Chapter 487
In their world, being labeled a homewrecker was the single most damaging thing that could happen to a public reputation.
“I don’t know. Someone might have set her up — people get targeted when they rise too fast.”
“Even powerful enemies don’t usually work that quickly. She must have made someone very dangerous very angry.”
At the phrase “very dangerous,” Kristine’s attention sharpened. She turned to look at the woman speaking.
It was Iris — the same woman who had given her a business card earlier in the evening.
“Iris, do you actually know who she crossed?”
Iris had been just about to show off what she knew when a cold voice cut across the room. “Is speculating about other people’s lives really all you have to offer?”
Iris fell silent immediately. The entire room followed.
An uncomfortable stillness settled over the space. Everyone glanced at Colton, none of them quite understanding why a piece of gossip had made him so visibly irritated.
Kristine looked away from him and fixed her gaze quietly on Elyse instead.
Elyse felt a sudden chill. Even though the topic had moved on, she was terrified that Kristine knew her secret. But with Colton right there and all of Gridron at his back, there was nothing she could do.
“I’m exhausted,” Elyse announced with a theatrical yawn. “That flight absolutely wore me out. I think I’ll head home.” She slipped out of the room quickly, and the silence she left behind felt heavier than before.
“Ms. Jones,” Kristine said, cutting through the quiet, “would you mind helping me to the restroom?”
The room exchanged uncertain glances. Iris blinked and pointed at herself. “You mean me?”
“Yes, you,” Kristine confirmed.
“That won’t be necessary,” Colton said, reaching over and taking Kristine’s hand. “I’ll take you.”
Kristine gave him a faint, tired smile. “Colton, haven’t you embarrassed me enough for one night?”
His brow furrowed.
“Don’t worry — I’m not going anywhere. And Ms. Jones isn’t brave enough to help me escape anyway.” She gently moved his hand aside and looked at Iris. “Ms. Jones, after you.”
Iris stood frozen until Colton gave a single nod. Only then did she step forward to help Kristine toward the door.
It was at that moment that the other guests finally noticed how unsteady Kristine was on her feet. Thinking back to how Colton had carried her in, they exchanged quiet, puzzled looks.
With Iris supporting her, Kristine made it to the restroom. Once she had finished washing her hands, she turned to face her.
“Thank you, Ms. Jones.”
Iris’s family was solidly middle-class by Gridron standards — not the kind of name that typically earned an invitation to Colton’s private gatherings. She was there because she was dating one of his circle, who had brought her as his guest. She had never met Kristine in person, only followed the stories in the press. Watching her struggle to walk, Iris hesitated before finally asking, “Ms. Green, what happened to your legs?”
“I had a fall,” Kristine said simply, keeping her tone light.