Chapter 457
Chapter 457:
Something in his certainty unsettled her. “How can you possibly know that?” she asked, keeping her voice level.
A slow, smug smile crossed his lips. “Want to know? Give me a kiss, and maybe I’ll tell you p>
“Colton!” She said his name like it tasted bad.
The fact that she was so infuriated seemed to genuinely improve his mood. “I thought he was different,” Colton said. “But it looks like he’s just like every other man — absent when it actually counts p>
Kristine balled her hands into fists, then forced herself to relax and smile. “You’re only saying that because you don’t actually know where he is p>
A𝖽𝗱𝗂𝖼𝗍𝘪𝘃𝘦 𝘀t𝗈𝗿i𝖾s 𝘰𝗻 𝘨𝘢lոo𝘷е𝗅𝘀.com
“Don’t try to play me,” Colton said, with the air of someone who had already won. “Since you’re clearly desperate to know, I’ll tell you.” He watched her go still. “He’s in Celestia Heights right now. In bed with the actress Consuela Santiago p>
Kristine’s face went cold.
She knew exactly who Consuela was — the most celebrated actress in the country, widely considered one of the most beautiful women alive.
“That’s a lie,” she said, shaking her head. “Asher would never p>
Colton’s eyes darkened. “Are you certain? Or is it that you don’t understand how men actually behave when they think no one is watching p>
She met his gaze without flinching. “Maybe I don’t know men well — which would explain why I never understood why you cheated on me. But I know Asher’s character. He is nothing like you p>
Colton’s smile turned cold. “Then look at this.” He pulled out his phone and held the screen toward her.
Kristine looked.
The chill that moved through her started at her chest and travelled all the way to the ends of her fingers.
The photograph showed Asher in a large, expensive bed. Consuela was nestled against him, her expression soft and content. Asher looked — comfortable. At ease. As though he belonged there entirely.
“That,” Colton said, “is how men really are. Evira is no longer safe for you. You’re coming with me p>
Kristine walked a few steps beside him before she caught herself. She pushed his hand away. “I’m not going anywhere with you p>
The vein at his temple stood out. “If you stay here, you’re going to get yourself killed p>
“I’d rather die in this city than go anywhere with you,” she said.
They stared at each other.
Then Colton’s eyes cooled into something flat and decided. “Fine,” he said quietly. “Have it your way p>
He released her arm.
Kristine turned and walked away immediately.
A second later, a crushing blow struck the back of her skull. The world tilted violently, edges dissolving into black, and just before she lost consciousness entirely, she heard a voice close to her ear — quiet, almost gentle.
“I’m sorry, Kristine p>
When she opened her eyes, she was lying in a soft, expensive bed.
She looked around the room slowly, taking in the furniture, the curtains, the particular quality of the light. Recognition came gradually, and then all at once.
She began to shake.
She was at Colton’s villa in Crestwood.