Frederick furrowed his brows, irritation clear on his face. He loathed these social gatherings, mostly because he couldn’t bear seeing his father in such a compromised state.
He understood that business dinners required social finesse from anyone without significant status. But understanding didn’t mean embracing it.
His gaze drifted toward Freya once again, drawn by an unconscious pull.
Truly, being near Freya was the only genuine comfort he felt.
“Aren’t you escorting me to the hotel?” Freya tore her eyes away and fixed them on Edwin. “Shouldn’t we be leaving?”
The question startled everyone present, including Edwin.
Kristian’s fingers, which had been idly toying with his phone, suddenly tensed.
Frederick simply lowered his head, quietly sipping his drink, careful not to intervene. He knew with certainty that Freya was about to retaliate.
“Why such haste? Don’t think that clinging to Mr. Shaw gives you the right to act imperiously,” Edwin bristled at Freya’s words, as if she had implied he was nothing more than a procurer. “To Mr. Shaw, you’re just another conquest.”
Kristian studied Freya intently, his gaze deepening as he observed her face.
Sometimes, he marveled at her ability to remain composed when faced with such caustic remarks.
“Mr. Shaw.” Edwin slipped back into his sycophantic tone and, before leaving, hesitated, “Regarding our potential partnership…”
“My assistant will handle the arrangements,” Kristian replied tersely.
Edwin’s face brightened instantly. “Thank you.”
Everyone desired alliances with both the Briggs Group and the Shaw Group. While the Briggs Group remained out of his reach, he had now secured ties with the Shaw Group. Given another chance, he would certainly cultivate his relationship with Kristian to forge even closer business ties.
With these ambitions in mind, Edwin left with Freya. She played along willingly, knowing that once they reached the hotel, she could confront Edwin properly.
The remaining guests in the private room continued their conversation briefly.
They were all astute observers.
When it came to matters of mutual consent, they preferred not to meddle.
Ten minutes later, someone ventured, “Mr. Shaw, since you have pressing 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, the company manager, will coordinate the specifics with you, though whether we proceed depends entirely on the project’s merit.”
With that declaration, 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, explained. “Should she face any danger, the bodyguards will intervene immediately.”
While somewhat reassured, Kristian still responded coldly, “Interfering busybody!”
Gerard maintained his composure, reflecting on the unpredictability of Kristian’s thoughts.
“Ensure Vertex Corporation is dealt with properly.” Kristian adjusted his tie, his lips delivering the chilled command. “Such trash should recognize their proper place.”
Gerard comprehended instantly. “Understood.” Vertex Corporation was Edwin’s company. Kristian was clearly defending Freya.
“To the hotel,” he commanded, 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 plagues 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.
Realizing his precarious position, Gerard hastily added, “Sir, rest assured, I’ll ensure Vertex Corporation understands precisely who stands as Mrs. Shaw’s protector.”
Kristian countered, “Your quarterly bonus can also disappear.”
Gerard now genuinely wondered where he had gone wrong.
“Freya 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 let anyone sully my reputation.”
Gerard fell silent. Kristian divorced his wife for another woman, yet he still worried 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 accommodating temperament, his composure began to fray. What mistake 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 proceedings, until you receive the official decree, you remain legally bound. And as long as that legal connection exists, you have an obligation to protect her from unsavory characters.”
G3t th3 l3g1t v3rs10n 0n g4ln0v3ls.c0m
“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 waiting for her after check-in is you.”
“She harbors no affection for me,” Kristian stated flatly.
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 in front of numerous onlookers. No wonder your marriage ended.”
Kristian glanced toward Gerard’s head, his eyes glinting dangerously. “What insults are you mentally throwing at me?”
“Not criticizing you,” Gerard lied smoothly, without a hint of discomfort. “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’s comment, his mind wrestling with the same dilemma. Since their heated exchange at the hospital, he had recognized Freya’s aversion toward him.
Today, he only wanted her to understand that this social circle wasn’t as idyllic as she imagined.
.
.
.
With over a billion from his fortune, she could live luxuriously for the rest of her days.
Pushing these thoughts 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 were about to enter, Ethel 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. If he did, Freya would undoubtedly seek retribution.
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, complete with subdued lighting and a captivating fragrance.
“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 glance. 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 stayed too long. After all, she was Kristian’s chosen one.
As he turned to leave, Freya swiftly slammed 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, completely 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 had 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 blazing with indignation. “What’s the meaning of this?”
Freya advanced toward him, her penetrating gaze never wavering. “Did you instruct Emil to harm Ethel?”
Edwin froze, momentarily forgetting his pain. 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 declared, commencing her distinctive interrogation methods.
She had thoroughly investigated him, aware he had mistreated numerous women – some with consent, others through coercion. Had she possessed concrete evidence, she wouldn’t hesitate to ensure his imprisonment.
“Ouch!” Edwin screamed again.
New Book: Back Home to Marry Off Myself
Loredana’s father left the family for his mistress, leaving them to fend for themselves abroad. When life was at its toughest, her father showed up with “good news” after 8 years of absence: To marry off Loredana to a paralyzed son of the wealthy Mendelsohn family.