew together. ¡°Weren¡¯t we just about to¡­¡±


    ¡°Not anymore.¡±


    That one sentence hit her like a ssh of cold water.


    Suddenly, all the warmth, all the emotion¡ªgone. Her mind raced. Shey there quietly, heart sinking. Was he¡­ disappointed in her? It wouldn¡¯t be unreasonable. She wasn¡¯t new to all this¡ªnot some untouched girl waiting for the perfect moment.


    ¡°What are you thinking?¡± Ellis¡¯s voice was low, controlled. He had shifted focus to suppress the lingering desire¡ªbut the expression on the woman in his arms was unmistakable. Freya was unhappy.


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    ¡°Nothing,¡± she muttered.


    ¡°That doesn¡¯t look like nothing.¡± He pulled her in closer, but that only seemed to make things worse. ¡°Talk to me,¡± he said gently. ¡°What¡¯s going on?¡±


    She stayed quiet, curled up in her own doubts. Ellis didn¡¯t push. He just held her, even though every part of him was strung tight from restraint. He knew if he let her walk away now, she¡¯d spiral. She could overthink anything into a disaster.


    After a while, she finally broke the silence. ¡°Ellis?¡±


    ¡°Yeah?¡±


    ¡°Did you stop because¡­¡± She trailed off, too embarrassed to finish.


    He tilted his head, voice deep and calm. ¡°Because of what?¡±


    ¡°Because it¡¯s not my first time,¡± she said quietly. She pulled away slightly, putting some space between them.


    Ellis blinked, then let out a short, incredulousugh. He tugged her back into his arms and pinched her cheek. ¡°Are you serious right now?¡±


    Freya looked up at him, unsure.


    ¡°How can someone so smart be so damn clueless?¡± He shook his head, looking at her like she¡¯d just said the most ridiculous thing. ¡°I wouldn¡¯t have even started something with you if I cared about that,¡± he said, voice soft but firm.


    Kristian was a man after all. Ellis knew exactly what it meant when someone came out of a marriage¡ªhe didn¡¯t expect her to be untouched. The only thing he regretted was not stepping up sooner, not being the one to give her a happier past. What a silly girl.


    ¡°Then why did you stop?¡± Freya¡¯s head was spinning. Her heart was a tangled mess of feelings¡ªfrustration, confusion, maybe a little embarrassment too.


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 Chapter 1075

    ?Chapter 1075:


    Ellis didn¡¯t answer right away. Instead, he pulled her closer and countered softly, ¡°What do you think?¡±


    Freya stared at him. If she knew the answer, she wouldn¡¯t have asked in the first ce.


    Ellis finally sighed. ¡°No protection,¡± he said, his voice low and rough, his eyes smoldering with heat. ¡°I¡¯m not risking it.¡±


    Freya went quiet. Her stomach twisted a little.


    This¡ªthis was always in the back of her mind. That maybe he did care about things like that. That maybe he had second thoughts.


    ¡°I¡¯m in my safe period,¡± she blurted out before she could stop herself.


    She normally wouldn¡¯t say something like that. It wasn¡¯t reliable anyway. But her emotions were louder than her logic right now. She wanted to continue with this.


    Ellis¡¯s gaze didn¡¯t waver. ¡°Still not happening,¡± he said firmly. ¡°Even if the chances are low, there¡¯s still a chance. And until we¡¯re married, I¡¯m not taking that risk¡ªnot with you.¡±


    ¡°In a few days, I¡¯m taking you to meet my dad. We¡¯ll register our marriage within three months,¡± she said quietly.


    In other words, even if she got pregnant, it wouldn¡¯t matter.


    Ellis raised a brow, a small, teasing smirk tugging at the edge of his lips. ¡°You¡¯re really that eager to ¡®test me out¡¯?¡±


    ¡°I am,¡± she said without hesitation.


    His chuckle was low, amused¡ªand strained. ¡°Not gonna happen. You¡¯ll have to wait a little longer. We¡¯ll take it slow. I¡¯ll grab protection tomorrow.¡±


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    Freya pouted slightly, lips pressed together. She couldn¡¯t hide the little sting of disappointment.


    They¡¯d alreadye so far. Yet he was still holding back.


    ¡°Do you¡­ do you not find me attractive?¡± Freya asked, feeling a strange insecurity despite her usual confidence. ¡°Is that why you¡¯re so abstinent?¡±


    Ellis let out a breath¡ªhalfugh, half groan.


    Abstinent? Did she have any idea how hard it was for him to hold back? He reached for her, pulling her against him. ¡°You really can¡¯t tell my desires for you?¡±


    Just that one touch told her everything.


    Her breath caught. Her eyes sparkled, hungry again. ¡°Then why are you holding back? We¡¯re getting married¡­¡±


    ¡°Shower,¡± Ellis cut her off abruptly, scooping her up before she could argue.


    If he let her keep talking, he knew his self-control would go straight out the window.


    He wanted to do right by her. Not because he didn¡¯t want her¡ªGod knew he did¡ªbut because the world could be cruel, especially to women.


    If they slipped up now, it would be her reputation that took the hit, not his. He could wait.


    ¡°Ellis Lambert!¡± Freya protested, kicking lightly.


    He didn¡¯t waver. Calm andposed, he helped her through the shower, drying her off and dressing her like she might fall apart if he let her do it herself. It was sweet¡ªand borderline torture for them both. Freya¡¯s ears turned red, and she felt awkward all over.


    By the time they made it back downstairs, the storm had passed. They sat side by side on the couch, quiet. The tension had faded, but not the awkwardness.


    Freya stared nkly at the TV, not registering a second of what was on. She cringed a little, thinking back to how bold she¡¯d been upstairs. Why had she been so forward?


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 Chapter 1076

    ?Chapter 1076:


    Ellis nced over, noticing the wide space between them on the couch.


    ¡°Why are you sitting so far away?¡± he asked,pletely casual. ¡°Is it ¡¯cause I didn¡¯t let you get what you want earlier? Are you really that mad?¡±


    Freya groaned internally and avoided his gaze. Why couldn¡¯t he just let it go?


    ¡°Come here,¡± Ellis said, voice gentle.


    Freya clutched the remote like it was a lifeline, gaze locked on the TV. ¡°I¡¯m fine right here,¡± she said coolly. ¡°Got the best seat in the house.¡±


    Ellis didn¡¯t buy the act for a second. He studied her, amused. Was she mad? Or just shy?


    ¡°You really noting over?¡± he asked.


    ¡°Nope,¡± she said without looking at him.


    He stood up without another word and walked over to her. If she wouldn¡¯te to him, he¡¯d just go to her. He sank onto the couch beside her, and the cushion dipped under his weight, nudging her closer. Freya stiffened a little, her fingers fidgeting with the remote.


    ¡°Wanna hit the supermarket?¡± he asked, sliding an arm around her. He could feel the tension in her shoulders. ¡°Grab a few snacks, some stuff for the house?¡±


    ¡°Didn¡¯t the housekeeper already take care of that?¡± Freya shot back, eyes still on the screen.


    ¡°Yeah,¡± he said with a shrug. ¡°But I wanna see if there¡¯s anything you want.¡±


    ¡°You actually want to go?¡± she asked, slightly surprised.


    ¡°Yep.¡±


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    ¡°Fine,¡± she relented, still a little distracted.


    Ellis grinned and gave her waist a yful pinch.


    She jolted, turning to him with a hint of annoyance¡ªand maybe something else¡ªin her eyes. ¡°What was that for?¡±


    ¡°Just keeping you close,¡± he replied innocently.


    Freya narrowed her eyes. She knew him better than that. He was always sneaking in little touches under the excuse of affection.


    ¡°In a few days, we¡¯ll need to make sure you¡¯re eating better,¡± Ellis said suddenly, his hand sneaking back to her waist for another pinch. ¡°You¡¯re way too thin.¡±


    He was curious how a woman with such a delicate frame could be so fierce in a fight.


    Before, he couldn¡¯t do anything about it, but now he had to take care of her. She needed to gain some weight.


    Freya¡¯s brows knitted. ¡°Why don¡¯t you just say it outright?¡± Freya shot at him. She thought he was being sarcastic again. ¡°If you think I¡¯m too small, just say it straight.¡±


    Now he looked confused. ¡°Small?¡± He raised an eyebrow.


    ¡°You know what I mean,¡± Freya retorted.


    There was a pause as Ellis processed the direction this was going. Freya was twenty-five, and he was thirty. There was a bit of an age gap between them.


    ¡°Are you saying I¡¯m too old for you?¡± He still remembered her mentioning his age.


    Freya froze. They were onpletely different wavelengths. She must have misunderstood his words and intent.


    She quickly shifted gears. ¡°I never said you were too old for me,¡± she muttered, brushing it off. ¡°Let¡¯s just go before the supermarket closes.¡±


    Ellis tilted his head slightly, still sensing something strange in the conversation, but he let it go.


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 Chapter 1077

    ?Chapter 1077:


    It wasn¡¯t until they were in the car that things clicked into ce. Freya leaned forward to buckle her seatbelt, and Ellis nced at her out of the corner of his eye. A grin slowly crept across his face. Ah¡­ that¡¯s what she meant by ¡°small.¡±


    ¡°I would never think you are small-chested,¡± he said with a chuckle, his voice smooth andced with mischief.


    Freya looked at him, puzzled. Why were they on this topic again? ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Nothing,¡± Ellis said, firing up the engine and trying to make her feel less ufortable.


    They left it there, the car humming along toward the store.


    Neither of them spoke, but there was an unspoken warmth building between them. It was their first supermarket trip together. Kind of mundane, but oddly intimate.


    By the time they arrived, it was just after seven. The store was buzzing¡ªfamilies, couples, people finishing work.


    Ellis didn¡¯t mind the crowd. In fact, he liked it. He walked beside Freya, casually picking up the same brand of shampoo and shower gel she used, along with a few of her favorite scented candles.


    Freya raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Then they reached the toothbrush aisle. Ellis grabbed a pack without hesitation.


    Freya stopped him. ¡°Don¡¯t we already have toothbrushes at home?¡±


    ¡°Those aren¡¯t a couple set,¡± Ellis said with dead seriousness.


    Freya was at a loss for words.


    Let your imagination soar with g?ln¦Ò¦Í???s


    ¡°We¡¯re a couple now. Future husband and wife,¡± Ellis continued, already reaching for another item. ¡°Everything has toe in pairs.¡± His sharp, handsome features carried an effortless charm.


    Freya opened her mouth to argue¡ªbut couldn¡¯t. He had a point. As cheesy as it sounded, it made sense. Their things should match.


    So she joined him. Toothbrushes. Matching towels. Slippers. Even couple¡¯s pajamas. Somehow, they ended up strolling through almost every aisle, picking out little domestic things that made them feel¡­ cozy.


    Freya found herself quietly absorbing the moment. She used to think of Ellis as that cold, no-nonsense team leader. Looking at him now, it dawned on her¡ªoutside the training field, he wasn¡¯t cold at all. He was steady, gentle, and meticulous. And a lot more romantic than she was.


    ¡°Double-check the cart,¡± he said, pushing it with one hand while the other held hers. ¡°See if we missed anything.¡±


    Freya nced at the overflowing pile and grinned. ¡°Weren¡¯t we just here for snacks? Why do we only have household items?¡±


    ¡°We did forget one thing,¡± Ellis said with a glint in his eye.


    ¡°What?¡±


    ¡°Something for daily use.¡±


    Freya tilted her head, confused.


    Wasn¡¯t everything in the cart for daily use?


    Ellis didn¡¯t answer. Instead, he ruffled her hair like she was some clueless kitten. ¡°Here. I¡¯ll go grab it. It¡¯s better if I get it myself,¡± he said, his deep eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. ¡°To save you from embarrassment.¡±


    Freya¡¯s eyes followed him as he walked off.


    Embarrassment? What on earth was he buying?


    Still, she let it go. She figured she¡¯d find out soon enough.


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 Chapter 1078

    ?Chapter 1078:


    After a swift self-checkout, they left the supermarket with bags full of household goods¡ªbut still, no snacks. By the time they got home, it was past nine.


    Ellis methodically unpacked everything. The matching towels were hung. The electric toothbrushes ced side-by-side. Pajamas folded.


    Everything had its ce.


    Sure, their previous setup wasn¡¯t messy. But it had been rushed¡ªfunctional, not thoughtful. He preferred the ones they had picked out together.


    Freya leaned on the doorframe, watching him work. ¡°Captain,¡± she called.


    ¡°Hmm?¡±


    ¡°You said you went to grab onest thing¡­ but I didn¡¯t see it. What was it?¡±


    Ellis turned slightly, amusement dancing in his eyes. ¡°You want to see?¡±


    ¡°Yes?¡±


    She was genuinely curious. What kind of household item could possibly make her feel embarrassed?


    Pots and pans? But those were kitchenware. Her cooking skills might not be as good as his, but they weren¡¯t bad enough to make her feel self-conscious.


    He beckoned her over. ¡°Give me your hand.¡±


    Freya extended it, genuinely curious.


    Ellis reached into his pocket, pulled out a small box, and ced it gently in her palm. Freya looked down¡ªand froze. A box of condoms. Her brain short-circuited. Ellis leaned in, his voice teasing and low. ¡°Now that we¡¯ve got this, we can do it whenever you want.¡±


    Freya nearly dropped the box like it burned.


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    It was just a box of condoms, something she¡¯d seen countless times before.


    But somehow,ing from Ellis, it felt¡­ different.


    ¡°I¡ªI have something to do upstairs,¡± she blurted, quickly trying to hand the box back. ¡°You keep it.¡±


    With that, she turned and bolted.


    Ellis caught her wrist before she could escape, pulling her lightly into his arms.


    Her heart leapt into her throat.


    ¡°Running again?¡±


    ¡°I¡¯m serious! I really do have something to handle. If you don¡¯t believe me, ask Melvin,¡± she said quickly, her heart pounding.


    ¡°Is that so?¡±


    ¡°Yes,¡± Freya replied firmly.


    Ellis, still holding her in ce, casually pulled out his phone with his free hand.


    Freya assumed he was checking some update from Anita International Group.


    That was, until she heard the familiar ringing sound. Wait. He was calling Melvin? Her stomach dropped. ¡°Melvin¡¯s probably asleep by now. You¡ª¡±


    ¡°Shh.¡± Ellis pressed a finger gently against her lips, his eyes amused. ¡°I know him. He¡¯s either buried in work or halfway through a midnight workout.¡±


    Freya¡¯s mind stalled. Since when did he know Melvin that well? Well enough to predict his routine?


    She didn¡¯t have long to ponder it. On the third ring, Melvin answered¡ªcool and collected, as always.


    ¡°Hi, Melvin,¡± Ellis said smoothly. ¡°Does Freya have any urgent work tonight?¡±


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 Chapter 1079

    ?Chapter 1079:


    Freya¡¯s eyes widened in horror. ¡°Ahem!¡± She coughed loudly, trying to catch Melvin¡¯s attention.


    Melvin paused just long enough to catch the cue. ¡°Well, yes,¡± he replied without missing a beat. ¡°There¡¯s an urgent document that needs her attention right now. Is she with you? Could you remind her for me?¡±


    Ellis¡¯s lips curved into a knowing smile.


    Of course Melvin would cover for her. The man had been her right hand for years.


    ¡°Melvin¡¯s on the line,¡± Ellis said mildly, handing Freya the phone while watching her closely.


    Freya epted it with theposure of a poker yer. ¡°Hi, Melvin. This is Freya speaking.¡±


    ¡°The client¡¯s waiting. Could you check the document I just sent over?¡± Melvin¡¯s performance was wless, earning him his reputation as her best assistant.


    ¡°Got it. I¡¯ll take care of it right away,¡± she said, voice cool and professional.


    She ended the call, then gave Ellis a triumphant look. ¡°See? I told you. I had something to do. I wasn¡¯t lying.¡±


    ¡°Okay.¡± Ellis raised an eyebrow but said nothing more.


    ¡°Can I go now?¡±


    He gave a slight nod. ¡°Go ahead.¡±


    She took off like a shot, vanishing up the stairs before he could change his mind.


    Left behind, Ellis watched her retreat with that faint smile of his¡ªquiet, amused, and just a little smug.


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    In the study, Freya immediately pulled out her phone and texted Melvin a thank you.


    Melvin¡¯s reply came secondster. ¡°Who¡¯s in charge between you and Ellis?¡±


    She blinked. What kind of question was that?


    Before she could answer, he followed up. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me Ellis is calling the shots in this rtionship.¡±


    Freya scoffed at her screen and quickly typed back. ¡°He¡¯s not.¡± There was no way she¡¯d admit to that. She simply didn¡¯t want to engage in the embarrassing situation.


    ¡°You¡¯re sure? Because from what I just felt¡­ I can see your position pretty clearly now.¡± Freya found it hard to argue.


    She frowned, jaw tightening. ¡°He¡¯s not in charge, okay?¡±


    ¡°Sure, if you say so,¡± Melvin replied, his tone dripping with disbelief. He had concluded that Freya was under Ellis¡¯s thumb¡ªand her lie just now only confirmed it.


    Freya stared at her phone, torn between frustration and the urge to defend herself. She knew that the more she tried to exin, the deeper she¡¯d dig herself in. But staying silent would mean surrendering the narrativepletely. What now?


    As she wrestled with her thoughts, a knock came at the door. ¡°Freya, are you done?¡± Ellis¡¯s voice was calm, almost amused.


    ¡°No.¡±


    A pause. Then Ellis¡¯s voice again, calm as ever. ¡°Can Ie in?¡±


    ¡°Not right now,¡± she called, a little too fast, a little too sharp.


    Her mind was already racing with strategies to reim her footing in the rtionship.


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 Chapter 1080

    Chapter 1080:


    There was no way she¡¯d let Melvin¡¯s teasing turn into truth.


    She still had time¡ªstill had a chance to shift the dynamic back in her favor.


    Her only misstep had been retreating too easily in the past. That would change.


    Ellis, however, didn¡¯t take her rejection at face value. He knew her too well. And he knew she wasn¡¯t actually busy with work.


    ¡°How¡¯d you get in here?¡± Freya shot a nce at the open door, a flicker of guilt crossing her face.


    ¡°Just swung by to see what you¡¯re up to.¡± Ellis strolled in with an easy, almostzy swagger, his tone dipped in casual amusement. ¡°And maybe ask if there¡¯s anything I can lend a hand with.¡±


    Freya clicked her phone screen off. ¡°Not right now.¡±


    Ellis wandered over, his eyes drifting to her dimmedputer monitor. With a light teasing lilt, he said, ¡°You sure have a rather unique way of getting work done.¡±


    What was he even implying?


    ¡°Handling business when the screen is ck.¡± She was caught. Just like that.


    ¡°Why don¡¯t you teach me how to do it? I¡¯ll even pay tuition.¡± Ellis watched her irritation bloom, clearly enjoying the show.


    ¡°I can¡¯t,¡± Freya said, her face solemn despite the ridiculous excuse she was pulling from thin air. ¡°This method requires elite-level hacking skills. You¡¯re not there yet.¡±


    ¡°Somehow, I doubt that.¡±


    ¡°What?¡±


    Get thetest g¦Á?¦Ç¦Ò¦Í???s


    ¡°Even top-tier hackers need theputer to be powered up, don¡¯t they?¡± Ellis started pacing beside her, then pointed directly at the unplugged power strip. ¡°Theputer¡¯s not even on. How exactly are you managing this?¡±


    She should¡¯ve thought that part through. She¡¯d definitely slipped up. Clearing her throat, she muttered, ¡°I handled it on my phone.¡±


    ¡°So, you¡¯re all done now?¡± Ellis pressed, relentless.


    Freya felt her nerves beginning to fray. What should¡¯ve been an easy exchange now felt like a full-blown interrogation. His presence was simply too much sometimes.


    ¡°All done,¡± she lied smoothly, not daring to admit otherwise. If she did, he might just uncover more she hadn¡¯t thought to hide. ¡°I¡¯m going to take a bath and head to bed. You should probably call it a night too.¡±


    Ellis ced both hands on the desk behind her, boxing her in with an easy dominance. ¡°It¡¯s only nine-thirty.¡±


    ¡°A bath takes thirty minutes.¡±


    ¡°You just showered before you went out.¡±


    ¡°I feel kind of gross after the supermarket run.¡±


    ¡°Really?¡±


    ¡°Yes.¡±


    ¡°I¡¯ll go run your bath for you.¡± Straightening up, he turned away, the corners of his eyes catching a yful glint.


    Freya blinked.


    Something didn¡¯t feel right.


    As he moved off to prepare the bath, Freya quickly pulled out her phone and messaged Greta and Riley in their group chat with an urgent question: ¡°What¡¯ll it take for me to take control in a rtionship?¡±


    Greta replied, ¡°What?¡±


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