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.

adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, forcing a polished smile. "Mrs. Shaw, don't worry.

a loyal employee," Freya murmured,

blinked, thrown by

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

bodyguards stiffened; Gerard's

heartbeat, all five men stared at

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

the bags weighing them down. "A single one of those could cover

The blow landed perfectly.

pressed, "Well, anything you'd

pairs of eyes

mind worked in ways they

playing hero for his darling, let's put his

card between her fingers, her voice quieter

realized Kristian's departure would still claw

she wanted was to drain his

and the

shock, Freya resumed shopping, the card

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

react, he seized Freya's wrist and hauled her toward the parking area,

pain radiating through her. She winced.

came like a whip

hit-and-run driver, didn't you? I gave you everything you wanted, the house, the car, the money. What more do you want?

looked like vengeance personified,

did I—" Freya's

voice could've frosted glass.

while your hired man ran her down. You know I'd

kind that seeped into bones and made spines

dissolved into something colder, sharper. His absurd accusation had an ironic effect-it drained her rage, leaving only

in derision. "How poetic. Turning

control frayed, his

delusional." She didn't flinch, status be damned. "Think. Why would I trash my fresh

exactly why." His voice dropped lower, a blade