Chapter 277

Preston was on the second floor of the decrepit building, which unsurprisingly lacked an elevator. Already nursing a serious injury, Freya could only proceed slowly up the stairs with Neil’s support. When they reached the study, Freya was visibly sweating.

“Did Preston do this on purpose? Couldn’t we have discussed whatever it is in the living room?” she complained.

Neil sighed deeply, a note of solemnity in his voice. “Preston isn’t like that. He, well, he might be trying to pull your leg.”

Hans, who was ahead, couldn’t help but twitch at their conversation as the study door swung open. Preston was seated at his desk, gesturing for them to sit down.

Freya noticed Preston’s study was unlike any other. No desk or chair was in sight, replaced by a cozy set of sofas and a coffee table. Remembering Preston’s recent short stay at the Echo City Hotel, it appeared he had purchased this place with plans to permanently settle in Echo City.

“What are you standing around for?” Preston looked at Freya.

Neil helped Freya to a nearby sofa. Her limping gait was somewhat comical.

“Sit.”

“Mr. Tyler, what did you want to see me about? Let’s cut to the chase. Why put me through all this?”

If Kieran found out about this visit, he’d give her grief.

“We’ve transferred the money to the Dawson Group. Here is my contribution of shares to the Dawson Group,” Preston announced, sliding a contract across the coffee table to Freya.

At first glance, Freya saw a share transfer agreement for the Tyler Group. She hesitated to open the document, probing, “And how much are you planning to give me?”

“Not much, just ten percent.”

At that, Freya gasped. Ten percent, and Preston thought it was ‘not much’?

“Preston, you’re something! Ten percent in the Tyler Group makes me a major shareholder. If you go down, I go down with you! What did I ever do to you for you to put me in this position?”

“Ms. Dawson, please calm down.” Neil coaxed Freya back onto the sofa and turned to Preston reproachfully. “Preston, you’re out of line here. She sold you the property in good faith, and this is how you repay her?”

‘This isn’t how you woo a woman.’

Unfazed, Preston replied, “This ten percent will generate significant monthly profits for you. It’s a gesture of goodwill, Ms. Dawson. Why would you take it the wrong way?”

“Preston, I’m not stupid. Everyone’s aware of your antics abroad. Echo City isn’t some wild, lawless place. If you stir up trouble here, our company’s lawyers will be the first ones in hot water, and the shareholders will end up under investigation too. If it comes out that I was the one who sold you that land, how am I supposed to clear my name?”

Accusations of money laundering, especially involving billions, could lead to severe prison time or worse. All Freya wanted was a peaceful life, far removed from Preston’s sinking ship.