Chapter 273
Chapter 273:
Kristine held his gaze, refusing to show any weakness. “That’s exactly right.” She met his stare with unwavering clarity.
The raw hatred in her eyes was impossible to miss. Something inside Colton twisted painfully, and without even noticing, his grip slackened.
In that instant, Kristine shoved him away, darted into her apartment, and slammed the door behind her with a loud, echoing bang.
The sound landed like a punch to Colton’s chest. He stood motionless in the hallway, glaring at the door, his eyes clouded with turmoil. It had been years since he had felt so completely out of control.
Inside, Kristine leaned against the door and pressed a shaking hand to her chest. She waited until the quiet settled before peeking through the peephole. Seeing the corridor empty at last, she let out a long, unsteady sigh.
But the relief faded quickly, replaced by a new wave of anxiety. What was Colton even after? Suppose he managed to prove she couldn’t guard her father’s collection alone — so what? She couldn’t deny that during their years together, her antiques had been left untouched. Still, the idea of crawling back to him just for their sake was unthinkable.
If these last years had taught her anything, it was this: if she depended on someone else, she might end up with nothing once they walked away. Relying on herself was the only way to stay standing through anything.
She needed to persuade Nathan to take on her case. That was her only real shot at coming out on top. The thought left her temples throbbing with stress.
Then her phone rang.
Asher’s name flashed on the screen. Kristine drew a calming breath before answering.
Yо𝗎𝗋 ոex𝘁 fа𝗏оr𝘪𝘁𝘦 rе𝗮𝗱 𝗶𝗌 𝘰𝗇
“Nathan has agreed to represent you p>
Asher’s steady, reassuring voice filled her ear. Kristine could hardly process what she was hearing. “Wait… what did you just say p>
Asher let out a quiet laugh. The sound wrapped around her like a soft blanket.
“I said Nathan has taken your case,” he repeated, slow and clear, making sure she understood.
Kristine’s response came in a stammer. “But… how did you make that happen p>
“Logic and a little heart,” Asher replied, his voice deep and smooth, almost unhurried. “Tonight, you can finally get some real sleep p>
A wave of comfort spread through her, easing the tension in her chest. “Thank you.” She didn’t know what he had said or done — but her gratitude was sincere.
“Have a good night,” Asher said.
“Good night p>
Kristine set the phone down, and little by little, her heartbeat began to calm.
Across town, Asher sat quietly in his wheelchair, gazing at the pale moonlight streaming through the window. The silvery glow brightened the world outside but left the room around him cloaked in shadow. He turned slowly, eyes settling on Nathan, who sat nearby with his head bowed in his hands.
“I expect you to keep your promise and appear in court as scheduled, Mr. Cole p>
With that, he let Tripp wheel him out of the house, leaving Nathan alone in the darkness.