Chapter 288
Chapter 288:
Asher shook his head. “That doesn’t sound like him. I’m sure something else is going on. Let me make the call p>
Kristine gave a faint nod, regret weighing on her. If only Nathan had been there — would everything have been settled by now?
Her thoughts drifted back to Asher’s poise and sharp logic in court. The usual calm she saw in him had given way to a surprisingly fierce determination.
A sudden exclamation from Asher snapped her out of her reverie. “I can’t get through to Tripp p>
“That’s strange p>
“I think something happened to both of them.” He paused, then reassured her. “Don’t worry. I’ve already sent someone to look for them. We’ll hear back soon p>
Kristine nodded, anxiety building in her chest.
𝖨ո𝗌𝘁a𝘯𝘵 𝖺c𝗰𝘦𝘀𝘀 оn
Before she could say more, Asher’s phone rang. She watched him anxiously as he picked up the call. Whatever he heard on the other end made his frown deepen.
“Are you certain? I understand. I’ll be there right away p>
He turned to Kristine, her eyes searching his face for answers. Pressing his lips together, he finally spoke.
“Nathan’s been found. He’s at home p>
When Kristine and Asher stepped into Nathan’s house, they were startled to find Tripp bound to a chair in the middle of the living room. A strip of tape covered his mouth, leaving him able to produce only muffled sounds.
Without hesitation, Kristine hurried over and pulled the tape free. “Where’s Nathan p>
Tripp gasped for breath before answering. “He’s — he’s in the study p>
Wasting no time, Kristine rushed to the study and found Nathan in the same predicament, ropes digging into his arms and tape silencing him. At first, discovering that Nathan hadn’t left the house, she had assumed he’d gotten cold feet. She never expected to find him tied up like this.
Striding to his side, Kristine peeled the tape from Nathan’s mouth. “Who did this to you p>
“I’m not sure,” Nathan answered, drawing in a few steady breaths. “Earlier this morning, someone knocked, and I assumed it was one of Mr. Edwards’ people. The moment I opened the door, two hooded men rushed inside and restrained me p>
Asher’s brows knit together. “Did they hurt you? Did they steal anything p>
Nathan untangled himself from the ropes, then checked each room for anything missing before returning. “No, nothing’s gone p>
A thoughtful look crossed Asher’s face as he watched Kristine free Tripp. “So their only goal was to keep Nathan from making it to court p>
Kristine gave a silent nod, her jaw set in a hard line. “Brendan sounded like he didn’t know Nathan was representing me p>
Asher glanced at her, noticing the shadows beneath her eyes. It was a bitter truth to accept.
Almost as if she sensed what he was thinking, Kristine looked up and gave him a soft, quiet smile. Even in her pain, that gentle expression made her seem luminous in the moment. Asher felt a sudden jolt in his chest. “Kristine, are you alright p>