Chapter 346
Chapter 346:
Rosina’s expression shifted immediately. “What are you yelling about? Can’t you see Kristine is here p>
“Ask Danica what she’s gotten herself into! Of all people, why would she pick a fight with Colton p>
Kristine went still, a sudden tension gripping her.
Kristine tilted her head. “What’s going on, Mr. Jackson p>
Timothy instantly composed himself when he saw her. “It’s nothing serious. Come in, Kristine. Have a seat p>
“If you stay quiet about it, I’m not sitting down p>
Timothy sighed.
Rosina cut in, wringing her hands. “Just tell her, Tim. Kristine isn’t a stranger p>
He slumped back in his chair. “Fine. I have no idea what Danica did to set Colton off. He called me and said I’d better teach my daughter a lesson — or else.” His fingers pressed against his forehead as the threat lingered in the air.
It didn’t take Kristine long to piece it together. Danica had gone to the authorities about Colton. She hadn’t expected him to retaliate this quickly. It was clear he would do anything to protect Elyse.
“Relax,” Kristine said, keeping her voice steady. “I know Colton well. Danica is smart — this probably isn’t as serious as it sounds. I’ll speak to him p>
Read wi𝘵𝗁о𝗎𝗍 𝘪𝗇𝘵er𝘳𝗎p𝘵𝗂𝗼𝗇𝗌 𝗼n
When Timothy and Rosina realized Kristine had a direct line to Colton, relief washed visibly over their faces.
“Thank you. That means a great deal to us,” Timothy said.
Seeing how much hope they placed in her, Kristine’s chest tightened. She said her goodbyes and hurried out toward the hotel where Colton was staying.
She paused outside his room, drew a breath, then knocked.
After a moment, the door opened. Elyse appeared.
A flicker of pain crossed Kristine’s chest, but she pushed it aside. “Is Colton here p>
From deep inside the suite came a cold voice. “Who’s at the door p>
Elyse gave Kristine a quick once-over, then called back, “Kristine’s here. Should I let her in p>
Silence stretched before Colton finally replied. “Let her come in p>
A bright smile appeared on Elyse’s face as she turned back. “Go ahead, Kristine. Come inside.” She moved to step aside, then shifted and blocked the way.
Their eyes met for a moment.
Leaning in close, Elyse whispered, “Colton’s getting dressed. Just give him a second.” Kristine studied her — the warmth in her cheeks, the particular brightness in her eyes. A sharp ache twisted inside her, though she forced herself to stay composed. Noticing her indifference, Elyse looked faintly disappointed and stepped out of the way.
In the living room, Colton lounged on the sofa in nothing but a bathrobe, one leg crossed over the other, radiating an air of unapproachable ease. He raised his head and fixed his cold gaze on Kristine. “Why are you here p>
Kristine caught sight of the red marks on his chest, looked away, and chose her words carefully. “Danica is innocent in all of this. There’s no reason to go after her p>
A faint, cold smile curved Colton’s mouth. “You’ve come here to plead for someone else now p>