Chapter 19:
It was to be a small family dinner, intimate with the presence of only Kristian’s parents, his grandfather, and the butler aside from the couple themselves.
As they stepped into the dining room, a chorus of heartfelt greetings enveloped them.
Melinda Shaw, Kristian’s mother, with her arms open and a bright smile, ushered Freya to sit beside her, where they soon fell into easy, lively conversation.
From the other end of the table, Kristian watched the scene unfold, his brow knitting together in a slight frown. A nagging sense of foreboding washed over him. This divorce wasn’t going to be smooth sailing.
“Gorman, please set the dinner,” Lionel Shaw, Kristian’s grandfather, commanded with an authoritative wave of his hand.
“Understood,” the butler responded smoothly.
Before long, the table was a vibrant display of culinary delights, each dish more inviting than the last.
Dinner started off light and pleasant, but Lionel’s subtle cough hinted he had something heavier to say.
“You’ve been married a while now—isn’t it about time to start a family?” he inquired, his gaze piercing across the table.
Kristian, maintaining his composure, responded with practiced calmness, “There’s no rush, Grandpa.”
“Did I ask you?” Lionel’s voice carried a sharp edge of displeasure directed squarely at Kristian. “I’m asking Freya.”
Caught off guard, Kristian fell into a stunned silence.
gⲁ𝗅𝓝𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.𝗰0𝗺; 𝓜𝒐𝒓𝑒 novels
Freya, pausing to place her fork down gently, met Lionel’s gaze before replying, “We’re in no rush.”
Kristian shot her a quick side glance, suspicion flickering in his eyes. Could she seriously be doing this intentionally?
“Is Kristian giving you a hard time?” Melinda inquired, her eyes brimming with concern. “Just give us a signal, and we’ll be right by your side to defend you.”
“Don’t hesitate to speak out if something’s wrong. We’ve got your back,” Lionel chimed in, his voice warm with affection for Freya. “My granddaughter deserves nothing less.”
Caught off guard, Kristian responded with a touch of confusion, “Grandpa, remember I’m your grandson. She’s merely your granddaughter-in-law.”
“Is that so?” Lionel retorted playfully yet pointedly. “I almost thought she was my daughter and you were my son-in-law. Freya here, she joins me for chess and helps me with my meditation. And you? What memorable things have you done for me lately?”
“But haven’t you always wanted me to take good care of the Shaw Group?” Kristian protested.
“That’s not all there is.” Lionel dismissed with a wave of his hand.
Finding himself at a loss for words, Kristian stood dumbfounded.
“Try this, Lionel,” Freya interjected, bringing over a plate of his favorite dish. “It’s your favorite.”
“You truly are a gem, Freya.” Lionel’s face lit up instantly, his mood visibly lifted.
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