Chapter 166
Chapter 166:
“Did you reach out to Joselyn because of me?” she asked.
Vance only smiled and avoided the question. “Are you planning to attend p>
Seeing the hope in his eyes, warmth rose in her chest. She nodded. “Yes p>
The following evening, they arrived at the exhibition together. Just as expected, many well-known collectors from Gridron were in attendance. Kristine’s objective was clear — meet people, make introductions, exchange contacts. She took her time, studying the displays first rather than rushing into conversation.
Vance watched her lean toward the glass cases, eyes shining, and chuckled softly. “Do you really enjoy these things that much p>
Kristine studied a piece behind the nearest case as she replied, “I do. They’re more than artifacts. Each one carries memories. If you listen carefully, it feels like they’re telling you about the past p>
Vance’s smile grew warmer.
Suddenly, an excited voice cut through the air.
𝘈𝖽d𝘪𝖼𝗍𝗂𝗏𝘦 𝗌𝘁𝘰𝗋𝗂𝗲𝘀 𝗈𝗻 g𝗮𝘭ո𝗼𝘷𝗲𝗅ѕ.𝗰о𝗆
“Vance? It really is you. You actually showed up. I thought—” Joselyn stopped short when she noticed Kristine. “Why are you here p>
Kristine sensed it instantly. Joselyn’s feelings for Vance had never disappeared.
She was about to respond when Vance spoke first. “I invited Kristine to come with me p>
Joselyn’s expression shifted, bitterness flashing in her eyes. “She’s not welcome p>
Vance’s voice stayed calm. “Attendance only requires an invitation, doesn’t it p>
“Yes,” Joselyn replied, lifting her chin. “But the invitation was sent to you. How was I supposed to expect you’d bring Kristine p>
Vance’s brow furrowed.
“Vance,” Kristine said gently, “since Joselyn would rather we weren’t here, let’s just go p>
“Why be so harsh, Joselyn p>
Another voice joined in — soft and soothing, like thawing snow.
Kristine’s pulse skipped. She turned slowly.
Elyse approached, dressed in flowing white. The frailty she had once carried was gone. Her complexion glowed with healthy color, delicate and fresh.
Stopping in front of Kristine, Elyse spoke with practiced politeness. “Kristine is very close to me. Please allow her to stay, for my sake. Would that be acceptable p>
Joselyn looked between them, confused. “Elyse, she stole Colton from you. Why are you standing up for her p>
Elyse smiled calmly. “You’ve misunderstood. Kristine was simply helping me look after Colton. She didn’t take him away from me. Isn’t that right, Kristine p>
Every gaze in the vicinity shifted toward her.
Kristine studied Elyse’s gentle expression, then let a faint, ironic smile appear. “Take him from you? That’s ridiculous. When we were together, he never mentioned dating you p>
When she heard Kristine’s words, the color drained from Elyse’s face.
Beside her, Joselyn let out a mocking laugh. “Everybody in Gridron knows Mr. Yates left you on your wedding day to run after Elyse. He’s never hidden his feelings for her. Even if nothing’s going on between them, you’ll never be the one as long as she’s in the picture. Now that Elyse has shown up again, look how quickly you’ve been replaced p>