Chapter 325 Intruder Alert
Radley poured a cup of hot tea for Freya and placed it in her hands for her to hold.
He then sat down across from her.
Freya’s heart was a whirlwind of emotions. In her recollections of the past two years, Radley had never displayed such thoughtfulness.
She pondered which version of him was genuine – the one before her now or the one from her memories.
Interrupting her thoughts, Radley inquired, “What’s on your mind? Tell me.”
Freya scolded herself inwardly for getting lost in her reverie. Why do I always lose composure when I see him?
“I’ve come here today for something serious and to offer an apology.”
my
She raised her head with determination. “I want to withdraw from the competition.”
Radley remained silent.
Freya pressed her lips together and continued, “I know that this decision isn’t good for your image or the brand. Regardless of the consequences, I can bear them, but I’m resolute about withdrawing.”
She added softly “If it leads to any losses, I’ll take full responsibility.”
After she finished speaking, Radley finally asked, “Is it because of Brisa?”
Freya looked at him with surprise and nodded. “Yes, Brisa has been taken into custody by the police, and they haven’t released her yet. Inken hasn’t been able to find out why they are keeping her detained. I need to help him.”
Radley’s gaze deepened. “Perhaps I can help you.”
“No need,” she replied firmly.
She smiled as she continued, “I can’t hide anything from you. By now, you’ve probably figured out the connection between me, Brisa, and Inken. However, it’s not convenient for you to know all the details. What I can share is that the three of us have been friends for many years. Brisa is like family to me, just like my own family members. I can’t simply stand by while she’s in trouble.”
Business might hold significance, but it should always come after family and friends.
1/4
Without surprise, Radley nodded in understanding. “I have no objection to your withdrawal. from the competition, and you don’t have to worry about any losses, Public opinion won’t sway me. It’s just…”
“Just what?” Freya inquired.
“I have a question.”
Radley stared intently at her and asked, “Is it really Inken’s type you like?”
He knew deep down that this wasn’t the case, but he couldn’t help asking as he would only find peace if Freya confirmed it wasn’t.
Freya hadn’t anticipated this question.
She fell into a brief silence, her lips pursed as she softly replied, “You should know the type I
like.”
The only person she had ever loved in her life was Radley.
The atmosphere in the room took on a peculiar tension, and Freya sensed a strong undercurrent in Radley’s gaze.
“The losses incurred in this matter were due to my personal reasons, and I’m willing to share the responsibility with you. Radley, I’m truly sorry.”
“You don’t need to apologize. This incident didn’t result in any significant losses to the Monaghan Group; it was just a competition. I believe you will prove yourself with your abilities in the future. It’s only a matter of time.” His voice was deep and reassuring.
“Now that you have decided to withdraw from the competition, I’ll have Connor notify the team. You wait here, and I’ll take you to Hartterre tonight.”
Freya was surprised. “You’re not staying here?”
“If you’re not here, there’s no point in me staying,” Radley replied.
Freya’s heart raced, and Radley had already risen to make a call to Connor.
Seated on the sofa, Freya picked up her phone and informed Inken of her plan to withdraw from the competition.
I’ll be coming over tonight. Arrange a hotel near the Callahan Residence for me.
Freya planned to return to her room to pack her luggage. Radley finished his call and accompanied her all the way back.
24
They walked in silence, but a subtle affection began to quietly take root between them.
Radley lowered his gaze and looked at Freya by his side. When she hinted that he should know the type of person she liked, his initial reaction was joy, but it was swiftly followed by a pang of regret.
He had missed the best opportunity.
So now, even if it meant risking his life, he would not let go of her.
Halfway through the journey, Freya received a call from Inken.
“Freya, don’t withdraw. Continue with the competition; we’ve resolved Brisa’s situation.”
Anxiously, Freya inquired, “What happened?”
“The police didn’t find any specific reason to detain Brisa. They simply matched her fingerprints and traced her to her family.”
Inken’s voice held a hint of helplessness. “Brisa ran away from home. She’s the only daughter of Mr. Davis, one of the ministers in Capitael. As soon as her fingerprints matched, the Davis. family issued a gag order and came to Hartterre to take her away.”
“Mr. Davis?” Freya was shocked, recalling Brisa’s confident confrontation with Riley and her casual mention of the Freeman family.
It all made sense now she had the backing of the Davis family.
Freya’s concerns were alleviated, and she couldn’t help but chuckle. “So, her real name isn’t Brisa Trujillo?”
“Yes, her surname is Davis, and her name is Brisa Davis.” Inken gritted his teeth. “Once she’s out, we’ll settle the score with her.”
Radley had been listening attentively beside Freya. When she ended the call, he asked, “So, you don’t need to withdraw from the competition now, do you?”
“Absolutely not,” Freya replied, her spirits lifted. This competition had always held great significance for her. Had it not been for her concern for Brisa, she wouldn’t have considered withdrawing at all.
With her mood greatly improved, she spoke cheerfully. “Mr. Monaghan, rest assured. I’ll definitely bring home a championship trophy for you this time.”
They continued walking for a while until Freya eventually halted.
“Alright, you should head back now. There are surveillance cameras further ahead,” she said.
3/4
Radley glanced at the surveillance camera not far from the streetlight and furrowed his brow.
What a nuisance!
Freya made her way back to the villa, and upon reaching her room’s door, she paused.
She could hear faint noises coming from inside.
Silently pushing the door open, she entered the room.
A woman was standing in front of her TV cabinet, flipping through “The Compendium of Medical Wisdom,” which she had cleverly disguised as a notebook.
“What are you doing here?” Freya asked coldly, lifting the cloth covering the camera on the side.
The woman was startled. “M-Miss Kaufmann.”
“I recognize you. You’re Riley’s assistant, aren’t you?” Freya’s gaze turned icy as she retrieved the book from the woman’s hand.
After a cursory glance, she saw no damage to the book. It appeared that this woman wasn’t after “The Compendium of Medical Wisdom.”
It was likely that Riley had sent her.
The woman tried to make a hasty escape, but Freya pointed to the camera.
“Our conversation just now has been recorded and broadcast live. Do you think it’s too late to leave now?”
The woman’s face drained of color. Freya promptly picked up her phone and contacted the production team and the organizing committee.
At 10 p.m., all the contestants gathered at Villa No. 4.
Freya provided a detailed explanation of the entire situation, and the members of the organizing committee fixed stern gazes on Riley and her assistant.
“What exactly happened? If you don’t clarify it thoroughly, your participation in the competition will be permanently revoked.”
