Chapter 296
Chapter 296:
“Absolutely.” Without hesitation, the nurse walked over and switched it on. By chance, the screen displayed the Antique Matchup.
Both men froze — each still gripping the remote, speechless. Once the nurse finished checking Kristine’s temperature, she quietly slipped out.
Kristine settled back against the pillows and turned her attention to the program. Colton let go. Asher set the remote aside.
The broadcast had reached the segment where Ruth and Wilbur faced off. Both men looked away from the television at the same moment, and their glances collided. Colton shifted his gaze elsewhere with cool indifference. Asher, rather than appearing bothered, took the opportunity to study Kristine’s face. When he had heard from the neighbor that she had fainted, concern had gnawed at him. Now, noticing the subtle color returning to her cheeks, the unease in his chest began to fade.
He looked up again to find Colton glaring at him with open hostility. A faint smile crossed his lips before he turned away.
Colton cast a sidelong glance at Kristine. She seemed fully absorbed in the program — no sign of the tension between the two men reaching her at all. Her long hair fell softly around her face, and she radiated a quiet composure that hadn’t been there before. For a moment, even Colton’s usually guarded heart seemed to soften.
“It’s your scene next, Kristine.” Asher’s gentle remark broke the silence, and the warmth Colton had briefly felt gave way to a sudden chill.
His attention shifted back to the screen. Kristine’s on-screen presence revealed a new confidence and poise — a stark contrast to her earlier, more timid appearance. Although Colton had already witnessed her performance on set, watching it now brought him a fresh sense of interest.
“Kristine, you look so much more self-assured,” Asher said, admiration filling his voice. “And your pacing is excellent p>
𝘙𝘦a𝘥 𝘰𝘯 𝗮𝘯𝘆 𝘥еv𝘪𝘤𝖾 o𝘯
Her eyes lit up at the compliment. “Are you serious p>
“Absolutely. You were outstanding. I’ve met countless performers, but it’s rare to see a newcomer carry herself with that kind of presence p>
Kristine was on the verge of smiling when a chilly, dismissive scoff cut her off.
“You’ve certainly mastered the art of sweet talk p>
Annoyed, she turned to Colton. “Is that supposed to mean my performance wasn’t good enough for you p>
Colton didn’t answer right away. Instead, he lifted his gaze past Kristine and met Asher’s eyes. Their glances held for a moment — a playful curiosity flickering in Asher’s expression. Colton chose to ignore it.
“Honestly, Kristine,” he said, his voice cooling, “you shouldn’t let flattery cloud your judgment p>
The comment struck a nerve, and her patience snapped. “What do you care? Besides, shouldn’t you be with Elyse right now? She’s probably waiting for you somewhere p>
The moment those words left her lips, Colton’s phone began to ring. He fished it from his pocket and saw Elyse’s name glowing on the screen. His mood shifted at once.