Chapter 275
Chapter 275:
“How exactly did you manage to get him to agree to this?” Kristine asked in a low voice.
Asher’s response came calm, almost teasing. “Logic and a little heart — just like I told you p>
His eyes softened as he looked toward the garden. “Everything out here has withered away p>
Kristine traced his gaze, taking in the neglected beds. “It really has.” Nathan had planted a few scattered flowers earlier in the season, but they had been left untended and now sprawled in a tangled mess. Winter was approaching. The trees had already shed their leaves, leaving only bare, brittle branches behind.
Suddenly, Kristine had an idea. “I’ll grab some clippers and tidy those branches up a bit.” She headed back inside and spotted a pair of shears lying on the living room table. Just as she reached for them, a sharp voice startled her.
“What do you think you’re doing p>
The abruptness made her jump. Realizing it was Nathan, she glanced toward the door. “I just thought I’d help out and do some cleaning up in your garden p>
𝖢h𝘪ոe𝘀𝖾 ոo𝗏e𝗹𝘀 tr𝖺𝗇𝘀𝗅𝘢te𝖽 оn
Nathan snatched the clippers from her grasp and scowled. “That won’t be necessary p>
Kristine had spent enough time around Nathan recently to understand that his rough manner was just a mask for something gentler beneath. She chose not to dwell on it.
A moment later, she heard the steady roll of wheelchair wheels, and a clear voice spoke up. “Nathan, say you’re sorry p>
For a brief second, Kristine’s heart skipped — she had nearly expected to hear Colton’s voice. Instead, she turned and found Asher’s composed, reassuring expression, which immediately put her at ease.
“Really, it’s nothing,” Kristine said quickly, rushing to smooth things over. “I probably should have asked before trying to help p>
“He still needs to apologize to you.” Asher kept his gaze firmly on Nathan. “A man with any manners wouldn’t address a woman like that p>
Nathan hesitated, genuinely surprised. Was he so out of touch that simple courtesy had shifted in his absence? Did people really expect an apology for something so minor? He started to protest — but Asher’s steady look made him swallow his words.
All that came out was a reluctant, “Sorry p>
Kristine gave a small, uncertain nod. “It’s… alright p>
Appearing satisfied, Asher continued, “Kristine would like to help clean up your garden. Would that be alright with you p>
Nathan recognized the quiet firmness beneath the polite words. With a frown, he gave in. “Go ahead.” Without another word, he returned to his study and buried himself in the casework.
Kristine’s eyes lingered on the closed door, a line of worry forming on her brow. “Asher, did you really have to confront him like that p>
“Because it was what you wanted to do,” Asher replied, as though the answer were obvious.
Kristine averted her gaze, her voice uneasy. “Still… pushing him might backfire. What if he gets angry and refuses to help us anymore p>
A knowing grin played on Asher’s lips. “So you’re afraid he’ll quit if we push him too far p>
Kristine gave a small nod.