?<strong>Chapter 198:</strong>


    “Yeah, that was Carrie,” one said.


    “And the man with her? That was Nate, the Crawford family yboy,” added another.


    Albin’s expression darkened. “Damn! Did you hear him? That jerk actually called Carrie his girlfriend! What does that make Kristopher? If he’s after my buddy’s wife, he has me to deal with!” Albin mmed his fist onto the table, standing abruptly.


    But as his gaze swept the restaurant, Nate’s seat was already empty. The waiters had cleared the table, leaving no trace of the man who had stirred his anger. Nate had totally vanished.


    His friends quickly intervened, pulling him back into his chair.


    “Albin, don’t do something rash,” one cautioned.


    “Yeah, calm down. If you make a scene, people might think she’s your girlfriend,” teased another, earning a sharp re.


    “More importantly,” another friend chimed in, “this isn’t something you can act on impulsively. If you want to deal with Nate, it has to be on Kristopher’s orders. Otherwise, it’ll only make things worse.”


    “Right,” someone agreed. “You should contact Kristopher first.”


    Albin paused in thought for a moment, then nodded, his expression resolute. “You’re right—I’ll call Kristopher.” He pulled out his phone and dialed Kristopher’s number.


    The first call rang twice before being cut off. He tried again, but the second call ended the same way. By the third attempt, Albin’s frustration was mounting.


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    Fourth…


    Just as he was about to give up, Kristopher finally answered.


    Relieved but flustered, Albin rushed to speak. “Kristopher, how could you not answer at this time? Something’s wrong—”


    “Get to the point.” Kristopher’s impatient voice cut through.


    Afraid Kristopher would hang up, Albin blurted, “I saw Carrie having dinner with that idiot from the Crawford family. He even called her his girlfriend!”


    Albin barely finished speaking when he heard a soft, sweet voice in the background. “Kristopher, have you seen my lingerie?”


    Albin froze, his mind racing. Not answering his calls, a woman’s voice, the mention of lingerie, and the quiet environment—it all added up. Kristopher and Lise had been together.


    Memories of their past interactions came flooding back. When they were dating, Lise and Kristopher had seemed almost tonic, closer to siblings than lovers. Albin had never seen Kristopher disy any physical affection toward her. It didn’t seem like love.


    What man can control his physical desire for his lover? But now… lingerie? The implications were impossible to ignore.


    He was at a loss for words.


    “Kristopher,” Albin stammered, “I—I have something to do here. I have to go.” Without waiting for a reply, he ended the call.


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