Chapter 272
Chapter 272:
“Come on,” he urged, still soft-spoken but suddenly impossible to argue with.
Left with little choice, Kristine climbed into his car. The entire drive back, she made several attempts to voice her concerns — and each time, Asher quietly redirected her.
When they reached her apartment building, her anxiety got the better of her. “Asher, promise me you’re not planning anything reckless p>
Asher’s lips curved into a quiet, knowing smile. “Do I strike you as someone who does things without thinking p>
Kristine looked him over carefully, taking in his calm presence and the way he never seemed shaken. After a moment, she slowly shook her head. No — recklessness had never been part of Asher’s nature.
“Good. Then we’re done here. Go inside. I’ll be on my way p>
Kristine nodded lightly. Unease lingered as she cast one last glance in his direction before stepping out of the car.
The moment the door shut, the softness drained from Asher’s face. What replaced it was sharp, quiet resolve.
“Turn the car around,” he said coolly. “We’re paying Nathan a visit p>
𝗤𝗎а𝘭𝗶𝘁𝘆 t𝘳aոѕ𝘭аti𝗈n𝘴 𝗼n
Kristine lingered on the curb, eyes fixed on the departing car long after it vanished from sight. Unease weighed on her as she finally turned and headed into her building.
Halfway to her door, she came to a sudden halt. What was she thinking? Someone like Asher would never be reckless. Maybe she was simply overthinking things. Letting out a breath, she quickened her pace.
As she reached her apartment and fished out her keys, she unlocked the door — and the moment it swung open, a hand clamped down on her wrist. Before she could react, she was spun around and pressed against the cold wall. Her gaze met a pair of wild, red-rimmed eyes.
Kristine sucked in a startled breath. “Colton?!” How had he even gotten inside? This was Peudon, not Gridron.
Colton’s cold stare bore into her, searching for a hint of the emotion he desperately wanted to see. Instead, all he found was fear and indignation. A sharp ache twisted in his chest. “Nothing to say for yourself p>
Kristine was caught off guard by his sudden presence — but as the memory of the lawsuit returned, anger shot through her. She let out a bitter laugh. “And what would you like me to say p>
At last, she was seeing Colton’s true colors.
His eyes narrowed, growing colder as he met her defiant gaze. “Kristine, you mean to tell me you feel absolutely nothing p>
Her lips curled into a smile that held no warmth, only ice. “Of course I feel something p>
Colton’s eyes darkened. “Then what is it p>
She answered without hesitation, her voice cutting through the air. “Seven years ago, I was foolish enough to fall for you. If I could start over, I’d make sure we never met at all p>
Colton’s entire body went rigid. His grip on her wrist became almost painful. “That’s really all you have left for me p>