She Took The House The Car And My Heart

Walls, Wheels, and Wounds 268

Chapter 268 Ashley Was

The Least Likely To Betra...

As the elevator doors slid open, Freya stepped out-only to be wrapped in a sudden embrace. "Freya!"

"Mina!"

One after another, the rest of the group gathered around her, encircling her in a collective hug that radiated

warmth.

Freya paused, eyes scanning the familiar faces. "Greta, Riley?"

"Freya! Don't forget about us!" Frederick interjected, clearly miffed that her greeting had stopped short. "Aren't

you worried Cade and Moss might start getting jealous?"

All seven of the group chat Seven Little Warriors had assembled.

Freya frowned, puzzled. "Why are you all here?"

"When your signal vanished, the Captain told us to return to Alerith and wait," Greta, as graceful as ever and

always kind to Freya, explained gently. "He gave his word-he'd bring you back."

"You nearly gave us a heart attack!" someone chimed in.

"No kidding."

"Why did you cut off the signal like that?"

"There were too many hostiles. Butterfly Island was crawling with enemies," Freya answered calmly. "If you had

followed me, I would've been too worried..."

She didn't complete the thought, but the silence that followed said it all.

"It's behind us now. The important thing is you're safe."

"Exactly!"

Ellis, standing just behind them, scanned the group. He could tell Freya still had matters weighing on her mind.

"Alright, that's enough for today," he advised. "Freya needs proper rest. You can all catch up tomorrow."

"Alright." Greta nodded, setting the tone. "We'll come find you first thing."

"But no sneaking into the office."

"Promise you'll spend time with us."

"Don't forget that!"

Each voice joined the chorus, firm yet affectionate.

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recognizing

they finally let her be. Knowing she was safe

now.

to walk them out, but they waved her

had a thousand thoughts, but they all condensed into a few simple words. "Go some rest. It's

gave a small nod. "You should get

replied, his

opened her door, and stepped inside. Just before closing it,

custody. Peace, one would

parting ways with Kristian, uncase had taken root in

growing by

the bridge of her nose, she sighed, bone-tired, her

moved deeper into the apartment,

Had someone been here?

Unlocking it, she opened

her home shone

Instead, she sat calmly on the couch and spoke into the open air. "Will you come out on

out from the bedroom. It

froze for a

Natasha?

stared, taken aback. "Why are you

Alerith safely?" Natasha plopped down opposite her. “I dropped her off and

her with

Kristian were still in a precarious situation. How

she would

I left with Ashley, I saw someone rounding up Brendan men. That's why

soft, but edged. "And if

moment-without Kristian's intervention-she

have.

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"No way you wouldn't come back. You're

Freya said nothing

two glasses with water, and handed one to Natasha before sitting

"Well... uh..." Natasha faltered.

arched a brow. "Spit it

thought to... you know, the baby?" Natasha scratched her head, hesitant. Ever since discovering her mentor was a pretty lady, she couldn't help but care more. "You've divorced Kristian.

Freya blinked. "What baby?"

were obvious-at Freya's belly. "That one." Freya was at a loss for words. There was no need to

said flatly. With Brendan out of the picture, she no

"Ashley told me herself-and

Brendan wouldn't have taken

exactly what I wanted you to find," Freya replied, a lesson laced in

Kristian, she began working with me."

turned on its head. "But Brendan always said Ashley was the least likely