Chapter 182
Chapter 182:
Concern gnawed at Vance, deepening with each passing moment. Left with no alternative, he reluctantly slid into the seat beside her.
Colton’s presence had cast an icy pall over the gathering. Nobody dared break the silence, every guest caught in a tense hush. Any urge to speak vanished, stifled by the weight of his aura. The stillness hung heavy in the air, making the room feel smaller.
Relief swept through the group when servers arrived, rolling in carts laden with steaming dishes. The rich aromas began to thaw the tension, and slowly, conversations picked up again.
A few brave souls struck up conversation with Elyse. Her replies were perfectly measured and unfailingly polite, which only encouraged more people to approach.
𝖨𝘯𝘵𝗲𝗻𝘀e 𝗋𝘰𝗆𝖺n𝖼e 𝘰𝗻
“Miss Lloyd, are you and Mr. Yates married already, or is there a wedding we should look forward to soon?” one guest asked, completely forgetting that Colton was sitting right there.
A faint pink crept up Elyse’s cheeks. “Colton and I haven’t gotten married.” Her gaze lingered briefly on Kristine before she added, “But he did give me this ring p>
Though her words were soft and gentle, every syllable seemed to cut through the air with startling clarity.
Kristine lifted her glass with practiced ease and took a slow sip, entirely unmoved. She had watched Elyse perform countless times and had long since grown immune to it.
“Kristine, would you mind trading seats with me?” Vance asked, tapping her shoulder. “I need to go over something with Mr. Yates p>
Catching on to his real motive, Kristine offered him a grateful look and nodded. “Of course p>
Bathed in the soft golden glow of the overhead lights, her smile shone brightly — like fireworks blooming against a dark sky. Just as she shifted in her seat, a strong hand clamped down over hers, stopping her in her tracks.
Surprise flickered across her face as she turned to find Colton beside her.
He raised his wine glass and took a slow, deliberate sip before replying in an even tone. “Business isn’t meant for evenings like this p>
Kristine tried to pull her hand away more than once, but his grip refused to budge. Unwilling to create a scene, she kept her composure and pretended nothing was amiss.
“Vance, if Colton prefers not to talk business over dinner, we can save it for another time,” she said, her voice steady.
Concern lingered on Vance’s face as he glanced at her. He remained unaware that beneath the tablecloth, Colton’s grasp had only grown more insistent. Worse, he had woven his fingers through hers — each motion a bold, unmistakable display of possession.
Drawing a slow breath, Kristine turned toward Colton and spoke quietly. “Let go, Colton p>
Her voice came out low and tense, barely above a whisper through clenched teeth.
Colton’s only response was to arch an eyebrow, tightening his hold further.
Annoyance flashed in her eyes, and she caught sight of the fork resting near her plate. She reached for it, then allowed it to tumble from her grasp onto the floor, feigning clumsiness.