Chapter 362
Chapter 362:
Seeing Jonas’s uncertain look, Kristine stepped forward, took the phone from his hand, paused briefly, then switched to video mode.
The screen lit up with Colton’s face.
Their eyes locked, and she clearly caught the flicker of surprise in his gaze.
Kristine smiled faintly. “Hello. Seems we’ve crossed paths again p>
On the other end of the line, Danica rubbed at her tired eyes, thoroughly puzzled. Why would Kristine be speaking on behalf of the kidnappers?
“So — did you have anything to do with Elyse’s kidnapping p>
Colton’s voice came from nearby, making Danica’s pulse spike. She darted a panicked glance at Kristine’s image on his phone and shook her head frantically in silent denial. No. She couldn’t believe it. Kristine wasn’t that kind of person. Even if her feelings for Colton ran deep, breaking the law wasn’t her style.
𝘛𝗋𝗲𝘯𝘥іn 𝘰ո
But then Kristine’s steady answer destroyed what little hope remained. “Yes. I was the one who took Elyse p>
Danica stared at the screen. “I don’t buy it, Kristine. There has to be more to this, right p>
Colton cut in, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he glared at her through the video. “What reason could there possibly be? You did it to get back at Elyse because she took the cultural exchange slot from you. This is revenge p>
“Exactly.” Kristine watched Colton’s composure begin to crack, and a hint of triumph curled her lips.
Pushing him to lose control was the whole point. Only when he acted on impulse could she outmaneuver him and steer things her way. If he kept a clear head, there would be no fooling someone as sharp as Colton — which meant she needed to push harder.
“I took Elyse because she stole first place from me. If you want her back unharmed, you’ll need to bring a hundred million as ransom. Otherwise, she’s not going anywhere p>
“You’re out of your mind! All this over a cultural exchange slot? You’re nothing like the person I used to know p>
“Did you ever truly know me? Do you have any idea what I actually want?” Her words came out sharp, her aggression rising with them. After a brief pause, her tone cooled. “But none of that matters now. You’d better get that ransom together — and fast p>
“Where’s the drop-off?” Colton’s eyes hardened, his voice turning cold.
Kristine’s lashes fluttered. “Dusk Reach Pier. Two hours. If you’re late, we’ll have to dump her in the sea p>
“Don’t you dare.” Colton’s fists clenched so tightly his knuckles went white. “If anything happens to Elyse, you’ll answer for it p>
Kristine waited for the ache in her chest to ease before replying, her words slow and deliberate. “You come alone. If you bring anyone, Elyse is the one who pays p>
Without another word, she ended the call before Colton could say anything more.
A heavy silence settled over the warehouse.