Chapter 281
Chapter 281:
“Time’s up!” The host tapped the timer, cutting through the tension. “Mr. Dawson, your time’s technically over, but I’ll give you another shot. What do you say p>
Nelson flushed with embarrassment. “No, that’s alright. I honestly have no idea p>
“Fair enough,” the host replied, his tone tinged with disappointment as he turned back to Kristine. “How about you? Any thoughts p>
Kristine studied the image on the screen and nodded confidently. When her answer came, the host’s eyes flew wide, amazement coloring his voice. “That’s spot on p>
Her extensive knowledge caught the entire room off guard.
The contest moved on, with Ruth facing Wilbur next. Both Kristine and Nelson returned to their spots.
Colton, though, couldn’t look away from her. Watching Kristine on the monitor, he felt himself pulled back to their university days. She had shone with the same energy and warmth that had made those times unforgettable. Her presence beside him had once been all he needed to feel content.
If only that single phone call had never happened — how different would things be now?
For a moment, his gaze darkened as he forced himself to let go of the past. He refused to give in to regret. It had never solved anything, and he wouldn’t allow it now.
D𝗂𝘀с𝗼v𝗲r 𝗵𝗶𝘥𝘥𝘦𝗻 𝗴e𝗺ѕ 𝗼𝗇
Hours slipped by, and eventually the taping came to a close. As the crew prepared to wrap up, Eve approached Nelson and Wilbur with a bright smile. “Thank you for joining us today. I hope we’ll get to work together again in the future p>
Both men, having been eliminated in the previous round, managed polite smiles, exchanged a few words, and quietly took their leave. After a brief conversation with Ruth, Eve turned to Kristine with a warm grin. “Kristine, can you step outside with me for a minute p>
Kristine gave a quiet nod and followed Eve out of the studio.
Elyse watched them until they disappeared, then turned to Ruth and spoke up. “Ms. Flynn, do you have any idea what kind of connection Kristine has with the director p>
Without looking up from gathering her belongings, Ruth answered casually, “I don’t know p>
Elyse lowered her voice. “They act unusually familiar. Could they be related? And she answered every single question without hesitation — it was almost as if she already knew what would be asked p>
Ruth paused what she was doing and glanced up. “What are you implying p>
With an innocent expression, Elyse replied, “Oh, nothing really. Kristine just seems incredible. That’s all. Anyway, I’m going to find my boyfriend now. Good luck, Ms. Flynn p>
Elyse flashed her a grin and slipped away.
Left standing there, Ruth felt a heaviness settle in her chest. Rumor had it that winning the contest could earn her a spot on Evira’s team to help repatriate Rymonst’s cultural treasures. As a lover of antiques, Ruth knew this was the kind of opportunity that came only once in a lifetime. She shot one last look toward the hall where Kristine and Eve had gone, her jaw tight with frustration.