Chapter 36
Chapter 36:
He called the villa’s landline next. The maid told him Kristine had not come home.
The feeling of losing control tightened its grip. Everything around him seemed to blur and tilt.
Colton reached out to Bobby. “I want Kristine found tonight. Search every corner of Gridron if you must. Don’t come back empty-handed p>
Meanwhile, at the hostel, Kristine had finally tracked down a private investigator willing to take on her request. As luck would have it, he was a local from Gridron. She arranged a meeting for two days later.
Setting her phone aside, she grabbed some clean clothes and headed to the bathroom, planning a shower before turning in for the night. Sleep had not come easily in recent days, and for the first time in a while, she felt herself beginning to unwind.
Then the phone rang.
𝗥𝘰𝗺а𝘯𝗰𝖾 𝗻o𝘃elѕ 𝗈𝘯
A jolt ran through her — but spotting Victor’s name on the screen settled her nerves. She accepted the call. “Mr. Todd p>
When he heard her voice, Victor let out a sigh of relief, though his tone carried a trace of irritation. “Kristine, what’s going on with you? I’ve been trying to reach you, and I haven’t been able to get through at all p>
The familiar sound of his concern soothed her. “Sorry. My SIM card’s gone missing p>
“That explains it.” He sighed again, softer this time. “I’m just glad you’re alright. That’s all that matters p>
“Was there something you needed p>
“Actually, yes. You asked me to help find someone trustworthy to manage your father’s antiques. I’ve found the right person — Marty Iacono, a former president of the Antiques Association with years of experience. He’s completely reliable p>
Victor continued, “He owns several secure storage properties in Peudon, designed specifically for rare artifacts. The moment he heard you had antiques, he offered to clear out one of his facilities to keep your collection safe p>
A heavy weight lifted from Kristine’s mind. Both a caretaker and a proper location — handled at once. “That’s exactly what I’ve been hoping for. How much is the monthly rent, including management p>
“Nothing at all. He’s offering the space free of charge. He’s genuinely thrilled at the opportunity to study your father’s collection up close p>
“That’s more generosity than I expected p>
“Why worry about it?” Victor laughed gently. “Kristine, you’re a professional in this field. No one knows better than you that those antiques are beyond price. He’s only making this offer because he truly cares about your father’s legacy p>
A trace of hesitation lingered, and Victor pressed on. “Chances like this don’t come often. Finding a location is only half the challenge — entrusting priceless antiques to someone who genuinely understands preservation is far more difficult p>
Victor had stood beside her father for years as a trusted confidant and advisor. Time and again, his guidance had proven steady and sound. Even so, a faint wariness surfaced when it came to Marty.
“Alright,” she said at last.
“That’s what I like to hear p>