Chapter 484
Even so, Kristine’s expression remained completely frozen.
Colton was doing the same thing he always did — putting on a show, making it known to the world that she was under his protection and untouchable.
But when her life had actually been in danger, he had been busy with Elyse.
Everything he was doing tonight felt like a bad joke.
“What can I get you to drink?” Colton asked, his voice low and smooth.
Kristine met his eyes. “Juice, please,” she said.
If he wanted to play the attentive host, she might as well let him.
Colton reached out and gently smoothed her hair. “I’ll get that for you,” he said, then turned and quietly instructed someone to bring it over.
The others exchanged glances, visibly startled by the way he was treating her.
After a few rounds of drinks, a woman named Iris Jones finally worked up the nerve to sit beside Kristine. “Ms. Green, I’m Iris.” She held out a business card. “You should come visit my spa sometime.”
Kristine glanced at the card. She didn’t particularly want it — but she needed reasons to leave the house without raising Colton’s suspicions.
“Thank you,” she said, and took it.
The moment the others saw she was being receptive, they rushed over with their own cards.
“Ms. Green, my family owns a hotel! We have the best chefs in town — please come eat with us anytime!”
“Eating is fine, but I love shopping! If you ever want to go to the mall, just say the word!”
Within minutes, Kristine was holding a thick stack of business cards.
She gathered them all. “Thank you. I’ll try to stop by when I have the time,” she told them.
Then the door burst open with a loud bang.
The room fell silent. Every head turned as Elyse came storming in.
The moment she spotted Kristine seated right beside Colton, her face twisted with barely concealed jealousy and rage.
On the day Kristine had nearly been killed, Elyse had lost contact with the hired killer. Based on reports from her contacts in Evira, she had only known that someone had been shot and killed that day. She had assumed it was Kristine. Feeling safe, she had stayed in Peudon, giving interviews and attending parties, soaking up every bit of attention she could get.
Then, just yesterday, Luna had called her.
She had never imagined that Colton would actually show up at the Yates residence with Kristine. She had rushed back in a panic — only to walk straight into the one situation she dreaded most.
The private room held its breath. Everyone else looked quietly thrilled, hoping for a scene.
Elyse composed herself and walked in wearing a bright smile. “Colton! Oh — Kristine, I didn’t realize you were here too.”
She played her surprise beautifully, almost convincingly.
Kristine said nothing. She simply kept drinking her juice and looked straight through her.