Chapter 57:
Freya fell silent, momentarily stunned. Should she attribute this fortunate escape to destiny’s intervention?
“Freya,” Frederick began, finally seizing an opportunity for gossip, “did you marry him primarily because of his appearance?”
Freya responded with surprising candor, “Yes, that factored significantly into my decision.”
Kristian’s physical features aligned perfectly with her aesthetic ideals. Even now, despite his decision to divorce her, she couldn’t deny that his looks seemed divinely crafted. To this day, she hadn’t encountered anyone in either entertainment or fashion circles who surpassed his physical appeal.
Meanwhile, the very subject of their discussion occupied the adjacent room, engaged in conversation with Damon Russell, president of the Russell Group.
The branch manager and other employees waited respectfully outside, while Kristian sat composed on a chair beside the hospital bed, studying the handsome, carefree man resting there.
“Since when did you develop such consideration for others?” Damon teased with a knowing smile. “You even surrendered the gift intended for me to someone else.”
Kristian replied smoothly, “I’ll arrange for someone to purchase ten more for you later.”
“Spare me the gesture,” Damon countered bluntly. “Simply acknowledge the real reason behind your unexpected hospital visit. I find it impossible to believe you’ve suddenly become so compassionate.”
“Assist me in discovering whether Ethel Briggs has an older sister,” Kristian requested, his lips barely moving as he spoke, never concealing anything from this trusted confidant. “Approximately twenty-four years old.”
“Planning a seamless transition after finalizing your divorce?” Damon raised an eyebrow provocatively.
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Kristian responded with unnerving composure, “The Shaw Group will soon implement significant downsizing measures. Your sweetheart might unfortunately be laid off.”
“You wouldn’t dare take such action,” Damon challenged.
“Care to test that assumption?” Kristian countered.
“I haven’t encountered any information suggesting she has an older sister.” Damon mentally cursed his predicament while reluctantly sharing what he knew. “However, employees at the Briggs Group occasionally refer to Ethel as ‘the younger one.’”
Kristian’s eyebrows drew together slightly in contemplation.
“What prompts this inquiry?” Damon asked, genuine curiosity evident in his voice.
“It’s inconsequential.” Kristian rose from his chair and gently tapped Damon’s bandaged shoulder as he prepared to depart. “Focus on your recovery and treat me to a meal when your health improves.”
Damon inhaled sharply at the contact, wincing in pain before quickly calling out as Kristian reached the doorway, “Should you dare render my future wife unemployed, I guarantee you’ll come to regret that decision!”
Kristian strode out of the hospital room with measured steps, Damon’s words echoing in his mind.
His eyes darkened as the implications sank in. Could Freya truly be Hugh Briggs’s daughter? The possibility unsettled him.
Outside, he spotted Richie Hewitt, the branch manager, waiting attentively by the door.
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