Chapter 283
Chapter 283:
Eve’s broken promise had already left a bitter taste in her mouth. Now, faced with Colton’s demand, she felt a new resolve rise within her. She would take first place, no matter what.
Her stubbornness made Colton’s brows draw together. “Do you really have to challenge me at every turn p>
A frosty tone colored her response. “Me? Is that what you think? I tried to build a future with you, but you were always caught up in Elyse. Now that I’ve finally let go, you’re the one who can’t move on p>
Colton’s frustration deepened. He rubbed his temples, and after a moment, looked her straight in the eye. “So you’re really refusing to quit the contest p>
“I am p>
“Suit yourself.” Colton rose from his seat, his eyes hard and cold. “Don’t say I didn’t warn you p>
Without another word, he turned and walked out.
Kristine watched him leave, her smile slipping away almost instantly. This was the real Colton. He denied loving Elyse, yet still expected everyone to step aside for her.
𝗜𝗇𝗍𝗲ո𝘀e 𝗋𝘰𝗆аnсe o𝘯
How utterly ridiculous.
She gathered her things and made her way home.
When she reached the entrance of her apartment building, a sleek luxury car caught her attention. Her mood brightened immediately. She approached and tapped lightly on the window.
The glass slid down, revealing Asher’s familiar, handsome face.
Kristine’s lips curled into a warm smile. “What brings you here so early p>
“As soon as I wrapped up, I came straight here. Looks like you made it back early too. Get in p>
“Sure.” Kristine pulled open the door and slipped inside. “The trial’s coming up soon. Are you anxious at all p>
She gave a slight shake of her head. “No, not really.” She felt reassured knowing Nathan had been sharp lately — she had even reviewed his previous cases for peace of mind. Other than a single defeat to Brendan, his record was spotless.
A faint smile played on Asher’s lips. “Drive p>
From the front, Tripp responded and started the engine. The fact that Asher had cut his meeting short just to be here said everything. His feelings for Kristine were clear. Still, it was just as clear that her focus lay elsewhere.
Their drive ended at Nathan’s home. With the court date drawing closer, he was leaving nothing to chance. He had invited both Asher and Kristine for a practice run.
“Once the trial begins, nothing is predictable, so we have to stay sharp at all times.” Nathan passed two heavy stacks of documents to Kristine and Asher. “Keep this in mind — one wrong word could cost us everything p>
At the start, Kristine felt calm. But Nathan’s warning caused her body to stiffen with tension.
“I’ll be right back.” She made a quick exit from the study and headed for the bathroom.
She stood at the sink as the thought of failing crept in, sending a wave of nerves through her. That anxiety followed her back into the mock trial, where one mistake seemed to lead to another.
Eventually, Nathan threw up his hands. “Enough. Let’s pause for a bit p>