Chapter 67:
Just as these thoughts circled his mind, his secretary opened the door and announced with professional crispness, “Mr. Briggs, Mr. Kristian Shaw from Shaw Group has arrived.”
“Send him in,” Hugh directed.
“Right away.” The secretary promptly escorted the visitors inside. Conducting business in a hospital room marked a first for both Hugh and Kristian.
Kristian entered with Freya at his side, greeted Hugh, and throughout, scrutinized the reactions of both Hugh and Ethel.
Yet he observed nothing remarkable.
Hugh and Ethel regarded Freya with complete indifference, as though she were a stranger among them.
After exchanging courtesies and offering well-wishes for Ethel’s recovery, Kristian broached the business matter with Hugh.
“Mr. Shaw, you expressed interest in our Briggs Group’s latest venture. Which specific project catches your attention?” Hugh inquired with outward politeness, though his bearing reflected years of corporate command.
Freya’s gaze flickered momentarily. She sensed a shift in her father’s presence. What escaped her notice was Hugh’s underlying displeasure with Kristian.
Bringing her along without proper introduction suggested to Hugh that Kristian disregarded her daughter entirely.
This unspoken grievance cast a cold edge over Hugh.
Kristian detected Hugh’s hostility but dismissed it as possibly imagined.
“The artificial intelligence initiative.”
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“We manage several AI projects. Which one specifically?” Hugh countered swiftly, his eyes locked on Kristian.
“The AI robotics development,” Kristian clarified.
“That particular venture shows promise, but we’ve already secured a partnership elsewhere,” Hugh stated.
“I see.” Kristian hadn’t come with serious business intentions anyway. His gaze drifted toward Freya briefly, his lips curving into a knowing smile. “I wonder, Mr. Briggs, do you have daughters beyond Ethel Briggs?”
“What exactly are you implying?” Hugh responded with practiced ease. Ethel glanced up, suddenly attentive.
Kristian, measured and deliberate, explained, “Recently in Jeucwell, I encountered someone claiming your daughter. I wondered if perhaps you had another daughter.”
“My dad has only one daughter,” Ethel declared from her bed, her voice carrying youthful certainty.
Hugh maintained his poise, responding with a touch of humor, “Such rumors are merely gossip. I’ve even heard numerous claims from people eager to bear your children.”
“No doubt,” Kristian replied, settling into the casual exchange.
Ethel struggled to control her wandering gaze, which repeatedly drifted toward Freya.
On her tenth glance, Kristian looked up and inquired softly, “Miss Briggs, are you acquainted with my wife?”
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