Chapter 181
Chapter 181:
A quick glance from Vance to Kristine revealed her sitting perfectly composed, her eyes steady and unflinching. Seeing that she was unfazed, he allowed himself to ease up slightly. He made his way toward the doorway and addressed the new arrivals.
“Mr. Yates, this evening was meant as a farewell celebration for Kristine. Since we weren’t expecting additional guests, no extra seats have been arranged p>
His words left little room for argument. It was clear he expected Colton and Elyse to leave.
An uneasy silence swept over the room as everyone exchanged anxious glances, not one of them willing to break the tension.
Rе𝗮𝗱 𝖿𝗿𝗲𝖾 nо𝘃els 𝘰n
Colton’s expression hardened, his mood darkening by the second. A brief flicker of his gaze landed on Kristine before shifting to Vance, a warning barely concealed.
“It won’t take much to bring over a couple more chairs,” Colton replied.
Elyse, clinging to his arm, chimed in with an overly sweet voice. “I knew you always put me first, Colton p>
Colton turned his attention back to Kristine. She remained exactly where she was, her composure unbroken, her expression unchanged — as though the scene unfolding around her had nothing to do with her at all.
Something sharpened in his gaze. Without fuss, he pulled his arm free from Elyse’s grasp and strode straight to Kristine’s side.
“Set two more chairs here,” he said firmly, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Kristine’s lashes trembled ever so slightly, but she chose silence.
In her most charming tone, Elyse protested. “Colton, maybe pick another spot for us p>
“We’re sitting here.” His reply was ice-cold, his attention lingering on the cascade of Kristine’s hair.
Uncertainty flickered across Vance’s face. “Mr. Yates, you p>
Colton met his gaze, expression cold as steel. “If my memory serves me correctly, I’m the primary investor in K&C Entertainment, isn’t that so p>
Vance was torn between duty and discomfort, his eyes drifting to Kristine in search of her reaction.
At last, Kristine looked up, a trace of a smile softening her lips. “Go ahead and bring in the extra chairs. Mr. Yates is correct — he holds the company’s largest stake. It only makes sense for the host’s seat to go to him p>
Colton watched her with barely concealed frustration, his fists tightening as she continued to treat him with complete indifference.
“Move quickly!” His order sent Vance hurrying to find the hotel staff, and soon two additional chairs were placed at the table.
With the new arrangement in place, Kristine’s seat subtly changed roles.
Colton gestured toward the chair of honor. “Take this seat,” he told Elyse.
A heavy chill settled over the gathering, yet no one dared say a word.
Elyse hesitated, worry flickering in her eyes. “Colton, are you sure? This company belongs to you and Kristine. I’m just here for the celebration. I shouldn’t take the head p>
“Do as I say. That seat is yours tonight.” He then claimed the spot right beside Kristine.
Suppressing a pleased smile, Elyse nodded. “Thank you, Colton p>
As Elyse settled into the seat of honor, Vance cast a worried look in Kristine’s direction. Not once did her calm exterior crack — she sat quietly removed from the drama, like a spectator at someone else’s event.