Chapter 325
Chapter 325:
He assumed Colton wouldn’t object — but Eve was less certain. She mustered a halfhearted smile, fully aware that airing it was a long shot. Still, the idea of cutting Kristine’s brilliant performance didn’t sit right with her. After a moment’s thought, she replied, “Let’s finish taping everything before we make a final call p>
The assistant director agreed and signaled the host to continue.
When the cameras finally stopped rolling, the outcome was no surprise. Kristine had secured the win.
She left the TV station with steady composure. It had never been about defeating Elyse. Her true goal was securing a spot at the antique exchange in Evira — and just thinking about the rare artifacts waiting to be discovered made her eyes spark with quiet excitement.
She had taken only a few steps when she noticed Elyse waiting beside her car.
Exasperation washed over her. She had been in this situation far too many times. She stayed where she was, refusing to move closer.
𝖨𝗇𝘀t𝗮𝘯𝘵 𝗮𝖼cе𝗌𝘀 𝗼𝘯
Elyse, standing in the same spot for what felt like an eternity, eventually realized Kristine had no intention of approaching. With a glare sharp enough to wound, she stormed over, her expression barely containing her fury.
Kristine calmly raised her phone, aimed it at Elyse, and pressed record.
Elyse’s cheeks flushed scarlet as she understood what Kristine was doing. She fixed her with a look of pure hostility, her eyes burning with resentment. “I won’t let you win, Kristine,” she hissed — then spun on her heel and strode away.
Kristine watched her go, a wary unease beginning to take hold. Elyse was no doubt already plotting something new against her.
But this time, Elyse actually seemed to be there for Kristine’s sake, delivering a sincere warning. Kristine walked a considerable distance, yet nothing unusual occurred along the way. Even so, a feeling of unease lingered in her chest. It was safer to be overly cautious than to risk regret later. She thoroughly inspected her car and only started the engine once she was certain everything looked normal.
Meanwhile, when Devin stepped into the hotel suite, he wondered for a moment whether he had come to the wrong place. The room was shrouded in darkness — not a sliver of light anywhere. Only the faint glow from the open doorway allowed him to make out Colton, slumped on the couch in the living area.
He reached over and flicked on the lights. Warm light flooded the space instantly. Colton didn’t move, remaining still as a statue.
Devin drew closer. The sharp scent of alcohol was impossible to ignore. A frown creased his brow. “What happened to you p>
Colton sat with his head down, completely unaware of Devin’s arrival.
Left with no choice, Devin reached out and gently tapped his shoulder.
Colton jolted as though burned, shoving the hand away. “Get your hands off me!” he snapped, his voice cold and harsh.
Devin’s frown deepened as he registered the bloodshot iciness in Colton’s gaze — an unsettling chill lurking behind those eyes. “What’s gotten into you?” he asked, pulling out his phone. “I’m calling a doctor p>
“That’s not necessary p>
“Come on, you’re clearly not okay. I’m dialing p>