She Took The House The Car And My Heart

Chapter 194

Chapter 194 Can You Really

Protect Me

Kristian felt a dull, unbearable weight settle in his chest, the kind that sank deeper with every breath.

He didn't utter another word and quietly descended the stairs.

Liam didn't press him for answers, nor did he offer any help. If Kristian truly needed something, Liam knew he'd ask.

"Kristian," he called out, quickening his steps to catch up with his brother.

Kristian's thoughts were entirely consumed by Freya. "What is it?"

"If you keep dragging your feet, Freya's never gonna end up being my sister-in- law again," Liam reminded him pointedly.

Kristian glanced sideways at him, unimpressed. Did Liam seriously think he needed his unsolicited advice?

"Do you need me to help you win her back?" Liam offered, his grin betraying his amusement. "I mean, I can't promise she'll fall for you again, but I can at least try to keep her from hating your guts."

Kristian was even less impressed now. Was this what Liam thought counted as help?

He didn't hesitate. "No, thanks."

"You sure?" Liam pressed.

Kristian didn't answer. He just picked up his pace, heading for the hall downstairs.

Not long after they left; a shadowy figure appeared in the room they'd just vacated. After scanning the area with sharp eyes, the person pulled out a phone and made a call.

Thanks to the time difference, it was midday on the other end.

When the call connected, the person on the line spoke casually. "How are things going?"

"Everything's moving along as planned."

"Any anomalies?"

"None."

With that, the call ended-and the person dialed another number, this time to Ashley in Alerith.

Ashley's nerves were already fraying when the call came in.

told her earlier, she grabbed a

0.0%

Can You Really Protect

by him. If he

to

and Freya's relationship for the time being," the man's voice came through slowly, with unsettling precision. "Check if Freya

heart thudded wildly in

he said her

the way he said it

but laced with venom, a low chuckle curling at the

her knuckles turned white, cold sweat beading in her palms. She could barely

"You understand?" he asked.

Ashley forced the word out, every syllable

seemed pleased. Before ending

line went dead, Ashley slumped

the idea of turning her back on Freya crossed her mind.

betrayal, she'd be done

echoed in

was still deep in thought, her phone buzzed

and stared at the message. "Remember your place. Don't think you can escape my control through Kristian and Freya. You know what

ghostly pale. Her first thought was that

mind spiraled. She wanted to

a decision, her other phone rang. Seeing

unsure

times without an answer. Freya assumed Ashley might be asleep or in the shower and was about to hang

picked up at

Freya got right to

heart nearly stopped. What was happening? Why did it feel like

behind the hotel,

27.9%

Ashley's voice was barely above

sensed something was off. "What's

stayed quiet. She wasn't sure

you really protect me?" she finally

I say, I'll keep you safe," Freya assured her. "But you can't keep anything from

gamble-but one

Even if Ashley turned on her, Freya still

still torn-chose to believe her. She recounted what