Chapter 176
Chapter 176:
Kristine couldn’t help but let out a dry chuckle. “Are you joking with me p>
A subtle smile played on Asher’s lips. “You’re smiling, but I can tell you’re not happy. How about you tell me what’s really bothering you before we dive into antique talk p>
The accuracy of his observation caught Kristine off guard. She blinked, impressed by how quickly he had read her mood.
“It’s nothing serious — just the usual problems,” she replied, steering them back to safer ground. “I know Peudon has plenty of talented conservators, but over in Gridron, I haven’t managed to land a single client. That’s the only reason I ended up coming to you p>
R𝘦а𝗱 𝖿𝘳o𝗺 y𝘰𝗎𝘳 р𝗵oո𝖾 о𝗻
A quiet laugh escaped Asher. “So I’m just your backup plan p>
Kristine narrowed her eyes. “That’s not what I meant at all p>
Asher held up his hands in surrender, grinning wider as he caught the flash of worry on her face. “Relax, I’m just teasing. Why are you so easy to fluster p>
Kristine scowled in response.
Although their friendship was new, she had already lost count of how often Asher managed to get under her skin. Sensing he might have gone too far, he reined in his laughter and asked, “Did I upset you p>
Kristine turned her head, looking away from the screen.
Urgency suddenly colored his voice. “I didn’t mean anything by it. It’s just that you haven’t seemed yourself p>
Before he could finish, Kristine’s laughter broke through the call, surprising him into momentary silence.
Only then did Asher realize he had walked right into her trap.
A mix of amusement and mild exasperation flickered across his face.
“We’re even now,” Kristine announced, eyeing him on her screen with a satisfied grin.
Asher responded with a warm smile. “Fair enough p>
Their laughter faded, and the conversation circled naturally back to antiques.
“My grandfather has a real passion for collecting,” Asher shared. “He’s well connected in those circles. I’ll ask him to keep an ear out for anyone looking for a restorer, and if something turns up, I’ll let you know right away p>
Kristine’s voice softened. “Thank you p>
With the important topics covered, neither rushed to speak, yet neither wanted to end the call just yet. Time drifted by in companionable silence until Asher’s low voice finally broke through.
“Kristine p>
She answered quietly. “Yes p>
A serious note crept into his question. “Are you really planning to let Gridron keep you locked in forever p>
Kristine’s lashes trembled, a shadow crossing her face and revealing a flicker of pain.
After a long beat, she forced a gentle smile. “You should get back to your work now. I’ll stop bothering you p>
“All right.” Noticing she wasn’t in the mood for more, Asher let it go — though he didn’t disconnect from the call either.
Eventually, Kristine was the one who ended it.