Chapter 76:
Since she still needed to travel to Jeucwell to finalize the divorce proceedings, she explained, “I’ll thoroughly familiarize myself with the current business landscape first and formally assume the position after our divorce becomes official.”
“Whenever suits your timeline,” Hugh concurred wholeheartedly.
Freya acknowledged his support with a simple nod.
During the following days, Kristian made no effort to contact Freya. He immersed himself in business negotiations while Freya methodically investigated the incident involving Ethel.
A week passed remarkably quickly.
After comprehensive medical assessments confirmed no permanent damage, Ethel was cleared to leave the hospital. Fortunately, her arm fracture was relatively minor, requiring only minimal rest before a full recovery.
A more severe break would have demanded a month-long healing period.
As for her head injury, despite its initially alarming appearance due to heavy bleeding, it healed swiftly under the expert care of Frederick’s sister. Nevertheless, the wound on her forehead still needed daily dressing changes.
Hugh personally arrived to take her home.
Ethel sat quietly in the vehicle, a subtle melancholy shadowing her demeanor.
“Mina has been thoroughly investigating the incident,” Hugh explained, recognizing the source of her despondency. “She submitted all the evidence to law enforcement several days ago. Once the prosecutor’s office finishes their review, the case will move to court for formal prosecution.”
“Have we identified the perpetrator?” Ethel asked, her spirits visibly lifting at the news.
S🅔𝓮 𝒸𝒽𝒶𝓅𝓉𝓮𝓇𝓈 𝓲𝓷 g𝓪𝗅𝗇ovє𝗅𝓈.con
“I don’t know. I asked her, but she kept it to herself,” Hugh replied, his voice trailing off into silence.
When he tried to press further, Freya had warned him not to get involved, insisting she would handle the matter personally. Yesterday, when he followed up about any results, she skillfully changed the subject, reminding him of his responsibility to pick up Ethel from the hospital.
Ethel hesitated, debating whether to share her thoughts with her father.
Hugh noticed her hesitation. “What’s troubling you?”
“Perhaps she withheld information to spare you from an awkward position.” Ethel had come to this conclusion once her emotions settled.
Hugh stiffened. “What exactly are you suggesting?”
“During my attack, I glimpsed someone beyond the alley—Cheryl’s younger brother,” Ethel revealed, the memory growing clearer as her health improved. “I told Mina, and she told me to keep you in the dark.”
Hugh’s eyes locked briefly, his expression hardening.
Ethel yearned for reconciliation between her sister and father. “Whatever wedge stands between you two, beneath it all, you still care deeply for each other. Why not bridge this divide through honest conversation?”
Hugh remained silent, weighed down by remorse. He longed to have a meaningful talk with Freya but knew she might never forgive.
“You’ve yet to fully mature,” Hugh murmured, avoiding further explanation.
“I’ll explain when you’re ready to understand.”
“I’m nineteen now—legally an adult,” Ethel countered, emotions swirling beneath her composed exterior. “I’m no longer the child who begged for sweets and broke down at the slightest hardship.”
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