Chapter 216
Chapter 216:
Colton met her gaze calmly. “Who took it is not the point. What matters is who has the power to fix the situation p>
Kristine let out a short, mocking laugh. “So this is how it ends. You’re no different from the rest — assuming I took it. If that’s what you believe, then call the police. I’m confident they’ll prove I’m innocent p>
Disapproval crossed Colton’s face as his tone sharpened. “The security footage has vanished, and the earring turned up in your bag. Even if the police move quickly, this will drag on for at least a week. By then, all of Gridron will know you as a thief p>
Kristine’s response came without hesitation. “That problem is mine, and it has nothing to do with you p>
Colton’s expression tightened. “Kristine, do you really place that much trust in Vance p>
Kristine kept her gaze on the floor, her voice cold. “If you have nothing else to say, let them come back in p>
“Very well. You’ve made your decision p>
He turned on his heel and stormed out, slamming the door behind him so hard the sound echoed through the room.
𝘗о𝗽𝗎𝗅a𝘳 𝗌𝘵or𝗶е𝗌 оո ѕ.𝖼𝘰𝗺
The impact felt like it struck straight into her chest. Kristine lifted her head quickly, but the mirror showed nothing except the empty space where Colton had stood moments before.
A hollow laugh slipped from her lips, though moisture clouded her eyes. After seven years, she finally saw how insignificant she was in his view.
She tipped her head back slightly and waited until the sting faded before standing and facing the door.
No footsteps followed. Silence filled the entire backstage area.
Curiosity crept in as she approached the door and pulled it open, only to find the hallway just as empty. The distant sound of students laughing and running echoed faintly from somewhere further away, and it only deepened her sense of being left behind.
Time passed slowly before the rhythm of approaching footsteps finally broke the silence.
Kristine turned and spotted Vance jogging toward her with several students in tow. Relief was clear in his voice. “Kristine, it’s fine now. Everything’s been cleared up p>
Her brows drew together. “Cleared up p>
He nodded quickly. “Yes. Joselyn’s other earring was found in the car. The one that turned up in your bag wasn’t hers at all. Kristine, you actually own a pair that looks exactly like hers. Why didn’t you mention it earlier p>
Kristine blinked, caught off guard. She didn’t own any pearl earrings.
“What are you talking about?” she asked, her confusion surfacing immediately.
Avianna, Helen’s roommate, stepped forward and explained eagerly. “Earlier, while Mr. Yates was speaking with you in private, Helen’s brother was also talking to Miss Hinks. During that conversation, Miss Hinks agreed to let him check the car, and then things changed p>
“After that, I went with her to the parking lot,” Vance continued, a trace of contempt in his eyes. “That’s where she found the other pearl earring p>