Chapter 79
Chapter 79:
While she surveyed the room, her gaze caught Luna among the guests — a wine glass gripped tightly, resentment burning in her stare. The tension was no surprise, especially after Luna had been forced to apologize days earlier. Anger over that incident still lingered in her, along with a deeper wound: their mother had dismissed her complaints entirely, refusing to believe Colton would ever side with Kristine over his own family. Tonight’s appearance only added fuel to that resentment.
Because of that, Luna had arranged her own version of a welcome.
The moment Kristine’s gaze drifted toward her, Luna smoothed her expression and replaced the hostility with a deliberately mocking smile.
A subtle lift of Kristine’s lips answered in kind.
And in that instant, she understood exactly how she would handle the dress problem.
Turning from the crowd, she slipped into a dim corner and reached for her phone. “Is the car ready?” she messaged Vance. She had already asked him to have a vehicle standing by. The plan was simple — she would leave Gridron quietly while the party kept everyone occupied. No destination had been chosen yet, but freedom mattered more than direction, as long as she crossed the city limits.
Vance replied almost immediately. “It’s ready p>
“Appreciated p>
A brief pause passed before his next message came through. “Kristine, the police still have eyes on you. If you vanish now, they’ll haul you back before you get far p>
“They won’t,” she replied.
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Rather than arguing, she forwarded him the files Ryan had uncovered. “After I leave, hand all of this over to them. Once they see it, the surveillance will end on its own p>
As Vance scanned the documents, disbelief settled over his face. The IP address tied to the original report led straight to Colton’s residence in Crestwood.
“So Colton was the one who reported the company p>
No response came from Kristine.
Luna had already made her way over.
With deliberate grace, Luna rotated the wine in her glass and looked Kristine over as though she barely warranted a glance. “You must be enjoying this, Kristine. My brother never bothered bringing you to company events before, yet tonight he suddenly makes an exception. Look at you — all dressed up, as if you spent hours trying to prove you belong here. It doesn’t matter how hard you try, though. You will never compare to Elyse p>
She flashed a defiant smile and continued. “You probably have no idea why tonight even matters. This isn’t just a celebration for the Edwards Group deal. Colton is planning a major announcement. Do you have any idea what it is p>
Rather than engage, Kristine calmly raised her glass and took a sip.
That silent dismissal sent Luna into a quiet fury.
“Stop pretending you’re above all this. Do you honestly believe a few protective words from Colton amount to anything? Let me be very clear — he is announcing his engagement tonight. To Elyse p>
At that, Kristine felt her fingers curl tighter around the glass. Several drops spilled and dampened her skin.
Slowly, she raised her eyes. Whatever faint warmth had remained there was gone, replaced by composed detachment. “Why should any of that concern me p>
“You really are talented at acting innocent. But I know exactly what you’re thinking. Someone like you doesn’t deserve p>
A sharp slap rang out and cut her words short.