Chapter 24:
It was clear—no amount of persuasion could sway her resolve to leave the marriage.
“Kristian, I need you to come with me. Now,” Lionel insisted, pushing himself up with the support of his cane.
Kristian shared a quick, uncertain look with Freya before he trailed behind his grandfather, stepping into the dimly lit study next door for a private conversation.
Meanwhile, Melinda struck up a light-hearted chat with Freya. She mentioned that if Freya ever chose to give her marriage with Kristian another shot, the Shaw family would welcome her back with open arms.
In this home, a gentle warmth surrounded Freya, stirring memories of the comforting days before her mother’s passing.
When Kristian reemerged thirty minutes later, his facade was calm, almost unreadable, but Lionel’s expression was stormy, a clear sign of discontent for anyone paying attention.
Suddenly, Lionel’s temper flared. “Enough of this, you’re just irritating me now,” he snapped harshly. “Look after Freya well this next month. If she’s upset in any way, I swear, I’ll transfer all your inheritance to her!”
Kristian responded calmly, “Understood.”
As they were about to leave, Melinda’s voice halted them. “Wait.”
Kristian and Freya paused and turned around, the moonlight casting a soft glow around them, creating a momentary illusion of closeness.
“Have you sorted out how the assets will be divided after the divorce?” Melinda inquired, her concern palpable, worrying Freya might end up with less than she deserved.
“Don’t worry, Freya will be treated with fairness,” Kristian assured smoothly, deliberately vague to avoid any implications of greed. “She’ll receive a house, a car, and a suitable financial settlement.”
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“And on top of that, make sure you hand over some of your stocks and bonds to her,” Melinda remarked, her tone serious and unwavering.
Kristian was left dumbfounded. Was he truly their flesh and blood?
Lionel nodded firmly, his gaze sharp. “Your mom’s absolutely right.”
Isaac chimed in, his expression unreadable, “Kristian, do as your mother says and don’t give her more to worry about.”
“Got it,” Kristian replied, barely masking his irritation as he and Freya slid into the car.
With their divorce no longer a secret, they made no effort to feign affection.
As the car pulled away, Melinda’s and Lionel’s faces were etched with concern until the vehicle’s taillights vanished into the night.
“Let them deal with their own problems; there’s no need for you to stress over it,” Isaac murmured soothingly, gently squeezing his wife’s hand.
Melinda exhaled a weary sigh, and Isaac gave her shoulder a reassuring pat.
“Shouldn’t you clarify what you meant earlier, about Freya being a stand-in for someone else?” Melinda queried, her gaze fixed on his still ruggedly handsome features. “What secrets are you keeping about our son?”
Isaac remained silent, contemplating.
“Are you going to confide in me or not?” Melinda pressed, her voice tinged with urgency.
“I made a promise to our son to keep it to myself,” Isaac responded, his voice laced with regret.
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