Chapter 85
Chapter 85:
Near the side exit, Vance had already positioned the car for her. The moment she got inside, Gridron would be behind her. In an ironic twist, Luna had made things easier by bringing Elyse to the venue — with attention pulled elsewhere, slipping away had become far less difficult.
Without slowing her pace, Kristine pushed through the hotel entrance.
Near the curb, the silver sedan caught her eye at once. Nothing about it stood out. That made it ideal.
Just as she approached the car, a bright laugh sounded behind her. “Kristine, are you already making your getaway p>
Caught off guard, she spun around. Asher emerged from the shadows, and she released a quiet breath. “I didn’t realize you enjoyed hiding in dark corners p>
Rolling closer, Asher wore a faint, knowing smile. “I also didn’t expect you to be the type who slips away without notice p>
𝘔𝗼𝗿𝘦 𝗇o𝗏е𝘭𝗌 𝗼𝘯
Kristine cut herself off before indulging him further. “Mr. Edwards, we will speak another time p>
“Do you honestly believe Colton will lose track of you once you leave Gridron p>
At those words, Kristine stopped cold.
Something unsettling carried on Asher’s calm tone. “As long as you are alive and connected to the internet, Colton will always be able to find you p>
She turned fully to face him. Whatever faint smile had been there earlier was gone. “If you are so confident about that, then what do you suggest p>
Silently, Asher let his gaze rest on her.
Under the moonlight, her features had softened, as though a thin veil had been drawn across them. Loose strands of hair rested over her shoulders, outlining a face that appeared calm yet carried quiet resistance. That sharp glint in her eyes made it clear she was anything but compliant.
He had come to Gridron with the sole intention of arranging their divorce. Somewhere along the way, that resolve had shifted.
“I can offer you my help,” he said, pausing briefly. “But there is one condition p>
“And what would that be p>
“The marriage arrangement between our families will remain in effect p>
Surprise flickered across her face. “You mean — you and me p>
“Exactly.” Asher had always found it easier to work with people who thought quickly.
“For what reason p>
Even confined to a wheelchair, his influence was unquestioned, and he had never lacked for choices when it came to women. So why choose her?
“Because you will never fall in love with me.” Kristine could only stare at him.
Tilting his head toward the open night sky, Asher continued. “You have already experienced what it means to love someone completely. You understand how much it costs when everything falls apart. You are not going to repeat that mistake.” He then met her eyes directly. “That is precisely what I need — someone who will not develop feelings for me. It eliminates unnecessary complications. What do you say p>
With steady composure, Kristine replied, “I appreciate the offer, Mr. Edwards, but I will decline p>
Becoming Asher’s wife held no appeal for her. On top of that, the Edwards family carried its own complications, and she had no intention of trading one difficult situation for another.
Rather than argue, Asher let the matter rest. “I will wait until you reconsider p>