She Took The House The Car And My Heart

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 flashing 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 flashed- over thirty million had just vanished from his account.

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

Freya strode out of the jewelry boutique and casually handed her latest 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 glanced at the caller ID. Long fingers cradled the phone, his voice uncharacteristically tender as he answered. "Hello, Ashley."

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

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

unconscious—still in surgery," the voice on the line blurted, frantic. "Please come. 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 explanation 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 uncomfortable silence settled over the group.

smile. "Mrs. Shaw, don't worry. Mr. Shaw will

employee," Freya murmured, her tone laced

thrown

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

bodyguards stiffened;

a heartbeat, all five men stared at her with something dangerously close

left her for another woman while she

amused by their expressions. She gestured to the bags weighing them down. "A single one of

The blow landed perfectly.

"Well, anything

of eyes

worked in

playing hero for his darling, let's put his money to better use."

card between her fingers,

sting surprised her. She hadn't realized Kristian's departure would

was to drain his

and the bodyguards

their shock, Freya resumed shopping, the card clutched

down to eat, he appeared like a storm, his presence

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

the car door, pain radiating through her. She winced. What the hell was

accusation came like a whip crack,

you? I gave you everything you wanted, the house, the car, the money. What more do you want? Why did you still hurt

looked like vengeance personified,

I—" Freya's

frosted glass. "You planned

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

frost, the kind that seeped

absurd accusation had an ironic effect-it drained

his gaze, lips curling in derision. "How poetic.

frayed, his shout raw

"Think. Why would I trash my fresh

exactly why." His voice dropped lower, a