Chapter 402
Chapter 402:
She stared at him, the confusion still written plainly across her face.
Across the city in Raskor, Asher sat in front of a bank of monitors, watching the security feeds.
Thirty minutes earlier, the team shadowing Colton had reported he was heading directly for the Edwards Group offices. Asher had moved quickly — staging the room, placing the body double, setting the scene.
The trick was never meant to fool Colton. It was meant to make him suspicious. And suspicion required investigation. Investigation required time — time Asher needed to close the deal with Leo and get Kristine out of Raskor.
𝗥е𝘢d on 𝗮𝗇y 𝘥𝖾v𝗂с𝘦 𝗼n
This city had become dangerous for both of them.
Asher closed his eyes.
If the accident three years ago had never happened, none of this would be necessary. He tightened his grip on the armrest until his knuckles went white, a cold, quiet fury moving through him.
The next morning, Kristine was practically glowing when the news of Leo’s confirmed partnership came through.
“We should go out and celebrate! My treat,” she said.
Asher shook his head. “Let’s stay in. I’ve been craving your cooking, honestly p>
Her face brightened. “Say no more — I’ll go get groceries p>
“Write a list and let Veda handle it,” Asher said.
She gave him a mildly suspicious look but let it go. “Fine p>
She went upstairs to write everything out, and Veda left with the list shortly after.
Thirty minutes later, Kristine came flying out of the study. “I completely forgot the lemons. There’s a shop just around the corner — I’ll be back in five minutes p>
Asher reached out and caught her hand. “I’ll send Davin p>
“Davin doesn’t know how to pick a good lemon,” she said, already moving toward the door. “Five minutes p>
“Kristine, wait p>
By the time he got outside, she was already gone.
The color left his face. He pushed his wheelchair forward as fast as it would go, his mind running through everything at once. Colton had come to the Edwards Group building. That meant his suspicions were already in motion. Kristine should not be outside — not now, not alone. If Colton caught so much as a glimpse of her, everything they had built would collapse in an instant.
His thoughts were spiraling when a soft voice behind him said his name.
“Asher p>
Asher turned and saw Kristine standing in the doorway. Surprise crossed his face, followed quickly by understanding.
“Tell me — why don’t you want me to leave the house?” She walked toward him with a small smile, though she kept her eyes carefully averted.
The sight of her like that — cautious, a little bashful — filled him with a warmth he couldn’t quite contain. “Come back inside,” he said. “We’ll talk there p>
Kristine nodded and fell in behind his wheelchair, pushing him back into the living room.
Once they were settled, Asher told her everything about Colton’s visit to the office.
Kristine’s expression tightened as she listened.