Chapter 117
Chapter 117:
“I got caught up in a problem p>
“What sort of problem?” His steady gaze didn’t waver — there was a polite distance to it, but not coldness.
Kristine had intended to keep things to herself, yet something in his composed manner made honesty spill out. “A friend was coerced into giving up a kidney p>
Asher’s head tipped slightly, accentuating the sharpness of his jawline. “Kidney donation isn’t simple. There are countless compatibility checks and rounds of testing. There’s no way someone could go through that entire process completely unaware p>
Kristine’s gaze darted away. “Are those tests really that extensive p>
“Absolutely. It begins with blood type matching, then HLA typing, antibody screenings, crossmatch procedures, lymphocyte toxicity panels…” Asher’s fingers drummed thoughtfully against his knee. “The sheer number of required exams would make it impossible for anyone to claim ignorance p>
Kristine’s hands curled tightly around the hem of her shirt.
𝘛𝘩𝖾 𝘣𝗲𝗌𝘁 𝗿𝗲𝖺𝖽i𝗻𝗴 𝖾𝗑р𝗲𝗋і𝖾ո𝗰𝖾 𝘰ո
If everything Asher said was true, then there was no way she hadn’t noticed what was happening. Was there a chance Elyse hadn’t told the truth? Maybe Colton had never run those compatibility tests on her at all. Still, without any screenings, how could Elyse have known she was a perfect match?
A cold suspicion slowly unfurled in Kristine’s mind.
Asher’s voice broke through her silence. “Are you all right p>
Though he spoke softly, his words sent a cold tremor through her. She lifted her gaze. “I’m fine p>
Worry flickered in his eyes as he took in how pale she looked. “Really p>
“Yes.” Kristine gave a firm nod, then forced a bright smile onto her face. “How do you know so much about kidney donation p>
Lowering his lashes, Asher replied, “Spending years in hospitals teaches you a thing or two p>
Regret crept into Kristine’s voice. “I’m sorry p>
“Don’t worry about it.” A faint smile touched his lips.
The car ride continued in silence after that. Once they reached the city center, Kristine visited a handful of law offices. Every attorney gave her the same disappointing answer — without tangible proof, a lawsuit like this would never succeed.
Eventually, Kristine stepped back outside. Asher’s Bugatti was still waiting by the curb, drawing the attention of every passerby. She slipped back into the car.
“So, where to next?” Asher glanced over.
“Take me to Crestwood,” she answered.
A hint of a smile touched his lips, his lashes lowering in a gentle arc. “You got it p>
Not far away, Bobby stood outside a chic bridal boutique, biting his lip as he glanced at Colton, who was staring at the Bugatti.
Kristine had gotten into Asher’s car. From the look of things, the two had been talking with the ease of old friends.
“Mr. Yates,” Bobby asked quietly, treading carefully. “Are we returning to the office p>
Colton’s reply was clipped. “Yes p>
Even as he spoke, his gaze remained fixed on the Bugatti as it drove away.