Chapter 224
Chapter 224:
Kristine herself didn’t believe Elyse was genuinely inclined toward charity. Even so, with the president having announced it so publicly, it was hard to imagine the claim being entirely fabricated. Besides, anonymous donations were notoriously difficult to trace back to their source. If Elyse’s identity had been uncovered, it was likely by design rather than by accident.
After all, her marriage to Colton was approaching. Shaping herself into the image of a beautiful and benevolent future member of the Yates family would only strengthen her position — and naturally draw admiration from many along the way.
The anniversary program wrapped up at last, ending on a lively song that brought the evening to a close.
Blending into the departing crowd, Kristine left the auditorium alongside Ryan.
“Kristine, the night’s still young. Do you want to walk around the campus for a bit?” Ryan suggested.
ѕ𝘁o𝗿i𝗲𝗌 𝗒𝗈𝘶 𝗐о𝗇’𝗍 pu𝗍 𝖽𝗼𝗐𝘯 𝘰ո
A quiet shake of her head was her only response. The day had drained her completely, and all she wanted now was to go home and rest.
“I get it,” Ryan said, unable to hide his disappointment. “Then maybe next time, if we get the chance, you can show me the antiques you’ve worked on p>
The eagerness in his eyes made it hard for Kristine to tell him the truth — that once the anniversary ended, she would be leaving Gridron, and their paths might never cross again.
“Okay,” she responded.
“I’ll see you again p>
With a small nod, Kristine turned and headed toward the parking area.
By the time the event ended, neither Vance nor Helen had shown up again. She sent Vance a message and waited for him beside the car. What Helen had done before could be dismissed as a lapse in character, but what happened today — drugging her — crossed into something far more serious.
Because the campus had been packed, Vance had had no choice but to leave his car parked along one of the inner pathways. Kristine stood beside the vehicle for more than ten minutes without receiving a message or catching sight of him anywhere nearby.
Unexpectedly, the ones who appeared instead were Joselyn, Elyse, and Colton.
As usual, Colton led the way, surrounded by people, with Elyse positioned neatly at his side. To stay close, Joselyn clung firmly to Elyse’s arm, forcing her way toward the front. Their group moved forward in animated conversation and laughter — and although Colton’s face remained cool and distant, Elyse’s presence gave the others enough courage to keep the mood light.
That lighthearted noise vanished the instant their eyes landed on Kristine.
“Kristine,” Elyse called out with a bright smile, stepping closer. “Are you waiting for Vance p>
Kristine studied the sweetness on Elyse’s face and suddenly recalled Ryan’s words about the sharp edge hidden beneath that expression. She looked more carefully, only to confirm he had been right. Although Elyse was smiling, there was no warmth behind it. Anyone paying close attention could see that the pleasant curve of her lips was hollow, edged with quiet hostility.
In that moment, Kristine understood why Elyse had once wanted her gone entirely.