Chapter 56:
If they met here, Kristian would inevitably question her motives for marrying him, perhaps suspecting her of pursuing corporate secrets. She lacked the energy to discuss these matters with him and any desire to engage in confrontation within Sheila’s hospital room.
Frederick rose to his feet.
“Who are you?” he asked while opening the door partway.
“I’m a manager of the Shaw Group’s Alerith branch,” the manager introduced himself before gesturing toward Kristian. “This is our president, Mr. Shaw. He learned about Miss Briggs’s hospitalization and came to offer his support.”
“Thank you,” Frederick responded with deliberate casualness.
The manager stood momentarily stunned, internally questioning, “Isn’t he going to invite us in?”
Kristian’s penetrating gaze moved past Frederick and surveyed the room, his presence radiating undeniable authority.
Frederick studied him briefly, realizing this man possessed even greater physical appeal than photographs had captured. No wonder Freya had fallen for him.
“Is Freya Briggs here?” Kristian shifted his attention back to Frederick, his eyes carrying an intimidating intensity as he delivered the question laden with hidden implications.
Frederick faltered visibly. “Huh?”
“This is a gift for Miss Briggs,” Kristian said, withdrawing his piercing gaze and offering the items originally intended for the Russell Group’s president. “We hope she recovers swiftly.”
“Thank you.” Frederick accepted the package.
𝐋𝚊𝓉𝐞𝑠𝓉 сһα𝓹𝖙𝑒𝗋𝓈 𝖌𝗮𝓁𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀․𝚌𝗈𝗆
With that exchange completed, Kristian and his entourage departed.
The manager stood bewildered, staring at his empty hands with mounting anxiety churning in his stomach.
The gift meant for the Russell Group’s president had been given to Ethel instead. What would they possibly present when visiting the president later?
Frederick remained by the door, unable to comprehend the true purpose behind their unexpected visit. He placed the items on the table beside the hospital bed, his mind swirling with unanswered questions.
“I didn’t expect you to handle it so well,” Freya remarked appreciatively from her position safely hidden from the observation window.
Frederick’s forehead creased in confusion. “What?”
“Kristian’s question was a deliberate trap,” Freya explained, recalling the anxiety that had gripped her when she overheard his inquiry. “Whether you acknowledged my presence or denied it, your response would have revealed that you know me personally. I was genuinely concerned you might inadvertently reveal something.”
Upon hearing this analysis, Frederick’s expression transformed into something peculiarly sheepish.
He scratched his head awkwardly, let out a soft chuckle, and admitted, “In truth, I was so distracted by how much more striking he appears in person compared to photographs that I barely registered what he asked. By the time I gathered my thoughts to respond properly, he had already handed me the gifts and begun walking away.”
His eyes darted nervously around the room, avoiding direct contact with Freya’s gaze.
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