Chapter 167
Chapter 167:
The taunt landed like a slap, and the sting spread through Kristine’s chest. That was the brutal truth. As long as Elyse remained, she would always end up cast aside.
“What’s wrong, cat got your tongue? You’ve always known you’re just the spare, haven’t you?” Joselyn leaned in with another sneer.
“Joselyn!” Vance cut in, his voice tight. “Kristine and Mr. Yates were a real couple, and it was Miss Lloyd who kept calling him all the time. If that’s not interfering in someone’s relationship, what is? Maybe we should be calling her the side chick.” Without waiting for another word, he took Kristine’s hand. “Come on, Kristine. Let’s go p>
Kristine looked up, touched by his gesture. “Okay p>
As they turned to leave, Colton’s sudden arrival made them both pause.
The sight of him brought a subtle change to Kristine’s face. Colton stood rigid, every feature sharpened with tension. His gaze fixed on Vance’s hand gripping Kristine’s wrist, and his entire presence radiated a dangerous edge.
Kristine recognized that look instantly — it was always the warning before Colton lost his temper.
She drew in a shaky breath, her eyes fixed on him as he closed the distance between them, each step ratcheting up her anxiety.
Without so much as a glance at Kristine, Colton strode straight past her and made his way directly to Elyse. He stopped beside her and asked in a calm, commanding tone, “Why is there a crowd here p>
That single question seemed to loosen the knot in Kristine’s chest, and for a moment her nerves settled.
Joselyn wasted no time. Her voice rang out brightly behind Kristine. “Mr. Yates, perfect timing. Somebody just accused Elyse of being a side chick. You should clear up the misunderstanding for her p>
𝘕𝘰𝘷𝘦𝘭𝘴 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘥 𝘰𝘯
Even with her back turned, Kristine could feel her heart hammering, every muscle wound tight.
“Who called Elyse the side chick?” Colton’s deep voice broke the silence.
“Kristine did,” Joselyn answered without missing a beat.
Vance bristled, ready to speak, but Kristine squeezed his hand before he could. Only then did he realize how ice-cold her fingers felt in his grip.
All Kristine could focus on was the presence looming behind her. The gaze was so cold and hollow that it sent a chill down her spine.
Colton’s next words cut through the air like a verdict. “Elyse is not the side chick. I won’t tolerate hearing that again from anyone p>
Though he seemed to be addressing the room, his warning hung unmistakably in the air behind Kristine.
A faint, bitter smile flickered across her lips. “Let’s go, Vance p>
Her tone was gentle, but it held a quiet strength that couldn’t be mistaken.
A flash of sympathy crossed Vance’s face as he shot a pointed look in Colton’s direction. Colton’s eyes, sharp and unreadable, revealed nothing.
“All right.” Vance guided Kristine swiftly toward the exit.
Their departure had barely begun when a cold, mocking laugh broke out behind them. No glance was necessary — Kristine recognized Colton’s laughter instantly. Every nuance of his manner was etched into her memory.