Chapter 317:
“Trent informed me you’ve returned to Alerith.” Hugh spoke delicately, treading carefully to avoid further damaging their fragile relationship. “If your schedule permits, visit the company today. Didn’t you express interest in an investment advisor position?”
Freya instinctively glanced at Melvin, weighing her options carefully. After a moment’s contemplation, she nodded. “Okay.”
She would need to face this situation eventually; addressing it promptly seemed the wiser choice.
Hugh’s voice brightened with unmistakable relief. “I’ll be waiting at the company. Just let me know when you arrive.”
Freya responded with a simple, “Alright.”
After ending the call, she briefed Melvin on her plans.
He efficiently distributed the freshly signed documents before personally escorting her to the Briggs Group office.
The clock had already struck half-past ten when they pulled up to the imposing building.
Upon receiving word of Freya’s arrival, Hugh hastened to greet her at the entrance, ushering her directly to his executive office.
Freya harbored no intention of lingering. Her agenda was precise—secure the investment advisor position, sign the necessary paperwork, and depart.
“Mina!” Hugh called out as she turned to leave.
Freya halted mid-stride.
“One more thing,” Hugh continued, retrieving an elegantly designed invitation card from his desk drawer. “Lionel Shaw is celebrating his 80th birthday and extended an invitation to us. Should we attend?”
From a purely business perspective, their presence would be expected.
𝓒𝓱𝓮𝓬𝓮 𝓬𝓱𝓪𝓹𝓉𝓮𝓇𝓈 𝒊𝓷 g𝓪𝗅𝗇ovέ𝗅𝓈.𝓒𝓸 m
Declining might trigger speculation and unnecessary complications. However, considering Mina’s intricate history with the Shaw family… if she preferred to abstain, Hugh would respect her decision.
“Let’s go,” Freya declared with unexpected firmness.
“Are you certain?” Hugh’s brow furrowed with concern. “Given your divorce from Kristian, won’t your presence potentially create tension?”
“I’ll be attending as Briggs Group’s representative, not as Freya,” she explained, her tone measured. Though not particularly fond of Hugh, she saw no reason to leave him anxious. “Besides, he holds no power over me anymore.”
“Very well,” Hugh replied, visibly reassured. “We’ll attend together.”
Freya pressed her lips together, ultimately choosing silence over further comment.
Despite Hugh’s invitation to join him for lunch, Freya declined politely. Departing with the signed contract in hand, she contemplated a pending project requiring her attention.
After a discussion with Shaw Group, Freya decided to visit her cousin, the president of Briggs Group, whose office was located on a lower floor.
As she navigated past the planning department, a heated exchange caught her attention.
“You’ve spent an entire week on a basic proposal without completing it. If this exceeds your capabilities, perhaps employment elsewhere would be appropriate!”
“You’re being unreasonable. I haven’t received proper training for these tasks. How am I expected to perform them competently?”
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