Chapter 96
Chapter 96:
Earlier that morning, once the effects of the alcohol had faded, Devin had updated him on everything. Brent had paid him a visit late the previous night and claimed they had finally found a compatible kidney for Elyse. A development that significant meant Colton had to see things for himself.
Brent was unable to give a straight answer.
A sharp look from Colton followed. “Explain what’s happening right now p>
At that moment, Elyse’s frantic voice rang out from the operating room down the hallway. “Kristine… It hurts — my neck p>
Colton instantly tensed and moved toward the operating room at a brisk pace. Brent tried to intervene, but Colton was already through the door.
D𝗼𝘸ոload𝗮𝘣𝘭𝖾 P𝖣𝘍𝘴 o𝗇
He stopped in his tracks at the sight inside. Kristine had her hand locked around Elyse’s neck. Her other wrist was secured to the side rail with handcuffs.
“What is going on in here?” Colton demanded, his tone icy.
Kristine tightened her grip. “Stay right there, Colton. Come any closer, and I’ll finish this p>
Colton stopped where he stood. “Kristine, take a breath. Are you sure you want to do this p>
Her gaze met his, filled with pure rage. “I’ve never been more certain. For years, you’ve crossed every line I ever set. Well, you finally succeeded. You destroyed me, Colton p>
“What do you mean by that p>
“You never see anything but Elyse. Have you ever cared about me at all? Even once? You treat her life as if it’s the only one that matters and mine as if it’s worthless. She needs a kidney, so I’m just supposed to give her mine like it means nothing p>
Colton stared into Kristine’s exhausted, red-rimmed eyes, and the truth finally dawned on him.
He turned to Brent, pinning him with a chilling glare. “You said last night you’d found a donor for Elyse. You meant Kristine, didn’t you p>
Brent looked helplessly at Elyse, who was gasping for breath in Kristine’s grasp. Elyse shook her head from side to side, tears pouring down her cheeks. Brent searched for his voice and finally replied, “Yes p>
Colton’s jaw clenched.
Witnessing his reaction, Kristine let out a harsh, humorless laugh. “Don’t play dumb. Your signature is right on the consent form, Colton. It’s in black and white p>
Colton’s expression turned even colder, his glare at Brent sharp enough to cut through stone.
Unable to meet his eyes, Brent stared at the floor in silence.
“It’s not what you think,” Colton insisted, then shifted his focus to Elyse, whose face was turning blue in Kristine’s grip. “Let her go. Right now p>
Drawing in a shaky breath, Kristine answered, “I don’t trust you — not unless you swear I can leave Gridron p>
“That’s out of the question,” Colton shot back immediately.
Kristine’s grip tightened. “Then I’ll take her with me p>
Terror filled Elyse’s voice as she screamed, “No, Colton, please — save me! I don’t want to die p>
Colton felt his head throb with pressure. “Anything except letting you leave Gridron, I’ll do it p>
That was all Kristine wanted to hear. “Fine. That also means nobody tries to force me to donate my kidney. Ever p>
“I promise p>
“Colton!” Brent and Elyse called out together.
Ignoring them, Colton addressed Kristine. “Can you let her go now p>