She Took The House The Car And My Heart novel Chapter 26

Chapter 26 Improvisation

At a crossroads, Gerard chose the right path, while Kristian deliberately veered in the wrong direction.

He watched, curious about Freya’s next move.

But Freya didn’t waste a moment contemplating her choice. Whether consciously or not, between Kristian and Gerard, she would instinctively follow Gerard.

This lesson had been ingrained in her by Kristian himself.

Gerard glimpsed his boss heading astray and paused to call out, “Sir, Miss Briggs’s room lies this way–you’ve

taken a wrong turn.”

Kristian pivoted back toward them.

The trio resumed their journey together.

Kristian’s eyes settled on Freya, who maintained perfect composure. “How did you know which way was

correct?”

“It’s always right to follow Gerard’s lead,” Freya answered, dissolving his suspicions with those simple words.

Both men lapsed into silence.

Gerard fidgeted inwardly, genuinely worried about potential misinterpretations of his relationship with Freya. He’d accompanied her shopping, arranged her meals, and served as her chauffeur whenever she ventured out. What if his boss began to suspect something more? The thought truly unsettled him!

Kristian sighed with frustration, yet noting Freya’s ordinary demeanor, he hastened his steps toward Ethel’s hospital room.

He was merely testing Freya; business matters could be delegated later.

Meanwhile, Hugh smoothed his attire and asked Ethel to verify his appearance before inquiring, “Do I project authority?”

“Absolutely,” Ethel responded.

“You mean it?” he pressed.

She nodded firmly. “Without question!”

“Enough to intimidate Kristian?” he ventured further.

“That’s difficult to predict…” she replied candidly.

In her experience, Kristian had never cowered before anyone; others always feared him instead.

Hugh recognized this truth, and his expression hardened as he contemplated how to assert dominance over

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Chapter 26 Improvisation

Kristian.

After all, he needed to confront the man who had hurt his daughter!

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.” “We manage several AI projects. Which one specifically?” Hugh countered swiftly, his eyes locked on Kristian. “The Al 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 cl daughter. I wondered if perhaps you had another daughter.”

g your

“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

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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.