Chapter 384
Freya finds comfort in Lana’s presence as they discuss the upcoming Whitmore Industries procurement bid results, which could lead to significant business opportunities if their design wins. Lana expresses confidence in their updated model, which has reduced costs, increasing their chances of success. However, Freya’s thoughts are interrupted when her secretary informs her that Parker Williams, her brother, has come to see her, sparking a mix of shock and concern.
When Freya meets Parker, she confronts him about his intentions, suspecting he is there to plead for Jenny, a person who has caused family tension. Parker admits he wants Freya to help keep Jenny in the Williams family, despite past insults to their parents. Freya challenges his loyalty to their parents’ memory, but Parker remains guarded, hinting at deeper secrets. Determined to reconnect and seek answers, Freya insists Parker accompany her to Ashbourne to visit their parents’ resting place.
As they prepare for the overnight drive, Freya reassures Lana about their journey, emphasizing the importance of honoring their parents. During the drive, Freya shares memories of their childhood and family history, hoping to rekindle Parker’s connection to their past. Parker listens quietly, his emotions hidden, and eventually asks why Freya left the military, a question she defers for another time. The chapter ends with a tense but hopeful atmosphere as they travel toward Ashbourne together.
Chapter 384
Freya’s Perspective
Lana gently placed her hand over mine, the familiar warmth of her wolf’s scent offering a comforting anchor amidst the swirling tension. “Whatever decision you make,” she said softly, “know that I’m with you, no matter what p>
I let out a slow breath, feeling the tightness in my chest ease just a fraction.
Changing the subject, I asked, “By the way, when will the results for the Whitmore Industries procurement bid be announced p>
“In three days,” Lana replied. “If SkyVex wins, we’ll also get invites to the Whitmore Annual Summit p>
That Summit wasn’t just a typical corporate event.
It was the gathering place for every major supplier, influential figure, and allied company within the Ironclad Coalition. For anyone in business, it was the prime opportunity—both figuratively and literally—to forge new partnerships and alliances.
“I’m confident in our design,” Lana continued, her tone steady. “Especially since we incorporated your updated model. The cost dropped by five percent. If Whitmore isn’t completely blind, they’ll choose us p>
Five percent might sound insignificant, but in large-scale production, that margin could shift entire markets.
“I hope you’re right,” I murmured, trusting the work I’d poured my heart into. Still, the final call rested with Silas—the Ironclad Alpha I had just severed ties with.
Before I could let my thoughts spiral further, the door to the outer office creaked open. My secretary stepped inside, her expression professional yet cautious.
“Manager Freya,” she announced, “someone’s here to see you. He says his name is Parker Williams p>
My entire body froze.
Lana nearly choked on her coffee, eyes wide. “Your brother?” she whispered in disbelief. “Parker’s looking for you p>
“Send him to the conference room,” I instructed Wren.
After she left, Lana leaned in close, a shadow of worry crossing her face. “Why now? Don’t tell me he’s here to plead for Jenny p>
“We’ll find out soon enough,” I said quietly.
When I entered the conference room, Parker was already standing by the window, his tall frame rigid. He looked the same as always—cold-eyed, unreadable—but there was something different in his scent, a tension that made my wolf bristle.
“You’re here for Jenny,” I stated without sitting down.
“Yes,” he answered, voice steady but strained. “I hope you can forgive her this once. And I hope you’ll convince Silas not to expel her from the Williams Family p>
My wolf’s hackles rose instantly.
“So she means that much to you?” I challenged. “Even after she insulted our parents—Arthur and Myra—you still want to protect her? Is that how little their memory matters to you p>
A flicker of emotion crossed his eyes—gone in an instant.
“She… can’t afford anything to happen right now,” he said quietly.
“Why not?” I pressed, demanding answers.
He fell silent, jaw clenched tight.
Of course. More secrets.
“If you want me to recognize you as my brother,” I said coldly, “then you’re coming with me p>
“Where?” he asked, frowning.
“To Ashbourne. To the Legion’s Hall of Martyrs,” I replied firmly. “That’s where our parents rest p>
I grabbed my keys and bag.
“You lost your memories—fine. But do you at least remember how to drive p>
He hesitated, then nodded. “I can drive. Memory loss doesn’t affect that p>
“Good. We’ll switch driving shifts. WolfComm navigation will guide us. If we leave now, we’ll be in Ashbourne by tomorrow morning p>
He didn’t respond, but he followed me out, which said enough.
Before heading out, I stopped by Lana’s desk. “I have to go to Ashbourne with Parker p>
Her jaw dropped. “You’re driving overnight across three territories with him p>
“Arthur and Myra worried about him their whole lives. Even if he’s forgotten us, he should at least stand before their headstones and let them rest p>
“But just the two of you? Aren’t you worried about exhaustion p>
“It’s nothing,” I assured her. “I’ve pulled forty-eight-hour shifts on Iron Fang missions without sleep p>
She wisely chose not to argue.
Outside, my car waited under the soft glow of the evening streetlights.
I slid into the driver’s seat. Parker took the passenger side silently, a shadow slipping in beside me.
For several minutes, he said nothing. His aura was unreadable, which was strange for someone with a wolf’s senses.
“Ashbourne is our hometown,” I said at last.
His eyes flickered downward. “Is it p>
“Yes.” My grip tightened on the steering wheel as I merged onto the highway. “It was just the three of us and our parents. We lived there when we were young. Later, because of their work, we moved to The Capital—but we still came back to Ashbourne from time to time p>
I shared everything with him—small details, warm memories, bitter moments.
The memories flowed from me like water carving a path through rock.
Parker listened without interrupting, his posture stiff, eyes flickering with emotions I couldn’t quite read.
“Because of our parents,” I said softly, “you decided early on to join the Iron Fang or serve in the Army. You always wanted to protect people. To protect us p>
“And I…” My voice softened. “You were my role model. So after graduation, I enrolled in Halston Combat Academy and became a soldier too p>
He stared at me for a long moment.
“Then why aren’t you in the military anymore?” he finally asked.
The question hung between us, heavy and unspoken.
I inhaled deeply.
“That,” I said quietly, “is a story for another time p>
The chapter closes on a poignant note, capturing the fragile threads of family, memory, and loyalty that bind Freya and Parker. Despite the distance carved by lost memories and past grievances, the journey to Ashbourne symbolizes a tentative step toward reconciliation and understanding. Freya’s willingness to confront the shadows of their shared past, and Parker’s silent acceptance, reveal the complex emotions that simmer beneath the surface—hope, resentment, and a lingering desire for connection.
Amidst the tension of corporate battles and personal conflicts, the chapter gently reminds us that healing often begins with facing difficult truths together. Freya’s steadfast resolve and Parker’s guarded presence underscore the enduring power of family ties, even when fractured. Their drive through the night is not just a physical journey, but an emotional passage toward confronting what was lost and what might still be reclaimed.
The next chapter promises to delve deeper into the fragile and complex relationship between Freya and Parker as they embark on their journey to Ashbourne. The tension simmering beneath their words hints at unresolved past wounds and secrets that could either mend or further fracture their bond. As they confront the ghosts of their shared history, readers can expect emotional revelations that challenge their perceptions of family loyalty and forgiveness.
Meanwhile, the looming Whitmore Industries procurement bid and the potential invitation to the Ironclad Coalition’s Annual Summit continue to cast a shadow over Freya’s personal struggles. The interplay between corporate ambitions and intimate family drama sets the stage for conflicts that could ripple across both spheres. With Freya caught between loyalty to her brother, her past with Silas, and her own aspirations, the stakes have never felt higher or more personal.
Florence
Florence is a passionate reader who finds joy in long drives on rainy days. She’s also a fan of Italian makeup tutorials, blending beauty and elegance into her everyday life.