Chapter 385
Chapter 385:
Vinson rubbed the back of his neck and glanced briefly at Asher before answering with characteristic modesty. “I was only following Mr. Edwards’ orders. If you want to thank anyone, it should be him p>
Kristine smiled at Asher and teased, “Are all the people who work for you this humble p>
Then she looked back at Vinson and added, “Either way, I intend to thank you both properly p>
Vinson opened his mouth to protest, but Asher cut him off with a measured wave of his hand. “If she wants to show her gratitude, there’s no reason to keep deflecting it p>
Vinson caught something in Asher’s eyes and gave a short, respectful nod.
𝖱o𝗆𝖺𝗻𝗰е 𝘢n𝘥 𝗉𝘢ѕ𝘀i𝘰𝗇 𝘰ո
Kristine turned back to Asher. “What’s the situation at home? What’s happened since I’ve been gone p>
“Which part of the mess would you like to start with?” Asher asked.
“All of it,” she said. “I want to know everything p>
Asher straightened slightly and began. “The two men who abducted you are in custody. As for Monica, Nathan is building a comprehensive case against her — theft, kidnapping, dereliction of duty. The prosecution intends to pursue every charge simultaneously p>
Kristine absorbed that quietly. “And Jemma p>
“She went home,” Asher said. “She’s too frightened to come near you again p>
Kristine nodded. She had made the decision to spare Jemma when she’d had her removed — going further would have drawn too much attention. Her real target had been Elyse; Jemma was simply meant to send a message.
“There’s one more thing,” Asher said, his tone shifting slightly. “I wasn’t sure whether to tell you p>
Kristine looked at him. “Tell me p>
He took a breath, then explained how he had deceived Colton into believing she was dead.
Kristine listened to every word in silence. Then she rose to her feet, her expression transforming. “You’re telling me Colton actually believes I’m dead p>
“If you think I went too far—” Asher began.
“No — it’s perfect. It’s absolutely perfect.” She cut him off.
The weight she had been carrying for so long simply fell away. She was free. Truly, finally free of Colton. She felt light enough to celebrate for a week straight.
Asher watched her face glow with joy and found a smile of his own forming before he could stop it.
But slowly, as the feeling settled, her smile began to fade.
Asher noticed the shift at once. “What is it p>
Kristine exhaled heavily. “I was just thinking about the people who tried to kill me out on the water. The kidnappers mentioned someone had been quietly working with them behind the scenes. Then that group on the cruise ship tried to finish what was started — that was no accident. It has to be the same person orchestrating all of it. But I have no idea who they are. They’re hidden in the shadows while I’m standing in the open. If they ever find out I survived, they’ll come for me again p>
Asher’s brow furrowed with concern. “The men who came after you moved like professionals — these weren’t random hired hands. Whoever sent them carries real weight. Are you certain you haven’t crossed someone powerful recently p>