Chapter 64
Chapter 64:
Claire’s hands slipped, sending the vegetables clattering to the floor. She opened her mouth to protest, but the words refused to come.
Kristine’s suspicions were confirmed in that moment. She had been certain someone inside the house was keeping tabs on her for Elyse — there was no other explanation for how Elyse always seemed to know exactly when to call Colton.
Struggling to maintain composure, Claire replied, “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Ms. Green p>
“Are you genuinely confused, or just playing dumb?” Kristine said. “Elyse only told me about Jemma taking the antiques because she wanted me to leave Gridron, didn’t she p>
Claire’s lips parted, but she gave no answer.
“Call her. I know she has a way to get me out p>
With that, Kristine went upstairs, wasting no more words on Claire.
Pо𝗉𝘶𝗅𝗮𝗿 stо𝗿ieѕ on
True to her prediction, Claire appeared in her bedroom that afternoon. She pulled a plane ticket from her pocket and placed it in Kristine’s hand. “Miss Lloyd prepared this for you. Someone will be waiting at the airport p>
Kristine accepted it without hesitation.
Claire could not hide her surprise. It was difficult to believe that Kristine truly intended to walk away from Colton’s home. Anyone could see how devoted she had been to him over the past seven years.
Remembering Elyse’s instructions, Claire pressed on. “Once I go downstairs, I’ll create a distraction for the bodyguards. Use the back door to slip out p>
Kristine gave only a small nod and said nothing.
In the past, Claire had always kept watch from a distance, staying carefully out of sight. This was the first time their exchange had reached anything resembling directness. Claire lingered awkwardly for a moment, then made her way downstairs.
Before long, her voice floated up from below. “You’ve all been on your feet for ages. I brought lemonade — come try some p>
Kristine peered through the window and watched Claire walk out onto the lawn, balancing a tray. Slowly, the bodyguards drifted toward her, each one accepting a glass. Two men, however, remained stationed near the entrance without moving.
Spotting this, Claire strolled over and offered them drinks as well.
Kristine did not wait any longer. She crept to the door and eased it open, keeping her steps soundless.
As she did, Claire’s voice rose again below. “Aren’t you going to try the lemonade? Don’t tell me you’re turning down something I made myself p>
“It’s not that,” one of the guards replied. “We’re supposed to stay by the door. If anything happens to Ms. Green, Mr. Yates will be furious p>
“I just checked on her upstairs — she’s asleep,” Claire insisted. “What’s the harm in one glass? It’s hot out. You’re both sweating p>
Eventually, the two guards relented and took the lemonade.
Claire’s nerves were stretched tight. She caught a glimpse of movement from upstairs and sent a glance in that direction.
Kristine assessed the scene — guards distracted — and slipped quietly down through the kitchen toward the back exit. Her steps were swift, her heartbeat thundering.
As her hand closed around the back door handle, her pulse raced even faster.