Chapter 376
Chapter 376:
She looked at him with concern. “Bobby told me you were back, so I came straight over. Were you out looking for Kristine? If she doesn’t want to apologize, it’s fine — truly. Just stop looking for her p>
“Kristine is dead,” Colton said, his face expressionless.
Elyse began to tremble — though inside, relief was blooming into something close to joy.
Then Colton added, “She faked it. She and Asher staged the whole thing to keep her out of trouble with the law p>
Every trace of that joy evaporated instantly. “She actually got away p>
“She won’t get far,” Colton said with a calm, self-assured smirk. “She’ll be back within three days. And when she returns, I’ll make sure she apologizes to you.” He wasn’t about to let Kristine throw away her entire future over this.
On the other side of the city, Danica was sobbing into Nathan’s arms.
Q𝗎𝘢𝗹i𝘵𝘆 𝗍rа𝘯𝘴𝘭𝘢𝗍і𝗈𝗇𝗌 оn
Colton had been so certain the body wasn’t Kristine’s because of the mole. But after he left, Asher had told them the truth: Kristine had no mole — the mark had been applied to the body deliberately, to manipulate Colton’s reaction. Asher had known that no one else would come looking for her, and that if Colton believed it was her, he would simply drag her back into his world.
“She spent her whole life trying to get away from him,” Asher had said. “We can’t let him claim her now that she’s gone p>
His words circled through Danica’s mind on an endless loop.
“Why do the good ones always die,” she wept, her tears falling without end, “while people like him live forever p>
Nathan stared downward, a hollow weight pressing on his chest, a sting building behind his eyes.
He had asked Asher why the DNA results had come back negative. Asher’s answer had been a single sentence: his family owned the hospital.
Nathan understood immediately. Kristine was truly gone. The records had been altered to give her peace — and to make sure that peace held.
At the Stellaris Hotel, Lance rose to his feet the moment Colton walked in.
“Mr. Yates — I’ve been waiting for you,” he said with a smile.
Colton gave a brief nod and began to introduce Elyse, who stood just behind him. “This is Elyse p>
He stopped mid-sentence, uncertain how exactly to describe the nature of their relationship.
Lance stepped in smoothly. “I already know. She’s your fiancée p>
Colton’s expression flickered almost imperceptibly, but he said nothing.
Elyse offered a polite smile. “Mr. Edwards, you seem very well informed p>
Lance laughed. “That’s nothing. I also know Colton has a devoted admirer — isn’t that right p>
Colton’s face darkened. “You didn’t bring me here just to discuss my private life p>
“Of course not. But a little conversation before business never hurt anyone.” Lance glanced at Elyse, and when she gave a small nod, he continued. “So, Mr. Yates, Miss Lloyd — when is the wedding p>
Elyse looked at Colton with quiet deference. “That’s really up to Colton to decide p>
Lance watched them both and put on an expression of sincere warmth. “You’re so thoughtful, Miss Lloyd. No wonder Mr. Yates cares about you so much p>