Chapter 79:
His gaze drifted toward Freya once again, drawn by an unconscious pull.
Truly, being near Freya was the only genuine comfort he felt.
“Aren’t you escorting me to the hotel?” Freya tore her eyes away and fixed them on Edwin. “Shouldn’t we be leaving?”
The question startled everyone present, including Edwin.
Kristian’s fingers, which had been idly toying with his phone, suddenly tensed.
Frederick simply lowered his head, quietly sipping his drink, careful not to intervene. He knew with certainty that Freya was about to retaliate.
“Why such haste? Don’t think that clinging to Mr. Shaw gives you the right to act imperiously,” Edwin bristled at Freya’s words, as if she had implied he was nothing more than a procurer. “To Mr. Shaw, you’re just another conquest.”
Kristian studied Freya intently, his gaze deepening as he observed her face.
Sometimes, he marveled at her ability to remain composed when faced with such caustic remarks.
“Mr. Shaw.” Edwin slipped back into his sycophantic tone and, before leaving, hesitated, “Regarding our potential partnership…”
“My assistant will handle the arrangements,” Kristian replied tersely.
Edwin’s face brightened instantly. “Thank you.”
Everyone desired alliances with both the Briggs Group and the Shaw Group. While the Briggs Group remained out of his reach, he had now secured ties with the Shaw Group. Given another chance, he would certainly cultivate his relationship with Kristian to forge even closer business ties.
With these ambitions in mind, Edwin left with Freya. She played along willingly, knowing that once they reached the hotel, she could confront Edwin properly.
gⲁ𝗅𝗇𝗈ν𝖊𝗅𝘀.k𝗈𝗺 – 𝓐𝓬𝓬𝓮𝓼𝓼 𝒶𝓽 𝖠𝖳
The remaining guests in the private room continued their conversation briefly.
They were all astute observers.
When it came to matters of mutual consent, they preferred not to meddle.
Ten minutes later, someone ventured, “Mr. Shaw, since you have pressing matters today, we won’t impose further. The partnership discussions can resume another time. What are your thoughts?”
Kristian swept his gaze across the room as he rose. “Richie, the company manager, will coordinate the specifics with you, though whether we proceed depends entirely on the project’s merit.”
With that declaration, Kristian strode purposefully out of the room. As he emerged from the private chamber, Gerard approached with deference.
“Where’s Freya?” A heaviness settled in Kristian’s chest.
“I’ve already dispatched someone to trail her,” Gerard, anticipating his employer’s concerns without explicit direction, explained. “Should she face any danger, the bodyguards will intervene immediately.”
While somewhat reassured, Kristian still responded coldly, “Interfering busybody!”
Gerard maintained his composure, reflecting on the unpredictability of Kristian’s thoughts.
“Ensure Vertex Corporation is dealt with properly.” Kristian adjusted his tie, his lips delivering the chilled command. “Such trash should recognize their proper place.”
Gerard comprehended instantly. “Understood.” Vertex Corporation was Edwin’s company. Kristian was clearly defending Freya.
“To the hotel,” he commanded, his voice resonating with barely contained emotion. Gerard started the vehicle.
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