Chapter 245:
“Five minutes for a shower, two minutes for the act,” Kristian responded with unexpected frankness, his thin lips barely moving. “Such efficiency isn’t beyond possibility.”
Trent adjusted his glasses once more, appearing entirely unruffled, and released a soft laugh. “It seems you possess considerable expertise in that area.”
Kristian found himself momentarily speechless.
He suppressed his instinctive response, returning the phone with a measured observation. “I was referring to your capabilities, not mine.”
“Your assessments consistently miss the mark, except in business matters,” Trent countered, his subtle insinuation suggesting Kristian had misjudged the situation entirely.
Kristian remained uncharacteristically quiet.
He recognized that Trent was implying his treatment of Freya had been unjust.
“What about the men who entered Freya’s room earlier?” Kristian questioned, his gaze intensifying. “Have you identified the person who delivered the letter?”
“The investigation continues,” Trent admitted candidly. “We’re attempting to recover additional surveillance footage. Regarding those in Mina’s room, they were merely hired help who mistakenly believed Mina was a cruel woman.”
Trent recognized this as the optimal moment to proceed.
He methodically shared every detail of the hotel incident with Kristian. His motivation wasn’t self-justification, but recognition that certain aspects warranted Kristian’s investigative resources. While Trent had uncovered several leads, other elements remained beyond his reach. After ten minutes of careful explanation, Kristian had absorbed Trent’s complete account.
The narrative aligned perfectly with Freya’s version, but Kristian could distinguish genuine testimony from fabricated stories.
This realization filled him with discomfort.
𝕊𝕠𝕦𝕣𝕔𝕖 𝕗𝕚𝕝𝕖: 𝗀𝖺𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀﹒𝖼𝗈𝗆
He had wrongfully accused Freya again regarding this incident the previous night, and outside her apartment, he had callously stated his sole concern was the destruction of their marriage certificate, even as her apartment might have been on fire.
He thought she must harbor significant resentment toward him now.
“After spending two years with Mina, you should know what kind of person she is,” Trent defended her with unexpected earnestness. “You may question my integrity, but her moral principles remain beyond reproach.”
Trent straightened his suit, a smooth gesture that underscored his suave demeanor. “If there’s nothing else, I’ll take my leave,” he said, his voice calm yet imbued with an underlying sharpness. “It seems this was a well-laid trap.”
“Wait a second.” Kristian’s voice halted him.
Trent lifted his gaze, waiting for him to continue.
Kristian’s intense, guarded stare met his, asking a question that pierced straight to the core. “What exactly are your feelings for Freya?” His voice was low, the question laden with an unspoken challenge.
Trent’s response was polished, his tone even. “I’ll be whoever she needs me to be.”
His eyes briefly flickered with a range of emotions as he spoke of Freya, his childhood playmate.
Their connection was profound—deeper than friendship, more steadfast than love, a bond that rivaled familial ties.
If Freya ever decided to marry him, he would gladly be her groom. If she didn’t want that, he’d gladly stay by her side as her lifelong friend.
Kristian’s expression hardened as he processed Trent’s words. “You have no romantic feelings for her, do you?” he demanded, his tone skeptical.
“Is that what you think?” Trent countered, his eyebrow arching slightly. “If you truly cared, wouldn’t it bother you that she still cherishes her first love?” Kristian pressed, his tone sharpening.
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