Chapter 962:
Ellis found himself momentarily speechless. A cascade of emotions washed across his features. This marked the second occasion Freya had explicitly labeled him intimidating. Had his demeanor truly projected such unapproachable severity?
“You could have sought comfort from others,” Ellis suggested, his voice softening. “Your camaraderie with the team ran deep in those days.”
Freya decided to abandon her playful baiting. She offered a straightforward explanation. “In truth, I dismissed it as inconsequential, expecting recovery within days.” Reality had unfolded quite differently. Instead, prolonged stress had exacerbated her insomnia to concerning levels.
“Should anything troubling arise in the future, inform me immediately,” Ellis advised, his lips curving into a devastatingly attractive smile. “Don’t shoulder burdens alone.”
Sometimes, unburdening oneself or seeking assistance could dissolve problems entirely. Internalizing troubles only magnified their impact, eventually corroding one’s psychological well-being.
“Agreed,” Freya conceded softly.
As their vehicle continued its journey, Freya gazed contemplatively through the window at the urban landscape rushing past in a blur of shapes and colors.
An unusual tranquility settled over her heart. The concept of peaceful existence had previously eluded her understanding. Now, however, she believed she might finally grasp its essence.
Observing the serene contentment illuminating her features, Ellis’s lips formed another gentle smile. His gaze softened noticeably as he began contemplating culinary creations that might win her affection.
They arrived at the apartment complex precisely at six-thirty. Ellis prepared to navigate into the underground parking structure when a figure materialized suddenly, calling out with unbridled enthusiasm,
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“Eli!”
Claire—precisely the last individual Ellis wished to encounter at this moment. He found himself compelled to halt the vehicle.
Freya examined the approaching woman—stylishly attired and possessing striking beauty—and inquired with natural curiosity, “An acquaintance of yours?”
“Not exactly…” Ellis murmured.
“Eli!” Claire approached with purposeful strides, her smile radiating sweetness and calculated charm. “I’ve been waiting hours for your return!”
Memories of Claire’s words from that late-night call drifted through Ellis’s mind. His tone had turned chilly and cautious as he spoke. “What are you doing here?”
With a defiant glare at Freya in the passenger seat, Claire answered, “I came all the way down here just to see you.”
Today, she was determined to rip off Freya’s mask—Ellis needed to see for himself that his girlfriend wasn’t who he thought she was.
His voice lacked warmth as he muttered, “And why?”
“We can’t talk here,” Claire ventured, glancing around and dropping her voice. “Can we go up to your place?” She didn’t realize the one who’d blocked her that day was Ellis himself.
Ellis shut her down without hesitation. His apartment was a gift from Freya. If Claire was only going to badmouth his girlfriend, there was no way he’d let her inside.
“Stay here,” Ellis responded abruptly, wanting to figure out how she’d even found his address. “I need to park. I’ll come get you in a minute.”
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