Chapter 318
Chapter 318:
Browsing through the updates, she found clear evidence that Ruth had paid for internet trolls, and the clip of her fielding questions from the audience had gone viral — including Gerald’s remark: “Young people continue to surprise us in the best ways.” His endorsement silenced the remaining criticism toward Kristine. All the outrage shifted to Ruth, with people calling for the museum to let her go. The museum released a statement removing her almost immediately, as though the decision had been prepared well in advance.
Despite scrolling carefully, Kristine couldn’t find any trace that pointed back to Asher.
Curious, she sent Danica a message asking about it.
Danica called back at once. “It’s obvious someone worked behind the scenes. Otherwise, how would things flip so fast? Only Asher would step in for you like that p>
A fleeting thought of Colton drifted through Kristine’s mind, but she dismissed it just as quickly. That afternoon, he had insisted she apologize to Elyse — it was unlikely he had turned around and come to her rescue. No, it had to be Asher.
а𝗱dic𝘵𝗶v𝘦 𝗇𝗼𝘷𝘦𝘭s o𝗻 𝗀𝘢𝗅ո𝘰𝘷𝗲𝘭𝗌.с𝗼𝗆
Danica suddenly dropped her voice, turning conspiratorial. “You know, Asher is not messing around when it comes to you p>
“I’ve said it before — there’s nothing going on. Asher and I are just friends, so don’t make something out of nothing p>
“Fine, just friends,” Danica replied with mock surrender. “But since he’s done so much for you, maybe you should at least take him out to eat p>
Kristine brushed the idea off, though her thoughts grew more unsettled after the call ended.
After a long pause, she finally tapped Asher’s name and typed a message. “Are you free anytime soon p>
Almost the moment she sent it, she regretted it and moved to delete it.
Before she could, a single word appeared from Asher.
“Yes p>
Kristine and Asher both fell silent, neither quite sure what to say next.
Three days later, Danica settled into her seat at a fancy restaurant — and was caught off guard when she spotted the staff wheeling Asher over. Her eyes widened in disbelief. Asher’s surprise matched her own, though he greeted her with his usual polite, gentle smile. “Good evening, Miss Jackson p>
Danica offered a tight, uneasy smile in return. “Mr. Edwards, what brings you here p>
“Kristine asked me to join her for a meal,” he replied graciously. “And you, Miss Jackson p>
Danica bit her lip. She was there at Kristine’s invitation as well, but she hadn’t expected Asher to appear — and the idea of dining with him felt far beyond what she deserved. She couldn’t shake the suspicion that he was less than thrilled with her presence either, and she worried she might be intruding on something.
Fortunately, a few minutes later, Kristine stepped through the door and instantly broke the tension that had settled between them.
“Kristine, you’re finally here!” Danica exclaimed, latching onto her arm with visible relief.
Kristine caught the look Danica shot her, and a sharp pang of guilt followed immediately. Danica was right — Asher genuinely deserved a proper meal as thanks. He hadn’t solved the most recent issue for her, but he had always been there whenever she needed him. Still, inviting him alone had felt uncomfortable, which was precisely why she had brought Danica along.
“How about we look at the menu?” Kristine offered, passing one to each of them.
Asher gently slid his back toward her. “You two should order first p>