Chapter 155
Chapter 155:
“If you refuse, I will jump into the sea right now.” Without hesitation, Kristine raised the phone and angled it toward the endless stretch of dark water.
His gaze sharpened, locking onto the screen.
A steady calm settled into her voice. “I am not threatening you. I mean it p>
Pain flashed through his eyes as his hands curled into fists. “Do you really hate the thought of seeing me that much p>
“Yes p>
The single word struck him like a blow. His brows drew together, and the veins stood out along his clenched hands.
Mo𝘴t 𝗿е𝖺𝘥 𝗍𝘩іs we𝖾𝗄 oո g𝗮l𝗻о𝗏е𝗅ѕ.с𝗈𝗺
“Fine. You come back. You stay in Gridron for the rest of your life. I will release Vance’s family, and we will never meet again p>
“And if you break your word p>
“Then tell me — what do you want p>
A bitter laugh escaped her. “What choice do I have? I only get one life. If you betray your promise, I will end it right in front of you p>
Colton’s throat tightened, as though something unseen had closed around it. After a long, heavy silence, he forced out a single word of agreement.
Kristine ended the call and turned to Frey. “We need to head back p>
Frey stayed where he was, rooted in place.
Vance had never told him much about what Kristine was truly dealing with. All Frey knew was that his son owed her a debt — and to him, a debt like that had to be repaid properly, which was why he had done everything he could to protect her. Only now did the full reality sink in. Kristine was deliberately running from Colton, the wealthiest man in all of Gridron.
The thought left him shaken. But her voice snapped him back to himself. He swallowed hard before speaking. “Kristine. No. Ms. Green, you cannot go back. I gave Vance my word that I would get you out of this place no matter what. I am his father, and once I make a promise to my son, I do not break it p>
Her eyes widened slightly. She was clearly caught off guard.
After a brief pause, she shook her head and spoke softly. “Thank you. I know you are trying to protect me — but I still have to return. I cannot put you or your family in danger because of my choices p>
Frey’s brow creased with worry. “But I already promised Vance that I would get you away from all of this p>
“You don’t know Colton,” Kristine said quietly, her gaze fixed on the distant line where sea met sky. The faint hope in her eyes slowly faded. “If I don’t go back, he won’t hesitate to go after your entire family p>
Frey’s expression shifted at once.
Kristine forced a light smile. “So please take me back p>
Frey exhaled slowly. He could tell the smile wasn’t real. “All right p>
“Thank you, Mr. Bailey,” Kristine said softly before turning and heading into the cabin.
Thirty minutes later, the boat reached land.
Kristine paused, drew a deep breath, then stepped outside. Rows of black vehicles lined the shore, and powerful headlights flooded the area, turning the water bright as day.