Chapter 486
Kristine seemed to read the room perfectly. “The real challenge was reconstructing the interior of the antler — the part no one could see. I understand you built a 3D model to work it out.”
Elyse went still. She was surprised Kristine knew that specific detail — but then, it had been all over the news lately. She steadied herself.
“That’s right,” Elyse said.
“Then show us how it’s done,” Kristine said simply.
She raised her hand, and a server stepped forward with a laptop.
Elyse’s face went white.
Elyse was perfectly comfortable discussing art theory, but she had no real skill to back it up. If she were actually put to the test, everyone would see through her immediately.
Terrified of being exposed, she pressed her hands together until her knuckles turned white.
“Kristine, let’s just enjoy the party,” Elyse said, trying to redirect the conversation. “If you want to learn about restoration, I can walk you through it another time.”
Kristine gave a small, knowing smile. “Are you afraid of being tested?”
“Why on earth would I be afraid?”
Kristine held her gaze and spoke clearly, making sure the whole room could hear. “Because you didn’t actually restore the deer antler yourself.”
A wave of whispers and sharp intakes of breath rippled through the room.
Elyse shot to her feet, immediately playing the victim. “How could you say that, Kristine? I know you hate me, but you can’t lie about my work. I put everything into restoring that antler.”
The moment the tears came, sympathy shifted in Elyse’s direction.
“Kristine, that was incredibly cruel.”
“Exactly — Elyse saved a piece of history. You’re being completely disrespectful.”
“You owe her an apology. Take it back right now.”
Kristine paid none of them any attention. She looked at Colton and waited.
She wanted to know whose side he would take.
Colton caught her gaze and frowned.
He had heard about the restoration, but hadn’t thought to look into it. Something had felt off to him at the time, but he had been too focused on finding Kristine to follow up on it. Now he couldn’t let it go.
He looked directly at Elyse. “Tell me the truth. Did you actually do the work on that deer sculpture?”
Elyse stared at him, her eyes wide and glistening with fresh tears. “Colton, how can you believe her over me?”
Colton pressed his fingers to his forehead, feeling a headache building. “It’s not that I don’t trust you—”
“So you do believe I restored it!” Elyse said, her face breaking into a wide, relieved smile. “Colton, I knew I could count on you.”
Colton didn’t look relieved at all. His frown only deepened.
Sensing the tension, a few guests moved to change the subject.
“Come on, we’re here to have a good time. Let’s talk about something more fun than art.”
“Did anyone see the news? Consuela Santiago — that actress who shot to fame practically overnight — was caught having an affair with a married man!”
The gossip landed like a spark, and the room caught fire immediately.
“I saw that. She’s completely destroyed her career.”