Chapter 60:
“Could you show me the text message?” Freya requested.
“Of course!” Ethel unlocked her phone with swift fingers and presented it to her sister.
Freya examined the message carefully, committing the number to memory.
“Mina,” Ethel ventured cautiously.
“Please don’t create difficulties for Cheryl,” Ethel implored, well aware of her sister’s lingering resentment. “I can confidently assure you she had no involvement in this incident.”
During the two years of her sister’s absence, Ethel had gained significant perspective. Cheryl wasn’t the villain she’d once believed her to be.
Freya paused thoughtfully before responding, “As long as she hasn’t caused you harm. What transpired after you arrived at the location?”
She returned the phone after thoroughly examining the message.
“I was ambushed in an alleyway before reaching my intended destination,” Ethel recounted with remarkable objectivity. “I caught a glimpse of Cheryl’s younger brother observing from outside the alley. Then my… boyfriend arrived, rescued me, and transported me to the hospital. Everything afterward remains a blank. Oh! I should mention—my boyfriend came because I texted him en route to verify if he was genuinely in trouble.”
Freya nodded, having assembled a comprehensive picture of the events. “Did you file a police report?”
“Yes,” Ethel confirmed with a nod.
Freya made a solemn promise. “I’ll provide you with the complete truth within seven days.”
𝙎𝙚𝙚 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝖗𝖊𝖆𝖑 𝖘𝖙𝖔𝖗𝖞 at 𝔤𝖆𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀．𝗰𝗼𝗺
Ethel nodded eagerly, a mischievous sparkle igniting in her eyes.
Having successfully avoided censure for having a boyfriend, she grew emboldened. “Now that I’ve shared my story, shouldn’t you reciprocate with yours?”
Freya was poised to respond when her attention shifted to an incoming text message from Hugh.
The message read, “Kristian has requested to have dinner with me. Should I accept the invitation?”
“What’s the matter?” Ethel’s voice carried a note of concern as she caught the subtle shift in her sister’s expression.
“Nothing. Get some rest,” Freya replied, her eyes darkening as she rose with her phone clutched in hand. “I need to make a call outside.”
Ethel nodded.
Freya strode into the corridor and dialed Hugh’s number.
Hugh answered promptly, “Hello, Mina.”
“When did he extend the invitation?” Freya asked directly, cutting through any pleasantries.
“Just moments ago,” Hugh answered with unusual candor. “A manager from his branch office contacted my secretary, explaining that Kristian has taken significant interest in the Briggs Group’s latest project and wishes to meet.”
Freya contemplated this information silently. Her instincts warned her that beneath the surface, something more complex was unfolding.
“Is declining an option?” she inquired.
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