Chapter 46
Chapter 46:
“You almost had me thinking you wouldn’t show,” the investigator remarked. He was a young man who looked scholarly and refined, though his mismatched suit hinted that it had been borrowed or rented for the occasion.
Kristine met his gaze with composure. “I’m Kristine Green p>
He raised an eyebrow. “Ryan Dunst p>
Her attention shifted to the restaurant behind him. “Would you like to head inside p>
“Let’s do it p>
With easy confidence, Ryan led the way. Once they were seated and had placed their orders, he wasted no time. “Why don’t you tell me what’s going on p>
𝖢𝘩𝗶𝘯𝖾𝘀𝘦 𝗻о𝗏𝖾𝘭𝘴 𝗍𝘳a𝘯𝗌lа𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗼ո
That directness and energy reminded Kristine of her own younger days, when every challenge was met with eagerness and drive.
For three years, she had chased after Colton with unwavering determination, enduring rejection after rejection without ever giving up. When her drunken confession finally appeared to bring them together, she could hardly believe it was real — the feeling seemed dreamlike and distant. Only when Colton came back from abroad and did not deny their relationship did a sense of relief finally settle over her.
What caught her off guard was how those four years spent by his side would become the most exhausting chapter of her life. The toll they took on her nearly matched the grief she had felt on the day of her father’s funeral, when she walked solemnly in the procession and caught sight of Steven and Jemma for the first time.
Pushing those memories aside, Kristine summarized what had happened with K&C Entertainment and the sudden, baseless report filed against it.
Ryan listened closely before his brow knitted in concern. “So you’re telling me the company’s finances are clean, and someone targeted you with a false accusation p>
“That’s right p>
He nodded and slid a card across the table. “I’ll need a thousand-dollar deposit to get started. Will that work for you p>
Kristine’s lips curved into a small smile at his careful approach. “That’s fine.” She picked up her phone and completed the transfer without hesitation.
Once the alert chimed on his device, she said warmly, “I trust you to handle it from here p>
“Relax. I’ll make sure you’re happy with the outcome p>
Something about his optimism carried her back to her own youthful ambition, and her expression softened.
She was entirely unaware that just outside, a Maybach sat quietly by the curb.
Inside, Colton watched her intently, unable to look away. The early sunlight spilled through the windshield, wrapping Kristine’s profile in a soft, golden glow. She looked almost otherworldly — graceful and poised beneath the morning rays. When she smiled, the gentle arch of her eyes tugged at something deep within him.
It struck him how long it had been since Kristine had smiled like that for him.
His gaze shifted to Ryan, and his eyes narrowed. Realizing the man was considerably younger than himself, Colton’s expression grew colder still. He found himself wondering in silence how Kristine could be drawn to someone like that.
“Drive,” he said, his tone clipped.
Sensing Colton’s mood, the driver eased the car away from the curb as quietly as possible.
After their meal, Kristine and Ryan went their separate ways.