Chapter 293
Chapter 293:
The moment he pushed the door open, his expression shifted. Shock settled across his face almost instantly.
Kristine lay motionless on the bed, her complexion drained of all color, hovering at the edge of consciousness.
A surge of panic jolted through Colton, driving him straight to her side. He reached out, searching for any sign of life. The soft flutter of her breath against his hand offered a fleeting moment of relief, only for anxiety to rush back in full force. Acting on instinct, he gently lifted Kristine into his arms and hurried toward the exit. A neighbor, startled by her pallor and limp form, quickly stepped aside to clear the way.
Meanwhile, at the Edwards Group office, Tripp delivered his report. “Mr. Edwards, I’ve secured a hotel for Mr. Cole.” He had spent three days carefully selecting a location with maximum privacy and tight security, hoping to prevent any further trouble.
With arrangements finalized, he returned to update Asher, who glanced up from his paperwork and pushed the files aside. “Are you certain there’s no possibility of a breach p>
“I’m positive. The hotel is managed by the Edwards Group. Security is top-notch, and there won’t be any more problems.” The property admitted only members of the Edwards family. No matter how capable Colton was, there was no way he could get inside.
A quiet nod was Asher’s only response, though something unreadable flickered in his eyes. After a thoughtful pause, he drummed his fingers slowly on the table. “Tripp p>
𝖱𝘦𝖺𝖽 𝘧𝗿𝘰𝗺 𝘺o𝗎𝘳 𝘱𝗵o𝗇𝗲 𝘰𝗇
“Yes, sir p>
“What do you think is motivating Colton’s actions p>
Tripp hesitated, choosing his words carefully. “I honestly can’t say for sure.” He paused, then continued as Asher’s expectant gaze urged him on. “Something doesn’t add up p>
“Go ahead p>
“If Ms. Green made that sweater herself, why would anyone involved wear it so openly?” Tripp said. “It would be the same as sending Kristine a message that Mr. Yates had planned everything p>
A furrow formed between Asher’s brows. His fingers kept tapping lightly on the tabletop, the rhythm slower now. “If Colton wasn’t the one behind this, who else do you suspect p>
Tripp paused, then shook his head. “Honestly, I don’t know Ms. Green well enough to say. But I doubt Monica could have swayed Brendan on her own — not with her limited influence.” That meant someone else was likely pulling strings in the background.
Asher withdrew his hand and glanced at the notepad beside him. He had circled today’s date in red ink. It wasn’t just the day Kristine’s television appearance would air — it was also his opportunity to visit her and perhaps find answers to the questions Tripp had just raised.
At the hospital, Kristine lay on her back, quietly gazing up at the ceiling. Only after several long minutes did her vision clear and the room come into focus.
“You’re awake?” The question came from nearby — cool, unmistakably deep.
She didn’t have to look to recognize Colton’s voice. Still, she glanced his way and sank into thought.