Chapter 328
Chapter 328:
“Of course I came — I’m here to stand by your side.” Danica planted her hands on her hips, her voice carrying righteous indignation. “You should have called me last time. I would have told the judge exactly how unfairly your mom treated you when you were in middle school. Any judge with a conscience would have sided with you p>
Danica had known about the legal dispute with Monica but had had no idea when the hearing was scheduled. She only found out about today’s session the day before, and the moment she did, she was adamant about coming. Kristine felt a wave of gratitude at her earnestness and, not wanting to dampen her spirits, finally agreed to let her join.
“Court decisions are based on evidence, not personal stories,” Kristine reminded her with a laugh. “Just remember — don’t say anything impulsive in front of the judge p>
Danica huffed. “Fine, but if they rule unfairly, I’ll be the first to speak up p>
Kristine and Asher exchanged a glance, both barely holding back their amusement.
“Oh, right.” Danica’s eyes suddenly brightened as something came back to her. “This morning, my dad mentioned that your show, Antique Matchup, is a nationally sponsored cultural education program — and that the winner gets to attend a cultural exchange in Evira. Is that true p>
Kristine nodded. “It is p>
Danica’s excitement was immediate. “That’s incredible. Being part of something like this is such an honor. It’s the first time Evira is returning our cultural treasures — that alone makes it historic. Kristine, you’re so fortunate to witness it in person p>
Kristine’s smile widened. It really was a moment of profound importance. Yet what truly captivated her were the relics themselves.
Just then, a sleek black car rolled to a stop nearby. Kristine felt a wave of relief as Nathan stepped out.
𝖱𝘦𝗰о𝗺𝗆𝗲n𝘥 ѕ.𝗰𝗼𝗺 𝘵о y𝘰𝘶𝘳 𝗳𝗿𝘪𝗲ո𝖽𝘴
Danica’s eyes lit up the moment she saw him. “Wait — is that the lawyer you found p>
Nathan wore a sharp black suit and looked entirely removed from the shadows of his past. There was a new vitality about him. He had always been good-looking, but today he seemed even more so — carrying Colton’s quiet reserve without any of the intimidation. Kristine thought it was probably the warmth in his eyes; there was a kindness there that set him apart.
“Pleasure to meet you.” Before Kristine could say a word, Danica darted over to Nathan. “Hi, I’m Danica Jackson — Kristine’s close friend. Would you mind if I added you on Facebook p>
Kristine was left momentarily speechless. Danica’s interest was unmistakable, and she wasn’t making any effort to conceal it.
Nathan blinked, caught off guard, but recovered quickly. His reply was cool and direct. “No p>
Without missing a beat, he turned to Kristine and Asher. “Ready to head inside p>
“Of course,” Kristine answered, though her eyes lingered on Danica with a flicker of concern.
Danica, entirely unbothered by Nathan’s bluntness, simply flashed Kristine a cheerful grin.
For a brief moment, Kristine was reminded of the first time she had met Colton. She had made the very same request, and received an equally direct rejection.
“Kristine p>
Pulled from her thoughts, she found Asher watching her, his gaze gentle and reassuring. She managed a smile and followed the others inside.