Chapter 143
Chapter 143:
No one spoke. The team stared at the floor, weighed down by the tension in the air.
Three days earlier, Colton had thrust a video into their hands and demanded they locate the woman captured in it. These were elite investigators, and tracking people down was their specialty — but this time, they had hit a wall. All they had to go on was a shadowed figure seen from behind. Even the sharpest detectives couldn’t turn that into a real lead.
After three days of going in circles, news came in that Kristine had disappeared. With nothing more to pursue, the search was suspended, the team disbanded, and Colton left. Not even Elyse’s attempts to intervene could change the outcome.
“Kristine didn’t just evaporate,” Colton said, his voice glacial. “There’s no evidence she left Gridron, so she has to still be in the city. I want every exit sealed before I get back. If she slips away again, Bobby, you’re done p>
Bobby’s hand shook as he replied, “Understood, sir p>
Once the call ended, Bobby passed on the orders.
Devin shot a glance at Asher before murmuring, “Think Colton already has a lead on where Kristine is p>
Bobby shook his head. “I can’t say. Mr. Yates didn’t share any details p>
But Devin was certain of it. He had known Colton long enough to recognize that particular calm — if Colton was this composed, he was already closing in.
𝘞𝗲 𝗎p𝘥𝘢𝘁𝗲 𝖾v𝘦𝗿𝘺 𝘸𝘦𝖾𝗄 𝗼𝘯
Asher, who had been listening quietly from the side, shut his tired eyes and spoke, his voice lined with fatigue. “If Colton has already found Kristine, there’s no reason for me to stay. I’ll be heading back p>
Without another word, he nodded for Tripp to wheel him toward the exit.
Devin watched Asher’s retreating figure, a faint glint of amusement crossing his face. “Are you really going home, or are you up to something p>
Asher was already at the door, giving no sign he had heard.
More than an hour later, Vance finally made it back to his place in Parkview after a long, exhausting day. He set a pot on the stove and started cooking pasta.
He had barely finished eating when heavy, synchronized footsteps echoed outside his door. The next instant, a thunderous crash shattered the quiet — his condo door was kicked in without warning.
Startled, Vance looked up just as Colton strode in, surrounded by bodyguards. The plate nearly slipped from his hand.
Dressed in a sharp black suit, Colton radiated an icy authority. His expression was stone-cold, and the gaze that landed on Vance was downright glacial.
Colton’s eyebrow lifted as he scanned the room. “Where’s Kristine p>
His voice was calm, almost emotionless — yet every syllable landed like a blow, rooting Vance to the spot.
Clutching the plate, Vance drew in several steadying breaths before forcing himself to meet Colton’s oppressive gaze. “What exactly are you talking about, Mr. Yates? I honestly don’t follow p>
A thin curve formed on Colton’s lips, but there was no warmth in it. “Turn Kristine over, or you will be forced out of Gridron p>