Chapter 173
Chapter 173:
Staff carefully removed the tiara from the display and presented it to Elyse. She pressed her hand against her chest, eyes shining. “It’s breathtaking. Being able to admire something like this up close is truly wonderful. Colton, may I hold it p>
“It belongs to you,” he answered calmly. “Do as you wish p>
A wave of envy rippled through the crowd. Colton had purchased the tiara for Elyse. His devotion was unquestionable.
Vance glanced at the audience, then at Kristine. “Are you all right p>
𝗗oո’t m𝘪𝘴𝗌 𝗻𝖾𝘸 𝘳e𝗹𝗲𝘢𝘴e𝘀 𝗈𝗇 ѕ.𝖼𝘰𝘮
She had been staring toward Elyse. She snapped back to the present and shook her head. “I’m fine.” There was only a trace of regret — even though the tiara was a copy, achieving such precision required extraordinary craftsmanship. Studying it might have taught her something useful, perhaps even certain restoration techniques.
“Let’s leave,” Kristine said, pulling her gaze away and offering Vance a faint smile. What was never meant to be hers would not become hers.
Seeing that she truly was not upset, Vance relaxed and smiled as well. “What about the collectors you wanted to meet p>
Kristine shook her head, her eyes dimming slightly. After tonight’s scene, none of them would likely approach her willingly. She would need to find another path.
As her thoughts drifted to the antique vase she had restored for Asher, a spark quietly reignited in her eyes.
Kristine had just walked out when Colton and Elyse slipped away together. They stepped outside as one and slid into the back seat of a Rolls-Royce, drawing curious and envious looks from bystanders.
Elyse practically glowed once she was settled inside. Colton rarely let any emotion show, yet he had bought her a copy of the tiara simply because she mentioned liking it — and that gave her hope he felt something for her.
Elyse reached out. “Colton p>
His reply came sharp and distant without missing a beat. “That tiara doesn’t belong on you. Tomorrow, Bobby will bring you to choose something more fitting p>
He reached over and took the tiara from her hands.
Left staring at her empty palms, Elyse felt the color drain from her face. She managed a shaky smile after a pause. “Okay,” she replied.
The car rolled down the road in silence, despair creeping quietly into her heart.
When they reached the apartment building, Vance pulled up and parked, unfastening his seatbelt. “Kristine, I’ll walk you to your door p>
Her eyes widened slightly.
He gave a soft laugh. “Don’t worry. I’m not coming in. There’s just something I want to tell you p>
Embarrassment tugged at Kristine, but she nodded. “All right p>
They walked side by side. A few moments passed without a word from him. Kristine glanced over, a smile brightening her eyes. “I thought you had something to say p>
Vance rubbed at his brow. “Honestly, the words aren’t coming out right. Give me a second.” A flush crept up his cheeks, and Kristine couldn’t hold back a laugh.
She slowed down, giving him time to find the words. Even as the elevator doors slid open and they stepped inside, Vance stayed quiet.
“If you keep quiet any longer, I’ll already be upstairs,” Kristine teased.