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

shield her. "I'll fetch you something to eat. Once you're feeling better, let your boyfriend know

mention, Ethel's

blush spreading across

hospital, instructing Frederick to watch over

along the street outside, Freya's mind circled back to her sister's question

couldn't bear to reveal

would shatter her sister's idealized image of their

childhood, Hugh had embodied a superhero figure for Sheila, consistently fulfilling her every

her sister's lifelong happiness

matters should remain

food for

illuminated

swiped to answer.

your family

serious," Freya assured

211%

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24 To

Kristian stated directly, his voice resonating with depth and confidence, "Send me your address, and I'll have Gerard

knitted

his voice flowing pleasantly through the phone. "With the

Group."

Kristian had become a genuine

Freya's previous email. As he absorbed its contents, his eyes

Freya

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

pressed his advantage. "I believe numerous

that we're in the midst of divorce proceedings?" Freya felt compelled to emphasize this

be verified tomorrow," Kristian replied, no longer concealing

"Aren't you concerned that Ashley in Jeucwell might discover us together in

Kristian stated with

certain?" Freya questioned, skepticism

"Yes," Kristian affirmed simply.

contact her for a month, promise to divorce me yet attend a dinner engagement with me, she'll inevitably wonder whether

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

hollow "oh," her tone deliberately devoid

matters, Ashley might maintain

hospital encounter, Ashley appeared

one cherished

...nensely.

what circumstances prevailed, and whether Kristian harbored

Freya.

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To Dispel Kristian's

dinner tomorrow evening." Kristian stated directly, his

depth and confidence. "Send me your

brows knitted together.

confirmed, his voice flowing pleasantly through the

of

Group."

silent, thinking Kristian had become a genuine

chair, studying the computer 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 be the Briggs Group's

going." Freya refused with

countered, determined

person alert will appear on digital billboards outside every major mall in Alerith. Whoever locates

will receive a million."

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