Chapter 18
Chapter 18:
Vance had just walked through his front door when he heard her voice for the first time in ages. He sank down beside the entryway, a touch of nostalgia softening his tone. “No, this isn’t about business. I just wanted to check in. You’ve been back in Peudon for a while now. How are you holding up p>
Kristine and Vance had attended the same university, but after she started dating Colton, she had gradually shut out nearly everyone else. Colton had become the center of her universe. Even after graduation, when Vance joined her company, their conversations had stayed mostly to work matters and rarely strayed into personal territory. Moments like this — simply catching up — had hardly ever happened.
For a split second, she did not know how to respond. Eventually, she managed a gentle, somewhat melancholic smile. “I’m fine, really. Thank you for thinking of me p>
Vance’s lips curved into a quiet smile. He let a moment pass before speaking again. “I got a call today from someone claiming there was trouble with a company registered under your name. They were trying to reach you. Have you had any strange calls lately p>
Kristine’s heart skipped a beat. “Someone did call, saying there was an issue with the company — but I only have K&C Entertainment left in Gridron. You’d know if anything was wrong there before I would, wouldn’t you p>
“So it’s likely a scam?” Vance murmured, thinking aloud. “But if that’s the case, it’s odd. The caller seemed to know details about us — they mentioned we went to school together, and they knew you were the one running the company p>
A crease formed between Kristine’s brows. “Honestly… I’m not sure p>
“This whole situation feels off. Maybe you should come back and check things out yourself p>
Kristine did not hesitate. “That won’t be necessary. If anyone calls again, just give them my number and have them reach out to me directly.” Returning to Gridron was not even an option in her mind.
“Alright, if you say so p>
“Thank you, Vance p>
𝖠𝗱𝖽𝗂сt𝗂𝘷𝗲 𝘯𝗈𝘷𝖾𝗹𝘴 𝘰𝗇 𝘨𝘢ln𝘰vе𝗅ѕ.cо𝘮
“You’re welcome,” he replied, his tone easy.
A brief silence settled between them. Kristine searched for something more to say. Across the line, Vance hesitated as well — he held the phone, reluctant to end the call, but her soft “Goodnight” left him with no choice.
He quietly murmured, “Goodnight p>
Regret washed over Vance as the line went dead. There was so much more he had wanted to say.
Back in her room, Kristine lay on her bed, unable to fully shake her unease about the company. She had absolute faith in Vance — if he had not spotted any red flags, there were likely none to find. Whatever was behind that phone call, she had no intention of returning to Gridron. If there truly was an issue, whoever was responsible could come to Peudon and deal with her face to face.
Two days later, in Gridron, a heavy gloom hung over Colton’s office.
Shadows from the blinds fell across his face as he sat motionless in the executive chair, his features unreadable. “She still hasn’t come back?” he finally asked, his voice low.
Standing across from him, Bobby kept his gaze fixed on the floor, tension written all over him. There was no question who Colton meant. It was Kristine.