Chapter 4:
After a silent calculation, he stepped out to make a call. Fragments floated back—Ashley… hospital… follow-up.
Freya’s grip on her purse turned white-knuckled. Inside, she seethed. Even now, Ashley occupied his thoughts completely.
Kristian missed Freya’s fury. All he saw was how she shone today—vibrant, untamed. Nothing like the subdued woman he knew.
After hanging up, he inquired where she wanted to shop. Freya mentioned the largest luxury mall in town.
This wasn’t shopping. This was a spree.
By 10 a.m., the four bodyguards trailed behind her like pack mules—arms stacked with watches, jewels, and designer bags.
Kristian’s phone chimed nonstop with alerts.
As Freya strode into yet another jewelry boutique, his jaw hardened. This wasn’t retail therapy; she was intentionally trying to irritate him.
Gerard Todd, Kristian’s ever-dutiful assistant, hesitated for a moment before asking, “Sir, should I go ahead and book a restaurant?”
Kristian massaged his temples, irritation flashing across his face. “No need.”
He knew Freya was venting her frustration. If splurging eased her temper, so be it—he’d let her spend freely.
The moment the words left his mouth, his phone vibrated. Another alert flashed—over thirty million had just vanished from his account.
Gerard averted his eyes, while the four bodyguards stood stiffly, arms laden with shopping bags like silent, overburdened mules.
Freya strode out of the jewelry boutique and casually handed her latest purchase to Gerard, whose hands were conspicuously empty.
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Just as she turned to continue her spree, Kristian’s phone rang.
His posture shifted instantly. The tension in his shoulders eased, his frown softening as he glanced at the caller ID.
Long fingers cradled the phone, his voice uncharacteristically tender as he answered. “Hello, Ashley.”
Gerard and the bodyguards exchanged startled glances. Had their boss forgotten Freya was standing right there?
“Ashley was in a car accident on her way to a hospital follow-up. She’s unconscious—still in surgery,” the voice on the line blurted, frantic. “Please come. She kept calling your name before they took her in.”
“Send the address. I’m on my way.” Kristian’s chest constricted, the words sharp with urgency.
He ended the call, his gaze flickering to Freya.
An explanation hovered on his lips, but he swallowed it. Instead, he turned to Gerard and the bodyguards. “Stay with her. Buy whatever she wants. If it doesn’t fit in the car, have it delivered by this afternoon.”
“Yes, sir,” the five men chorused.
Without another word, Kristian strode off, leaving Freya and the others in his wake.
An uncomfortable silence settled over the group.
Gerard adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, forcing a polished smile. “Mrs. Shaw, don’t worry. Mr. Shaw will return once he handles matters.”
“What a loyal employee,” Freya murmured, her tone laced with something unreadable.
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