Chapter: 34

"What's going on with you two?" Felipe pressed, theatrically wide-eyed. "Did you have a fight?"

Kristian's glare could've melted steel. Felipe pretended not to notice.

"You talk with them." Freya had no interest in sparring with Kristian further. She turned to Trent. "I'm going to the restroom."

"Alright," Trent agreed, his tone dripping with gentleness.

The scene burned Kristian's retinas. Their effortless intimacy made him feel like the intruder.

"How did you and Kristian's wife meet, Mr. Seymour?" Felipe asked, swirling his drink.

Trent hesitated.

He wanted to say childhood friends, family ties—but Freya's warning echoed in his mind. He couldn't reveal her identity. His pause stretched a second too long.

Kristian misinterpreted it instantly. Whatever their first meeting was, it must've been.. compromising.

The room's temperature plummeted.

"If it's sensitive, forget I asked." Felipe laughed, pouring drinks as they arrived. "Let's toast! Gatherings like this are rare."

The conversation limped forward until Freya returned. Every eye tracked her.

She'd done what she came for. "I'm Leaving," she announced.

"Stay if you want."

"Don't rush." Felipe blocked her path. "Leave with Kristian later."

"No." Freya's refusal was absolute. "Stay a while longer," Trent added. Freya was silent but didn't walk out.

Kristian's grip on his glass turned lethal. His knuckles bleached white; his ribs cramped around the fury in his chest.

"Freya mentioned you're divorcing." Trent's question was a scalpel to Kristian's nerves. "Is it true?"

"Eager to take my place?" Kristian snarled, the words raw and unplanned. Regret lashed him the moment they escaped.

Everyone froze.

Even Felipe stiffened. No one expected such venom. If he truly wanted the divorce, why the rage?

"Kristian." Freya had meant to stay silent, but his words were a bridge too far. "Do you ever use that brain for anything beyond decoration?"

Kristian's hand froze mid-air. Temper flaring, he shot back, "Then stop giving me reasons to say these things."

"You're insane." Arguing was pointless. She drained her wine in one savage tilt.