Chapter 109
Chapter 109:
“About a week and a half ago,” the nurse replied after thinking it over. “I don’t know what kind of family emergency he had, but he rushed out without much notice. Another nurse resigned that same day as well p>
A heavy weight settled in Kristine’s chest.
She improvised an excuse, claiming she had left something behind in Azariah’s office, and asked the administrative staff to review the security footage. The reply she received only deepened her unease.
“There is nothing to review p>
“What do you mean p>
“Last week the hospital system was attacked by a virus,” the staff member explained. “Every surveillance recording was erased during the breach p>
𝗙ol𝘭о𝘸 𝗎𝗌 о𝗇 𝗀а𝘭ոo𝘃е𝘭ѕ.𝖼о𝗺
Suspicion sharpened Kristine’s expression. There were no witnesses left to question and no physical evidence remaining. Everything had disappeared far too neatly to feel accidental.
With that thought weighing on her, she turned back toward her hospital room.
Right at the doorway, two women blocked her path.
The moment they noticed her, the middle-aged woman let out a sharp scoff. “I figured you would be hiding somewhere by now p>
Kristine shifted her gaze from Luna, who wore a tight, unhappy expression, and then settled it on the older woman. She recognized her immediately as Colton’s mother. Victoria Yates had shown up more times than Kristine could count, always with a check in hand and the same demand that she walk away from Colton.
Those checks had never been gestures of goodwill. Victoria’s plan had always been straightforward — the moment Kristine accepted the money, she could be accused of extortion and land herself in serious trouble. Thankfully, not once had Kristine accepted a single check from Victoria, or her life would have unraveled long ago.
Victoria waited for an answer, and when none came, irritation edged into her tone until it turned openly scornful. “Luna told me you were different now, but I dismissed it,” she said coldly. “Seeing you like this proves she was right. You have lost even the most basic manners p>
“I save my manners for those who deserve them,” Kristine responded calmly as she walked past Victoria and moved closer to the bed.
Victoria’s face stiffened. “Are you trying to insult me p>
With a casual shrug, Kristine replied, “I did not say anything p>
“You are unbelievable,” Victoria snapped, drawing a sharp breath. “I did not come here to trade insults. I am here to inform you that the wedding between you and my son is canceled p>
In the beginning, Victoria had not objected to Kristine being involved with Colton. From her point of view, Kristine’s inheritance included an impressive collection of antiques that carried serious value. What Victoria did not expect was Kristine’s refusal to sell even a single piece. Instead, Kristine poured her own savings into preserving the collection, and over time, that upkeep became an endless expense. Victoria was convinced that Colton had quietly been spending money supporting Kristine behind the scenes.