Chapter 148:
Following the emergence of the trending topics, he had meticulously investigated Freya’s recent whereabouts and discovered her meeting with Farrah. This connection led him to conclude, erroneously, that Farrah had guided Freya’s supposed actions.
Felipe had previously mentioned that Farrah was romantically involved with someone else and expecting a child.
Kristian presumed that someone with such a complicated personal situation would naturally dispense questionable advice.
Recognizing from Kristian’s accusations that he had thoroughly investigated her activities after the trending incident, Freya decided against elaborate explanations.
She responded with direct simplicity, “I didn’t orchestrate this.”
“Do you genuinely expect me to believe that?”
“Kristian, when will you finally engage your critical thinking abilities?” Freya’s frustration with this repetitive argument was palpable. “What possible motivation would I have to expend resources placing her on trending topics?”
Kristian said, “You believe she’s disrupting—”
“Exactly what do you want from me?” Freya interrupted, cutting to the heart of the matter.
She recognized the futility of rational discourse with him—it resembled attempting to reason with an immovable object. She had grown weary of wasting her breath on someone so determinedly obstinate. What absolute foolishness!
“Post an apology online,” Kristian demanded, interpreting her directness as an admission of guilt, his irritation and anger intensifying. “Then present yourself to Ashley and continue apologizing until she grants you forgiveness.”
“Mr. Shaw, I believe requiring Ms. Briggs to issue a public apology would be counterproductive…” Gerard intervened, unable to witness this unfair treatment.
𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗳𝗲𝗿𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗿𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗼𝗶𝗻𝘁: ⳑ𝗮𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝗍𝖊𝗅𝘀⸱𝖼𝗈𝗆
Kristian’s glacial stare shifted toward him.
Gerard hastened to explain his position. “The online discussion is already diminishing in intensity. If she were to apologize now, she would inevitably become the target of public vitriol.”
“She has brought this situation upon herself,” Kristian remarked with chilling detachment.
“That perspective misses the critical issue,” Gerard persisted, genuinely attempting to shield Freya from harm as he searched for a compelling argument. “But—”
“Gerard,” Freya interjected, fully aware of what he intended to communicate.
She understood that if she became the focus of public scrutiny, internet users might delve into her background, potentially uncovering her marriage to Kristian and exposing the complicated dynamics between Kristian and Ashley.
She preferred to keep Kristian ignorant of these potential consequences. Gerard paused.
“Your employer has clearly reached an immutable decision. Further persuasion would be futile,” Freya observed with remarkable composure, her gaze meeting Kristian’s with an inscrutable emotion. “Are you absolutely certain you wish me to issue a public apology?”
“Without question,” Kristian affirmed, brooking no disagreement.
Freya acquiesced with unexpected simplicity. “Very well.”
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