---- Chapter 81 Out of nowhere, Gabrielle spoke up quietly, "Why don't you go to Jonathan?" "What?" Both Frederick and I snapped our heads around to stare at her. Frederick was the first to react, visibly agitated. ''No way. I'm not letting Elise go beg him!" But I had already fallen into thought. After a moment, I said, "It might be the only way." Jonathan was still ona business trip, and Edward probably wouldn't bother him with something like this. But if we really wanted to get Aria out...

Jonathan was the only one with that kind of pull. "If going to Jonathan is the only way to get Aria released, then honestly-there's nothing to hesitate about." Frederick and I didn't have any deep relationship . We were cooperating , helping each other for mutual benefit. But he'd taken a risk on my proposal -not just because of my plan, but because of me.

"If going to Jonathan is the only way to get Aria released, then honestly-there's nothing to hesitate about." Frederick and I didn't have any deep relationship . We were cooperating , helping each other for mutual benefit. But he'd ---- taken a risk on my proposal -not just because of my plan, but because of me. Otherwise, it would've taken me ages to find another investor. And even then, success wasn't guaranteed. Ibelieved in my proposal, but luck was still part of the equation.

Frederick had been that bit of luck. And for that, I was willing to return the favor-even if it meant going to Jonathan. Frederick looked like he was having a hard time swallowing it. His expression darkened. "I don't agree. Elise, you're about to divorce him. Why would you lower yourself to ask him for help?" "T'm not doing it for him. I'm doing it for Aria." I frowned. "The priority right now is getting her out." Frederick stared at me, suddenly intense. "Aria isn't your sister.

Follow new episodes on the CrushnovelS.Com

She's not your friend. Even our parents have abandoned her. She's my sister. So, why the hell do you care so much?" I paused, caught off guard by the question. Then he stepped closer. "Elise... Is it because of me? Because she matters to me, so you don't want to see anything happen to her?" Absolutely not... Iturned my head, throwing a desperate glance toward Gabrielle. She just raised an eyebrow, smirked slightly , and casually slipped out, closing the door behind her.

---- I didn't know what to say at that moment. Then, I turned around to see Frederick's face up close. He was the kind of guy with dangerously good looks, the type that practically screamed player. That charming smirk, the devil-may-care eyes-just one glance could make someone's heart skip if they weren't careful. His voice dropped. "Answer me, Elise." "Do you care about Aria because you care about me?" I grabbed his shoulders and pushed him back hard. "Are you out of your damn mind?

Your sister might be suffering right now, and this is what you're focused on?" I fought the urge to roll my eyes. "Frederick, I'm still married. There's no way I'd catch feelings for someone else." It wasn't about being noble. I just didn't want to drag him into amess. Being labeled a homewrecker was the last thing either ofus needed. "Got it." Frederick finally seemed to snap out of it. He nodded , voice low.

"We'll talk about it later." "Think it through," I said simply, then walked out of the bedroom. Gabrielle was waiting in the hallway. I walked up to her and said, "Gabrielle, what's Jonathan's work number?" She raised an eyebrow. "Why not just call his personal line? ---- Only a few people have that." Ipulled out my phone. "I forgot what I saved him as..." When I opened the contact, I snorted. Thad saved him under "Honey". I gagged and immediately changed it to Jonathan the Mutt.

The phone rang three times before he picked up. "Elise?" His voice came through low and deep, laced with static from the signal. Somehow, it sounded even smoother than usual - rich, calm, a little amused. Maybe it was just me, but he actually sounded like he was in a good mood.