Chapter 168
Chapter 168:
“Kristine, aren’t antiques your favorite? The moment you spot me, you turn and walk away. Is it because you still haven’t moved on from me p>
The rich timbre of his voice sent an icy shiver down her spine.
Drawing a slow, steady breath, Kristine turned around, a composed smile lighting her features as she met Colton’s stare. She articulated each word clearly. “Vance, let’s check out the side gallery p>
Refusing to acknowledge Colton further, she walked toward it without looking back.
The side gallery lacked the grandeur of the main hall, but a selection of antiques was still on display. “Kristine, we can leave whenever you’re ready,” Vance said. “There’s no reason to stay just to prove something to Colton p>
A quiet laugh escaped her. “I’m not staying out of spite. I’ve already accepted what happened p>
“You’ve accepted it p>
“That’s right. I haven’t done anything wrong, so there’s no reason to avoid him. Besides, some of these antiques are completely new to me, and I heard there’s an auction tonight. There could be something worth finding. It isn’t worth missing out on something special because of a man p>
і𝗇𝘵𝖾𝗇𝗌𝘦 𝗋𝗼𝗺a𝗇𝘤e 𝗈𝘯
Vance couldn’t help smiling when he saw how genuinely at ease Kristine appeared. “That’s good to hear p>
Her answering grin was bright, and before long the antiques in the side gallery had already captured her full attention.
As Kristine wandered deeper among the displays, Vance’s lips curved into a quiet smile. Watching her was enough for him — standing in her presence and seeing her happy was all he needed.
Neither of them noticed the shadowy figure on the second floor, a steely gaze fixed intently on them from above.
“Colton.” Elyse approached his side, her footsteps soft but purposeful. She followed the direction of his stare and understood immediately. His focus had not left Kristine for a moment. Annoyance and jealousy flared within her, though she concealed every trace. Her voice stayed gentle. “There are some impressive pieces on display tonight. Why don’t we head downstairs and look around together p>
Colton shifted away just as Elyse reached for him, his posture cool and unreadable. He looked her over slowly, his expression sharp. “What happened between you and Kristine?” he demanded.
“There’s nothing going on,” Elyse insisted. “Kristine probably just wasn’t in the mood to talk, that’s all p>
A chill lingered in Colton’s gaze. “Don’t start anything with Kristine. If you see her, leave her alone p>
With those curt words, he descended the staircase without another look.
Elyse could only watch him walk away, fury and humiliation simmering beneath the surface. For a brief moment she wanted to go after him, but the thought of others witnessing his rejection kept her frozen in place. She stayed rooted to the spot, shooting a glare down at Kristine loaded with bitter resentment.
Her presence there tonight was because of Patsy.