Chapter 112:
Gerard persisted, “I know someone with your compassionate nature and grace would surely reconsider.”
Freya countered swiftly, “Emotional manipulation won’t convince me to escort an ill-mannered man to a restaurant.”
While mentally applauding her sharp response, Gerard quietly messaged his boss, “Your lunch will arrive at approximately three in the afternoon.”
Kristian’s brow furrowed deeply as he read the message.
Before he could formulate a reply, Freya’s voice cut through his thoughts.
She casually picked up her laptop from the table and remarked, “Gerard suggested I take you out for lunch. Are you interested?”
“I avoid excessively greasy food,” Kristian began, wondering about Gerard’s underlying motives in this situation.
Rising to his feet, he smoothed his impeccable suit and approached Freya with deliberate calmness. “Let’s proceed.”
“Continue straight ahead, then make a turn,” Freya directed with remarkable composure, as though their heated exchange had never occurred. “There’s something inside that should suit your preferences.”
Kristian faltered momentarily, caught off guard.
Her words resonated unexpectedly within him. As he observed her delicate features, profound guilt surfaced in his consciousness. His entanglement with Ashley had ultimately treated her unfairly.
After careful consideration, he resolved to engage in a measured conversation with her following their meal and offer an apology on Ashley’s behalf.
“Thank you,” he murmured, his deep voice layered with unspoken emotions as he moved in the direction Freya had indicated.
Within moments, he reached the destination.
Without hesitation, he grasped the doorknob and swung the door open. The scene before him ignited immediate, intense fury in his eyes!
His complexion paled dramatically. In a surge of unbridled anger, he slammed the door with tremendous force and stormed back toward the living room, fully prepared to confront Freya with his outrage. This woman had deliberately provoked him by directing him to the bathroom for his meal!
When he returned to the living room, Freya had vanished.
She had retreated to her second-floor bedroom, secured the lock firmly, and donned noise-canceling headphones to immerse herself completely in her work.
She harbored no concerns about Kristian attempting to force entry. If he tried breaking down the door, his legs would likely give out before the door yielded. Two hours elapsed.
In the imposing office of Shaw Group, Gerard stood attentively, questions swirling in his mind, awaiting Kristian’s next directive.
He had been en route to order Kristian’s lunch when an unexpected call instructed him to cancel the meal delivery and immediately organize a company-wide departmental meeting.
When had such an impromptu meeting ever occurred on a Wednesday?
Gerard dared not vocalize his curiosity.
“Has the meeting been arranged?” Kristian inquired tersely.
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