Chapter 408
Chapter 408:
He looked up. A blonde woman leaned against the railing, studying him with open curiosity, as though appraising something she hadn’t yet decided the value of.
He didn’t bother with pleasantries. “Where is Kristine p>
Alma’s mouth curved faintly. “You still haven’t answered me p>
Colton’s fists tightened at his sides, and his voice dropped to something far more dangerous than a shout. “I’m asking one more time. Where is Kristine p>
At that moment, Devin’s voice came through his earpiece. “The whole property is surrounded. Nobody has left. Kristine and Asher are still inside p>
Something in Colton’s bearing settled — only slightly, but noticeably. He looked up at Alma with steady, unhurried eyes. “Seven years ago, Asher secured a deal with Ford Furnishings under the Edwards Group name. The deal he made tonight, however, was entirely for himself. I imagine the Edwards Group would find that very interesting p>
у𝗼𝗎𝗋 𝗱аil𝗒 𝗱о𝗌𝗲 о𝖿 𝗇о𝗏𝖾𝗹𝗌 𝗼n.соm
The easy expression on Alma’s face vanished. “Is that a threat p>
Colton lowered himself onto the couch and crossed one leg over the other, the picture of calm. “I don’t care about your money or your arrangements. I want Kristine p>
“She isn’t here,” Alma said.
Colton produced a lighter and turned it in his hand. A small blue flame appeared, catching the low light, casting sharp angles across his face. “I won’t be patient much longer p>
“She really isn’t here. If you don’t believe me, look for yourself,” Alma said, her voice steady despite the tension behind it.
Colton watched the flame for a moment. “If I find her here, the consequences for you will be significant.” He said it without heat — which made it worse.
Alma’s grip on the stair railing tightened until her knuckles whitened. “Then go ahead and look,” she said.
Colton raised his phone. Within seconds, more than ten suited bodyguards poured through the entrance and spread efficiently through the ground floor, checking every room.
They moved quickly and found nothing.
Colton absorbed the report without expression, his face giving nothing away.
On the second floor, Alma stood very still, her heart hammering.
Colton looked up at her. “We’ll move to the second floor now, Miss Ford. You don’t object p>
Alma followed his gaze as it drifted toward her father’s study. She swallowed. “Go ahead,” she said, though the words cost her something.
Colton didn’t hesitate. “Search upstairs p>
Twelve men moved up the staircase in practiced silence, working through room after room with methodical precision until only one door remained.
Colton rose from the couch and climbed the stairs slowly, each footfall heavy and deliberate, the stillness of the house amplifying every step. He stopped before the study door and simply looked at it.
Alma threw herself in front of it. “This is my father’s private study. There are confidential documents inside. You have absolutely no right p>
The bodyguards stepped around her and drove the door open with a single sharp kick.
The bang echoed through the corridor.
Leo spun in his chair, his face dark with fury. “Who on earth are you people p>
Colton walked past him and surveyed the room.
It was empty.