She Took The House The Car And My Heart

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, explaining that Kristian has taken significant interest in the Briggs Group's latest project and wishes

to meet."

Freya contemplated this information silently. Her instincts warned her that beneath the surface, something more complex was unfolding.

"Is declining an option?" she inquired.

“Not realistically,” Hugh explained 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 availability," 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 Sheila, 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 avoid complications 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 explain later," 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 emotions complicated. "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 plans, expertly avoiding her

uestions.

yearned to understand

determined to shield her. "I'll fetch you something to eat.

mention, Ethel's

blush spreading across her

the hospital, instructing Frederick

aimlessly along the street outside, Freya's mind circled back to

to reveal Hugh's actions to

sister's idealized image of

figure for Sheila, consistently

wanted her

painful matters should remain exclusively between herself and

food for Sheila when her phone

illuminated

swiped to

is your family faring?" Kristian

Freya assured

211%

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24 To Dispel

resonating with depth and confidence, "Send

knitted together.

flowing pleasantly through the phone. "With the chairman

Group."

silent, thinking Kristian had become a

the computer screen before him, which displayed Freya's previous email. As he absorbed its contents, his eyes gradually

going," Freya refused

appear on digital billboards outside every major mall in Alerith. Whoever locates you will receive a million."

advantage. "I believe numerous individuals will eagerly pursue

proceedings?" Freya felt compelled to emphasize

was a joke will be verified tomorrow," Kristian replied,

Jeucwell might discover us together in Alerith and dissolve

stated with

skepticism evident in

"Yes," Kristian affirmed simply.

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

her concerns. "She differs from you. Gerard has explained our arrangement to her, and

hollow "oh,"

other matters, Ashley

on their hospital encounter, Ashley appeared

one cherished something,

...nensely.

likely investigating whether they had divorced, what

Freya.

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24 To Dispel

evening." Kristian stated directly, his

your address,

brows knitted together.

confirmed, his voice flowing pleasantly through

of the

Group."

silent, thinking Kristian had

screen before him, which displayed Freya's previous email. As he absorbed its contents, his eyes gradually darkened. "Didn't you claim your father to

not going." Freya refused

determined

tomorrow, your missing person alert will appear on digital billboards outside every

will receive a million."