She Took The House The Car And My Heart

Chapter 194

Chapter 194 Can You Really

Protect Me

Kristian felt a dull, unbearable weight settle in his chest, the kind that sank deeper with every breath.

He didn't utter another word and quietly descended the stairs.

Liam didn't press him for answers, nor did he offer any help. If Kristian truly needed something, Liam knew he'd

ask.

"Kristian," he called out, quickening his steps to catch up with his brother.

Kristian's thoughts were entirely consumed by Freya. "What is it?"

"If you keep dragging your feet, Freya's never gonna end up being my sister-in- law again," Liam reminded him

pointedly.

Kristian glanced sideways at him, unimpressed. Did Liam seriously think he needed his unsolicited advice?

"Do you needto help you win her back?" Liam offered, his grin betraying his amusement. "I mean, | can't

promise she'll fall for you again, but | can at least try to keep her from hating your guts."

Kristian was even less impressed now. Was this what Liam thought counted as help?

He didn't hesitate. "No, thanks."

"You sure?" Liam pressed.

Kristian didn't answer. He just picked up his pace, heading for the hall downstairs.

Not long after they left; a shadowy figure appeared in the room they'd just vacated. After scanning the area with

sharp eyes, the person pulled out a phone and made a call.

Thanks to the tdifference, it was midday on the other end.

When the call connected, the person on the line spoke casually. "How are things going?"

"Everything's moving along as planned."

"Any anomalies?"

"None."

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With that, the call ended-and the person dialed another number, this tto Ashley in Alerith.

Ashley's nerves were already fraying when the call cin.

Remembering what Freya had told her earlier, she grabbed a different phone and started recording before

answering. "Hello."

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Chapter 194 Can You Really Protect Me

The phone she was speaking into had been rigged by him. If he suspected she was recording, he'd know.

She had to use another device.

"Keep a close eye on Kristian and Freya's relationship for the tbeing," the man's voice cthrough slowly,

with unsettling precision. "Check if Freya is pregnant in a month."

Ashley's heart thudded wildly in her chest. "Okay."

"Ashley," he said her nsuddenly.

Her breath caught. Even the way he said it sent a chill through her bones.

Before she could reply, his voice returned-gentle but laced with venom, a low chuckle curling at the end.

"Behave yourself over there. You know exactly what'll happen if you cross me."

Her fingers clenched the phone so tightly her knuckles turned white, cold sweat beading in her palms. She could

barely breathe.

"You understand?" he asked.

"Y-Yes..." Ashley forced the word out, every syllable trembling

The man seemed pleased. Before ending the call, he added, "Good girl."

As the line went dead, Ashley slumped into her chair, drained and trembling

In that moment, the idea of turning her back on Freya crossed her mind. If that

man ever discovered her betrayal, she'd be done for.

But then, Freya's earlier words echoed in her mind, and doubt crept in.

While she was still deep in thought, her phone buzzed twice.

On instinct, she picked it up and stared at the message. "Remember your place. Don't think you can escape my

control through Kristian and Freya. You know what | am capable of."

A shiver sliced down her spine. Her face went ghostly pale. Her first thought was that he'd found her out.

Panic set in as her mind spiraled. She wanted to call Freya-but feared the risk.

Before she could make a decision, her other phone rang. Seeing Freya's non the screen, she froze.

She hesitated, unsure whether to answer.

The phone rang six or seven times without an answer. Freya assumed Ashley might be asleep or in the shower

and was about to hang up, intending to try again later.

But Ashley picked up at the last second. "Hello."

Since she'd answered, Freya got right to the point. "Has he contacted you?"

Ashley's heart nearly stopped. What was happening? Why did it feel like everyone was watching her?

"Why aren't you saying anything?" Freya stood beside the pool behind the hotel, her figure merging with the

night. After a pause, she spoke again.

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"He has..." Ashley's voice was barely above a whisper.

Freya instantly sensed something was off. "What's wrong?"

Ashley stayed quiet. She wasn't sure if she should reveal everything.

"Can you really protect me?" she finally asked, after what felt like an eternity.

"As long as you follow what | say, I'll keep you safe," Freya assured her. "But you can't keep anything from me."

Trusting Ashley was a gamble-but one Freya was willing to take.

Just in case, she had prepared for betrayal. Even if Ashley turned on her, Freya still had a Plan B.

Hearing her words, Ashley-though still torn-chose to believe her. She recounted what had happened, including

the threatening message.

"You think he really knows we're working together?" Ashley bit her lip hard, dreading what might happen if he

did.

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Freya's voice was steady. "No."

"Why not?"

"He said you were working with Kristian and me. But now, you're only working

with me," Freya explained coolly.

She knew that man too well not to see through the cracks.

Ashley felt a strange, cautious relief settle over her. "Really?"

"It's just his usual scare tactic," Freya replied, fully aware of the psychological ghe was playing. "Think back

to when you were in Jeucwell. Didn't he say something similar?"

Ashley wracked her memory.

Even though their contact had been limited back then, he had warned her not to get any bright ideas. "I think

so."

"Alright," Freya said, calm and composed.

She could tell Ashley wasn't mentally strong enough to handle this kind of pressure.

But that wasn't a surprise.

Ashley was just a regular person-no training, no backup. That man was vicious, and she'd betrayed him.

Naturally, guilt and paranoia were eating her alive.

It was like real life-the cheater always ended up jittery, terrified the truth was out, jumping every tthe

subject cup.

"Why does he wantto find out if you're pregnant?" Ashley's anxiety began to

ease.

Freya didn't hold anything back. "Someone locked Kristian andin a room filled with incense that had

aphrodisiac effects."

"Did you..." Ashley began hesitantly, but her voice trailed off, unsure if it was appropriate to ask.

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Chapter 104 Can You Really Protect Me

Freya raised an eyebrow. "Do you care?"

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