Chapter 309
Chapter 309:
With a gentle grin, Asher remarked, “Isn’t Nordwyn on your list? Besides, there’s a stalled business deal I need to handle there. I recently found out that the owner used to be a clock repairman — you’d probably have endless topics to talk about with him. Who knows? Maybe starting from that connection will finally help me secure the agreement p>
A trace of disappointment crossed Kristine’s eyes, though alongside it came an almost imperceptible sigh of relief. Any lingering suspicion that Asher had romantic feelings for her quietly faded. Danica’s teasing had nearly made her believe otherwise.
“Of course,” Kristine said. “After everything you’ve done for me, it’s only fair that I return the favor p>
Asher’s smile widened.
They wandered through the garden together, not heading home until night had replaced the last traces of daylight.
Kristine remained at the hospital for two more days, rarely leaving her room. She let her mind drift, refusing to dwell on anything — particularly the online arguments she had chosen to ignore. The moments with Asher brought her the most comfort. Their conversations were sparse, both of them absorbed in work, the room filled with a peaceful silence.
Every now and then, Kristine would steal a glance at Asher’s face bathed in soft light, unable to shake the feeling that it all seemed somehow unreal. Scenes like this had played out in her imagination before — though Colton had always been the one beside her in those dreams. Now, to her quiet surprise, Asher had taken that place in reality.
𝗥𝘰𝗆𝗮n𝗰𝖾 𝘢n𝗱 𝘱𝖺sѕіo𝘯 o𝘯
At dawn, Kristine made her way to the TV station for the taping of the third episode. Asher insisted on driving her, so she reluctantly accepted.
Upon their arrival, a crowd rushed toward them. Stepping out, Kristine quickly realized they were surrounded by reporters. She wasted no time shutting the car door behind her, determined to keep Asher from being seen.
The reporters immediately swarmed around her.
“Ms. Green, can you confirm the rumors about you and Asher Edwards being together p>
“Did Asher have a hand in scrubbing those posts from the internet p>
“What made you sign up for Antique Matchup? From what I know, it’s just an educational show with barely any audience. Were you chasing a bit of fame p>
Even though Kristine had learned to handle false rumors over the years, standing under the harsh glare of the cameras made defending herself feel unnatural. She hesitated, unsure of what to do — when the driver’s door swung open. Tripp stepped out, his face set in a serious expression, and moved to open the rear door.
That was all it took. The reporters spotted Asher sitting inside.
He reclined comfortably in a custom seat, offering a mild smile as soft as early sunlight. Yet when that gentleness faded, something cold and quietly intimidating lingered in his expression, and the air around him grew uneasy.
Suddenly, no one dared to speak.
Asher’s smile broadened. “Weren’t you all eager to ask questions? Now’s your chance. Let’s talk p>
Nervous energy spread through the crowd. While Asher’s reputation in high society had suffered, they still regarded him as someone powerful — someone not to be trifled with. They had only dared to hassle Kristine because she had seemed unprotected.
Asher looked over them, his gaze warm. “Why the sudden silence p>
“We — we p>
“Well p>
“Actually p>