Free Web NovelChapter 188: Sooner or later ... your matters will belong to me
On the other side—
When Adelyn arrived at the company, Freya wasn’t in her office.
She glanced at the empty chair, and a hint of perplexity crossed her face. Still, she walked in, pulled out a chair for herself, and sat across the desk.
As she waited alone in the room—
After a while—
The office door was pushed open again.
Adelyn turned at the sound.
Freya stepped in, looking slightly exhausted.
Their eyes met, and Freya immediately asked,
"When did you arrive?"
Adelyn smiled faintly.
"Not long ago."
Even though she said it lightly, Freya instinctively checked the time on her watch. The furrow between her brows deepened.
They had agreed on a time, and she knew Adelyn must have arrived punctually.
It was she who had been late.
Late in sorting the things on her end.
"You should have called me," Freya said. "You didn’t need to sit and wait."
Adelyn shook her head gently.
"I would have if we were running late. But we still had time, so I didn’t want to disturb you."
Freya exhaled, then walked to her desk and picked up her bag. "Alright, fine —let’s go. We’re not late yet, but we might be. So hurry."
The training ground booked was charged per hour, and they have booked a slot. Any later would mean less time to practice.
Adelyn nodded, then stood up and followed her out.
There was only one elevator that went down to the basement, and it was almost always occupied.
So they had to wait.
By the time they reached the lobby—
They had already begun attracting attention.
Several glances followed them, subtle yet unmistakable.
But neither Adelyn nor Freya paid them any mind.
They walked through the lobby as if no one was watching.
Freya was beautiful—
But when she carried herself with that upright confidence, she became striking —someone who naturally drew attention.
And with Adelyn walking beside her, she appeared even more formidable.
After all, nearly everyone in the company knew by now—
Not only had Freya Finn discovered an eye-catching new artiste, but she had also managed to secure a top-tier opportunity for her in Director Rhodes’ upcoming film.
Naturally, envy had begun to brew amongst them.
"Manager Finn really has an eye for talent," someone whispered, though not quietly enough. "Her artiste has the looks and elegance to rival even the S-listers. And she actually secured a spot in Goldstem Production’s next project."
Others murmured in agreement.
Curiosity about Adelyn spread quietly through the room.
But no one knew much about her.
All they knew was that she was someone Freya had discovered —and chosen to groom personally.
Just as Freya and Adelyn were about to step out—
A voice stopped them.
"Manager Finn, heading out somewhere?" freewebnøvel.com
Adelyn didn’t need to turn to recognize the voice.
Even without looking, she knew—
Corrin Thatcher.
They both turned.
There he stood —Manager Corrin Thatcher himself —his gaze fixed on Freya, a smirk curling at the corner of his lips.
The smirk was clearly meant to provoke.
However—
Freya remained composed, not reacting in the slightest.
"Manager Thatcher, were you looking for me?" she asked calmly.
Corrin smiled and shook his head.
"No, I was just curious."
His gaze then shifted toward Adelyn—
Lingering, assessing ... almost as if he were already claiming ownership.
Adelyn didn’t understand the strange excitement in his eyes.
And before she could dwell on it—
Freya spoke again.
"If there’s nothing important, Manager Thatcher, we’ll take our leave. We have somewhere to be."
She cast a brief glance at Adelyn, signaling toward the exit.
They were just about to move—
When Corrin spoke again.
"I heard the CEO called you upstairs earlier," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Did you have a pleasant chat?"
Freya’s fingers clenched slightly.
She knew he was behind it all.
She also was aware of his intentions behind it all.
But she still wanted to keep her calm ... though it was difficult.
Adelyn noticed.
That small reaction alone was enough —she didn’t need further explanation to understand what that "chat" had likely involved.
She could sense Corrin stepping closer.
Freya felt it too.
But just as he was about to move past them—
... to step in front of them.
Freya turned and met his gaze directly.
Her posture remained calm—
But her eyes burned with restrained fury.
If not for his confidence, Corrin might have faltered under that stare.
But he didn’t.
Not when he believed he held the upper hand.
He stood there, looking at her with a mocking sort of admiration.
"You’re a manager under ZX Media, Manager Finn," he said. "At the end of the day, a cooperative attitude is what will help you survive here. I hope you understand that."
Freya didn’t flinch. She just looked him in the eye and responded,
"Don’t concern yourself with my matters, Manager Thatcher," she replied coolly. "As you said, I understand my position better than anyone. What attitude suits me better is what I decide —not you, not someone else."
Corrin’s jaw tightened almost imperceptibly.
Her confidence still irritated him the same as it did before.
But he masked it well.
Leaning slightly closer, he lowered his voice just enough to make it feel deliberate.
"How can I not be concerned about your matters, Manager Finn?" he said with a smile. "Sooner or later ... your matters will belong to me."
As he said that—
His gaze shifted meaningfully toward Adelyn.
Adelyn met his eyes —calm, unreadable.
And as always—
Corrin misread her silence as acceptance. With a final smirk, he turned and walked away.
Freya watched his retreating figure with a faint frown.
Then she closed her eyes briefly, steadying herself.
When she opened them again—
She was composed once more.
"Let’s go," she said, turning toward the exit.
But Adelyn spoke suddenly—
"Sister Freya ... are they fighting you over me?" she asked, looking at her.
Corrin’s confidence and the mockery in his tone were enough to tell the tale, but she still asked Freya —just to confirm.
