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.

15:38

III

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Et Ban squarely in the

of her sister, saw a perfect moment to challenge Kristian. She turned to him with s determined

much," Kristian responded, his fone dismissive. Ethel faced

Freya nodded, albeit

crossed Ethel's face. She knew her sister well enough to tell she was

divorce is for the best," Ethel stated boldly, her voice firm and resolute. "Don't worry, I know plenty of wonderful rich men. I'll introduce you to them. They've all been

Freya murmured, understanding that Ethel was

expression tightened, a flicker of displeasure flashing across his face at

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

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

you think you know who

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

meddling

planning to introduce Freya to potential suitors right in front

laced with an icy disapproval. "Regarding the collaboration, I'll send someone to the Briggs Group another day to go over the details with you, Mr. Briggs. I'll

ready to escort them

came to a quiet

was clear to everyone that the discussion about

of visiting the Briggs Group was nothing more than empty talk. In the ruthless

no time. She whipped out her phone and rapidly

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

the thought of him

absolutely unworthy

26.3%

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Kristian Squarely

her sister spoke volumes. There was not a trace of love or warmth. Had her sister not concealed her true identity, Ethel might have even thought that Kristian

wealth.

incessantly with Ethel's rapid

chose not to look at them just

Kristian inquired, his figure looming over

a meaningful dialogue with him. "I could take you

Gerard were momentarily stunned into silence. "Does the thought of Ethel introducing you to a dozen men make you feel more secure?" Kristian had been seething ever since Ethel had made that suggestion. Freya's intention was clear; she wanted to rile

Kristian's fury was palpable.