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.

had told her earlier, she grabbed a different phone and started recording before answering.

0.0%

You Really Protect

was speaking into had been rigged by him. If he suspected she was

had to use another

Kristian and Freya's relationship for the time being," the man's voice came through slowly,

thudded wildly in her

said her

Even the way he said it sent a chill

voice returned-gentle but laced with venom, a low chuckle curling at the

white, cold sweat beading in her palms. She

"You understand?" he asked.

forced the word out, every syllable

man seemed pleased. Before ending the call,

Ashley slumped into

that moment, the idea of turning her

her betrayal, she'd be done

then, Freya's earlier words echoed in her

deep in thought, her phone

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

face went ghostly pale. Her first thought was

in as her mind spiraled. She

a decision, her other phone rang. Seeing Freya's

unsure whether to

phone rang six or seven times without an answer. Freya assumed Ashley might be asleep or in the

at the last

got right to

stopped. What was happening? Why did

pool behind the hotel, her

27.9%

was barely above a

something was

She wasn't sure if she should reveal

me?" she finally asked, after what felt like

keep you safe," Freya assured her.

a gamble-but one

betrayal. Even if Ashley turned

to believe her. She recounted what had happened, including