Chapter 284
Chapter 284:
Kristine cast a worried look in his direction, ready to explain herself — but Asher gently caught her wrist and gave a subtle shake of his head. “Come with me,” he murmured.
Still uncertain, Kristine let him lead her out to the front yard.
“Close your eyes for a moment,” Asher said.
Kristine hesitated. “What for p>
“You’ll understand. Just do it p>
Giving in, she shut her eyes. A moment later, something cool and smooth was pressed into her palm.
Kristine’s eyes fluttered open to find a delicate necklace resting in her palm. A tiny star at the center shimmered gently, casting a faint, ethereal light.
Ro𝗆𝗮ո𝘤𝗲 no𝘷𝖾𝘭ѕ 𝘰𝘯
She glanced down at Asher. “What’s this for p>
“It’s called the Guardian Star,” he replied. “I stumbled across it during a business trip abroad a few days back. The shop owner told me it was created by a father who had lost his daughter. The star stands for a loved one who is gone. The necklace is meant to help those who’ve suffered loss gather strength and keep moving forward.” Warmth lingered in his eyes as he spoke. “When I heard the story, you immediately came to mind. That’s why I bought it. Do you like it p>
Kristine curled her fingers around the pendant. Though the metal was cool to the touch, she felt only a gentle, spreading warmth inside her.
Not since her father’s death had she received a gift that truly meant something. The presents Colton gave had always been chosen by Bobby and never felt personal. Others in her life never knew her story — their gifts, though polite, always missed the mark.
“This means a lot to me. Thank you,” Kristine said, her gratitude entirely sincere.
A soft smile touched Asher’s lips. Then his demeanor shifted, growing serious. “You don’t need to worry, Kristine. You’re going to win this case p>
Surprise flickered in her eyes. He had seen straight through her anxiety.
“Right now, your only job is to put your trust in Nathan,” he continued.
Kristine hesitated, searching his face before finally speaking. “Could it really be that straightforward p>
“It really is. Nathan was made for this kind of fight. All you have to do is stand by his side p>
A sudden clarity washed over her. “I understand. Thank you, Asher — and thank you for this.” She pressed the necklace into her palm, drawing a quiet reassurance from its weight. “I really do love it p>
“Let’s get back to work, then p>
“Alright p>
They returned to the study and resumed preparing for the case. Kristine did well this time. Nathan, too, seemed pleased. “In court, just say it exactly as we rehearsed. I’ll handle everything else p>
“Understood.” Kristine finally felt at ease.
The meeting ended soon after. Nathan retreated to his study to go over the details once more, leaving no doubt he was fully committed to winning.
Asher drove Kristine home. Once inside, she placed the Guardian Star necklace in a decorative box, tucking it away safely.
The days passed in a blur, and the trial date arrived before she knew it.