Chapter 189
Chapter 189:
“So?” She gathered herself, lifted her eyes to meet Colton’s intense stare, and spoke calmly. “Even if Vance’s sister wronged me, that was her choice. It has nothing to do with him p>
“If you stay by his side, and his sister doesn’t like you, do you think that won’t put him in an embarrassing position p>
Kristine stared at him — then suddenly doubled over with laughter, tears spilling from her eyes.
Colton’s brows knit together. “What’s so amusing p>
It took a moment for her to regain control. Though her lashes were still damp, she smiled faintly. “Back when Luna kept targeting me, I always believed you were above trivial disputes. I convinced myself you were the kind of person who never concerned himself with friction between relatives — and that swallowing a little bitterness was worth keeping the peace.” Her voice trembled on the final words. “Turns out you were fully aware the entire time p>
A moment later, softness returned to her expression. Fortunately, all of that belonged to the past. She no longer had anything to do with the Yates household.
The detachment in her eyes struck Colton sharply. He had known about the tension between Kristine, Victoria, and Luna, but he had dismissed it as insignificant — hardly worth his attention.
“There’s no need to continue, Colton,” Kristine said, her tone cooling. “This concerns Vance and me alone. As for you, since we already agreed to avoid each other, when our paths cross, the one who arrives later should excuse himself. That seems reasonable, doesn’t it p>
Colton’s expression darkened instantly. “Kristine p>
“Otherwise, I’ll assume every meeting was intentionally arranged by you p>
𝗦𝘩a𝘳𝗲 𝗒о𝘶r 𝘧a𝗏𝘰𝗿i𝗍𝘦ѕ 𝗳𝗋o𝗆 𝗀𝘢lո𝗈𝘷е𝗹s.сo𝗺
He blinked several times before rising slowly to his feet, his gaze sharp and distant. “You’re overthinking it.” With that, he turned and walked out without hesitation.
At the doorway, he paused for a brief second — then continued on and disappeared.
Kristine waited until the elevator outside fell silent before closing the door.
At last, he was gone.
She went into the kitchen and stared at the refrigerator. Aside from pasta, there was almost nothing inside. She was sick of pasta.
Then an idea came to her. She could make ravioli. If she prepared extra, she could bring some to Vance — it would be a good opportunity to talk.
Decision made, Kristine got moving. She washed up, went downstairs for a bagel and coffee, finished breakfast, then headed to the grocery store. By the time she returned home, the clock already showed ten.
She laid everything out and began working on the dough.
The last time she had gone to this much trouble was six months ago, when Colton had casually mentioned he wanted ravioli. The butler had brought samples from countless shops, and none had met his standards. In the end, she had carefully asked what flavors he preferred and spent an entire day and night — without sleep — until she produced a batch he considered barely acceptable. When he looked at it and said simply, “It’s fine,” it had felt like a bucket of cold water poured over her. She had gone instantly clear-headed and no longer tired.