She Took The House The Car And My Heart

Chapter 27

Chapter 27 Striking Kristian Squarely In The...

"Back then, I was bullied and shoved down the stairs-the principal had to call you in," Ethel stated, her voice imbued with a firm resolve. "You even accompanied the police to review the security footage..."

Her tone intensified with sincerity as she spoke."

Aware that feigning ignorance might only escalate matters, Hugh decided to play along, feigning a moment of

enlightenment. "Ah, that Freya?"

"Yes, exactly!" Ethel exclaimed, her excitement palpable.

"Are you Freya Briggs?" Hugh inquired, seeking confirmation of her identity.

Caught off guard by their convincing performance, Freya responded with a composed, "Yes."

"Wait... Freya? Is that actually you?" Ethel bubbled over with joy, her demeanor reminiscent of a seasoned actress. "I'm the girl with the short hair you rescued from the pond when I tumbled in as a child. Everyone

remember?" called me Sheila in the past. Do you

"Yes, I do," Freya affirmed, nodding.

How could she possibly forget? This little mischief-maker had wandered off to gather lotus flowers and had accidentally fallen into the pond. Even as Freya had pulled her to safety, she had clung tightly to a lotus flower.

Kristian turned his gaze toward Freya, studying her more intently. "Why haven't you ever spoken of your ties to the Briggs family?"

"Do people usually bring up decade-old stories in daily conversation?" Freya shot back.

Kristian was left at a loss for words.

Ethel extended a warm invitation, her voice bubbling with cheer. "Freya, come join me over here!"

Freya moved to sit beside her.

Their conversation flowed easily, filled with fond memories of days gone by.

One moment they were laughing over how Freya had bravely confronted bullies on Ethel's behalf and the next they chuckled about the times Freya had craftily covered for Ethel's secret snack raids.

"You've transformed so dramatically over the past decade," Ethel remarked as she clasped Freya's hands, her eyes glimmering with sentiment. "If it weren't for your unmistakable face, I might not have recognized you at all."

Kristian watched quietly, a slow realization settling in-it was probably true.

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squarely

him with s determined look. "Mr. Shaw, may I inquire about

fone dismissive.

Freya nodded, albeit

of doubt crossed Ethel's face. She knew her sister well

resolute. "Don't worry, I know plenty of wonderful rich men. I'll introduce you to them. They've all been eager to meet the wotees

Freya murmured, understanding that Ethel was

a flicker of displeasure flashing

do you find pleasure in playing matchmaker?" Kristian's voice carried a sharp edge

Ethel responded with a confident shrug "I just enjoy looking out

who suits her best?"

his concern with a dismissive gesture. "Simple. I'll introduce her to a selection, and she can pick whoever captures her heart," she

Ethel's meddling more than

of finalizing their divorce, and here was Ethel, unabashedly planning

I'll send someone to the Briggs Group another day to go over the details with you, Mr. Briggs. I'll leave Miss

well then." Hugh got up, ready to escort

the conversation came to a

to everyone that the discussion about collaboration was

nothing more than empty talk. In the ruthless world of business, nothing

time. She whipped out her phone and rapidly fired off a series

marry Kristian just for his looks? He hardly seems to care

can't stand the thought

unworthy of

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27 Striking Kristian Squarely In The

moments, Freya's inbox already held a string of messages from Ethel. Though Ethel knew little else, the cold indifference in Kristian's eyes whenever he glanced at her sister spoke

wealth.

phone buzzed incessantly

at them just yet, knowing Kristian was

fight?” Kristian inquired, his figure looming over her as he stood

dialogue with him. "I could take you down without

introducing you to a dozen men make you feel more secure?" Kristian had been seething ever since Ethel had made that suggestion.

Kristian's fury was palpable.