Chapter 41
Chapter 41:
She had not come to genuinely beg for Mackenzie’s sake. That foolish woman held no real importance to her. It had been her own idea to bring Mackenzie to the restaurant that night — a visit meant only to measure whether she still held any place in Colton’s heart. Since Kristine had come back from Peudon, she had clearly sensed his growing detachment and the impatience with which he now treated her.
“Absolutely not,” Colton answered coldly, leaving no space for negotiation.
A violent surge churned in Elyse’s chest, and nausea rose sharply in her throat. “Colton, do you really need to be this heartless?” she managed, her voice trembling.
Nothing softened in his expression. “If Mackenzie hadn’t stirred this mess, I never would have realized how people spoke about Kristine behind her back. I am making an example of this, and the Reed family will not be exempt p>
Elyse’s hands tightened into fists, her nails biting into her skin — though she felt none of the pain.
“Your condition is already fragile, so stop involving yourself in matters like this.” Colton turned his displeasure toward Brent. “And you, as her doctor, should know better than to let her out for something like this p>
A flicker of unease crossed Brent’s face before he lowered his head. “I’m sorry p>
“Leave,” Colton said, without warmth.
Brent glanced at Elyse’s reluctant expression, then crouched down and carefully helped her back into the wheelchair. “Elyse, we should go now p>
“Wait.” A break crept into her voice as she called out, watching Colton climb the stairs. “Colton, I’ve been back for some time now, yet I still haven’t properly met Kristine. My return must have brought her nothing but trouble. I want to see her and apologize face to face. Would that be alright p>
A dull ache settled in Colton’s head as he rubbed his temples. The image of Kristine’s indifferent expression made it worse. Trust did not come easily to him, and he doubted she would take his words seriously. Still, there was a chance she might listen to Elyse — someone removed from everything between them. After a brief pause, he gave a restrained nod.
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Relief spread across Elyse’s face, and she immediately lowered her head to conceal the malice flashing in her eyes.
Upon reaching the second floor, she raised her hand and knocked on the door to Kristine’s bedroom.
Silence answered.
Brent’s displeasure showed as he spoke. “Elyse, we should go. This whole situation blew up because Kristine can’t handle even mild criticism. One person calls her out, and she wants to ruin an entire family. I’ve never seen someone so unreasonable p>
Gently, Elyse replied, “This is still my responsibility. If I hadn’t come back, none of this would have happened p>
She knocked once more. The door suddenly creaked open on its own.
“She is probably showering and did not hear us,” Elyse said. “Brent, stay here. I will go in by myself p>
Brent wanted to follow, but thought better of it. If Kristine was showering, it would be inappropriate for him to enter her room. “Just be careful,” he said.
With a slight nod, Elyse pushed the door open a little wider and wheeled herself inside.
The moment she crossed the threshold, the color slowly drained from her face.