Chapter 199
Chapter 199:
The first two donations made perfect sense to Vance, but he hesitated at the last. Kristine caught the uncertainty in his eyes and offered a soft, understanding smile. “When I started the company, it was all about giving young dreamers a shot at the industry. Not everyone has money or connections, but there’s real talent out there. I want K&C Entertainment to keep opening doors for those who have nothing except their passion p>
A faint sigh escaped Vance as her words sank in. Entertainment had always been Kristine’s soul’s work. Even as she let it go, she refused to let go of what mattered most.
“I’ll make sure it happens exactly as you want,” he replied, his voice solemn. He paused. “What about the last portion p>
Kristine didn’t hesitate. “That part is for me. To put away for retirement p>
The answer made Vance chuckle for the first time that day. Now that sounded like the Kristine he remembered — always finding ways to support others generously, yet never letting herself be drained dry in the process.
“You still want to keep your name out of it?” he checked.
“Absolutely,” Kristine replied.
“Got it.” Vance restarted the engine and carried her the final stretch home.
The elevator doors slid shut in front of her, and Kristine couldn’t help but let out a soft, amused laugh. Out of everyone she had ever known, no one matched Vance’s thoughtfulness. It wasn’t the kind of restraint that came from being uptight or old-fashioned — it was genuine, instinctive respect for her boundaries. He would never cross a line or step inside uninvited.
If only Colton had half Vance’s sense.
рo𝘱𝗎𝗅𝘢r s𝘵𝘰𝗋і𝘦s 𝘰𝗻
The moment Colton’s name surfaced, Kristine hurriedly fished out her keys and let herself in.
Darkness greeted her inside the apartment. She slid her hand along the wall until her fingers found the switch. Light flooded the room, and she nearly jumped out of her skin.
Colton was already there, sitting on her sofa as though he belonged. The overhead light cut shadows across his face, deepening the sharp angles and making his gaze look even more unreadable. He tapped his fingers idly against his knee, radiating a faint impatience. When he noticed her, his eyes locked on — dark and intent.
“How did you even get inside?” Kristine demanded.
Rising at his own pace, Colton answered, “I asked the building manager to open up for me p>
She stared at him, frustration building. “Colton, what do you want from me p>
“That’s exactly what I should be asking you.” He strode forward, closing the distance between them, and tilted her chin up with gentle insistence. “Are you finished playing your little games yet p>
Kristine jerked her head away, her back pressing into the cold surface of the door. “What are you even talking about p>
Colton absentmindedly rubbed his fingertips together, still feeling the lingering trace of her warmth against his skin.
“You’re always saying you want to walk away from me. So I let you try,” he said quietly. “You’ve spent plenty of time with Vance now. Surely you see he’s not the one for you p>
Kristine stared at him, baffled.
A frown creased Colton’s forehead. “Let me put it bluntly. Nobody else can give you what you’re really after. Only I can p>
A short laugh escaped her. “Then tell me, Colton. What exactly do you think I want p>