Chapter 78:
Frederick barely dared to breathe throughout the exchange—not because of the cutting remarks from those at the table, but because he sensed they were inviting disaster. The last person who had treated Freya with such disrespect now went to great lengths to avoid crossing her path.
“Mr. Shaw, women like her require firm handling,” Edwin said, his polished appearance contradicting the crude vulgarity of his words. “Take her to a hotel room, and she’ll quickly become compliant.”
Kristian’s glacial gaze shifted deliberately. “Is that your assessment?”
“Without question!” Edwin leered at Freya and continued, “Mr. Shaw, if you wish, I can arrange accommodations immediately and ensure her delivery.”
Several attendees subtly furrowed their brows, perplexed by Kristian’s willingness to associate with someone like Edwin.
Edwin’s company was a minor enterprise at best, and his notorious weakness for women alienated even casual acquaintances.
“Very well,” Kristian agreed with unsettling calm. “However, I insist she remain untouched beforehand.”
His inscrutable gaze fixed on Freya, masking the anger simmering beneath the surface.
He felt compelled to demonstrate the true viciousness men could wield, convinced nothing less would convey his message effectively.
“I guarantee it!” Edwin beamed with unwarranted confidence. “She’ll arrive at your accommodations completely untouched for your exclusive attention.”
Kristian maintained his silence, an oppressive aura radiating from his presence.
If it weren’t for the critical information Kristian needed about the Briggs family from Edwin, he would never have tolerated dining with such a contemptible man. Initially dismissing his suspicions about Freya, Kristian had recently uncovered her thorough investigation into Ethel’s incident, which ultimately led to Emil’s arrest.
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How could someone supposedly employed merely as a bodyguard show such personal investment in Ethel’s affairs?
“This situation seems inappropriate…” Frederick ventured hesitantly. His tentative objection immediately caught the attention of both Kristian and Freya.
Kristian fixed him with a penetrating gaze, while Freya shot him a clear warning glance.
“What troubles you, Mr. Price?” Kristian inquired, his deep, magnetic voice calm but laced with unmistakable authority.
Frederick instinctively glanced toward Freya but found himself unable to voice his concerns. Freya’s intimidating stare effectively silenced him.
Yet, through Kristian’s perceptive eyes, Frederick’s hesitation appeared as genuine concern for Freya, his reluctance suppressed only by the oppressive weight of authority.
Emboldened by this misinterpretation, Kristian pressed further. “Do you perhaps find her too attractive to be escorted away?”
“My son absolutely intended no such implication,” Robert Price interjected hastily, sensing Kristian’s growing displeasure. Seasoned in the business world, veterans like Robert instinctively read subtle shifts in power dynamics. He added deferentially, “Please accept our apologies if offense was taken, Mr. Shaw.”
Frederick furrowed his brows, irritation clear on his face. He loathed these social gatherings, mostly because he couldn’t bear seeing his father in such a compromised state.
He understood that business dinners required social finesse from anyone without significant status. But understanding didn’t mean embracing it.
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