Chapter 165
Chapter 165:
Strands of his cropped hair fell loosely across his forehead, drawing attention to eyes that were sharp, arresting, and dangerously focused. His features were refined — the bridge of his nose straight and pronounced, his mouth shaped with natural elegance, carrying an effortless air of distinction.
This was a face Kristine had once both adored and despised. Now, it stirred nothing at all.
“Colton, you really do have a talent for teasing.” She lifted her hand and placed it against his chest, applying just enough pressure to push him back. Only after creating space did she glance up with a light, mocking smile. “If there were a button to erase you, I’d press it without hesitation p>
Colton’s expression dimmed.
𝗖𝘩i𝘯𝘦𝘀𝖾 𝘯𝘰𝘃𝘦𝗅s t𝘳a𝗇𝗌𝗅𝘢𝗍е𝗱 o𝗻
Kristine had already retrieved her keys. She unlocked the door, stepped inside, and shut it behind her.
He remained outside, staring at the closed door as his eyes darkened.
In the days that followed, Kristine did not run into Colton again. Slowly, the thought of relocating faded. Maybe he was right — maybe he had truly only been checking on the apartment for his friend.
Early Sunday morning, her phone rang. It was Vance.
“Are you free today? I’ve got something good to tell you,” he said.
“I am,” Kristine answered.
“Then come down. Let’s meet outside your building p>
“Okay p>
After the call ended, Kristine stood before her closet. At first, she reached for a coat and nearly left it at that. Then she caught sight of her reflection. After a moment’s thought, she decided to make more of an effort — not for anyone else, but for herself.
Once her makeup was done, she chose a black cape-style coat and pulled on knee-high boots. Her long legs looked even more defined, the boots emphasizing her slender frame. Seeing herself in the mirror, polished and refreshed, lifted her mood.
Vance was already waiting downstairs. The moment he saw her, his heartbeat quickened. “You look amazing today p>
Kristine offered a soft smile. “Thanks. Let’s find somewhere to sit p>
“All right p>
They crossed the street to a nearby café and went in together. Being a weekend, the place was crowded. Even so, their arrival drew attention — several patrons recognized Kristine and discreetly raised their phones.
Vance’s brows knit together. “Let’s head upstairs p>
“Okay.” Kristine nodded and followed him.
The second floor consisted of private rooms and was noticeably quieter. Once seated, Kristine asked, “So what’s the good news p>
Vance reached into his jacket and produced an invitation.
Kristine had barely skimmed the name before her expression shifted. “Joselyn Hinks p>
She looked up at him, noticing the small, knowing smile on his face, and hesitated.
Joselyn was the third daughter of the Hinks family. Though not as powerful as the Yates or Harrison families, the Hinks family still carried significant influence in Gridron. Kristine remembered clearly how Joselyn had once pursued Vance with unrestrained passion — hanging banners, arranging heart-shaped displays outside the men’s dormitory. Vance had gone to great lengths to distance himself from her. How had they reconnected?
She opened the card and saw it was an invitation to an antique exhibition. An event like that would undoubtedly draw collectors from across the city — exactly the kind of connections Kristine needed.