Chapter 308
Chapter 308:
Eve’s voice burst through, tight with urgency. “Kristine, are you alright? I saw everything blowing up online, and I’m so sorry. I wanted to step in and explain immediately, but management stopped me and said another party would take care of it. I honestly never expected things to spiral like this. Is there anything you want me to do? Whatever it is — if I can help, just tell me p>
Kristine understood that Eve didn’t have much power at the TV station. Still, the fact that she had reached out meant more than words could say. Though part of her still struggled to forgive Eve’s earlier deception, she set it aside out of respect for Victor. “That’s not necessary,” she replied, keeping her voice even.
Eve was taken aback, immediately picking up on the coolness in Kristine’s tone. She understood exactly where it came from. Initially, the TV station’s executives had never expected a high-profile individual to become involved with the program — which was why they had given her final say over the Evira cultural exchange slot, and why she had felt so confident making that promise to Kristine. The memory of calling Kristine into her office that day still weighed on her.
“Kristine, I’m sorry about the exchange program slot — about how that turned out p>
Kristine gently cut her off. “Ms. Todd, if you really mean that, then there’s something you can do for me p>
“What do you need p>
“I need your help to bring in a live audience p>
“A live audience p>
“That’s right p>
“What for p>
𝖲𝗵𝗮𝗿𝖾 𝘺o𝗎𝗋 𝘵h𝘰𝘶𝗀𝘩𝘵s o𝗻 𝗴𝘢lո𝗼𝗏𝘦𝘭𝘀.с𝗈𝗺
“If people want proof, let them come and see with their own eyes. They’re saying online that I only answered correctly because I had the questions in advance. Let them watch for themselves and decide p>
Eve’s face lit up at the suggestion. “That’s a fantastic idea! Management is already pushing me to ride the current buzz and move forward with the third episode. I’ll get started on the invitations right away p>
“Sounds good p>
After hanging up, Kristine caught Asher watching her, a quiet smile on his lips. She found herself smiling back. “What’s so funny p>
“I could ask you the same thing p>
“I only smiled because you did p>
“Then mine was for you,” he replied softly.
“For me?” Kristine’s heart gave a small jolt, but she quickly pushed the feeling aside and fixed him with a composed look. “Why would you do that p>
A gentle warmth colored his reply. “I worried all that negativity online would really get to you. But watching you now, I realize you’re a lot stronger than I gave you credit for p>
Then he said her name.
She glanced at him. “What p>
“When filming wraps up, come with me to Nordwyn p>
Kristine looked up and found him watching her with quiet, sincere intent. Her heart thudded in her chest. “You mean — Nordwyn p>
“That’s right p>
“Just you and me p>
“Just us p>
Her pulse quickened, Danica’s teasing still swirling through her thoughts, leaving her mind in chaos. It took her a moment to steady herself before she finally whispered, “Why p>